CR C RI ER E R College MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
vol. 51/issue 5/nov. 18, 2016
upcoming
inside look Page 6: Adopted students, faculty share stories during National Adoption Month Page 9: Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving discuss start of season
Last night of Improv Theatre performances at 7 p.m. Ticket Prices $5 General Admission for all STM Staff: Free
ASL Club Pizza Social on Nov. 21 from 3-4:30 p.m. If you plan on attending, please turn in $2 to Ms. Fus room in N154 by the end of the day
Robotics Moonlark Mystery dinner Saturday 4-7:30 p.m.
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
page 11 Girls’ Basketball prepares for their first conference game against Andrean tonight
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photo illustrations by Melanie Powers sources: Collegeboard.com; U.S. Department of Education; fafsa.ed.gov
2
news
nov. 18, 2016
SIDE NOTE on news Food Drive Results What: Student Government food drive Winning MRT: Mr. Steve Lopez, history teacher The Student Government Thanksgiving food drive closed last Friday, and while the official numbers are not in yet, Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, FACS teacher, estimates that students donated about 2,500 items to the Greater Northwest Indiana Food Bank. However, numbers are down from last year. Losing former science teacher Ms. Catherine Mazeikas, who fielded a huge amount of donations from her students, as well as the complications caused by MRTs, contributed to this loss, according to Mrs. LaPorte. “I think using MRT has been difficult, and only because (they are not) mixed classes (like we were) with study halls, and they’re only 20 minutes,” Mrs. LaPorte said. “Trying to get a lot of information across to the MRTs has been a little more difficult than not. We have to make sure kids are reading the announcements, or they’re watching them, so I think that’s hurt a lot of collections for a lot of different groups.” Despite this loss, Mrs. LaPorte was still impressed with the amount of donations the food drive received. “We don’t force kids to donate, but our kids are really good at it,” Mrs. LaPorte said. “They will open up their wallets, they will raid pantries at their own homes, and they’re really good at it. And it’s pretty amazing to see.”
ACDA Conference Who: Mitchell Walsh, freshman What: American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) middle school/junior high honors choir The ACDA conference includes three separate honors choirs comprised of students all over the country. The conference will take place in March in Minneapolis. Eight students total from MHS tried out for the ACDA conference this year. Mitchell was the only MHS student selected to attend this year. He was “ecstatic” when he heard the news, but was also surprised, according to Mitchell. “I’m pretty happy,” Mitchell said. “I’m looking forward to going to the conference, obviously, but it would have been nice to have a couple other people (from Munster) go.” Mitchell looks forward to learning new music and meeting new people. “(I’m most looking forward to) the music that we’ll learn and the people I’ll meet there,” Mitchell said. “The music is supposed to be challenging and the students there are obviously going to be musically inclined, so it’ll be a fun time working with them and working with the conductor to put on a good performance.”
Corrections In issue 4 of Crier, the Best Buddies Friendship Walk was incorrectly reported as occurring Oct. 29, instead of in May. Additionally, an incorrect timespan was given for trick-or-treating, which should have said 5-7p.m. Also, Hillary Clinton’s name was misspelled on page 1. Dr. Louise Chickie-Wolfe’s, former teacher, name misspelled on page 2, and Elliott Fus’, senior, name was misspelled on page 7. Emma Stevens, sophomore, was misquoted on page 11. Crier regrets these errors.
Nationallyspeaking Speech and Debate travels to national circuit Glenbrooks Speech and Debate Tournament tomorrow Danie Oberman Page Editor When Alex Raycroft, senior, attended Glenbrooks Speech and Debate Tournament for the first time last year, she did not know all of the Speech and Debate members well. But the team broke the ice as the first snow fell, and they went to Target for groceries and sang Christmas carols throughout the store. “It was a great time to bond with the team, to get to know each other, and it really set us up as really good friends for the rest of the season,” Alex Raycroft said. “Glenbrooks is a really fun tournament for that, and it’s great for seeing competition.” Speech and Debate members compete at Glenbrooks this weekend. It is a national circuit tournament, so participants will meet some of the same competitors they will see at other tournaments and gain experience they will need later in the season. “We get that national exposure that our coaches stress is very important if we want to see ourselves on the final stage at nationals,” Alex Bleza, senior, said. “They say you need to build a reputation for yourself, and it all starts at the very beginning of the season, which is our first big tournament, Glenbrooks.” Speech members prepare for Glenbrooks with a tech week during the week leading up to the tournament. They practiced for two to three hours every day after school, both by working with their coaches and in simulated rounds. While speech members recieved most of their piecs in early October, Speech and Debate President Anna Whitney, senior, just received her debate topic a few weeks ago. Despite debating this topic few times, Anna enjoys the surprising nature of Glenbrooks the most. “The best thing about the Glenbrooks tournament is that you really don’t know what to anticipate,” Anna said. “It takes teams from all across the country and you get a fresh perspective on, for me, a topic that I’ll be debating for the next two months. The bad thing about that though is that it can be difficult to prepare when you don’t know what to expect. While it’s fun, it’s definitely one of the most challenging tournaments that I’ll be going to in a while.” Learning how to debate at national competitions is the biggest payoff for attending Glenbrooks, according to Patrick Wu, senior. “It’s a lot more fast-tempo, there’s a lot more theoretical arguments, whereas in Indiana we debate really pragmatically and we focus a lot on delivery,” Patrick said. “So it’s a different style, definitely it’s more advanced. It’s definitely a good experience to have, to
get out of Indiana and see how debaters from other states and other areas from this country do things.” Despite the competitive atmosphere, Glenbrooks has an overall positive tone, according to Alex Raycroft. “It’s super competitive, because it’s people from all over the country, and it’s the top competitors from all over the country. But if you’re there to watch the talent and observe these amazing, talented people, then it’s a really cool environment,” Alex Raycroft said. “It’s an environment where everyone’s supporting each other, where everyone’s looking to the competition not to say ‘Oh, they’re better than me’ but to say ‘Wow, they worked really hard. That’s really cool that they are able to accomplish so much.’”
photo by Easan Venkat
ACTING OUT During a speech practice, Ani Arzumanian, senior, rehearses the duet piece she performs with Tara Layous, junior. Ani and Tara will perform it at the Glenbrooks Speech and Debate Tournament. “We’re taking it to Glenbrooks just to get feedback. We’re not trying to compete with it, we’re not expecting to get all the way to the top. We’re just trying to see how people react and get the feedback to apply (it) later in the season,” Ani said.
