CRIER Vol. 50/Issue 5/Dec. 11, 2015
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
Page 2: We the People team prepares for state competition this weekend
8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321
From Munster to Millennium
UPCOMING n Final
Exams occur next week:
Wednesday: Periods 1, 3, 6 n Thursday: Periods 2, 4, 7 n Friday: Periods 5, 8 n
n
No Late Start next Thursday: School will begin at 7:35 due to final exams
n
Winter Break: No school from Dec. 19-Jan. 4
Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) presents plans to extend South Shore train line into Munster; town residents discuss potential benefits, express concerns
INSIDE LOOK Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief
photo by Rachel Bishop
ALL ABOARD At the South Shore train station in Hammond, a conductor closes the doors as the 1:57 p.m. train pulls away from the station. The recently presented West Lake Corridor Project will extend the South Shore train line into Munster.
Simon Pirok News Editor
F
or Corin Erwin, junior, taking the train to Chicago is a fact of life.
Once or twice weekly, she catches the South Shore train at the Hammond station and gets off at Millennium Station. With no driver’s license
and no other easy way to travel downtown, taking the train is simply the most practical method of transportation for Corin. “I’m pretty dependent on the trains. Without them I don’t think I would be able to get downtown,” Corin said. “I first started going downtown with my grandma when I was around 3. I like to hang out in The Loop, The West
A matter of time Page 11
Timeline shows phases of NICTD’s West Lake Corridor Project, which is projected to begin construction in 2020 and be complete in 2023 Environmental Impact Statement
Girls’ Basketball plays against Lowell tonight at 7 p.m. at Lowell High School
Project Development Engineering Construction
Page 8 Students discuss experiences performing in theater productions outside of school
2015
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The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be complete in late spring 2016, followed by a 45day comment period and public comments. NICTD will then select which locally preferred alternative would fit best before beginning Project Development. source: www.nictdwestlake.com
Loop and Wicker Park.”
In mid-November, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) held three public workshops in Northwest Indiana to inform citizens about the West Lake Corridor Project. This project, when finalized and approved by the federal government, will add nine miles of track to the existing South Shore Line and extend it into Munster. While exact locations are not yet finalized, current proposals show that a station and terminus will be constructed in Munster. “I plan on going to college in Chicago, so I kind of hope to have a job in Chicago and I may or may not live in Munster, but I think I would, at least occasionally, use the train. It would definitely be a convenience to have a train to Munster,” Corin said. “Even if I’m not (in the area when construction is completed), having a train to a
Continued on pg. 3
Dual Credit teachers await extension on new requirements Indiana to require dual credit teachers to earn Master’s degree in their subject; very few teachers hold this degree Chloe Wineinger Design Editor As of Nov. 23, Indiana has been seeking a fiveyear deadline extension for the new credential standard for dual credit teachers. Originally proposed by the Higher Learning Commission for 2017, this standard dictates that dual credit teachers must have a Master’s degree with at least 18 credit hours in the subject they teach.
With this new regulation, only three teachers would be able to teach dual credit courses based on current credentials “Getting rid of (dual credit) classes removes opportunities for students to get those classes at an affordable price,” Mrs. Kelly Barnes, English teacher, said. According to a press release from Nov. 23, this regulation was intended to qualify the teachers teaching dual credit courses credibility. “Our (dual credit) classes here are up to par or
even better than those offered at some colleges,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “(Improving other schools’ struggling dual teachers at MHS credit programs) might have been would have the angle they’re going for, but the necessary that doesn’t apply to our school.” credentials to Mrs. Barnes, who earned a Masteach the 30 ter’s degree in English, finds that a Master’s degree in Education might currently offered Dual equip teachers to teach more than Credit courses under the a Master’s in their subject would. new requirements “(Teachers have) already put time and money into the education they’ve earned, and to tell them to go back to school because it was all worthless is unfair,” Mrs. Barnes said.
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Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
Quick Notes Science Olympiad Three Science Olympiad teams compete at Boyceville, each places in top 15 Science Olympiad competed at Boyceville High School Science Olympiad Invitational Saturday, Dec. 5. Seventy-seven teams from 50 schools competed, and each individual Munster team, identified by different colors, placed in the top 15. Munster Black placed sixth, Munster Red placed seventh, and Munster White placed fifteenth, according to Harsh Jhaveri, senior. “We felt accomplished because there were 77 teams, which is more than Nationals,” Harsh said. “I feel like we are pretty well set (for future competitions) because there weren’t too many low placings, and we know we’re on the right track.” In individual events, Munster Black placed first in Experimental Design, Munster Red placed first in Dynamic Planet, and Munster White placed first in Electric Vehicle. Science Olympiad’s next competition is January 16.
Mr. Sokol’s Resignation Mr. Sokol takes management position, leaves STM after end of semester After 14 years of teaching at MHS, Mr. Joseph Sokol, math teacher, will start his new management position, his first job outside of education, in January next year. “I feel very good about (my time spent at Munster). I have no regrets,” Mr. Sokol said. “It’s been a great teaching career, and as everybody says, it’s a great place to work.” Mr. Mark Knight, math teacher, will absorb the majority of Mr. Sokol’s current schedule. Mrs. Jessica Baird, math teacher, will now teach AP Statistics, which was formerly Mr. Knight’s class. Administration has hired retired MHS teacher Mr. Don Bugaski to replace classes between Mrs. Baird, Mr. Knight and Mr. Sokol. “(I’ll never forget) the fun moments with students,” Mr. Sokol said. “Every day there’s always something funny, when a student says or does something funny in those ‘you had to be there’ moments, in the sense that it is hard to replicate that moment. Sometimes there’s nothing more fun than a room full of teenagers.”
Corrections
In issue 4 of Crier, Hockey coach Rick Rubino’s name was misspelled. Crier regrets this error.
photo by Easan Venkat
LISTEN UP Preparing for their annual Meat Grinder practice, juniors (from left to right) Skyler Gronkiewicz, Jake Ingoglia, Dylan Harish, Maddie Foley, Mary Kate Pruzin, Caia Trykall, David Green, Gaby Ramirez listen to We the People sponsor, Mr. Michael Gordon, who invites former program alumni and area lawyers to introduce civic education. “Typically at a regular practice we meet with multiple people who are experts in their field,” Gaby said. “The Meat Grinder differs from a regular practice because we met with lawyers we had never presented in front of before.”
