Highlighting Ruby Bridges’ impact on being the first African American to attend an all-white elementary school
& Emily Dywan Deadline Manager & Editor-in-Chief
Sixty four years ago from now, six-year old Ruby Bridges walked up the steps of William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, as one of the first Black students to be admitted to an all-white institution. As her enrollment was possible by the pass of a placement test, Bridges’ story serves as a testament towards the dismantling of a segregated curriculum.
As the Ruby Bridges Foundation honors Nov. 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, Crier walks through how Black models of history such as Bridges have carved the way of education for generations of students to come, and how colored students of Munster reflect on the ever-evolving changes of diverse education has been inlaid into our curriculum today.
Continue reading for student outlooks on diversity on page 5
Lexi Villalobos
(Photo illustration by Josephine Zangrilli)
DUSTED OFF As sophomores Kate Huang and Rachel Rancid assemble supplies for their forensics kit, they unpacked old equipment including forceps and flasks. The Science Olympiad members are preparing for the upcoming tournament at Palatine this Saturday. “Science Olympiad constantly challenges us to think creativeley, and I love seeing how our team improves with each competition” (Photo by Ben Schirz)
Going all the way
Speech team prepares for Glenbrooks Tournament from Nov. 23-25
Gabby Van Horne Beat Manager
After starting their season, select Speech members are preparing for the Glenbrooks Tournament from Nov. 2325. Along with the meet being open to travel team members from previous years, members can also be invited based on their performance and work done so far.
“I’m excited,” senior Jordan Fefferman said. “Something speech has really taught me is how to deal with pressure and nervousness and how to use it to my advantage. When I first started
At a glance At a glance
Clothing and Food Drives
Entering the holiday season, Munster High School clubs are hosting traditional charitable drives.
Student Government is holding its annual food drive, which was Nov 4-20. Nonperishable items, such as canned beans, can be turned into your first period class and then they will be donated to families in need. The AP Psychology students also participated in the Helping Behavior project, and were given the choice to write a paper on two charitable organizations or answer 8 questions and turn in 10 food drive items.
The Environmental Club is in the middle of their textile drive, which began on Sept. 30 and ends on Dec 1. Textiles such as old clothing, shoes and stuffed animals . can be dropped off in the bins by Door O until the drive is over.
“It’s a good way to get the community together and it helps spread awareness about the imapacts of fast fashion and overconsumption can have in our environment,” senior and environmental club leadership team member Kaz Pena said. “It brings environmental issues front and center and it helps promote sustainable practices.”
In their element Science Olympiad works towards their Palatine competition this weekend
Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief
With 20-page Google documents packed with formulas and notes, the Science Olympiad team has been working towards their Palatine Invitational this
Competing in five different events for the invite, junior captain Eileen Eriks is particularly excited about the Helicopter build event, a monumental way to kick
“Palatine has one of the best setups for that event since their gym has two floors,” Eriks said. “You can sit on the balcony on the second floor and watch the helicop-
The 2024 school year has welcomed an influx of new faces to the Science Olympiad. Senior captain Noel Dorai observes the wave of freshmen that have taken interest in the club this year and their promising potential.
“This year has one of the higher numbers of freshmen I’ve noticed,” Dorai said. “It’ll mean there’s a learning curve, but
sometimes I’d get scared and it would really psych me out. Now I’ve kind of learned to use that as energy and fuel to get me through the tournament.”
The meet will be an overnight trip and six members will be attending.
“I think we really support each other as a team,” junior Nicole Odegaard said. “If someone makes a final round or gets to place or something we’re always there for them, and I think that’s probably one of the most important parts of this.”
IN IT TO WIN IT
Posing for a photo together after the awards ceremony for the Fall 2024 JEA/NSPA convention in Philadelphia, held on Nov. 7-10, Crier members hold up their certificates. “I was really surprised because I didn’t think I was going to win,” sophomore photographer Evelyn Koncalovic said.
JEA/NSPA National Convention Awards
• Senior Emily Dywan won Honorable Mention in Sports Writing.
