After the Hobart Brickies exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to snatch a 5-4 lead, the Portage softball team was left with only six outs to work with in the sectional championship on May 25 in Crown Point. With Portage potentially facing elimination, Stephanie Upton tripled to drive in the tying run and eventually scored the go-ahead tally as Portage responded to regain the lead, 6-5. From there, senior

Heather Zengler, who entered the game in the fifth in relief of sophomore Kiley Jones, sent down six of the next seven to become the winning pitcher and secure the Indians’ first sectional championship since 2009. “I just try and take deep breaths,” Zengler said. “When I step back behind the mound, I just breathe and focus on what’s happening right then. I can only pitch, I can’t focus on what’s going on behind me, but I know my team has my back.” See SOFTBALL, page 4

Prince the Compassionate Canine has been a comfort dog at Portage High School for four and a half years. As the class of 2013 says goodbye, so will Prince, as he is retiring at the end of this school year. Prince currently lives with Home School Adviser Tim Kunstek and will become a permanent family dog upon his retirement. As of right now, he is still owned by an organization called Lutheran Church Charities in Illinois, but will be owned by Kunstek officially once he retires and the paperwork is done. “There are so many things Prince has done not only for the school or community, but for me personally. Any time there is a crisis, he brings that calming and soothing effect, adding normalcy to some abnormal situations,” Kunstek said. According to Kunstek, the effect Prince has had on the students of PHS has been phenomenal. “It never ceases to amaze me every morning how many students stop and pet him or say good morning to him. Prince brings that little ray of sunshine to PHS,” Kunstek said. See PRINCE, page 3

Pow Wow Portage High School Issue 15 May 31, 2013

Prince set to retire at end

of school year

6450 U.S. Hwy 6 Portage, Ind. 46368

Baseball team defeats Valpo in first round of Sectional

Katie PeksenakNews Editor

Golden Years

Brandon VickreyEditor-in-Chief

ChampsFor the first time since 2009

Inside This Issue

Team knocks off DAC champion Bulldogs

Story on page 4

Coach of the Year: Boys basketball coach Rick Snodgrass has been named the Pow Wow Coach of the Year. After a one win season, the team bounced back to win 10 games this year. See Page 5

Police Memorial Week: The Portage Police Department held its anual memorial service. Officer Janis Regnier recieved the District Officer of the Year award, becoming the first woman to do so. See Page 3

The Portage softball team celebrates with the sectional championship trophy on May 25 after the championship game against Hobart. Portage won 6-5 to advance to Tuesday’s regional at PHS. The Indians have not won a regional since their state championship in 2000. Photo by Brandon Vickrey

Lichnerowicz named 2013 DYW winnerDistinguished

On her home turf, the east auditorium stage, the Class of 2014 Distinguished Young Woman Erin Lichnerowicz was left utterly confused as her name was called and she became the winner of this year’s competition on May 18. “I felt like a deer in headlights,” Lichnerowicz said. “My head was just

buzzing and I hardly knew where to go, but I saw [the 2013 Distinguished Young

Woman] Rachel [Stewart] beckoning to me and I just walked up to her and hugged her. I was really almost near tears [because] I was so happy. To this day it is still registering in my head that I am the Class of 2014 Distinguished Young Woman.” The competition was composed of 35 junior girls who competed with

Lichnerowicz for the top honor, with Salina McConnell winning the Hanley Award, Taylor Mlynski winning the Joe Stevens Award and Jamila White winning the Spirit of DYW Award. Trailing behind Lichnerowicz were first runner-up Danielle Solis, second runner-up Shannon Summers, third finalist Justine Brasseur and fourth finalist Rachel Major. See DYW, page 2

Joshua LewisFeatures Editor

SemifinalPortage 3Crown Point 1

First RoundPortage 4LaPorte 2

Championship Portage 6Hobart 5

Portage finished 18-6 in the

regular season. Haley Hodges was named the

Conference MVP, while Kiley Jones joined Hodges on the all-conference

team.

Prince patrols the hallways with handler Tim Kunstek. Photo by Collin Czilli

Erin Lichnerowicz poses after being named the Class of 2014 DYW. Lichnerowicz is very involved in the PHS Theatre Department. Photo by Brandon Vickrey | PortageLife

Sectional

With a total of 11 seniors departing from the Portage High School Publications Department,

new staff members were introduced to fill vacancies. On May 15, the 2013-2014 Pow Wow Newspaper, Legend Yearbook and Indians News Network television station staff lists, totaling 71 students, were revealed at an awards banquet.

Junior Joshua Lewis was extremely nervous before the ceremony began. Lewis’s hard work on staff this year resulted in receiving the coveted position of Pow Wow Editor-in-Chief for next school year.

“As I walked up to the stage, I saw the line of people who were my new staff and I had a surreal moment where I instantly knew next year was going to be great and we would go on to produce an excellent newspaper,” Lewis said.

Returning as Editor-in-Chief of the Legend Yearbook staff is junior Nick Jordan.

“Publications are a huge part of my life that has morphed me into the person I am today, so when I found out I had received the positions that I had desired for next year, I was relieved and thrilled to say the least,” Jordan said.

At the awards ceremony, Jordan was also named the 2013-2014 Design Editor for the Pow Wow, a responsibility that he is very excited to take on.

Both Jordan and Lewis have plans to revolutionize and revamp their publications to appeal to the student body.

“My main goal is to modernize the Pow Wow and make it more visually appealing while still retaining the quality

of content inside. I’m drawing inspiration from yearbook practices and techniques and with help from Nick Jordan, I aim to make the Pow Wow more edgy, modern and engaging to my peers,” Lewis said.

Sophomore Ashley Conrad applied for and received the position of Pow Wow co-News Editor along with freshman Mary Clancy. The two will lead the news section next year.

“Next year I’m most looking forward to being in charge of a group of people and helping them develop skills to one day replace me. I’m least looking forward to the stress of the position,” Conrad said.

Sophomore Emily Hensley, a photographer, believes that she is ready to take on the entire photography section as the Photo Editor.

“[Photography is] something I have always enjoyed and now I get to help others run the school paper. I am a little nervous about the amount of work but I think I can handle it,” Hensley said.

Along with the new INN anchors Kiley Jones and Jessica Marquez, junior Brooklyn Sellers was named Camera Director for the television station.

“Next year I’m looking forward to working with the new anchors and I’m also looking forward to being involved with the new broadcasting class,” Sellers said.

Although it is difficult to start a new year with so many new staff members, Lewis believes that the Pow Wow Staff will excel.

“With such a strong legacy of excellence from my predecessors, I am nothing but motivated and inspired to meet the precedent set by them and achieve an even higher degree of success for the future,” Lewis said.

2 News Issue 15

Publications announce new staffsEmily EvansDesign Editor

Along with the title of 2014 Distinguished Young Woman, Lichnerowicz earned $2,200 in cash scholarships, a medallion, a Josten’s graduation package, a one-year YMCA membership, assorted gifts and a Mary Kay package for her efforts.

Winning the competition did not come without struggles, however.

Lichnerowicz said that the talent segment was the one she struggled with the most due to her having to continually cut time off her performance to accommodate the time limit, but it was also the segment she felt that she did the best in.

For the talent segment, Lichnerowicz performed the spoken word poem “To This Day” by Shane Koyczan, a poem about bullying that she connected to on a personal level.