Showdown at State We the People increases practice in order to prepare for State competition Sunday, Monday in Indianapolis Chloe Wineinger Design Editor For each member of We the People, “studying 2,000 years worth of intellectual history” and “wrestling with the nuances of a 200-year-old constitution” is a daily routine practiced at least three hours a day before or after school, according to Mr. Michael Gordon, We the People sponsor. “There’s a quote by an Indiana University basketball coached named Bobby Knight who said, ‘Practice should be harder than the game itself,’ and I don’t see why we should be using a lesser philosophy,” Mr. Gordon said. Those practices will ultimately aid the team this Sunday and Monday at the State competition located at the Crowne Plaza in Indianapolis. At this convention, the team will showcase their knowledge of various United States founding documents. Judges will evaluate the team and ask them questions based on their presentations. We the People practices daily before and after school, while Wednesday and Thursday’s practices are modeled after Congressional hearings with attorneys and alumni. Not only do team members take away more knowledge and presentation skills from these meetings, but they can also interact with professional adults who serve as role models for those interested in civics, according to Mr. Gordon.
“In a lot of ways, our full practices are a coming together of a community,” Mr. Gordon said. “It’s hard to leave those practices not feeling a little more than in- Practice makes perfect spired.” We the People invites local lawyers, On top of practice, some alumni for variety of practices team members double their workload by competing in n Monday Night Practices: Practice held Wednesday but traditionally held two events instead of one. on Monday nights; groups of volunThis year there are 15 stuteers, lawyers and program alumni dents in We The People, comhost events pared to the usual 18 student minimum. The team n Unit practice with Mr. Gordon: Regular practices in which units, is required to fill six events groups of three or four students, edit with three people per event, speeches and discuss content so doubling up is necessary for the team, as well as being n Meat Grinder: Once-a-year practice that introduces rigorous civic twice as educated for those education with lawyers and some who do double up, accordformer alumni ing to Jake Ingoglia, junior. “It’s certainly much more n Civic Nights: Increased practices work, essentially doubling with alumni of the program the workload, but We The People really draws you in source: Mr. Michael Gordon, We the People sponsor and makes you want to learn more and more,” Jake said. “So really, I enjoy the pressure of two units. Sure it’s a lot of work, but it’s certainly worth it, and it’s enjoyable work at that.”
Hitting all of the right notes Twelve students chosen for ACDA Conference in February Danie Oberman Associate Editor Twelve members of MHS Chorale and Intermediate choirs were admitted to the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Central Division Conference. The conference, which occurs every other year, takes place over three days in Chicago and includes between 150-200 high school choir students from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
“(Auditioning) is just showing off pure voice right here and taking the best pitches and the best voices that they heard probably out of the three or four hundred that auditioned,” Mr. William Woods, music teacher, said. The students admitted to the conference are seniors Lauren Florek, Yiorgo Karnezis, Jonathan Neeley and Antoine Van Dyke; juniors Elliott Fus, Frank Storino and Matt Travis; and sophomores Richard Caraher, Alainna Carey, Olivia Hesterman, Chloe Janco-
sek and Abigail Negri. “I feel great (about making ACDA),” Elliott said. “It’s a great confidence booster. I get to use my musical skills at a high level. It’s great to be part of a really elite group, and it’s great to represent MHS.” Working with top singers from all four states provides Alainna with a valuable learning opportunity. “I know there is going to be a variety of freshman through seniors, so I hope to maybe have some of the older kids
shed some words of enlightenment on me,” Alainna said. Attendees will also work with choir directors from colleges, high schools, middle schools, churches and professional choirs in preparation for a final performance. Attendees are required to memorize and master six songs before February. “It’s a really talented group of people who read an extremely high level of music,” Elliott said. “I think it’s a great experience for musicians like myself in the future, because eventually I’m going to be going into music. I think this is a good learning experience, and I think it’s great for the people who made the choir.”
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Crier/Dec. 11, 2015 ‘From Munster to Millennium’
Laying a new track
Continued from pg. 1
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has proposed a route and station locations for the West Lake Corridor Project, which will extend the South Shore train line into Munster
major city like Chicago is always going to be a help.” Millennium Station
This facilitation of transportation would create economic opportunity by giving Munster
residents an easier way to commute to higher paying jobs in Chicago, according to Mr. Dustin Anderson, town manager. Mr. Anderson also says that the train would promote local employment because of the construction that the stations and tracks will require. “Places either grow or die, and I believe that the Town of Munster believes that having a train to Chicago plays a role in ensuring the continued financial viability and vitality of Munster,” Mr. Anderson said. In support of the project, The Town of Munster currently contributes 34 percent of its seated allocation fund, which is the maximum allowable contribution. “If you believe that transit-oriented development is a good thing, if you believe that a train to one of the largest economies in the country is a good thing, then you would contribute to the fullest extent,” Mr. Anderson said. Beyond supporting the advantages that Mr. Anderson believes this project can bring to the town, he also hopes that the contribution will make NICTD more receptive to feedback from the town and residents by creating “a partnership relationship rather than an adversarial relationship.” However, Mr. Anderson emphasizes that, since the extension of the train line is a federal project, the implementation of these plans do not require the approval of each municipality that it will affect.
At the Nov. 23 Town Council meeting, time was allocated for the council to address the community’s questions about the project. Most of these concerns regarded property and homes that would have to be taken to make way for the track or station. Despite these concerns, Mr. John Reed, town councilman, explains that the federal government must provide monetary compensation for such properties, and that this compensation is usually at a price higher than the market value. “I realize there’s going to be some disappointed property owners, who, at some point or another, have to give up their home or maybe even their business and relocate,” Mr. Reed said. “But I don’t think, under any circumstances, that anyone is going to be financially harmed in that process. I hope the people will come out ahead.” However, Munster residents Mr. Jim Bulfer and Mrs. Andrea Bulfer, who attended the
Town Council meeting in addition to the public workshop, still have concerns about the value
The length, in miles, by which the project will extend the existing South Shore line
4
Lake Michigan
94
Hammond Downtown Hammond
East Chicago
South Hammond 80
Gary Metro Center Clark Road (Gary)
Munster/Dyer-Main Street
The number of years until construction of the extension starts
South Shore Line Proposed Extension Proposed Station Existing Station
of their property. Mr. and Mrs. Bulfer live south of Ridge Road and west of Calumet Avenue in Munster along the abandoned Monon railroad tracks, through which the proposed rail will likely run. Although the track does not physically affect any part of the Bulfers’ property, they are concerned about the effect of having a train running about 100-120 feet from the edge of their house. “Our property as we sit on it is not being disturbed. Our way of life of enjoying our backyard, of being on our deck and having picnics and sitting out with neighbors would be affected,” Mrs. Bulfer said.
source: www.nictdwestlake.com
Mr. and Mrs. Bulfer emphasize that they support this project, but would be opposed to it if neighbors who were directly affected were not compensated or treated unfairly. “My personal opinion is that I don’t want the train there because I’m afraid it will affect my quality of life (and) the value of my property. However, I am of the opinion that it would be really good for the Town of Munster because if I lived anyplace else, I would want to be able to catch the train right over here as opposed to going to Hammond or to East Chicago. I just want to make sure that the people who are affected by this are taken care of,” Mr. Bulfer said.
