5.24.16

CRIER Vol. 50/Issue 11/May 24, 2016

MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Special Issue, Pages 5-12: Seniors look back on four years of high school

8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321

UPCOMING n

Final Exams Schedule: n Wednesday:

Periods 1, 3 and 6 Periods 2, 4 and 7 n Friday: Periods 5 and 8 n Thursday:

n

No late start: School starts at 7:35 a.m. Thursday

n

Commencement: Graduation begins at 1 p.m. June 5

photo illustration by Veronica Bilek and Rachel Bishop

INSIDE LOOK

Page 2 Poetry club hosted third annual Poetry Slam on last Thursday to share student work

Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief

In 1972, the federal government enacted Title IX, a law prohibiting federally funded schools from discriminating against, or denying participation in educational programs or activities to, students or employees based on gender.•Several decades later, a smattering of colleges and high schools across the nation began implementing gender-neutral bathrooms. •In recent years, several states Page 4 The town’s Sunday Market and other local festivals offer ideal food for the summer

have passed “bathroom bills,” which sought to require people to only use bathrooms that matched their biological genders.•The most recent of these occurred on March 23, when North Carolina passed a House Bill that made it illegal in North Carolina for people to use bathrooms that don’t correspond with the genders they

Page 13 Art Club finishes mural with artwork of every club at MHS

were assigned at birth. This event sparked several lawsuits•On April 19 of this year, Target released a statement telling employees and customers to use the bathroom and fitting rooms they feel the most comfortable in, stating that “Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target.” •However, many disagreed with Target’s attempt to create inclusiveness. Over 1.2 million people have signed a petition, which was started by the American Family Association on April 21, to boycott Target. The petition argues that Target’s policy poses a threat to women and children because it “is exactly how sexual predators get access to their victims.”

Read more on pg. 16

2 news Quick Notes National Merit Three students are chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners The National Merit Scholarship winners were announced May 11 for the 2016-2017 senior class. The scholarship winners are Julia Chael, Arielle Crowe, and Meena Kandallu. 2,500 Merit Scholarship winners across the nation are awarded $2,500, according to a press release from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The scholarship winners were chosen from a pool of over 15,000 Finalists by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

Robotics Robotics attends Worlds Competition in St. Louis in late April

After placing 16th at State, Robotics did not initially qualify to compete at the Championship, the highest level international robotic competition, April 27-30 in St. Louis. But the team made it to Worlds with one ticket they placed on a wait list at the beginning of the year. The wait list is a pool of robotics team that have attended the Championship in past years but did not qualify this year.

Every year that a team does not attend, they receive another ticket. This year Robotics only had one ticket because they attended the Championship in 2014. An undisclosed number of teams on the wait list are drawn to compete. The team placed 65th at Worlds after their robot unexpectedly broke seconds into their last round.

“We told them ‘Go out, have fun.

You all should win this one.’ Then seconds after (the match started) the tread fell off,” Coach Catherine Mazeikas said. “(How you perform at a competition) depends on the team, your alliance (the other teams you have to work with), your competition, and whether or not your robot breaks.”

Handbook Changes New Handbook modifications are introduced for 2016-2017 school year

Handbook changes for the 2016-2017 will receive approval at upcoming School Board meetings, according to Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal.

If approved, the procedure for physicals and sports will be changing. Before, student athletes could condition in the summer without having a physical on school record. Now, before any student athlete may begin summer conditioning for their sport, they must have an official physical on file.

Also, under mandate from the Indiana Department of Education, all schools need to include a gang control policy by June 2016. This policy details how the school will address possible gang relations in the school.

Corrections

In issue 10 of Crier, Girls’ Tennis Coach Sid Rothstein’s name was misspelled on page 9. On page 10, photographers Bree Karl and Vrusti Patel were not attributed for their photos of the varsity jacket. Additionally, on page 12, English teacher Mr. Kevin Clyne’s quote should have read: “I didn’t choose the color (of my suit). My date did. I’m amazed I was ever that thin, and it was the worst hair period in my life. It was tragic.” Crier regrets these errors.

Crier/May 24, 2016

Making words count Poetry Club holds their yearly poetry slam, in which members prepare to read poems in front of students Simon Pirok News Editor Whether it be typing or writing, Poetry Club members continue on with everyday activities after their annual poetry slam the same way they prepared for it: by writing poetry. The poetry slam was held last Thursday in the LGI, and was intended to give students a place to speak their minds.

“Last year we had 24 people that showed up, and we had an increase to a total of 42 this year,” Poetry Club president Shandan Johnson, senior, said. “This year we got more underclassmen to come see the slam, last year we had more upperclassmen come out. We also had a lot of different styles and more people memorized their pieces, so we could not only express ourselves through speaking but also through gestures.”

Poetry Club tried to get the word out about the poetry slam more this year than they have in the past, specifically by designing the posters notifying students of the event. Shandan attempted to change the design by integrating Photoshop elements rather than the standard Word documents.

“Mostly what I did to spread the word about the slam and the club itself was at the eighth grade night. I spoke to freshmen about coming out to the slam and about joining the club,” Poetry Club Vice President Cameron

photo by Vrusti Patel

JAM SESSION Playing the guitar and cello, Antonio Presutti, senior, and Kayla Williams, junior, perform “Dumb” by Nirvana and “Moon Dance” by Van Morrison. “I do believe that music, even without the lyrics, is art,” Kayla said. “We really just wanted to show off the music. We originally started by playing just for fun but we thought that the poetry slam would be the perfect place to perform in front of an audience.”

Singleton, senior, said. “I told them that Poetry Club is one of the only student-run clubs in the school, it’s one of the only clubs where you get to decide what you want to do.”

While the overall feeling towards the slam was successful, there are still changes that members would like to see changed in next year’s poetry slam.

“We’d always like to see more people come out and read their poems,” Cameron said. “We had more people this year that didn’t perform, either due to a lack of devotion or just general busyness. We had a lot of people that were super devoted to the club but ended up being really busy on the day of the slam and couldn’t come out and read their work.”

With this being the last slam that Shandan and Cameron will be able to

organize and perform in, they both feel that they wanted to make sure they perform the best possible work that they could. For Shandan, this means writing about a topic that she feels very passionate about; this year it was school. For Cameron, this means writing about a wide variety of topics presented in rap form. “(My poetry) varies on the current state of affairs around the world,” Cameron said. “I don’t perform for anyone outside of the club, so they know that when I give one of my raps, it is something that is very personal to me. My first poetry slam I wrote about luck; sophomore year was really bad for me.

This year I wrote about the emotions I was going through before and after I started dating my girlfriend, Kayla (Williams, junior).”

Paving a new career path Internship program plans to involve students in pathways to potential careers Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor The bell for second hour rings, and a student helps teach a room of first graders the alphabet while another student learns how to read a patient’s vitals. These are the possibilities of next year as the school implements two College and Careers Internship Programs in the 2016-2017 school year.

“Biomedical Health and Education pathways have been approved,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “We met with the HACC principal to put in place a pathway the state would approve. The internships will be at the elementary schools and at Community Hospital.”

The internships would be available to seniors who have completed the prerequisite courses. Their day will begin at 7:35 a.m. at either the elementary schools or Community Hospital. Admission into the program will rely on the students; however, the school looks mostly for interest in the program, according to Mr. Bob Snyder, Assistant Principal.

“I think the first thing we would like to see is interest,” Mr. Snyder said.

“From there, we think that the program will promote itself, as it is such a remarkable opportunity. We would like to see consistent groups of students who are interested in each pathway.

From there, we will see if we have the ability to implement other pathways

for our students.”

There are 12 possible pathways that could be available to students in the future. As the standard school day dynamic changes, it exposes students to more career opportunities while still in high school.

“I think we will see those numbers increase if students find the pathways rewarding and educational,” Mr. Snyder said. “I trust that they will. If we are able to add other pathways down the road, we will have more students on a half-day program, but their education is being continued outside of our building in fields that they identified as interesting. I think that is a win for the school, our students and our families. Often students have a perceived career interest, but it is difficult for them to get practical experience.

This bridges those interests with opportunities.”

speakout 3

Crier/May 24, 2016

CRIER Munster High School

MINORITY RULES Knowing that some people take the entire bowl of candy prevents other people from leaving bowls out. Similarly, knowing that some people will misuse restrooms allowing transgender people to use whichever they want prevents other people from wanting inclusive restrooms.

editorial

Bathroom battlefield

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, racial segregation was a common practice. In many parts of America, it was not unusual for African Americans to have to use separate drinking fountains, public buses, and schools. This segregation, however, became unconstitutional with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Now, as we look back, we see this ruling as a marker of progress and a cataOUR TAKE lyst for positive social change.

While inclusive Now, we face another social isbathrooms are sue that deals with discrimination: progressive, we gender-related bathroom policies. cannot deny the The most recent development in possibility of misuse this debate is a letter sent by the Obama administration to public schools, which directs them to allow students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.

Furthermore, the letter states that schools cannot require medical verification or set aside a separate bathroom for use only by these students.

When we look back on this letter, perhaps we will see it in the same way as we now see the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

However, one concern that must not be ignored amid the excitement over this development is the potential abuse of such bathrooms.

Are we prepared to deal with people who are not using these bathroom policies as a way to feel comfortable using the bathroom but are simply using them as an excuse to gain access to the bathroom of the opposite sex?

Some argue that gender-neutral bathrooms have been implemented successfully on college campuses and in public spaces and that inclusive bathroom policies in schools should therefore be treated no differently.