“I’ve overcome so much in my life,” Lichnerowicz said. “I’ve had some extremely difficult personal struggles that I had to fight, and I ended up coming out on top. Granted there were times that my struggles got the best of me, but I never gave up.”

Receiving the title of Distinguished Young Woman has great meaning for Lichnerowicz.

“Being the DYW is a huge honor,” Lichnerowicz said. “So many great women have won this title before me and it is a privilege to follow in their footsteps. I am so proud of myself and all that I’ve accomplished in this program and so are my family and friends. I guess the freaks can come out on top too sometimes.”

Becoming a thespian and participating in the theatre program spurred Lichnerowicz to join the DYW competition.

Lichnerowicz said she joined DYW to have the chance to earn scholarship money and because, as a sophomore, the senior girls in the theatre department convinced her to try it out while promising that they would come back to see her compete.

DYW coordinator Carrie Martin has high hopes for Lichnerowicz as the next DYW.

“I’m very happy for Erin,” Martin said. “She shines on stage, has great poise, is very articulate and is passionate about her beliefs. She’ll make a great representative for Portage.”

Despite being a competition, the junior girls supported each other through the process.

“When we were on stage during the performances, there was no competition whatsoever,” Lichnerowicz said. “All of the girls were cheering each other on; we were our own cheerleaders. We all became so close during our time in this program and we all hoped for the best for each other. Each and every one of those girls were wonderful people and there was never a harsh word spoken.”

Lichnerowicz took away more than scholarship money and prizes from the competition.

“This entire experience has humbled me so much,” Lichnerowicz said. “It also made me feel confident in myself and my ability to overcome challenges.”

With the competition over, changes could be coming to PHS.Martin said that she is considering creating a DYW club to

strengthen the sisterhood among the junior girls and to promote the program’s values.

DYWContinued from page 1

Senior Class RecognizedPHS awards over $160,000 in local scholarship moneyAshley ConradNews Writer

The class of 2013 has done it again. With scholarships and awards being handed out like candy, seniors were recognized for their accomplishments and hard work throughout high school at the annual Senior Awards night.

Between personal scholarships, business and organization scholarships and college scholarships, over 200 senior names were announced at least once during the evening. Valedictorians Cody Spoolstra and Tyler Demko both had multiple scholarships awarded to them.

“It is nice to be recognized for the hard work I have done throughout high school,” Demko said. “The scholarship night was really nice to award all the kids that are going to be graduating and going to

college.” Spoolstra applied for

the first Amanda Bach Memorial Scholarship

and won along with senior Sydney Yingst.

“This scholarship gives me a little peace of mind and helps me write some books,” Spoolstra said. “It is exciting to be recognized for all my hard work.”

Guidance Counselor Shirley Bustos was in charge of the event. Along with Bustos, guidance counselors Earl Coleman and Sheila Parker were there to help present.

“We are really grateful to the community because of the scholarships they offer and the money given to Dollars for Scholars towards scholarships for the rising cost of college education,” Bustos said.

Over $160,000 in scholarships was given out to make out over 70 scholarships awarded along with 49 Board of Education awards and 70 Academic Hall of Fame Recipients.

Out With the Old and In With the New

Students are presented with plaques for their academic achievement on May 22 at the annual Senior Awards Night. Over $160,000 in scholarship money was handed out. Photo by Ashley Conrad

Part of the 2013-2014 Pow Wow staff stands on the stage as adviser Melissa Deavers-Lowie announces staff positions. Josh Lewis was named the editor-in-chief, taking over for graduating senior Brandon Vickrey. Photo by Haley Crnarich

In November 2009, the Portage Police Department launched the official Face-book page for the depart-

ment. The page has now grown to 5,244 likes as of the time this issue of the Pow Wow went to print.

According to Portage Police Chief Troy Williams, the page is used to keep the citizens of Portage updated on the goings on within the city.

“We routinely put updates out there, good information, stuff about current calls that are happening,” Williams said. “We encourage as many people to like it as possible.”

Williams feels that a more informed community will help to curb rumors and speculation.

“Just about every person is on social media and even parents give their younger kids Facebook accounts,” Williams said. “I thought what better way to get as much information out there as possible to keep the community informed. If the community is informed about what is happening in their city they are much less likely to make something up or assume something.”

Williams said his main priority is keeping the city and its citizens safe.

“The Portage Police Department is committed to keeping the city safe,” Williams said. “We want to keep our residents informed and this is a great way to do it.”-

The Portage Police Facebook page can be found by searching Portage Police Department (Indiana) on Facebook.

Portage Police Dept.launches Facebook Page

Collin Czilli Opinion Editor

As students count down the days until summer begins and school is out for the year, some will already be thinking about next year; classes, friends and clubs. For the 571 seniors graduating this year, their time as Portage High School students is coming to an end.

This year’s graduation ceremony will be held on June 9 and will feature speeches from co-valedictorians Tyler Demko and Cody Spoolstra along with senior class president Collin Czilli. Principal Caren Swickard and superintendent Dr. E. Ric Frataccia will also speak. In addition, there will be a performance by senior choir members.

The senior class has made

a great impression on Swickard.

“I love this senior class. They have been very good

ambassadors for our school. I am just sentimental this time of year and will miss all of the seniors,” Swickard said.

Co-Valedictorian Tyler Demko said his speech will focus on his time at PHS and the class of 2013 as a whole.

“I haven’t written anything down yet, but it’s been on my mind,” Demko said.

As for actually giving the speech, Demko is a bit nervous.

“Yeah, I’m nervous about speaking. Wouldn’t you be?” Demko said.

In order to make the event go more smoothly for people attending, the ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. to reduce the chance of hot weather. In past

years, the ceremony has been hot and uncomfortable, so this change will hopefully make those in attendance more comfortable.

However, any changes brought to the ceremony will not alter the fact that seniors are graduating and embarking on the next chapter of their lives.

“Graduating is bittersweet: On one hand I know I’m going to miss living at home and being a kid, but on the other hand it is fun and even exciting to know that a whole new part of my life lies ahead of me,” Demko said.

Senior Rachel Stewart spent her PHS career in the theatre department, and is graduating after playing three leads in school plays and musicals.

“It’s always a scary thing to start something new,

but having moved here and making the change to a much bigger school than what I was used to, I’ve kind of already made a big step in my life, so I’m more prepared now and I’m not as scared as I would be,” Stewart said.

Along with Stewart, senior Jahnathan Davis is also graduating. Davis was largely involved in the band program, and was awarded the John Phillip Sousa Award, the highest honor a high school band student can earn.

“Graduating is exciting. It’s like the next chapter of your life is opening up, but at the same time you don’t want to close the chapter of all the relationships you’ve built here and your friends and your teachers. You kind of wish you could take people with you, but you can’t,” Davis said.

3NewsMay 31, 2013

PHS seniors prepare to graduate, speeches in process of completionNick BlueNews Writer

graduation ceremony set

Prince Continued from page 1

Next year’s comfort dog is still being decided upon. Elev-en golden retrievers are currently undergoing training, one of which will be selected for Prince’s replacement. Kunstek is hoping that a puppy named Isaiah will be selected.

“We are hoping to bring the new dog in by the end of this school year to help him get used to PHS and familiarize him with some of the students,” Kunstek said.

