[CRIER Munster High School
[
Issue 5 Volume 53 Dec. 14, 2018
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster IN 46321
“You’re in America, speak English.” “You don’t belong here.”
“Go back to your country.”
Their America: The story of student immigrants story by
[Alyssa Bass and Zoe O’Shaughnessy] Copy Editor and Reporter
“Go back to your country.” “You don’t belong here.” “Build a wall.” For MHS students who immigrated here from other countries in hopes for a better life, words like these are upsetting. Diana Ayala, junior, who immigrated from Mexico, considers these words from people online who hide behind a screen harmful. “You obviously heard ‘Build the wall’ which is really offensive and hurtful,” Diana said. “In comment sections, you face things like ‘You’re an immigrant, you don’t belong here,’ and it really hurts because you become this member of society, in this country, and to be told that you don’t belong here kind of destroys your perception of yourself.” At 4-years-old, Bradley Jimenez, junior, came with his family from Puerto Rico so his father could
Name: Bradley Jimenez Grade: Junior Country of Origin: Puerto Rico Favorite thing about Puerto Rico: The food
find job opportunities. His grandmother was already living in Northwest Indiana, which made the move easier, but immigrating here still had its challenges. “Everyone just assumes every brown person is a Mexican and is like ‘Oh, I can’t understand you, go back to your country,’” Bradley said. Martin Barnard, junior, and his family arrived from South Africa in 2008 with a hopes of a better education. Although Martin didn’t have the same reasons that others have for immigrating from their own countries, he still thinks that immigrants are just trying to create a better life and have better opportunities. “These people are leaving to better themselves, obviously,” Martin said. “Their main goal is to escape whatever it is that they are stuck in.” Roberto Diaz, junior, who came from Mexico, is one of those immigrants. “The police in my town were actually controlled by
Name: Roberto Diaz Grade: Junior Country of Origin: Mexico Favorite thing about Mexico: The rural areas and the ranches
Name: Martin Barnard Grade: Junior Country of Origin: South Africa Favorite thing about South Africa: The sights and the natural element everything has
the cartel,” Roberto said. “They weren’t doing anything to protect the people in our town. The cartel could do whatever they want, so there was no more order in the town, so that is why we had to leave.” Now that Roberto escaped the violence, he has to face other challenges. He came to America without speaking any English and had to carry a dictionary around and gradually became fluent in English. “I didn’t know how to do my homework because I didn’t understand anything,” Roberto said. “I’m used to thinking in Spanish first and then saying it, so I have to think in Spanish and then translate it and then say it (in English).” Diana came to America after her mom left to give Diana better opportunities that Mexico couldn’t offer. She picked up on English pretty quickly in elementary school, and she was the only person who had learned English in her family. She had to overcome the obstacles of learning English in school
Name: Diana Ayala Grade: Junior Country of Origin: Mexico Favorite thing about Mexico: The sense of community everyone has
[read more on page 3]
Name: Hazem Ojel Grade: Junior Country of Origin: Syria Favorite thing about Syria: The beaches, resorts, and spending time with family
[photos by Robert Young]
[Inside look]
pg. 5
Crier Staffer reviews French fries
pg. 6 I’M LOVIN’ IT McDonald’s French fries are reviewed. [photo by Charlie Hofferth]
Students, faculty discuss difficulty of driving in winter
[Upcoming] Finals week begins next week, full finals schedule on pg. 2
Boys’ Basketball game tonight at home at 7 p.m.
2 [NEWS] Sidenote
Munster High School Crier
Dec. 14, 2018
Finals Week
Class times for finals next week: Wednesday, Dec. 19: 1. 7:35-8:55 a.m. 6. 12:02-1:22 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20: 3: 7:35-8:55 a.m. 4: 10:16-11:36 a.m. 7: 1:34-2:55 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21: 2: 7:35-8:55 a.m. 5: 10:53 a.m.- 12:13 p.m. 8: 1:34-2:55 p.m.
Chorale
During the holidays, Chorale shares their songs with the greater community, traveling to nursing homes, churches and tree lightings to sing. The tradition of sharing their songs goes back decades. Tim Giannini, junior, enjoys the opportunity to share his talents around the holiday season. “For most people in Chorale, Chorale Christmas is something pretty much everyone looks forward to. It is fun to go out and do different types of performances, rather than just one concert per every quarter,” Tim said. “We sing anywhere from 10-15 songs in each performance, so people get to hear a lot of different songs.”
[photo by Lilia Brunetti]
FESTIVE FUN Best Buddies president Serena Marsh, junior, brainstorms with the leadership board for the upcoming holiday party. "Having a holiday celebration within a club shows them (the buddies) that we care about their holiday experience and helping celebrate it," Serena said.
