MHS Crier | Issue 9 | 4.23.2021

C R IER munster high school issue nine | volume 57 8808 columbia ave. munster in, 46321

WILL WE WASTE AWAY?

In honor of yesterday’s celebration of Earth Day, students and staff reflect on efforts to curb climate change and global warming josephine mittelberger

page editor

Our world is dying, on fire and wasting away.

Social media, headlines and scientific consensus have warned of our dire situation, yet the topic remains to be one of intense debate.

“Now more than ever, politics seem to have an influence over every issue there is out there,” Ms. Hannah Fus, Environmental Club sponsor, said. “Even issues that shouldn’t be politized.”

continued on page 8

photo by cali petersen

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news

munster high school crier — Apr.23, 2021

Munster theater prepares for spring performance

photo by robert brunetti SETTING THE STAGE Acting out a scene, Delaney Craig, Hayden Stanley and Joshua Decker. freshmen, work with each other to prepare for the upcoming spring production “Peter and The Starcatcher.” The play will be available to stream on May 7-9.

gage hoekstra

page editor

The Munster Theatre Company has jumped into preparation for their next big performance, “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Due to current COVID-19 restrictions the the Professional Music Education Association has advocated against traditional musicals. At the same time, many performers wanted to be able to incorporate music into their performances.

“While it’s not technically a musical, there are opportunities for performers to sing and dance.” Mr. Raymond Palasz, auditorium director, said. “With the guidance of Mr. Luke McGinnis, Choir Director, we have done a lot of pre-recording of the songs, and MTI, which also licenses this show, is editing the vocals with the pre-recorded instrumentals. On top of that, this show is jam-packed with humor and great story-telling, which helps all of us escape the stresses of the pandemic.”

Streaming is now less than a moth away, taking place on May 7, 8, and 9. With audiences no longer able to attend live performances, theatre members have had to quickly adapt to performing for a camera. New filming, recording and lighting techniques have been adopted and are continually put into practice.

While this has provided a new learning experience for many theatre members, it has also been a source of frustration.

“Some of the challenges definitely include the audience and the people that are doing eLearning,” Alyssa Sangueza, junior and actress, said.

“It’s hard not seeing people in the audience because we can’t hear the reaction that we want on stage. With the people eLearning, it’s hard getting people in on time because they have to drive, bike or walk to get to the theater, and we don’t know who has to quarantine until the person is doing it because of how the pandemic is going.”

Despite these obstacles, Theatre has managed to successfully perform and film scripted shows, hold improv and launch a short film showcase.

“I believe our biggest accomplishment is that everybody is very dedicated and makes sure that they are putting in 110 percent into everything they do,” Ini-Obong Edet, sophomore, said.

Giving a helping hand Munster Mental Health Resource group brings light to sensitive subjects alexis perez

design editor

Raising awareness to mental health and building bonds with other students, The Munster Mental Health Reasource (MMH) is trying to normalize conversations about mental health. The group tries to challenge against the stigma around mental illness that most people may not realize is there.

“Many people grow up thinking that talking about mental health is something to be frowned upon and that they should be ashamed even talking about it,” Jocelyn Lemus, sophomore, said. “In actuality, more people need to be educated as to what mental health truly is, and that it’s normal to talk about your feelings and emotions. The MMH really helps bring light to it all.”

The idea of a mental health club was originally made by a senior who graduated last year, Saranya Sanaka. It was then passed down to Ava Quasney, who then changed it into what it is now called, Munster Mental Health Resource.

“One of my friends who was a senior last year and graduated had initially started kind of working on a proposal in her sophomore year, and then she

illustration by henry hofferth

roped me in with her when she realized that, her proposals not going through,” Ava said.

She worked on the proposal last year which ended up being denied.

She decided to work with Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis, assistant principal and SAC sponsor. It is also student led this year, making it possible that even if they were not a club, they could still be a resource. With the group they think about bringing awareness to a subject like this.

Trying to inform others of the importance that some students are actually struggling even though they don’t show it.

The meetings can be both informative or activity related.

For example, they learn about the stigma around mental health, mental disorders and ways to cope with them. The group has done a scavenger hunt to bond with other members with objects that people would often use to distract themselves or calm them down.

“The scavenger hunt was a fun and engaging activity we participated in to become closer as a club,” Shivani Collur, senior and student leader, said. “We used simple prompts like ‘something that makes you happy’ or ‘something that is rough to touch’

and had to find objects around us within seconds.”

The next meeting will be held April.

28, and meetings are every other Wednesday on teams from 6-6:30 p.m.

The meetings start off with icebreakers to engage in conversation amongst the other students that either just joined or to get to know each other more.

“I think that by educating students about mental illness, teaching them to recognize the signs in themselves and in others,” Ava said. “Letting people know about the resources that are available to them, we help give other students the power to help themselves and others who may be struggling.”

Bring Change to Mind Here are some of Mustang Mental Health’s guiding principles and beliefs

• • • • • •

Start the conversation Amplify voices Be an ally Empower the future Support science Fight for human rights

source: bringchange2mind.org

DECA competes at internationals International qualifiers face challenges as they navigate virtual competitions janai munoz

page editor

In any regular season, this week DECA members would be off packing bags with business attire and practicing business proposal speeches on a plan before going to sit and meet with judges. The tournament this year is being held virtually, much to the team’s dissappoitment.

“It is disappointing that this year’s competition is virtual because of covid,” Mr. Ryan Popa, business teacher, said.

“Our students who have worked so hard will not be able to interact and network with other students from

around North America.”

This year, sixteen students qualified for internationals, although the competition will not be held inperson.

“I do wish that DECA was held inperson because nationals this year were supposed to be in Anaheim, California,” Anagha Kodukula, sophomore, said. “However, I’m pretty used to competing virtual by now.”

Instead, students were required to submit a video presentation to their judges for the preliminary competitions, and only a number of students will qualify for the final competition, which will be live on a video call with judges to oversee.

“I believe that the most important takeaway from internationals will be the overall experience our students will gain from attending the conference” Mr. Ryan Popa, business teacher, said.

photo by ari brunetti BUSINESS AS USUAL Discussing with DECA member Amelia Konstantinopoulos, junior, Mr. Ryan Popa, business teacher, helps prepare for the upcoming International Career Development Conference (ICDC). The ICDC is an internats competition that consists of a roleplay event and a written event. “The competition is incredibly strong,” he said, “but we have a good chance of having some teams qualify for Finals which would take place next.”

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

news

3

sidenote MHS to return to eight period schedule next year

photo illustration by henry hofferth

UNDER THE STARS With COVID-19 precautions in mind, the prom committee plans to set up an open-air tent behind the tennis courts for this year’s senior-only prom as seen in the mock-up image. This will allow seniors to enjoy their last high school dance in the safety of the outdoors.