Students compete in Lexus Eco Challenge
Juniors Patrick Wu, Adam Richter, Matt Kvasnica, Ajeyo De, and Shreyas Iyer, freshman, have created a team to compete in the Lexus Eco Challenge. The challenge requires teams to find a way to help the environment in at least one of the two available challenges: Land and Water or Air and Climate. The team had to submit their entry for the Air and
2023 3 5 The number of public workshops that NICTD held in November
Munster-Ridge Road
Ian Brundige Student Life Editor
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The project’s planned completion year
Hegewisch
Team of students enters competition that aims to help environment; winners eligible for $30,000 grand prize
The number of stations that the project will create in Hammond, Munster and Dyer
The number of trains that will come through the new stations each weekday
90
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Climate contest today, answering questions on an online Action Plan form or PowerPoint with supporting material about how they implemented their plan. As the first step in implementing their plan, team Adviser Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, science teacher, sent out a survey asking students if they would consider shutting their computers down each night in order to help the environment and save money on energy bills. The team used that data to estimate how much energy is saved by the people who answered “yes.” The team also hung posters around MHS to encourage students and teachers to turn off their laptops when not in use. “We thought that, especially for our school where everyone has a laptop, it would be a good idea to focus on convincing people to turn off their computers
and save energy from that,” Adam Richter, junior, said. In the first round of challenges, 16 teams from middle school and 16 teams from high school will win $10,000 each. These 32 finalist teams are eligible to compete in the final challenge with a grand prize of $30,000 for one team from a high school and middle school. The success that another MHS team experienced three years ago, winning $10,000 by raising awareness of the importance of maintaining a clean, functional positive crankshaft ventilation (PCV) valve to filter exhaust from automobile engines, motivates the current team to earn an invitation to the final challenge, according to Adam. “We don’t see it as pressure situation, but an opportunity to succeed if we put the work in,” said Adam. “I think we have a good chance. This is the first challenge, and if we do well, there is another challenge, (the final challenge), after it.”
4 spotlight
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Acapella
Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
Songs of Christmas Pop
Aca-what? Aca-Christmas. That’s right, the acapella genre, a genre in which artists use no instruments and perform all songs entirely by voice, is taking center stage and its Christmas renditions make for some of the most impressive takes on old, jolly tunes.
5. “Mary, Did You Know” by ARIA Music 4. “Need a Little Christmas” by Eclipse 6 3. “Deck the Halls” by The Holiday 2. “My Grown-Up Christmas List” by The Manhattan Transfer
Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor
H
ow many times are we gonna rock around the Christmas tree? There are a million different ways Santa came to town. And don’t even get me started on jingle bells. Listening to Christmas music is one of the most treasured pastimes, but the same handful of songs can get tiresome. Well, all I want for Christmas is a new holiday playlist, and I think I found it in these 25 songs of Christmas.
1
“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by Pentatonix is every-
thing listeners could want out of an acapella Christmas song. Pentatonix creates sounds that are completely mind blowing and fast-paced. As a fun and impressive instrumental track using no instruments and only their voices, this could be the perfect background song for quiet tree decorating or an intense round of sledding.
Alternative
From Taylor Swift to Mariah Carey, it seems that every artist on Billboard’s Top 100 has cranked out a holiday album. This top five narrows it down to the ones that combined the contagious holiday spirit with catchy Top 40 hits.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Buble 4. “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey 3. “Man With the Bag” by Jessie J
5.
2. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
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“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber dropped in 2012. Nearly three years later, his hit “Mistletoe” is one of the best fresh Christmas songs of the late 2000s. Beliebers everywhere rushed Target to get the first taste of Justin’s take on the Christmas classics. With nostalgic lyrics and a catchy beat, Bieber has everyone thinking of their first Christmas sweetheart.
Hip-Hop/ R&B
Although a screamo version of “Silent Night” sounds like quite the oxymoron, “Punk Goes Christmas,” a collaboratory album dedicated entirely to Christmas songs, has been making it work for nearly 15 years.
These top five hip-hop/R&B jams are anything but traditional. Featuring artists such as Kanye West and Ludacris, this list is also nothing but a good time. The fresh beats paired with ridiculous rhymes add reassurance that even Santa likes rap music.
These top five country spins on traditional Christmas music add twang to any yuletide carol. By combining some of country music’s legends with the classics, it makes for a satisfying mix.
5. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by
5. “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the
5. “Home” by Blake Shelton 4. “Christmas Shoes” by Newsong 3. “Christmas in Dixie” by Dolly Parton
2. “I Won’t Be Home For Christmas” by
Country
2. “Where are you, Christmas” by Faith Hill
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“Let it be Christmas” by Alan Jackson takes the fruitcake on best country
Christmas song since its debut in 2002. The original lyrics and simplistic tune make this track the perfect feel-good Christmas classic.
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Issues
4. “Christmas at 22” by The Wonder Years 3. “Fool’s Holiday” by All Time Low Blink 182
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“Father Christmas” by Man Overboard is not the first to remake
this song, but they are by far the best. Lead singer Nik Bruzzese gives the song the scene edge it needs. And coupled with sarcastic, yet weirdly comforting, holiday spirited lyrics, this song is as “Punk Goes Christmas” as it gets.
Ghetto” by Nate Dogg 4. “Santa Baby” by Run D.M.C
3. “Sleigh Ride” by TLC 2. “Ludacrismas” by Ludacris
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“Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West is what listeners would
expect from Yeezus. Kanye West cranks out yet another hit and this time sleigh bells happen to be playing in the background. This Christmas song has that specific flair it takes to still be playable in the middle of July. Listeners can add “the Kris Kringle of rap” to Kanye’s list of comparisons.