‘Tis the season
Best Buddies prepares for holiday party tonight from 4-6 p.m. story by
[Olivia Crescent] Reporter
[photo by Megan Szymanski]
ON THE SAME NOTE Noel Fary, junior, James Sroge, senior, Ben Hand, junior, Hannah Zukley, sophomore, Patricia Castro, junior, and Anna Speckhard, sophomore, rehearse a piece during class. "The more we do it (caroling), I feel like the more I'm getting in touch with Christmas," Hannah said.
Corrections
In issue 4 of Crier, on page 2, the date of the Choir concert should have been Dec. 10. On page 5, in the photo "Dance till they drop," Stephanie Neimeic was incorrectly identified as Alexandra Vjestica. The photo featured on page 8 did not include every female club leader. Crier apologizes to those not included, and regrets these errors.
like the Best Buddies Bowl will draw attention from the community. Furthermore, they want to eliminate the "r" word, replacing it with "respect." “It’s not about being politically correct,” Mr. Barton said. “Being called that word, even once or twice, Although this event is for members wouldn’t feel good.” The entire point of the club’s only, other events later in the year are open to all. In February, they will throw monthly activities, according to those their annual Best Buddies Bowl, a flag involved, is to help the buddies form football game between the members of connections with people and bring to the club’s the club and the school’s Candy creations awareness ideals. Outside of these football team. activities, the buddies “It’s more about How to build snowmen, may not get the opporshowing everybody Best Buddies style tunity to hang out with what Best Buddies is all Chocolate their friends, but at these about, and what peo- chips events, they can form lifeple with disabilities are capable of doing,” Pretzel long bonds with them. In addition, it can help peoMr. Brent Barton, math ple realize something imteacher and sponsor, M&M's portant about people with said. “We’re not just disabilities: they’re people stuck in a room doing just like us. whatever. (The buddies) “It makes people realare every bit as good as Marshmallow ize what’s out there,” Mr. everybody else.” and icing [source: Mrs. Crystal Blanton] Barton said. “I’ve seen so According to both its sponsors, that’s what the club’s many bonds over the last nine years, purpose is: bringing people together, and students that truly care about regardless of their differences. The each other will be there for one anothmembers hope that organizing events er for the rest of their lives.”
In the light of this holiday season, Best Buddies will host a snow themed party today from 4-6 p.m. in the Resource Room. The party will include a variety of activities for the attendees, such as a snowman decorating contest and a scavenger hunt, but the club isn’t just stopping there. The members of the club intend to make this party one both the buddies and peer mentors will remember for years to come. “We’re having hot chocolate and donuts, and we’re having a pajama party," Mrs. Crystal Blanton, math teacher and co-sponsor of the club, said. "We're going to build snowmen out of marshmallows, so we’ll have all kinds of candy and things to decorate a snowman with, like pretzels to make their arms. So we have all kinds of activities for people to do together.”
Reality Associates
Come support the Marching Mustangs and watch a variety of talents compete to win $250 student tickets: $15 Performing Arts Center January 16, 2019 main stage 7 p.m.
Mary Powers Broker Associate
The highest compliment I can receive is the referral of friends and family Thank you for your trust
Mary Powers (219) 682-8703 • Cell (219) 961-8178 • Office (219) 961-8179 • Fax 1544 45th St Munster, IN 46321 Mary.powers@remax.net
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK! yearbookordercenter.com offer code 3357
Munster High School Crier
[NEWS] 3 Dec. 14, 2018
[continued from front] while also doing her school work. “Ever since I was younger, the language aspect of it (has been difficult),” Diana said. “I spoke only Spanish going into kindergarten and preschool. No one else in my family at the time spoke English. So having to learn English was definitely something I had to change.” Hazem Ojel, junior, immigrated to America on Oct. 13, 2013 because of the Civil War going on in Syria. The Syrian Civil War made it unsafe to live there, which is why him and his family moved. Though being born in America, Hazem was raised in Syria for 12 years and currently remains a citizen of Syria. Despite being born in America and raised using English, Hazem has still faced racism. He said that racist or discriminatory remarks do not bother him and he chooses to ignore it completely. Despite the fact that he has faced hardships, Hazem is grateful for the opportunity to live in America. “America has great opportunities for careers and has great college opportunities that I could get into,” Hazem said. “I really like school here and the community.” With all the opportunities that America brings, it also has it’s hardships for the immigrants who chose to come here. According to Roberto, people are constantly going to be immigrating to America and will take time to getting assimilated. “The world is changing and it’s not always going to stay the same,” Roberto said. “The US is a melting pot. There are always going to be people coming into the country and they are going to have to learn the language and it’s going to difficult for them, so I would say to help them and not make fun of them.”