Beyond Prom Prom committee organizes outdoor Prom and senior banquet event lana salahieh

editor-in-chief

The senior class has been deprived of many defining moments throughout the past year. In order to salvage any semblance of normalcy, a prom committee has come together to organize an outdoor Prom combined with the senior banquet. This event will take place on May 8 from 6-8:30

Putting it to the test Students, photo by chris perez teachers discuss changes to upcoming AP exams reena alsakaji

page editor

Last spring, Rebecca Jones—a junior at the time—was taking her AP US History exam online, shortly after quarantine began. After forty five minutes of long work, she finally went to hit submit, only to find that the exam would not let her proceed. “(Last year’s exam) was awful,” Rebecca, now a senior, said. “I finished my US History essay and gave myself the recommended time to submit it, but I kept getting an error message.

I spent about 10 minutes crying and I emailed College Board to try and do the make-up test, but they never responded.”

This year, College Board has continued to update the different regulations and conditions for the 2021

p.m. next to the tennis courts near the high school.

“We thought it was important, due to the measures that we took throughout the year to try to find a way to get the kids something that they could remember in a safe fashion, ” Ms. Kristen Szafasz, history teacher and CEC sponsor, said. “There was a lot of debate that revolved around being outside, which would be the safest option. Masks will also be required, regardless of if you’re vaccinated or not.”

Tickets for the event were sold on PowerSchool for $40, ten dollars less than their usual price. Rules were put in place to keep everything safe, such as limiting the number of attendants and having MHS staff and administration run the event.

“We have to keep remembering that we’re in a pandemic,” Ms. Szafasz said.

“People didn’t get to have their weddings or get to bury loved ones. People didn’t

get to do all these things. We’re really trying to make this for those who have had a rough junior year, and an even rougher senior year.”

The planners of the event decided that there was not a specific theme for this year’s Prom, citing that they did not want to deter students from participating if their attire did not match. To fit the locale, the committee reserved a wedding-reception-esque tent.

“When I found out we were having a Prom, I cried,” Megan Flynn, senior, said. “I have a video in my snapchat memories for proof. I’ve dreamed about Prom since I was a little girl, and couldn’t be happier to finally have the opportunity to experience it. If you’ve ever seen High School Musical 3, think of the musical number ‘A Night to Remember’ and that pretty much sums up what I’m excited for.”

AP exams. With the exams coming up, the testing process is looking a little different from both pre-Covid years as well as last year’s

are not plagiarizing.

“College Board’s standards for ‘fairness’ seem very inconsistent between this year and last year,” Kristen Baurain, junior, said. “Last year, they cared about preventing cheating so much they limited the test to FRQs. College Board should at least reduce the amount of content on the test, like they did last year. Expecting (students and teachers) to perform at the same level as they have in previous years is unreasonable.”

As the exams approach, there’s been a debate as to whether or not College Board has made these conditions as equitable as possible. There’s been concern over modifying the rules for international students, but some believe that there is no other way to make the conditions equitable.

“Although I feel like it’s very unfortunate that there’s definitely going to be some kid that has to do calculus at 3 a.m. to get into college, I can’t really go into detail on how College Board could make their restrictions more reasonable, as they don’t harm me much,” Ayush Arora, sophomore, said. “More consideration from them for international students would likely go a long way though. (Do I believe the conditions are) decently equitable? Yes. (Do I believe the conditions are) equitable enough or as equitable as possible? Probably not.”

accommodations.

One test will be full-length and administered through paper and pencil in early May. However, unlike other schools, MHS is not offering the exam in late May—administration 2— as it interferes with finals week. The test will still be available in June, with many students preferring to take the exam then. These dates can also be used as makeup dates for those who may have experienced difficulties in their initial exam.

“I think College Board is going to do their best in regards to (academic dishonesty),” Holly Kaim, senior, said.

“But it is definitely going to be another tricky year of exams.”

All students must check in online or be seated in their testing room thirty minutes prior. Students must download a specific testing program the day before the exam, and they have three days prior to do so. There will also be other safety features installed to ensure that students are not talking with one another, and that students

HIT THE BOOKS AP test prep books contain practice test problems and information that may be included on the test.

In an email sent to both students and parents last week, Mr. Mike Wells, principal, informed the MHS student body of the administrative decision to return to a traditional, eight-period schedule for the next school year.

The proposed transition back to an eight-period day for next year is not without slight deviation from previous years. The new schedule would include late start days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though every day would start five minutes earlier than before. The proposed schedule for next year will also reserve time before school once a month on Tuesdays for club meetings.

“We did propose starting (school) five minutes earlier and getting out five minutes earlier,” Mr. Wells said. “The reason for this is because transportation is finding it difficult to complete their after school routes for the middle school and make it to the elementary schools for their afternoon routes. Transportation indicated that an additional five minutes would help alleviate this problem.”

Despite some student and parent inclination suggesting block scheduling to be a superior option, Mr. Wells says that the option of block scheduling in the future has not been dismissed, but the current schedule “is not representative of what a true block schedule would look like during a school year” and that a more permanent decision should be made with deliberation from parents, students and staff.

Proposed schedule for next school year Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Starts at 7:30 a.m.

Ends at 2:50 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday Starts at 7:55 a.m.

Ends at 2:50 p.m.

Each day would consist of eight periods

Corrections In the Feb. 19 issue, the attribution on page 6 should read, “illustration

by Cali Petersen.” The “League of Legends” story on page 7 is cut off. The full story can be read on mhsnews. net. The Pencil Performance caption on page 7 should read, “In order…”

The hockey story on page 10 should read as “Crown Point” throughout the story. Ethan “EJ” Boersma’s quote should read as, “I don’t know the seatings yet for State...I want to beat Bishop Noll…” The headline for the column on page 11 should read as “Motivation Maintenance.” On page 12, the Turnabout week days for Thursday and Friday should read as follows, “Thursday: Covid (White), Friday: Black History and Black Culture (Black).” In the story on page 12, the cheer team organizes Turnabout, and the junior CEC organizes Prom. In the March 12 issue, the quote on page three should be attributed to Sophie Salazar, freshman.

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opinion

Not all men, but enough men opinion by Reena Alsakaji Content warning: the following contains mention of sexual assault.

For far too long, sexual harassment has been normalized in our society: Children taught to “cover up” in the presence of an older man, girls facing unregulated and often-times ignored sexual harassment “games” in middle school, teenagers stripped of their education when told to change because they are said to be “a distraction.” When women speak out against these tragedies, they are often met with the ignorant and useless phrase, “not all men.”

Everyone’s heard the statistics—1 in 6 American women have been the victim of rape. For many people, preventing sexual assault just means a quick instagram post, and the activism stops there. Their words are read by adults who choose not to take action, by teenagers who have the privilege to laugh and by young boys who take offense, claiming that it isn’t all men, completely missing the point.

The recent uprise of this statement resulted from Sarah Everard’s disappearance on March 3. Sarah was a 33 year-old woman working as a managing executive with years ahead of her. On what should have been a normal evening, Sarah was walking home from a friend’s house in London. She was kidnapped and murdered before ever making her way home, her body found a week after her disappearance. Women from all over began to speak up about their own trauma. Though the phrase “not all men” was rampant in its retaliation, the movement then threw back the phrase, “not all men, but all women.”

