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
Atarah Israel

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief

Hi, I’m Atarah! I am a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of Crier. I absolutely love to read and write. My favorite book has (and likely always will be) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Music also plays a huge role in my life – I direct and sing for my church’s choir, and dance. Other clubs I am a part of are Poetry Club and African American Culture Club.

All content by Atarah Israel
HOLA MS. SCOTT In her classroom, Ms. Alissa Scott takes on the role of new Spanish teacher.

[Photo] ¡Bienvenidos, Señora Scott!

Sydney Jones
May 19, 2022
Seen in his classroom, Mr. Andrew Martin, math teacher, sits at his desk. He plans to retire after this school year.

[Photo] Mr. Martin leaves lasting impressions after five years at Munster

May 19, 2022
BREAKFAST CLUB Snacks lay spread on a table for Breakfast Club that happens every Tuesday and Thursday. A newly instated event by Mr. Benjamin Boruff, english teacher, students are able to come in early in the morning to eat a sustaining breakfast.

[Photo] Eating at school usually isn’t fun, unless it’s with Mr. Boruff

May 19, 2022
WILD WEST Seniors Jake Thometz, Bryce Williams and Jake Uylaki joke around during a football game. The student section was cowboy themed. “This has gotta be one of my favorite memories,” Jake said. “The sporting events in the student section were the best, win or lose.”

THE RACE TO THE FINISH LINE: Celebrating seniors throughout their four years

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2022
LASTING LEGACY Seen in his office, Dr. Jeffrey Hendrix, superintendent, will officially retire July 1, 2022.

Dr. Jeffrey Hendrix, superintendent planned to retire in July

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2022
SENIOR ISSUE OPINION: Letter from the editor

SENIOR ISSUE OPINION: Letter from the editor

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-chief
May 18, 2022
WORK IN PROGRESS The LGI is being renovated to be a part of the media center, along with the resource room.

Construction on the media center begins, set to end by the 2022-2023 school year

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2022
CELEBRATING EACH OTHER, TOGETHER Prior to the group discussions, Grace Clark, senior, Ms. Hannah Fus, ASL teacher, Ms. Anne Copp, exceptional needs teacher, and Joe Higgason, junior pose for a group photo at Munster's first inaugural Diversity Dinner.

Munster celebrates inaugural Diversity Dinner at MHS

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2022
THIS IS MUNSTER OPINION: Past, Present.

THIS IS MUNSTER OPINION: Past, Present.

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-chief
April 21, 2022
WENESDAY UNWIND Finding ways to destress after school every other Wednesday members of Munster Mental Health club sophomores Mia Cartagena, Miranda Fisher, and Lucy MacDonland junior, play a game of battleship find relief.

[Photo] Breathe in, breathe out: Different ways to spark a conversation about anxiety

Alexis Perez, Design Chief
March 23, 2022
MHS mourns the loss of longtime teacher and baseball coach Mr. Bob Shinkan

MHS mourns the loss of longtime teacher and baseball coach Mr. Bob Shinkan

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2022
RUNNING FOR THE CROWN Being Munster’s representative for Miss Teen Indiana has required much more than posing for photos—Madison Beetson, junior, has been interviewed, has scheduled appearances throughout Munster and has written a biography.

THIS IS MUNSTER: Madison Beetson’s journey competing in Miss Teen Indiana

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2022
CULTURE COMFORT A table laden with Singapore noodles, Spring rolls and other condiments from Asian Kitchen. Crier staff reviews various items from their menu. To read more about Asian Kitchen and other local restaurants, flip to page 7.

[Photo] At a glance: A look into issue 7

February 24, 2022
Is internet culture sustainable?: Crier explores the implications of our online world

Is internet culture sustainable?: Crier explores the implications of our online world

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2022
MAN FOR THE JOB Starting his new position as superintendent July 1, Mr. Bret Heller looks forward to forming bonds with community members.

STM to welcome new superintendent

Atarah Israel, editor in chief
January 20, 2022
MAKING IT COUNT Practicing for sectionals, Gabe Tienstra, senior, and Christopher Bohn, sophomore, work to achieve their goals.

Wrestling prepares for post season

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-chief
January 20, 2022
Streaming season: review of recently released shows

Streaming season: review of recently released shows

Atarah Israel and Sofia Sanchez
January 19, 2022
Rehearsing for "Fire Exit" Jordan Fefferman, freshman, Josh Decker, Envy Kikkert, sophomores and Jim Ferguson, junior, reflect on their roles.

