The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
Emily Dywan

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief

Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a senior at MHS this is my third year in Crier. I love to read, write, and draw. A fun fact about me is that I have a yellow car.

All content by Emily Dywan

Pep in your step

Emily Dywan and Gabriella Van Horne
March 20, 2025
MIC DROP Hyping up the crowd, senior student body president Annie Fuller presents at the student government charity volleyball game. “If I had to choose one legacy to leave for future leaders, I would hope they take this years positivity and excitement with them,” she said. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli) AGAINST THE GRAIN Working the hand saw, junior Amelia Rzeznikowski trains her woodworking skill at a robotics workshop. “At the end of the day, its just building a robot with your friends,” she said. (Photo by Karla Aguilar) CUT A RUG Pointing to the crowd, senior Sam Bleza performs for dance at the basketball half-time show. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli) SIT TIGHT Sat cross-legged, senior Anastasia Savic presents their next project to the Head Committee of robotics. (Photo by Karla Aguilar) TAKE HOME THE CROWN Holding her trophy, dance coach Elyse Skalka poses for a photo. (Photo by Ben Schirz)

Who run the world? Girls

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2025
Phantom of the Oscars

Phantom of the Oscars

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-chief
March 18, 2025
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES Looking over at his peers, senior Lorenzo Piña holds his box with decorations consisting of construction paper and stickers. Members of Best Buddies made boxes to put their Valentine’s in on their Valentine’s Day party on Feb 9. “Best Buddies is very important club because it’s fun for the special needs kids and other kids,” Piña said.

Scoring smiles: Best buddies sponsors annual best Buddy Bowl on March 6

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2025
HYPED UP Alani Nutrition, an energy drink common amongst teenage girls was recently bought by Celsius, a competitor, for $1.65 billion in early February. With the purchase of Alani, Celsius has the largest sugar- free beverage portfolio and became the third largest in the energy drink category. (Source: CNBC) (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)

Caffeine Craze: Addressing the rise of energy drinks and caffeine intake among high school students

Josephine Zangrilli and Emily Dywan
March 6, 2025
Meet the stars: Highlighting outstanding winter athletes

Meet the stars: Highlighting outstanding winter athletes

Emily Dywan and Lexi Villalobos
February 7, 2025
PIN IT TO WIN IT Practicing their take downs, senior Malachi Neal and sophomore Derek Bobb prepare for the sectional competition this Sunday. “Conditioning is getting harder,” Neal said. “It’s kind of a mental thing but the practices have been getting ramped up and there is always room for improvement.” (Photo by Ben Schirz)

Mind over mat: Varsity boy’s wrestling works towards sectionals Feb. 1

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-chief
February 7, 2025
Illustrations by Emily Dywan

“Should we be optimistic or pessimistic for our future?”

Emily Dywan and Gabriella Van Horne
January 30, 2025
Canva_3357_Newspaper.12-08-2024_14-15-11

Four flavors, one year: Reviewing TikTok’s top food trends

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-chief
December 12, 2024
Untitled1002_20241127183404 (1)

[Photo] Four the Books: A pop culture rewind of the 2024 year

Lexi Villalobos, Deadline Manager
December 12, 2024
Screenshot

[Photo] What’s driving them out?: Addressing substitute teacher and bus driver shortages

Kylee Barnes and Emma Starkey
December 12, 2024
UP FOR AIR Swimming freestyle, freshman Lilly King competes in the 200 freestyle. For each event, swimmers will have a goal or focus for their race. “I focus a lot on kicking and on my turns being fast, and my breathing,” King said.

Freshman focus: Swimmer Lilly King starts off season with a wave

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-chief
December 12, 2024
DUSTED OFF As sophomores Kate Huang and Rachel Siergey assemble supplies for their forensics kit, they unpacked old equipment including forceps and flasks. The Science Olympiad members are preparing for the upcoming tournament at Palatine this Saturday. “Science Olympiad constantly challenges us to think creatively, and I love seeing how our team improves with each competition," Kate Huang said.

In their element: Science Olympiad works towards their Palatine competition this weekend

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2024
"It's not just representation, but inclusion."

“It’s not just representation, but inclusion.”

Emily Dywan and Lexi Villalobos
November 21, 2024
PUT ‘ER THERE Hyping each other up before the game Nov. 15, seniors Nina Garner and Kinga Grabowski go through a handshake. Garner was named Player of the Game against Chesterton, losing 57-32.

Warm the court

Emily Dywan
November 21, 2024
Screenshot 2024-11-19 at 4.29.32 PM

[Photo] Green or Pink: Reviewing various products for tomorrow’s “Wicked” release

Emma Starkey, Web Designer
November 19, 2024

Back of the net

Gabriella Van Horne and Emily Dywan
October 25, 2024
Photo illustrations by Damien Salahieh. Original photos attributed to Nikolas Liepins & Kathy Fang via Flickr.