The initial thought of “it’s not all men” when presented with incidents of sexual assault is a clear red flag. Far too often do people take personal offense when presented with a statement that insults a toxic and dangerous structure, not the actual individual they are speaking to.

When standing up against sexual assault, women are not screaming, “every single individual man is at fault,” but rather the fact that the system allows many men to get away with their actions.

Expressions such as this only lead to more harmful aspects of rape culture.

They’re only an excuse designed by men used to not call out other men for sexual assault. That obstinate resistance towards truly understanding misogyny and what it can cause is something that needs to be fixed. The phrase “not all men’’ is merely a result of both flatout ignorance and a complete lack of accountability.

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

our minds. It all comes down to how much we’re willing to take action. When you see trash as you are walking along a sidewalk, do you reach to pick it up? The majority of people would like to think that they do, but in reality most people tend to brush it off as someone else’s responsibility. The truth is that we can’t rely on others to clean up our planet. It needs to start with you.

We don’t realize how much we have until it’s all gone.

The energy we use on a dayto-day basis might not strike us as a particularly significant part of life until the power goes out. In the same cartoon by daniel nozick way, until we are all cognizant of the resources that we EDITORIAL rely on, we’ll never realize how lucky we are to almost always have them available for us, and will never be able Climate change is no lonCarbon emissions are one of to tackle how to save them. ger a hypothetical. The plan- the biggest contributors to global Try to go beyond recyet is dying, and we have only warming. It is released through cling— take the next step to the burning of fossil one shot at saving it. educate yourself.

Much of the time can be spent fuels for energy. This Invest in a reusable Our take pointing fingers. According to energy is used to water bottle, register the Carbon Disclosure Project, power our homes, to vote for legislation there are 100 corporations that cars, and phones. Setting a standard that will help, and are responsible for 71 percent So, even in our own for individual make your diet more we responsiblity is of greenhouse gas emissions. communities, climate-friendly.

These companies refuse to hold need to take steps Regardless of if themselves accountable. A lot of to reduce our car- important for the you believe climate the time, these companies will bon footprint. environment. change is a reality, turn around and point fingers Even in Munster, bettering the enviright back at consumer behav- initiatives we learned back in elronment by regulating your ior. Regardless of who is caus- ementary school to “reduce, reown behavior will help make ing it and why it’s happening, we use, and recycle” may have bethe world a better place in need to do something about it. come a whisper in the back of the end.

Ending the Apocalypse

Music transcends race opinion by Atarah Israel

“I don’t like that ‘urban’ word—it’s just a politically correct way to say the n-word to me.”

In the wake of receiving his first Grammy for best rap album for his work, IGOR, last year, Tyler the Creator spoke these words, shedding light on an issue that is much more poignant than a single incident of artist dissatisfaction.

Despite the elapsed time between then and this year’s award season, artists are still wrestling with the same issue Tyler implied. The Weeknd, among

CRIER Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www. mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

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other artists, even chose to boycott the Grammys this year, once again drawing attention to the pigeonholing certain artists face when seeking recognition from the large American awards.

Last year, Tyler’s Grammy win for best rap album was overshadowed by the fact that it simply was not hip-hop.

Despite both promoting his album (and it being recognized as) an experimental exploration away from the hip-hop/rap genre, IGOR’s nomination was among the likes of hip-hop artists 21 Savage, Meek Mill and YBN Cordae. IGOR was written off as another one of the artist’s hip-hop albums, with the only correlation between Tyler’s work and the rest of the nominees being the presence of a few featured rappers, something that even some pop songs have today.

Tyler is also not the only artist to call out the music industry for its drawing of racial lines—in 2014 FKA Twigs,

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Our Staff

another notably Black, genre-bending artist, revealed the stark contrast in reaction to her music before and after photos of herself were revealed. Six months following her first musical release, she witnessed her transformation from being an artist “without genre” to an alternative R&B singer.

This isolation of black musicians is not only detrimental to the recognition of black artists, but impacts listeners as well. Though no one is barred from listening to any genre they choose, expectations remain surrounding social and racial groups, and the music they consume. By using R&B and Hip Hop as the basis of identifying Black artists, both black musicians and Black listeners are told that they are incapable of creating and consuming music beyond one genre, and do not receive recognition for the development of new sounds until much later.

Copy Editor Alison Lee Design Editor Alexis Perez Page Editors Reena Alsakaji, Gage Hoekstra, Josephine Mittelberger, Janai Munoz, Linda Ramirez, Thomas Zangrilli Graphics Editors Henry Hofferth, Anthony Young Head Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Cali Petersen Chief Photographer Madi Green

Editor-in-Chief Lana Salahieh

Photographers Robert Brunetti, Bailee DeJarlais, Anna Evilsizor, Chris Perez

Managing Editor Atarah Israel

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

munster high school crier — apr. 23, 2021

review

5

Empty passenger seat lana salahieh editor-in-chief

A few months ago, I got my drivers license. Since then, I rarely go driving, in part because I don’t have a car, but also because I’m terrified of being out in public by myself. I’m a few months away from being 18, and going to college will kickstart my adult life. As such, I’ll need to be self sufficient, even if that means going out of my comfort zone.

To start out, I decided to use my dad’s car and spend the day doing errands. After starting the car and backing it out of the garage, I looked over to the passenger side. Rather than finding myself face-to-face with a concerned parent critiquing me on my driving technique or a sibling clutching the grab handle for dear life, I found myself staring into the cold and barren seat. I shuddered, turned back and gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.

My first stop was to go to Aldi to pick up a few groceries. Seeing dozens of people in a crowded area activated my fight-or-flight response. Being there took me back to the first time I had stepped into a grocery store at the beginning of the pandemic. A lot of that involved being in sheer terror of spreading or contracting a virus. All this to say, I was having some pretty intense thoughts for it to just be a short grocery trip.

It was honestly a weird experience.

If there had been someone with me, I’d definitely feel more comforted knowing that my worries were really just all in my head. I was alone though, so I had to comfort myself. I learned that part of being mature is pushing myself, and to know that it’ll just get easier as I go along.

I ended my day at a park after picking up some coffee. Part of me didn’t want to be there, because I could count a hundred more productive things to be doing in that moment. But learning how to be an adult means learning when to take a break and learning to be in-tune with oneself. I sat and watched the clouds go by for a while. I realized that since we’re all so relatively small in our universe, spending so much time worrying about what others think of us is pretty obsolete in the long run.

All eyes on me bailee dejarlais photographer

I’ve never considered eating alone, except for during my MRT, so one day I gave it a try. I decided to experiment and go to the Chipotle. When arriving there, I put on my mask and waited in the long line.

I sat down with my bowl and thought about what I needed to do for school. While I was sitting alone, I felt awkward, so I compulsively reached for my phone. I mindlessly scrolled through Instagram for a bit before setting it down and looking around. I realized two other people were eating alone like me, so it made me a little more comfortable about being there.