Everything you need to know about Immigration Americans think immigration should... No response
Where are most immigrants from? (in millions)
11.66 Mexico 2.7 China 2.4 India 1.9 Phillippines
More than 1 million immigrants arrive in the U.S. each year
15% 34%
Be decreased
49%
Be increased
6 in 10 Americans say immigrants “Strengthen our country.”
Stay the same
States with the most immigrants
About 3/4 of immigrants are legal
1. California 2. New York 3. Florida 4. Texas 5. New Jersey
12.1 million unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. = 1 million [Source: Pew Research Center]
[your take] on being American
“Being American is being free, and equality for all.”
-Christian Portone junior
“For me specifically, as a black girl, it means I have to fight just a little bit harder, to exercise those rights in a way that helps me.” -Kayla Prowell
[Atarah Israel] Reporter
If you had asked her three years ago, Alexia Ceja, senior, would have never imagined herself graduating high school three days before winter break. Now, Alexia has made the choice to take her academic career to the next level, early. “The goal was to graduate early, start college next semester, save money and then go to Notre Dame.” Alexia said. “I did it just to push myself and also to prove (something). I wanted to accomplish something more than just finishing high school. I wanted to actually do something.” Contrary to Alexia, junior, Isabella Wolski’s, decision to graduate early was comparatively straightforward and self-explanatory. “I had a friend that did it (graduate early) last year, as well as, I’m ahead in a lot of classes, because I was taking high school classes in middle school,” Isabella said. “I just thought I might as well get ahead and be in college because I won’t have very many classes to take next year.” According to Isabella, getting “ahead” in middle school helps majorly with the process of graduating a semester early. “I feel like it’s because I took classes in middle
sophomore
-Catie Gilhooly senior
Set for success
Student’s starter kits for what they need to graduate early, based off of suggestions from guidance counselors
of the curve
story by
“Being an American is rallying together when we need to, like in times of emergency or crisis.”
-Uyai Edet
senior
Ahead
Students discuss benefits of graduating early
“To be an American to me, means to express yourself freely, and be able to live in this country without fear.”
Talk to your guidance counselor Talk to your counselor to make sure that you’re meeting all requirements necessary to graduate early, and if you are planning on going to college, consider applying early online. [Photo illustration by Megan Szymanski and Carey Scott]
Consider taking classes over the summer Getting classes like government and economics finished over the summer as opposed to having them take up place in your school schedule. Have a plan Whether you’re going to college, traveling, or working a job, have an idea of what you want to do and how it will help you. Most early graduates are asked to write an essay discussing their reasons for early graduation
[Source: Jessica Sanchez, school counselor, and Samir Ali, senior.]
school, like my math and science, I already put myself ahead,” Isabella said. Mrs. Jessica Sanchez, guidance counselor, estimates that around 10 to 15 students are set to graduate early every year. Among these students, she says that most choose to enroll in college immediately. “I know most of the kids that are (choosing to graduate early) with me definitely all have, said ‘I’m enrolling in school,’” Mrs. Sanchez said. “Their plans are there.” Proving Mrs. Sanchez to be true, Alexia plans to begin her higher education at Ivy Tech, then continue on to Saint Mary’s College. Despite her initial aspirations of Notre Dame, Alexia says that St. Mary’s fits what she’s currently pursuing. “They (Notre Dame) don’t offer what I want to do,”
Alexia said. “So I feel like I’m going to go there, spend $300,000, but for what? St. Mary’s is a little weird, I know it’s a little weird, but they teach you how to be an independent woman.” According to Alexia, college in general calls for a growth in self-sufficiency. When asked what she will miss most about high school, Alexia said the coddling nature and expectations set for work ethic. “It’s (high school) a joke. It’s such a joke. Everyone stresses over high school,” Alexia said. “I never slept and was constantly nervous. Once you hit junior year, you just realize how relaxed everybody is, teachers hand you everything. Yeah, you just have to do it. I feel like I’m going to miss that. They want you to do your best. (In college) it’s not going to be like that because you’re paying for it.”
