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CRIER Vol. 50/Issue 4/Nov. 20, 2015

MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Page 7: Theatre Company puts on fall musical, ‘Working’

8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321

Could you catch a cheater? In a survey conducted by Crier, 51.2 percent of students admitted to cheating or helping someone cheat on a test. However, of these students, only 5.5 percent stated that they have been caught by a teacher. Looking at the photo below, can you catch the cheaters? Check your answers on the photo reprinted at the bottom of the page.

UPCOMING n No

School Nov. 26-30: School not in session due to Thanksgiving Break, District Professional Development Day

IN THE COMMUNITY n

‘A Christmas Story’: Center for Visual and Performing Arts production premiered yesterday, continues through Dec. 27

INSIDE LOOK

photo illustration by Danijela Kaurin

Cheating the system Page 3 Speech, Debate teams prepare for Glenbrooks competition

Page 4 Crier staff member reviews ‘Spectre,’ newly released movie in ‘James Bond’ franchise

Page 11 Boys’ Basketball begins season with game Wednesday against Bishop Noll

With statistics showing prevalence of academic dishonesty in high school, students, teacher discuss views on cheating Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

H

e never meant to be a cheater. It started one afternoon during passing period when the junior warned a fellow classmate about questions that stumped him on a science test. He thought nothing of it. Two weeks later he took the next test. Afterward, a herd of classmates gathered by his locker desperately asking for the answers to a few multiple choice questions. By the third or fourth time, there was no going back; text messages flooded his phone daily begging for the answers. They now expected the junior to cheat for them. “(Other classmates) pay me to help them cheat. And I do it because I feel like if I say no, I would look bad. Plus, they are my friends and I would feel bad saying no to them,” the junior, who wishes to maintain anonymity to protect himself from disciplinary action, said. “The money is honestly a bonus—I would have done it for my friends anyway. It really is not that

junior, said. “Being in high school, hard.” there is pressure to succeed—to be With this week being American Education Week, National Education Continued on pg. 8 Association promotes celebrating a “quality education for grades K-12.” According to Educational Testing Services (ETS), an area of education that raises concerns is the overwhelming statistics showing a spike in the last two decades of students cheating in high school. While about 20 percent of college students admitted to cheating in Were you able to spot the cheaters in the photo above? high school during the 1980s, today between 75 1. 36% of surveyed students 3. 10% of surveyed students admitted to cheating by looking admitted to cheating by using a and 98 percent of college at the test of a nearby notebook to look up answers. students surveyed each classmate. year report having cheat4. 6% of surveyed students ed in high school accord2. 16% of surveyed students admitted to cheating by texting, ing to a study conducted admitted to cheating by writing and 12% admitted to cheating by by Educational Testing on a body part or an object using their phones to look up Services (ETS). such as an eraser. answers on the Internet. “I see cheating all source: Crier survey of 508 students conducted Nov. 11--13 on Google Forms the time,” Jillian Dixon,

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Quick Notes Pacemaker Crier wins second Pacemaker Award in MHS history, first since 1999

For the first time since 1999, Crier won a Pacemaker Award. The award was given by the National Scholastic Press Association Nov. 14 at the JEA/ NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in the category tabloid, 16 pages or fewer. “I did not think that we would even be a runner-up, but when I found out that we were a runner-up, I thought that we had a good chance of winning. I did not know for sure that we would win,” co-Editor-in-Chief of the Pacemaker winning issues, Vrusha Patel (’15) said. “It was nice to have us win it because the Crier staff now would see all the hard work that they do and hopefully use that as motivation to improve the paper.” Overall, 32 schools nationwide won Pacemakers this year, with three from Indiana and 60 finalists overall.

Band

Band season ends with 10th place finish at State Competition Band’s season ended November 7, with the team receiving 10th place in State and 6th place at Semi-State. “(The season has) been very successful. We made it to state finals and played very well,” John Karamichos, senior said, “We probably should have got fifth or sixth place at state, but the judges didn’t like our show.” Though the Band season is over, band was invited to the “President’s Cup” High School Concert Band Invitational, which they are currently contemplating attending, according to Mr. Bret Winternheimer, Band Director. “Anytime you’re recognized on a national level, it’s a compliment,” Mr. Winternheimer said.

NHS Tutoring National Honor Society to tutor during MRT, some students too busy National Honors Society students gain tutoring hours by volunteering to spend their time aiding for success teachers, who are available for help during MRT. Time commitments and a small student to tutor ratio prove to be flaws in the system, according to Mrs. Valerie Pflum, math success teacher and NHS advisor. “I’m a success teacher, and I barely see kids in my room during MRT,” Mrs. Pflum said. “Ideally, the ratio is suppose to be three NHS students to one student that needs help, but I normally only have one or two kids in for help. Another part of the problem is the NHS kids are busy, so some are hesitant to commit to giving up free time.”

Corrections In issue three of Crier, the Band competition that was described as a regional competition on page 3 should have been described as a super-regional competition. On page 7, Megas XLR was misspelled. On page 9, the photo “The Home Stretch” was credited to the incorrect staff photographer and should be credited to Olivia Hesterman. Additionally, senior Lexie Lyons’ name was misspelled. Crier regrets these errors.

Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

Making every word count Creative Writing Club Members participate in National Novel Writing Month by starting to write novels Danie Oberman Associate Editor Time travel. Aliens. The moon exploding. Julia Torres, senior and president of Creative Writing Club, puts this and more into the novel she’s writing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Members of Creative Writing Club try to write 50,000 words by the end of November. While this is Julia’s fourth attempt at NaNoWriMo, she anticipated so much writing in so little time would scare club members. She tried to be encouraging when announcing the project. “I tried to tell them that they are capable of it and they shouldn’t be discouraged, because 50,000 is a big number,” Julia said. The idea of undertaking such a big task was nerve-wracking to Michael Hrinda, sophomore. “I had never heard of NaNoWriMo, so I was completely new to the idea and like it just seemed like so much work, because it’s 50,000 words, (and) I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do that in a month,” Michael said. Abbey Burris, freshman, was at a loss for how to start her novel. It took many failed attempts and some help from a friend to get her novel rolling. “I knew that if I wanted to do NaNoWriMo, I would have to start it eventually,” Abbey said. “So I did, and I sent my friend part of it and she read it and she’s like ‘Oh, this is so good!’ And by then my story was only like 5,000 words, and I said ‘Okay, just you wait.’” Members give each other positive feedback and constructive criticism, according to Julia. “I think that students in Creative Writing Club who have their friends doing it with them can support each

photo by Veronica Bilek

TIME WILL TELL Writing her novel for National Novel Writing Month, Julia Torres, senior, thinks people enjoy the challenge that writing a novel brings. “It allows you to see what you are capable of in a short amount of time,” Julia said. “Everyone wants to feel proud of something they created and put a lot of effort into.”

other,” Julia said. “Just having that motivation and support system can really help the writing process go smoothly, and writing 50,000 words is not an easy task, but when you’re doing it

with your friends and in an environment that’s comforting for you, there’s a greater chance that you’ll actually complete something that you’re proud of.”