It allowed me to clear my mind and gave me some time alone, so I will definitely be doing this again in the future.

photo by ari brunetti ALL ALONE Learning to be independent, Ari Brunetti, freshman, rides his bike down the street. “Riding my bike alone allows me to experience things I would not have noticed if there were other people to distract me,” Ari said.

Alone in a crowd Staffers review doing day-to-day activites alone We’ve all felt the toll of the boredom, the brain fog and the slow descent into madness that lockdown had on us.

During this time, we found ways to entertain ourselves, especially through distractions from the real world.

Whether through zoom get-togethers, Netflix shows over video calls or being sucked into the void of social media, we learned how to be alone together. To avoid complete social isolation, we latched onto anything to keep ourselves afloat. In short, quarantine truly has changed what it means to be alone.

Why then, is there still such a stigma behind spending time alone in public? Seeing a stranger dining by themself at a table for two might elicit thoughts of pity

No one around alexis perez design editor For as long as I can remember, going on walks with my family has been a normal thing. A lot of times, whenever my mom felt the need to get out, she would march into my room and announce that we should get outside for some fresh air. During quarantine, my family adopted a dog named Goose, and the two of us have been inseparable on our routine walks. Something I hadn’t really previously considered was taking myself on a walk, especially not devoid of distractions like earbuds or my phone or my dog.

Since new years back in 2020, I wanted to fulfil a resolution of taking better care of myself. I decided that leaving the distractions behind and going out on walks alone might help me achieve my goal. I would walk alone whenever I would need a break from society because life is pretty hard to be honest. It’s a freedom I don’t really get at home; unless I’m in my room, I don’t really have the ability to get away from my family and my problems.

When I’m out, I can take the time to reflect, which is especially nice thanks to the feeling of a breezy evening or a comforting rainy atmosphere that

or judgement. “I wonder if that person is lonely?” “Maybe their lack of company says something about who they are,” you might think. Maybe, these thoughts derive from a place of genuine empathy. Or, they may come from a place of envy. In reality, it is likely a combination of all the options, stemming from the internalized fear of truly being alone.

To face this fear, Crier staffers decided to challenge it head on by doing tasks and activities by ourselves. We wanted to see just how anxiety-inducing doing things alone is, and to reassess how to cope when these fears arise. We wanted to learn to live in the present within ourselves.

surrounds me. Not having a distraction allows me to be more aware of my surroundings, which is something I really enjoy.

Something I find kind of awkward on my walks is passing by strangers. It’s scary since I’m never quite sure what to do in those types of situations. It always leaves me with an uneasy feeling. I do however love seeing people’s dogs, they always are so cute.

I am not the type of person who usually likes being alone. I like the comfort of others, but being alone while walking lets me clear my head.

When I’m out, a lot of my problems disappear, even if it’s just temporary. Those minutes are a lot to me because even if it’s just for a little while, all the stress on my shoulders is lifted.

Biking alone robert brunetti photographer While bike riding, I love feeling the warmth of the sun and the breeze as I ride around my neighborhood. For the past few months and especially in quarantine, this feeling has become a part of my average day.

Between the warm weather and the want to get outside, I have turned to

bike riding. Even though I go alone, I still manage to turn it into a meaningful activity.

Ever since quarantine, I have moved on from less productive habits. Instead of spending quality time with my family, I was up in my room for hours on end on my laptop. Morning to night, it was the same thing everyday. However, things changed during the virus. I wanted to be safe, which meant I needed a way to be alone while having fun. Through bike riding, I have developed a better understanding of my surroundings.

Also, it’s a way to clear my mind while exploring things I would never have normally thought about.

Sometimes, I get a little fearful when I’m out on my own. The first time I rode my bike on my own was riding home alone from Target. Since the friend I was with had to leave early, it meant I had to navigate it by myself. It made me really nervous. As I watched cars pass by, I didn’t really know what others might be thinking of me. I know a lot of people might have been fine with it, but it was pretty nerve racking for me.

Even today, I do still get a little anxious about going bike riding alone. Instead, I try to think about other things, like parts of my day or something funny that happened with my friends. I also try telling myself that it’s okay if other people judge, because in the long run it doesn’t really matter anyways.

6 infocus HATE is a VIRUS Asian-American students express their personal experiences and opinions on the rising anti-Asian violence alison lee

copy editor

With the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes this past year alone, many Asian Americans fear to be Asian.

“It felt very personal. Every time I saw it, I would think, ‘what if this was my family,’” Iris Gong, junior and Chinese American, said.

Many Asian students expressed similar sentiments of fearing for their Asian relatives, as violent racism towards Asians have become more common. However, this issue stems deeper than the beginning of COVID-19.

“Honestly, (I’m) not at all (surprised) because throughout history it has happened so many times, and it hurts just as much each time,” Emily Sun, junior and Chinese American, said. “It’s a systemic issue, and it’s one that’ll keep occurring, unless some serious change happens.”

Racism towards Asians is heavily normalized, and too many stay silent when people

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

question casual racism towards Asian people.

“I think I’ve always been pretty conscious of race, even when I was really young,” Joanne Hwang, senior and Korean American, said. “My earliest memory would probably be when I was in kindergarten and just looking around and noticing that everyone in my class was white except for me. It seemed like they all shared something that I didn’t have and I wasn’t included in. None of it was intentional, but I still felt really out of place even though I had never lived anywhere else.”

The normalization of casual racism towards any person of color is all too pervasive, and many Asian Americans felt the silence and disregard while American citizens were being murdered.

“You definitely get undertones of it. A lot of the time, I know people have good intentions when they’re like, ‘Oh, where are you from,’ or ‘ni hao’ or something,” Iris said. “But it feels so unnatural and you just have to accept it. It’s sad (that) we’ve gotten used to accepting it and just being like, ‘Oh, yeah.’”

This casual racism may be normalized, but it still carries deep weight to those who face them.

“Any joke is going to be harmful because that’s why it’s normalized in the first place,” Anushka Majety, junior and Indian American, said. “So if there’s one thing I would like people to do, it’s to be more aware of how meaningful their words actually are and how harmful these jokes could actually be, even if it’s in passing, even if it’s a group of people that has no intentions of attacking people in the streets. It’s still going to be harmful because it creates a sense of normalcy, that ‘this is okay.’ We can’t really tolerate any level of racism, even if it’s that small.”

Confronting any kind of racism is a crucial step to helping

dissipate the acceptance of it.

“I think a lot of people feel that the best solution is to pretend race isn’t a thing,” Joanne said.

“Like, if they do their best to treat everyone around them equally and pretend not to see their race, racism will go away. Race is definitely a sensitive topic for a lot of people, and avoiding it in conversation might make things less awkward. But it’s not a good long-term solution because it doesn’t match the reality where some people are willing to sincerely hurt another person just because they’re a member of a certain race. Being Asian is definitely a big part of my identity and I don’t see those types of conversations as intrusive or super uncomfortable.”