4[OPINION]
Munster High School Crier
Dec. 14, 2018
A caravan of roughly 6,000 migrants from Central America are at the United States border... They’re called
illegal immigrants
They’re called
refugees
for a reason
for a reason
column by
column by
[Zach Lenaburg]
[Tim Kaufman]
“We’re fleeing death,” Yoselin Gutierrez said. “They killed my aunt, and I can’t even tell you the rest right now, but I’m scared.” Yoselin and her children are among thousands of others fleeing for their lives. These people are seeking asylum to try and make a better lives for themselves and their children. They are seeking asylum to escape from drugs and gang-violence. We cannot penalize people for trying to make a better life for themselves. Asylum is not a privilege, it is a right for all people. Having the military at our border throwing tear gas at young children, threatening to shoot their people is not okay. President Trump says that the caravan is filled with gangs and drugs. That is completely false. He tries to scare us and get us on board with the destruction of families. The caravan is filled with mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents. We cannot stand for this. We cannot let people die while trying to escape death itself. Of all the people who try to seek asylum, only 30 percent of them are permitted to get an application. 90 percent of the applicants are granted asylum. I agree with Tim that legal means are better, but I don’t think they are absolutely necessary. If 90 percent of all applicants are serious, then why make them suffer in the year-long process of just receiving an application. They are fleeing from death and by making them wait so long for an application, it provides a greater risk of danger. Yes, illegal immigration is one of America’s biggest issues at the moment. For the sake of people’s lives, I feel we need to put our issues aside and help as much as possible. I could not imagine making the trek from Honduras and Guatemala all the way to America only to have tear gas thrown at you. It is a shame that this is what the United States has come to.
From Honduras is a sizable caravan of people unable to secure the same safety and prosperity we take for granted, so they seek to come to here. The migrants seek asylum. In protest, they ignored the application process and rushed our border. I think it’s moronic how they would put their own flesh and blood in harm’s way by rushing to a border of a country that they know won’t let them run wildly into it. Of course, action is going to be taken, what did they expect? If they want to negotiate for asylum then they need patience like others wanting to come into the U.S. I have no issue with these refugees following the process to enter the country legally, but they can’t ignore the application process to obtain visas. The U.S. grants a limited number of visas each year, so why should we show those who apply that others can get in while they have to wait? Someone can say that circumstances change the matter. While I believe the conditions they live in are atrocious and downright despicable, there is an order that needs to be maintained. Rushing the border is not acceptable by any means. In my opinion, though their situation is fraught with unimaginable strife, our country still has an obligation to prevent chaos and disorder from piercing the borders. Coming to America means coming to the land of the free and the home of the brave, so I can understand why they’d want to come. Despite that and despite the path of sorrow that lays behind them, borders are not to be ignored. Clearly their problem has become our problem, so it’s our duty to do something. Though we can’t solve all the world’s problems, this is one we can. It is our country’s duty to spread the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to those who cannot achieve it.
Reporter
Reporter
STUCK IN SNOW When it snows, students are frequently late to school because of bad traffic. Making matters worse, often times it is hard to park in the unplowed parking lot, and it can get wild.
Editorial
Students in a flurry “You will like snow, until you ers all in one lot, but another part start driving in it.” of the problem is the snow itself. Many of us have heard that warnOften times, the parking lots are ing sometime in our childhood. not plowed or salted after it snows Little did we know how real it was. making it difficult to drive, and Driving in the snow is hard. The park on, because the numbered fear of drifting into an intersection parking spots are not visible. This while frantically trying to push leads to terrible parking jobs, little down on futile breaks is too real. fender benders and lots of confuAside from the mechanical diffi- sion due to people parking in the culties, the worst thing students wrong spots. have to deal with is To minimize the contraffic. It is a truth fusion on snowy days, it universally known would be helpful if the School parking town can go through the that when snow falls, no matter the lots should be well parking lot quickly and amount, everyone plowed when it get rid of some of the drives 10 mph under snows to reduce snow. While it is not althe speed limit. ways easy to get plows confusion The school is to go out before students pretty liberal about not issuing start arriving for school, that is tardies when snow falls, which where utilizing two-hour delays students appreciate greatly. But and snow days can be appropriate. getting to school is only half of the While both should be used in modproblem. eration, a two-hour delay would Once you get to school, you have give the town enough time to adto park. The parking lots, especial- equately plow the parking lot. We ly the lot in South, are infamous for also completed a e-learning day a getting congested and crazy. When couple years back so that if weathit snows and kids are rushing to get er becomes too dangerous, stuto school, it becomes way worse. dents can stay at home and follow Some of this is due to having a along with classes. Despite this, we bunch of impulsive teenage driv- have never used the program.
[Our take]
[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; or via fax at 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 either emailed to the editor (miryambrody@yahoo.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from
anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Crier’s website is http:// mhscrier.com/ Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 12 times a school year.