Down to a science Danie Oberman Page Editor After weeks of practice and preparation, Science Olympiad attends their first competition at the Palatine Invitational Tournament tomorrow. “I think we’re doing pretty well (preparing for Palatine),” Captain Adam Richter, senior, said. “I know a lot of people are working pretty hard. Especially since this invite is so early, and then Regionals isn’t until February, it kind of gives us a head start. I’ve seen, which I like seeing of course, a lot of people are working
Rankings
Of the 14 levels of competition readiness, coach finds most events are currently on the first seven levels
Science Olympiad competes in Palatine this weekend
hard to get a good start on their events.” Despite this head start, being prepared to compete still proves a challenge, according to Science Olympiad Sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher. “Besides the level of competition, the real battle is to be ready with some of the things that take more time,” Mr. Koszut said. “So, a lot of these students tried out not terribly long ago to make this team, and all of a sudden, we have a month or so to build hovercraft, to build towers that will hold a maximum load out of balsa wood, to come up with rubber-band powered helicopters, electric vehicles,
Level 1 Nickname: “Epic Fail” Events: 1
Level 2 Nickname: “Fail” Events: 2
Level 3 Nickname: “Bad” Events: 3
and all these other ‘build’ events, have to get off of the drawing board and into actual, physical product form.” Last year, the team failed to defend their three-time State Champion title, which has put everyone on edge this year, according to Captain Safa Chowdhury, senior. “I think that a lot of people are stressed out and are kind of anxious, but also this first competition (is) what we need to get going, to get fired up, so I think it’s really good. I’m excited about it. It’ll be my last first competition, so I’m excited to see how it turns out,” Safa said. Level 7 Level 6 Levels 4 and 5 Nickname: Nickname: Nickname: “Participant “...Still O’Neill’s “Usurpers” Award” faves” Events: 8 Events: 5 Events: 3 source: Mr. Patrick O’Neill, science teacher
nov. 18, 2016
A Nation
Decided
After announcement of election results, local winner discusses feelings, plans for the future
photos by Joseph Bellahcen
FRESH FACES At the school administration building Monday, newly elected school board members Mr. John Castro (left), Mr. John Doherty and Mrs. Ingrid Schwarz Wolf attend a school board meeting. “I think there’s an interesting balance (between the new board members) with different backgrounds, different experience, and levels of time spent in Munster with our children in the educational system,” John Castro said. “It’s a great combination with the three of us.”
Know who won on
the Ballot
p
p
School Board School State Superintendent
District 12 State p Representative p
Attorney General of Indiana
p
Circuit Court of Indiana
Winner
Party
John Castro, John Doherty, Ingrid Schwarz Wolf
No party affiliations
Jennifer McCormick
Republican
news
3
Mariah Villaroman Editor-in-Chief While national election results received a large amount of America’s attention, local election results happened as well and will play a large role in the School Town of Munster’s future. The community voted many significant changes that affect the School Town as it works to improve its relationship between residents, parents and students. Mr. Bill Fine, District 12 Representative, ran again for election but has been replaced by Mrs. Mara Candelaria Reardon, a mother of two students at MHS. To replace the retiring School Board members Mrs. Judith Florczak, Mr. John Friend and Mrs. Paula Nellans, the community chose Mr. John Castro, Mr. John Doherty and Mrs. Ingrid Schwarz Wolf. These three new members will begin their positions at the Jan. 9 school board meeting. With Mr. Doherty receiving 5,046 votes, the community chose him as its top choice for the School Board. “I was very gratified. It was very gratifying that so many of my supporters turned out and voted in such strong numbers,” Mr. Doherty said. “I believe that the voters chose a very strong group of board members. I think we have a very strong School Board committed to the Munster schools to maintain the excellence we’ve had for so long and to restore the trust of the community and the teachers and the administration of the school.” Moving forward, Mr. Doherty recognizes that the community still remains frustrated with the School Town and anxiously awaits changes to fix the current financial situation. “I would ask that they be patient with the superintendent and the five school board members,” Mr. Doherty said. “The changes that need to be made cannot be done overnight. I would say that’s the nature of society in general, people expect instantaneous results. It has to be a committed and steady process.”
YOUR TAKE
How do you feel about Trump winning the presidency?
“He irks me because I’m part Mexican. I mean Mara Candelaria Reardon
Democrat
that’s pretty much it. He wants to keep out my people. He wants to build a wall.”
-Vince Ivetich, junior Curtis Hill
Republican
Marissa McDermott
Democrat
p
US House Indiana District 1 Representative
Todd Young
Republican
p
Lieutenant Governor
Eric Holcomb
Republican
p
Senator
Frank Mrvan
Democrat
p
President
Donald Trump
Republican infographic by Chloe Wineinger
“I think it’ll provide a good change in the government, because I think Hillary would’ve been a lot of the same policies that Obama went through with, and I think we need a change.”
-Gabie Ingoglia, junior “I’m just really disappointed with America as a whole because I can’t believe that they would choose a man with zero political experience who has horribly offensive rhetoric, and basically knows nothing about politics over a woman who was Secretary of State for eight years and has been working for human rights her entire life.”
-Hannah Ernst, senior
Order a yearbook today! Buy online at
yearbookordercenter.com using code 3357
or pick up a form in N155 or the main office
4 speakout
nov. 18, 2016
Which victim do we believe? column Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief
cartoon by Gavin Hamilton
LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED It’s official: there are no scholarships for students “like you.” Nada, zero, zilch. But are you sure? Students “like you” can enter essay contests, raffles or competitions for scholarships. So before you give up the scholarship search, look again.
editorial
Finding the perfect fit
On Fastweb.com, scholarship seekers can fill out multiple surveys, from listing their high school activities to detailing their ethnic background. Then, the website presents users with many scholarships that “match their profiles.” This cycle continues over and over as Fastweb continually connects its users with the most fitting scholarships. Websites such as Fastweb, Zinch and NextStudent offer a quick, easy way for students to search for scholarships. They simply plug in information, and the opportunities come to them, creating less stress on the college applicant. While students should take advantage of scholarship search engines, they should not let these search engines take advanOUR It is your tage of them. TAKE responsibility Any student would be elatto find a ed to see how well their interscholarship you can ests fit with available scholarfit into, instead of one that fits you ships; however, students often become trapped searching for scholarships extremely specific to their background, interests or future careers. Students begin to narrow their search, expecting that the many opportunities out there will mold to the distinct shapes of their lives. Yes, scholarships exist for students who excel in bagpipe performing or those who will study medieval literature in college. That does not mean schol-
CRI ER
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2. Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given
arships do not abound for the students who feel that normality or regularity outlines their lives. When students receive the “perfect scholarship match,” they fail to realize that many others have also been matched to it as well. All of these students with the same background compete for the same opportunity, with the same end goal in mind. At this point, these scholarships become so competitive due to the similar nature of the students applying for them. This causes discouragement among the frantic college applicants, who just want the highest reward for their hard work. Students need to stop relying on specified scholarships for the best result and start widening their search to find success in different opportunities. Anyone not loving the long essays required for nearly every application? Try the Zinch.com weekly scholarship, where the applicant only needs to write 280 words and possibly receive $1,000. Does a student want to involve friends and family? Dr. Pepper hosts a series of scholarships opportunities, requiring a short essay and a low minimum of “votes” needed from Facebook supporters. Students should not apply to limited scholarships strictly because of racial, gender, career, religious or any other requirements. A scholarship exists for nearly any reason, and it takes some research, extra time and stepping outside of comfort zones to find opportunities that give the best result.