Understanding others and having the ability to empathize with them can be a difficult journey, but it is better to show up imperfect than not at all. “(It’s hard) for any race to figure out what another race is going through, but especially for white people because you’re living inside this little bubble,” Anushka said. “I understand it’s really hard to absorb this information and experiences, but it’s really important that you have more empathy and keep learning about other people’s experiences and things like the model minority myth. Keep yourself educated and keep learning, so that you can protect your classmates and in the future, protect your peers.”

This learning process is a life-long journey, and it doesn’t end until the system that upholds racism is dismantled.

“Ultimately, I think the heart of the problem is how people are raised,” Fenry Zhou, senior and Chinese American, said. “I think hate and racism is taught and once it’s instilled in someone, no law or policy is going to change that or even stop that person from committing these crimes.

This isn’t something policy can resolve: it is a moral issue and it is up to individual people to choose to be better.”

In the news...

Collection of Asian hate crimes news headlines from around the past year

Brooklyn woman burned outside home in possible April 6, 2020 acid attack source: New York Post

Thai Man, 84, Dies After Being Attacked in Broad Daylight by Teen in SF source: NextShark

Feb 1, 2021

Shocking video shows 91-year-old man senselessly pushed to ground in Oakland’s Feb 4, 2021 Chinatown source: ABC7 News

‘I was so afraid of dying’: Man slashed across face on Manhattan-bound L train recounts terrifying Feb 5, 2021 encounter source: The New York Daily News

Suspect faces hate crime charges in stabbing of Asian man in New York March 3, 2021 City source: NBC News

8 Dead in Atlanta Spa Shootings, With Fears of Anti-Asian Bias March 26, 2021 source: New York Times

New York man charged with hate crime in Asian American attack that bystanders watched without helping March 31, 2021 source: The Washington Post

When silence means the most Students share their LGBTQ+ experiences in honor of the National Day of Silence linda ramirez

page editor

illustration by anthony young SILENCED President of the GSA club, Olivia Quinones, senior, symbolizes National Day of Silence by covering her mouth. “There is a possibility you’ll lose friends. You’re going to have to figure out what you’re willing to risk to be who you are. But when you’re happy, those who care about you will also be happy,” Olivia said.

“I quickly became the outcast.

People would make comments towards me almost every day. I think that’s a big reason why I’ve suppressed that part of myself for so long,” Genavive Bacino, senior, said.

While many students believe that homophobia isn’t an issue anymore, that’s very much untrue.

In the late 1990s, the National Day of Silence was created to help draw attention to the suppression of queer voices. On the Day of Silence, which takes place tomorrow, participants take a vow of silence. This vow is one of the ways they are able to show their

support and pride for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Participating in events like this is always personally very freeing,” Genavive said. “I guess I’m not the most vocal person about my sexuality, but being able to support in little ways like this makes me happy.“ As much as this day is for silence and remembrance, it is also to share stories and spread awareness and educate others. Olivia Quinones, senior, and president of the Gay Straight Alliance, is often a source of information and comfort to young queer people.

“I’m really happy for GSA,” Olivia said. “It’s just crazy when people come up and hit me with all these questions.

It’s like ‘wow, you really don’t know, don’t have anyone to tell you and

educate you about your sexuality or your future with it’, and it shocks me every day.”

However, as people rely on her for guidance, Olivia often concerns herself if she’s truly helping them.

“When I’m giving advice, I really don’t know what they’re going to take away from it,” she said. “I think, ‘Am I really making them aware enough about what this world can truly be like, what it means to really be part of this community’. I really hope that I do my best as a person, and as a part of this community.”’

Support can come from home though, and it’s considered a blessing when it does.

“I’m so fortunate to have a parent so accepting and understanding,” Genavive said. “But even then it’s hard to come to terms with being different.

I still struggled with accepting myself, and being ashamed of myself in a way.

I wouldn’t really wish it on anyone.”

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

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7

Rewriting hisherstory In light of Black Women’s History Month, students reflect on the month’s meaning atarah israel

managing editor

Before two weeks ago, Kameryn Hubbard, freshman, was unaware a Black Women’s History Month even existed. The lack of attention to the month, Kameryn says, illustrates the lack of representation Black women face in life.

“I think it’s a good thing that we have it,” she said.

“But then, (you don’t) even know that we have it. I think Black women are definitely one of the most underrepresented groups of the world—the first thing you see when you see a person is usually what gender they are, what race they are and stuff like that. I think the reason we probably don’t know about it is the same reason not a lot of people know the meaning behind Juneteenth, and the reason that it’s not a national holiday.”

Following both Black History Month in February, and Women’s History Month in March, Black Women’s History Month celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of Black women in society.

For Laila Mosely, junior, this includes acknowledging the unique struggle Black women face as being members of both the Black and women community.

“I feel like we have a lot more to prove,” Laila said.

“I feel like it’s kind of easier for a white woman to go into a job. She may be a woman, but she also has her skin color, and a black man has his gender. As a black woman, it’s hard because we’re not only being judged by the color of our skin, but we’re being judged because we’re women.”

Recent attention to the challenges faced by the Black community as a whole has given MHS students opportunities to represent Black women locally. For Tyra Wheaton, sophomore, the opportunity to spread awareness and presented itself in the form of a football game.

“I was able to do a speech at one of the Football games about equality, and it makes me proud because I was not the type of person to speak out,” Tyra said. “My voice was actually starting to be heard.”

#BlackGirlMagic Students share what they find most inspiring about Black women What is one word you would use to describe Black women?

“I would say strong. I feel like as Black women in America, we’ve faced oppression, and through years of that we’ve made a way.”

Tyra Wheaton, sophomore

Who as a Black woman inspires you most?

“My mom. She has been through so much. She had me so young, and I always think about the fact that she never got to really live her life the way that a 20-year-old should live their life. We go through everything together. I admire her strength. I really do.”

PUTTING IT IN WORDS (Up to down) After deciding what word they believe describe Black women, Tyra Wheaton, sophomore, and Laila Mosley, junior, hold up their signs.

Both girls credited their moms as the most inspirational Black women in their lives.

Camryn Hayes, freshman

When did you feel proud to be a Black woman? “(I felt proud) when I was on Homecoming court, because I really wanted to be on it. I just thought, “Oh, I’m going to be a princess.”

I was just really happy because I got to be the princess I didn’t get to see when I was little.”

Uyai Edet, senior

photos by cali petersen

See all the pictures, and read the whole story on mhsnews.net.

Waiting for a change With Oscars upcoming, students share concern over legacy of whitewashing

josephine mittelberger

page editor

illlustration by anthony young AND THE AWARD GOES TO In recent years, the Oscars has received criticism for a lack of diversity. Despite this, viewers this year have noticed a much more inclusive array of names this year, including “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Minari”.

Of the 92 years the Oscars have been held, 17 black actors and actresses have won Oscar awards. This is no coincidence, and the Oscars have been riddled with racism since its beginning. Some may argue there has been progress, but most winners played roles that reinforced stereotypes—overtly violent, domestic help, a slave, drug addict, criminal or single parent.