“It’s not enough to vote, you have to vote well.”

Emily Dywan and Lexi Villalobos
October 17, 2024
Hold Your Horses

Hold Your Horses

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-chief
September 26, 2024
SMILE BRIGHT Posing for a photo, seniors Grace Peters, Savannah Neutzel and Jiselle Ruiz hold up a sign. Neutzel made the sign for fun photo options for seniors at senior sunrise “I am not creative, but I thought if I would use it then other people would too,” Neutzel said.

A new dawn

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2024
Shake Things Up

Shake Things Up

Emily Dywan, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2024
LAY THE GROUNDWORK Iron beams lining the halls, the upstairs music room is early in its construction phase. According to principal Morgan Nolan, the choir room floors will be insulated with rubber and will have double walls to suppress sound.

Third times a charm: Munster high school construction continues into new school year

Emily Dywan and Gabriella Van Horne
August 26, 2024
Diploma dilemma: Indiana Department of Education Proposes New Diploma for 2029

Diploma dilemma: Indiana Department of Education Proposes New Diploma for 2029

Emily Dywan and Emma Starkey
May 22, 2024
CROWNS DONT BRING FROWNS After being crowned prom queen and king at Best Buddies prom April 25, senior Riley Galosich and sophomore Jeffery Piljac, pose for a photograph. “Best Buddies prom has always been a club favorite,” Olivia Hughes, senior and club president, said. “I felt this event was a huge success, we all had so much fun spending time together.” (photo by john kullerstrand)

Best Buddies prepares for Friendship Fair May 25

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
May 15, 2024
Ready, set, summer!: With summer coming up, here is an ultimate summer guide

Ready, set, summer!: With summer coming up, here is an ultimate summer guide

Emma Starkey, Gabriella Van Horne, and Emily Dywan
May 15, 2024
In the greenhouse during botany class, Anagha Narayan, junior, tends to her plant. “We’re always learning about ourselves, but we don’t have as great of an understanding about plants, so I like plants for that reason,” Anagha said.

A changing climate: Students and staff share their concerns for the next 10 years of the environment

Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy and Emily Dywan
April 19, 2024
Column: Restore the ink

Column: Restore the ink

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
April 18, 2024
Smile after smile: Best Buddies’ recap of their events so far and future projects coming up

Smile after smile: Best Buddies’ recap of their events so far and future projects coming up

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
March 13, 2024
Column: Home (or lack thereof)

Column: Home (or lack thereof)

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
March 13, 2024
METAL MEETS MILL While using the vertical mill in the fab lab, Muaaz Shareef, senior, looks closely at a piece of metal that he surfaces down. The mill is very precise when taking away unwanted material, making the perfect part needed for this year’s robot. “It’s very good about creating and giving you creative freedom and liberties over everything,” Muaaz said.

Getting the gears turning: Robotics prepares for district competition March 1-3

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
February 20, 2024
Snacking the bracket: Crier staff decides the best football snack

Snacking the bracket: Crier staff decides the best football snack

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
January 31, 2024
Super bowls: With Super Bowl LVIII next Sunday, Crier staff reviews local bowls

Super bowls: With Super Bowl LVIII next Sunday, Crier staff reviews local bowls

Emily Dywan and Zoe Clark
January 31, 2024
PIECE BY PIECE Bringing in a power box to the PLTW classes, Mr. Josh Collier, engineering teacher, disassembles it to show the wiring compartments.

Fresh faces: MHS welcomes three new staff members

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
January 31, 2024
Added to cart: With holiday shopping in season, MHS relays concerns between ethics and consumerism online

Added to cart: With holiday shopping in season, MHS relays concerns between ethics and consumerism online

Lauren Hoogeveen and Emily Dywan
December 13, 2023

The emergence of AI: How the recent executive order and the growth of AI has altered trust in media

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
November 20, 2023
Make yourself at home: Students rank their favorite class comforts with construction nearing completion

Make yourself at home: Students rank their favorite class comforts with construction nearing completion

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
November 16, 2023
ANONYMOUS BUSINESS Imitating anonymous online presences, students are active on their phone to control their accounts.

Sent anonymously: Diving into the digital lives of MHS students

Emily Dywan and Kylee Barnes
October 25, 2023
Drink it or drop it: Crier's take on fall drinks from three local locations

Drink it or drop it: Crier’s take on fall drinks from three local locations

Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy, Kylee Barnes, Emily Dywan, Marianna Young, and Lexi Villalobos
September 29, 2023
LETS TALK Sitting together, the girls varsity soccer team and Coach Valerie Pflum run through plays together after a loss. The team makes it a point to review their performance for improvement in future games.

Coach Pflum on track for her 200th win

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
September 27, 2023
FAST FEET In their game against Bishop Noll, Isaiah Swider, senior, seeks an opportunity to run to the net.

Kickin’ into gear: Boys’ varsity soccer team heads into sectionals

Emily Dywan, Story Editor
September 27, 2023
Illustrated by Emily Dywan

Plant your changes: MHS thoughts on climate change

Kylee Barnes and Emily Dywan
August 30, 2023
A photo of the new online pass system.

Changing the game: A look in to the new changes at MHS

Lauren Hoogeveen, Gabriella Van Horne, Emma Starkey, Emily Dywan, and Kylee Barnes
August 29, 2023
HEADS UP Playing against Andrean, Kylie Madura, junior, throws the ball to first base. The team faultered 1-7.

Softball plays double-header tomorrow

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
May 11, 2023
PUMP UP THE JAM During 80’s workout day, Emily Lyza gets on Lauren Kuechenberg’s shoulders. WALKING THE RED CARPET At senior prom, Joey Higgason escorts Akaoma Odeluga down an open aisle (photo by josephine mittelberger) YAS QUEEN At football’s homecoming night, Meagan Hudson congratulates homecoming queen Gracie Kisala (photo by lita cleary).

‘Hey, remember that time when…’: Seniors reflect on key moments at MHS from 2019-2023

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
May 11, 2023
STRUMMING AWAY Playing the guitar and bass, Olivia Olivares and Vane Rodriguez, sophomores, practice a song together. With Battle of the Bands approaching, they are getting in as much practice as possible.

Ready to rock: Battle of the Bands makes a return after two years

Emily Dywan, story editor
May 11, 2023
Teacher dedication: Abbie Fuller, sophomore, 159,490 minutes remaining

Teacher dedication: Abbie Fuller, sophomore, 159,490 minutes remaining

Emily Dywan
April 20, 2023
Only so much time: Teachers and students discuss balancing mental and health and time in the classroom

Only so much time: Teachers and students discuss balancing mental and health and time in the classroom

Emily Dywan and Seamus Keegan
April 20, 2023
Emily Dywan: 159,490 minutes remaining

Emily Dywan: 159,490 minutes remaining

Emily Dywan, page editor
April 20, 2023
Out with the old, in with the new: Danish Akbar, senior, 11,890 minutes remaining

Out with the old, in with the new: Danish Akbar, senior, 11,890 minutes remaining

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
April 20, 2023

Crier contacts Bowen Center, highlights student resources

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
March 16, 2023
VERDANT VOCALS Performing, juniors Adeline West and Shana Shah and sophomore Josie Speckhard sing for choir. Shana is one of the three choir members who were chosen to perform at the showcase on March 20.

Beyond the stage: A look into what the performing arts are doing for Music in Our Schools, Showcase March 20.

Josephine Zangrilli and Emily Dywan
March 16, 2023
PLAY BALL During practice, Giana Gallardo, sophomore, throws the ball to her drill partner.

Softball starts spring season

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
March 14, 2023
Remastering the undead: Crier staff reviews the video game "The Last of Us"

Remastering the undead: Crier staff reviews the video game “The Last of Us”

Emily Dywan and Zoe Clark
February 23, 2023
Photo illustrations by Damien Salahieh, Emily Dywan, Ethan Pischner, and Josephine Mittelberger

Black History Month: students reflect on personal experiences and how they celebrate

Emily Dywan and Josephine Mittelberger
February 23, 2023

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
February 23, 2023
GETTING IN THE GROOVE During their pom routine, Sam Bleza, sophomore, and Sara Progler, senior, practice their moves for Nationals. “Running the routine with weights is never easy, but I know it’ll make my dancing better in the future,” Bleza said. (photo by lexi villalobos)

Taking the final bow: Varsity Dance heads off to Nationals March 1

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
February 23, 2023
MIX AND MATCH: Staffers review Netflix’s new series “Kaleidoscope”

MIX AND MATCH: Staffers review Netflix’s new series “Kaleidoscope”

Seamus Keegan, Josephine Zangrilli, Ethan Pischner, and Emily Dywan
January 25, 2023
See key below

Hammering out the progress: A closer look at new developments in Munster

Seamus Keegan and Emily Dywan
January 25, 2023
HEAD TO HEAD Wrestling for results, sophomores Sorvino Chansiri and Anthony Paredes practice for their upcoming sectionals. The wrestling team has spent the year working hard to ensure their success in their matches.

Hitting the mat: Wrestling heads to sectionals as their season closes out

Emily Dywan
January 25, 2023
RISING OPPORTUNITIES Standing with her student, Mrs. Koula Amanatidis-Radoicic, computer science teacher, and Leia Maduakolam, junior, who is a participant of the program, are preparing to take a photo. Leia won a gift card for her participation in the program.

Sisters Rise Up: A program for new opportunities

Emily Dywan, Page Editor
January 25, 2023
Seen in his classroom, Mr. Andrew Martin, math teacher, sits at his desk. He plans to retire after this school year.

Mr. Martin leaves lasting impressions after five years at Munster

Emily Dywan
May 19, 2022
Load More Stories