[Our Staff] Editor-in-Chief Mimi Brody Managing Editor Carey Scott
Alt-Copy Manager Mercedez Williams Page Editors Alexis Lindenmayer, Nadia Perdue, Charlie Hofferth, Lana Salahieh Business Manager Kammy Moore Head Photographer Elizabeth Fonseca Chief Photographer Melanie Powers Chief Social Media Photographer Lauren Kozy
Copy Editor Alyssa Bass
Photographers Charlie Hofferth, Lana Salahieh
Design Editor Megan Syzmanski Web Editor Lilia Brunetti
Reporters Marley Anderson, Hannah Bard, Olivia Crescent, Atarah Israel, Tim Kaufman, Morgan Krouse, Zach Lenaburg, Ava Lukacsek, Finn Manion, Zoe O’Shaughnessy, Riley Ramirez
Social Media Manager Adam Klaich
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
Graphics Editor Robert Young
[REVIEW] 5
Munster High School Crier
Dec. 14, 2018
Wendy’s
Wendy’s definitely has the best deal out of the five places. With the large being considerably large and the box filled to capacity, Wendy’s has the best value ($1 for a small). Their fries have a good, seasoned taste and were very crispy. They looked alike to the McDonald’s Fries but had much more flavor. The seasoning was very good, and the texture was even better, these were one of the best fries we tried.
Five Guys
My brain is FRIED story by
[photo by Charlie Hofferth]
Burger King
[Mercedez Williams]
McDonald’s
Crier reviews french fries from fast food restaurants; discusses health consequences of consuming fries
Out of all these restaurants, McDonald’s is probably the most convenient and most widespread. Personally, I think the McDonald’s fries are not worth the cost, as the entire container was not filled. The taste was mediocre, and nothing special at all. You can tell the major difference between McDonald’s and fresh cut fries such as Five Guys. Nonetheless, the major upside of McDonald’s is the convenience. ($1.29 for a small)
Alt-copy Manager
Fries Ranked (in stars) bad
Jimmy’s
McDonald’s
Burger King is one of the biggest fast food chains in the world. They are more known for their burgers rather than their fries, but the fries were not seasoned very much and were very plain. The fries, overall, were very mediocre compared to Meatheads and Five Guys, but better than McDonald’s and Jimmy’s. ($1.79 for a small)
Jimmy’s Jimmy’s is a local burger and wings joint, serves fresh fries. Upon purchase, I noticed they were the greasiest. I ate them after a 15-20 minute car ride, they were the only soggy ones out of all the fries I tested. The major downside is that you have to eat them very quickly, or else they get soggy and very unappealing to the eye and taste buds. ($1.99 for a small)
Burger King
Wendy’s
Five Guys was the most expensive out of all of the places ($3.49 for a small), but the fries are not frozen and are made on the spot. The seasoning was amazing and the amount of fries given were worth the high cost. With a small being a considerably large amount, the short wait (Less than five minutes) was completely worth it. The flavor was the best out of all the places, but the value is still under Wendy’s.
Meatheads
Meatheads has a relatively small menu assortment compared to the other restaurants, but have two flavors to their fries. With regular and Cajun seasoned fries, of the two, Cajun are definitely better. The seasoning brings a kick to the fries that none of the other places offered. Meatheads definitely wins in the unique category. ($2.25 for a small)
6
Fries are the recommended portion, with a salad, according to a Harvard professor
Increased
levels of obesity and diabetes if eaten regularly Source: Harvard University
Meatheads
Five Guys
mediocre average good exceptional [photos by Charlie Hofferth]
Good luck to all the Munster Mustangs on a successful 2018-2019
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from
Dixon’s Florist
(219) 836-1668 919 Ridge Road, Unit B-C Munster, Indiana 46321
HARVEST ROOM Farm to Table
9625 Calumet Ave, Munster IN • 219-595-5575
Show your Student ID to receive 25% off entrée GLUTEN FREE/VEGAN OPTIONS • FULLY NATURAL
6[INFOCUS]
Munster High School Crier
Bundle up
Dec. 14, 2018
Snow
days
Students, teachers, discuss winter break, driving in weather
W
ith winter in full swing, temperatures are dropping and frost lines car windshields every morning. Aside from making driving harder, winter brings fun things like winter break, holidays and winter sports.
