The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
At a glance: Club Callouts
DRAMA QUEEN In the spotlight, freshman Owen Kirk exits the stage with pizzazz. The Munster Theatre Company prepares for the very first production that they will be hosting for the 2025-2026 school year. “The new and improved auditorium is really great and provides a new and improved working space for the performing arts at MHS,” Kirk said. “I’m excited for the amazing performances that will be held here.”
Stepping back on stage: Munster Theater Company prepares for their fall production “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” opening on Sept. 25
CUTTING CORNERS Due to SB0001, funding for Indiana schools has been minimized by 15% according to k12drive. “My job as a principal and as a building leader is to try to make sure that you guys don’t feel that effect. But, the reality is that there’s always a consequence to decisions, right?” Nolan said.
Looking ahead: Budget cuts on a state level lead to a change of plans for the future of MHS
SHAPIN’ IT Preparing to make a new plate, senior Olivia Olivares begins to center her clay. Centering is a process that helps with the pieces’ overall quality. “Centering determines structure, like whether the walls of your pot are even and the sides are the same,” Olivares said.
At a Glance: Issue 8
THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ Arm in the air, freshman Autumn Strode looks down the lane as her ball rolls toward the pins. Not only did Strode practice with the Munster Bowling Club, she also practiced on her own at Stardust Bowl in Dyer. “During the season, the team practices two days a week, Sunday’s and Wednesday’s this past season,” Strode said. “I practice personally about four times a week, sometimes more, depending on how much homework and studying I have during the week.”
The final pin: Munster bowling concludes their season
SPARKS FLY Trimming bolts, sophomore Carter Young uses an angle grinder on the frame of the team’s newly redesigned robot. The bolts had to be trimmed down due to being too long, a factor that would be a potential hazard. “The bolts were sticking out of the frame,” Young said. “So we had to grind them down to size to mitigate potential wire-snagging or injury.”
Changing gears: Robotics begins their competition season
What's on your Playlist?
What’s on your Playlist?
Annie's Last Address
Annie’s Last Address
Letter from the editor
Setting boundaries
Setting boundaries
Illustration by Damien Salahieh
Staff Opinion: Why Crier created this special issue
What does FREEDOM OF SPEECH mean to you?
What does FREEDOM OF SPEECH mean to you?
Triple the love:Review of TV shows and movies with love triangles
Triple the love:Review of TV shows and movies with love triangles
Mint Madness: What’s the best minty ice cream available around St. Patty’s Day?
Block-must or block-bust?: Review of live-action vs. animated movies in honor of Snow White live-action coming out tomorrow
Block-must or block-bust?: Review of live-action vs. animated movies in honor of Snow White live-action coming out tomorrow
Who Let the Dogs Out?: Reviewing MHS winter athletes' previous Arnie's Dog of the Week's
Who Let the Dogs Out?: Reviewing MHS winter athletes’ previous Arnie’s Dog of the Week’s
Photo illustrations by Lexi Villalobos Original photos attributed to Ralph_PH & Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons
Who deserves the spotlight?: With the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Crier staffer reviews predictions
Four flavors, one year: Reviewing TikTok’s top food trends
Four flavors, one year: Reviewing TikTok’s top food trends
Say it and scroll: How social media shapes our real life identity and communication
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
Taking the graveyard shift
Taking the graveyard shift
Flipping to side B
Flipping to side B
A blooming passion
A blooming passion
Spring cleaning: Construction updates for the spring projects
Spring cleaning: Construction updates for the spring projects
One goal: Girls’ soccer eyes NCC title early in the season
Kicking competition: Boys' soccer prepares for a busy season
Kicking competition: Boys’ soccer prepares for a busy season
Making history: Munster's first ever official flag football team makes season debut
Making history: Munster’s first ever official flag football team makes season debut
RUN IT DOWN Holding the ball, senior Evan Dennis runs up the field to obtain more yards. Dennis was able to gain thirty-seven yards in the first half of the game. The Mustangs faced Lake Central on Aug. 22.
Friday night lights: Football kicks off their season Aug. 22
LOCKED IN Staring down the batter, senior Tyler Fuller pitched against Highland. The team won 17-6 on April 14. “I was dialed in and trying to throw as many strikes as I can,” Fuller said. “I was really just thinking about my approach to getting each batter out.”
Pitch perfect start: Baseball season underway as team takes the field again today
Victory to a tee: Boys’ varsity golf starts season with a win
AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN Poms together, junior Fayette Renwald leads a spirited chant towards the stands. As a captain, Renwald leads the team. WAHOO Hyping up the student section, sophomore Gianna Gonzalez yells out to the crowd. The cheer team attends every home football game to perform chants and routines. ON POINT Looking out on the football field, freshman Gianna Strug plays a key role on the team. Although a freshman, Strug made the varsity team. STAND STRONG Standing in front of the Pop Warner girls, junior Paige Polewski demonstrates one of the Pop Warner cheers. The varsity cheer team practiced with the girls on Sept. 9 at the middle school. (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)
Cheer me up: Cheer team perseveres through the start of the season
Prom perfect
HENNA SPEAKS At the India fest in August, senior Suvali Giridaran does henna at a booth with a customer. The money was raised for the Carmeite home in India. “My most recent clients were at a baby shower, so I did henna there and I earned money and donated that. (Photos provided by Suvali Giridaran)
Walking the halls, leaving their mark: Seniors impact inside or outside the school
SIGHTING THE HILAL Smiling, sisters senior Junainah Ali and junior Munazzah Ali pose for a photo. Featured in the background is a string of crescent-moon lights, a widely recognized symbol of Islam. “I personally like the sense of community and unification of Ramadan. Ramadan’s about building up to the slow steps of Islam and incorporating the rules of it,” Munazzah Ali said.
From dusk to dawn
Market madness: Inside the student interest of the stock market
An emotional mirage
An emotional mirage
Backtalk: What are the best words of encouragement you have given or received?
Prom Court backtalk
Senior backtalk: what’s an important lesson you’ve learned throughout high school?
Backtalk: March 20 is International Day of Happiness, who or what makes you the happiest?
February 27th is National Retro day, what is something you would bring back and why?
If you could add an elective to the school, what would it be and why?
Issue 8 Corrections
Issue 6 Corrections
Issue 5 Corrections
Issue 3 Corrections
Issue 2 Corrections
Issue 1 Corrections
What does FREEDOM OF SPEECH mean to you?
What does FREEDOM OF SPEECH mean to you?
Love your country enough to set it right
Love your country enough to set it right
Burning Up: Munster students share their “hot takes”
Burning Up: Munster students share their “hot takes”
SNAP HAPPY Recording on a GoPro for social media, senior Sam Mellon has recently started a weekly sports podcast. “[Senior] Brendan Feeney and I have been talking about doing a sports podcast forever. We love talking about sports and we just grabbed [senior] Will Hanas and went along with it,” Mellon said.
Not one voice, but many: How students use their freedom of speech in their own ways
Redacted: Where do we go from here?
Redacted: Where do we go from here?
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE In front of Munster High School, Aubrie Gerstenberg watches her older sister, Emilie Gerstenberg, senior, enter the school that she will attend in ten years. The sisters are twelve years apart from each other.
In 10 years: What will life look like?
Column: Before it's too late
Column: Before it’s too late
Column: When I'm older
Column: When I’m older
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
FINAL BOW Within the next two years, the entire auditorium and lobby will be reconstructed and designed. Backstage, changes will also be made to some of the equipment that MTC uses for their productions to make them safer, such as the fly space stairs. This is currently planned to be done summer of 2025.
Building up the future: A look into upcoming construction projects, administration looks forward to next ten years of STM
Backtalk: In 10 years…
Coming of change: 233,290 minutes remaining
Coming of change: 233,290 minutes remaining
Going to school is dangerous now: 159,490 minutes remaining
Going to school is dangerous now: 159,490 minutes remaining
Operant conditioning: 11,890 minutes remaining
Operant conditioning: 11,890 minutes remaining
Working together is a success: 233,290 minutes remaining
Working together is a success: 233,290 minutes remaining
The pressure of perfectionism: 233,290 minutes remaining
The pressure of perfectionism: 233,290 minutes remaining
A lot of time to manage: 233,290 minutes remaining
A lot of time to manage: 233,290 minutes remaining
A story to tell: Personal narratives and profiles of MHS students
Finding their place: Robyn Dejoan and Alyx Salamanca Columns
Finding their place: Robyn Dejoan and Alyx Salamanca Columns
Crier staff shares their experiences as MHS students
Crier staff shares their experiences as MHS students
OPINION: "I didn't understand it was a privilege to have these things."
OPINION: “I didn’t understand it was a privilege to have these things.”
Student becomes teacher: MHS alumni-turned-teachers talk about experiences
Student becomes teacher: MHS alumni-turned-teachers talk about experiences
A sense of belonging: a feature of Charlie Mason, Kyle Farnell, and Charlie Illijevski
A sense of belonging: a feature of Charlie Mason, Kyle Farnell, and Charlie Illijevski
The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
The Student News Site of Munster High School