“I usually get into the race issues behind award shows, but I have noticed an obvious diversity increase in nominees,” Francis Hovland, co-founder and president of Film Club, said. “I would say it has definitely gotten better, even if it is marching at the snail’s pace.”

Recently, award shows have tried to fix

their issues with racism, however, their small steps may be much slower than previously thought. Over 95 percent of Oscar nominees are white. Artists, such as the Weekend, have begun boycotting the Grammy’s and speaking out against the ‘secret committees’ that vote on predominantly white male winners.

The Grammy’s have faced even further backlash due to Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga winning best pop duo/group over BTS, which many claimed were racially influenced. “‘Dynamite’ was their first English song and that was the only place where Arianna Grande and Lady Gaga had the advantage,” Rita Zheng, sophomore, said.

There might be light at the end of this dark tunnel—viewers can make these small steps larger by voicing their opinions and putting their money where it benefits smaller creators of color.

“The best way to do that is vote with your wallet,” Francis said. “Watch a movie made by someone you want to see on that Oscar stage, and make sure to share how much you loved their work so others can discover it too.”

8

infocus

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

Continued from front

A politically disputed statistic from that important to decreasing carbon the Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- emissions? The top 15 U.S. food and mate Change—1,300 independent sci- beverage companies alone createntific experts from across the globe— ed nearly 630 million metric tons of concluded that there is a more than 95 greenhouse gases every year—more percent probability that human activity than what Australia produces. While has caused the rise of Earth’s tempera- people are responsible for purchastures over the past 50 years. Yet, skep- ing the products, those with difficult tics dispute this stating it is the natural financial situations cannot afford cycle. more expensive, yet environmentally “I believe that the climate is friendly alternatives. changing, I just don’t be“While individuals and comlieve that we’re causing panies share responsibility it,” Mr. Larry Hautzingfor our societal impact on the Earth, I would argue if er, science teacher, said. we want to see substantial “We have gone through change, that has to be on six different ice ages corporations and their acand we are coming The average carbon tions,” Ms. Fus said. “It’s out of an ice age now, footprint for a important to remember so we are expecting person in the United that we as individuals can to get warmer and States is 16 tons, have some influence over eventually we’ll go one of the highest corporations—be aware of cold again. (I believe rates in the world. the companies you supthat) money determines where research port and their stance on goes and researchers the environment when Source: ccs.umich.edu have to find their rechoosing where to buy.” search—they tend to The Environmental find what their funders Club leadership board like. Right now that is released a message to funding towards global the Crier discussing warming.” their concerns on climate change.

Despite skeptics, most “Climate change is viewed scientists cannot find reasons for the increased temperatures as ‘impossible’ to combat in millions that do not follow back to humans. of eyes, and it discourages many peoNeither solar nor volcanic activity can ple,” the Environmental Club leadexplain the dramatic change, although ership board said. “It is less about it is the force that typically brings the whether people are doing enough and Earth in and out of ice ages. In response, more about whether enough people many people are looking toward sus- are doing anything. All it takes is a tainable living options—buying organic simple habit, then it could grow into products, reducing gasoline usage, and more consciousness about what you cutting down on unnecessary pur- are doing—it takes as many people as chases. However, is individual activity possible.”

Total US greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector in 2019 10% Agriculture 13% Residential and Commercial 23% Industry

29% Transportation

25% Electricity

Source: epa.gov

EFFECTS ON THE MIDWEST • Period of higher yields of agricultural crops, but then a decrease • Reduced air quality • Flooding • Increased allergens • Warmer, wetter winters • Heavy precipitation • Summers with longer dry periods • Risk of exposure to diseases carried by insects and rodents • Water quality decrease • Lengthened shipping season • Decline in animal produce • Increased disease • Food web disruptions Source: ClimateChange.Chicago.gov

Out and about As the weather warms up, students go outside

linda ramirez

page editor

“I think the outdoors is beautiful and really refreshing, especially right now when all of us are stuck in the house,” Nadia Perdue, senior, said.

As a member of the Environmental Clubs leadership team, she spends much of her time enjoying nature.

“I like to walk outside on the hiking trail near my house,” she said. “I actually prefer it over using a car to get to certain places, like getting to the school. There’s also sports I like to play volleyball in the backyard with my sister. I also enjoy gardening, although I don’t do it as much as I’d like.”

Dorsa Farahani, freshman, enjoys being outside just as much.

“My favorite thing to do is to watch the sunrise and set,” she said. “It is extremely gorgeous, and the color of the sky is stunning.”

JUST TRASHY Picking up trash around the school, Crier staff took a break to celebrate Earth Day and for these photo illustrations. illustrations by anthony young and bailee dejarlais

Nadia frequently spends her time outdoors with her sister, a passing time she finds to be most memorable and relaxing.

“There’s a small stream that runs through our backyard, and my little sister and I go back there sometimes to just hang out,” she said. “During Spring Break, the two of us spent more than an hour by the stream, throwing rocks into the water and talking to each other. It sounds boring, but it was actually really enjoyable, and a good way for the two of us to bond.”

When asked what draws her to nature, Dorsa says she’s there to admire the scenery.

“I notice my surroundings, especially the sky,” she said. “I believe sunrises and sunsets are among the most magnificent achievements of nature.”

Despite being fond of spending time away from their rooms, neither believe they achieve getting out as much as they should.

“To be honest, I wish I could spend more time outside,” said Nadia. “In the summer, I used to spend a lot of time in the backyard. Hopefully, as the weather gets nicer, I’ll be able to take better advantage of the outdoors.”

Dorsa intends to get out quite fre-

quently in her own best interest.

“I feel it is necessary to go outside at least three to four times a week,” she said. “That’s why I have recently started going on walks more often.”

By their own witness, these two students are not the only ones who have recently been in touch with the outdoors.

“When I’m walking on the hiking trail alone or with my dog, I’ll see other kids my age doing the exact same thing,” Nadia said.

There seems to be common favorites according to Dorsas observations.

“It usually involves doing an activity like skateboarding or biking with friends,” she said.

Another way students may find themselves out of the house, was by participating in an event held by the Environmental club yesterday.

Students were able to enjoy the courtyard while planting wildflowers for local wildlife. Their mission was to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, in order to bring awareness to the drastic fall of their populations.

“Pollinators are especially crucial to our environment and food industry, so it’s important for us to preserve them for as long as we can.” Nadia said.

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

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9

TIME CAPSULE

BY NADIA PERDUE

“A lot of the things I write are based on how I’m feeling at the moment, which may be about my feelings about growing up, or kind of a longing for the past.

Lately, though, I’ve actually been writing a lot of silly, more lighthearted stuff about any random topic I can think of, really.”

lana salahieh

editor-in-chief

In celebration of National Poetry Month, poetry club members and other student writers share their favorite pieces they’ve written and explain their writing processes.