[photo by Lana Salahieh]
SNOWED IN After school by the main entrance, Emily Badynski, junior, waits for her ride in her winter coat. Emily has mixed feelings about winter. “It gives me the chance to stay home and relax, but (i don’t like it) because outside activities are limited,” Emily said. story by
[Marley Anderson] Reporter
Once again, it’s that time of the year. As the coldest season is filled with fun traditions and mixed emotions, planning begins. From celebrating the holidays to winter break, schedules are getting hectic. Some would say December is the busiest Holiday cheer month of all. This week’s top five “I usually go ice skating, caroling, holiday songs and I drink lots of hot chocolate,” “All I Want for Christmas is You” Vanessa Vasquez, freshman, said. -Mariah Carey Many people feel as if winter is “It’s the Most cheerful due to the holidays. Wonderful Time of “I think winter brings a sense of the Year” -Andy Williams comfort and fun because of the holidays and all the different traditions,” “Rockin’ Around the Layna Kounelis, junior, said. Christmas Tree” Although taking part in outdoor -Brenda Lee activities can be lots of fun, some “A Holly Jolly prefer the indoors. Christmas” -Burl Ives “My least favorite part of winter is definitely the coldness—not a fan of “Jingle Bell Rock” -Bobby Helms that,” Layna said. The downside of it all are the dan[source: Billboard.com] gers and the unwanted, stinging temperatures. “When I drive places, sometimes my car will slide on the road which is really scary,” Zion Asgedom, freshman, said. Predictably, students are looking forward to a break from homework and waking up early. “My favorite part of winter is being able to have win-
1. 2. 3. 4. [photo by Lana Salahieh]
TAKING THE WHEEL After school, Nick Ylo and Joey McCraw, seniors, back out of the south school parking lot to head home. “I don’t like driving in the winter,” Nick said. “(I don’t like it) because you have to get the snow and ice off the car and then wait for the air and seat to warm up.”
On thin story by
[Ava Lukascek] Reporter
ice
With winter in the air and snow falling from the skies, drivers must be aware of the conditions. Young and old drivers alike must be especially cautious when driving in icy conditions. “You can’t control the weather, (and) you definitely can’t control the way other people are driving,” Mr. Steve Lopez, social studies teacher, said. Drivers are urged to be more mindful of their surroundings so there is not a possibility of being involved in an accident. “In the winter time, I’m super cautious,” Mrs. Jessica Baird, math teacher, said, “Because I got in an accident once and totaled a vehicle.” Many students have also been involved in minor car accidents. One of them is Joe Pallares, senior. He advises others to leave extra early in the morning, in case you do get in accident, so that you have enough time to arrive at school.
5.
Skylar Van Ermen, junior, also was in a minor collision a few weeks ago. According to Skylar, driving in the snow comes with a variety of difficulties. “It’s really stressful, especially when it is snowing out. It’s not so much the ice I’m worried about, it’s seeing the road.” Skylar said. Genavive Baci- Proceed with caution no, sophomore, is Mrs. Jessica Baird, math learning to drive. She teacher, gives winter drivhas had her learners ing advice Get familiar permit for two years “Before you move now and dislikes away you should be driving in the snow. practicing driving in “I hate driving in the surroundings you the winter. It’s really are familiar with.” scary,” Genavive said. Prioritize safety “There’s so much “You have to understand snow and so much it’s not worth being here going on you just on time.” don’t know what’s [source: Mrs. Jessica Baird, going to happen.” math teacher] Teachers offer many words of advice for new drivers that may have never driven in winter weather before. “When you first learn to drive, drive as much as you can on icy and snow covered roads with no cars around so you can get used to those conditions,” Mr. Nathaniel Thomson, science teacher, said.
Chill out story by
[Morgan Krouse] Reporter
After the stress of finals, many look forward to winter break more than ever. However, filling the large amount of free time itself can be stressful. Students discuss how they will unwind over break. Ice skating is a popular thing to do during the winter season. Although one of the most popular places to skate is in downtown Chicago, many also visit the rink in St. John. “I’m a figure skater. I go ice skating a lot, sometimes just for practice,” Anya Fitzpatrick, junior, said, ”It’s also really fun just to go skate, and enjoy being on the ice, having fun with my friends.” Some people will be spending their break with their family. Others might be heading to a different state or city to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. “We have this family dinner every Christmas year, with all my family members. We do it every year in Beecher,” Sydney Lash, freshman, said, “then we go on vacation all the time and the past few years it’s been to Florida, and now we’re changing up and going to Hawaii.”
Munster High School Crier
[SPORTS]7 Dec. 14, 2018
Leaping into
competition
Students discuss basics of Dance and what’s ahead story by
[Hannah Bard] Reporter
[photo by Lauren Kozy]
SKATES AND STICKS At the rink, Nathan Allerding, sophomore, practices with the puck. “On the ice, it’s a natural action for me to be skating, it’s like walking for me,” Allerding said. “I get to let all the stress of school go away and I get to enjoy myself.”