Crier
All content by Henry Hofferth
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[Photo] Keeping their heads above water: Students discuss Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month

May 19, 2022
SA Portrait WEB

[Photo] 'A lot of people are too embarrassed to say they're uncomfortable': Examining the stigma around consent

May 18, 2022
SA Portrait 3 WEB

[Photo] ‘A lot of people are too embarrassed to say they’re uncomfortable’: Examining the stigma around consent

Josephine Mittelberger and Sofia Sanchez
May 18, 2022
WEB-PHOTO 2

[Photo] Inclusive or exclusive: Students and staff discuss recently vetoed HB 1041

Sofia Sanchez, Page Editor
March 22, 2022
schoopie1

[Photo] THIS IS MUNSTER: No time to lose

Christian “Schoopie” Schoop, Guest Columnist
January 20, 2022
PANDEMIC PANDEMONIUM Feeling panicked, William Oar, freshman, demonstrates the stress of covid fatigue. As more people begin to go out, covid cases continue to rise. “I do not think (students) take (covid) very seriously,” William said. “Adults in general, they take the vaccine and they think [...] they’re all powerful.”

[Photo] Column: Be a man: A dissection of toxic masculinity

Henry Hofferth, Visual Editor
January 19, 2022
Beyond the Beatles: Review of post-beatles solo albums

Beyond the Beatles: Review of post-beatles solo albums

Henry Hofferth and Anthony Young
December 16, 2021
HARD AT WORK Deciphering images, Lorenzo Gutierrez, senior, and Stephen Glombicki, freshman, explain how they prepare for a competition. “(We) look at and use lots of practice images,” Lorenzo said.

[Photo] CyberPatriot awaits results of State

December 14, 2021
2021

[Photo] Retracing our steps in 2021

Sofia Sanchez and Lexi Perez
December 15, 2021
CREATING CRAFTS Putting together corn husks dolls, Autumn Koszegi, junior, and sophomores Addyson O’Brien and Avery Streeter participate in the Spanish Club meeting. Dec. 9. “It’s really fun talking to all my friends in Spanish,” Autumn said.

[Photo] Language clubs discuss activities and reflect on purpose

December 14, 2021
booksweb

[Photo] One for the books: BookTok review

November 12, 2021
WEBSITE

[Photo] Mr. Boruff’s full schedule as a sponsor of five clubs

Lexi Perez, Design Chief
November 18, 2021
Looking at the statistics

[Photo] The dread of the drive: students discuss fears of driving and their personal experiences

Reena Alsakaji, Story Editor
November 12, 2021
EMPOWERING OTHERS Dressed as senior citizens during Homecoming's spirit week, seniors and club founders Riley Ramirez and Kate Krawczyk speak about the club's purpose.

[Photo] Women Empowerment Club holds meeting on women’s fashion

Lauren Hoogeveen, Page Editor
October 28, 2021
SUBBING IN Working on her laptop, Ms. Jordan Symanski, substitute teacher, stands in for ASL teacher Ms. Hannah Fus’ class. So far in the school year, MHS has welcomed three new substitute teachers. “I would describe my experience (as a substitute teacher) as valuable to me because after graduating I needed to focus back as a screenwriter (since) I majored in screenwriting, and subbing gives me the time for writing and working on my scripts,” Ms. Symanski said.

[Photo] Stopping the shortage: MHS manages bus driver and substitute teacher shortage

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2021
SHOW STOPPER Rehearsing for their contest play “Fire Exit,” Delaney Craig, sophomore, plays the role of Janice. Theatre will compete Nov. 1 before preparing for Regionals.

[Photo] MTC prepares for contest play Nov. 1 after performing “Harvey”

October 28, 2021
WEREWORF

[Photo] Spooky Season Scenes: Halloween decoration review

Gage Hoekstra, PR Manager
October 28, 2021
EVERYTHING IN FOCUS Adjusting his camera settings, Alex Mohammed, freshman, gets ready for Film Club.

[Photo] Film Club starts working on a podcast

Lauren Hoogeveen, Page Editor
October 11, 2021
The English department decided to cancel summer reading for students.

[Photo] Summer Reading Comes to an End

Lana Salahieh, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2021
The Academic Super Bowl Math team achieved first place, and the Science team achieved second place down by one point.

[Photo] Three academic super bowl squads compete at state

Linda Ramirez, Page Editor
May 12, 2021
The Academic Super Bowl Math team achieved first place, and the Science team achieved second place down by one point.

[Photo] Students discuss the difference between being anti-racist and non-racist

Lana Salahieh, Editor-in-chief
May 11, 2021
parkinglotprom

[Photo] CEC organizes outdoor prom

April 21, 2021
mental health

[Photo] Giving a helping hand

April 19, 2021
Screen Shot 2021-04-21 at 4.28.16 PM

[Photo] Wasting away: Earth day talks on climate change and global warming

Josephine Mittelberger, Page Editor
April 19, 2021
TTlogo Splitomode

[Photo] Is TikTok a community or a battleground?

April 16, 2021
DestordedTT

[Photo] Is TikTok a community or a battleground?

Janai Munoz, Page Editor
April 16, 2021
Gage- Book

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: This pandemic has forced me to experience the fear of loss

March 10, 2021
Anna- Sleepy

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Losing motivation and endurance

March 10, 2021
Lexi - mirror

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Coping without connection

March 10, 2021
Sleepy Guy

Bailee- Guys Waving REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Trying to live in the moment

Bailee DeJarlais, Photographer
March 10, 2021
Covid Dictionary

Covid Dictionary

Max Lindenmayer, Chris Perez, and Henry Hofferth
March 10, 2021
Reena- Bomb REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Everything is falling apart at the seams

March 10, 2021
Robert-Tsunmi of Sadness REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Cautionary measures

March 10, 2021
linda- Devil REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: I’ll never forget how desperate I felt

March 10, 2021
Madi- Solitude Is Bliss REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Solitary confinement

March 10, 2021
Lanman-Bucket of Tears REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: I am not a crier

March 10, 2021
Lana-Brocken Leg REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Saving our strength

March 10, 2021
Josephine- Getting hit while trying to breathe REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Amid disarray

March 10, 2021
Henry- Dirty Room REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Anxiety, boredom, and despair

March 10, 2021
Jenai- Meditation REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Calm in the Storm

March 10, 2021
Cali- Soul Sucking REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: I am honestly so exhausted from trying to appear strong

March 10, 2021
Alison- Smiley Mask REAL

[Photo] CRIER NARRATIVE: Wait a little longer

March 10, 2021
CRIER NARRATIVE: Anxiety, boredom, and despair

CRIER NARRATIVE: Anxiety, boredom, and despair

Henry Hofferth, Photographer
March 10, 2021
RECORDING HISTORY Surveying the scene in the common hall, Francis Hovland, junior, films for the upcoming Turnabout pep rally video. This year, Student Government and CEC have promoted videos as alternatives to physical pep rallies for both Homecoming and Turnabout. “It is a lot easier now that we know what we are doing,” Francis said. “Basically, we contact the clubs, we have them sign up for filming slots, we tell them what our schedule is and then they fill in the gaps.”

[Photo] “One last dance” – Despite Turnabout’s cancellation, pep festivities remain in action

Atarah Israel and Alexis Perez
February 17, 2021
CROSSSING OVER Connecting two previously separated parts of Munster, the underpass allows for traffic to flow much faster. This new addition to the road will open up traffic to the upcoming Centennial Village.

[Photo] 45th street underpass completed

Gage Hoekstra, Page Editor
January 21, 2021
REVIEW: Movies on streaming services

REVIEW: Movies on streaming services

Max Lindenmayer, Henry Hofferth, and Chris Perez
January 21, 2021
NEW STANDARDIZED

[Photo] Standardized testing precautions in place

Josephine Mittelberger, Page Editor
January 21, 2021
IN ACTION As Winter Guard enters an early season, Abbey Gorny, senior, tosses her rifle, preparing to catch it behind her back. "I am personally very excited for this season; it seems like our most challenging and powerful yet," Abbey said.

[Photo] Winter Guard spins into a new season

Gage Hoekstra, Page Editor
December 10, 2020
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[Photo] Going live in 3… 2… 1

Linda Ramirez, Page Editor
December 10, 2020
FrontImageforwebsite

[Photo] Technology Overload

Alison Lee, Copy Editor
November 12, 2020
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INTO THE WIND Striving for the finish line, Charles Iverson, junior, runs during the Sectionals meet at Highland. “Even though cross country doesn’t involve passing a ball back and forth between teammates like other sports, you still have to have that team mentality and support your teammates because that is how success is achieved,” Iverson said.

[Photo] Taking the high road

Lana Salahieh, Editor in Chief
October 22, 2020
PREPARATION Ms. Fus holds up the URL code for the meeting sign-in.

[Photo] Building Bonds

Alison Lee, Copy Editor
October 22, 2020
FILM GUIDELINES Sarah Resch explains the procedure Film Club will follow.

[Photo] Film club starts its first year

Alison Lee, Copy Editor
October 1, 2020
testing

[Photo] Ethics and equity

Alison Lee, Copy Editor
October 1, 2020
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