• Senior Damien Salahieh won Honorable Mention in Newspaper Layout.
• Senior Kylee Barnes won Excellence in Review Writing.
• Junior Evelyn Koncalovic won Excellence in Press Law & Ethics.
it’ll also mean that we have a team well set for the next four years.”
Science Olympiad has faced substantial hurdles to their progress. As the northern wing of the high school undergoes major construction, the team’s loss of laboratory space has posed a major obstacle for preparation. Senior captain Alexander Tu expresses his concerns for their limited work space and team motivation.
“It’s a little worrying,” Tu said. “We usually have some lab space where we can test and work with some of our builds. I’m not sure how it’ll affect the motivation for some new members without the available space.”
Despite their setbacks, the support of class of 2024 Science Olympiad alumnus Simon Nirenburg and Ethan Loredo have collaborated with the captains to help structure the team.
“It’s a huge help, because we aren’t starting over every year,” Dorai said. “We’re able to build off of the work that members from previous years laid out for us.”
Band Concludes Season
Band concluded their season on Oct. 26 with their defeat at semi-state. While they had known they would not be competing in Grand Nationals before this competition, it was anticipated that they would advance to State. This loss resulted in their 17 year advancement streak being broken.
“It was pretty upsetting, but ultimately, I’m ready to push next year,” junior Isabella Parker-Flinchum said. “I think it’s gonna kind of make everyone work a little harder.”
Theater Regionals Dec. 7
After their performance weekend from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, Munster Theater Company is taking their contest show #Censored to Regionals on Dec. 7. With a record streak of first places at Regionals for three years in a row, the pressure is on to maintain the crown.
“I think that everyone is really pulling their weight and is doing their best to make this show what it is,” senior and stage manager Haylo Morgan said. “Honestly, it’s a good show and I’m really proud of everyone that’s been working on it.”
Corrections
In Issue 3 of Crier, On page 1, the survey was from Sept. 26 till Oct. 7. On page 2, in the photo “Behind
Kardashian.” Crier regrets these errors.
the Lines,” the women pictured are Erin West and Alli Sutton. On page 3, Evelyn Koncalovic took the “One Foot Forward” photo. On page 8, Emma Robbins said, “I would be Marilyn Monroe so I could take that dress back from Kim
LET’S RECORD IT Rehearsing for the upcoming competition, sophomores Victoria Alvarez and Natalia Rivera rehearse their speech. The speech team prepares for their upcoming competition on November 23-25. “You get to meet so many people across Indiana,” Basilia said. “Getting to compete at the next level is such a great experience.” (Photo by Evelyn Koncalovic)
FOCUSED ON THE FIELD Holding a clarinet, sophomore Abby Blue performs alongside the other band members on the football field during halftime at the football game on Oct 17. (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)
Back in the fast lane
The seahorses hit the water preparing for upcoming events this year
Lexi Villalobos Deadline Manager
Kicking off for the 2024 year, the returning seahorses are back along with welcoming new faces onto the team. Ever since Oct. 28, practices have begun to improve technique before competing with other schools and will continue on from there.
Freshman Emilia Buschmann feels that having a good mindset is a big part in working hard to bring improvement with swim techniques. She has swam ever since she was six years old, now transitioning over for her first year on the highschool team.
“It is definitely scary, the practices are more intense,” Buschmann said. “I have to balance that, but otherwise it is really fun. We are like a family.”
Boys’ and girls’ swim both participate in intrasquad, the first meet of the season that presents a mock swim meet to prepare for the real events. Once all together, everyone is split into two teams: red or white. After the split ups done by
coaches, a senior from either team hosts a party for poster making and creating the lineups. This year’s intrasquad will take place today at home. Senior Kevin Martinez gets ready for his fourth year, looking forward to intrasquad each year he returns to swim.
“I am excited for the team bonding and to see the improvement of the other swimmers,” Martinez said.