Seeing Prince go is something many PHS students are truly saddened by.

“It is great that we are getting a new comfort dog, but at the same time I am really sad to see Prince go. He has always been around and it will be different not seeing him every single day,” sophomore Annabelle Karagias said.

And the winner is...

For members of the Portage High School Thespians, hard work paid off after winning various awards at the Thespians Award Banquet held on May 20.

Best actor, best actress, best supporting actor and best supporting actress are just a few of the numerous awards that were up for grabs. In order to win the awards, the nominee would have to earn the most votes from fellow thespians. The same student could win multiple awards in different categories.

Senior Rachel Stew-art, junior Matt Bliss and sophomore Matt Kiley were a few award winners.

Stewart won best actress not only for her role in the fall production, “The 39 Steps,” but also for her role in the spring musical, “Legally Blonde” as lead character Elle Woods.

“I knew that there were multiple people up for all of the awards that I ran for, and I was excited and I was surprised and it was just a really good feeling,” Stewart said.

Stewart also won the Rowena Kyle Scholarship award.

“It’s [Rowena Kyle Scholarship award] usually given to a tech student and an actor or actress, but this year he [Theatre Director Kevin Giese] couldn’t decide so he gave one to me, Clarissa Tokash and also to Bree Rutz. It’s just basically a senior who is really been a dedicated Thespian and has really paid their dues on stage,” Stewart said.

Kiley won the Best Ac-tor award for his perfor-

mance in “Legally Blonde” and Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The 39 Steps.” He also won the Rutz Humanitarian award.

“It’s [Rutz Humanitar-ian award] earned by com-ing to rehearsal and just cheering everybody up and just kind of being positive all the time,” Kiley said.

The last award Kiley received was the Dennis Norman Award.

“It’s [Dennis Norman award] what it means to be an all over Thespian,” Kiley said.

To Kiley, it is not winning the awards that matters.

“Honestly, to me, it’s not really about winning the awards, it’s about going and having fun at a theater every day,” Kiley said.

Although Kiley feels that everyone who won an award deserved it, he also felt some Thespians who did not receive an award should have won one.

“They are people who are left out, but not every-one can win an award,” Kiley said.

Bliss took home the award of Best Actor for his lead role Richard Hannay in “The 39 Steps.”

“I’m pretty excited about it. I mean, I’ve put in a lot of hours and worked really hard so I think that it was well worth it. It’s kind of an incentive to keep going further and try to get that award next year,” Bliss said.

According to Bliss, be-ing a dedicated Thespian is time well spent.

“It’s a lot of hard work but I really do think it’s worth it. Being around other kids, and what you get to take from it, you know, performing in front of people. It’s good for social abilities and commu-nication,” Bliss said.

Mary ClancyNews Writer

police memorial Portage celebrates old and new police officers

As the summer months start to heat up, the members of the Portage Police Depart-ment took time to remember those who came before them.

The department held its annual Police Memorial Week service at the Portage Public Safety Memorial located at Frank Gilbert Memorial Park on May 14. The service serves as a reminder to the officers of those who came before and have since retired or passed away.

Portage Police Chief Troy Williams led the service that was attended by the sworn officers of the department, civilian employees, reserve officers, city officials and the general public.

“You never want to forget the officers that went before you and are currently serving, especially those ones that were killed in the line of duty,” Williams said. “You always want to be able to reflect back.”

The ceremony featured a speech from Mayor Jim Sny-der, who reiterated the gratitude that the city has for its men in blue.

“Portage police officers demonstrate remarkable cour-age each and every day as they continue to keep Portage safe and secure,” Snyder said. “Each day, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women in blue.”

The ceremony also saw the celebration of detective Ja-nis Regnier, who was awarded the Officer of the Year award from Chief Troy Williams.

“It is huge, it is very humbling to have your peers recognize the dedication that you have given to your profes-sion,” Regnier said. “It is a huge honor.”

Regnier is a detective on the police force and serves as a hostage negotiator and evidence technician. Regnier handles all of the evidence that is held at the department before, during and after cases are handled. Regnier also specializes in cases that involve children.

“Because I do a lot of the cases now that are child abuse cases, I see the relief on their face when we give a child back their childhood,” Regnier said. “It makes me want to come and keep doing it every day even though it is extremely difficult to listen to how an adult traumatizes a child. It is very rewarding to have that child get their life back.”

Regnier has been with the department in some form for 21 years. She first started as a civil defense officer then she became a 911 dispatcher. Regnier was also one of the first members of the department’s reserve unit. In 1996, she

became a sworn merit officer.“It started out with Charlie’s Angels because it showed

me that little girls could do anything including being police officers,” Regnier said. “I eventually followed through I suppose.”

Regnier also was awarded the American Legion’s Dis-trict Officer of the Year, the first woman to win the award in Indiana. She will move on to the state award ceremony in July.

Williams said that Regnier is one of the most valuable members of the force.

“Her value is great to this department and is an excel-lent choice,” Williams said.

Regnier has worked with many other officers over the years and has looked up to many of them during her career.

“I have looked up to so many people and I have tried to learn bits and pieces of those who come before me,” Regnier said. “To be able to draw from so many to mold my career and how I do things. I think it is more of a collabo-ration of those who trained me and help me do things.”

Collin CzilliOpinion Editor

Members of the Portage Police Department stand around the Police and Fire Memorial at Frank Gilbert Park. The memorial service recognizes the sacrifice made by police officers around the nation. Photo by Collin Czilli

Thespians celebrate successes through awards night

4Sports Issue 15

Coleman happy to be selected for top Pow Wow honorEric MesarchContent Editor

Senior Rashaan Coleman, although only

having lived in Portage for three years of his life, has made his mark in Portage athletics. Coleman was recently named the Pow Wow Male Most Valuable Player of the Year, an award given to the top male athlete at PHS. “I definitely feel honored to be MVP,” Coleman said. “It’s pretty cool, considering I compete for a school that has great athletes that perform at high levels year after year.” Coleman has been a member of the varsity football and track and field teams since he moved to Portage from Lafayette before his sophomore year. While Coleman receives a lot of attention from the press, he still remains humble about all of his athletic accomplishments. “I only played two sports and there were definitely other athletes that were well deserving, but hey, I’m happy I was picked,” Coleman said. During the football season, Coleman was a key member of both sides of the ball, earning himself not only the annual Mr. Football award on the night of Homecoming, but also MVP for the football season. Coleman also helped the boys track and field team place second in the sectional a few weeks ago. After high school, Coleman will continue his dedication to football at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, where he plans to get a Bachelor’s degree in finance in hopes of becoming a financial analyst. “I’m looking forward to playing college football,” Coleman said. “Our first two games are against some great teams [University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University].” Coleman said his favorite part of being a Portage athlete is how close-knit every athlete is with each other. He attributes this largely to Captain’s Council and the many activities that happen within the council. “All the stuff we do together, whether it’s community projects or just eating donuts together at our meetings during SSR; I just love the bonding,” Coleman said. “After moving up here I met some awesome people, met some incredible athletes. I will never forget the people I met either; they definitely were an influence.”