New standardized testing guidelines Aimed to assist students, new standardized test guidelines recommend less testing Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief An announcement from the Obama administration in late October provided guidelines for standardized testing in schools. These guidelines include a recommendation that students spend no more than two percent of classroom time taking standardized tests. A move toward decreasing the emphasis on standardized testing may benefit students, according to Dr. Phyllis Gilworth, director of instructional programs and assessments, who considers in-class assessments to be more effective than standardized tests in measuring students’ learning. “As an educator, since the inception of ‘No Child Left Behind,’ I have felt the focus on standardized, high stakes testing has been excessive,” Dr. Gilworth said. “Essentially, standardized testing is an autopsy of learning and does not provide the district or teaching staff with the opportunity to adjust instruction in the moment. This does not mean that the data is not used;

however, it is not a powerful tool instructionally.” Mr. Robert Snyder, assistant principal, however, believes that most students at MHS do not face an extreme amount of testing. Instead, he believes that, at the high school level, excessive standardized testing largely affects those students who do not pass assessments on their first attempt and must spend additional time taking practice tests and retaking these tests. According to Mr. Snyder, the biggest challenge facing the average student is not the number of hours spent on standardized tests, but instead the lack of available practice materials and information. For example, many practice materials for the newly implemented Grade 10 ISTEP+ test have not yet been released, and Mr. Snyder explains that these should have been made available last May in order to give teachers sufficient time to prepare students for the tests. “Practice does matter,” Mr. Snyder said. “You shouldn’t get a pop quiz on a state-based or federal-based test.”

Testing their patience Students spend hours of their time participating in standardized tests

Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman

2 news

*Testing times may vary due to information not yet released by state

6 hours

Grade does not participate in retesting

5 hours

9 hours 2.5 hours 7-8 hours 4 hours 5 hours

11-13 hours

Grade does not participate in required testing

10 hours 10.5-11.5 hours

Key Required Testing (PSAT, ISTEP, ECA etc.) Retesting (ECA retakes, Accuplacer, etc.) Optional Testing (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.) source: Assistant Principal Mr. Robert Snyder


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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

Teaming up for Glenbrooks Ian Brundige Student Life Editor Speech and Debate leaves today to compete at the Glenbrooks tournament in Glenview, Ill. It is the first national circuit tournament of the season for the teams as they enter their travel season competing all over the country. First semester, of schools focuses on novices at smaller tournaments, like the Munster Novice Tournament, while second semester has more tournaments for the travel team, according to Anna Whitney, junior. “The thing that is really interesting about travel tournaments is that you see different (debate) styles from all over the country,” Debate Vice President, Vince D’Angelo, senior, said. “We are used to a specific type of debate in Indiana, it’s usually practical, appealing to common sense, talking slowly, while at the Glenbrooks they see it almost completely as a game. So it’s talking a lot faster and completely different.” Individual debaters have their own different debate style. Glenbrooks is an opportunity to see different styles not just from Indiana and Illinois, but the entire country, from the traditional to much more unconventional, like debating in foreign languages according to Anna “My first round debate (at Glenbrooks) last year, I was in Junior Varsity so it was supposed to be easier, someone asked ‘Do you mind if I deliver my case in French?’ (At Glenbrooks) it’s all about that fear factor, ” Anna said. “I’m looking forward to spending a weekend with some of my favorite people and hopefully learning a lot that will apply to other big tournaments.” The tournament is a good experience and they will be competing against strong schools, like Nova High School from Davie, Florida, according to Speech and Debate President Chloe Zatorski, senior.

“As the tournament is early in our competitive season, the expectation is for our students to learn and have fun,” Speech and Debate Director Mr. Jordan Mayer, English teacher said. “It is a diagnostic test, for it shows the team our starting point.” The Speech and Debate teams have used Glenbrooks as their “diagnostic test” for roughly 25 years, according to Mr. Mayer. “Glenbrooks builds confidence and exposes students to multiple styles of communication,” Mr. Mayer said. “There is a correlation between Glenbrooks and the national tournament. By attending students are receiving a

Speech, Debate members attend first national circuit tournament of the year in Glenview, Ill. wonderful educational opportunity. (After the first national circuit tournament) the team understands the high level of competition and rises to meet the challenge.” Novices need to rise to that challenge in order to fill a team need and achieve the team’s goals, according to Speech and Debate President Chloe Zatorski, Senior “We lost a lot of seniors, so this year we are focusing on building up novices so they can compete at a higher level than they have,” Chloe said. “One of our goals is to take back the state championship which we lost last year. Just beat Fisher High School (the

school that beat the team last year).” Zoé Short, freshman, is one of those novices working to competing at a higher level and attending Glenbrooks. “(Other people in Speech) gave me a lot of critiques to tell me how I could slow down and speech loudly, to better become my character,” Zoé said. “They’ve made the experience a lot less nerve-wracking. Just being able to portray such a famous person, because I’m playing Etta James, it’s shown new, things about my singing and acting. Its definitely different playing a famous heroine addict, making me step out of my comfort zone and realize I’m capable of more than I thought.”

photo by Easan Venkat

PEP TALK Speaking to the Novice Speech Team before the Munster novice speech meet Oct. 24, Mr. Jordan Mayer, Speech and Debate Director, tells the Speech members to remember what is important while in the tournament. “I tell the team to focus on what you can control and that having fun is at the core of our mission,” Mr. Mayer said. “Results are secondary to the process.”