As of this year, seniors Paul Buck, Andrew Manick, Nicholas Sanchez, Lauren Dumaresq, Jeorgia Garcia and Aranxta Rivera were announced as team captains on Nov. 12. Rivera, who has been on the team since freshman year, strives for the idea of team bonding—wanting everyone to be included within the team. Not only to enjoy being in the sport, but as well as enjoying the social aspect and people that are in it.
“I’m always trying to make jokes with the team and making sure they all understand what we’re doing,” Rivera said. “You do not do it because you are good at swimming, you do it because it brings you to other people.”
Snapdown to a takedown Wrestling teams train their new recruits
Kylee Barnes Page Editor
As girls’ and boys’ wrestling snap into season, athletes are welcoming new members to the mats. Since placing 4th out of 25 during their last meet, the girls wrestlers are being trained and inspired by teammates and coaches, covering the mats with blood, sweat and tears as they train vigorously for their next meet.
“The most challenging part of being on the team is pushing yourself to get better everyday, and how much hotter it gets in the wrestling room simply because there’s so many people,” junior Noemi Gonzalez said. From the moment the girls prepare
their shoes for the mat, to the second they sink into the foam, the dedication and preparation put forth has only brought the team closer together. With daily conditioning, bowling and sleepovers aimed to build the team’s connection, each wrestler has formed their own connection with the sport and their team.
“We have done a handful of things but one of the most impactful in my opinion was when we built the stands. It took multiple days and really brought us closer and taught us how to work together not only off but on the mat as well,” senior Francisco Betancourt said. “I think that with
Warm the court
the sport growing and especially our team growing that we are going to boost the morale immensely.”
The coordination and healthy competition between the team members is exactly what will take them to their State Series in December.
“When I started with Munster two years ago, we had only two on the team. We wound up getting ten girls, and this year we’re up to 21 girls,” girls assistant wrestling coach Estevan Marks said. “It keeps growing more and more, and the camaraderie that I see with all the girls blows my mind.”
Boys’ and girls’ basketball starting their winter season
Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief
The court sounds with squeaks of sneakers as the boys’ and girls’ basketball team readies their seasons. With their season already underway since earlier this month, the girls basketball team currently holds a record of 1-2 after three games. The team’s next matchup is tomorrow at Hobart High School.
Senior co-captain Lia Sotiropoulos reflects on the team’s braced challenges this season such as losing valuable players and how they plan to grow.
“I’m a little nervous because this is the first season without Gracyn
Gillard, but I feel like we’ll do just fine with the awesome talent on our team,” Sotiropoulos said. “Right now, we’re working to be physical, aggressive and consistent on the defensive end.”
Having beat Emily Zabrecky’s record for most three-pointers in a single game, Sotiropoulos sets expectations to reach the net once more.
“My personal goal for this season is to break my record again,” Sotiropoulos said. “As a team, our goal is to be a lockdown defensive team.”
While the girls have started their stride on the court, the boys’ basketball team is now working towards their first home game against Ham-
mond Bishop Noll on Nov. 27. Junior captain Josh Malloy, along with senior captains Blake Trilli and Tyler Fuller, have worked to mentor the next class of players, transitioning their preseason practices into competition. Being one of the three returning varsity players, Malloy shares his hope to lead the team by example and instill a legacy in the new players.
“I’m excited to spend November through March with our team,” Malloy said. “We graduated eight seniors last year, so us captains are working hard to build up the younger players and get them on track.”