ABSENCE

BY MIRA COSTELLO “I wrote this poem in August of 2020. I had just been to a waterfall and there were a lot of families and couples there - just a lot of love and happy people. “You” is supposed to be some kind of lover, romantic or platonic or whatever. I guess I was interested in the idea of love as part of nature, or something purifying and incorruptible - something that reveals the deepest and best parts of us.”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

BY EMILY GUERRERO

RAIN

BY EVANTHIA FOTOPOLOS

“I wrote this poem during one of the Poetry Club meetings. The prompt was to increase the number of words in each line by one word each time you created a new line.”

“I wrote this during a Poetry Club meeting. I assigned the members a winter-related word and they had to write a poem based off of it. My word was ‘fireplace.’

The main misconception people have about (poetry club) is that we’re just hippies and are obsessed with Shakespeare, which is not true. I purposefully strayed from that. I try not mentioning them as much as possible, just because I don’t want poetry to specifically be associated with that.

I don’t want that to be the only thing about poetry that people remember. I really want this to be an outlet for people.”

ADDRESS: 7035 W. 15th Ave. Gary, In. PHONE: (219)-979-2633 Telephone Conference Line: 860-970-0010 Access Code: 343-531-334#

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QUESTION & ANSWER Bible study streamed live every Wednesday @ 7 p.m. (CST) at israelthechurchofjesus.net and via telepone conference.

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in-person learners: we will deliver books to you in your 5th hour class

eLearners: we will host a drive-up that day from 3-6:30 p.m.

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10 sports Springing

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

into season Athletes welcome outdoor sports Reporting by: Alexis Perez, Alison Lee, Atarah Israel, Anthony Young, Cali Petersen, Gage Hoekstra, Janai Munoz, Max Lindenmayer, Reena Alsakaji

Softball

Baseball

So far, Girl’s Softball excelled in their past few games, currently holding a record of 4-1, losing their only game to Lake Central.

“Tryouts were great,” Holly Kaim, senior, said. “We have a full three teams in the program this year, whereas in the past we struggled to field a complete freshmen team.

As far as the past few games we’ve played, some we’ve played well, others we haven’t.”

For the team to continue being successful, the girls must continue to work hard and support each other throughout the season.

“I believe we have the abilities and attitudes to win,” Paige Vukadinovich, junior, said. “The only obstacles in our way would be that we can’t compete with the harder teams, but it’s still early in the season and we can only improve from here.”

After winning their game 4-0 against Bishop Noll last Saturday, the boys rack up another win and remain a winning team with the record of 7-3.

The team is happy to be back and winning after missing last season because of COVID-19.

“Having the season cut short last year was heartbreaking, not only for me but all the seniors,” Evan Wittkamp, senior, said. “I am glad we are able to have a season this year and I want to make the most of it.”

The team hopes to win both conference and sectionals this year while trying to make a run out of the regional.

“We have a lot of goals this year and it starts at winning sectionals and going onto regionals and then beyond.” Brady Ginaven, junior, said, “We definitely have the team to do so.”

Boys’ & Girls’ Girls’ Tennis Track Last year, Girls’ Tennis was proLast year, like many other sports, Track was cut short due to the onset of COVID-19, leaving many members disoriented. This season, Boys’ Track is eagerly training for an array of competitions. The team has a meet against Hobart today, as well as an anticipated meet against Lowell April 27. The girls also face Lowell that same day. Overall, the teams has been focusing on their speed, but members have individual goals as well.

“I have one goal this season and it is to break five in the mile, or run the mile in under five minutes,” Jacob Cipowski, junior, said.

As a team, however, the girls have high hopes for this season.

“I’m optimistic our team has what it takes to pull it together before conference,” Kristen Baurain, junior, said. “There’s a more fun and united atmosphere than I’ve seen in previous years.”

jected to be number one in the state. COVID-19 cancelled that.

“Everyone’s still really sad about it,” Libby Fesko said. “Our coach actually doesn’t want us to talk about it because he’s so upset. We were projected to be number one, so it was really a big letdown this year and I think morales were really low the first week, because it was just thinking of what could have been. It was like our one year of glory. But we have a lot of new faces, so it’s more like a fresh start and building up the program for future years.”

Now, with a score of one to one and the goal to maintain their streak in sectionals, they prepare for an away game next Wednesday against Lake Central.

“Our motto for this year is Mamba mentality, so always seek the positive, and be the greatest you can be,” Emily Rakich, senior, said.

“So, we're trying to do that.”

Boys’ Golf

mainder of the season. Now, the team prepares for an invitational at Sandy Pines tomorrow. “(Tomorrow) is going to be a big deal for us,” Mr. William Smitka, Boys’ Golf coach, said, “to see where we fall because there are a lot of good teams in the area.”

The season hasn’t been easy— only one player has varsity experience, Max Ladd, senior.

“Our team is solid this year,” Max Ladd. “We all want to make up for the time we lost.”

In an opening game with Lake Central and Highland, the Boys’ Golf team came in second place just last week.

“We have great talent all around with everyone excited to play,” Blake Siurek, junior, said. “(The team is) all thrilled to play golf and proudly represent the school.”

In early April, the team went through “Munster Masters,” determining the top spots for the re-

Club Lacrosse The lacrosse club’s current record is Boys’ at 5-2 and the Girls’ at 6-4.

The girls have two games, Sat. May 1 against Northridge and Avon High School. Boys games are on Saturdays and Sundays; girls’ games are on the weekends or Wednesdays.

“We go to their games, we support them, they come to our games, they support us,” Nick Godinez, junior, said, “At

the end of the year we always do a boys versus girls game, at the end of the year.”

The teams started up again after their last season got cut short, all while keeping socially distant between games.

“We've been doing a good job of keeping socially distant,” Harper Swope, senior, said.

"It's worth having a season and I think the whole team would agree with that.”

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

sports

11

Winter sport wrap-up Crier was unable to publish recaps regarding the end of these seasons, but still wanted to recognize their achievements

Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Basketball came to a close March 6, after losing the sectional championship 49-29 against Gary West Side, ending the season with the record of 18-6.

“I think our season had lots of ups and downs for sure but I think we handled our diversity very well,” Bryce Schaum, senior, said, “I think we finally had it going, but Gary West Side was a very good team.”

Despite the turn of events, the boys had a positive attitude toward the season.

“It’s sad knowing that I’m never going to play basketball again for Munster with my guys that I’ve played with my whole life,” Schaum said. “Those guys are my brothers, I wish we could keep playing.”

Boys’ Swim Boys’ Swim finished their season in February with an impressive amount of achievement: they won first at sectionals and at conference. At State, they went on to place 13th at State on Feb. 26-27.

“I think that this year was more challenging because we had more gaps to fill from the seniors who left. That being said, everyone that swam at state did very well,” Scott Robbins, junior, said. “I’m excited that I am going to be able to lead the team as a senior next year, just like previous seniors.”

Club Hockey

photos by anthony young, ari brunetti, bailee dejarlais, chris perez, madi green, max lindenmayer

(From left to right) JUST WARMING UP Jordan Duff, senior, warms up before the game against Andrean by passing the ball to her teammate. She has high hopes for her senior season. “I’m super happy I get a senior season,” Duff said. “We will get better everyday this year.”