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 13 times a school year.
The Staff
So, someone stole a dollar from you. Have you ever lent this man a dollar before? How much money did you have in your purse? Was it obvious he could take the dollar from you? Did you lend anyone else a dollar that day? Did you tell him he could not borrow a dollar? Did even you say no? The word “no,” did you say it? This is a conversation plenty of women have—17.7 million a year, actually (according to sexual violence statistics taken in 2015) but instead of a dollar, their respect is stolen. Their security is robbed. Their self-respect is taken. If our society treated every crime like this, we would know what one in six women feel like when they are raped. Over the last few months, the NBA Chicago native, Derrick Rose, has been battling a gang rape accusation. Much of the plaintiff’s argument revolves around the woman’s “party lifestyle.” The judge even ruled in favor of allowing the woman’s prior relationship and sexual history to be used as evidence. Court testimonies wrapped up Oct. 19 when the basketball player was acquitted because there was not enough evidence to accept the woman was raped, a claim that contradicted with her sexual lifestyle. So let’s be clear: if you ever lent someone a dollar before, another man may be allowed to take one from you, too. This blame-the-victim mentality supports the Criminal Justice System’s statistics; out of every 1,000 rape cases, only 394 cases are reported. Meaning that in America in 2016, 606 daughters, sisters, aunts or mothers are raped and no one hears their story. Three hundred and ninety-four out of one thousand brave women come forward and confront their abusers. The small percentage tell their stories and expect justice. But most stay silent. And I don’t blame them. Because often the first response to a rape victim’s testimony is to asses the situation. Instead of asking: “what did the man look like?” We want to know if you looked like an easy victim. We want to make sure you are a credible victim. We want to make sure you do not say “yes” often enough to discredit the time you said “no.” I don’t blame the silent majority of women who do not come forward. I mourn for them. I will them to find their voice and their strength. Society forces them to suffer in silence because they don’t always have the right answers. If you were a victim, what’s the first question you would want to be asked?
Graphics Editor Ian Brundige Graphics Assistant Gavin Hamilton Page Editors Mimi Brody, Josh Kim, Sofía Navarro, Danie Oberman, Carey Scott Business Manager Nathalie De La Torre Head Photographer Weronika Bilek Chief Photographer Danijela Kaurin
Design Chief Chloe Wineinger
Photographers Joseph Bellahcen, Olivia Hesterman, Lauren Kozy, Vrusti Patel, Melanie Powers, Austin Skeens, Kess Vaitkus, Easan Venkat, Summer Witvoet
Copy Editor Joseph Bermudez
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
Editors-in-Chief Jordan Szymanski, Mariah Villaroman
nov. 18, 2016
spotlight
5
Calling all shoppers
Each person celebrates this unofficial holiday differently, know various shopping plans leave the house, but continue to prepare prices throughout the day. Those Sperrys may be cheaper at Shoe Carnival then Kohl’s. Making a budget and sticking to it is the essential tip for all-day Black Friday shoppers. The limited door buster deals can seem so appealing, but before you realize, it is 3 p.m., you are exhausted, starving and you’re down $800 and somehow have to fit a 75% off grandfather clock in your apartment.
Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief
Steals & deals
T
hanksgiving break is coming up soon, and we all know what that Night Owls
really means—Black Friday sales. The most unofficial holiday America celebrates is creeping up on us and in case you have not begun to think of Christmas or all the great deals, there is a way to be successful for every kind of shopper. This survival guide is not for sentimental folks, this is consumerism at its finest. And because Black Friday sales come in all shapes and prices, it is best to find the approach that fits you.
I
Early Birds
f fighting over a vacuum at 1 am is not your style, try the later approach to Black Friday. And by later, I mean you should probably set your alarm for 4 a.m. Eat some leftover turkey and be on your way. This round of shopping is less wrestle-mania, but do not underestimate the outlet mall mentality. Plan your route for the day and if it is going to be a long haul, leave the stragglers at home. As a good rule of thumb, if you don’t think the person you are planning to bring will last two hours inside of Bath and Body Works waiting in line for five for seven hand sanitizers, then they do not have the spirit needed for this day. Also, divide your day between the morning, the middle morning that feels like afternoon, and the actual afternoon. Decide which stores you need to hit and when, based off of how important the big sales items are to you. Compare prices before you
S
kip the extra slice of pumpkin pie and hit the road. Doors open at Best Buy at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving,
so maybe convince grandma to finish the sweet potatoes on time this year and enjoy an early dinner. If you can handle it, most stores, including the mall stay open until 1 a.m., so aim to buy big-ticket items like appliances, electronics, and furniture first; however, if you expect anything other than a mad house, don’t waste your time. I suggest getting in line before the doors are set to open. Don’t bring much, maybe a bag but preferably just pockets. And be ready to run. Make a decision on exactly what you will purchase before leaving the house. Bring cash and credit cards because with so many customers, you never know the technological problems a store could encounter. Arrive earlier than the doors open if you refuse to return home without your target item like the new iPhone 7 or the love seat that your girlfriend has to have. And when the doors open, go. Don’t push and don’t let yourself be pushed. Keep your head down and get to where you need to go within the store. Be efficient, but not rude. Remember the rest of the world is being thankful for their blessings right now, you are plotting on a half price dryer both are okay.
—
Homebodies
B
lack Friday is now like everything else in life completely do-able from a smart phone. Cyber Monday is like Black
Friday’s step-sister that does not get the attention she deserves. Cyber Monday is the Monday following Black Friday when every deal is available for online shopping. Online shopping is the best way to go if you can’t handle the crowds or have productive plans on Black Friday that don’t include bargain hunting. However, Cyber Monday is not as rigid as Black Friday and can begin as early as Thanksgiving. Best Buy’s Black Friday deals will all be available online throughout the day of Thanksgiving. So, if while your uncles are arguing over politics and Grandma will not stop asking about your “future,” browse the web for deals on the Fitbit you have always had your eye on.
photo illustration by Weronika Bilek
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6
infocus
nov. 18, 2016
FITTING RIGHT IN Showing his mother a funny video on his phone, Jeremiah Eaton, junior, eats dinner at Panera. Jeremiah welcomes conversation about his adoption and background. “(Being adopted) wasn’t a big deal,” Jeremiah said. “I kind of liked it too because it made me stand out from other people, like ‘Hey, I’m adopted.’” photo by Summer Witvoet
Finding their
ome
For National Adoption Month, students, teacher share life stories about being adopted Mariah Villaroman Editor-in-Chief
H
is parents never darted around the subject,
played a lot together. We had the same friends sometimes,” Jeremiah said. “There was nothing really out of the ordinary with us, and that’s what I like about it. (My family) didn’t make me feel adopted. It always felt like I was fitting in. They would include me in everything.”
