8.26.16

CRI ERDotted Line I MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

vol. 51/issue 1/aug. 26 2016

inside look

upcoming

page 4

First home football game tonight at 7 p.m. against Chesterton

Page 2: New teachers discuss new, past experiences

Page 3: Former students, teachers enter the Halls of Fame

Student section spirit theme is Electric Blackout; wear all black and bring glow sticks

Theatre, choral ensemble have call out meetings today after school Students, staff discuss “Pokémon Go” obsession; find Pokéstops, different Pokémon around town

Powderpuff slips due today to Mrs. LaPorte (S120); T-shirts costs $10

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief

t’s just a sheet of paper. It can be crumbled at the bottom of backpacks and tossed

into piles on kitchen counters—only truly acknowledged for a mere second the day it is due. This seemingly nonessential piece of paper, the extracurricular activity pledge, holds a serious contract that approximately 1,200 of the 1,500 students have signed. No different from years before, this school year the administration dealt with broken contracts from students.

“We just had this (students breaking the pledge) happen at the beginning of the school year with a handful of kids,” Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, said. “Those that are involved in clubs will go through pledge hearing process about what this kid needs to do to sit outside of their sport, how much community service, counseling and such.”

The school cannot control the student’s actions outside of the school day. Instead, they developed an agreement with the Munster Police Department to curb negative behavior reflecting on the school.

“About five years ago we came to a shared information agreement with the Munster Police Department. So for anyone under the age of 18, their name is protected from the public records because they are a minor,” Mr. Nolan said. “In an effort to keep kids from lying about being at parties and to create a level playing field, the police department will give us a list of any students who are disciplined within the School Town of Munster outside of the school day.”

In attempt to maintain common ground, administration offers the same consequences to each student, regardless if they have a pledge.

The difference is a student with a pledge loses participation in 10-20 percent of their activity.

“We give the student a chance to self-report,” Mr. Nolan said. “If the student does not have a pledge, part of the agreement is to allow the families a chance to avoid being prosecuted through the courts by doing something for the school.”

By offering each student redemption and by protecting them—and their wallets—from the courts, the school keeps it’s name untarnished while also acknowledging a mistake is a mistake.

“We are looking out in the best interests of our kids,” Mr. Nolan said. “In Indiana a student has right to a public education, but there is no right to extracurriculars. We hold students in those to a higher standard. And in education, there is this area where the students have a want to do extracurriculars that we pay for as a district, whether it’s the newspaper, football or the swim team. And in order to give you what you want, we do a little bit of parenting in that sense. We say, ‘Yes we’ll have a swim team, but we’re going to drug test you and make sure you’re staying out of trouble.’ We want you to meet us half way by not doing things that will bring a bad name to the school.”

Policy on extracurricular pledges discussed; students voice opinions

photo illustration by Lauren Kozy

Myth busters

YOUR TAKE on the pledge

What’s true and what’s not about extracurricular pledge violations “The pledge isn’t valid if I quit the activity.”

Busted

Any pledge signed in the duration of your high school career remains on file and is valid no matter your status in the activity.

“It only counts for athletes.”

Anyone who is in a club, extracurricular activity, a sport, or has a school parking permit has a pledge on file.

Busted

“I can’t get in trouble if I wasn’t in school.”

Busted

Because of the shared information agreement with Munster Police Department, any trouble with the law is reported to the school regardless of if school is in session or not.

“I’m not in anything, so I’ll be suspended.”

Busted

The school actually cannot suspend you from school for offenses outside of the school days.

However, a pledge violation requires community service and counseling. Students in trouble with the law without a pledge on file have the choice between completing the same requirements or a court hearing. infographic by Jordan Szymanski source: Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal

“I don’t have a pledge on file, but if I did: why would I risk it? If I was in something I wanted to pursue, I wouldn’t risk it by using drugs and alcohol.”

-Marysa Rodriguez, freshman

“I have mixed feelings because I feel like people (use drugs and alcohol) anyway, even by signing pledges.

I think the school needs to pay more attention.”

