Theater Company puts on Student Directed Play
The theater company performed their winter play, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, last week.
Seniors Allison Hemingway and Hayley Kwasniewski both student direct this play. Allison, who has been a member of the theater company for four years, wanted to take a new angle on production. A competition opened up at the beginning of the year that gave members a chance to direct their own play. Allison and Hayley joined forces to create a play that impressed Mr. Larry Brechner, the theater company director.
“We picked this play, came up with set ideas, cast, and the rest of the production,” Allison said. “I wanted to pick something people know and recognize, but don't see all the time.”
After acting in productions for many years, Allison wanted to work a different aspect of a play. She found interest in student directing. It gives her a whole new way to view a production, according to Allison.
“I have been on stage for as long as I can remember,” Allison said. “I wanted to see what it was like behind the scenes and see the picture as it forms.” While graduation nears, Allison continues to make this year her best year of high school while enjoying one of her final productions.
“I have been involved (in the theater company) since freshman year,” Allison said. “Senior year is the last hurrah. I just want it to be the best year yet.”
High School Baseball Coach Elected to Hall of Fame
Entering his 30th year coaching high school baseball, Mr. Robert Shinkan was elected into the High School Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I felt very humbled,” Mr. Shinkan said. “It is an honor to join all of those other guys.”
The committee at Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association finally elected him on his third year on the ballot.
“It is not easy getting in,” Mr. Shinkan said. “You only have five years on the ballot. It was an honor to be nominated by the committee.”
While his 30th season of coaching nears, Mr. Shinkan believes his nomination started the year off right for him. He look forward to teaching and coaching for years to come.
“I love teaching and coaching,” Mr. Shinkan said. “It keeps me young and helps me stay active.”
John Friend Honored after Years of Service
Former high school football coach and current school board member John Friend recently received a plaque commemorating his 50 year of service in the school district and around the community.
While Mr. Friend believes there are many other more deserving of this award, he has enjoyed being a part of a community like Munster.
“This is a well-managed community,” Mr. John Friend said. “They (community workers and members) always have the best interests for the community at heart.”
Mr. Friend could have left Munster for California in 1970 due to an intriguing job offer, however, he did not leave because he had much pride for the Munster community. He credits his choice to stay in Munster thanks to the pride he has seen in other as well.
“Munster takes great pride in their schools and their homes,” Mr. Friend said. “I could have left Munster a few times due to job offers and my wife and I thought a lot about it. We thought this was the best community and we couldn’t leave. We thought this was the best place to live and raise or family.”
Students prepare for the Turnabout Dance
Sean Pruzin, senior, knew has was going to be asked to the Turnabout dance, however, he did not know how the question would be worded.
Jacqueline Herrera, senior, drove a remote controlled truck into Sean’s classroom last week. She attached a note to the car that said “Sean Pruzin, it would be cruzin if you would go to Turnabout with me.”
“(I picked this idea) basically because his name rhymes with cruzin,” Jacqueline said. “I never saw anyone do it the same why I did. So it was not cliché.”
Although Sean knew it was coming, he still enjoyed the way he was asked.
“I found out the night before that she would ask me,” Sean said. “I figured she would ask me. It was an interesting way though. I thought I would be asked with brownies or something like that.”
With the dance only two weeks away, Sean doesn’t worry about completing the tasks of finding a suit and matching colors with his date. He believes he can handle with without any issues due to past experience.
“I am good at figuring out the timing (of when to do everything),” Sean said. “Everything works out one way or another.”
Jacqueline feels the same way as she is still looking for her dress.
“I have never even thought of it (stressing over the dance),” Jacqueline said. “It is just another weekend basically.”
Hanging out with friends at the dance and at the after party is what Jacqueline looks forward to the most.
“Just spending time with friends is great,” Jacqueline said. “The after parties sometimes are usually better than the dance itself.”
Sean looks to enjoy this dance to the fullest since he might be able to attend Prom in April due to DECA internationals that weekend.
“I am really excited for this last dance,” Sean said. “I want to make the most of this dance.”