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speakout 5
Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
CRIER Munster High School
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.
GET ON BOARD WITH CHANGE At one point or another, everything we know today began as something else. While community members may have hesitations about the commuter train, they should recognize the potential for growth and positive change.
editorial
A new train of thought
On Nov. 19, 1951, the Chicago Tribune published “Superhighway for Northern Indiana Pushed,” an article about financing plans for a new system of roads in Indiana. When the article was printed, construction had recently begun on the first major highway in Northwest Indiana (NWI), and state officials were attempting to link this highway to other locations in OUR TAKE NWI with another superhighway. In Building a order to finance this plan, the Indiana commuter rail Toll Road Commission proposed that line will benefit the new superhighway be a toll road. the area’s economy However, this plan faced pushback as NWI residents questioned the Constitutional legality of a toll road and began composing lawsuits. To support the proposed toll roads, James D. Adams, chairman of the Indiana Toll Road Commission, stated in an interview for the article, “The need for a modern, multiple lane highway across Indiana has become self-evident. The delays and the casualties from the growing congestion have become intolerable.” Now, six decades later, the highway system that Adams hoped for has become one of the
most important pieces of NWI infrastructure, serving as a link to the economy of Chicago. And Adams’ statement is still equally relevant today as NWI faces a new infrastructure-related dilemma. With the recent announcement of the West Lake Corridor Project, which will extend the South Shore Train Line into Munster if approved by the federal government, town residents have expressed concerns about property values, property losses and increased traffic in town. While these concerns differ from those facing the superhighway of the mid-1900s, the situations are essentially the same. In both situations Munster residents are forced to make a decision: do we risk limiting growth by refusing to consider new opportunities? Or do we accept that, though there may be negative aspects to this project, it will ultimately increase opportunities by creating a stronger link between the economies of Chicago and Munster? As a suburb that depends heavily on Chicago for employment and travel opportunities, Munster must welcome the advantages that a commuter rail would offer.
Lights. Camera. Take action. Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor “I’m just trying to save lives.” Spike Lee, producer and director of the controversial film “Chi-Raq,” made this statement when an interviewer asked what his motive was for making a movie comparing the gang and gun violence in Chicago’s South Side to the violence in the war zones of Iraq. With its premiere last Friday, such a film comes on the heels of another video that left law officials and citizens of Chicago under a national microscope. This video was not a product of Hollywood, but instead taken from a police dash cam the night a 17-year-old black teenager named Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times and left dead in Chicago’s streets. We could have saved his life. This murder was not the fault of the gang violence that “Chi-raq” portrays
but was instead another form of senseless gun violence at the hands of a Chicago policeman, Jason Van Dyke, who is being charged with first degree murder for the shooting. No matter where the needless violence comes from, there is no denying that it exists. So much controversy surrounding the depiction of Chicago in “Chi-Raq” stemmed from a movie portraying the city for what it is: a bloodbath. But light has to be thrown on the darkest parts of Chicago and citizens have to take action in order for change to be made. Or will it remain the same? Will Laquan McDonald’s name go down as another statistic on the long list of others who have lost their lives to Chicago’s gun violence? The Chicago Tribune reports that, as of June 2015, nearly 1,000 people are shot in Chicago yearly. 1,000 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers or sis-
ters. 1,000 families mourning an unnecessary death. Are we trying to save lives? The statistics suggest we’re not. The 1,000 real people who die every year get a news article or, in extreme cases like that of Laquan McDonald, a week of national attention. The rest of the time, we walk around living our lives without a thought to the people losing theirs every day in our own city. But not everyone is ignoring the lives lost. Radio stations like Power 92 announce periodically throughout their broadcasts, “Put the guns down, Chicago.” Movements like “Black Lives Matter” fight against police violence like such that which claimed Laquan’s life. Spike Lee spent years of work, months of filming and $15 million for the streets to realize it is time to save themselves. So I’m asking you, Chicago, what are you doing to save lives?
•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 Editors Sofia Navarro Alexandria Shinkan Student Life Editor Ian Brundige Cartoonist Gavin Hamilton Head Photographer Rachel Bishop Business Manager Mary Ellen Gilhooly Photographers Veronica Bilek Elisa Del Toro Mary Ellen Gilhooly Olivia Hesterman Brandi Hoover Danijela Kaurin Sidney Milne Emma Trivunovic Easan Venkat Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
6 infocus Through the decades People have sported Air Jordans for over 30 years; the designs for the shoes were adapted in different forms
The shoes name comes from the movie ‘He Got Game’
2007
2009
‘He Got Game’
A backpack was designed based of on the shoe in 2012
‘Bred 11’
This shoe has designed to look like the original 1992 shoe, ‘Bordeaux’
2010
‘Bordeaux 7’
A LEGO creation of shoe was made in 2015
2011
‘Concord 11’
The shoe was originally designed in 1990, and three other models have been released since
2013
‘Black Tongue 5’
sources: Julian Alvarado, sophomore, Mark Montella, senior, and kicksonfire.com photo illustrations by Veronica Bilek and Elisa Del Toro
Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
Walking onAIR With Sneaker Con tomorrow, students discuss experiences collecting, trading Air Jordan shoes Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor Like most people, Mark Montella, senior, owns shoes, but he owns 19 pairs of Air Jordans and considers them to be a major aspect of his life. Mark first developed his passion for shoes his sophomore year and made them into a business. He has had experience selling to people of all ages across the state. “I first started my collection when a friend of mine introduced me to his business (of selling shoes),” Mark said. “I’ve sold to 30 plus people: adults, kids, people in their thirties, forties. I bought my first pair (the Air Jordans Black Tongue 5’s) myself, and I’ve had a passion ever since.” After his first purchase of Air Jordans, Mark has had a passion for growing his collection. The collection and business he has today would not exist if it were not for his Black Tongue 5’s, and he plans on holding on to them no matter the offer he receives, according to Mark. “I will never sell (my first pair of Air Jordans) because they were the first pair of shoes I ever bought with my own money,” Mark said. “Also, they were the shoes that started the love I have for shoes today. If I never bought those shoes that day I would have never developed my love for shoes I have now. I’ve received offers for them, but I always turned them down.” Sneaker Con, a national convention where people can buy, sell or trade shoes held annually in Chicago and various cities, is an event Mark enjoys
photo illustration by Elisa Del Toro
SHOE SAVVY Standing behind his Air Jordan shoes and a pair of Louboutins (front row, second from left), Mark Montella, senior, collects and sells these shoes. He purchased his first pair of Air Jordans in the 2013 summer. “My first pair of shoes were Air Jordan Black Tongue 5’s that released in 2013,” Mark said. “I got them brand new at the store Succezz in Chicago. It was the first pair of Jordans I ever bought, and I still have them to this day.”
attending to enlarge his collection. He also attends the convention on business by listening to various offers for his shoes. This year, Sneaker Con will be held at McCormick Place tomorrow. “I try to find as many steals as I can to buy (shoes), especially around November with Sneaker Con in December,” Mark said. “I go every year to sell and buy shoes. I’ve gone for the past six years, and I plan on going every year when I can. Other “sneakerheads” like Julian Alvarado, sophomore, also attend Sneaker Con annually, and he plans to take part in the buying, selling and trading aspects of the convention. “I enjoy going to different events like Sneaker Con and selling some shoes there,” Julian said. “I bring all my shoes, and I try to sell them or trade them. I try to go every year with a few of my friends and we sell our shoes.” Unlike Mark, who buys shoes and sells them to anyone offering him the right price, Julian prefers to wait and determine whether or not he wishes to
keep the shoe or sell to the right buyer. “Usually I buy (shoes) to wear and collect them, but if I buy (the shoe) and I end up not liking them so much, I’ll find someone to sell to,” Julian said. “I’ve sold to about 10 people so far. I usually pay about $180, but if I want to sell them, my price depends on how rare they are and how exclusive they are.” Even after all of the business is taken care of on the internet, Julian occasionally encounters people who think he is just in the business to make money. “I see a lot of people on the internet saying hateful things about what I do and what other people do with their shoes, but whatever,” Julian said. “There was this person that was calling me out, saying stuff (about) how I don’t like shoes and that I just buy them to sell them and (that) I don’t care about them. But that’s not true, and I had to tell them that. Most of the time though, I just don’t respond to these people, but if they say something untrue, I’ll defend myself and what I do.”
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Holiday Help Wanted
When Matt Travis II, junior, started his job at Kmart, his bosses had
Students discuss benefits of working seasonal jobs Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor
W
inter Break signals for most faculty and students that the work
has finally stopped, but for Jolie Goldberg, junior, it means that the job has just begun. “I had a lot of fun (working at Albert’s Jewelers) in the summer, and they really appreciated my help,” Jolie said. “They asked me if I would be available during the holidays because they thought I did a nice job helping everyone out.” Students like Jolie find themselves taking advantage of the extra help needed by many businesses during the holiday season. “I think (working during the holi-
photo by Veronica Bilek
ATTENTION KMART SHOPPERS Price checking a toy, Matt Travis II, junior, works at Kmart as a customer sales associate. He finds that working in retail allows him to gain exposure to real life situations, rather than only knowing life in high school. “Too many people are just caught up in this time of their lives. It’s important to see everything from multiple perspectives, and what is a better way to do that than with a job,” Matt said.
day break) is nice because I can focus on my job instead of worrying about school and practices,” Jolie said. “It’s nice to have a little money of my own, and it’s taught me responsibility.” Winter break allows Jolie to have more of an open schedule for work, as she is busy with her other commitments during the year. “Dance is a major part of my life,
and it’s really hard to schedule me for work,” Jolie said. “I’m really appreciative that they can give me the time to do both things (by letting me work during the holiday break). It’s hard to tell them (I can’t work) because it’s not a typical teenage job, so it’s different for me to come in and have all those restrictions. But they’re happy to have me whenever they can get me.”
planned for him to work only for the season; however, they decided to hire him as a regular salesman in the electronics department. “You can work your way up into management. It’s definitely something you can do,” Matt said. “I think it’s good for everyone to have a job like mine that exposes you to the reality of life.” Luke Persic, senior, will plow snow-covered roads with Don’s Landscaping & Snow Removal not only because of the extra money it allows him to earn, but also for the extra help he can give to the business. “Probably just interacting with people (is the best part),” Luke said. “It is not a common job. I’m one of the youngest people. It’s a unique opportunity for a teenager with extra time during the break.” Seasonal jobs can offer students multiple different benefits that are not always easily available to them, according to Luke. “(The opportunity to have a seasonal job) is great. You earn a little extra money, whether it’s for presents or anything over the holidays. You’re getting work experience over break if you didn’t have time during school. If you worked before break, and continued working during break, you’d get even more extra money for whatever,” Luke said. “Seniors need money. This is the first time I’ve really needed money. Every year before this year was ‘I want this.’ I never needed to buy anything, but now I do.”
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Students on stage Student actor, dancer perform on stage for community theatre winter productions Alexandria Shinkan Infocus Editor
‘Waltz of the Snowflakes’
screenshot of promotional video provided by Lakeshore Public Media
GOLDEN AGE Practicing for the yearly production “A Fabulous 50’s Christmas, Peyton Tinder, senior, (second from the left) smiles with costars (left to right) Paul Michael Thomson, Adam King and Courtney Lucien. The musical consists of Christmas carols and ‘50s commercials, and every commercial has different pairings of the actors, so there are no character names. Instead the cast all created names for themselves as a joke, according to Peyton.“All the other girls came up with really cute ‘50s names like Lucille and Dorothy, so I came up with Lafaunda,” Peyton said.
had to audition for Joffrey. “I took the summer intensive there, and they have open auditions for the year-round program and I just took a class for an audition and was judged by the artistic directors and one of the main teachers at Joffrey,” Liv said. Every year the dancers who perform for Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker” receive different parts so they can improve and try each role, according to Liv. “It is like a tradition, because as you get older, your roles get more and more exciting because the parts become more important and bigger, so you always want to improve to have more fun each year,” Liv said.
Rockin’ Fifties
It was senior Peyton Tinder’s first community theater musical. When she got the part of Tootie in “Meet Me in St. Louis” at Beecher Community Part Time Players, she was just 10 years old. “I was really nervous, and I didn’t think I was going to get the part because the assistant director’s granddaughter had auditioned as well, and I thought she was going to get it,” Peyton said. Since then Peyton has performed in many productions, and her next professional performance is “A Fabulous 50’s Christmas” at the Towle Theater in Hammond. She is paid for this performance on a stipend,
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a set amount of money given at the production’s end. “I love performing more than anything else, and I have been doing it for as long as I can remember,” Peyton said. “Before I realized that I loved theater, I loved music and was always singing.” Since 2003 the Towle Theater has put on “A Fabulous 50’s Christ“A Fabulous 50s Christmas” mas.” The musical reenacts commercials n Peyton spends 7 days a week preparing for the musical and Christmas carols from the 1950s. n There are 6 actors and actresses Peyton will perform in the show in three commercials She rehearses 4 hours every night and sing the Christsource: Peyton Tinder, senior mas carol “Toyland.” “I do community theater to gain as much experience as I can. I do not get paid for community theater, but I do for professional theater,” Peyton said. “Professional theater is very important to me because it is what I want to continue doing in the future.” Peyton has performed at the Towle Theater since 2010, and she gained her inspiration to audition for “A Fabulous 50’s Christmas” when she saw the musical in 2013 and 2014. “It allows everyone to enjoy Christmas music that they all know and love,” Peyton said. “(The audience) get a feel of how television was in the ‘50s with the funny little commercial scenes.” n
Waiting for Joffrey Academy of Dance’s email on whether she gained admission to the dance school or not, Liv Rivich, sophomore, eagerly hoped for an acceptance. This is her first year at Joffrey and her first year performing for Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” She has performed in productions of “The Nutcracker” every year since she was 10 years old at Hyde Park School of Dance. “I love this role because I have not done it in a few years, and it feels good going back to something I performed in my childhood,” Liv said. “It is easy to learn and perform because it is one of the most childlike roles.” Liv started dance at the age of three when her parents placed her in ballet at Hyde Park School of Dance. “I liked the order and dis“The Nutcracker” cipline it gave me, because it was always the same and n Liv spends 1 hour I really liked that,” Liv said. every day at dance class “It was like my own little n There are 3 performances world, because it (dance is) of “The Nutcracker” this secluded.” year n She practices 5 times a Liv played a new charweek for “The Nutcracker” acter every year, with the exception of a girl’s Polichsource: Liv Rivich, sophomore inelle doll toy that comes to life, and this year she will dance as a doll again. “I was very excited because we would use a huge hoop skirt that all the dolls hid under, and that was the coolest thing to me,” Liv said. “The Polichinelle dolls are fun, and it’s more playful because you’re little kids.” At Hyde Park School of Dance, Liv had to audition, but at Joffrey, dancers receive parts based on their dance experience. Even though Liv does not have to audition for Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker,” she
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Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
Runs in the family Brothers on wrestling team train together as team leaders, prepare for meet tomorrow at Calumet Ian Brundige Student Life Editor Wrestling each other every day since they were little, Jason Crary, junior, and his younger brother Cody Crary, sophomore, still wrestle today for the physical activity, stress relief and enjoyment the sport brings to them. “(I started wrestling) when I was five because I saw a poster, and it looked interesting,” Cody said. “(My first wrestling experience) was really difficult and was really physical.” Jason has also been wrestling since he was five years old and is now a leader on the team because of the experience he received at a young age, according to Jason.
“I started wrestling in kindergarten. I went to the high school to a program called ‘Learn to Wrestle,’ and there was a whole bunch of little kids learning to wrestle,” Jason said. “(Now my strengths are) my technique and my (physical) strength.” According Cody, his strengths are his toughness and hard-working nature. The wrestling team will compete in the Chris Traicoff Memorial Wrestling Invitational at Calumet High School tomorrow. It is a difficult competition against some strong teams, but Jason explains that comparing ranks at a large tournament, wrestling live at practice, and competing as if they are in an actual match, encourages a competitive spirit between Cody and him. “When (Cody and I are) wrestling live, we always fight over who gets the last take down,” Jason said. “(Wrestling has) strengthened (our relationship). We’re a lot more competitive in little things.” In Jason’s ten year wrestling career, he has been a six-time Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) state champion, five-time USA Wrestling All-American title winner, and twotime USA Wrestling national champion. Cody’s accomplishments include being a one-time ISWA state champion and two-time USA Wrestling All- American title winner. “I don’t say this because Jason and Cody are my sons,” Coach Michael Crary, wrestling coach, said. “But Jason, particularly, is just a junior (and) has exceeded the accomplishments of any Munster athlete over the past 15 years with one Semi-State championship and placing both years at State Finals.”
Pushed too far Sports column Simon Pirok News Editor When college or professional basketball fans see the name Jamal Murray, the University of Kentucky’s star point guard comes to mind. But what many do not know is that Murray had an odd upbringing of sorts. To ensure that his son focused on bas-
ketball, Murray’s father disconnected the family TV, refused to buy a phone for his son, and did not allow him to go out with friends. Instead, Murray’s father made him constantly work out in the gym and forced to never stop in order to improve his game. Could his father’s strict forms of training potentially led to destructive decisions? It has been seen in the past: a child athlete encouraged, or in some cases forced, to train in their sport like Los Angeles Raiders’ quarterback Todd Marinovich. Marinovich was offered numerous scholarships his senior year to many universities that were considered pow-
photo by Veronica Bilek
BROTHERLY LOVE Practicing and training for the wrestling season, Jason Crary, junior, drills with younger brother Cody Crary, sophomore. To prepare for up coming meets, the Crary brothers train each other to push themselves.“ We practice everyday trying to get better,” Jason said. “We compete in small things outside of wrestling so practicing makes us more competitive.”
erhouses at the time. Marinovich first started experimenting with drugs and alcohol during his time in high school, which ultimately led to his downfall. Marinovich was arrested during the tail end of the 1990-91 season at the University of Southern California for cocaine possession but was released without bond and scheduled for a court hearing and declared to enter the NFL draft. During his rookie NFL season with the Oakland Raiders, Marinovich started swallowing pharmaceutical amphetamines before stepping onto the field. Due to his arrest for cocaine possession, Marinovich was subject to several drug tests. When he failed his third drug-test, the Raiders released Marinovich. Marinovich was introduced to heroin, which eventually led to an-
other arrest. Marinovich can now be found creating and selling his abstract art online. Marinovich’s story should be used as a warning for parents and child athletes of the dangers immense amounts of pressure can bring. While it may be too early to tell with Murray, there is a clear history of pressured child prodigies destroying a promising future with a few wrong moves. Could prodigal child athletes eventually look to morally wrong decisions as an escape from the pressures they face as professional athletes? Sports fans have all heard stories about athletes excelling in college play, yet falling short in professional competition due to the fact they simply can’t perform under incredible amounts of pressure. Could we be seeing this again with Murray? Only time will tell.