-Mara DiCarlo, sophomore

“I’m an athlete and I think it (the pledge) is arbitrary in the fact that this is a high school sport. I also think the one strike policy the school takes is ridiculous, we’re just kids.“ -Dylan Harish, senior

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news

aug. 26, 2016

2 3

4

First first

9

days

New faculty discuss joining staff, personal lives Ms. Hannah Fus

Ms. Charity Schmidt

ASL

Physical Education

Previous job: preschool teacher

Mrs. Lyndee Govert Previous job: middle school math teacher What is one interesting fact about you? “I guess some people consider it interesting that I sew. I design and pattern costumes as well as everyday clothes. I am currently working with color guard uniforms for a friend of mine who is a director.”

What are some differences between MHS and the school you taught at previously?

“Munster High School, I feel like, is a bit more diverse than (the junior high) I worked at. I feel like students are a little bit more motivated to do well here.”

What are some similarities and differences between MHS and the school you taught at previously? “(At Lake Central and MHS,) there’s a lot of interest in engineering and/or sciences. Which means you’re going to have a lot more students taking the AP classes for science and math which we haven’t seen as much before.”

Choir Director

ECA Remediation, Plato

Previous job: teaching elementary school music in LaPorte, Ind.

Previous job: worked at Hammond High School and Morton High School

Why did MHS seem like a good fit for you? “I knew that Munster had a great choral reputation in Northwest Indiana, and that excited me when I saw that Munster’s position was open. Plus it really combines all of the things I wanted in a teaching job. It’s got multiple curricular choral ensembles. I’m doing musical theater which I have a strong background in, I’ve done the piano class before, it’s closer to home than LaPorte so that’s always nice. I always knew that Munster’s got a lot of ‘street cred’ if you will, both academically and artistically, so it just seemed like an amazing opportunity and so far I have been quite amazed.”

What have you noticed about your students?

“My students are the best I’ve ever taught in my entire life. They are phenomenal; it’s been a joy. The week has gone by so fast.”

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How was your first week at MHS? “The first week was great. I was excited; I was nervous at the same time. I’m still seeing how I’m going to work things out. I’m taking it one day at a time, but I think overall it’s gone well.”

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Mr. Ray Palasz Previous job: English and Tech Theater teacher at Lake Central High School

Previous job: intern at MHS

Mr. Kevin Gardner

Ms. Minnie Martinez

(clockwise from top left) 1. Ms. Charity Schmidt, gym teacher.

2. Mr. Kevin Gardner, ECA Remediation and Plato teacher.

3. Mr. Nathaniel Thompson, science teacher. 4. Ms. Hannah Fus, ASL teacher. 5. Mr. Ray Palasz, auditorium director. 6.

Ms. Minnie Martinez, nurse. 7.

Ms. Liz Keleher, guidance. 8.

Mr. Andrew Robinson, choral director and piano keyboarding teacher. 9. Mrs. Lyndee Govert, math teacher.

Auditorium Director

Ms. Liz Keleher

Mr. Andrew Robinson

Danie Oberman News Editor

Previous job: worked at an emergency shelter for children

Guidance

Math

Gavin Hamilton Graphics Assistant

Nurse

Previous job: Health and Wellness In what ways have you changed from teacher high school to now? “I studied abroad in the Netherlands, and I went there for six months. I would say that was the highlight of my college experience. Since then I got to travel around Europe, and just this last summer I went back to Europe to visit some of my friends. I loved the experience.”

Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor

What were you nervous about on your first day? “Being a teacher for 12 years, the biggest thing for me was the idea that on that first day of school when the bell rang at 7:35 a.m., I would not have students to take attendance for, or to teach a lesson to, and so it felt weird the first couple of days.”

Mr. Nathaniel Thompson Science Previous job: student teacher What about this job are you excited for? “I’m very, very excited to teach Earth Space science. I love geology and science in general. I was really excited I can get this job.”