MTC sees success at Regionals, prepares for State

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2021
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Students often have to balance using their First Amendment right to free speech online and in public, while also considering the cost it will have on their future. The five freedoms outlined in the First Amendment—freedom of religion, press, assembly, petition and speech—are visible everywhere.

“Congress shall make no law”: Students consider the cost of online speech

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2021
STEPPING IT UP When papers litter the hallway, students typically walk past, not picking it up. This sense of apathy carries to other school rules deemed by the student body as "not as important."

Would you pick up this Crier? Students question the meaning of school rules

Atarah Israel and Alison Lee
November 12, 2021
SCORING SCREAMERS Tossing the ball into play, Piper Swope, junior, sets her teammates up for a goal. “The soccer season was probably the most family and team I’ve felt in a while,” Piper Swope, junior, said.

Making an exit: Girls’ Soccer wraps up season with record of 6-10

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2021
Making an exit: Girls' Cross Country season ends after Semi-state

Making an exit: Girls’ Cross Country season ends after Semi-state

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.

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

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 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.

Stopping the shortage: MHS manages bus driver and substitute teacher shortage

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2021

Students reflect on passing of peer, GoFundMe reaches its goal

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2021
HAULING AROUND Walking in the hallway, students head to their fourth hour MRT.

Principal’s Advisory meets tonight, research begins for future possibility of block scheduling

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2021
Munster Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement passed, teachers see increase in pay

Munster Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement passed, teachers see increase in pay

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2021
A FREE BIT OF ADVICE Speaking to the club about identifying triggers, Ms. Valerie Zemaitis, assistant principal and head of social-emotional learning, gives pointers about personal wellness.

SADD holds meeting on personal growth and wellness after school today

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2021
Seniors Ellie Brennan, Anushka Majety, Maddi Bell, Sana Khan, Mallika Kerallavarma, Emily Sun, Regan Newby, Rebecca Franco, Carsyn Sobczak and Robyn Dejoan pose in their nerd day costumes. “I love spirit week,” Robyn DeJoan, senior, said. “Dressing up is so fun and I love to see everyone’s creativity.”

Waiting for a dance: students look forward to the first dance since Turnabout two years ago

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2021
SERIOUS SERVE Hurling the ball into the air, Taylor Schroer, JV member and sophomore, serves the ball at a home game against Hobart.

By the numbers: Fall sports marches toward respective goals

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
HOCO: Spirit week returns with an in-person school year

HOCO: Spirit week returns with an in-person school year

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
HELPING HAND Visiting a freshmen MRT, Vanessa Vasquez and Annie Gilhooly, seniors, discuss opportunities within the school. Link Crew members use their MRT time to visit freshmen and sophomore MRTs to share information about the school.

Link Crew visits freshman and sophomore MRTs, to last the entire school year

Atarah Israel and Reena Alsakaji
September 2, 2021
READ THE ROOM Sitting in his newly renovated classroom, Mr. Steve Stepnoski, English teacher, works after the last school bell. “I think that (the room) is just going to be reflective of the school year,” Mr. Steve Stepnoski, English teacher said. "It was a blank canvas at the beginning of the school year, and just like the school year changes, my classroom will change and it'll adapt and gain its personality."

MHS welcomes new business incubator, Fabrication Lab and remodeled English classrooms

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2021
RAISING THE FLAG As the crowd roars, Thomas Choros, senior, carries the American flag in front of the team. Football was ecstatic to play at home against Hanover Central on Aug. 27. “The boys were all buzzing and were ready to hit,” Choros said. “Personally, I was ready to run through a wall.”

‘This is who I’m playing for’: Football returns to full-capacity games, plays against East Chicago Sept. 3

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2021
Column: High school jitters aren't just for freshmen

Column: High school jitters aren’t just for freshmen

Atarah Israel, Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2021
Seniors dance in the outdoor tent provided at prom night.

One last dance: Seniors celebrate Prom

Atarah Israel and Alison Lee
May 12, 2021
STAYING IN TUNE instructing Concert Band, Ian Marcusiu, Assistant Band Director, teaches Payton Wujek, freshman, how to play a segment for their upcoming concert on May 22 "It is very important for a performance based class like band to have performance opportunities," he said.

Band, orchestra, and choir concerts

Atarah Israel and Josephine Mittelberger
May 11, 2021
MAKE A RUN FOR IT Sprinting across the track, Corey Dennis, sophomore, practices for his next meet. There’s much to look forward to this season. “I’m most looking forward to becoming conference champions and seeing people on the team run at state,” Corey said. “Maybe I’ll make it too.”

Track begins their season

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
April 21, 2021
Column: Music transcends race

Column: Music transcends race

Atarah Israel
April 21, 2021
MHS decides to return eight period for next school year

MHS decides to return eight period for next school year

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
April 19, 2021
Rewriting the story around Black Women's History Month

Rewriting the story around Black Women’s History Month

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
April 19, 2021
CRIER NARRATIVE: Emotional motion sickness

CRIER NARRATIVE: Emotional motion sickness

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
March 10, 2021
GLIDING ON ICE At the Kube Sports Complex freshman, Joey Campagna, freshman, races for the puck in a scrimage game against the Spartans.

Stepping up for State: Hockey prepares for Roper Cup, State

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
February 18, 2021
FEELING PEPPY Yelling and clapping in anticipation, the senior crown celebrates the 2019-2020 school year's Turnabout pep rally. This year's Turnabout is anticipated to be much different from that of last school year, due to COVID-19 precautions.

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

Atarah Israel and Alexis Perez
February 17, 2021
PLACES EVERYONE Rehearsing for  the production of “They eat sunshine not zebras” Isidora Pavlic, Josh Korwek,Sophomores and Claire William ,Chloe Sarkhardy,Freshman, receive constructive criticism from Mr. Palasz.

Munster Theatre Company hosts call-out meeting Feb. 4

Atarah Israel, Managing editor
January 21, 2021
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL: Students reflect on Capitol mobbing and inauguration

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL: Students reflect on Capitol mobbing and inauguration

Atarah Israel and Lana Salahieh
January 20, 2021
PREPARE TO PREFORM Practicing her jazz routine, Clara Zuniga, senior, prepares for the upcoming Munster Invitational. The dance team has high hopes and plans on giving their all. “We have been adding on practices to clean up both dances so we can compete them at the invitational,” Zuniga said.

Dance team prepares for Invitationals Jan. 23

Atarah Israel, managing editor
January 19, 2021
Column: Embracing the awkward

Column: Embracing the awkward

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
December 10, 2020
Just learning in eLearning

Just learning in eLearning

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
December 10, 2020

Debating their future

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
November 12, 2020
MATERIAL WORLD Kate Krawczyk is packaging and getting ready to send out one of her orders.

Nonstop Depop

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
November 12, 2020
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT At their practice on Nov. 10, Nikki Sullivan, junior, runs drills with her teammates. The team hopes to go even farther than last year. “On top of that, (I hope) to strengthen the ‘family’ culture that we started last year,” she said.

Laying it up

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
November 11, 2020
Calling all cultures

Calling all cultures

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
November 11, 2020
More than a movement

More than a movement

Lana Salahieh and Atarah Israel
October 22, 2020
Column: A call for connection

Column: A call for connection

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
October 22, 2020
NO JUSTICE NO PEACE Speaking on a megaphone to a listening crowd, Kayla Prowell, class of ‘19, recites a poem during the protest that occurred June 5. Kayla also later helped plan a second protest at the town hall. Munster saw a surge of students, graduates and adult support in response to the resurgence of Black Lives Matter this year, paralleling the peaceful protests that have been sparked throughout the nation, “We’re tired of having to do this. We’re tired of having to fight for our rights over and over and over again. We fought for them 300 years ago, we fought for them 100 years ago, we fought for them 60 and 50 years ago. We’re always fighting, and I think that we’re tired of being our own advocates. We’re tired of people not being tired of being racist."

More than a movement

Lana Salahieh and Atarah Israel
October 22, 2020
"2020 will go down as one big wake up call to the world"

“2020 will go down as one big wake up call to the world”

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
October 1, 2020
Navigating her laptop in Geometry class, Kylie Madura, freshman, completes her school work. Classes have taken on a new look this school year, with plastic dividers, masks and new furniture in general.

United yet divided

Atarah Israel, Managing Editor
September 3, 2020
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