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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

Bond, ‘James Bond’ ‘Spectre’ worth a watch, wraps up Daniel Craig’s career as James Bond Alexandria Shinkan Infocus Editor While there have been better James Bond films produced, “Spectre” provides reasonable entertainment. This is the last time the fans see Daniel Craig acting as Bond, and the director Sam Mendes tied all of his movies together. Ending the Craig era with uniqueness, “Spectre” shows all villains seen with Craig work together against the iconic agent. Even though the plot of having all the villains working together may seem interesting, Oberhauser, the main villain, is not the best choice as a lead mastermind. He lacks qualities that set him apart from the other villains on the team. Even though he is just as psychotic as the past villains, the backstory with him and Bond is interesting. After the death of Bond’s parents, Oberhauser’s father adopted Bond, making these two brothers. Just like Oberhauser, Léa Seydoux’s portrayal of Madeleine Swann, the token Bond girl, is not amusing. After she gives Bond information about the villain, she becomes useless and no more than a filler in the storyline. However, she does have redeeming qualities that match and develop Bond’s. To bring out Bond’s romantic side, he

Best of

pours drinks for himself and Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), a villain’s wife, while in her house. One thing leads to another, and Bond has Lucia pinned on the wall. The way they kiss is strange and unrealistic, not matching the way people usually kiss. This so-called “romantic” scene may cause viewers to feel uncomfortable. Just like the movie gets better after multiple viewings, Sam Smith’s song “Writings on the Wall” becomes more likable the more it is played. This song is not as good as previous Bond opening songs like Adele’s “Skyfall,” and Duran Duran’s “A View to a Kill.” Smith’s vocals seemed too high at some places in the song, but the instruments make up for his voice. Fans can catch a small editing error occur during a car chase scene in Rome with Bond against Mr. Hinx, a villain. No cars are in sight except for the two vehicles that the pair comes across. Though, after Bond parachutes out of the car, viewers can see busy cars on a once vacant road in the background. Similar to most movies, “Spectre” has a few faults but still gives for an enjoyable watch. As upsetting as it is to see another Bond actor go, Craig leaves the series showing that there has never been—and never will be—a bad James Bond.

007

Chloe Wineinger Design Editor

1969

Out of all 24 James Bond movies produced in the past 53 years, three rise above the rest in plot, character development

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” Actor: George Lazenby

This movie was not a commercial success and to this day it still has mixed reviews. But in spite of all of the factors that seem to work against “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” it still succeeds. The film is an underdog because few people know about it and it is unlike any of the Bond movies of the time. Not only does it star an actor besides Connery for the first time, but Bond actually gets married.

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photo provided by MGM Studios/Danjaq/Columbia Pictures

ONE LAST SHOT James Bond faces off against past antagonists in the franchise’s newest movie, “Spectre,” which premiered Oct. 26. Viewers bid farewell to yet another Bond actor as Daniel Craig ends his career as the famous spy after portraying him in the four latest films.

Royale” 1964 2006 “Casino Actor: Daniel Craig In an effort to take the series back to its roots, “Casino Royale” completely rebooted the Bond storyline and added the characterization that the series desperately needed. Craig’s portrayal of Bond is the grittiest, most relatable Bond ever. He is foolish and egocentric in his decisions, and he experiences his first bouts of romance and loss, which go against everything his character is known for. And audiences loved the humanity.

“Goldfinger”

Actor: Sean Connery

The best thing about “Goldfinger” is that a majority of the scenes that came from this classic movie are used in so many spy movie spinoffs. Some people may be turned off by this because all of the things that made Bond movies so cool to watch in the past have become generic tropes by today’s standards. But this movie should be greatly appreciated for the example it set for future Bond movies, as well as many spy movies and spoofs.

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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

CRIER MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement.

WHO’S THE REAL DEVIL? When students under academic pressure take drastic measures to save their grade, the question remains: Do we hate the cheating or the cheater?

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and twoway communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, truthfulness, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

For grades’ sake

In 2012, a group of science teachers at North Central High School in Indianapolis shared the answers to the Biology ECA with their students after one teacher took extensive notes on the test from the year before. Not only had six teachers been involved, but an administrator from another school who was married to one of the teachers had seen the printed out answers OUR TAKE without batting an eye. They did not Cheating is face repercussions until months latcaused by er when the scandal was discovered. pressure on The truth is, we live in a society so students to achieve perfect focused on concrete measurements grades rather of knowledge rather than actual than to learn comprehension that even teachers have overlooked cheating as being morally and educationally harmful to students. Students are sacrificing an honest education by going through shortcuts to get better grades. Prioritizing grades over learning becomes an issue, especially if students will need understanding of things they learn in their early education later in life.

By living in a society that values students’ perfect GPAs and standardized test scoring over their actual understanding of a subject, the prevalence of cheating seems a lot more believable. Students who cheat do so because they feel it is the only option for them to do well in school. With busy schedules on top of feeling the pressure to earn good grades, students use cheating as a means to an end. Though it may be a temporary solution, students should not always rely on cheating to get them by. If practiced often, cheating can become an unhealthy habit that obstructs their ability to learn and apply that education to their life. As well as this, teachers need to cover what was taught in class on their tests. A test should be difficult because it matches the level of difficulty of what was taught in class, not because it covers information found in an obscure part of the textbook. The school district’s recent push to align teachers’ curricula with the information students are tested over should help diminish cheating.

Saving money, losing values Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor Blackfridaydeathcount.com is a real website, with real statistics and real stories. Enough Americans actually die every year shopping on Black Friday to justify the existence of such a website. A 2014 study by the National Retail Federation concluded that, in 2014, 133.7 million people shopped over Black Friday weekend, rushing to complete their Christmas shopping lists and—literally—grab the best sales. While Black Friday presents many opportunities for shoppers to save money, that certainly does not compensate for the day’s growing absurdity. Black Friday is turning into a deadly tradition for American culture. Blackfridaydeathcount.com tallies a total of 7 deaths and 98 injuries resulting from

Black Friday shopping since 2006. Deaths on Black Friday are completely unnecessary. Simply, it is sad that buying discount merchandise has proven more important than human life. Although Black Friday normally occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Toys“R”Us are now beginning their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving day. Stores like these cut into the time of Thanksgiving and encourage people to leave their homes in search of material goods; it completely destroys the whole “Be thankful for what you have” concept. Realizing just how severe the situation has become, REI, an outdoor gear store, has taken a stand against Black Friday. The company has already stated its intent to remain closed all day Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Not only will REI close its doors to the shopping crowds on the largest sale day of the year, but it

will also pay its workers on one condition: if they #optoutside. REI created the social media movement #optoutside to let consumers know that Black Friday is not a day for “fighting it out in the aisles,” as stated on their official website. Rather, the company believes that people should spend Black Friday outdoors, or at least out of stores, with their family and friends. Hopefully, stores such as REI start new trends in regards to Black Friday. By stopping the day’s craziness and realizing the ridiculousness level it has reached, the marketing world can reach reasonable selling tactics. Looking back on a past Thanksgiving, which item will seem more precious: time spent with irreplaceable loved ones or that half-priced stainless steel blender? Take a step back this Black Friday, and think about the prices we are really paying.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 11 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Meena Kandallu Design Editor Chloe Wineinger Copy Editor Mariah Villaroman Associate Editor Danie Oberman Media Editor Jordan Szymanski Opinion Editor Danie Oberman Sports Editors Joseph Bermudez Jordan Szymanski News Editors Gavin Hamilton Simon Pirok Infocus Editors Sofia Navarro Alexandria Shinkan Student Life Editor Ian Brundige Cartoonist Gavin Hamilton Head Photographer Rachel Bishop Business Manager Mary Ellen Gilhooly Photographers Veronica Bilek Elisa Del Toro Mary Ellen Gilhooly Olivia Hesterman Brandi Hoover Danijela Kaurin Sidney Milne Emma Trivunovic Easan Venkat Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman


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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

A helping

hand

Katie Kordeck, junior, donates her time to others during Thanksgiving season Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief When Katie Kordeck, junior, reflects on the volunteer work she performs, she jokingly describes the time she spends soliciting donations for the Salvation Army as a bell ringer as “the most annoying job on earth, but I love it.” For Katie, this interest in community service began in 8th grade with her first volunteering experience teaching CCD, or religious education, classes at her church, St. Thomas More. Katie has since volunteered her time to multiple programs, many of which are organized or sponsored by her church. As Thanksgiving approaches, Katie prepares to spend the previous week cooking a turkey and side dishes to donate to a local homeless shelter, a volunteering activity that she and her mother do together every year. “I’ve never been without a meal. But I’ve seen enough with my own two eyes and I’ve talked to enough people to know that not having anything is really hard,” Katie said.

photo by Rachel Bishop

GIVING BACK Katie Kordeck, junior, cuts into a pan of brownies. Every Thanksgiving, she volunteers her time to help others. “I have loved it all, from making turkeys for the homeless to ringing bells with the Salvation Army, it has all been an experience I will never forget,” Katie said.

In addition to the food donations she makes to homeless shelters, Katie also continues to teach classes at her church. She currently volunteers as a teacher for a weekly special education religious education class. “Currently, I feel like the most rewarding experience I’ve had is being a special education religious education teacher,” Katie said. “But I feel like the work I do with the homeless has the largest impact on others and the community.”

Citing her mother as a source of inspiration, Katie hopes to continue increasing her involvement in volunteer work. Although Katie is not allowed to volunteer at homeless shelters since she is not yet 18 years old, she hopes to do so as soon as she is eligible. “I (volunteer) because I have the means,” Katie said. “(I volunteer because) it’s a change I want to see in the world. I don’t want anyone to have the feeling of ‘I have nothing, I’m out of options, nobody cares about me.’”


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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

CUTTING EDGE (top left) Creating the fall musical sets, Matthew McCraw, sophomore, Paige Mecyssine, junior, and Bradley Goralczyk, sophomore, cut wood for the main scenery. DRESS REHEARSAL (top right) In the boys’ dressing room, Trey DeLuna, senior, looks for an outfit to fit his character. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM (bottom right) Discussing the musical, Camille Jancosek, senior, and Lane Terry, junior, write critiques to help improve the actors performance skills. Acting on stage is different than directing because directors have more details to pay attention to, according to Camille. “You actually understand the frustration and stress,” Camille said. “When you’re onstage that’s all you worry about, but when you’re directing you have to worry about everything.” SCENIC ARTS (bottom left) Opening a new paint can, Scenic Director Tatiana Shinkan, senior, paints sets to match the musical’s building setting. photos by Veronica Bilek and Brandi Hoover

Behind the scenes

Auditorium staff, directors prepare for fall musical, ‘Working’

Simon Pirok News Editor

Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor

Backstage crew

Stepping off the stage after a microphone check and walking behind the curtain, Production Manager Daniel Cappo, senior, keeps tabs on the theater backstage crew. “If the backstage crew wasn’t there, all the actors would have to push their own sets and they would have to change all the backdrops with the ropes, (and) a lot of people don’t know what those are,” Daniel said. “The actors would also have to make their own sets. We’re pretty important. We help put a scene and picture to the show while the actors act out the show.” Both the technical side, which deals with sound and lighting technology, and production side, which deals with the helping actors backstage and set building, of the crew watch their behind-the-scenes work take center stage this week with the fall musical “Working.” “It’s the same goal for every single show,” Scenic Director Tatiana Shinkan, senior, said. “It’s just to amaze the audience. I also want to show the audience that Munster has good singers and actors, but we also have some pretty good builders and artists.” Often called “techies,” a shortened form of the phrase “technical help,” Sound Director Paige Mecyssine, junior, and other crew members have a unique perspective on the theater environment. “There’s a lot of sound effects I do, and it makes the show come together. I adjust each person’s voice to the frequency and volume because each person has a really different voice,” Paige said. “It gives me good experience, and I like connecting with the performers. I also really like the people I work with. It

kind of creates a family.” All backstage crew members, from sound to scenery, hope to create a lasting impression with “Working” this weekend. “You wouldn’t have a show without the backstage crew,” Paige said. “Besides letting everyone be heard, we also tell them when to be on stage, provide scenery, make sure everything is clean, and get the word out about the show. A lot of people might not know what we do, but we make sure every component of the show is perfect for our audience.”

Center stage

With the Munster Theatre Company’s production of “Working” opening last night, actor Trey DeLuna, senior, explains how he usually prepares for the Theatre Company’s productions. “Basically I just go over my parts of the script a lot so I can put on the best show possible,” Trey said. “I make sure that everything is as memorized as possible so I can put it all together well on stage.” The production “Working” tries to paint a picture of the men and women the world often takes for granted, such as a teacher, or a trucker, according to Trey. Throughout the production, Mike LeFever, Trey’s character, tries to make a better life for his son. “A lot of the characters in the play are just ordinary people,” Trey said. “The story of the play doesn’t focus on one certain person, but everyone has similar time on stage. Everyone plays an important role in this production.” Actress Alyssa DeJoan, junior, plays Nora Watson, a no-nonsense woman who disapproves the fact that people in her office define themselves by their job, and not by their personalities. “I really think that this production is unique in the sense that it is really different from anything that the Theatre Company has put on before because we

don’t usually put on productions that don’t have a lead role,” Alyssa said. Alyssa explains that experience can help the younger performers with stage fright and being more comfortable on stage with other actors. “The more opportunities you get to perform, the better you can become at performing,” Alyssa said. “Experience helps with the flow of productions because people know how hard they have to work. People involved with the production know they don’t have a lot of time to get everything right. Everyone works hard to make sure the show runs well.”