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photos by (clockwise from top left) Easan Venkat, Austin Skeens, Kess Vaitkus, Danijela Kaurin, Joseph Bellahcen, Vrusti Patel, Summer Witvoet, Olivia Hesterman and Lauren Kozy

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aug. 26, 2016

news

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Decades of EXCELLENCE Mrs. Patricia Premetz, 1979-2015

Mrs. Nancy Hastings, 1972-2010

Mrs. Helen Engstrom, 1965-1995

Mrs. Helen Engstrom, 1965-1995 ••English teacher ••First Speech and Debate director Q: What gets you up in the morning?

A: “I would say looking forward to another day, when you get to be my age you think it’s wonderful to be able to wake up and do whatever you want to do that day, now that I am retired. I just enjoy facing a new day.”

Mr. Jack Yerkes, 1969-1995

Mrs. Nancy Hastings, 1972-2010 ••Journalism, photography teacher ••Publications adviser

Q: What experiences do you attribute to your success?

A: “I think being open-minded, and I like people. I like stories, I like to hear people’s stories. I’m kind of inquisitive. I certainly have my opinions, but I’m smart enough to keep them quiet. I think it’s the joy of wanting to know things.”

Mrs. Patricia Premetz, 1979-2015 ••Math teacher ••Dept. Chair ••Chaired School Improvement Team

Mrs. Mary Yorke, 1970-2005

Q: What is your favorite memory from teaching?

A: “After 43 years, there is a lot to say.

But what stands out is being around the students. Whether it was in the classroom, during Homecoming or coaching, my best memories are the students.”

Mr. Jack Yerkes, 1969-1995 ••English teacher ••Dept. Chair ••Inland-Ryerson Teacher of the Year

Ms. Nzinga Blake, ‘99

in 1995 Q: What did you think when you found out that you were being inducted?

A: “Well, I’ve been retired for 21 years, and I thought, ‘Who would have remembered me? Who would have nominated me?’ Then the selection committee chose me, and I was very shocked and surprised after all these years that someone would think enough of me

Alumni, Faculty and Staff Hall of Fame inductees reflect on years, experiences spent at MHS

to put me in today. And of course I’m so pleased that my son is also being inducted at the same time.”

Mrs. Mary Yorke, 1970-2005 ••English teacher ••Dept. Chair ••Helped develop Summer Reading

Program, create Student Writing Handbook Q: What is a goal you still hope to achieve?

A: “My goal would be to see this country respect education with the same passion that other successful countries do. Someone said to me, ‘Oh, you’re only a teacher.’ My goal would include everyone saying, with great respect, “‘Wow! Good teachers are at the heart of a healthy nation.’”

Ms. Nzinga Blake, ’99 from UCLA School of Film •Graduated • directed “End Ebola Now” PSA •Wrote, • Q: What gets you up in the morning?

A: “My daughter and my family. They are the reason I am here and I am where I am. I am beyond thankful for my daughter because she inspires me every day to become a better person, to work hard and to enjoy life.”

Mr. Todd Donoho, ‘73 ••Broadcaster for Los Angeles

radio station ••Worked on radio coverage with NBC Q: What experience or experiences do you attribute to your success?

A: “I had a passion for sports when I was a young boy. But with Crier, I discovered I was better at telling sports stories than I was playing sports. So I just gravitated to telling stories. I think the newspaper came out every other week, and we would have a weekly interview with one of the athletes in school and I enjoyed telling their stories. That’s kind of where I cut my teeth on being a sportscaster and sports journalist.”

Mr. Phil Lengyel, ’67 ••Worked with Walt Disney marketing for 23 years

••Started family entertainment business,

Dick Cook Studios Q: What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A: “Reinventing. You just have to keep trying new stuff all the time. Especially for me, I worked for the Disney company for a long time, and when you work for a creative company, at least my life lesson (is) you’re only as good as your next idea, not your last idea. That keeps you fresh and on your toes and ready to try new things. That’s how I try to live my life both professionally and personally.”

Lt. Gen. Jeff Sorenson, ’69 ••Graduated from United States Military Academy West Point in 1973 Army’s Chief Information Officer •• Q: What has made you successful?

A: “The keys to my success were that I was very lucky to have wonderful parents who instilled in me strong values, a strong work ethic and an optimistic belief that one can make a better future for them and everyone else.”