Mustangs on ice
Students discuss the in’s and out’s of the hockey club, its separation from school
ana State High School Hockey Association and it competes against local high Reporter school teams from Chicago and IndiThe Munster Mustang Hockey Club ana. The club has been in existence for (MMHC) is not directly associated thirty years and has given kids from with the school, but this does not hold around the area the opportunity to play. The organization is a nonprofit them back during their season. that relies on memberThe hockey club does ship fees and comnot rely on the school, A Long Distance munity donations. instead they supply Relationship The club consists their own equipment of not only MHS stuand uniforms. The dents, but players team also holds prac- “For tournaments, from schools around tices at the Midwest (away games aren’t) bad Northwest Indiana Training and Ice Cen- because we get a ton of well. The club’s ter located in Dyer. play time, but for a single as goalie is from Lake “The relationship Central and one of between the school game, an hour drive can the seniors on the and the actual hockey get quite annoying.” team is from Grifclub isn’t even really -Spencer Burse fith High School. there,” Gabriel Hoeksophomore The communicates stra, sophomore, said. through a group “We just basically get to use their logo. chats and the clubs website. That’s really it.” According to Hoekstra their biggest Before practice, the team goes to the gym for an hour. Practices usually competitor is Crown Point’s hockey take two hours, but on Tuesdays they team, who has beaten the team before. State is only two months away, and spend an extra 30 minutes on the ice. The MMHC is a member of the Indi- according to Hoekstra, the team is story by
[Finn Manion]
practicing harder than any other team in their hockey league. “A lot of teams year are going to lose a lot of seniors, and there’s gonna be a lot of sophomores on their team like it is right now. And we’re all going to be juniors so we’re really going to dominate next season,” Hoekstra said. Most of the club members have been playing hockey for long periods of time. For example, Nathan Allerding, sophomore, has been playing hockey for seven years. “I think I really like hockey mainly because it’s just so fast paced and everybody’s really aggressive,” Allerding said. Spencer Burse, sophomore, explained that the first time he put on his skates and went on the ice was when he was only 9-years-old. “It was pretty hard at first, but after like two or three months, I picked it up pretty well,” Burse said. “The first time I got on the ice, it was pretty hard. But it does take a couple of years to get used to skating just because like you’re pretty much walking on water,” Hoekstra said.
The Dance team will attend their first competition tomorrow at Clark Middle School. The JV and Varsity teams will be competing against other schools, with routines in Pom, Jazz and small ensembles and solos. “I’m very nervous, but I’m really excited for it,” Clara Zuniga, sophomore, said. “I feel like we’ll find a way to pull out on top by the end.” The girls have been practicing for months and are excited for the season. “I hope we do really well,” Taylor Graham, sophomore, said. “It would be nice if we would win, but obviously, if it doesn’t happen, we still have the rest of the season to keep growing. As stressed as I am about competing for the first time it always does feel good to finish it all off.” Later this season, Nationals will be held in Florida. “I’m really excited because the previous teammates said it’s a lot of fun to go,” Halle Asplund, sophomore, said. The dancers perform during football games, and in the winter and spring, they perform in competitions and basketball games. “I prefer competition season because I think the dancing is more difficult so we really get to showcase our talents better,” Zuniga said. Many students don’t realize the commitment that goes into being a part of the dance team. Dancers like Zuniga wish that people understood the amount of effort it takes to be a part of such a wonderful team. “I just want most people to know that it’s actually like really difficult to be a part of the dance team. Most people think that it’s just like a knockoff thing or that it’s not really like a sport,” Zuniga said. “We work really hard and we practice a lot all year. So I want people to know that like we’re athletes just like everyone else.”
Moral support
Students discuss the cheer team and how it functions
way more excited, and enthusiastic,” she said. “Each halftime the cheer Reporter team will do an impressive routine, At every home game, students can which involves stunting, tumbling, see the Cheer team yelling and doing and a huge variety of flips.” When students think of Cheer, they stunts every halftime. While the Cheer team is on the side- think of the stunts, performances, and chants they spread lines, they cheer for to the crowd. The the Boys’ Basketball “The most important team wouldn’t be team hoping for yet rule about stunting is to able to pull of these another win. It’s never let your flyer hit stunts without the basketball season for the ground, if she falls its trust and teamwork the cheer team. They between the flyer have moved from crucial to catch her. Her and bases. Accordperforming on the life is basically depending ing to the members, field to in the field on her bases.” trust is essential. house for the half-Mianna Papageorge “The scariest asjunior time show. pect of being a flyThe change in location is preferred by most of the girls on the team, accord- er is worrying that you might get ing to varsity cheerleader Kaylie Eriks, dropped,” Eriks said. The team works at practice twice a freshman. “I prefer basketball season by far, be- week, and sometimes even four times cause of the fact that the crowd gets a week, during competition season. story by
[Riley Ramirez]
[photo by Lilia Brunetti]
RAISE ‘EM HIGH While performing at a basketball game, Mianna Papageorge, junior and on the right, is lifted by her cheer mates. “There are four positions in a stunt group, a side base, main base, backspot, and flyer,” Papageorge said. “The flyer is usually the smaller one getting lifted into the air.”