making sure he knew by the time he entered kindergarten. He remembers a young woman and At 30 years old, Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, foreign her son visiting his family from time to time. He looks different than his sibling, but he has learned to see other language teacher, wanted to know more about her adoption history. She already had a name to look for; similarities between them. Being adopted is just another part of junior Jeremiah she opened a phone book and within calling two numbers, she reached her birth mother’s sister. Eaton’s life. “How do you call a stranger out of the blue and say “First reactions (about my adoption) a lot of times are like that. I’ve seen it happen a couple of times when ‘Um, did anyone in this family place a child up for adopsomeone has been like, ‘I’m sorry,’ but it’s not like that,” tion?’” Mrs. Dettlo said. “You don’t know who you’re Jeremiah said. “There’s been other times where it’s talking to. You don’t know what you’re opening yourself up to. You don’t know if you’re causing like, ‘Oh, you’re adopted, that’s really other people harm or sadness. It was cool.’” terrifying. It was the hardest thing I’ve You may feel like Jeremiah’s birth mother, hoping to create a better life for her son, agreed you’re completely ever had to do.” For Mrs. Dettlo, her adoption did to let his current parents adopt him. different from not seem out of the ordinary. In her Since then, Jeremiah has become a others, and no one former neighborhood, three other part of the many adopted children in can relate to you, families had adopted children and so the US. but ultimately it’s did her aunt and uncle. “My birth family was low in the so“Honestly there was no difference. those differences cial class structure. They lived in a small house in the middle of nowhere in a that separate you We always viewed it as something rundown place. They didn’t have a lot from other people that made us special but, in the end, family is family,” Mrs. Dettlo said. “It of money. My birth mother just graduand really define was something special you could say ated from college two years after I was who you are.” about yourself, but it didn’t change born,” Jeremiah said. “My family now— I’m really glad they found me because -Melissa Fronczek, senior who you were and it certainly didn’t change your role in the family.” they took really good care of me.” Jeremiah has always focused on the positive sides of While Mrs. Dettlo often found herself comforthis adoption, such as his educational background or the able with her adoption, Melissa Fronczek, senior, close relationship with his brother, Jimmy Eaton (‘15). “Even when I knew I was adopted, it felt like he was tells a slightly different story. Melissa’s parents adopted my actual brother because we did everything that real her from China, and she recalls being the only Asian brothers do. We fought a lot. We argued a lot. We student in her grade before high school.
“No one was really treating me any differently, but I just felt different. It was just strange because I’d see people with all white families, and then I’d see my family,” Melissa said. “It was confusing because I didn’t know if I should feel different or if I was worthy of being treated the same. Now, I have accepted it, and I feel pretty at peace with everything about that.” Melissa does not mind talking about her background, seeing it has a way to open up more conversation about adoption and educate others on the subject. “You may feel like you’re completely different from others, and no one can relate to you, but ultimately it’s those differences that separate you from other people and really define who you are. Overcoming them is just part of your self-development,” Melissa said. “I think it’s important that you don’t forget those differences but you also have to accept that you can’t change them so you might as well just embrace them with open arms.”
Going through the process
In the year 2015 for this agency...
“
Adoption Center for Family Building (ACFB) offers different statistics, explanations for the adoption process To adopt a child, families spend on average
$26,611, $20,573
Requirements for families wanting to adopt:
All parents interested in adopting children must be at least 25 years old
Adopting parents need to be both emotionally and financially stable
At this agency, few restrictions exist for potential families; older couples, same-gender couples and singles can all adopt children
Families must undergo multiple home studies to ensure that the family atmosphere is appropriate
but a subsidized adoption
averages around
photo provided by Melissa Fronczek
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY As her parents pose for a family photo in China, Melissa Fronczek, senior, spends one of her first days with her adoptive parents. “Having a family now that can provide me with so many things, loves me and just supports me throughout a lot of things means a lot because I don’t think I’d have that if I wasn’t adopted,” Melissa said.
were placed with 39 newborns families children were also 36 other placed with families The adoption process takes about...
17 months to complete
source: Mrs. Nancy Feldman, ACFB Office Manager
nov. 18, 2016
Welcome to
infocus
7
Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief
Zabava season A
fter welcoming hundreds of people tonight, the host steps off the stage and the
Serbian dance groups perform traditional folklore routines during festivals
photos by Danijela Kaurin
WORLD TRAVELERS The Serbian dance group Gavrilo Princip Folklore performs at Zabava festivals across the globe. They host local groups from Illinois and Indiana with special performing guests,“Sumadija” from Milwaukee, “Oplenac” from Mississauga, Canada, “Stevan Sindjelic” from Kitchener, Canada and “Gavrilo Princip” from Waterloo-Kitchener, Canada. On Nov. 14 at St. Simeon Mirotochivi Serbian Orthodox Church in South Chicago, the performers dance to tell a story.
COURTING (above and left) The men dressed as FAIR LADY (right) The woman plays a princess and commoners celebrating the princess’s marriage. wears a tiara, taking center stage in the story.
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music blares. Beads of sweat drip off of the performer’s face and onto the billowy, white sleeves of her costume. She walks to the center of the stage. She can feel her tiara digging into the sides of her forehead, but she smiles wide. It smells like hairspray and cevapi, a traditional Serbian sausage. The red and blue floating across the stage for a brief second resembles the Serbian flag. Closing her eyes as the dance begins, Kristina Sosic, freshman, envisions herself on a similar stage, but this time, thousands of miles away. “My absolute favorite place to dance was in Serbia,” Kristina said. “It was great traveling with my friends and seeing new things, but I get embarrassed by dancing sometimes. Especially when so many people come to watch you. But I don’t let it get in my way because dancing makes me feel good.” Many students like Kristina are a part of a folklore dance group, or traditional Serbian dancing, that celebrates her culture by performing many cultural dances, like kolo or ora, named after the circle formation that dancers form during their performance. “Serbian dancing is its own style,” Aleksandra Manojlovic, junior, said. “There is nothing like traditional Serbian dancing anywhere else in the world.” A Serbian dance festival, called a Zabava, is when folklore dance groups hosts a dance festival at their church, typically on Saturday nights. Hundreds of people gather to eat traditional food, listen to music and watch the dancers. Aleksandra has been spending her weekends this way since she could walk. “My mom put me in dance when I was five or six years old,” Aleksandra said. “I have been dancing ever since. I love it, learning new steps and movements that correspond with the song.” Zabava season brings the Serbian culture together under one roof, and many dancers enjoy the benefit of meeting people from all over the world who share. “I try to have a good time no matter where I am,” Kristina said. “Especially when people come from out of town to watch, like from London, Canada and Serbia. I love meeting Serbs from all over the world.” Each Zabava looks different throughout the world, yet Serbian folklore transcends borders to connect Serbians from any part of the world. As groups continue to spread Serbian culture through dancing, Aleksandra eagerly awaits her chance to dance on a world stage someday. “The best part of Zabava season is traveling to other churches’ Zabavas,” Aleksandra said. “My group hasn’t gone to Serbia yet. However, we are trying to make a trip out there this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
DRIVERS EDUCATION !! It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!
Certified Driving School
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infocus
nov. 18, 2016
Going
with the
FLOW
New addition to Munster Theatre Company, Improv Theatre, has final performance tonight at 7 p.m. Josh Kim Page Editor After five weeks of practice, they finally have perfectphoto by Summer Witvoet ed their performing skills. After five weeks of practice, everything they have worked on will be different from WAIT FOR IT Playing the improv game Clockwise during the parent preview, Stevie McDunn, junior, and Isaac Luehrs, senior, act as news anchormen bracing for the impact of a hurricane, tsunami and tornado coming toward them at the same time. “I’m anything they have done before. Literally. excited. I can’t wait to interact with the audience and perform at the same time, and acting crazy,” Stevie said. This year, the Munster Theatre Company modified their production schedule to include Improv Theatre, according to Mr. Raymond Palasz, auditorium direc- to the actual improv show, we know where everyone’s tor. The two day long performance, called a Night of mind is going to go, so we can essentially construct a In place of traditional practice, Improv Improv, started yesterday and will have its final perfor- scene that would make sense.” Theatre rehearses through improv games mance tonight at 7 p.m. Practice helps fix what the improv performers are EXAMPLE “The cost of doing a musical is expensive. Addition- having difficulty with. Ella said that correctly creating GAME ally, we are re-chartering our troupe of the International the story is one of the most difficult factors. PROPS Prop: Pencil Thespian Society, which allows us the opportunity to at“The hardest part is definitely making sure that your Actors use props as something tend conferences and compete in individual and group scenes go somewhere, that you’re actually telling a sto- else than their actual purpose Use it as: Microphone theatre events during the winter months,” Mr. Palasz ry and not just repeating the same thing over and over PARTY QUIRKS Imitators: Use their arms to said.“ In order to accommodate this, and to not over- again, while still making it funny and keeping it energetic make flapping motions Actors gather in groups of whelm our program, cutting the fall musical and replac- while, still being focused on what you’re doing,” Ella said. four, and one person must ing it with a different type of production made the most According to Richard, another key factor that the im- figure what situation the other Answer: imitating a flock of birds sense at this time.” prov performers have difficulty three are acting out As a new addition to the with is maintaining their chemPHRASES IN A CAN Paper says: I want to go to program, Improv Theatre also istry. the moon The audience can participate in One actor receives a line on a shows a new way to perform in “Definitely getting to know piece of paper and needs to tonight’s improv performance the auditorium. how everyone’s mind works is fit it into the current scene Try to: Fit it in the current conversation about fishing “Improv Theatre, if you have Name of Game: difficult,” Richard said. “Withever seen the show ‘Who’s out knowing how the mind Fill in the Blank source: Stevie McDunn, junior Line is it Anyway?’ it’s like that. works, you can’t predict where We play games that you play What happens: they are going to go, and it The audience must fill in different where you’re acting, but you becomes harder to formulate locations, jobs, objects, etc. that don’t have any kind of script,” what you want to say to help Ella Speckhard, senior, said. them say what they’re thinking the performers ask for “So you’re either given like a in the most effective manner.” Example of Scene: character or a location. It can The audience coming to the Actor: “This isn’t a zoo, it’s a...” be with different people or just improv show can expect a difAudience member: “A prison!” ference from the musicals. by yourself, and you just have source: Noah Moell, junior “(The performance) will be to make it up as you go along.” sort of different. There will be Interested by the idea of a new concept, performers are hopeful that joining Im- chairs for the audience on the stage, so it’ll be a much more intimate setting,” Ella said. “You won’t be sitting in prov Theatre will help them improve their acting. “I think it’s something I wanted to try and see if I was the auditorium, you’ll be sitting on the stage and we’ll good at it,” Stevie McDunn, junior, said. “I’ve played im- perform right up close and personal. We’ll take audiprov games before, and I wasn’t like a natural, but I feel ence suggestion for some of the games, and audience like practicing a lot would improve me more. I feel like I participation will be a big part of the show.” After watching them for over a month, Mr. Palasz could get good at it.” Practice happened Wednesday and Thursday every holds high expectations for his performers. “They are doing remarkably well. One of the great week, with rehearsals being a little different than what things about theatre is it teaches problem-solving is on the usual production schedule. “We just play the improv games. There’s a lot of im- skills as well as team-building skills,” Mr. Palasz prov games. There’s one where one person has to guess said. “They are working very well togethwho these other three (performers) are imitating,” Ste- er to support each other and constantly vie said. “There’s (one game) where you’re impro-ving improve the quality of the performance.” Excited for the improv show tonight, a scene, then you have to pull a piece of paper out of your pocket that says a line, and then you have to say it Richard explains what his expectations are for the performance and hopes that (and) fit it in into the conversation.” Playing these games during practice helps the per- the audience will be entertained. “I’m hoping that we can construct formers discover what they are able to do on stage. photo by Joseph Bellahcen “We mainly practice by getting prompts from the enough different scenes between the two other people that are not in the scenes, and taking groups that are (doing improv) to where CATCH ME During parent preview Wednesday night, actors play games that incorporate the audience in the skits. Noah Moell, junior, jumps into the arms the prompts they give us, and just immediately begin every scene is fun, unique and just a light of Richard Caraher, junior, during one of the games, “location.” Noah joined performing so that we can figure out what everyone’s -hearted banter,” Richard said. ”It’s going improv after taking technical theater because he found it fascinating. “I love that strength is,” Richard Caraher, junior, said. “When we get to be a fun time for everyone. “ it isn’t scripted,” Noah said. “You can really get creative.”
It’s game time
Getting involved
Flythe
nov. 18, 2016
sports
9
108 years later, Cubs win the World Series, fan culture erupts
Ian Brundige Graphics Editor
A
t the beginning of the month, the city of Chicago celebrated a championship 108 years in the making. Bringing along with it a number of shattered records: the celebration parade being the seventh largest gathering of humans in history and the highest ticket cost in Major League Baseball history. So with so much excitement in the world of professional sports, Crier takes a look at our local fan culture.
photos by Weronika Bilek, Melena Djuraskovic, Sidney Milne, Lauren Kozy infographic by Ian Brundige
(from left to right) FLY THE “W” Flags flew throughout the city and on the WGN building throughout the Cubs’ season. GAME FOUR Wrigley Field was the epicenter of excitement during the series. In game four, the Cubs lost to the Indians 7-2. LION OR CUB? During the celebratory parade, the Art Institute of Chicago adorned its two iconic lions with Cubs’ helmets.
PLAYBOARD Dressed in Cubs attire the day after the World Series win, Mr. Steve Lopez, social studies teacher, talks to his MRT about his favorite team. “It wasn’t all bad, I mean (the Cubs have) had good teams and we’ve gotten very close, but to be able to go all the way and finish out? Just incredible to be able to view—to share it with my family and my son,” Mr. Lopez said.
New game on the
WATCHING HISTORY At a Cubs’ game viewing party Peter Kounelis, senior, and Tyler Zabrecky, sophomore, share a once in a lifetime moment. “It’s awesome, because it took so long and was just like a huge celebration and it freed a lot of people of all the negativity of 108 years,” Tyler said. CITY CLOSER At the World Series parade, Cubs’ fans celebrated by crowding the streets and climbing on street signs, all while waving the classic “W.”
field
ty at several different age levels.” This began a long process of trying to create a high school lacrosse team. This process first began with coordinating a meeting with the Indiana High School Sports Association (IHSSA). After the IHSSA approved Mr. Meyer’s lacrosse proposition, Mr. Meyer then met with Mr. Brian Clark, athletic director, who at first declined his request due to a Meyer said. “It’s a new experience that I am excited to lack of interest in lacrosse. have and be a part of.” Determined, Mr. Meyer returned with a board of Meyer started playing lacrosse about a year ago for parents whose children would be interested in playing the Crown Point High School team after her brother lacrosse. After this, Mr. Meyer succeeded in bringing ladecided to play. After trekking from crosse to MHS by making it a club sport, like Munster to Crown Point for every Join the team the Hockey Club. This means that the team game and practice, Mr. Tim Mey- To register for this is affiliated with MHS but is not a school er, Madison’s father, decided that it season go to sponsored sport. was time to bring the sport closer to munsterlacrosse.com The Lacrosse Club plans to start practichome. ing and playing indoors as soon as February Girls’ “My son played last year in Crown p and compete during the spring. There will Season begins Point, and we fell in love with the be both a boys’ and a girls’ team in all age March 11-12 sport; however, this passion came groups. with a 40 minute commute to prac- p Three games in “We understand that this is a new sport Evansville tice,” Mr. Meyer said. “As we learned to our area, and many of the participating more and more about Boys’ kids are picking up a lacrosse stick for the the sport, and as we p The schedule is still in first time,” Mr. Meyer said. “This opens up a spoke with other unique opportunity for Munster to establish development source: Tim Meyer themselves in a leadership position and be kids in our area, there seemed to be a genuine ahead of the curve when other high schools and cominterest in our communi- munities in our area launch their programs.”
Students prepare to participate in new lacrosse club Mimi Brody Page Editor After year-long efforts to introduce lacrosse at MHS, students like Madison Meyer, sophomore, finally have the chance to compete with the first lacrosse team affiliated with the high school. “It is exciting to be able to play closer to home. Especially because I get the chance to play with my friends,”
photo illustration by Lauren Kozy
10
sports
nov. 18, 2016
Know the opponent Girls’ Swimming and Diving members discuss upcoming Highland meet, optimism about season Gavin Hamilton Graphics Assistant Girls’ Swimming and Diving has had only a few weeks to prepare for their meet against Highland High School next Tuesday, their third meet of the season. Although this is the first time they will swim against them this year, Megan Wimmer, senior, has a good idea of the level of competition. “We usually beat them because our team is stronger than them in the past years,” Wimmer said. “We usually do different strokes, different events than usual. So it’s more of a fun meet, more relaxed, than a meet like Sectionals .” Wimmer expects the team to do very well this year compared to last year’s team because of the swimmers having more experience. “This year is stronger than last year because last year was mostly rebuilding,” Wimmer said. “We hung out a lot so we’re more of a unit this year, so we’re going to be very strong and we expect to do some big things this year.” This year Coach Mathew Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, expects that the team will do well based on how the girls have performed in their season this year. “Girls will do really well this year. We have a good group, we have a good returning class,” Coach Pavlovich said. “We also have some new swimmers on our team that are good, so I think that we are going to do really well. I’m really excited about this team. It’s a good group of girls.” Diving has a different coach and team, despite being only one event of swim. Last month, Coach Bill Chappo retired, leaving Coach James Raber, who had volunteered last year, to coach in his place. The increase in team size and strength will help them progress this year, accord-
photo by Vrusti Patel
SINK OR SWIM Running a drill to improve her form, Audrey Beck, sophomore, works on her breaststroke. “We started the season determined to work our hardest and improve (from where) we were last season,” Beck said. “Now we are working our hardest at every meet, and we’re all getting each other motivated.”
ing to Coach Raber. “Our girls’ team is very strong this year. We have two returning divers who both placed in Sectionals,” Coach Raber said. This year, the diving team has grown by two new members, bringing the overall total up to six divers, much bigger than most of the other high school teams they face in the area. “I think (the meet with Highland) will go well. I don’t really know the (Highland) diver yet, if (the diver from last year) is back, or (if) they have a new one,” Eleanor Wilson, sophomore, said. “So we don’t even know if we are going against a diver. The swim teams, we won last year. Swimmers didn’t seem too intimidated
by (the Highland team).” Although they have not had many meets yet this year, the team’s work ethic and bonds they formed last year will help them to prevail throughout their season, according to Wimmer. “Why we win against most of the teams around here is because we’ve been doing this for a long time, so the team is more like a family because we are with each other more than our actual families,” Wimmer said. “We are with each other like six hours a day, not counting school. So we form bonds and we do things more for the team than individuals, and that’s what I think gets us farther than anybody else.”
Out of troubled waters Boys’ Swimming and Diving prepare for first meet against Penn High school despite initial challenges Danie Oberman Page Editor Weeks of practice and competing in their intersquad meet yesterday has done much to prepare Boys’ Swimming and Diving for their first meet against Penn High School next Saturday. “We have a lot of respect for Penn,” Coach Mathew Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, said. “They’re one of the biggest schools in Indiana, they’ve got a lot of good sports teams, good facilities, well-coached. It’s a tough meet for us typically. ” While Vincent Ramos-Niaves, senior, feels confident about both the team’s and his personal chances against Penn, his level of ability differs from what he had hoped. After suffering from an injury in his shoulders, Ramos-Niaves recently returned to the pool after a summer off. “I haven’t been able to go through basic motions in a year,” Ramos-Niaves said. “I haven’t swam at all in four months, and
in those four months, all of my doctors and my personal trainer were like ‘Okay, you can’t exercise your arms at all.’ And my stroke (freestyle) is predominantly upper body, so I went from like no muscle mass in my arms to being thrust into like 5,000 yard practices. I was dying the whole time. I was so exhausted, but it’s starting to get better.” While the swimmers continue to train, the single boys’ diver, Michael Johnston, senior, prepares for the meet with the new diving coach, Coach James Raber. Coach Raber volunteered as an assistant coach last year and returned as the head coach this year. He enjoys coaching, but it is unlikely Johnston can win meets by himself, so instead of aiming to win meets, his goal is to make State. “(Penn has) very strong divers, (and it) pretty much it gives us a good idea for what Michael’s up against in the regional competition,” Coach Raber said. “So that’s kind of what we’re looking at there.
SIDE NOTE on sports Football What: Season ends in third round of Sectionals When: Nov. 4 Record: 6-6 Football lost 42-14 in the third Sectional game against Lowell High School, therefore ending their season this year. The team finishes with a 6-6 record, and Jacob Strbjak, senior, would have not changed any moment that happened this past season. “I thought it was a pretty decent year,” Strbjak said. “We had our ups and downs, but during the down part of the season we got more focused and came together as a team and started to play as a team.” Last year, the team lost in their first Sectional game against Lowell High School. This year, they improved by advancing to the third Sectional game, which Strbjak credits to the overall, strong team bond. “I can always thank them for being like a second family to me because they were always there for me, or I was always there for them,” Strbjak said.
Cheer What: Competition season ends When: State prelims Oct. 29 After an emotional week, a devastating fall and a crushing loss, Cheer ends their competition season. “State prelims were the week after the Yiorgo situation,” Gabriella Herrera, senior, said. “Our team had a rough week because most of us were very close to him. We pushed past it, and on the day of the competition, we felt pretty confident. Until we got on the mat and one of the stunt groups dropped their stunt, that was our main deduction. It was really upsetting, but with six seniors on the team, we did the best we could as leaders.” Cheer placed 11th in State prelims and missed the qualification for State by two places. Now, they enter basketball season ready for a new beginning.
Working as a whole Swimmers explain muscles used during used three different strokes Triceps, Biceps and Deltoids
It’s more of a scouting meet for us.” Despite the injuries and having a small diving team, Coach Pavlovich still thinks they are in a good spot and finds value in competing against Penn for their first meet. “I think it’s just a good eye-opener for the kids to know, transitioning from club to high school, there’s going to be a lot of good competition throughout the year,” Coach Pavlovich said. “They’re going to have to swim well to do well, not only as individuals but as a team. Some of the meets that we have are a little bit easier. I’d rather start with one of the tougher meets, and I think we can learn a lot. We can see pictured: Maggie Vaitkus, senior where we’re at and move for- photo illustration by Vrusti Patel ward from there.” source: Maggie Vaitkus, senior
Used to pull water during the freestyle, backstroke and butterfly
The Core Used during butterfly, rotates on horizontal axis, ensures efficient stroke
Hip Flexors Keep kicks stead during freestyle and backstroke; keep legs together during butterfly
Hamstrings and Quadriceps Hamstrings kick upwards during freestyle; quadriceps kick downwards during backstroke
sports
nov. 18, 2016
A shot at
11
redemption Boys’ Basketball begins season Wednesday, trying to forget loss to Bishop Noll last season
Joseph Bermudez Copy Editor
photo by Olivia Hesterman
Jump shot tips... Aim for middle of back half of rim
Place right hand on
middle of ball with left hand supporting
Bend elbows square with shoulders
source: Tony Daniels, junior
After numerous drills in a gymnasium on hot summer days and conditioning in preparation for winter, Boys’ Basketball finally tips off Wednesday against Bishop Noll Institute. The team hopes for a different outcome than last year’s 61-33 defeat against Bishop Noll and start the season off right, according to Coach Mike Hackett, P.E. teacher. “Bishop Noll is always a pretty tough team,” Coach Hackett said. “Last year they kicked our butts. Hopefully it’s a different story this year. We still remember how the game went last year, and we’re pretty determined to not let it go that same way.” Playing with the loss in the back of his mind, Peter Kounelis, senior, is determined to make sure history will not repeat itself. “(The loss last year) motivated me all summer, preparing for this game, looking for some redemption,” Kounelis said. “Now we just want to go out and beat them, start the season 1-0. I don’t want to fall to them again and start the season 0-1 again.” Not only is the team physically prepared for the season, they are mentally prepared, according to Tony Daniels, junior. “(The team) has been together since the second or first week of school, and we’ve had some sort of workout everyday so we’ve gotten along pretty well. We’ve bonded pretty well, and developed nice chemistry just before the season starts,” Daniels said. Though the team’s developed chemistry will be an advantage, the lack of experience will prove to be a tough obstacle to hurdle, according to Coach Hackett. “Especially at the Varsity level, experience is huge, and that’s one thing we’re lacking,” Coach Hackett said. “Being young, we don’t have a lot of Varsity game ex-
perience, and the only way to get that is to play in the games, so this season could be a very big learning season for a majority of our Varsity players this year.” Despite the loss last year to Bishop Noll, the Junior Varsity team won their match-up and looks to use the experience against them to fuel opening night. “Last year, our JV team beat Bishop Noll on opening night, but it did not go so well for Varsity, so we’re looking to change that this year,” Daniels said. “We played them over the summer; we had some pretty competitive games, so it should be a good game, and a good start to our season hopefully.” Recognizing the importance of the first game of the season, Kosta Fotopoulos, sophomore, is confident the youth of the team will not portray a disadvantage as the season continues. “The first game, the first real game, is kind of about just finding a nice groove with your teammates that you can carry out into the other games of the season,” Fotopoulos said. “It’ll be tough against Bishop Noll, but I know we can find a groove for the season.” In an effort to stray away from starting the year the same way as last year, the importance to win goes beyond just the first game. “It’ll be a good start for us,” Kounelis said. “The first games are against Bishop Noll, Portage then Morton. I’m hoping we can win all three of those, so when we start hitting some of those tough games later on in the year, we’ll be off on a good run.”
photo by Austin Skeens
... & tricks Don’t rush shot, keep steady flow to follow through Put right foot forward, feet square with shoulders Stay focused on rim, ignore crowd source: Izzy Bednarowski, sophomore
Getting a fresh start Girls’ Basketball plays first conference game against Andrean tonight, looks to work around disadvantages Ian Brundige Graphics Editor
JUMP BALL Against Portage Tuesday, Nov. 8, Girls’ Basketball tips off their second game of the year. Portage won with a 66-35 score. Despite some disadvantages, the team practices to turn them around. “We’re shorter than last year,” Taneigh Boyd, junior, said. “The average height on the team is 5 (feet) 10 (inches). That’ll be one of the difficulties this season. Other than the height mismatch we have (compared to other teams), we should be fine.”