Male MVP of the year

Softball Continued from page 1 Head coach Lisa Hayes, a former Chesterton softball standout, notched her first sectional title as a player or coach in just her second year at the helm. “This is amazing,” Hayes said. “I never got to do this as a player, and it’s so much better as a coach, it really is. We’ve been trying to make sure we believe in each other and we kept believing today.” Zengler tossed a one-hitter against Hobart on April 8. She helped limit the damage in the fifth before locking down for the final two frames. “That’s exactly what we needed,” Hayes said. “We knew she could come in and shut somebody down when we needed her to, and it was perfect. Her and Kiley complement each other so well.” Catcher Haley Hodges is the only one of the seven seniors on the team that has played varsity softball since her freshman year. “It’s hard to put it into words,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of heartbreak on this field,

but this is a happy feeling right now.” Sophomore Kaitlin Doud said the underclassmen wanted to win the sectional championship to allow their senior teammates to exit on a high note. “Being a sophomore and looking up to our seniors, I wanted them to win the sectional,” Doud said. “I did this for them. This is fantastic and we just knew we had to believe and we had to turn things around right then.” Portage reached the sectional final by upending Duneland Athletic Conference champion Crown Point 3-1 on May 24, avenging a loss to the Bulldogs in last year’s sectional semifinal. Jones outdueled freshman Miranda Elish, who has already committed to play Division-I softball at Oregon. Elish suffered her first loss of the season to finish 17-1. Doud doubled twice and drove in Portage’s first run against Elish, her close friend and former travel ball teammate. “We’re like best friends, but when we step

on the field, it’s all business,” Doud said. “We’re as competitive as you can get when it comes to softball. She’s gotten much better since I played with her.” Junior Alexis Johnson homered against Elish to account for Portage’s third run of the semifinal game. “I was just mad that I wasn’t getting on base and when I hit it, it felt great,” Johnson said. “My team was there and my adrenaline was rushing and I wanted to cry.” The Indians hosted Munster in the regional on Tuesday night in a game that was played after this issue went to print. For the result of that game, visit the Pow Wow Radio Facebook page, facebook.com/powwowradio. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the Portage seniors walk away as sectional champions. “I can’t even put it into words,” Zengler said. “I’m speechless. You heard me screaming, that’s all I could really do. It’s awesome.”

Head softball coach Lisa Hayes lifts the 2013 sectional championship trophy. Hayes guided the Indians to the title in her second season at the helm. Photo by Brandon Vickrey.

Sports Briefs By Editor-in-Chief Brandon Vickrey

Revenge Factor Junior Kevin Jones did it all on May 24 as the varsity baseball team bounced Valparaiso 2-1, halting a three game losing streak in head-to-head meetings with the Vikings and avenging an 18-8 loss from last year’s sectional championship. On the mound, Jones fanned 13 hitters and surrendered just one run in a complete game victory. At the dish, the Chesterton-transfer accounted for both Portage tallies by lining an RBI single in the third and scampering home on a wild pitch in the sixth. The Indians were slated to meet Merrillville on Monday in a sectional semifinal bout in LaPorte, but rain forced the postponement of that game until Tuesday night, after this issue of the Pow Wow went to print. For the outcome of the rest of the sectional, visit the Pow Wow Radio Facebook Page at facebook.com/powwowradio. The regional, which is also hosted at LaPorte High School, is slated for tomorrow.

Don’t Stop Believing After every game, the Portage softball team presents a “Believe” sign, purchased by head coach Lisa Hayes, to a player that made outstanding contributions to that

particular game. “We started it a little while ago to start believing in each other and just to bring some extra luck for us,” Hayes said. “It’s just something that I found and we give it to a player of the game or two players of the game, people that come through big for us and have a really good game.” After the sectional championship game on May 25, the sign was presented to senior Jalise McKnight, who collected three hits including an infield RBI single that plated the go-ahead run in a 6-5 victory over Hobart. Hayes purchased the sign at Hallmark when she realized it would be fitting for her team. The “V” fell off after Kiley Jones’s fourth time receiving the sign. “We said the ‘V’ stands for victory now,” Hayes said.

Undefeated No More The dominant storyline of the Portage softball team’s run to the sectional title was handing Crown Point freshman pitcher Miranda Elish, who entered the game 17-0, her first loss of the season. In the days leading up to the game against Crown Point, the Indians cranked up the pitching machine in practice. “We sped up the pitching machine a lot and that was

actually about the first time we used the pitching machine this year,” Hayes said. “We wanted to simulate speed. We watched her on [May 20 against Chesterton] and saw what she did and what she had.” The Bulldogs did their best to save Elish for the postseason, utilizing her for only three innings in the two regular season games against Portage.

Pow Wow 2012-2013 Sports Awards Honorable Mentions Team of the Year: Softball, Boys Basketball, Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year: Karen Barcelli, Brian Zofkie, Lisa Hayes Female Athlete of the Year: Nicki Monahan, Haley Hodges, Jade McKnightMale Athlete of the Year: John Fannin, Kevin Jones, Jordan Collazo

Read about the 2012-2013 Pow Wow award winners throughout this week’s sports section. The awards were voted on by the Pow Wow editors.

Sectional champions

5Sports May 31, 2013

Team of the yearGymnastics grabs team of the year along with state championship

Female MVPBarcelli holds more varsity letters than any athlete in school history

The gymnastics team won the state

meet on March 16. As a reward, the team received a police escort, class rings and a key to the city. Now the team has done another accom-plishment, becoming Pow Wow team of the year. The gymnastics team has finished the season with a 7-0 record. Senior Mackenzie Barcelli wants the team to continue the legacy of the gymnas-tics team. “We knew as soon as I landed my bar routine. I just ran over to my team and jumped on them. Almost everyone was in tears including me,” Barcelli said. “This past year was my most memorable because the team was more united than ever and we could all put aside differences to bring home the one thing we all wanted.” Sophomore Madison Kurtz competed that day in the state meet. The moment when the team won, according to Kurtz, the feeling was unreal. “The win felt like it did not even hap-pen,” Kurtz said. “We were expected to do our best and make it to state. None of us knew we would win, but we all wanted it so bad.” Head coach Karen Barcelli said that the experience of having the team win state feels surreal. According to Barcelli, the team is practicing in the offseason in order to improve, but winning competitions have kept the gymnasts confident. “I knew we could, and the girls knew we could, it was just a matter of making it

happen,” Barcelli said. “I believe they were motivated by the desire to succeed. We had a goal to win, and it was up to each girl to do her part to achieve that.” Senior captain Lyndsey Cunningham has been on the team for four years and has completed vault, beams, bars and floor events at state. “The experience of this season and hav-ing the news we won brought tears of joy to the coaches and seniors.” Cunningham said. “I am very happy that we received rings, medals and honors from numerous people to show how great of a team we are.” According to Karen Barcelli, next year’s team hopes to repeat history from the state experience. “Without dedication to a common cause, success is impossible. They stayed united in purpose,” Barcelli said. Cunningham hopes that the gymnasts will continue the success in years to come and not let anyone knock them down. “It’s just disappointing hearing negative feedback from the student body about how they’re annoyed by the sight of us every-where and all the rewards we are getting. I wish people saw it like we do,” Cunningham said. “It’s an accomplishment to be proud of and it doesn’t happen often. I’m glad to have been a part of the legendary team. The memories we shared are timeless.” According to Karen Barcelli, hope is not all the team needs to keep moving forward. “As anyone should, we hope to win. There is much more to it than hoping, though, so we will need to see the work next year’s team is willing to put forth,” Barcelli said. “I am very proud to be the coach.”

Alexis coffmanSports Writer

Breaking the record of most athletic letters and a becoming gymnastics state champion is not the only thing senior Mackenzie

Barcelli has earned throughout her high school career. Barcelli has been chosen as the Pow Wow Female MVP of the year. Throughout her high school careers Barcelli has partici-pated in golf, diving, gymnastics and track and field. Barcelli is also the all-around state championship and holds 13 athletic letters, more than any other student athlete. “Playing three sports in one school year really gives me an opportunity to explore my abilities,” Barcell said. “It gets tough at times with time commitment, but I think I got the hang of it my senior year. Being in so many sports gives me something to do all the time.” With many years of experience, Barcelli has been able to hone in on what she loves most about high school sports. Barcelli said her favorite part about participating in sports at the high school is the energy. “Golf really didn’t have much cheering because it’s a quiet sport obviously,” Barcelli said. “But then gymnastics came and it was always so loud and everyone had so much enthu-siasm, track was the same way. I just loved the perseverance and the will to win.” Barcelli has accomplished many goals in the past four

years, but she said it is the team’s victories that stand out and individual successes are just “icing on the cake”. Barcelli said her most memorable moment of participat-ing in high school sports was when the gymnastics team won state. “We worked so hard for it all year and then it all came together for us when it really mattered. We had such a great season and it fell into place for us,” Barcelli said. Barcelli will be attending either Indiana University North-west or Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, where she will be studying music business and pre-law in order to become an entertainment lawyer. Barcelli said she does not plan on participating in any sports in college for now. She said she may pursue golf or pole vault eventually. With Barcelli’s high school career coming to an end, there will be many things to miss. “The thing I will miss most about high school sports has to be the teams,” Barcelli said. “Each of my teams were so close and amazing. I am so happy for everything they have accomplished such as a state championship for gymnastics for the first time in 38 years and a sectional championship for track for the first time in 17 years. It feels amazing to be a part of such great athletic programs and I will miss having that special bond.”

Peyton HulseSports Editor

Seniors Mackenzie Barcelli, Lyndsey Cunningham and Breanna Caldwell hug after winning a home meet against Hobart on Jan. 28. The Lady Indians won 111.4-92.8. Photo by Haley Crnarich

Snodgrass Coach of the Year Rick Snodgrass leads boys basketball to 10 wins

Collin CzilliOpinion Editor

After a one-win season just one short year ago, the boys

basketball program knew it had hit rock bottom. That did not detour head coach Rick Snodgrass from picking his team back up and starting again this season. What resulted was the second biggest turn around in the state this year. “It is very humbling,” Snodgrass said. The single win season was very tough on the team and coaching staff last season. Snodgrass led his team to a 10 win season this year, the biggest win total in Snodgrass’s seven year tenure at Portage. “Last year was a major challenge for me personally and our coaching staff,” he said.

“Obviously, it was a struggle.” For Snodgrass, seeing the hard work and dedication that the athletes put in over the past year was very indicative of what is to come. “It was very gratifying to see these kids this year do what they did,” he said. “They were a great group of kids to work with, but most importantly it represented what the other kids prior to them the last five years tried to do. We have got a way to go, but we have come a long way.” Even after such a disappointing season, the team saw immense growth in the pre-season for this year’s winter season. “Our numbers last year were higher than they have ever been. We had more kids par-ticipating and trying out than we ever had,”

he said. “That is a great sign and now that we got a little bit of a taste of what it was like from a winning side, we can keep moving forward.” Snodgrass is looking forward to seeing where the program goes from this successful season. “The most exciting thing for me is to see our program grow and to start to see the benefits of the hours that the coaches and I put in,” he said. “We said we wanted to be competitive every single game, and we did.” The 10 win season may seem disappoint-ing to some, but considering the previous season, Snodgrass sees it as a huge accom-plishment for himself and the team overall. “I think more importantly that it gives our program hope and direction,” he said.

“These kids have put a lot of hours in. Things have changed. The way things are done now-a-days is not like it was 30 years ago.” Snodgrass said that it took a lot of work to get to the point that they are at after this season. “Every sport is going year round, you have to balance that,” he said. “If you are a three sport athlete like we hope to have here at Portage, you have to balance that. Not only with other sports, but with your classwork and social life. That is probably the most important thing, the kids are starting to see the benefit of their hard work.” Snodgrass’s goal was to rebuild Portage’s basketball program, a goal that seems to be within reach.

6 Sports Issue 15

The girls track and field team is now headed to the state meet in Bloomington, Indiana after winning the sectional title.

“This is the first time the lady Indians have won the championship in 18 years. Many of the girls won individual championships in their event, qualifying them for the regional meet at Chesterton,” head girls track and field coach Earl Coleman said.

The team is losing seven seniors including Mackenzie Barcelli, Shakiea Boyd, Danielle Coppinger, Rachael Gonzalez, Desiree Key, Jade McKnight and Rochelle Stubblefield.

Coleman said that all the seniors have been major

contributors to the program this year.

“The ladies have worked very hard this year. We complete a variety of exercises to improve the overall power, speed and conditioning of our athletes,” Coleman said.

Coleman said their main focus now is getting to state.

“We had two of our athletes last year make it to the State Finals (Katie Engel and McKnight) and it is important for us to take a larger group down to Bloomington this year,” Coleman said.

McKnight said that she would like to end her senior year on a state championship.

“I am very excited to go to state. This is my last

year as a lady Indian track runner and I would like to end my time here on a good note,” McKnight said.

Coleman said he is very proud of all his runners.

“I want to thank the ladies for all of their hard work this season and also congratulate the seniors, wishing them the best of luck at their respective colleges in the fall,” Coleman said.

Paige Pizer (800 meter run), McKnight (long jump), Ashley Sosbe (discus) and the 4x800 meter relay team of Pizer, Kyra Ball, Rhyan Sloan and Keanna Crum all qualified for the state meet. In addition, Tara Kostelnik won the regional title and advanced to state with a shot put toss of 41 feet, 3.5 inches. The Indians finished third as a team.

Lauren WinickySports Writer

State BoundGirls track and field captures sectional title, sends seven individuals to Bloomington for state finals

Caleb IngersollFeatures Writer

Boys golf team set for today’s Valpo Sectional

The boys golf team is set to compete in the sectional meet today in Valparaiso. The team has an opportunity to make a little history if it wins sectionals and advances into regionals, only being the second Portage High School golf team to reach three consecutive regionals. Head coach Richard Kretz said he has had this date circled on their schedule all year and anticipates the team to play exceptionally well. “I expect our guys to play up to their potential, if the DAC is any indication, we should definitely put up a good number,” Kretz said. “Our guys all like playing at Forest Park, so if we keep the ball in play, we should be okay.” The team this year has a record of 10-11 overall and 5-9 in the DAC. Two players that stood out most to Kretz this season were Jordan Henson and Nick Lewis. They both did well and were the most consistent players this year. Henson won this year’s Portage

Masters, which concluded on May 24. Henson captured that event in run away fashion, building a big lead early

in the week of competition before finishing strong. “Although they both were reliable players, if you ask them both, they would tell you they could have done better scoring-wise,” Kretz said. The team is attempting to prepare for the sectional by practicing on scoring and readying themselves to play at Forest Park again. They have played at Forest Park a number of times as a group and even independently the players went to play there on their own and practice because it is one of their preferred areas to play. “We had high expectations with all the Varsity experience we had returning, however, we feel that in some respects we did not always meet those expectations,” Kretz said. “It seemed that we never had all five guys playing well at the same time. With that being said, as a group we played well during the DAC, so we are still encouraged and excited about the sectionals.”

Chasing History

Portage girls track and field athlete Keanna Crum competes in a relay in the Duneland Athletic Conference Meet on May 7 in Crown Point. The Indians finished fourth in that meet before winning the sectional on May 14 in Chesterton. Photo by PortageLife.com

May 31, 2013

8 Opinion Issue 15

Editor-in-ChiefBrandon Vickrey

Content Editor

Eric Mesarch

Design EditorEmily Evans

Opinion Editor

Collin Czilli

News Editor Katie Peksenak

Features Editor

Joshua Lewis

Sports EditorPeyton Hulse

Photo EditorOlivia Forrester

Sports WritersAlexis CoffmanLauren WinickyBrandon Weis

News WritersAshley Conrad Mallory Lopez

Nick BlueMary Clancy

Features Writers

Tyra Allen Amber Nelson

Angela DornbosCaleb Ingersoll

Alexis Sosa

PhotographersTaylor Mlynski Emily Hensley

AdviserMelissa Deavers-Lowie

Pow Wow Editorial Policy

The Pow Wow is a student-produced news-paper. As an open-forum publication, we do accept letters-to-the-editor. All letters must be grammatically correct, free from errors

and 200 words or fewer. Letters must include your name. E-mail submissions can be sent

to bwvickrey@gmail.com. Letters will be run in the next available issue of the newspaper.

A year ago, I remember walking up to my middle school newspaper adviser after two years of service and saying, “I’m not going to continue with journalism.”

Since I only knew the world of terrible articles, deadlines that were never enforced and kids who spent more time on Minecraft than writing news, I assumed that the high school department was more or less the same.

I had made many personal gains by being on this small staff, but I could not handle being with an unmotivated group of kids for the next four years of my life. When I saw that Journalism, which I had put as an alternate, was on my schedule, I was very

concerned that it would be a waste of my time.I can now happily admit how wrong I was.During my first semester in Journalism, I fell in love with

everything we learned. It was the class I could get most excited about. My classmates and I were given high expectations and treated like members of publications staff. Eager to show my worth, I finished projects early and with enthusiasm.

A chance to prove myself came second semester. Six freshmen were given the opportunity to join a publication without waiting until they finished the Journalism course.

After just a week in my new position on yearbook staff, I was hooked. Assignments required creativity and brainstorming, but seeing the final result made my effort worth it.

Now I have been given another opportunity, this time as opinion editor of next year’s Pow Wow staff.

Sure, it is a great promotion for me, but being able to write my thoughts is not what excites me most. Instead, I am happier that I can help the opinions of other students be seen.

My challenge to the student body is to begin utilizing the Pow Wow to as an open forum. The newspaper is one of the

best resources for students, but it is not used to its full potential. If something is bothering you, or you want to comment on a story, submit a letter to the editor.

Letters to the editor can be submitted to the suggestion box in front of room 153, where they will be considered to appear in an upcoming issue of the Pow Wow. Anyone is welcome to write a short commentary on a current news topic of their choice.

Another option is to contact me. I understand that not everyone is comfortable having their writing on display, but that should not mean their concerns go unacknowledged. The submission box can also be used to suggest topics for future issues of Pow Wow.

Over 2,700 teens have access to this eight-page news source about Portage. Pow Wow is always a civil forum which can be utilized and seen by more of its targeted audience. It is the perfect place to discuss current issues that matter to students.

Please feel free to come and submit your information to the Pow Wow. On behalf of next year’s editors, we would like the student body to use Pow Wow as it is intended: a publication for the students, by the students.

Lydia Gerike2013-2014 Opinion Editor

email: lgerike15@gmail.com

Staying home for college always seems to strike disdain in the eyes of people I tell about my choice of staying home for the next four years.

Is Northwest Indiana all that bad? I have never seen it that way. For the record, our region has provided me with nothing but opportunity. Why would I want to leave it so quickly?

I am involved with so many organizations, I would never imagine leaving them. Northwest Indiana has so many things to offer that people never realize it all. Yes, it may not be the most picturesque place to live in, but do not bash Northwest Indiana because you chose to not be involved in it.

I absolutely love this place, and I never want to leave. I love the shoreline. I love the parks. I love the people. I love the opportunities. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying in Portage for the next four years.

Some believe that Indiana University Northwest is a

settling college. Some believe that it is a place that only dumb people go to. The same can be said for Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central. Well guess what, Congressman Pete Visclosky is a graduate of IUN.

I did not settle. Do not mistake my staying home for settling. I am staying home because I do not wish to be paying for student loan debt for the next forty years of my life. I am staying home because IUN offers me the opportunities to connect

with my fellow students and professors for learning purposes that other schools can dream to offer. Not to mention the fact that IUN has offered me free tuition to attend their school.

A college education at IUN is no different than an education at Bloomington or Indianapolis, both of which I was accepted at. Neither Bloomington nor Indianapolis offered me nearly the amount of money that IUN did. I made a decision based off what would be best for me in the future, and that choice was clear.

I hope that more people take advantage of the opportunity to stay home for school. It makes financial sense. Yes, I agree, going to college is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Instead I have made the choice to live at home, have a home cooked meal and be able to work and save up money for my future. I hope some of you take this chance and run with it in the future.

Collin CzilliOpinion Editor

Twitter: @CollinCZ

Vickrey remembers four years of PHS sports

With the gymnastics team capturing the state title, the boys basketball team pulling off the second biggest turnaround in the state, Nicki Monahan surpassing the school’s all-time girls scoring record, the start of a turnaround for the volleyball team and the girls track and field, wrestling and softball teams all winning sectional championships, it is safe to say that it has been a pretty good year to be a Portage athlete.

For the last four years, I have covered more Portage High School athletics than anyone. Therefore, I think it is fitting for me to use my last opinion article to express my views about some of the greatest teams, moments, athletes and coaches that I have covered during my time at PHS.

Best Team: I have covered a lot of great teams over the last four years, but it is impossible to argue with giving the nod to the 2013 state champions. The gymnastics team achieved the ultimate goal, becoming the first team to do so during my time

in Portage. Just about everything that can be written about that team already has been. Valparaiso is a heated rival in many sports, especially gymnastics, so upsetting the Vikings to win the crown made it even sweeter. This was a great moment in Portage sports history and for the school

as a whole, especially with Principal Caren Swickard and Athletic Director Kelly Bermes being former gymnasts and avid supporters of the team.

Best Female Athlete: I do not think the selection of Tori Bliss as the best female athlete I have covered needs much backing up. She holds just about every track and field throwing record possible, is a standout Division-I thrower at Louisiana State University and is likely ticketed for the Olympics. In addition to her shot put and discus prowess, Bliss was also a star on the basketball floor and soccer pitch.

Best Male Athlete: Michigan State sophomore baseball player Tony Cheky hit .311 as a freshman and .278 this season. At Portage High School, he batted .528 as a junior and .486 as a senior. Cheky is also

a talented defensive player in centerfield. Portage reached the sectional championship during his junior and senior seasons. After he finishes his time with the Spartans, Cheky will likely be selected in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

Greatest Games: Normally the greatest games occur when the stakes are highest in the postseason, but there are some unforgettable regular season contests that have occurred at PHS. In 2011, the football team upset the Merrillville Pirates, who did not lose a game to any other conference opponent, in a week four road game by the score of 17-16. Two weeks later, The Indians topped Chesterton 21-17 in a classic, back-and-forth, Saturday night game. Ironically, current Portage head coach Wally McCormack was a member of the broadcast team on Lakeshore Public Television for that game.

The 2012 volleyball team narrowly missed a sectional championship appearance. The Indians dropped the first two games of the semifinal against Michigan City 25-20, 25-13, before roaring from behind to force a fifth game with 27-25, 25-19 victories. However, the Wolves pulled out a 16-14 fifth set triumph to take the match.

Letter from the new opinion editorStudent body should take advantage of the Pow Wow opinion section

‘I did not settle’Do not waste money just for the

‘college experience’

Brandon VickreyEditor-in-Chief

Twitter: @BrandonVickrey

Moving On, looking Back

See MEMORIES, page 9

Now that my time at Portage High School is coming to a close, I feel like I can finally tell the underclassmen everything I believe they should know about being in high school. Believe me, it is not all pretty. I will keep this PG.

First, I would like to talk to the kids who are not doing their homework. I have no idea whether your parents or guardians are talking to you about this, so I will. Do it. It’s really that simple. You are not going to get into college if you blow off the basic assignments. I really do not care if it is just busy work, just do it. No excuses. Do it.

With talking about homework, grades are equally as important. Letting yourself fall behind is one of the worst things you can do in high school, because then you will have to work twice as hard to catch up, when, in the long run, you are just wasting your own time by not doing it right the first time.

If not for yourself, do it for your family and friends. I know some of you honestly do not care whether you graduate on time or not, but the people who love you want to see you pick up your diploma. Do it for them.

Now I’m going to tackle the issue of behavior. Here are a few things that are never okay to do while at school: making out, spitting tobacco on the floor, screaming at

adults, having a conversation in the middle of the hallway, curling your hair in the bathroom, wasting printer paper printing infinity sign tattoos and there are a million more but I will not spend more time listing them all. School is supposed to be a place of learning, and when I am trying to dodge dip spit and human roadblocks in the hallway I am less than focused on the educational process. Oh, and one more thing: both boys and girls- please pull up your pants. I speak for everyone when I say that I do not want to see your butt.

The last part of this will just be a couple tips that I have picked up while at PHS. The first one, join as many clubs as you can. I personally believe that you can never be too involved. You will make friends and have so many fun memories. My second tip: always follow the arrows painted on the ground in the parking lot. Some of you might not be

able to drive yet, but when you do, the best way to avoid accidents is to follow the arrows. Tip number three: girls- participate in DYW. It’s such an amazing experience and I had a ton of fun. Boys- participate in OYM. It is an equally great time and with both programs you have the ability to make new friends and win scholarships. I am going to throw in one more extra, bonus tip for you all on the subject of scholarships: apply for them all. Every single one of them. You will thank me later.

My final piece of advice to you all, in the last opinion article I will write before I graduate is this: Make the best of your high school experience. Think twice before messing your life up with drugs and drinking, and consider what you say before you say it. These four years are a trial for your real life, so use them accordingly.

9OpinionMay 31, 2013

Making the best of your high school experience Advice For underclassmen

High school is a time to learn, grow and try new things. Finding yourself is important, but cannot be achieved without going a bit out of your comfort zone. In this article I will provide some life advice and advise those hesitant in trying new things to just go out on a limb and do it.

Becoming involved in high school is something many students are timid about upon

entering, but this should not be the case. Whether it is joining a club, going out for the musical or trying a new sport, exploring new options is something I strongly advise. Students who do so will be extremely surprised in how strongly they enjoy

the experience. Meeting new people is always a good thing and a student may turn something they decide to try on a whim into a lifelong hobby or passion.

If you are not happy with something at school or with life in general, change it. Be bold and do not be afraid to make big decisions. Just because things will be different afterward does not mean you should sit back and continue with whatever it is unhappily. This is one of the most important lessons I have learned in the past four years. Whether it is confronting

someone you have had a problem with or finally ending that relationship that went on for way too long, take a leap and do it. Chances are you will be much happier and extremely relieved.

To sum this article up, be bold and take chances. Being aggressive with what you want is the only way to get what you want. No one but you can be relied on in making big decisions or making decisions at all for that matter, so go out there and make things happen for yourself. I promise the outcome will be a positive one.

Don’t be afraid to make big decisions

be bold and take chances

Like previously in modern history, Google has sparked controversy with its newest innovation, Google Glass.

Google Glass is a lens-less wearable computer that resembles glasses and can be worn by people as they travel about in their daily lives. With the ability to take pictures, record videos, search the internet and provide directions with a simple voice command, the device has already spurred debate on privacy before it has hit store shelves.

According to an article written by journalist David Streitfeld in the International Herald Tribune, some restaurants, such as the Five Point Café in Seattle, have already banned the device from their grounds, and states have

begun to push legislation that bans people from wearing it while driving.

To stop the stifling of the creation of new technologies, people need to stop blindly casting aside new devices that will lead America into the future of technology.

It is possible to argue that Glass strips away the last

remaining bit of privacy people have while out in public, but that statement is both tenuous and hasty. To activate the camera mode or video capturing mode, the wearer must verbally activate them or touch the touchpad to the side. In both instances, the wearer must be looking directly at what their point of interest is and is in no way covertly capturing images or footage of unsuspecting people.

These features make the device “less intrusive,” Streitfeld said.

A major point in the debate over Glass is whether it impairs a person’s ability to drive.

Since Glass is not available to the general public yet, it is impossible to come to a reasonable conclusion through scientific testing about its ability to distract drivers. From the promotional video, the computer display was in the upper right-hand corner of the right eye, which did not seem to negatively affect the wearers as they did various activities, such as ice skating or trapeze stunts.

Drivers would actually benefit from the verbalized directions from Glass because they would not have to tilt their head towards a GPS device mounted on their dashboard and could briefly glance at the directional map in the corner of their sight.

A less pressing argument against Glass is its ability to hinder social relationships.

That point, like the others, is also misguided and hasty because any person who is incessantly using their smartphone to

search the Internet while they are supposed to be spending time with someone is the wrong person to be associating with in the first place. Sensible people know that ignoring their friends, family or significant other by using any piece of technology is simply rude, no matter what device, Glass or smartphone, is being used.

In all situations pertaining to Glass, using common sense and good judgment will ensure people get the most benefit out of the device and stay safe from any suspicious individual in public at the same time.

Banning Glass is a hasty and unsupported decision.

The device has the capability of leading the world into a modern era of technology whose possibilities are endless, and stifling that growth is unjustifiable. Further study is needed to prove Glass’s effect on drivers and it does not invade people’s privacy any more than any other device.

Google’s latest device should be praised, not bannedThe Glass of the Future

Emily EvansDesign Editor

Twitter: @emiiilyanne

Katie PeksenakNews Editor

twitter: @kpeks17

Joshua LewisFeatures Editor

Twitter: @Joshua1Lewis

There were numerous upsets over the years as well. This year alone, boys basketball upset Michigan City, gymnastics upstaged Valpo in the dual meet and wrestling defeated Merrillville.