Running the show

Munster Theatre Company looks to put on enjoyable shows continuing after last night’s opening of the production “Working.” “We’re expecting the show to be as great as a professional show would be put on at the Center (for Visual and Performing Arts),” student director Camille Jancosek, senior, said. “We expect our actors to perform with the talent we know they have and to exceed the responsibilities that they have.” With their vast experience directing shows, Camille and student assistant director Lane Terry, junior, explain what their jobs are like. “Being the assistant student director is really stressful, especially during rehearsals, but once you see the show on stage, it is really rewarding to see your visions come to life,” Lane said. “From the reputation of the Theatre Company, we should have a really good show. We have a ton of good actors and beautiful singers.” With Camille having prior experience directing shows, she is also able to describe what her job is like. “It’s kind of like being (director Dr. Larry Brechner’s) second hand,” Camille said. “I am adding to the notes that he gives out to make sure the production is as great as it can be. I am making sure that everyone has done what they need to do, I make sure that everyone knows where to move, and I make sure that everyone has bought a shirt for the production. I pretty much make sure that everything will be done in time for opening night.“


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Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

‘Cheating the system’

no longer assess the skills or knowledge accurately.” The reasoning behind a student’s willingness to cheat can stem from many complicated factors, but Continued from front Mrs. Daugherty boils it down to personal choices. better than average in order to get into college. They “Any given time we decide to cheat, we pose a say a student has to get As, but stay well rounded choice: at what point have we decided it is okay to by being in extra curriculars. There just isn’t enough steal someone else’s stuff?” Mrs. Daugherty said. time to study for seven different classes. And ide“I have had kids say they don’t want me to think ally, students want to study and get the grade for they’re a loser (for getting a bad grade). I think kids themselves, but sometimes they do what they need cheat because they take a gamble. They have too to do to get by.” many things on their plate and instead of cutting Cheating no longer carries the back, they find ways to make it stigma it used to as students find less work.” social disapproval and more accepWhile working in education, Mrs. If I were to ever get tance for whatever it takes to get the Daugherty relies on her belief that her caught, I would never A, according to the junior. students are innately well-intentioned. “If I were to ever get caught, I “I really do believe most kids make say who I was cheating would never say who I was cheating the right decision,” Mrs. Daugherty for. Because I know if for,” the junior said. “Because I know said. “I think students blow (cheatmy friends got caught if my friends got caught they would ing) off because they think it is not a never tell: nobody likes a rat. There is big deal, and they don’t realize the they would never tell: a code among students not to snitch seriousness of it.” nobody likes a rat. cause almost everybody is (cheating). Despite the efforts students go There is a code among through to cheat, there is no real deHonestly, if you frown upon cheatstudents not to snitch ing, think about how it could be you sire to be labeled as a cheater, accordwho needs the answers. What would cause almost everybody ing to Jillian. you want me to do?” “Nobody wants to break their is (cheating).” Some students regard originality as morals. Nobody wants to say ‘I’m a less important than getting a higher -Anonymous junior cheater,’ Jillian said. “But sometimes it grade according to the junior. seems like a better option. What you “I really do not mind that my really need to do is ask yourself what friends benefit from my work,” the junior said. “It’s is more important, your grades or what you do for on them. If they want to earn a good grade for them- a living or who you end up being and what kind of selves, awesome. But if they’re okay with just getting person you are.” by then I’m happy to give them a few answers.” The possibility of finding a solution for cheating Although students may be accustomed to cheatmay be slim, but there may be an opportunity to ing, teachers do not tolerate cheating within their reduce the unethical lengths students go to in order classrooms, according to Mrs. Tammy Daugherty, to make the grade, according to Jillian. English Department chair. “There is no solution to cheating in individual“There is a contract that exists between a teacher ized situations because students will always conand a student,” Mrs. Daugherty said. “A student tinue to cheat,” Jillian said. “But the only thing that agrees to try their best to meet the objectives of the could possibly fix cheating is if a student’s future class, and the teacher agrees to assess how well didn’t depend so much on test scores and grades, those objectives are met. The minute a student but on talent and hard work: things you can’t cheat cheats, that contract is broken, and the teacher can on.”

Have you falsely been accused of cheating? Yes, I have.

60% No, I haven’t.

40%

41% 31% 25% 21% 20% 19% 16% say science classes

say math classes

say history classes

note: totaled percentages do not equal 100 because surveyed students were allowed to choose more than one option

Crier survey compares teacher, student opinions regarding definition of cheating

Student

Teacher

4%

consider it cheating to tell friends in a later class period the difficulty level of a test

9%

25%

consider it cheating to study a bank of test questions online if it is possible that they will appear on the test

38%

54%

23%

consider it cheating to study an old test copy from an upperclassman, even if the teacher might reuse the same test consider it cheating to look around the classroom for possible answers on posters or on the board

35% 89% 48 percent

What classes are students most likely to cheat in?

say they do not cheat

What do you consider cheating?

say say say AP foreign English and lanhonors classes guage classes class-

8% say other classes

es

of students consider it cheating to make no attempt to conceal test answers from other students

77%

23%

of students consider it cheating to give test answers to students in a later class period of teachers consider it cheating to give test answers to students in a later class period

89 percent

of teachers consider it cheating to make no attempt to conceal test answers from other students

source: Crier survey of 508 students and 47 teachers conducted Nov. 11-13 on Google Forms

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sports 9

Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

Uncharted Territory Hockey prepares for first match up against Bloomington, continues to dominate despite injury of key player

photo by Rachel Bishop

MIRACLE ON ICE After finishing the pregame warm-ups, Michael Cuvala (89), senior, pays no mind to the other team and instead focuses on helping his goalie. “Before the game, we’re getting the goalies ready, trying to help them see the puck a little better before play starts. At this point, I’m clearing my head, and I’m not even thinking about the other team so I can mentally focus on my game and how I’ll play,” Cuvala said.

Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor

W

ith a 7-5-1 record, the hockey team, a club that calls the

Midwest Training and Ice center its home, will play Bloomington Sunday, and the speed and work ethic the team has developed will be an advantage, according to Coach Rick Rumbino. “We’re progressing pretty well,” Coach Rumbino said. “We got a few new guys and we’ve faced some difficult teams so far, so I think we’ve played pretty well. There’s good speed on our team. They play hard like a team, and that’s all you can ask for.” The team’s level of experience will also be an advantage not only against Bloomington, but against the team’s remaining opponents, according to Michael Cuvala, senior. “Last year we were a young team,” Cuvala said. “This year we have more

depth from the underclassmen, and hopefully we come together as a team and reach State.” The team has been studying recordings from previous games to become oriented with the improvements the team needs to make, according to Cuvala. “Last year we split the season series (against Bloomington),” Cuvala said. “We look at film from the games we didn’t do so well in so we can visually see our mistakes. We also look at games we did well in so we can translate that to our next game. We haven’t played (Bloomington) yet this year, and because of some (underclassmen) who joined the team on both sides, it’ll be a new game.” The lack of familiarity with Bloomington will challenge the team as the game starts. It should not affect them drastically throughout the game, according to Nick Van Sipma, junior. “We haven’t played them yet this

year so it’ll be hard to judge them early on,” Van Sipma said. “They pass the puck pretty well and can skate around our defense, so that’s something we need to keep an eye on. I think, despite that, we can take them.” Defensive improvements are a must, but the teams skill grows stronger through practices and playing time on the ice, according to Van Sipma. “We should be able to keep (the puck) in (Bloomington’s) zone and force (scoring) chances at the net,” Van Sipma said. “Our defense might have some trouble, but we’re working on that. They’ve been improving every game, and (Sunday’s game) shouldn’t be any different.” Even though they have not seen their competition, Coach Rumbino believes his team will win against Bloomington. “We’ve beaten them more times than they’ve beaten us,” Coach Rumbino said. “We’re not too scared to play them. I think we’ll do well. I predict we

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will win this game.” Even after a significant knee injury to Brodie Claesgens, senior, in the game against Fort Wayne High School, Coach Rumbino plans to be victorious. “Everyone knows injuries do occur, but we have to keep looking forward,” Coach Rumbino said. “Everyone is wishing (Brodie to be) better soon so he can be back in time for the end of the year. The pieces changed, but the game plan hasn’t.” As Claesgens recovers from his injury, he prepares for a month without playing time, but when he returns, he plans on contributing to the team in a big way and make a post-season run. “I was skating along the wall (and) then got hit, fell awkwardly and torn my meniscus,” Claesgens said. “I got surgery Wednesday (Nov. 4). I’ll go through physical therapy and get back on the ice in about a month. I’ll be ready to give 100 percent when I come back.”

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10sports

Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

The early bird gets the worm

Season recaps

Girls’ Swimming and Diving compensates for loss of seniors; current seniors Cross Country advise teammates for competition; team prepares for meet against Highland Boys’ Boys’ Cross Country ended their Danie Oberman Associate Editor While most students are still asleep 5:30 a.m., Girls’ Swimming is already in the pool preparing for their meets and honing their skills. Their hard work pays off, especially for the new members of the team, according to Nicole Wakefield, junior, “The team is looking really good considering we had lost four of our top swimmers,” Wakefield said. “The incoming freshmen that we have gotten in, they’re really stepping it up and I really feel that we can replace the swimmers that we had lost. It’s like we’re rebuilding the team.” Coach Matt Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, notices that having so many freshman and so few seniors changes the dynam-

ic of the team. team) also (has) one returning diver, “We’re kind of feeding off that right and I think it’s going to be a good exnow and are seeing where that takes perience for our beginners because our us,” Coach Pavlovich said. beginners have made a lot of progress. Girls’ Swimming and I’m going to expect (the Diving face Highland new divers) to be pretI really feel that we ty close to the returning on Tuesday. “Usually they have senior diver from Highcan replace the a couple really good land,” Coach Chappo said. swimmers that we girls,” Coach PavlovCoach Pavlovich is conich said. “They usually fident that the team will had lost. It’s like have about two, three win just like they have in we’re rebuilding girls that can get out the past. The opportunity the team.” the race against our will present itself to comgirls and put together pete against Highland. -Nicole Wakefield, junior some really good relay “Usually they have a teams.” couple really good girls,” The Highland Girls’ Diving team Coach Pavlovich said. “They usually also proves to be a challenge for Girls’ have about two, three girls that can Diving to compete against, according get out the race against our girls and to Coach Bill Chappo. put together some really good relay “As far as I know, (the Highland teams.”

New year, new coach Wrestling competes in season opener against Kankakee Valley tomorrow, adjusts to coaching changes Ian Brundige Student Life Editor Wrestling has their first match tomorrow at Kankakee Valley High School. The team enters the season with new coach Mr. Mike Crary and a new training style. Coach Crary wrestled in his youth and has coached since his kids

were young. “(Coach Crary is) more involved in the wrestling program,” Rodrigo Contreras, junior, said. “There isn’t as much running and more drilling.” The team practices 10 to 12 hours a week doing thrusters, deadlifts, squats and other compound exercises, picking up weights up, moving around with them and putting them down.

photo by Brandi Hoover

PIN ’EM DOWN While practicing, Jason Crary, junior, prepares for the team’s first meet on Saturday. The team tries to generalize their practices in order to give equal attention to each opponent. “We try to treat every match the same. We try to treat every opponent the same and have the same mindset. (Saturday) is our first meet of the season, so we hope to do well,” Crary said.

“We need to get stronger as a group.” Coach Crary said. “I think it’s important for us all to stay focused and do more compound exercises that get multiple muscle groups working to get stronger. They are not going to get out of here without that happening.” While Coach Crary’s main goal is for the wrestlers to get in better shape, Josh Brann, junior, has more competitive goals for the team and himself. “The team looks like a sectional contender this year and a high placement at Conference, and I hope to make it to Semi-State,” Brann said. The different training is aimed at strengthening the team for the season and their first match, according to Coach Crary. “(Kankakee Valley) is always better competition for us, but I feel like we have a better chance at beating them this year,” Brann said. “Munster’s strengths would be our endurance and ability to stay in the matches. (Kankakee Valley) is strong in all their matches.” Although the team has endurance, it is young and lacks experience, according to Brann. The match against Kankakee Valley will be the first varsity match for some of the wrestlers. For others, like Cody Crary, sophomore and Jason Crary, junior, have wrestled in over 800 matches each. “We’re going to have some kids wrestling their first varsity match, so I think there are going to be some nerves,” Coach Crary said. “Ever since middle school, I’ve hoped (Cody and Jason) would get the experience and success that they have. I think they have lifted up some other guys to stick with wrestling maybe longer than they would have before, and (their experience) focuses the team on getting stronger as a whole.”

season Oct. 24 at Semi-state when an eighth place finish failed to qualify them for State Finals. However, seniors Tyler Keslin and Theo Burgwald qualified individually to compete at the State Finals meet. At the State Finals meet, which occurred Oct. 31, Keslin finished 7th and Burgwald finished 41st. “My first thought was that I reached my goal, which was to make top 10, so I was really happy,” Keslin said. “But I was disappointed that we couldn’t go with the team because I’ve been to State two times with my team, and it’s more fun to go as a team.”