Practices are to help prevent a member from falling and getting injured. “I’ve dropped flyers, but nothing bad (has happened). I have seen a couple bad falls before, which is a scary sight,” Bailey Broelman, senior and co-captain, said. “But I’ve never really dropped someone that hard.”
According to freshman Marisa Slivka cheer is no cake walk and is a challenge for its members “A lot of people underestimate cheer, and think we only do cheers and chants at games, but in reality our season is longer, and we do compete,” Slivka said.
8[STUDENT LIFE]
Munster High School Crier
Dec. 14, 2018
story by
[Alexis Lindenmayer] Page Editor
REWIND
the
A
s the final stretch approaches and 2018 comes to an end, the Internet will soon be flooded with ideas and reviews on what exactly happened this year. In 2018, there were 14 new Apple products, 163 Cubs games, 102 successful space launches and still many more impactful events. Seeing all this excitement can spark of students to ponder and reflect on what made 2018 so special for their school.
175
"mustang days"
1,071
[source: Mr. Morgan Nolan]
"Being able to play at such a high level against good competition with great teammates by my side was something I looked forward to every game."
varsity game wins
[source: Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte]
Melanie Riordan, sophomore
new teachers
- Mrs. Sarah Adams FACS teacher
"It would be South Park because I've watched almost every episode twice, and I love the show." John Linnane, freshman
14
6
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
[source: Student Services]
“(My favorite part of doing plays is) knowing that I can do something that entertains and effects our audiences. It feels good to know that we have the setting and resources to put on shows.”
-Andrew Wittkamp sophomore
ACTING OUT Last October in the fall play," Michaela Marcotte, senior, plays the part of a scientist in "A Most Curious Phenomenon."
[source: Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo]
TIME OFF Before a half day of school, Mercedes Maldonado, senior, looks at a menu as she eats at Round the Clock. "My favorite thing to get at Round the Clock is the tuna salad croissant," Mercedes said. "I don't really like breakfast and it's a really good sandwich."
[source: maxpreps.com]
hosted plays
- Kathir Venkat junior
late starts
Peyton Specht, sophomore
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
“(Visiting Oviedo, Spain) was one of the best experiences of my life. You get to interact with a culture without being considered a tourist and you form so many new friendships.”
3
"Tennis, because it's something I enjoy, and something I'm good at."
KICKING IT Playing soccer, Sam Barraza, senior watches the ball.
IU honors students
Looking back on 2018 at MHS
Naomi Gandarilla, freshman
“Cedar Point, because it’s a second home for me.”
[photo by Chloe Lambert]
“I would say that this semester has been better than I could have ever hoped for. Change is always hard, but the staff and students here at Munster High School have made the transition great."
2018
"Disney movies—to have something fun so it's not school related."
- Kayla Ziel sophomore
ALL SMILES Homecoming queen Zoe Short, senior, and David Cordova, sophomore, pose for a picture at the Homecoming game.
9
Finals are next week. If you could be tested on any topic, what would you pass with flying colors?
detentions issued
800+ 122 homecoming tickets
[BACKTALK]
[photo by Lilia Brunetti]
20
"Cubs history. Name a season or player. I know everything about the team because I watch all the games." Aidan Chism, junior
“Tossing flags in color guard —so then I’d pass with flying colors.” Caleb Erke, senior
“Anything sports related—mostly NBA, NFL and MLB. I can talk about most of those pretty clearly.” Caleb McKeever junior
"How to fold clothes because I work at Express more than I go to school." Bree Karl, senior
[source: Munster Theatre Company]
AP classes offered
"Society pushes you that way where if you don't take any AP classes you are told that 'Oh, you won't get into college' or 'GPA is not high enough.' Plus it is what our school pushes on us." - Emma Stricker junior [source: Mr. Robert Snyder]
"Popular culture —celebrities, TV shows, movies, stuff like that."
Ms. Kristen Szafasz, social studies teacher
"I would take a final in adulting— personal finance, how to be a successful adult. I'd pass with flying colors." Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher