What’s Happened?
Despite the chilling temperatures, a bit of bad weather never stopped the Munster Mustangs from having fun. On February 17 Munster held its annual Turnabout dance. Turnabout is the second dance of the year and is inclusive of all grade levels.
This time around, the girls ask the guys. A few creative posters and dress hunts later, a night entitled Rendezvous in Red had Munster dancing the night away. The Munster Cheerleading Squad is in charge of running the dance, and it remains their largest fundraiser of the year.
The dance differs from Homecoming and Prom, with its environment remaining a bit more lax than the other two. Girls traditionally wear longer dresses, though they stay on the casual side of things.
As winter sports come to a close, the Munster Athletic Department has racked up a tremendous amount of recognition for their players’ efforts.
As a team, boys’ swimming placed 9th at state, boys’ basketball won their conference championship defeating Andrean 76-60, and MHS Varsity Dance placed 1st in Pom and 2nd in Jazz at Regionals.
Individually speaking, Mustangs were prideful as Junior Swimmer Kay Foley broke the school record and won the IHSAA State Championship in the 500 free, and Senior Cody Crary placed 4th at the state wrestling match.
What’s Coming Up?
Spring always tends to bring a new light to the Munster High School halls. From sports tryouts, to musical auditions, and the seniors inching their way out the door, Munster’s students and staff will be piled high with preparations.
The end of the grading period ends the first week of March, leaving only one semester left of the 2017-2018 school year. The MHS Choirs count down the days until their California trip in March, teams such as DECA and Speech and Debate prepare diligently for their final competitions of the year, districts and state, and AP students race to get in their forms for the AP Exams in May.
A few notable dates include: Battle of the Bands on March 2, Winter Sports Banquet March 13, and spring break beginning March 26.
Student Spotlight
Although the winter sports season is coming to a close, that does not stop Sophomore Tim Giannini from looking to next year's basketball plans. As one of the only two underclassmen called up to varsity towards the end of the season, he finds himself in large shoes to fill.
“There is definitely more pressure because you feel like you have to prove yourself as an underclassman, but I’ve never been one to back down from that pressure,” said Giannini.
Giannini wears his Mustang pride loud and proud, allowing the pressure to build his drive for success. The Munster basketball team is fairly young and only growing. Many middle school students have shown interest in trying out for the team next year, and Giannini is happy to know that he will be able to guide the team in the right direction as he makes his way to upperclassman status.
“I’m really thankful for the part I have on this team,” Giannini said as he reflected on the season, “but our season is not quite done, so no one can count us out just yet.”
Teacher Spotlight
While most students begin their year in August, Science Teacher Samantha Ebert began hers on November 13 after a four month maternity leave. The new mother struggled with insurance, leaving her beloved students to a substitute, and learning the new ways of motherhood.
“I was so lucky to have a husband who makes more money than me,” Ebert said, indicating the hardships teachers sometimes have with their unpaid leave. “After coming back to Munster, my priorities changed. I can no longer dedicate infinite time to my job.”
Ebert is well-liked by both her students and staff members and had been a friend and mentor to many. With a new life in her hands, you can only imagine her worries. However, Ebert has never been one to let change overcome her.
When asked about her fears, Ebert expressed the usual worries of a new mother: leaving her baby with someone else and getting back into her work schedule, but she also felt a sense of excitement about returning to Munster High School.
“I spent a lot of time developing my science education and science skills, and I missed being able to share that with my students. I am much more aware of the fact that I am teaching a child. My students may be big children, but they have distractions and dreams and needs that are unique to their age. I know exactly how important my students are to someone, and I realize the responsibility to take care of them much more,” Ebert said.