Girls’ Cross Country

After Girls’ Cross Country won their Conference, placed second at Regionals and Sectionals, and seventh at Semi-state, Coach Kyleen Nolan, science teacher, reflected on a successful season the girls had. “Winning Conference was a nice highlight of the year, considering we weren’t expected to do that,” Coach Nolan said. “We had 35 girls. It is definitely nice to see so many girls interested in the sport.” Following the team’s season ending, Brisa Bohling, freshman, placed 77th in State as the first individual qualifier since 2007. “I was really excited that I made it (to State), especially as a freshman,” Bohling said. “I was also a little sad because we didn’t make it as a team.”

Girls’ Soccer

With a record of 21-2 this season, the Girls’ Soccer season ended Oct. 24 at Semi-state against Fishers 1-0 in double overtime. The team won Sectionals for the first time since 2012 and also won Regionals for the first time since 2009. The team also won the South Bend St. Joe tournament for the first time in Munster history. The emotion surrounding the seniors’ last game was saddening, according to Maria Sirounis, senior. “As the clock ran down to about 40 seconds, something little hit me,” Sirounis said. “The buzzer went off and I turned to my teammates that I have been playing with since fifth grade. That was a feeling I never want to experience again.”

Volleyball

Volleyball ended their season with a 31-7 record. They won their conference and played well throughout the year, according to Coach Tracy Summers. “Definitely this year we had a lot of things we had to overcome, but overall we had a good season,” Coach Summers said. This year the team has had some setbacks, which included one member not being eligible to play the season and many injuries. “The team played well overall. They definitely showed a lot of improvement from the beginning to the end,” Coach Summers said. “I’m just really happy with our improvement throughout the season. Despite many things that were thrown at us, we still did really well.”


Inside the paint

sports 11 A league of their own

Simon Pirok News Editor

Biddy Ball, a recreational basketball league, holds games every Sunday

Crier/Nov. 20, 2015

Girls’ Basketball competes against Andrean tonight, hopeful of improvements With a game tonight against Andrean High School, the Girls’ Basketball team looks to improve their current record of 1-3. “We have four returning seniors this year, so we should be able to get the leadership we need,” Coach Jim Davidson, PLTW teacher, said. “Our goals are to win Conference, to have a winning record and to become more competitive in the last few minutes of a game so we can close the gaps between the better schools in the area and our team.” In the offseason, the team practiced their defensive skills and their play in transition from offense to defense, which helps players earn easier shots, according to Coach Davidson. “We always want to focus on defense so we can get stops (on defense) when we really need to,” Coach Davidson said. “We also worked on our transition game. We want to try and push the ball up and down the court, which is different than anything we’ve done before. We want to try and get the easier scores instead of attacking a team in a half court set.” Their 0-2 record does not tell the full story of their season, according to Coach Davidson. “Even though Andrean is 0-2, they’ve played some of the better teams in the area in some close games,” Coach Davidson said. “We really want to get the girls to go into practice and compete with each other well. We want to challenge the girls so when they are in game, they play as well as they can play.” The team comes off a tough loss against Gary West Side where they gave up 41 points to one player. “We had trouble stopping one of the best players in the state,” Coach Davidson said. “We couldn’t find a way to stop her, and she ended up going off for 41 points. Our poor shooting and bad ball handling kept us from being productive on the offensive end. This is something we definitely need to improve upon to be able to compete for

Sofia Navarro Infocus Editor

photo by Sidney Milne

RISE ABOVE In the middle of a lay up during the Chesterton game last Friday, Sammi Buvala (5), senior, shoots the ball. Defense is a major part of their strategy as they rely on aid from their teammates during the games. “We try to play solid defense. When we’re in a huddle we talk defense and do what we’re supposed to do and have each others backs like Megan (Zabrecky, senior [33]) has mine,” Buvala said.”

first in Conference.” The team feels that this is one of the In order to win Conference, the team more important games in the beginmust be able to play ning of their seasolidly on the offensive Keys to D-Fence son. and defensive ends to With defense as major part of “(The Anbe able to stay in games games, having effective defensive drean game) and compete, accord- stance is crucial means a lot to ing to Megan Zabrecky, the whole team, Put your hands up Look at the chest and it is really senior. or hands out to the or waist of the “We expect to win important to us sides offensive player a solid amount of all that we win,” Push your chest out Keep your center and keep shoulders games,” Zabrecky of balance strong Sammi Buvaover knees said. “We play a large by using your core la, senior, said. Your knees amount of games Your feet should be should be bent; “There is some pointed straight ahead hips should be where, if we play to our more pressure and shoulder width set low apart potential, we should considering it is More than half of your body weight should be able to win. We’ve our first Conferbe shifted to the balls been working a lot in source: www.SI.com ence game, but I of your feet. practice to work out the am hoping that kinks in our game, especially in our de- this will push us harder and give us fensive skills.” the fire we need to win.”

76

54 23 1

Tipping off a new season Boys’ Basketball begins season Wednesday, looks to develop as season progresses Alexandria Shinkan Infocus Editor Boys’ Basketball will face Bishop Noll Wednesday for the first game of the season. With more playing time on the court, Coach Mike Hackett, health teacher, believes the team will improve throughout the year. “The main thing we lack is playing time and experience at the varsity level,” Coach Hackett said. “The only way to get that is to play in varsity

level games. As the season progresses and we gain experience, we should improve.” Even though most of the team’s defense graduated, they plan to have JV members play, according to Luke Hackett, senior. “It was rough losing all that talent from last year, but we will adjust to losing those guys by bringing up players from the JV team,” Hackett said. For their first game against Bishop Noll, the team will start off working

on basic fundamentals such as passing and shooting, according to Peter Kounelis, junior. “We are a very close team,” Kounelis said. “(It’s) as if we are all brothers. Our senior leaders are respected and know what is expected.” This game will allow them to decide how they are doing as a team, according to Coach Hackett. “It is an away game, and the Bishop Noll fieldhouse is a tough place to play,” Coach Hackett said. “It will be a tough opening game to the season. We will find out right away where we stand. We are all looking forward to the start of the season.”