Mr. Andy Yerkes, ’82 ••Head writer, producer of Bear in

the Big Blue House ••Worked on Emmy award winning shows Q: What advice would you give to your senior-year self?

A: “I’d say to enjoy yourself, but also take your education seriously. When you’re (in school), you don’t really see the value in it. You just realize that the older you get, there’s just so many things that you’d like to know, that you maybe won’t, just because when you had the chance—when your mind was the most elastic and opened—you didn’t take the chance. Take your education seriously and enjoy what you learn.” reporting by Joseph Bermudez, Mimi Brody, Ian Brundige, Josh Kim, Danie Oberman, Carey Scott, Jordan Szymanski, Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger

All photos were collected from Paragon. The Faculty and Staff Hall of Fame inductees are pictured during their first year teaching at MHS. The Alumni Hall of Fame members are pictured during their graduation years.

Mr. Todd Donoho, ‘73

CRI ER

Mr. Phil Lengyel, ‘67

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement.

•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.

Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior

Lt. Gen. Jeff Sorenson, ‘69

Mr. Andy Yerkes, ‘82

to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual.

Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia.

Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 13 times a school year.

News Editor Danie Oberman

The Staff

Business Manager Nathalie De La Torre

Editors-in-Chief Jordan Szymanski, Mariah Villaroman

Head Photographer Weronika Bilek

Design Chief Chloe Wineinger Graphics Editor Ian Brundige

Photographers Joseph Bellahcen, Olivia Hesterman, Danijela Kaurin, Lauren Kozy, Vrusti Patel, Melanie Powers, Austin Skeens, Kess Vaitkus, Easan Venkat, Summer Witvoet

Features Editor Sofía Navarro

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Sports Editor Joseph Bermudez Graphics Assistant Gavin Hamilton Page Editors Mimi Brody, Josh Kim, Carey Scott

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student life

aug. 26, 2016

From the screen

BACK TALK

TO THE

STREET

Today is National Women’s Equality Day. Who is a female role model in your life?

Students, faculty play popular mobile app “Pokémon Go,” share experiences

ad

Calumet Ave

Ridge R o

photo illustration by Austin Skeens

MHS

CATCH ‘EM ALL Anxiously attempting to capture a coveted Pokémon after school at Community Park, Chloe Moffett, junior, shares love for this engulfing virtual world with millions of users.

Where’s that Pokémon?

Pokéstop Multiple Pokéstops Water type Grass type Fire type

MUNSTER Josh Kim Page Editor

S

Electric type illustration by Weronika Bilek

Sofía Navarro Feature Editor

pending an afternoon at Centennial Park, a student casually opens her “Pokémon Go” app to check for nearby Pokémon. When the applica-

tion opens, she squints down into her dimly lit cell phone screen. There, to her amazement, is the silhouette of Dragonite, an exceedingly rare and powerful Pokémon. Determined, she surveys the entirety of the park, and to her disbelief, she finds the Pokémon. She tosses her last great ball and catches the Pokémon with ease. eevee While this seems like a futuristic premise to a virtual reality Pokémon game, it exists. Since its release in early July, “Pokémon Go” has been one of the most downloaded applications.

“I saw how there were articles all over Facebook and the internet about how they were making a Pokémon app, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s really cool,’” Chloe Moffett, junior, said.

“So I went on the app store to check it out it. Took a whole day of refreshing to get it downloaded on my phone.”

Chloe has been playing Pokémon games since she was 10 years old, beginning with Diamond and eventually X and Y, through generations 4, 5 and 6. The release of Pokémon Go renewed her love for the Pokémon franchise.

“My favorite Pokémon is probably one of the Eeveelutions, like Vaporeon. (Eevee) has a lot of different forms,” Chloe said. “I bulbasaur really like the cute ones, or the really funny ones, like Machamp with all of the arms. It’s like a big buff fish with legs. It’s really funny.”

Her favorite spot for hunting Pokémon is Wicker Park, due to the convenient location and dense population of Bulbasaur.

“A lot of the time, I just bike around with my friends. The only place I haven’t gone to is Centennial because I’ve been so busy. But I know a lot of people like going over there because there’s Pokéstops and a lot of Pokémon spawn,” Chloe said. “At Wicker all of the area is marked as forest area, so you can find a lot of Bulbasaur.”