photo by Austin Skeens
Bigger, stronger, faster. That is the goal. With a young team and fresh motivation, Girls’ Basketball, 1-3, heads into their first Conference game against Andrean High School tonight after their first win of the season. “I think Andrean is going to be one of the better teams in the conference,” Coach Jim Davidson, PLTW teacher, said. “So it’ll be a tough match-up for us. I don’t know if we are ready for them or not, but we are going to go out and give it our best effort. Hopefully we are starting to close the gap a little.” For the past three years, the team has been growing and improving, with 12 more girls trying out than last year. The improvement is due to Coach Davidson starting in his position as head coach, according to Jaycee Helmer, junior; however, five seniors graduated last year, forcing the team to rebuild this year. “We’ve never had a lot of girls try out for basketball because our program was not the best in the past with one of the old coaches,” Helmer said. “When Davidson came, a few more girls tried out,
and we did have some athleticism last year. Overall it’s been rough, but it’s just because a lot of girls don’t try out. But we are rebuilding.” Because of the small team, many players have been playing both Varsity and Junior Varsity. While this gives the team more playing time, the coaches still discuss whether or not it benefits to the team every day, according to Coach Davidson. The lack of participation has led to other problems for the team, according to Taneigh Boyd, junior. With Helmer as the team’s tallest player, Boyd sees the team’s small size causing problems with their ability to defend. “Size is an issue against some teams and strength. Being pushed around by bigger girls makes it harder to defend,” Boyd said. While the team faces challenges, they have made a decision to embrace them and push themselves. “I am pretty excited about the season, just to see how we do (and) how we excel from last year because we did lose a lot of seniors,” Izzy Bednarowski, sophomore, said. “We are mostly doing the same stuff (in practice). We are just working harder at it this year.”
12
student life
nov. 18, 2016
Lockedut
Administration, students discuss downloading proxies, censored websites
Necessary get-around
While the restriction on how students use laptops are well founded there are still problems that affect students Joseph Bermudez Copy Editor
Today is Mickey Mouse’s birthday. Which Disney character would you invite to Thanksgiving dinner?
Last Saturday at the Munster High School Debate meet, Nick Dorai, sophomore, needed to research a rape related topic for his group’s prompt in the World School event. The term “Rape” simply being in the URL qualified it to being blocked, according to Nick. “Winnie the Pooh,
because he’s really nice and caring and generous.”
A
fter attempting to complete a simple in-class assignment, Sean Adams, sophomore, became frustrated with how certain websites are blocked because of key-
words on the school issued laptops. “In AP Human Geography last year, we were doing some project over gay rights, but we couldn’t get on anything on our computers to find research because it was blocked,” Sean said. “So we had to search different word combinations to try and find what we needed, but it was an unnecessary hassle.” Because of the frustration many students faced, it has led to the downloading and using of a proxy server, psiphon3, which bypasses any firewall the filtering company iboss puts up. The use of the proxy server shuts down internet on a computer, which allowed administration to easily spot which students had downloaded it. “We’ve had a few students download (the proxy),” Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, said. “The proxy itself crashes the student’s internet, so it’s pretty easy to catch because they have to bring their computer into the media center because, well, their internet doesn’t work. We also do a weekly scan on all computers, and we’ve looked specifically for this proxy.” First offense students, like Sean, received a Saturday detention. After bringing his laptop to the media center because his internet no longer worked, Sean was caught with the downloaded proxy. “I got a Saturday detention from (downloading the proxy) which I think is a pretty good consequence. It was fair,” Sean said. “I think the consequences were worse for students who’ve been caught before, but, I mean, I won’t be doing it again.” Though Mr. Nolan believes students who run into filtered content have good intentions, the usage of the proxy affects the network for all internet users at the school. “I think a lot of kids are trying to get on legitimate websites like YouTube, but other students might use it to access illicit materials,” Mr. Nolan said. “But the thing is, as a network, we need to protect us from kids downloading copyrighted materials and protect it from being swarmed with massive usage issues. We probably have the best networks in Northwest Indiana. We’ve invested in our network, and we rely heavily on our network for testing and basically the functions of our district. We couldn’t withstand it if everyone used (the proxy).” Mr. Kurt Popovich, systems administrator, does not think the school censors, but rather filters websites that are inappropriate for students. “I feel there is a difference between filtering and censoring,” Mr. Popovich said. “We’re simply just content filtering because of the fact that the laptops go home, so we’re obligated to provide some type of web filter because it’s our own equipment. If it was a bring-your-own device scenario, which might happen down the road, those aren’t our own devices, so we’re only worried about what happens at school.” Though Mr. Popovich has faith in the filtering company iboss, some students like Michael Biel, sophomore, believes the school should pay closer attention to what is being blocked so websites being used for researching purposes do not become unreachable. “(The administration) should really put more time into blocking actual websites, and not everything that contains a certain word,” Michael said. “They should be looking into the websites, and they’d find the sites could be educational, but they don’t find that out because of a certain word found.” Addressing the students’ concerns with the filtering, students can request a certain keyword does not affect what is blocked. “We had an option where students can request for websites to be unblocked; however, that system was abused. I hate to say abused, but some people decided to write notes in there that were not related to unblocking websites,” Mr. Popovich said. “We may look to turn that on again in the future, but as of right now, students can email support@student.munster.us, the work order system. They can email that account, and we can evaluate the request and go from there.” Students like Sean believe the school censors more than they need to and should trust the students more. “The school blocks a bit too much on our laptops and don’t give us students a little freedom,” Sean said. “I feel like they should take a chance on us and trust us a bit more to not get on anything horrible or inappropriate instead of blocking basically everything that has the word ‘gun’ or ‘marijuana.’”
BACK TALK
Layna Kounelis, freshman
“Stitch, he’s so cute and funny.” Isabel Alvarez, freshman
“
I don’t really see it as a (big problem). I can understand why its blocked. I guess (the school) needs to be (cautious). Because there’s other ways to get around it; all kids have other sorts of technology.
Nick Dorai, sophomore
Getting around the block When students need access to content that falls under the blanket block list ,there is a path they can take
“Mike Wazowski because big head will distract me from my family.” Chynna Vaughn, sophomore
“Phil of the Future because if there was an awkward position, he would get me out of it.” Patrick Dejarlais, sophomore
College rape accusation
Email support@student. munster.us to contact work order system step
1
The help desk will then evaluate the request from there step
2
However, in the moment, the group was able to just use their phones for the research
“Sven from ‘Frozen’ because he understands me and we both enjoy carrots.”
“Dr. Doofenshmirtz because he invents new things and it would be cool to see what he’s been inventing.”
Taylor Fishman, junior
Adam Nawab, junior
“Roz from ‘Monsters Inc.,’ Look at her, she looks like a mean cook and that voice is reminiscent of home.”
“Jasmine because people call me Aladdin and I can take her on a magic carpet ride.”
Matt Travis, senior
Ashwin Iyer, senior
Current software: iboss
“
We’ve switched web filters over the years; we’ve started with net sweeper, then we went with Sofos, then we went back to net sweeper, then back to Sofos, but in the last couple years we’ve had iboss. We’re trying different things; no web filter is perfect.”
-Mr. Kurt Popovich, systems administrator
photo illustration by Lauren Kozy
BLOCKED OUT While the school issued laptops are expected to be used for educational purposes, education often exits the worlds of filters and blocks.
“I would invite Woody from ‘Toy Story’ because he was my favorite growing up.”
“Mulan. She’s got mad fighting skills.”
Mr. Josh Herold, Mrs. Rosie Malagon, social studies teacher foreign language teacher