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h s a l p s a e Mak
Divers use different positions to accomplish various diving styles
Up in the air
Different diving styles require varying skill levels Twister Difficulty level: Involves completing a full turn in the air while twisting the body laterally Reverse Difficulty level: Involves jumping forward off of the board and turning halfway through the air so the body enters the water head-first while facing the diving board Back Difficulty level: Involves jumping backwards off of the edge of the board and turning halfway through the air with the body entering the water head-first and facing away from the board
The freestyle position is meant to accommodate any style of dive. This position is meant for more complicated styles of dives, such as turning. The focus is more on the performance of these diving styles than the form of the body.
Freestyle
demonstrated by Taylor Brant, senior
Pike
The pike position is performed by bending over to grab the lower calf while keeping both legs straight. Combining both of these tasks at once is the most difficult dive, according to diver Michael Johnston, junior.
demonstrated by Taylor Brant, senior
Inward Difficulty level: Involves jumping backwards off of the edge of the board and turning halfway through the air with the body entering the water head-first and facing the diving board Forward Difficulty level: Involves jumping forward while entering the water feet-first
Tuck The tuck position involves a bend in the knees that brings the legs into the body. The legs are kept in place by wrapping the arms around the knees, resembling a ball.
Straight The straight position requires the body to remain flat throughout the whole dive.
demonstrated by Eleanor Wilson, freshman
source: Michael Johnston, junior
demonstrated by Eleanor Wilson, freshman source: Michael Johnston, junior
photo illustration by Veronica Bilek, Danijela Kaurin and Brandi Hoover; graphic by Chloe Wineinger
Keeping eyes on the prize Determined training Boys’ Swimming balances sleep schedule with practices Danie Oberman Associate Editor Six days a week, Boys’ Swimming practices to prepare for competitions such as their meet against Lowell next Wednesday. However, the practice schedule makes keeping up in school hard, according to Lundin. “In classes, I tend to fall asleep quite often,” Lundin said. “It’s really hard getting all of your homework done after school when you’ve had twelvehour days.” While Coach Matthew Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, recognizes the team’s struggles, he stresses the importance of using their time wisely and notes the benefits of being on the team. “I think the kids learn a lot about time management and it’s been proven that kids that are in sports and have
demanding schedules typically do better academically in school than kids who are not in activities, so I think it’s overall a positive thing,” Coach Pavlovich said. There is no morning practices on Thursday, allowing the swimmers more time to rest, according to Coach Pavlovich. However, sometimes he encounters swimmers whose struggles go beyond waking up on time, and takes care to put their needs first. “Sometimes if somebody’s struggling mentally or emotionally or haven injuries and stuff, there’s times where we can maybe tell a kid to take a morning off, for sure. It happens once in awhile. It doesn’t happen a lot, but it happens once in awhile.” While the practice schedule tires out the swimmers, Matthew Dempsey, junior, understands its importance. “Practice always pays off. Even if you miss one practice, you’re jeopardizing your ability to perform well during the meet,” Dempsey said.
No farewell yet Girls’ Swimming celebrates senior night Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor For all their hard work and leadership, Girls’ Swimming will honor and recognize the senior swimmers before the meet against Lowell next Tuesday. “Senior night will be really emotional because this is my 14th (and) final season swimming,” Brigid McGinty, senior, said. “(Senior night) will be really emotional for everyone. The team will be honoring the seniors and me and it’s one of our last big home meets so it’ll be a big deal.” The coaching staff and relatives of the seniors have been preparing for this night since the beginning of the season. Now, they focus on putting the finishing touches on the senior introductions and ceremony. “We’ve been working with the parents in arranging the festivities,”
Coach Matthew Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, said. “Right now we’re just working on all of the little extra stuff that goes into senior night. The juniors, sophomores and freshmen are also doing some things to contribute to the activities.” The first half of the season will be complete after a meet Dec. 18. Coach Pavlovich provides advice for the seniors as the season’s second half begins after Winter Break. “They should appreciate the last few months of the swim season because it goes by quickly,” Coach Pavlovich said. “They should enjoy themselves and see what they can do in the second half of their season.” While remaining focused on the meet, the swimmers will try not to overlook their competition and motivate each other. “(Lowell) has several fast girls and will prove to be tough competition,” Charlene Cortez, senior, said. “They won’t be as challenging as some of our other competitors, but it doesn’t mean we won’t be trying less as hard. They always swim well, so we can’t take them lightly. We will still be pushing ourselves to win.”
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For the record These are the starting five players’ average stats from the first game against Bishop Noll until this point in the season. Currently, the team holds a 2-1 record and takes on East Chicago tonight at 7 p.m. Luke Hackett, senior #20 forward
Jake Strbjak, junior
14 points 5.7 rebounds 1 assist
#35 center
6 points 4.7 rebounds 0.6 assists
Peter Kounelis, junior #3 guard
1.5 points 2.0 rebounds 0.3 assists
Connor Manous, senior
Antoine Van Dyke, senior #40 forward
#5 guard
4.7 points 3 rebounds 0 assists
photo by Rachel Bishop, graphic by Jordan Szymanski source: Coach Michael Hackett, health teacher
Get the ball rolling
Boys’ Basketball faces East Chicago first time since Sectionals last year Sofia Navarro Infocus Editor
Boys’ Basketball will host East Chicago Central High School today. The game will be first time the two teams match up since Munster beat them in Sectionals. The 88-77 victory is a milestone that Luke Hackett, senior, has drawn motivation from. “It gives us confidence that we can go out and play
well against a very talented team,” Hackett said. Hackett believes the team’s self assurance is necessary to overcome last year’s season, after beating East Chicago at Sectionals and losing to Crown Point in Regionals. “Emotions arise before every game no matter what team we are playing on that night,” Hackett said. “The guys on last year’s team will always remember (Sectionals), but this is a new year and two new teams.” Preparing for such a tough matchup is no easy task, but Jacob Strbjak, junior, believes his team’s practices are grueling regardless of the competition. “I think we’ll prepare just like it is any other game,
1.7 points 4 rebounds 3.7 assists
working hard in practice to get better with our fundamentals,” Strbjak said. East Chicago uses their guidelines to create turnovers and rebounds, according to Hackett, who finds the team to be very offensively skilled. “We take (East Chicago) as a challenge,” Peter Kounelis, junior, said. “They are one of the best teams in the area, and nothing would be better than to beat them.” Despite how aggressive and skilled Kounelis finds East Chicago, he remains confident in his team’s ability to perform. “I think it will be a good competitive game between two good teams. We will play Munster basketball how we always do and find a way to win,” Kounelis said. “Our team is capable of anything.”
A step up to success Girls’ Basketball travels to Lowell tonight at 7 p.m., looks to strengthen defense strategies during game Gavin Hamilton News Editor Girls’ Basketball has been working on improving their game in practices. They will be tested with a Conference game at Lowell tonight. “We’re still trying to figure out how to become more effective on the offensive end,” Coach Jim Davidson, PLTW teacher, said. “We’re experimenting on the defensive end, trying to find ways to make it more difficult for the other team to score.” Last Friday the team hosted and defeated Hobart 30-21. The team looks to
use the game as a learning experience. “If we play like how we did against Hobart, we should be worried more about our defense than we have in the past because we used to struggle with defense, but I think we’re improving a lot,” Sammi Buvala, senior, said. The majority of the team consists of five seniors. This helps the team because of the experience seniors have over the other players. “We have a lot of seniors this year, so everybody’s trying to do their part and keep everyone motivated because it is a long season,” Melissa McCann, senior, said, “I think everyone is trying to step up.”
POWER IN THE POST Girls’ Basketball focuses on turning their recent defensive struggles into an advantage. In the game against Hobart Dec. 4, Melissa McCann, senior, drives to the net with a focused and determined mindset. “We’ve definitely been getting better and turning the negatives into positives,” McCann said. “These last two games, we’ve been playing some solid defense. I like to not think about the game too much and try to loosen up and have fun and keep things light.” photo by Veronica Bilek
12student life
Crier/Dec. 11, 2015
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BACKTALK Oxford Dictionary recently selected (‘the face with tears of joy’ emoji) as the 2015 word of the year. If you could choose a word of the year, what would it be?
the news
After the Nov. 13 Paris terror attacks, students log onto social media to show support for those affected, learn about social events Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor
N
ovember 13 should have been a typical Friday night, and it was. Until “Breaking News”
flashed across TV screens. People hovered over their phones, too stunned to speak. Americans halted their plans and investigated the world’s trending topic: #PeaceForParis. November 13 was the night when gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously, leaving at least 129 people dead and hundreds wounded in Paris. #PeaceForParis and other similar hashtags trended for days. Snapchat and Facebook offered a French flag filter for profile pictures to allow users to show support after the attacks. Americans did the one thing they knew they could do: they logged on to social media to voice their thoughts, prayers and concerns for Paris and the world. “I think people often underestimate the power of awareness and the impact (that) showing you care can have,” Claire LeMonnier, senior, said. “Not all of us can travel around the world, but we can share news through social media and show how badly we want the violence to end. Sure, filters and hashtags alone won’t end wars, but they do encourage people and prove the world is watching and standing by the side of those who are suffering.” In light of the terrorist attacks in Paris, the IUHPFL (Indiana University Honors Program Foreign Language), a program that sends students to France and other countries to study abroad, makes the safety of its participants a top concern and will monitor the security situation around its program sites; however, they will continue as planned with the study abroad opportunities in France for the coming spring and summer. For Claire, an IUHPFL participant who traveled to France to stay with a host family last summer, the power of social media gave her peace of mind the night of Nov. 13. “Social media is incredibly helpful in a crisis,” Claire said. “When I first heard of the attacks in Paris, I sent my host mother Facebook messages immediately to ask if she and the rest of the family were safe. She got back quickly and was able to keep me posted. I used the filter on Facebook as a small way to show my host family and others that I am here for them in this time of need.” Despite its advantages, social media can be criticized for taking the place of legitimate news sources; however, in some instances it can be a helpful tool and aid for students who utilize the tool responsibly, according to Mr. Michael Gordon government teacher. “You can’t learn things in 30 seconds,” Mr. Gordon said. “However, (social media) is a powerful force of awareness and interaction, but like all tools it carries risk. There is a risk of misrepresentation, a risk of misinformation, and a risk of shared tomfoolery.” Social media activism can spread comfort and positivity in a time of crisis, yet being informed is the most beneficial way to help and show support, according to Claire. “All of us are responsible for being informed,” Claire said. “Especially when it comes to world events. If we do not educate ourselves, we never find out how to help. We should all do everything in our power to help others. Whether that’s donating to the French chapter of the Red Cross, supporting ‘Porte Ouverte’ (an organization that reached out via Twitter to victims in need of shelter after the attack) or sending words and images of comfort. Every effort makes a difference.”
“Impactful. It was a pretty good year for me.” Shreyas Iyer, freshman
“’Murica because it’s patriotic, and it represents freedom. #GoAmerica” Gary Chen, sophomore
graphic by Ian Brundige
“Nope. It’s just my response to pretty much everything. It’s all I say.” Abigail Burris, freshman
“Chill because I basically just chill. But not Netflix and chill.” Anusuya Bandyopadhyay, sophomore
Trending now
Twitter tells users what is trending, which hashtags are being used the most at the time; social issues are often among the topics trending
#PeaceforParis
Nyssa Wedgeworth, junior
Julia Torres, senior
“I’d make the word of the year kindness because this year everyone seems to be putting the blame on different groups of people, and we should treat every person with kindness.” Alexandra Raycroft junior
“Obviously, because obviously.”
Kosta Karagan, junior
Gwynn Hammermeister, sophomore
Social activism on social media
Survey shows what students consider social activism on social media uploading a supportive video
Sharing/Retweeting a post or video
58%
77% Writing a supportive post or tweet
donating on the social media or a linked website
liking a post or video
changing profile picture
71%
71%
Leaving a supportive comment on a post or video/replying to a tweet
63%
56%
$
“Yaaas, not sure how many A’s are in it though.”
Christina Sanchez, senior
“Yikes because my life is a constant mess and yikes describes it perfectly.” Bridget Caraher, senior
53%
using a hashtag
52%
#
source: survey conducted by Crier of 523 students from Dec. 4-9 on Google forms
“Swag. Aren’t all the kids using it these days?”
Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher
“A word to describe the year 2015 would be stressful because teaching a new class requires a lot of time.” Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, science teacher