MAKE A RUN FOR IT Sprinting across the track, Corey Dennis, sophomore, practices for his next meet. There’s much to look forward to this season. “I’m most looking forward to becoming conference champions and seeing people on the team run at state,” Dennis said. “Maybe I’ll make it too.”

GET SERVED Serving the ball in her practice match, Addy Klawitter, senior, prepares for the season. “It's mainly matches," Klawitter said, “We also do conditioning mostly every practice.”

KNEE BUCKLER At a home game against Andrean, Bryce Schaum, senior, pitches a curveball to keep the batter honest for the rest of the at bat. “I threw the curveball to make that Andrean hitter look silly,” Bryce said. Bryce threw over 120 pitches, forcing the team to forfeit.

PUTTING IT IN John Linnane, junior, lines up a birdie putt during practice at Centennial Golf Range. “I’m just hoping to make some progress with my game," John said.

TAKING CHARGE Rachel Vanek, senior, charges for the ball in a game against Homesead which they lost. “Our main focus was to play our hardest as a team and we also were focused on having fun and just enjoying the game,“ Rachel said.

Following triumphs at the Indianapolis semi-finals, both JV and Varsity teams advanced to the KUBE Sports Complex in Hammond, where the final state competition took place. On Feb. 15 JV won the title of state champions, followed on March 6 when Varsity claimed their state trophy. For the first time in MHS history, both Hockey teams secured victory at their state competition.

“When we won state it felt surreal,” Otto Hoehl, junior, said. “It was our goal from the beginning of the season, and to finally accomplish it was like a dream come true. The team was all so excited to be able to send our seniors off with a state title.”

JV & Varsity Dance For the first time since 2006, the JV dance team has won first place in state which took place on March 13. This year has been like none other for the Munster junior varsity dance team.

“My whole team thought that Lake Central would for sure take first place.

We were prepared to get second, so when we didn’t, it was a real shocker. Everyone had two different thoughts going through their minds, either we did not place at all or we got first,” Charity Ibikunle, freshman, said. “Personally, after second place was announced I turned to my friends in shock (literally frozen in place) that we might have placed first.”

12

student life

munster high school crier — april 23, 2021

Is community Tik or a Tok a battleground? the app has developed different communities, known better by their respective “sides” of TikTok. “Whenever I would overhear people talking about the different sides of TikTok, I didn’t really understand what the big deal was,” Zarah Mora, sophomore, said. “I always thought that everyone was seeing around the same types of videos I was, and this left me to wonder what side my friends or I are even on.”

There are various different sides of TikTok, the most well known being straight, alt, deep, and elite TikTok. Within each is a large communijanai munoz page editor ty, where many find solace in shared interests and hobbies. On the other Reigning in cultural phenome- hand, based on the app’s algorithm, nons like the “Renegade” or “Blinding many aren’t exposed to the variety of Lights” dance, TikTok has risen to sides. a higher status in pop culture than “I think the different sides of Tikmany could have imagined. The app Tok are definitely interesting,” Elena allows everyday people to create vid- said. “I think I’m on different varieties eos with an opportunity to become vi- of TikTok but on my For You page reral more easily than ever before. cently I have been seeing a lot of food “When I started making TikToks, I or animal TikToks which I enjoy and had a lot of motivation to do them,” love watching.”

Elena Yanef, junior, said. “I had (my) While TikTok can be known for enaccount since I was in middle school, couraging creativity and a positive and I had 2.9k followers. One day I atmosphere, it is also a place that can woke up and it was banned. I remem- harbor negativity. With the ability to ber being so mad because I didn’t save comment behind the anonymity of a anything (and) I had to make a new screen, many creators find that their one.” videos have more hateful comments While the app still has some of the over supportive ones. same components, it now has gar“That app can definitely be draining nered respect from those who once with all of the negativity that it has. I denounced it. Through an increase in have seen so many people argue in users, comment sections about anything and everything,” Elena said. “With this I can see it brings TikTok and the whole community “There is definitely a lot of down.”

Cancel culture negativity on the app and has been ramthere’s a lot of conflicting pant on social media platforms dialogue. Everyone is looking in recent years, for a “gotcha” moment on the but with the increase in popularity other side.” of TikTok, it has become even more promHiba Fatima inent. The app has started sophomore censoring videos to address and prevent negativity. While the censoring can be helpful, it can also be harmful.

“There’s a lot of conflicting dialogue. illustrations by henry hofferth

Students discuss if TikTok has been a positive influence

TikTok has a lot of social justice content, which personally I think is a good thing, but it is a heavily debated topic,” Hiba Fatima, sophomore, said. “This, I believe breeds negativity because of the trolls and sensationalists that say ignorant things. (There’s) also people that genuinely have ignorant beliefs.

Those people develop toxic platforms that attack others. Everyone is looking for a “gotcha” moment (to cancel others).”

In addition to this, many on the app have pointed out the flaws within the TikTok algorithm. On top of deleting

BACKTALK If there was a movie made about your life, what would it be titled, and who would play you?

“It’d be called ‘Up’ and I’d be played by this talking dog named Dug.”

“‘There is No Common Sense Just Cereal is a Soup’ and Samuel Jackson would play me.”

—David Haggerty freshman

—Kyle Farnell freshman

“Chillin’ because that’s all I do and Jenna Ortega would play me.”

“‘Due at 11:59 pm’ and I would want Keke Palmer to play me.

—Gaby Ruiz sophomore

—Jayla Griffin sophomore

—Abe Bleasing junior

“‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ and Amy Phoeler would play me.”

—Basilla Kostopanagiotou junior

“‘How Did I Get Here?’ and I’d want Sophia Lillis to play me.”

“‘G-Force 2’, played by Sylvester Stallone in a hamster ball.”

“‘Easy Dubs’ and I think Robert Pattinson would play me.”

photo by madi green

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Creating a TikTok, Megan Flynn, senior, uses a ring light to enhance the lighting in her video.

“I think TikTok is really fun,” Megan said, “I feel that it’s just a fun and enjoyable thing to do in your free time.”

accounts and videos that are deemed inappropriate, the algorithm is responsible for boosting certain creators —Abbey Gorney and leaving others without an audisenior ence for their content.

With movements like Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate and more, TikTok has censored many creators that try to help educate others and tell them what to look out for.

“I don’t like how videos with important information are suppressed and censored,” Hiba said, “especially “‘The Hunger because with big social movements.

When they were initially brought on Games Among TikTok by activists and creators, they MHS Teachers.’ were silenced. Until the movements I’d be played by Taylor Lautner.” became too big to ignore, TikTok announced their support. It strikes me as hypocritical and performative at worst —Mr. Dillon Pierie and irresponsible at best.” math teacher

—Caeden Taylor senior

“‘The Life of a Cheesecake Connoisseur’ and I’d like Jack Black to play me.”

—Mr. Benjamin Boroff English teacher