However, breaking down the gender barrier in high school bathrooms could encourage misuse and misbehavior. High school is often where students test the boundaries of rules, and loosening restrictions on gender-specific bathrooms could be seen by students as yet another boundary to test.

Allowing students to use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in is a milestone in civil rights. But while celebrating progress, we must not lose sight of reality.

Take action, fight the violence Sofía Navarro Infocus Editor On Friday, May 13th, two freshmen in C lunch broke out into a fight at their lunch table. The ordeal lasted a total of ten minutes while students from every grade cheered them on and watched in excitement.

Although we typically consider this type of behavior to be completely ordinary for high school students, it is upsetting to know how tolerant and seemingly proud we are of violent fights and physically injuring one another.

We may even use the age old phrase, “it’s just kids being kids,” but our school rarely witnesses fights, and this was only one out of the three that took place last week. This is an example of the bystander effect: a social psychological phenomenon in which individuals do

not offer help to a victim when others are present.

Last month, a 16-year-old sophomore from Delaware was violently jumped by three girls in her school bathroom over a boy. The girls forced her to her knees, pulled her hair and smashed her head into a sink.

Shortly after, the impact killed her. As if the act wasn’t gruesome enough, the entire ordeal was caught on a cell phone video while others were reportedly present in the bathroom.

Later, the girls involved in her death posted disturbing messages on Instagram, noting they were glad she was gone. Among these examples which hit close to home for a high school student, the effect also takes place on a much larger level.

In April a 32-year-old man was involved in a confrontation with three

other men. He ran from them, suffering a blow to the back of the head, which knocked him unconscious. For two minutes, he was laying in the crosswalk surrounded by busy traffic.

Several people passed and stared down at him without blocking traffic or moving him to safety. Eventually, a taxi turned the corner and drove over the man. He was airlifted to the hospital where he later died.

Although it seems unthinkable to pass and ignore and injured person or a victim of abuse, it seems as though witnesses are more likely to cheer on or refuse to take responsibility altogether.

The truth is that, while we are animals, we should not consider ourselves as such. We have the ability to ignore instinct and do the right thing in these situations, but instead hold empathy for the world around us.

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 twoway 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, truthfulness, 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 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 11 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Meena Kandallu Design Editor Chloe Wineinger Copy Editor Mariah Villaroman Associate Editor Danie Oberman Media Editor Jordan Szymanski Opinion Editor Danie Oberman Sports Editors Joseph Bermudez Jordan Szymanski News Editors Gavin Hamilton Simon Pirok Infocus Editor Sofía Navarro Student Life Editor Ian Brundige Cartoonist Gavin Hamilton Head Photographer Rachel Bishop Business Manager Mary Ellen Gilhooly Photographers Veronica Bilek Elisa Del Toro Elizabeth Fonseca Olivia Hesterman Brandi Hoover Ashwin Iyer Bree Karl Danijela Kaurin Sidney Milne Vrusti Patel Melanie Powers Nicole Roberts Jaylee Rodriguez Emma Trivunovic Easan Venkat Andrew Vicari Summer Witvoet Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Beat Reporters Mimi Brody Abbey Burris Anastasia Cipowski-Smith Nathalie De La Torre Mara DiCarlo Olivia Foley Eveen Haddad Priya Karnam Josh Kim Vanessa Koultourides Britney Kozinski Becca Krahn Jari Martinez Kammy Moore Hidaya Musleh Haya Safi Carey Scott Zoé Short Sam Springsteen Nicole Tsoukalas Jessica Tucker Jacob Van Woert Onteya Zachary

4 spotlight

Crier/May 24, 2016

Taste of summer Summer is about rest, all the food you can eat, so try eating at these spots this summer

photo provided by Whiting Indiana’s Pierogi Fest 2016

Pierogi Fest

photo by Veronica Bilek

FARM FRESH Open Sundays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Munster’s Sunday Market attracts community members with sales of crafts, fresh produce and other treats. On summer days with nice weather, the market is the ideal place to shop and enjoy some of the products the community has to offer.

Munster’s Sunday Market Everyone knows the basics of a quality farmer’s market: fresh fruit, bright flowers, warm pastries, live music, homemade soaps and cheese—obviously. All of this classic market fare can be found in quality local event: Munster’s Sunday Market at Centennial Park.

The market opened May 1 and runs every Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. until Sept. 25.

As the fruit ripens and the weather gets warmer, the crowds undoubtedly grow. Munster’s Sunday Market has something for everyone and is the perfect place for a stroll or to pick up a basket full of the area’s freshest ingredients or creative crafts. —Ian Brundige

Lake County Fair

photo provided by City of Chicago

Taste of Chicago On a hunt to find the best ribs in the Midwest? What about cheesecake or deep-dish pizza? Whatever your taste buds desire, you are sure to find it at the Taste of Chicago. In this lakefront festival of food July 6-10, vendors flood Grant Park with samples of everything from classic favorites to foreign cuisines.

After you have eaten your fill of Chicago’s favorites, there’s plenty of other forms of entertainment, including the ChicagoMade Marketplace full of crafts from local vendors and plenty of music. At the Petrillo Music Shell, tickets are available for bands, and the Bud Light Stage offers free performances with different genres daily. —Danie Oberman

Lake County Fair, from Aug. 5-14, features more than the typical fair scene this summer, especially when it comes to food. Along the main stretch of vendors you will find the expected, yet iconic, foods: elephant ears, deepfried veggies and giant ice cream cones. Walk a little further, however, and you might just run into the Yinyang food vendor.

Yinyang sells Southeast Asian foods, including Filipino dessert halo halo and a spin on Mexican food with Korean tacos. Their foods, although unknown to most fairgoers, provide a refreshing break from the usual fair menu.

A little closer to Lake County’s culture, a stand dedicated to honey products is tucked away in the corner of the Agriculture center. Here, hard-working farmers who raise bees offer multiple food items with honey in them.

Jars of honey, cough drops filled with honey, or little cups of honey-covered wax (which you eat like gum) give fairgoers a slight taste of sweetness and give local farmers the support they need. —Mariah Villaroman

photo by Rachel Bishop

Jodi’s Italian Ice

Jodi’s Italian Ice has a new location in Munster, located at 8313 Calumet Ave, where Fro-Yo and Eye Pad were formerly housed. A twist on your typical frozen treat place, Italian Ice is lighter and more refreshing than ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Prices are cheap and portions are large, making this the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

Just be aware that new places tend to have longer lines, so save it for when you’re not in a time crunch.

Jodi’s offers fun, unique flavors such as pina colada, Sour Patch Kid and blue raspberry, and update their menu on Facebook twice daily.

—Danie Oberman

A teenager from Munster, a family from Hammond, a lifeguard from Whiting and a fireman from Schererville all arrive in search of a pierogi. This isn’t the start of a corny joke, this is the true communal fun of The Region’s most famous summer food festival: Pierogi Fest.

Pierogi Fest is an annual festival in Whiting happening from July 29-31. The basis of this fest is food, and plenty of it. Pierogi Fest notoriously features some of the best summer food around.

With food vendors of all kinds lining the streets, you can’t go wrong in picking any of the stands to chose from.

You may be in the mood for a steaming hot polish platter one minute—topped high with sauerkraut and potato pancakes— then a few steps later, you may find a Mexican platter filled to the rim with tamales, rice and refried beans.

Later, you can wash it all down with an ice cold, tart, freshly squeezed lemonade.

And no matter how much you eat, there is always room for another pierogi.

Luckily, at Pierogi Fest there is no shortage of pierogis to choose from. Cheese and sauerkraut, just sauerkraut, potato and cheese, meat and potato—even strawberry filled pierogis fatten our stomachs and our hearts.

Stuffed with pierogis, you may have to brace yourself for the crowdedness of Pierogi Fest.

It feels like everyone and their brother is at Pierogi Fest, and they probably are. Parking can be tough, so find a spot early or park far enough away in the neighborhoods and enjoy the walk. Every year there is a parade down the center street and food vendors stop selling for 30-45 minutes. Don’t get caught empty-handed because standing shoulder to shoulder with a sweaty man and a screaming child might get old a lot faster if there’s no food to eat.

When the day winds down, and you are full and sweating in the July heat rising off Whiting’s pavement, you will wish your day at Pierogi Fest—three days of Region pride mixed with summer’s greatest foods—would never end. —Jordan Szymanski

CRIER Vol. 50/Senior Special Issue /May 24, 2016

MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Senior class selects winners of senior superlatives. See page 11 for results.

8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321

ovation STANDING

about 16facts2016 the class of

339

students in graduating class

72

rotini tuesdays over four years

964

number of senior tardies accumulated over school year

42

clubs this year

3

the total amount of time seniors will have spent taking finals over four years adds up to

days

51 varsity games st

graduating class

445

Steps to walk from North to South

497

22

Seniors reflect on their favorite memories from their last year of high school

Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

T

he beginning of the end. The last 180 days walking through these halls. Spirit Week, showered with taped glasses and spandex. The last semester. Acceptance letters pouring in, decisions made and deposits placed. The final show. Sleek tuxedos and glittery dresses. Forever weekends turning to the last weeks. Counting hours until graduation—this is the end of the end.

When the seniors look back with admiration on how far they have come; they look back with the lingering thought of finality. And the best way to tell a senior year story is to let the seniors tell it themselves.

hit me yet that it was going to be my last year here. But now looking back on it, it’s unreal. It feels so long ago, the beginning of the year.”

Brandon Williams: “It is weird because I’m normally the younger kid who hung out with older kids, but now I’m the older kid.”

Sean O’Brien: “I honestly can’t remember what happened, but what I can remember from it is thinking: ‘Wow, I can’t believe I only have one year left and it is probably gonna go by really fast.’”

It sure did.

Michael Cuvala: “It all went so fast. It’s interesting because from the first day to the last day, time flew. The whole year flew.”

Time flies when there is work to do—likestarting off on the right foot.

Trey DeLuna: “The beginning of my se-

nior year, it was pretty stressful. I didn’t expect it to be stressful because everyone looks at senior year as the fun year, but I had a lot of applications and scholarship things I had to do so I had to work pretty hard. It wasn’t what I expected.”

Steve Nowaczyk: “It was bittersweet.

But I don’t remember my first week, it is all a blur.

But everyone remembers Homecoming.

Michael C.: “Up until Prom, Home-

coming was the most fun I’ve had at a dance.”

Kyle: “Homecoming was ridiculous, one of the most fun times of my life. We

continued on page 6

It was the first day.

Kyle Palermo: “That first day, it didn’t

students in highest honors

number of periods a day freshman year

30,240

6

number of minutes spent in passing periods in four years

50

th

season of football

40

fire drills in four years

9

snow days over four years

theater productions for four years

16

3,555 number of minutes until school ends

photo by Emma Trivunovic

THROW EM’ UP At the Homecoming pep rally, Zack Simic, senior, dressed in a basketball jersey and American Flag apparel head to toe leads his senior class in the wave. “My favorite part about (the pep rally) was winning Meatheads giftcards and gronk spiking (a professional football player’s touchdown celebration that involves throwing a football at the ground) a pack of gum,” Zack said. The seniors overall won the pep rally festivities and were granted early admission to the dance the next day.

6 senior

Crier/May. 24, 2016

CROWNING GLORY Posing for the camera during halftime at the Homecoming game, seniors Antoine Van Dyke and Mary Pugh ride on top of a car around the track while the Homecoming Court was announced.

After winning, Mary became the first African American Homecoming queen in school history. “I felt surprised and happy (when I was announced Homecoming queen), and it was overall really nice to hear,” Mary said.

ovation STANDING

continued from page 5

went to the W Hotel in Chicago for the night.”

Yiorgo Karnezis: “Homecoming week was wonderful, one of the most memorable weeks of the year.”

Let’s talk about Spirit Week. Every senior looks forward to this week of the year.

Steve: “Spirit week was crazy.”

Sammi Buvala: “I liked all of Spirit Week. There

were a lot of cool and exciting ideas that I saw.”

Steve: “Nerd day, I had all my Science Olympiad medals and I remember I had a bunch of Pokemon cards and I would lightly bump into people and completely fall and throw my cards in the air. ‘80s workout day, I didn’t wear pants that day.”

Yiorgo: “‘80s workout day is ‘80s workout day—no one really wears anything on that day. I lunged (in) every class, I couldn’t walk for a week.”

What about the dance?

Maria Sirounis: “Even though ‘80s workout day

was the greatest day of all of high school, the dance was even better. My date and I took over the dance floor.”

Sean: “Homecoming was my first dance. I went with Khalehla Strong and it was a great time and I really regretted not going to any dances before that.”

First semester, the seniors had more on their plates than ‘80s workout attire. It was time to apply for college.

Cameron Singleton: “Applying to college was a

very stressful time for me. Throughout my life I wasn’t much of a scholar, so it was surprising to see if schools would accept me in the first place.”

Sammi: “Applications for college were hard and they took forever but it was worth it in the end to get where I wanted to go, which is Purdue.”

Brandon: “It was sort of stressful trying to figure out what I was going to do for the future.” photo by Veronica Bilek, Bree Karl

JUST DANCE At Dance Marathon May 13, Anna Riggs, senior, dances with a Riley’s Children’s Hospital patient. This year, Student Government broke the record for most money raised for Dance Marathon with $10,000 dollars. BUZZER BEATER During a conference game against Griffith Feb. 4, Connor Manous, senior, steps up to the line with the winning shot in his hands. “I was nervous at the line, but I was relieved and happy when it was over,” Manous said. Manous sunk the shot and the mustangs won the game with a final score of 48-47.

For others, it was a different story.

Yiorgo: “I applied to one college, and I got into one

college. It wasn’t stressful at all.”

Michael C.: “It wasn’t really that stressful because I knew I wanted to go to IU, so I only applied to one school.”

Trey: “I applied to four different schools but I’m

photo by Rachel Bishop

going to Millikin University to study musical theater. But the second semester once I got my college decisions figured out, I stopped doing homework, so I would just go home and be lazy.”

Second semester, the senior class came down with a relentless case of senioritis.

Steve: “I have senioritis. I am almost late to

school every day. It is impossible to get up and do anything and my grades are all really bad.”

Cam: “My classes were less intensive. And plus I’ve had senioritis since sophomore year.”

Michael Szewka: “At that point (second semester) I had just stopped caring about high school.”

Some could not surrender entirely.

Michael S.: “I still cared about band class, though.

And AP Government, I had to.”

Maria: “I have two classes I still need to care about: math and human genetics. Besides that, I just don’t care. I had senioritis earlier in the year but this is unreal. I didn’t know it could get this bad.”

If there was a cure for senioritis, it was Prom weekend.

Kyle: “It was probably the best weekend of my life.”

Sammi: “That was just a good weekend with friends. We had a lakehouse on the beach that we rented.”

Michael C.: “I was in the same Prom house as Sammi, and it was a lot of fun being on the beach.”

Even in Michigan City, the seniors celebrated together. They found themselves sharing memories on the same beach.

Emily Wierman: “We went to a lakehouse in Michigan City. It was kind of funny: there were three different Prom groups on the same beach, so we saw each other throughout the day.”

Yiorgo and Steve: “We had 30 people in one prom house, it was a ton of fun. One night we invited the other prom house over that was down the block. Big Senior Prom party on the beach, it was a good time.”

Some made the most of going stag.

Michael S.: “I ended up saying ‘if I’m going by

myself, I’m having as much fun as possible.’ So I spent a ton of money on a tuxedo, I took my Prom pictures with Mr. Melby, and I slow danced with a chair. I had a lot of fun just being ‘that guy.’”

senior 7

Crier/May 24, 2016 After Prom, only the last month was left.

Aarju Patel: “Reality really hit me in the face. I’m

going to college next year. This is scary, but exciting at the same time.”

Trey: “I’m super ready to leave. I get bored doing schoolwork and I’m just looking forward to graduating and studying something I’m interested in.”

Sammi: “It really can’t come fast enough. I just need to graduate already and go to college.”

Kyle: “We are so close, I cannot wait. I am ready to start college and start my life.”

Here comes the nostalgia.

Steve:“It’s weird because I’m not gonna be in

high school anymore, and it’s the same thing I’ve known throughout my life. It’s the same process, and now it is going to be different because its college.”

Emily: “This year, people have moved outside of their normal groups to coalesce and hang out with new people, that’s been enjoyable. I’m going to miss that.”

Maria: “I’m more sensitive about it. We have grown up with these people since kindergarden.” photo by Rachel Bishop Trey: “I might miss a few people that I’m not close ATTACK OF THE NERDS During the Tuesday of Spirit Week, Nerd Day, seniors Emily Wierman, Naiomi Velasco, Alexia Barraza and Austin Klawitter eat with but I still see around, but my close friends I’ll lunch together in their nerd attire. “(My favorite part of Spirit Week was) watching Austin roller blade through the hallways and hearing everyone boom still talk to in college.” the ‘80s music on the speakers,” Naiomi said.

Oh right, the future.

Brandon: “On the last day I’ll be emotional, but

now I’m onto the next chapter of my life. I’m going to Purdue Calumet for a year then I’m going to work at Tattoo shop in Whiting until I figure out exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

Steve: “I’m ready to go to IU and move on with my life.”

Emily: “I am very excited. I am going to IU Kelley School of Business next fall. I just found out I’ll be living in the business living and learning center. So I’ll pretty much just be all business at IU.” Michael S: “This is my last summer of being a civilian. Next year, I’m going into the military and I’ll probably going to be eating dirt and being trained by drill sergeants to be in infantry.”

This is it: final words.

Michael S: “Don’t be like me. Don’t be that guy

who didn’t care enough about high school to be able to go to college. Military is what I wanted to do, but if I changed my mind I wouldn’t have that many options because I didn’t give myself many options. You actually have to care about school.”

Kyle: “I’m going to miss high school. And all the friends I’ve had. We all stayed together all four years.”

Cam: “It’s been great seeing how far my friends and I have come.”

Kaitlyn Costello: “Senior year wasn’t what I expected.”

Yiorgo: “Senior year was great. It was weird being the top of the food chain.”

Steve: “It was a blast.”

Cam: “Might as well make it memorable.”

Maria: “I came out of high school with a couple regrets. Live it to the fullest; don’t have any regrets.

Don’t care what people think about you. Why should you? Everyone is leaving.” photos by Rachel Bishop, Elizabeth Fonseca and Bree Karl

RAISE THE ROOF Seniors Victor Andrade and Fred Beckman dance with the senior class for ‘80s workout day in the Commons. “(Homecoming week) was a great time to celebrate being in our last year of high school and for creating memories we can remember forever,” Fred said.

BRIDGE THE GAP During Science Olympiad practice, Jill Ylo, senior, checks if the cross sections on her bridge are attached to the main frame.

In her event, bridge building, students must try to build the lightest bridge possible that will hold the most weight in sand. ON THE MOUND In a game against Crown Point, Aaron Welch, senior, throws a fastball. Throughout the season, Welch has appreciated the atmosphere of the team. “I really enjoyed playing on the team senior year because it was relaxed and laid back,” Welch said.

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Munstermedia

8 senior Crier/May 24, 2016

On the road

Austin Klawitter Sean O’Brien

AHEAD

Seniors begin next stages of their lives with college, military, work force or other decisions ARIZONA

University of Arizona Tucson Clay Arnold Andrew Monthie

ALABAMA

Alabama State University Montgomery Morgyn Jackson

CALIFORNIA

Academy of Art University

San Francisco Maria Kyriakos

San Diego State University San Diego Savannah Shaver

University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Kylee McVicker

CONNECTICUT University of Hartford Hartford Peyton Tinder

FLORIDA

University of Miami

Miami Connor Manous

University of South Florida Tampa Logan Armagast

GEORGIA

Spelman College Atlanta Journey Westfield

IOWA

Grinnell College Grinnell Arlo Detmer

ILLINOIS

Bradley University Peoria Caitlin Fitch

Columbia College Chicago Chicago Carlos Douglas Jr. Julia Swibes

DePaul University Chicago Austin Andello Lauren Russell

Lewis University Romeoville Morgan Lagestee

Loyola University Chicago Caitlyn Knor Miriam Mathew Jamie McDowell Mark Montella Aarju Patel

Millikin University Decatur Trey DeLuna

Northern Illinois University DeKalb Greg Scherzinger

Northwestern University Evanston Mega Dafiaghor

Prairie State College Chicago Heights Jerry Jacinto

Roosevelt University Chicago Shanna Klisser

Saint Xavier University Oak Lawn Luke Hackett

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Emilio Malagon

South Suburban College South Holland Simon Pirok

University of Chicago Chicago Julia Chael Meena Kandallu

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alex Kirr

INDIANA Ball State University Muncie Haley Collison Michale DeLong Lauren Florek Michaella Lorenz Tatiana Shinkan Daniel Spencer Floyd Stoner Khalehla Strong Nikko Vasquez

Butler University Indianapolis Charlene Cortez Dylan Goodman Alex Huard Kelsie Kasper

Franklin College Franklin Alex Mis

Indiana State University Terre Haute Yiorgo Karnezis Paige Kwasigroch

Indiana University Bloomington Lauren Adams Maggie Anderson Alexia Barraza Fred Beckman Mike Brozovic Therese Capriglione Bridget Caraher Patricia Cornejo Michael Cuvala Jacob Demeter Jaclyn Dye Luke Heritage Jenson Huang Julian Lagunas Calvin Leick Jacob Levy Lexie Lyons Vishva Maniar Amy McDunn Brigid McGinty Zoe Mintz Jeremy Murphy Lucas Newell Steven Nowaczyk Luke Pillarella Mackenzie Portone Antonio Presutti Anna Riggs Jeremy Sarnowski Raleigh Sell Ruben Shehigian Anthony Skiba Jeffery Stoll Antoine Van Dyke Sean Wagner Jack Warren Aaron Welch Emily Wierman Sara Wilson Anthony Zmuda

Indiana University Northwest Gary Hannah Bailey Melissa Bermudez

Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Mireya Hernandez Shandan Johnson Serena Patel Christina Sanchez

Marian University Indianapolis Kyle Palermo

Purdue University

c

Valparaiso University

Vincennes Arianna Adams Kory Gouwens

Wabash College Crawfordsville Miles Barilla Vincent D’Angelo Patrick Marsh

Boston Vivian Reba

MICHIGAN

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TEXAS

New York University

University of Texas at Austin

New York City Julia Torres

Austin Allison Dinh

OTHER

Alyssa Amaloo Cosmetology school

WISCONSIN

Brandon Gill

Carroll University

Backpacking in Europe

Waukesha Amanda Osterhus

Kaitlynne Gleason Cosmetology school

Across the map

Seniors attend colleges across the United States, most stay in Indiana 1

University of Michigan

1

Ann Arbor Harsh Jhaveri

1

Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Aleksandar Balac Emily Grunewald

2

3

MINNESOTA

2

1

1

3

4

2 22 161

1 1

1

1 1

Augsburg College Minneapolis Abby Pennanen

Saint Mary’s College

ou s u k

West Virginia State University

Conway Adrienne Lucas

Mount Pleasant Kelli Webb

Rensselaer Emily Flynn Camden Seput Zack Simic

Indianapolis Kyle Jen

Julia Janik Rita Willcox

WEST VIRGINIA

Central Michigan University

Saint Joseph’s College

University Of Indianapolis

GAP YEAR

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston University

Terre Haute Ally Szakacs Michelle Weller

South Bend Jillian Ackermann Anna Bilse Alexia Calderon

Fairfax Chloe Zatorski

Coastal Carolina University

New York City Carly Peilet

Connor Bubash Chet Clark Natasha Jones

George Mason University

SOUTH CAROLINA

Fashion Institute of Technology

WORK FORCE

VIRGINIA

Philadelphia Anisha Vavilala

Vincennes University

Michael Szewka Isabel Hernandez

Marlboro Isabel Zuniga

University of Pennsylvania

Ithaca Lydia Zheng

ARMY

Marlboro College

PENNSYLVANIA

Cornell University

MILITARY

VERMONT

Athens Rachel Bishop

NEW YORK

Valapraiso John Archer Dominick Delia

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

West Lafayette Brian Araya Theo Burgwald Samantha Buvala Kaitlyn Costello Arielle Crowe Eleni Georgalas Caitlyn Gilbert James Han Allison Hajduch Nicholas Heppner-Lundin Emily Johnson John Knight Claire LeMonnier Dara Medina Delaney Mendez Aditya Mishra Logan Mohrs Mackenzie Peirick Luke Persic

Ohio University

New Brunswick Sara Shah

Ronald Barrera

Provo William Ault

Oxford Claire Svoboda

Rutgers University

Fort Wayne Chase Ginaven

Brigham Young University

Miami University

NEW JERSEY

University of Saint Francis

Hammond, Westville Diego Alanis Abby Andersen Zachary Bieniak Justin Blair Mariah Cabrales Alyssa Carpenter Chris Charles DeArJnae Douglas Camryn Fary Christina Hough Sydney Jasinski Nate Kaczka Maya Montoya Jonathan Neeley Eudora Negri Nicholas Ochoa Leo Ortiz Jessica Pazik David Reding Sam Sabo Rebecca Sendejas Karissa Senisais Angelica Small Chris Snyder Emma Trivunovic Gina Webber Katie Wiening Brandon Williams

Fort Wayne Brodrick Claesgens Melody LeVan

Lincoln Daniel Cappo

UNDECIDED

UTAH

OHIO

University of Nebraska

South Bend Abigail Kapitan Tyler Keslin

Purdue University Northwest

Indiana UniversityPurdue University Fort Wayne

Che

University of Notre Dame

Kailey Potts Ruhani Sansoya Maria Sirounis Daniel Soeka Dania Sotak Charles Stringer Abigail Wagner Tiffany Wang Jill Ylo Cecilia Zavala

Paige Bohling Brett Butler Emmanuel Campos Andrew Caroselli Veronica Casillas Hayley Chipules Kaila Crague Kristen Davidson Jeanne Drwiega Camille Jancosek Michael Kotfer Madelynn Moore Laila Nawab Brooke Newton Jocelyn Rivera Darbi Smith Megan Vandergriff Lauren Wenzel

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senior 9

Crier/May 24, 2016

2

1

MISSISSIPPI

1

University of Mississippi

1

1

Oxford Melissa McCann

2

NEBRASKA Creighton University Omaha Bradley Sikora

1

Out of 339 seniors, 228 responded with their future plans for Crier’s survey

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10senior

Crier/May 24, 2016

Crowning the winners Through Crier survey, senior class voted for senior superlatives in several categories

Arielle Crowe

Most intelligent

Harsh Jhaveri

Maria Kyriakos

Best dressed

Fred Beckman

Kelsie Kasper

Most attractive

Vivian Reba

Best hair

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Most likely to host a talk show

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Best social media presence

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FIT FOR A KING At the student-faculty basketball game Feb. 9, Homecoming Queen Mary Pugh, senior, crowns recently announced Turnabout King, Luke Hackett, senior.

Most musically talented

Best shoe game

Morgyn Jackson

photo by Veronica Bilek

Carlos Douglas

Most likely to be president

Anna Riggs

Abbey Kapitan

Sam Plate Logan Armagast, Fred Beckman, Ruben Shehigian

Best dancer

Jaclyn Dye

Anna Riggs

Clay Arnold

Best music taste

Jillian Ylo

Most likely to beat Tetris

Mary Pugh

Best sense of humor

Raleigh Sell Nick Gauthier, Jeff Proctor Zachary Kall Connor Zunica

Cutest couple: Alexia Barraza and Austin Klawitter

Follow us on Snapchat: Munstermedia

senior 11

Crier/May 24, 2016

History

repeats itself Guest Column Mr. Michael Gordon Government teacher

I

should begin by saying that I’m fighting the temptation to give one more government lecture. While everything conceivably is a government lecture, the following remarks are my heartfelt hopes for our soon-to-be graduates as we set you loose upon the world.

I have always loved American history—the colorful stories, the diverse vantage points, the battle of ideas and ideologies, the interactions of flawed characters, the lessons extrapolated and oft-repeated. I like the ongoing search for greater truths and the complexity of defining who we are.

Beyond the colorful heroes and villains, I have always loved the cacophony of theories and ideas that make up

American History.

My favorite era to study is what John Adams referred to as the Critical Period. I define the term broadly, beginning with the conclusion of the French and Indian War and ending with the ratification of the Bill of Rights. This period of revolution and ratification intrigues me, as it is our nation’s adolescence and is centered on the trial and error of constitution-building.

Like teenagers we grew frustrated, rebelled, gained independence, grew more frustrated, experienced severe growing pains, had parties (albeit political), and got even more frustrated … but ultimately we were on our own and developed a government and identity that are uniquely American.

However, as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s King George reminds us, “it’s much harder when it’s on your call.”

Well, my seniors and soon to be graduates, welcome to your Critical Period. It has already begun. I have seen your frustration—a certain constitution exam and some impending finals plaguing you, perhaps—And your growth as you (mostly, intelligently) argued points of view about every right imaginable through case law.

I have seen your rebellion—a certain

Monday after Prom, which I still disapprove of, comes to mind—and your growing pains—as you stress over the finances for next year’s exploits and resolve your end-of-the year responsibilities here at school.

Soon you will be saying your summer goodbyes and then your fall hellos, testing the waters of new jobs and collegiate rigor. You will be paying your own bills, experiencing the trial and error of cooking, laundry and the other vagaries of adult life. Ultimately, in the next few years, one way or the other, you will gain and have thrust upon you—independence.

As the American of the early republic could attest, it’s much harder when it’s on your call.

In front of you, I hope, is your own personal constitutional convention.

You will need to decide who and how you will be. Will you take the quiet, behind-the-scenes scholarly approach of James Madison, the rushed intensity of Alexander Hamilton, or the reserved leadership of George Washington?

Will you just feign leadership like Charles Pinckney or fail to even show up like Patrick Henry?

The term “constitution” refers not only to the limiting institutions within and upon government but also to the physical and emotional make up of one’s self. Can you and will

Taking baby steps Guest Column Lucas Newell Student Body President I stepped off the bus and into the goliath new building that would be my school for the next six years—Frank H. Hammond Elementary.

I do not remember much about the first day of Kindergarten, other than my mom taking photos like a paparazzo on her disposable camera before I boarded the bus that had just come to a stop. All I could think about were the new friends I was going to make.

Year-in and year-out, and always with a camera in hand, my mom would document the biggest journeys and achievements in my life. Be it a new day of school or a graduation, the only change was the technology of the camera and the

ordeal, by our side every step title of my achievement.

The déjà vu of this yearly of the way. From our first cycle brought the same ex- walk, to the walk towards the citement to my mom and the bus in Kindergarten, and our steps across the stage in our same forced smile from me.

It was now freshman year fancy cult-ish gowns, our parof high school and the simple ents were in the crowd (prehomework assignments of el- sumably taking pictures).

But now, in the biggest step, ementary and middle school were over. It was all-nighters we cannot bring our parents and last-minute cram sessions with for the journey. Be it colfrom now on. Early onset lege, into the trade or the forcsenioritis plagued me soon es, our parents are going to thereafter, as the advent of have to let us take these steps group chats, social media, and on our own. smartphones became more distracting each year.

But now, it is senior year. It’s hard to believe we made it.

Thirteen years ago, I could not have predicted how close I would grow with the friends I met in Kindergarten. Friends that I’ve known since then are still some of my greatest friends now. photo provided by Lucas Newell Let us not forget TIME FLIES Lucas poses for a picture during his our parents who kindergarten year at Frank H. Hammond Elementahave had our back ry in 2002-2003. through the whole

you stop and develop a strong constitution? Will you make the ongoing efforts, the amendments if you will, to make that constitution a reality and not mere parchment?

During America’s Critical Period, the Framers wrote and the people ratified the United States Constitution… what will you create during yours?

Go to your own convention; make real decisions about who and what you wish to be. Consider the challenges of the human condition and the impact that you can have on the world around you. Make it a priority to engage in meaningful and honest discourse, learn to listen, learn to act, and learn to learn.

I have always loved American history, and I look forward to your becoming a part of it. Godspeed my seniors, and go with arete.

A word to the wise

Guest Column Mackenzie Peirick Student Body Vice President I was asked to provide some advice to the student body about high school. And with summer quickly approaching, I have already been thinking a lot about my past four years at Munster High School.

My biggest piece of advice about high school that I learned from my parents is to make the most out of everything you do, no matter what it is. I hope the knowledge I have acquired over the past four years will provide some sort of inspiration.

Hard work is the key to success in high school. Whether you’re doing your homework, studying for the ACT, or practicing for your sport, working

graphic by Gavin Hamilton

hard will definitely pay off in the end. A lot of people in my grade had to work extremely hard this year in hopes of bringing their GPA up in time for colleges to see.

Developing a good work ethic early will undeniably make junior and senior year less of a hassle. Managing your time, knowing what subjects need more attention, and getting extra help are all seemingly small things that really will benefit your GPA and minimize stress.

This brings me to my second piece of advice. Make school a priority, but do not make school your life. I have had my fair share of all-nighters, and most have been worth it, but try not to get completely caught up with school.

Go on fun adventures with your friends, go to a football game, spend time with your family, etc. For me, and I’m sure most of you, grades are my number one priority. But remember to relax and have fun with your friends while you still can.

High school has been a roller coaster of events. Even with all of the homework, drama and everything else that has been squeezed into these four years, I wouldn’t trade what I’ve experienced or learned for anything. Memories and friends I have made here are things I will cherish forever.

12senior

Crier/May 24, 2016

Put into

words

photos by Veronica Bilek, Rachel Bishop, Bree Karl

(counterclockwise, from top right) SONG AND DANCE Reacting to a song change, Kyle Palermo, senior, dances at Turnabout. HAVING A BALL In the spring musical, Cinderella, played by Anna Bilse, senior, is escorted to the dance floor by the prince, played by Trey DeLuna, senior. “I think (the best part of “Cinderella”) was honestly soaking every moment in of my last time on stage,” Anna said. “I’m not majoring in theater, so this last performance was really bittersweet for me, and I wanted to make sure I enjoyed every moment of it.” PLAYING DEFENSE After shooting the ball, Maria Sirounis, senior, boxes out her Kankakee Valley opponent while trying to get her own rebound.

Seniors: If you could choose a high school theme song, what would it be?

“I would say (the) Mario (theme song) because there’s a lot of times where you fail and then there’s a lot of times where you successfully jump over a mushroom, and that kind of represents high school.” -Aarju Patel “‘We’re All in This Together’ only because we sort of are, like when it comes to maybe sharing homework or explaining tests. Like we’re all just trying to survive through high school.” -Michale DeLong Seniors: What from high school would you put in a time capsule? “I would put my friends in a time capsule because I don’t want them to change.” -Tim Kracji “Probably all my terrible outfits from freshman year.” -Camryn Whaley “I think I would put in all of my bad grades (as a) reminder not to fail.” -Polina Stamenkovich “I think maybe something from the band

room because I’ve been in band so long.”Leoncio Ortiz Seniors: What was your most embarrassing moment in high school? “Taking Modern (World History) as a senior.” -William Ault “I’ve broken a couple of desks, to be honest.

I’ve broken at least two—I mean, they weren’t my fault. I broke one in Comp class and I sat down and sunk down. And I broke one when the bar on the side—I touched it and it fell down.” -Jonathan Neeley Teachers: What advice would you give to seniors about life after graduation?

“It gets so much better, and they should be prepared to face the life out there. They should be ready to swim in an ocean instead of a pool. They can be as selfish as they want because it is their life and it is about them.” -Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish teacher “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, don't find yourself wondering ‘if,’ better to try and fail than not to try. Just keep pressing on.

It’s better to wear out than rest out.” -Mr. Don Bugaski, math teacher “Life is going to change a lot. Appreciate what the teachers have tried to do for you and appreciate what your parents did for you, too.”-Ms. Catherine Mazeikas, science teacher

infocus13

Crier/May 24, 2016

Painting our past

After a year of work, Carlos Douglas, Art Club president, projects completion of art mural early next year

Field Trip Club

Video Club

This club met at the Performing Arts Center. Members joined in productions behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Ended 2002

Japanese Club

Organized by the guidance office, this club was composed of students who typically did not get an opportunity to visit places like the museum, theater or zoo.

Ended 1984

This club went to Japanese restaurants and expanded on all aspects of Japanese culture. It was active for a total of three years.

Ended 1996

Key Club

Pegasus This was a yearly magazine that featured art and short stories from students. It was brought back for one year, until later turning into creative writing club.

Ended 1977

This is one of the oldest international volunteer programs for high school students. Founded in 1925, their symbol is a capital K with a key behind it.

Ended 1986

Gymnastics Club This team competed during the 1970s across the state. It was later cut due to a lack of student interest and dwindling numbers.

Ended 1987

photo illustration by Vrusti Patel source: Carlos Douglas, senior; Nancy Hastings, former publications adviser, yearbook archive

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14academic awards Mark of

excellence

Students received honors at Academic Awards ceremony last Thursday Underclassman honors Junior Class highest honors: Tessa Bales, John Bales, Jonathan Cieslak, Safa Chowdhury, Ajeyo De, Timothy DeRolf, Mackinzie Farnell, Madolyn Foley, Ian Frantal, Anna Gambetta, Matthew Georgas, Jake Ingoglia, Michael Jonelis, Madhuri Kesani, Ruth Kurowski, Matthew Kvasnica, Saveda Majety, Noah O’Mara, Nirav Patwari, Anna Phelps, Adam Richter, Samantha Rizo, Perima Shah, Lane Terry, Caia Trykall, Marijke Van Dyke, Mariah Villaroman, Anna Whitney, Kayla Williams, Patrick Wu, Jacob Yalowitz, Alexander Yao Hoosier Boys’ State award: Matthew Georgas, David Green, Dylan Harish, Jacob Ingoglia, Noah O’Mara Hoosier Girls’ State award: Isabel Nieves, Alexandra Raycroft, Perima Shah, Lily Warren

Department awards Art: Outstanding Senior-Carlos Douglas; Emily Johnson-Introduction to 2D Art; Samuel Plate-Drawing; Lauren FlorekPainting I; Dylan Bugajski-Painting II; Dania Sotak-Painting II; Logan Armagast-Ceramics III; Carleen RiveraCeramics IV; Brett Butler-Ceramics VI Business: Outstanding Senior-Nicholas Gauthier; Frederick Beckman-Principles of Business Mgt.; Jaclyn Dye-Business Law and Ethics; Hannah Curtis-Web Design & Comp Graphics; Nicholas Eliopoulos-AP Computer Science Family & Consumer Science-Outstanding Senior-Andrew Monthie; Melissa McCann-Nutrition & Wellness II; Trevon Hawkins-Adult Roles; Annalise Cano-Nutrition & Wellness II Music: Outstanding Senior-Jeremy Murphy; Peyton Tinder-Choir; Jonathan Neeley-Choir; Arlo Detmer-Band; Jeremy Murphy-Band; Daniel Soeka-Orchestra; Anthony Zmuda-Orchestra Physical Education: Outstanding Senior-Cameron Jamerson; Brisa Bohling-Physical Education II; Monica Fronczek-Physical Education II; Jennifer Lockhart-Physical Education II; Garrett Manous-Physical Education II; Trevor Maul-Physical Education II; Joseph Nowak-Physical Education II Technology Education PLTW: Outstanding Senior-Michelle Weller; George Babus-Digital Electronics; Nicholas Eliopoulos-Intro to Engineering Design; Nicholas Larson-Intro to Engineering Design; Avi Patel-Principles of Engineering; Michelle Weller-Civil Engineering & Architecture; Joseph Yoniles-Intro to Engineering Design English/Language Arts: Outstanding Senior-Meena Kandallu; Rachel Bishop-Composition and World Literature; Eleni Georgalas-Composition and World Literature; Mariah Villaroman-AP English Literature and Composition; Jordan Szymanski 11-Advanced Newspaper III; Kalie Miles-English 10; Sage Sweeney-Honors English Mathematics: Outstanding Seniors-Bridget Caraher, Julia Chael, Chufan Gao, Harsh Jhaveri, Meena Kandallu, Anthony Zmuda Science: Outstanding Senior-Anisha Vavilala; Frederick Beckman-AP Environmental Science; Michelle Weller-AP Physics; Perima Shah-AP Biology; Kayleigh Yaeger-PLTW Human Body Systems; Kali Konstantinopoulos-Honors Chemistry; Kali Konstantinopoulos-Honors Physics; Kendra Antoskiewicz-Biology I

Social Studies: Outstanding Senior-Sean O’Brien; Amy McDunn-Advanced Sociology; Avi Patel-AP Economics; Matthew Kvasnica-AP Psychology; Alexandra Raycroft-AP US History; Anna Whitney-AP Government; Vivian Wei-AP Human Geography World Languages: Outstanding Senior-Claire LeMonnier; Anisha Vavilala-AP Spanish V; James McKeever-Spanish III; Joseph Bellahcen-Spanish II; Maggie Van Kleek-American Sign Language II; Tyler Keslin-French V; Allison Dinh-French V Indiana University World Language Honors Program France: Meredith Lee Spain: Ani Arzumanian, Alexandria Bleza, Armani Chavolla, Olivia Foley, Tara Layous, Natalia Salazar, Alondra Lopez, Abigail Nita, Obiageli Oniah, Kristin Osborne, Aarju Patel, Katherine Radde, Ben Rasamimari, Caia Trykall, Mariah Villaroman Underclassman Principal’s Award for Excellence 2016: Ani Arzumanian, 11; Ian Brundige, 10; Elliott Fus, 11; Gabrielle Ingoglia, 10; Anna Gambetta, 11; Tara Layous, 10; Ella McComis, 9; William McComis, 9; Sage Sweeney, 9; Ella Speckard, 11; Silvia Lombardo, 10; Mariah Villaroman, 11; Isabella Malagon, 10; Alexandria Shinkan, 10; Joseph Yoniles, 10; Tyler Zabrecky, 9; Kendal Ziel, 10 Underclassmen previous winners of the Principal’s Award For Excellence: Alyssa DeJoan, 10; Timothy DeRolf, 9; Rachel Kalbfell, 10; Alexandra Raycroft, 10; Perima Shah, 10; Arris Yoniles, 10; Olivia Foley, 9

Senior honors Principal’s Award of Excellence 2016: Frederick Beckman, Ally Szakacs, Jillian Ylo Previous Winners of the Principal’s Award of Excellence: Anna Bilse, 11; Julia Chael, 11; Arlo Detmer, 11; Luke Hackett, 10; Harsh Jhaveri, 11; Meena Kandallu, 11; Mackenzie Peirick, 10; Journey Westfield, 11; Megan Zabrecky, 11 Student Leadership: Student Body President—Lucas Newell Student Body Vice-President—Mackenzie Peirick Senior Class highest honors: Brian Araya, Bridget Caraher, Julia Chael, Arielle Crowe, Arlo Detmer, Allison Dinh, James Han, Harsh Jhaveri, Meena Kandallu, Tyler Keslin, Kylee McVicker, Avi Patel, Vivian Reba, Anna Riggs, Collin Sharpe, Daniel Soeka, Anisha Vavilala, Tiffany Wang, Michelle Weller, Emily Wierman, Lydia Zheng, Anthony Zmuda

Senior special awards MHS Booster Club John Mybeck: Arielle Crowe MHS Booster Club Grand Mustang: Meena Kandallu, Daniel Soeka MHS Booster Club Colleen Lusk: Anna Bilse Munster Lions Club Scholarship: Allison Dinh; Jillian Ylo Margaret Niksic Memorial Art Scholarship: Dylan Bugajski Mike Niksic Baseball Scholarship: Alex Mis Munster Rotary Club Scholarship: Arielle Crowe, Frederick Beckman Notre Dame of NWI Scholarship: Abigail Kapitan Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship: Margaret Anderson, Brian Araya, Bridget Caraher, Arielle Crowe, Michael Cuvala, Brett Kaufmann, Claire LeMonnier,

Jacob Levy, Alexandria Lyons, Steven Nowaczyk, Mackenzie Peirick, Luke Pillarella, Anna Riggs, Ruben Shehigian, Daniel Soeka, Sean Wagner, Emily Wierman, Sara Wilson, Jillian Ylo Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Academic Scholarship: Theodore Burgwald Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Fine Arts Award: Carlos Douglas Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Performing Arts Award: Camille Jancosek Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Music Arts Award: Daniel Soeka Eads PTO Scholarship: Tatiana Shinkan, Jillian Ylo Frank H. Hammond K-Kids Scholarship: Arielle Crowe Dr. Wallace Underwood Education Award: Samantha Buvala Central Indiana Community Foundation Joel Yonover Scholarship: Lauren Florek, Peyton Tinder Dr. Terry White Memorial Scholarship: Patrick Marsh Janice Grau Watson Memorial Scholarship: Samantha Buvala Wabash College Scholarships: Miles Barilla, Vincent D’Angelo, Patrick Marsh, David Ortega Legacy Foundation Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Ally Szakacs Edward “Robbie” Robertson Memorial Scholarship: Jillian Ylo Munster Chamber of Commerce MHS Scholarship: Mackenzie Peirick Eternal Valor Foundation 1st Lt. Shaun Blue Memorial Scholarship: Sean Wagner

Senior Class awards and scholarships Jillian Ackermann: Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, LeMans Award Austin Andello: DePaul University, Saint Vincent de Paul Scholarship Brian Araya: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship, National Hispanic Scholarship John Archer: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Mitchell Argamasilla: Purdue University West Lafayette, Poly Technic Institute Dean’s Scholarship, Computer Information Technology Advisory Board Scholarship Clay Arnold: University of Arizona, AZ Excellence in Tuition Scholarship William Ault: perfect score of 36 on ACT Science Alexia Barraza: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Frederick H. Beckman IV: Indiana University Bloomington, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Anna Bilse: Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, Dean’s Scholarship, also offered a scholarship from another university Brett Butler: Indiana University Northwest, Donald H. Berwanger Scholarship Bridget Caraher: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Hutton Honors College Scholarship, Mark and Sandra Niblick Scholarship, perfect score of 800 on SAT Critical Reading Alyssa Carpenter: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship, Honors College Scholarship Julia Chael: University of Chicago, National Merit Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 on SAT Chemistry, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science Charlene Cortez: Butler University, Bulldog Achievement Award Arielle Crowe: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science Michael Cuvala: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Annabel Dafiaghor: Northwestern University, Founder’s Scholarship, Northwestern Scholarship Michale DeLong: Ball State University, Presidential Scholarship, STEM Scholarship Trey DeLuna: Millikin University, Presidential Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, Scholarship for Excellence in Theater, perfect score of 36 on ACT Writing Jacob Demeter: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Arlo Detmer: Grinnell College, Founder’s Scholarship, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, also offered 5 scholarships from other universities Allison Dinh: University of Texas at Austin, National Merit Commendation, also offered 4 scholarships from other

Crier/May 24, 2016 universities Carlos Douglas: Columbia College, Create Engage Explore Scholarship Jaclyn Dye: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, direct admission into Kelley School of Business Caitlin Fitch: Bradley University, Dean’s Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Lauren Florek: Ball State University, Cardinal Scholar Award, Music Scholarship Award, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Chufan Gao: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship Emily Grunewald: Western Michigan University, Presidential Gold Scholarship, Legacy Gold Scholarship Luke Hackett: Saint Xavier University, Saint Xavier University Scholarship James Han: National Merit Commendation Trevon Hawkins: DePaul University, Saint Vincent de Paul Scholarship, also offered 6 scholarships from other universities Jenson Huang: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 36 on ACT English Camille Jancosek: Indiana University Northwest, Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Harsh Jhaveri: University of Michigan, Provost Scholarship, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, perfect score of 800 on SAT Physics Emily Johnson: Purdue University West Lafayette, Dammon Dean’s Scholar Scholarship Shandan Johnson: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Norman Brown Diversity and Leadership Scholarship, also offered 6 scholarships from other universities Zachary Kall: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship, Honors Scholarship Meena Kandallu: University of Chicago, University Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 on SAT Critical Reading, perfect score of 800 on SAT Writing, perfect score of 800 on SAT Literature, perfect score of 800 on SAT Spanish, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Kelsie Kasper: Butler University, an academic scholarship, Butler Grant, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Tyler Keslin: University of Notre Dame, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science Austin Klawitter: Butler University, an academic scholarship John Knight: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship Jacob Levy: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Irving M. Glazer Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Alexandria Lyons: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Emilio Jose Malagon: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Merit Scholarship Patrick Ryan Marsh: Wabash College, Indiana Freedom of Choice Award, President’s Scholarship, Norman Roe Scholarship Melissa McCann: University of Mississippi, full scholarship to the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program Amy McDunn: Indiana University Bloomington, Distinguished Scholar Award, also offered a scholarship from another university Kylee McVicker: University of California-Santa Barbara, also offered a scholarship from another university Alex Mis: Franklin College, Franklin College Discovery Scholarship Jeremy Murphy: Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana Premier Young Talent Scholarship Laila Nawab: Indiana University Northwest, Special Academic Scholarship – Tier Two, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Jonathan Neeley: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Award, Purdue Marquis Scholarship Lucas Newell: Indiana University Bloomington, Hudson Holland Scholarship, Cox Civic Scholarship, also offered another scholarship from another university Steven Nowaczyk: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Sean O’Brien: Butler University, an academic scholarship Amanda Osterhus: Carroll University, Carroll Trustee Scholarship, Donor Sponsor Grant Kyle Palermo: Marian University, Saint Clare Academic Scholarship, also offered 6 scholarships from other universities Avi Patel: University of Michigan, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math Mackenzie Peirick: Purdue University West Lafayette, also offered 5 scholar-

ships from other universities Luke Pillarella: Indiana University Bloomington, Distinguished Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, Charles Davis OEM Match Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Kailey Potts: Purdue University West Lafayette, also offered a scholarship from another university Antonio Thomas Presutti: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, First-Year Indiana Scholars Award, HHSP Hudson Program Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Vivian Reba: Boston University, National Merit Commendation Anna Elizabeth Riggs: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, admittance to The Civic Leaders Center Jeremy Sarnowski: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Rebecca Sendejas: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship, College Bound Scholarship, also offered a scholarship from another university Collin Sharpe: Case Western Reserve University, University Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Ruben Shehigian III: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Tatiana Shinkan: Ball State University, James Krajewski Scholarship Bradley Sikora: Creighton University, Creighton University Award, Creighton University Grant, also offered 8 scholarships from other universities Anthony Skiba: Indiana University Bloomington, also offered a scholarship from another university Daniel Soeka: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 36 on ACT English, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, perfect score of 36 on ACT Composite, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Daniel Spencer: Ball State University, Presidential Scholarship Claire Svoboda: Miami University, Redhawk Excellence Award, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Ally Szakacs: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rose-Hulman Merit Scholar Peyton Tinder: University of Hartford – The Hartt School, Performing Arts Scholarship, also offered 4 scholarships from other universities Julia Torres: New York University, Gallatin Scholarship, perfect score of 36 on ACT English, perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Antoine W. Van Dyke: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, HHSP Hudson Program Scholarship Anisha Vavilala: University of Pennsylvania-Wharton, HHSP Hudson Program Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading Abigail Wagner: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Sean Wagner: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Tiffany Wang: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship, also offered a scholarship from another university Michelle Weller: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rose-Hulman Merit Scholars, RHIT First Robotics Scholar, National Merit Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 800 on SAT Writing, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Emily Wierman: Indiana University Bloomington, direct admission into Kelley School of Business Jillian Ylo: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship, also offered 6 scholarships from other universities Chloe Zatorski: George Mason University, Mason IDEA Award, Mason Freedom Award, Green and Gold Scholarship Award Lydia Zheng: Cornell University, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, perfect score of 800 on SAT Literature, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Anthony Zmuda: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, First-Year Indiana Scholars Award, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math 2, also offered a scholarship from another university

sports15

Crier/May 24, 2016

Finishing strong

getting to State is the main goal. Some guys, our younger guys, they’re just thrilled with advancing to Regionals. When Regionals come, though, it’s win or go home. It’s do or die, so the stakes are higher.”

Boys’ Girls’ Track and Field prepare for regional competitions this week Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor

Girls’ Track and Field

Simon Pirok News Editor

Boys’ Track and Field

Winning Sectionals last Thursday allows Boys’ Track and Field to advance to Regionals this Thursday at Valparaiso High School.

“In order to compete at Regionals, we’ll need to be healthy and mentally prepared,” Coach Johnathan Stamper, Eads and Elliott P.E. teacher, said. “It’s not easy winning at Regionals. We have never done so in school history, but I believe that we could pull it off.”

The team realizes the importance of this point of the season, according to Coach Stamper.

“Going into Regionals, competition gets much stiffer,” Coach Stamper said. “For most of our guys,

On his way to the regional competition in Chesterton at 5:15 p.m, Girls’ Track and Field Coach Richard Sluder, Social Studies teacher, hopes to show up to future competitions with a bus full of athletes.

“Because we’re at the end of the season, we’re trying to fine tune as much as we can in field events,” Coach Sluder said. “In track events, we’re starting to peak, so we’re trying to back off a bit and just get ready for some good competition.”

As post-season competition continues, nerves can play a large role in how the athletes perform, according to Coach Sluder. “(One of the most important things to focus on is) not getting too nervous when you’re competing. As soon as you get nervous, you start messing up and making mistakes,” Coach Sluder said.

Stride to success Unified Track and Field travels to Bremen High School to compete in Sectionals on Saturday Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor Their practices begin like any other sport, with warm-up activities to start and conditioning drills to follow.

Nothing changes when they practice perfecting the baton exchange or the shotput form and technique.

For Unified Track and Field, it isn’t about the differences; it’s about the similarities, according to Mrs. Janet Wories, Westlake teacher.

Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Special Olympics worked together three years ago to offer Unified Track and Field for students with special needs.

“At Munster High School, everyone is really accepting of our kids. They’re not looking at these kids with a disability, they’re looking at what they’re capable of doing. And that’s what it’s about,” Mrs. Wories said. “Our kids, they have to learn a little differently.

They have to get around life a little dif-

photo by Veronica Bilek

OFF TO THE RACES At Crown Point High School Wednesday, Natalie Ostrow, freshman, runs the 400 meter race. Ostrow runs in the 400 meter, 100 meter and participates in long jump. She enjoys Unified Track and Field because she can be with her friends. “It’s fun and because Mrs. (Janet) Wories (Westlake teacher) is the coach, and I’m with my friends,” Ostrow said. “I love long jump because it’s fun and I’m good at it.”

ferently, but they’re capable of doing a lot. And when you watch them, they are capable of running, they are capable of being part a team and forming friendships. It’s been a really nice acceptance on both parts.”

Combining general education students: the partners and special needs students: the athletes, Unified Track and Field aims to create friendships and acceptance for all participants.

The team has 16 members, and their Sectional is at Bremen High School this Saturday. If they perform well enough on Saturday, the team advances to the state competition June 4.

“You know with the kids that have gone (to State) in the past, it’s a really neat experience. It’s not like when you go to other schools and they’re like ‘Come on, come on! Gotta beat them, gotta beat them!’ Everybody cheers for everybody,” Mrs. Wories said. “Our first year was a lot of fun.

Our shot putter was a shot putter for the Boys’ Track team here, and he was actually helping the West Lafayette kids. (During) the last run, everyone in the stands is cheering for them. It’s not about winning, it’s about watching the kids participate, be involved and work as a team. It’s really neat because it’s an accepting feeling.”

With their most recent meet Thursday last week at Crown Point High School, Anna Slosser, junior, explains how the Unified Track and Field atmosphere of acceptance came into play.

“It went well. We came late because of our bus, so we had to really rush and do events really quickly. We don’t really take it too seriously; we’d rather have fun while doing it. We’re not trying so hard to get the best scores,” Slosser said. “They love running; they love doing shot put. Especially Daniel (Mitchell, Westlake senior), because he’s so quiet in class, and he just has this biggest smile when he’s running and doing the shot put.”

Slosser finds that Unified Track has especially helped her create connections with students she might have never talked to before.

“I talk to different people now, especially different students. I didn’t know Diego (Alanis, general education senior), but then I realized we were in the same Pre-Calc class and then we’re doing Unified Track together. I didn’t really know Megan Dato (general education junior), but now I can talk to her,” Slosser said. “(Also) whenever I’m in Mrs. Wories class, I usually only get to see the homework side of (the special needs students’) education; now I get to see their personality more.”

Across the board Baseball The Baseball team will attend their first Sectionals game Thursday against Highland at 5 p.m. The team currently has a record of 17-10 overall and 7-3 in their conference.

The team feels confident about the game against Highland, according to Alex Mis, senior.

“I think it’s nice we’ve already pulled our victory from them,” Mis said. “It gives us the confidence going into the game.”

Over the next week, the team is going to prepare for their first Sectional game next Thursday.

The team is still working on fine-tuning their skills, according to Mis. “I think a big thing we’re trying to overcome is our hitting. We struggle with getting the timely hits with runner in scoring positions,” Mis said.

“We just need people to step up and get those hits for us. I think if this comes around, we’re going to be a pretty tough team to beat.”

Softball After finishing the regular season with a record of 18-10, the Softball team beat Gary West Side 10-0 in the first game of Sectionals last night. The team looks to carry the momentum from their most recent win into game two of Sectionals Thursday against Lowell.

“I’m very confident (for Thursday against Lowell),” Kelsie Kasper, senior, said. “We are a strong team and we’ve beaten (Lowell) twice already. We can’t look past them though, but I know we’ll pull through.”

Currently, consistency is the team’s biggest weakness, according to Coach Beth Thornburg, math teacher, but the team is looking to build off of the Sectional victory.

“We’ve had our ups and downs during the season,” Coach Thornburg said. “We’re definitely on an upswing right now. Hopefully we can continue to get better and play as well as we have been and to help us get as far as we can.”

Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis finished Sectionals last Friday, beating Griffith, and winning for the 40 year in a row.

“It was really exciting to finish my fourth year continuing the state record for the most Sectional wins in a row,” Anna Riggs, senior, said. “We beat every team we have faced thus far, which is another exciting aspect of ending my last season.”

Riggs believes her team will be successful during their Regionals, which begin today against Andrean.

“Our main competition is going to be Crown Point. We beat them during the regular season,” Riggs said. “We won Regionals my freshman and junior year, but we lost while I was a sophomore. I’m excited for Regionals and hopefully Semi-State that follows.

Whether my season ends this week or the next, I’m grateful that I was able to spend the last four years getting to know the girls on the team and working with Coach (Dave) Cafmeyer.”

16student life

Crier/May 24, 2016

What happens in the

bathroom

Controversy surrounding North Carolina’s House Bill 2, Obama Administration’s support for students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity has sparked discussion about gender, With the controversy currently surrounding genderbathroom use in neutral bathrooms, gender, sex are being redefined schools

BACKTALK “X-Men: Apocalypse” premiers Friday. What superhero would you like to be with you in the apocalypse?

Binary facts

65%

and are not designated for males or females. However, as gender-neutral bathrooms are implementContinued from front ed on college campuses he issue of gender-neutral and in public spaces, Tim bathrooms may be one of DeRolf, junior, weighs in on the most prominent civil the discussion. As someone rights debates of the decade. And who identifies as a gay male and now America faces the latest developa member of the LGBT+ community, ment: a letter sent by the Obama adminTim supports the implementation of istration to public schools May 13 gender-neutral bathrooms but directing them to allow students to Gender Sex understands that some may be (gender identity) internal (biological gender) use the bathrooms that match their uneasy with the idea because it sense of self as male, biological differences; gender identity. is relatively new. female, both or neither and chromosomes, hormonal Natasha Jones, senior, identifies “Ideally, I believe that we (gender expression) one’s profiles, internal and as genderfluid and prefers to use should have them because they outward presentations and external sex organs the pronouns “they” and “them.” are kind of more of a progresbehaviors that a society For Natasha, being genderfluid sive idea. Because really, what or culture delineates as means that they sometimes feel gender comes down to is more masculine or feminine more like a male and they somesocial construct than anything,” (Western culture’s times feel more like a female.

Tim said. “So it’s kind of this traditional) view that “You can be born one gender, but idea that a lot of people seem gender is with two rigidly really, your true gender, not just to be uncomfortable with the the idea that gender is a fixed options: male or the gender that you’re born, it can concept (of gender-neutral bathspectrum that expands female, both grounded be any of those genders out there.” rooms) because we’ve had this beyond male and female in a person’s physical And, I know it sounds weird, but idea in the status quo for so long anatomy if you think about it, it’s not really and that’s why a lot of people Genderqueer just that different,” Natasha said. pride flag /Non-binary Transgender pride flag are sort of worried about what’s “It’s just in kind of a spectrum. On going to happen. Whereas, one end, there’s the cisgendered because I have a different view people (whose) true gender is the on it being a part of that comgender that they’re assigned at munity, I kind of see it more as a birth. On the other end there is the progressive movement.” transgender people, whose true Although some oppose genLavender- androgynous, Light Blue- traditional color gender didn’t match up with their der-neutral bathrooms, which androgyny for baby boys assigned gender at birth. And being they believe will increase vioWhite- gender neutrality Pink- traditional color for genderfluid is kind of in the middle lence or sexual abuse, Natasha Green- identities outside baby girls of all that.” argues that there is no evidence of and without reference to White- intersex, transitioning, Because Natasha identifies as to show that gender-neutral gender binary those who identify with genderfluid, they often have difbathrooms will cause more neutral or undefined gender ficulties when using public bathproblems than already exist. rooms. Whenever possible, they “They go in there to do nortry to use family restrooms when mal human things in a restroom; people whose sex refers to an individual in public, but they feel uncomfortthey don’t go in there to see a assignment at birth whose gender identity able when they find themselves in child or something and then corresponds to their does not match their a situation where they have to use start attacking.

That’s not going gender identity and assigned birth gender gender-specific restrooms. to happen,” Natasha said. expression However, Natasha has never Mr. Mike Wells, principal, gone to school administrators with has never received any contheir concerns because they feel that cerns from parents or students of students think of students say they there should not be telling others about their situation regarding MHS’s current lack would be comfortable any gender-neutral carries a social stigma and asking of bathrooms that are meant to using a gender-neutral bathrooms in places for accommodations and is simply accommodate transgender or bathroom at MHS outside of schools not worth the hassle that they feel non-binary students. they will face.

Based on the letter that was graphic by Ian Brundige Under the guidelines presented sources: survey conducted by Crier of 673 students from May 16-20 on received from the Obama Adin the Obama administration’s let- Google Forms, www.genderspectrum.org, www.mashable.com; www.med. ministration, Mr. Wells plans on ter, students like Natasha would be monash.edu.au assessing concerns from students allowed to use the bathroom they to determine a course of action. feel most comfortable in without being required to provide Additionally, Mr. Wells plans on doing more investimedical records or a doctor’s note. gations to see if any physical modifications are needed in Furthermore, transgender or non-binary students these bathrooms to ensure that all students feel safe using cannot be forced to use single-use bathrooms unless other the school’s bathrooms. students are also forced to use single-use bathrooms.

“It’s a balancing act if there’s some kids that might feel Additionally, the letter directs that students should be infringed upon,” Mr. Wells said. “But I think, right now addressed by their preferred pronouns. we’re not in that position because we have enough extra The letter does not specifically address gender-neutral bathroom facilities where if a student wanted to use that fabathrooms, which are open to any person of any gender cility, it wouldn’t interfere with another student’s privacy.”

Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief

T

“Superman because he’s really hot and his muscles fascinate me.”

Taylor Raycroft, freshman

“Green Lantern because he can fly and he can take me to another planet and escape.”

Zakris Shmagranoff, freshman

of students say they would not feel comfortable using a gender-neutral bathroom at MHS

Binary

“The Punisher because he is well equipped with a bunch of weaponry at his disposal at any time. Plus he has military training.”

“Iron Man because he’s made of metal.”

Braedin Moore, sophomore

Amanda Chipules, sophomore

“Iron Man: hand me one of those suits and I’d be up, up and away.”

“Groot. If I’m gonna die, I’d rather listen to Michael Jackson and be happy with Groot.”

Non-binary

Kayla Coleman, junior

Maya Rosales, junior

CISgender TRANSgender

35% 53%

“Definitely Batman.

He has all the cool gadgets, the secret lair and a sidekick.”

Emily Grunewald, senior

“Mr. (Morgan) Nolan (Assistant Principal): he can bend paper clips with one hand.”

Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, science teacher

“Wolverine because he’ll slash through everybody with his claws.”

Sean Wagner, senior

“Myself because I don’t trust anyone with my life, not even a superhero.”

Mr. Dusan Vidovic, math teacher