Although the dream of many high school athletes is to fiercely defend and represent their school, many basketball players have taken an alternative route for their extracurricular sports according to Milan Obradovic, junior. “There’s times on the high school team where it becomes too serious and it’s hard to have fun,” Obradovic said. Obradovic plays Biddy Ball to avoid the stress and expectations of a high school team, as well as to give himself an opportunity get time on the court. “I believe that they (the players) decided to play Biddy Ball instead of the high school team because they wouldn’t have played much,” Obradovic said. “All of us who decided not to play on the high school team were virtually bench warmers, so we decided that we need some playing time.” Athletes may have several different reasons for joining a sport’s team, but Josh Hoogewerf, sophomore, does not believe the pride behind representing the school beats out the desire for competition. “When it comes to Biddy Ball, or the Munster Youth Basketball program, it’s really just a great way to stay active and have a great time with friends,” Hoogewerf said. Josh enjoys the competition in Biddy Ball and believes the differentiation in skill level makes for interesting and exhilarating games. “Most teams are well balanced, but occasionally you get a team that is really hard to beat,” Hoogewerf said. “My favorite aspect of Biddy Ball is the really close games where you have to work especially hard on the court to come away with the win.” Hoogewerf believes Biddy Ball has gained popularity due to the variety of skill levels, which make an alternative team a more viable option for many players. Despite the sport being more accessible, he still believes the competition is present. “On the school team, you’re representing your school, so when you do make mistakes, they could be even more embarrassing than if you make the same mistake in a Biddy Ball game. The level of competitiveness is greatly increased on the school team than it is in Biddy Ball,” Hoogewerf said. Hoogewerf finds that Biddy Ball has allowed him to take part in an extracurricular activity which would have otherwise not been available to him. “I’m truly grateful to have such a program in my community,” Hoogewerf said. “It has allowed me to fill up my free time and overall have a good time playing the sport that I love.”


12student life Face the facts

Crier/Nov, 20 2015

No-Shave Novmeber, Movember encourage participants to raise awareness about cancer, men’s health but women question inclusion and acceptance about hair

BACKTALK The final movie of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, “Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2,” premiered last night. If you found yourself in the Hunger Games, what would your survival tactic be?

students who think that hair needs to be removed

31% men’s body hair 71% women’s body hair 36% men’s facial hair

72% women’s facial hair

Nov. 4

Nov. 18

“I’d form an alliance and wait until they killed everyone else, then I’d leave them and wait for them to kill each other.”

“I would stick to the waters and surprise attack people who came near like a savage.”

photo illustration by Rachel Bishop

50.3%

The Rules

The Rules

On average, females shave

11 6 Shaveless and shameless of males have of No-Shave November Students spend participated in No• Do not shave in Shave November or November with the goal Movember of growing a full beard on shaving

$23.70

30.6%

of females have participated in NoShave November or Movember

• Donate your monthly hair-maintenance expenses to no-shave.org

related products a month on average

Elizabeth Fonseca, freshman

James Sroge, freshman

of Movember

• Grow a mustaches,

facial hair must not connect to sideburns

• Grow awareness

about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health, physical inactivity

times a month

On average, males shave

times a month

“I would try to make peace with everyone.”

sources: no-shave.org, Crier survey of 473 students conducted Nov. 15-18 on Google Forms

Organizations No-Shave November, Movember Foundation, encourage participants to raise awareness about cancer by growing their facial, body hair

ridiculous.” People of any gender should be able to participate in No-Shave November, as long as they fully understand The start of the month began No-Shave November, or the goal, according to Chloe. Movember, in which participants gave up shaving their “It started as something to gain awareness for prostate body hair for a month to raise awareness and money for cancer in men, which is a great cause. Now it’s popular prostate and testicular cancers. enough to be known with or without that tie,” Chloe “No-Shave November can be interpreted in many said. “That’s negative toward the purpose because ways. Some people think it’s just a month where you there’s no point to participating if it isn’t raising awaredon’t shave for fun and see who the hairiness.” est person at the end is,” Yiorgo Karnezis, Because she does not usually shave NoMen have a plethora Shave November fits easily into Chloe’s life, senior, said. Yiorgo usually grows a full beard; howaccording to Chloe. of body hair. I ever, he does enjoy styling a mustache or “I don’t really shave my legs, and I nevknow some with goatee just for fun. er have. Mainly because it keeps my legs sasquatch-level legs warm, which is body hair’s natural purpose, “Growing facial hair is easy for me,” Yiorgo said. “I was able to grow a mustache going on, and they plus nobody notices because I’m a natural in third grade, awesome chops in seventh blonde,” Chloe said. still say, ‘Women grade and a full beard by eight grade. By Melina has a similar outlook on this issue, the end of the month, my facial hair usually need to shave their standing out as a woman with body hair gets as long as the hair on my head, about may draw more attention to the cause than a legs, it’s gross.’ two inches.” man participating, according to Melina. Yiorgo believes more awareness has been That’s ridiculous. “Although it may feel like girls are takbrought to the subject through social media, -Chloe Moffett, sophomore ing offense to this, it’s actually a wonderful in websites such as no-shave.org, which opportunity to explain why (they are particiaim to educate people on the purpose and history of Nopating) and help raise awareness,” Melina said. Shave November. Cancer has personally affected Melina, as she lost her “To me, No-Shave November is to raise awareness for grandmother to the disease when she was six years old. cancer because there are many people and families close “Cancer of any kind affects many people, so it’s to me that have been affected by cancer.” Yiorgo said. important to raise awareness,” Melina said. “Really, the Although it is an important, positive event according only thing people who aren’t in the medical field need to to Yiorgo, participants like sophomores Chloe Moffett have is compassion. They need to be patient for anyone and Melina Banaszak have received negative reactions affected by cancer and learn to listen.” for participating. Melina and Chloe both find No-Shave November to be “There’s nothing gross about not shaving your legs a wonderful tool for enlightening people. or any part of your body. As long as you keep yourself “Male, female, or anything in between, the real aim of clean, why disturb your body’s natural process?” Chloe No Shave November is to spread awareness for people said. “Men have a plethora of body of body hair. I know affected with prostate cancer,” Chloe said. “We can’t some with sasquatch-level legs going on, and they still make a difference unless we’re able to unite and accept say, ‘Women need to shave their legs, it’s gross.’ That’s others while we work for that.”

“I would hide away from people, like I usually do.”

Haley Hensley, sophomore

Michael Hrinda, sophomore

Sofia Navarro Infocus Editor

“I’d be like the Fox girl, who was just lurking around everywhere and stealing everyone’s food.”

“I would dig a hole, I would go in that hole, I would stay in the hole, and I would come out of the hole when everyone else was done.”

Alexandria Bleza, junior

“I would hunt for food and kill anyone who came in my direction.”

Paige Kwasigroch, senior

Rodrigo Contreras, junior

“Running and hiding, because I have no skills in the wild.”

Mrs. Katie Harris, math teacher


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