WIN THE RACE Arm in the air, freshman Mia Terfler performs backstroke at swim practice. Every Wednesday, the swim team has their “lactic acid” set in which they swim as they would in a real meet to gain race experience. “Lactic acid sets push me to be a better person in and out of the pool,” Terfler said. “They make me visualize every aspect of my race and really take into account what I can do better to improve myself as a person and a swimmer.” (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)
ALL TWISTED UP At practice, sophomores Mia Jimenez and Ally Compton run through drills to improve her take downs. This year the team has seen a increase in girl members. “I think that it is really good for the program and seeing the team grow has really made a difference in the room,” Compton said. (Photo by Ben Schirz)
PUT ‘ER THERE Hyping each other up before the game Nov. 15, seniors Nina Garner and Kinga Grabowski go through a handshake. Garner was named Player of the Game against Chesterton, losing 57-32. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)
Follow the leader
2024 season senior captains
Girls: Lauren Dumaresq, Jeorgia Garcia and Arantxa Rivera
Boys: Paul Buck, Andrew Manick and Nicholas Sanchez
Pink Green or
Reviewing various products for tomorrow’s “Wicked” release
Emma Starkey Web Designer
Soaped Up
Quality: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
I was surprised at how good of soap this brand was. I tried both “So Popular” and “Defy Gravity,” and each one felt equivalent to the Bath and Body Works soaps I’m used to. The scent was well balanced as well, with it strong when first used but not lingering in an obtrusive way.
The green was more citrus, reminding me mostly of limes due to the citrus and green color combination. I genuinely enjoyed it, despite how strong it was originally. I’m partial to citrus scents, which is a bonus.
The pink was softer and more floral. It took more effort to pick up on the scent, which is a point in its favor as it brands itself as more feminine. The floral scent was similarly soft, following the more feminine pattern. It’s best for people who don’t like very aggressive scents.
Usefulness: 5/5
I appreciate a product that actually can genuinely be used and enjoyed.
A good soap can go a long way, and it appeals to a much wider audience than dolls or clothes. And since the quality is so high, it makes for a con-
Dress To Impress
The gloves were soft, and big enough to comfortably fit an adult sized hand, especially when compared with the other “Wicked” line clothes that are sized for children. The embroidery was well-done, and the fabric had no obvious stitching flaws.
Usefulness: 1/5
Despite being pretty, these gloves combine fancy and sparkles in strange ways. The pink is an elegant shade, perfect for any fancy event, howev-
er the beads and gems contradict this formal aesthetic with the look of something that would fit more at a comic-con. I’m honestly not sure what these are for.
Theming: 2/5
The style of these gloves do fit the silver-and-pink aesthetic that Glinda is known for, but beyond that, the theming is mediocre. It feels like they just slapped some pink and jewels on gloves, and called it a day. For designer attire, this is disappointing.
tender for just genuinely viable soaps. Since the packaging is subtle, it also makes for a good product even for people who do not enjoy “Wicked.”
Theming: 4/5
For what it is, I’d say the brand did a decent job. The colors of each are striking and the silhouettes look great. They’re named after Glinda and Elphaba’s iconic songs: “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” respectively.
I like that the duo also fits as a pair, meaning that if you purchase both, nothing sticks out too much. The detailing makes this one a go-to.
Killing Karaoke
Quality: 1/5
I have never expected a song-based product from a musical to be so obnoxious. The music is played loudly and there is no volume control. The flashing lights just sort of turn on and off, and the speakers sometimes crackle while playing audio. Yikes.
Usefulness: 4/5
Taking into account that it is a toy meant for children, the idea is solid. It has Bluetooth features and the four buttons are accessible. The echo ef-
fect is a nice touch. Despite its flaws, it does its purpose well.
Theming: 5/5
What is more on theme than a literal recording of “Defying Gravity” straight from the movie? The colors work well together and the “Wicked” logo is front and center. The pink, green, gold and white all match the movie’s aesthetic. At the bottom you have Elphaba and Glinda’s silhouettes to complete the package. Good job, microphone.
(photos by Emma Starkey)
Illustrations by Emily Dywan
“It’s not just representation,
but inclusion.”
Continued from front
The culture clubs within Munster such as Black Culture Club work toward building a community of diversity for a valued voice, posing the grand question: how will we install a legacy into the workings of our school?
As Black figures of history have endlessly carved the path of education, students such as senior and BCC president Ava Adam reflect on their embodiment of strength. Adam, alongside the collective efforts of other BCC members, work together in order to answer this question by introducing a scholarship offered through the club.
“We’re working to raise five thousand dollars for a scholarship, whether that’s from direct donations from businesses, having percentile donations from purchases or even running a bake sale,” Adam said. “It’s an opportunity for seniors who’ve been in the club for at least two years to honor their work.”
ed,” Walker said. “It’s not just representa tion, but inclusion.”
Teachers and staff, the backbone of Mun ster’s ever-evolving environment, echo the student’s voices as they recognize the grow ing diversity within Munster. Growing up in a private Catholic school in Michigan City, math teacher Brian Parker was one of four other Black students. Now teaching at Munster after 13 years at Michigan City, he reflects on the change of de mographic.
“When you take a school such as Mun ster, this is a big cultural melting pot,” Park er said. “Oftentimes, we’re really trying to fight to make sure there’s equity in the school environment.”
“ You can still become a role model with the correct strength and approach.”
Ava Adam Senior
Having been the club’s sponsor since it’s initial establishment three years ago, Kristin LaFlech fuels the passion of the club’s voice through a similar proposal.
“What I pose to any class or club of mine is, what’s going to be your legacy?” LaFlech said. “What’s going to be your mark that you can reflect on from 10 or 15 years from now and proudly say ‘I did that’?”
Junior and BCC’s treasurer Brandon Walker is part of Munster’s Idea Team, where students help shape the curriculum to match the views of the student body. Walker shares how he thinks cultural education has to start from the ground up.
“If you start at the elementary school and educate students on these topics up all through high school, I think we’ll achieve a point in the future where the education system will allow everyone to feel represent-
Being a teacher such as Parker echo the sentiment as Munster evolves for a better future for education.
“If we continue to uplift people of color and other ethnic backgrounds, we can break through the tra ditionally impoverished cul ture of America and see an education system that serves everybody--in the way it could, the way it does, and the way we want it to,” Parker said.
“I think role models, specifically Ruby Bridges, have opened up a lot of doors in terms of education, but she’s also a symbol for other people to take inspiration and place into their own lives,” Adam said. “You can find yourself through their inspiration, such as speaking up for yourself or becoming more involved. It shows no matter the age that you are, you can still become a role model with the cor rect strength and approach.”
In their words Black teachers and faculty reflect on their most inspirational role model
My old high school mentors James Brown and Franklin T. Boyd, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and NFL Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy. I find these men influential to me because of how they carry themselves through their personal and professional lives and how they can change people’s lives.”
Rashad Daviston, Mild Interventions Teacher
Falcon from Captain America the show. What’s really cool about it is the character is a Black man, but he’s stuck dealing with this expectation. All of my life I’ve grown up with people telling me I’m not black enough. He has all these expectations to be like the white Captain America. And he makes this stand like, ‘I’m not gonna let anyone tell me the kind of Black hero I’m supposed to be.’”
Brian Parker, Math Teacher
I would have to say the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was courageous enough to stand firm and challenge hate in a peaceful but productive way which aligns with my faith and beliefs.”
Romison Saint-Louis, Weights Teacher
My role model is my dad. He was at 90% of my games since I was 7 all the way to high school. I played basketball, football, baseball and ran track. Him being there really showed me how much he cared. Today he is one of my best friends and he has made me a better man.”
Douglas Padgett, Instructional Assistant
TO SUM IT UP In front of the Promethean board, senior Ava Adam presents a project to the Black Culture Club. In preparation for their upcoming joint Philosophy club meet, BCC researched black philosophers and created posters for each model. (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)
Behind the headlines
Understanding the ethics that shape what news gets told
After attending sessions at the JEA/ NSPA National Convention in Philadelphia Nov. 7-10, Crier reflects on the importance of ethics, posing the question: how are ethics utilized throughout our publications? It’s not a question that ethics are necessary to run a trustworthy publication. Though, with recent invasions of privacy following the tragic death of singer Liam Payne and circulation of political misinformation, the integrity of the media has been questioned. The Society of Professional Journalists widely encourages all media to use point of reference, the four pillars of code of ethics. Seek truth and report it.
web designer Emma Starkey said. “So, just having a little respect does not hurt anyone.”
Act independently.
The primary obligation toward ethical journalism is serving the public. For Munster High School, Crier serves as a resource for the student body.
“It is important to not be biased towards a certain topic, like ideology or view on things,” junior social media manager Josephine Zangrilli said. “We seek to tell the truth on things and not spread an opinion or propaganda.”
““ We seek to tell the truth and not spread an opinion or propaganda.”
When journalists begin to gather and report information, elements of honesty and courageousness play a role for accurate and fair ethical journalism. In Crier, staffers check thoroughly with any information within each story before publishing to inform the student body honesty.
“The fact that we are not filtered by faculty makes it so critical to report honest and valuable information,” senior editor-in-chief Emily Dywan said. “There has to be some sort of outlet of honesty that sheds light on topics whether it is political policies or different cultures.”
Minimize harm.
Be accountable and transparent.
By taking responsibility for one’s work or giving an explanation for one’s decision brings ethical journalism into play. To take accountability for mistakes, Crier adds corrections every issue to the news page.
“Corrections is something that not a lot of professional news organizations always do, but it is very valuable,” publications adviser Alexandra Sulewski said.
““
You never really know what someone else is walking through.”
Sources within a story or colleagues of journalists are treated with much respect to lessen any harm. Crier ensures that each and every person in the building is valued and supported.
“We are just one in a bunch of faces of students who are all trying to live our lives at the end of the day,” senior
A simple and helpful way to remember each of the key components is using the TUFF formula: Truth, Unbiased, Full and Fair. In the case of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, Cathy Kuhlmeier reported ethically on a pregnancy issue within the school district for The Spectrum newspaper.
Names were changed to protect identity along with having the sources sign a paper to make sure the information is accurate.
“Those are the reasons we do good journalism and try to help other people,” Kuhlmeier said. “I encourage you to always do that and be kind, because you never really know what someone else is walking through.”
Seek the truth and report thoroughly as possible.
It’s all in the formula Journalist’s guide to clear and concise reporting ruth. nbiased.
Being impartial as possible, balancing rights the publication and source has.
As in-depth as possible for readers to understand.
Consequence based ethics, subjectivity, and responsibility within stories. air.
MAPPING IT OUT On the way home from Philadelphia, publications adviser Alexandra Sulewski points to the map on the subway. SMILE FOR THE CAMERA Smiling at the camera, seniors Gabby Van Horne, Zoe Clark, Emily Dywan and Lexi Villalobos pose for a photo with Cathy Kuhlmeier. STANDING TALL Towering over the Swann Memorial Fountain, Philadelphia’s town hall stands over the city. (Photos by Josephine Zangrilli)
(Photo by Josephine Zangrilli, Illustration by Emily Dywan)
Josephine Zangrilli Junior
Lexi Villalobos Deadline Manager
Cathy Kuhlmeier Journalist, former editor of
The Spectrum The Spectrum
In honor of ethics Staff opinion
Many people are unaware of the system of ethics that go into journalism. With politics seemingly controlling every major news outlet, it is easy to believe that journalists just write lies and publish twisted facts. However, underneath is the code of journalism that all are supposed to follow.
our take
Crier follows a strict ethical code for our devotion to truth.
Crier knows this well. Have you ever noticed the Corrections section on page 2 every issue? Every time we publish a mistake, it is extremely important that we acknowledge it and try to fix it. This is just one of our steps in
Three strikes, you’re out
At the beginning of November, students in english teacher Steven Stepnoski’s AP Composition class wrote ‘how-to’ essays. The students interviewed “expert” sources on their topic and build their credibility. Crier selected and Mainellis’ essay.
our code of conduct we follow. We take our interviewing process very seriously. It is extremely important that we do not misquote our sources, and that we let the sources tell the story rather than us putting bias in what they have said. All views are meant to be respected. In addition, writers who have a personal involvement with a story topic are not allowed to write pieces on that story, unless it is specifically an opinion piece. The reasoning is that involvement causes bias, which is ex-
“No matter your career choice, you will always be selling something,” comments Jeff Bogacki, Director of Group Sales for the Chicago White Sox.
Selling tickets for a popularized sporting event may seem like an easy fleet, but in reality it can be challenging, especially when you are selling tickets for the worst team in Major League Baseball. In sports there are good seasons and bad seasons, but what about one of the worst seasons in history?
This does not solely affect the team, but in Major League Baseball it affects every worker, especially ticket salesmen. The White Sox did not have the best record for this past season, but persuading sports lovers became a routine for Jeff
CRIER CRIER
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Student Media: Newspaper 1-4 classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s website is mhsnews.net.
•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community.
•Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community.
•Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.
The risk takers
actly what we strive to eliminate. By eliminating bias, we maintain a quality of story that works to represent the story’s topic honestly: no matter if it’s an in-depth look into a political issue to a piece on a club or sport. The best journalism is honest journalism. Bias takes this honesty and replaces it with a weapon, twisting viewpoints. In this day and age, where more and more news begin to succumb to bias, maintaining these ethics help maintain a publication that can be respected, and more importantly, trusted. For this reason, above all, we are committed to honesty and ethics.
Bogacki. The ability to advance past adversity and hardships is a crucial skill that is essential when it comes to selling tickets for a lousy team. Why would you want to go watch a team with a 41-121 record, when the Cubs are in the same city? It takes a skilled salesman with a great pitch in order to sell what seems like a losing ticket.
Not every pitch is straight down the middle, but with hard work and adaptation, you might end up hitting a home run.
Read the rest of Jorsch and Mainellis’ ‘how-to’ essay on how Bogacki sells Chicago’s worst performing baseball team at mhsnews.net
•Opinions expressed 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 either emailed to the editor emilydywan@outlook.com, given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155. 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 or Instagram @munstermedia.
•Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Archived digital issues can be found on issuu.com/mhscrier/. Crier is published 10 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
In the past year alone in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel, 130 journalists have lost their lives—more than the number of journalists killed during all 27 years of WWII and the Vietnam War combined. This figure underlines a disturbing reality we now face: as geopolitical conflicts intensify and journalism becomes increasingly partisan, the press is more vulnerable than ever. While global leaders rally citizens to vote to “preserve democracy,” the stark truth is that upholding the honest and ethical spread of information is the single most valuable tool we have to protect democratic ideals.
Cases like this aren’t unique to the battlefield; Latin America, a region without active war zones, claimed the lives of at least 40 journalists in 2022 alone— and was subsequently demarcated the most dangerous place for reporters. Journalists like Daphne Caruana Galizia, who spearheaded the investigation of the Panama Papers before being assassinated in 2017, and Victoria Roschyna, who reported on critical issues in Ukraine before being incarcerated, have similarly paid the ultimate price for their groundbreaking work.
In a world with news increasingly polluted with unreliable stenography and devolution, the solution lies in doing your part to amplify truth, accuracy, and all the powerful tenants of balanced journalism free from the constraints of supposed bipartisan obligations and feigned objectivity. Now more than ever, it is crucial to advocate for the human rights and safety of the media organizations which challenge powerful interests and provide a platform for underrepresented voices.
In honoring the continuing sacrifice of those who risk everything in pursuit of the truth, we do more than protect the press; we safeguard our collective freedoms to know, speak, and decide our future; their courage reminds us that the fight for truth is inseparable from the fight for a just world. By amplifying these voices, we uphold the very principles that sustain a free, equitable society.
Editor-in-Chief Emily Dywan
Deadline Manager Lexi Villalobos
Head Photographer Zoe Clark
Cartoonist and Design Chief Damien Salahieh
Story Editor Emma Starkey
Photography Trainer John Kullerstrand
Page Editor Kylee Barnes
Photographers Evelyn Koncalovic, Sophia Rodriguez, Ben Schirz
Adviser Ms. Alexandra Sulewski
Risha Panigrahi
Guest Columnist
Illustration by Damien Salahieh
Social Media Manager Josephine Zangrilli Beat Manager Gabby Van Horne
Hailey Jorsch & Mia Mainellis Guest Columnists
A feast of fusions
Since Thanksgiving is ne xt week, Culture Club members reflect on their Thanksgiving traditions
Kylee Barnes Page Editor
For lots of students, Thanksgiving and the seasonal festivities that drag behind it not only create new memories, but hold tra ditional values that intertwine students with their cultures. With Thanksgiving break around the cor ner, culture clubs around the school are preparing for their fall celebrations. Senior and Culture Cui sine club president Ava Adam elaborates on the history behind the holiday.
“I think it’s important to highlight the Native American holiday: The National Day of Mourn ing,” Adam said. “The story of Thanksgiving is a misrepresentation of the Wampanoag people, and Native Americans today gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts in order to honor their ancestors and celebrate indigenous traditions.”
From fasting and prayer, to feasting and a fridge full of too many leftovers, the customs shared between loved ones take many different forms. Adam shares her own traditions.
“We take part in the classic Thanksgiving dinner, but we make it our own by serving Mexican and Haitian foods,” Adam said. “It’s a holiday where we spend time together and connect back to our cultural traditions.”
Junior Joyce Yao among other students presented about Chinese culture at CCC’s meet on Nov. 14. The club practiced Tai Chi, learned to write ‘I love you’ in Chinese, and tasted a variety of dishes.
“We got to educate people about Chinese culture and debunk some myths,” Yao said. “For example, orange chicken isn’t Chinese. It was invented in Hawaii in 1987.”
As a Chinese-American, Yao similarly blends her culture in her Thanksgiving traditions among her family.
“On Thanksgiving, my family has roast duck instead of turkey,” Yao said. “We also speak both English and Chinese at home. There’s always going to be a blend of the two.”
The connections made during group activities don’t falter along the lines of family and friends, like Muslim Culture Club’s bracelet making meeting on Tuesday.
“In my family, we often gather with a lot of my relatives at someone’s house for a potluck style dinner,” senior and MCC president Yumna Jawad said. “This holiday is a way that people can remember what’s important to them and be thankful for everything in their lives.”
Spending the fall holidays being swarmed and swaddled by the people who love you is common among most families, but some don’t celebrate.
“I know there are some students who don’t get to experience a Thanksgiving dinner,” Adam said. “In a sense, Culture Cuisine Club allows people to experience a ‘Thanksgiving’ every month with varying foods. Our club is based on cultural education, student interactions and
Backtalk
With Thanksgiving approaching, who would you invite to your feast and why?
“Mickey Mouse because he loves all holidays.”
“I would invite Chappell Roan because she is the pop industry and probably your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”
“Chandler Bing, just to hear the story one more time.”
Anastazja Matyskiewicz,
“David Kushner. He is my favorite artist and I would love to know what his biggest inspiration is for his songs.”
“Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr. to ask him his opinion on people with the fear of long names.”
“Adria Flores because she is a really good friend and I want to hang out with her.”
“Gilgamesh because I feel like he’s an interesting man and I want to see if he was actually gigantic.”
“Michael Cera because he is a funny guy and he can sing folk for the table.”
“My automatic answer is Jesus Christ, but if I had to choose an alive person I’d go for Guy Fieri.”
Daniel Moy,
“Probably Bob Weir. He’s one of the only alive guitar players from the Grateful
Jake Zelaya, Freshman
Anthony Sannito, Freshman
Zoe Laird, Sophomore
Jaylen Alvarado, Sophomore
Marianna Young, Senior
Junior
Nadia Cortes-Anzur, Senior
Math teacher
Dead.”
Luke McGinnis, Choir teacher
Phillip Lewers, Junior
EAT IT UP Served at the Culture Cuisine Club meet on Nov. 14, the students ate lo mein, spring rolls and chicken and broccoli in the spirit of Chinese culture. (Photos by Josephine Zangrilli)
DISH IT OUT Selecting their food, junior Mia Zuniga and freshman Benjamin Castillo-Mendoza dish their plates. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)
CHEESIN’ FOR CHI Practicing
Tai Chi moves between lunch tables, senior Patrick Sabat raises his arms, being careful not to hit the other club members. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)