Pokéstops in munster

are the place to go if you need 33 Pokéstops Josh Kim to catch Pokémon or supplies in order

“I have a lot of great female role models, but one of my favorites is Misty Copeland. She’s a dancer, and she was one of the first African American dancers and this ballet company, but I love that she was so persistent and hardworking when it came to her passion.”

“I would have to say both my sisters and my mom because they all work very hard and raise and donate tons of money for charity. They are very strong role models who know how to lead and leave a positive influence.”

Jamie DeJoan, freshman

Max Buka, freshman

engage inPage battleEditor water Pokémon in “Pokémon GO” Navarro been found by Have Sofía most commonly Feature lakes, beaches andEditor rivers grass Pokémon in “Pokémon GO” Have most commonly been found in parks, forests, golf courses and farmland

32 14 Pokémon in “Pokémon GO” Have most commonly been found in 12 fire residential areas, cities and dry arid climates electric Pokémon in “Pokémon GO” most commonly been found in schools, 9 Have libraries and shopping districts source: rankedboost.com

infographic by Mimi Brody

Although “Pokémon Go” has gained popularity among the student body, it is not reserved for teenagers alone. Mrs. Samantha Ebert, science teacher, also enjoys playing the game with her fellow teachers.

“I didn’t find out until about a day or two after (the app) came out. And (Ms. Stephanie) Peterson, the French teacher, contacted me and was like, ‘We’re playing this.’ I was like, ‘Okay, sure, but it sounds kind of lame.’” Mrs. Ebert said, “But when she described it to me I thought it was really fun, so I tried it. We go on Pokémon dates all the time. My husband goes with us. We’re trying to talk (Mr. Keith) Koszut (science teacher) into going too. He sounds charmander intrigued.”

A longtime fan of Pokémon games, Mrs. Ebert finds enjoyment in reliving her childhood through the app. “(I was a kid) right when the very first Nintendo games came out, so like Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow. I was in fifth grade when that happened, so it was perfect. I played a lot when I was kid,” Mrs. Ebert said. “My favorite Pokémon was always Eevee; it’s adorable and it can turn into anything.”

Mrs. Ebert enjoys taking over and battling at gyms, although she prefers collecting different types of Pokémon.

“My husband and I—this is kind of embarrassing—we used to live in Hammond, and there’s this little park right by our house, and not a lot of people play there or take over that gym,” Mrs. Ebert said. “The ones in Munster are really popular, and they’re always above me, so I’m not going to (battle), but he and I will go and take over that gym two or three times a week on purpose.”

A self-proclaimed huge fan of the Pokémon mascot, Pikachu, Ms. Peterson also enjoys playing the app on her level 22 team Mystic characpikachu ter.

“It’s such a fun game, and the fact that they have an exercise component (for hatching eggs), and the fact that you can do it with your friends-— I mean, I know a lot of people that would call it an addiction, and I think that’s totally fair,” Ms. Peterson said. “For me it’s exciting not just because of the game and the fact that I’ve always loved Pokémon, but it’s amazing to see that technology has come so far that this kind of thing is possible.”

“My mother because she takes care of me, and I love her so much.

She would do anything for me, and I guess I would return the favor.”

Joseph Nowak, sophomore

“Mrs. (Samantha) Ebert, (science teacher) because I really felt a passion when she was teaching, like she cares to be there and it wasn’t just a job.”

“Probably my grandma just because she’s a really strong person, she’s been through a lot, and I’m kind of always around her so she influences me.”

Lydia Smith, sophomore

“Mother Teresa because she helped build health missionaries to help people. She was a giving and selfless person.

She won the noble peace prize which was lit.”

George Babus, Anusuya Bandyopadhyay, junior junior

“My cousin who moved from Indiana to California to work in movie studios.

She proves you can do whatever you put your mind to.”

“Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation because she’s funny and she does what she wants without letting anyone get in her way.”

Brandon Cordero, senior

Mrs. Bridget Speranza, Orchestra Director