However, for the two greatest games I have covered at PHS, we turn to a pair of postseason matchups that are very similar to one another. In February 2011, the 8-12 girls basketball team knocked off 14-8 Crown Point 55-49 to reach the sectional championship game. Tori Bliss scored 23 points, while Nicki Monahan chipped in 15.

Fast-forward to the spring of 2013, and the softball squad secured a victory with many parallels to that of the basketball team two years prior. The Indians defeated freshman pitcher Miranda Elish, who entered the game with a 17-0 record, to beat Crown Point 3-1. Both came in a sectional semifinal, both came against Crown Point, both were in upset fashion on Friday nights and both teams played the following day as the favorite to win the sectional championship. However, the similarities end there; as the softball squad was able to seal the deal with a 6-5 win over Hobart the next day.

The softball team has always been one of my favorites to cov-er, so for me this victory was especially sweet. I have been the public address announcer for the lady-Indians since my fresh-man year and seen a complete turnover among the players and coaches during that time, with Haley Hodges the lone remnant of the 2010 team that played Andrean in the first high school sporting event I ever announced. Fittingly, my last public ad-dress announcing assignment was also on the softball diamond, Tuesday night’s regional championship against Munster.

Thanks to all of the athletes and coaches who have gra-ciously accepted my numerous interview requests over the years. I have established many relationships with members of the athletic department that will be greatly missed.

Memories Continued from page 8

Saying goodbye to Portage High School is easy

for some, but not for me. I never understood until about a week ago what it would be like to leave this school for good. I kept telling myself that it would just be like an extended summer vacation. I now realize, I was wrong. I am going to use this space to say goodbye to the people that have impacted my school life these past four years. First, to Melissa Deavers-Lowie. Thank you for giving me a chance to be on the Pow Wow. I do not know what I would have done if I was not involved with the Journalism Department. This department is in good hands and has made an impact on my life for years to come. Second, to Tom Sanidas. You probably will not ever read this since you left Por-

tage, but if it was not for that one conver-sation four years ago about starting a radio station, I would not be doing any of the things that I am doing today. Third, to all of my teachers. You do one of the hardest jobs in the world. Most people do not respect you for the job that you do. It is hard to imagine my high school career without you all helping me along. Fourth, to Principal Caren Swick-ard. You have trusted me to put on a live television show three days a week without question. I appreciate all that you have done for me these past four years and I will miss hearing that it is a great day to be an Indian. Finally, to the students of Portage High School. Thank you for reading all of my regular columns for the last two years. I hope that I have angered some of you, but most of all, I hope that I have made

some of you think. This is so incredibly hard to know that I have to say goodbye. With just four days of school left, I hope we make the best of these last days. Thank you for all the good times Portage High School.

10Senior Goodbyes Issue 15

‘I will never forget my time at PHS’Mesarch took advantage of all the opportunities presented to him

Collin CzilliOpinion Editor

Bittersweet moments are some of the toughest a person can go through. The fact that I will be leaving the Pow Wow staff after three short years is another one of these bittersweet moments that I will have to go through in my lifetime. Although I am excited to move on to Valparaiso University to pursue my endeavors, I will be leaving a lot of my friendships that I have developed in my journalism career at Portage High School. Some of my best friendships have happened through publications. Some of my most memorable high school moments have happened in publications, whether it be during one of our long and entertaining deadlines or during one of the fun field trips we have taken as a group. All of us in the publications department hold bonds that can never be broken. Yes, many of us will be going to different colleges, but we will still be staying in touch with each other for years to come. I am sad to have to say goodbye to a lot of the friends I have made in my time in the

journalism program here, but I know that it is not the last time I will be seeing them. My time as part of the Pow Wow staff has helped me grow in a number of ways. It has broadened my horizons in being more creative and has brought me so much new knowledge in a field that I had hardly an idea of what it was before coming to high school. Without my time on staff, I would never know about the many other things that happen at the school or in the community. I would not have had the ability to talk to some of the most interesting people in the school or in the community about something they have done. For this, I want to thank our adviser, Mrs. Melissa Deavers-Lowie, for everything she has taught me throughout the last four years. Pow Wow has definitely helped me realize how much of a role journalism plays in our everyday lives.

Of course, I cannot forget about INN. When Brandon, Collin and I started the news

show as sophomores, we did not really know what kind of feedback we would get. However, as we got more comfortable with being on television in front of the entire student body, we started to realize that it was becoming a hit. Because of this, we started, and continued, to not only convey the news to everyone, but have a lot of fun doing it as well with all of our quirky comments and antics on the screen. We are always glad to hear all of the positive feedback from our viewers and to hear that many people are excited for INN to come on the

screen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Because of this, I would like to thank every one of our viewers for all of the positive feedback they give and the support that we are given on INN. My family has been a wonderful influence of everything I have done in my high school career. My parents, sister and the rest of my family always were there to support me at my numerous baseball games, awards ceremonies and other extra-curricular events that kept me busy all the time. I can, and always will, be able to count on my family to be there for me and support me through thick and thin. They always encourage me to take part in as much as I can, and for all of the aforementioned, I sincerely thank my loving family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at PHS because of the many opportunities I have had to show my strengths. I have taken advantage of all the opportunities that have come my way the past four years and have made several new friends in the process. I will never forget everything I was able to do during my time at PHS and all the great times I have shared with my peers. However, do not think this is the last time PHS will see Eric Mesarch. I will definitely be back many times to visit.

Eric MesarchContent Editor

‘Every day is a great day to be an Indian’Working on INN and Pow Wow left a lasting impression on Vickrey

Simply put, Portage High School is the greatest school in the world. From the op-

portunities offered, to the students, to the teacher, to the administration, to the building itself, everything about PHS is first class. For the last four years, it has been my home. I will miss my morning routine of pulling into the park-ing lot, walking into the building and heading down to the TV Studio. I will miss seeing so many people that I have known since elementary school. I will miss working in the same seat in the publications room that I have held down for four years. I will miss wishing everyone a good evening and welcoming them to Portage High School at PHS ath-letic events over the public address system. Thank you for listening, watching, commenting on, read-ing, sharing, retweeting, complimenting and enjoying my coverage of Portage High School the last four years. This school and the people here have allowed me to settle in to my comfort zone. I will miss it greatly. Portage High School has a great student newspaper tradition that I have tried to uphold this year as editor-in-chief. This year’s staff has been a pleasure to work with. The editorial board of Collin Czilli, Peyton Hulse, Josh Lewis, Katie Peksenak, Olivia Forrester, Emily Evans and I is, in my opinion, the best in Pow Wow history. Adviser Melissa Deavers-Lowie has been a great mentor, resource and friend for the last four years.

When I started high school, I never would have antici-pated that I would host a television program that is viewed by every student and teacher in the school. When Collin Czilli, Eric Mesarch and I started the Indians News Net-work, we had no idea exactly what we were getting into. We had no idea how the student body would receive us or the show. Fortunately, the students have embraced it and enjoyed it. The majority of the feedback that I receive has been either positive or good-natured. Eric and I established our own style on the air that best fit our personalities. We became better and more comfortable over the three years we did the show together. I am proud to say that I have anchored the sports for every episode of INN that has ever aired. I will miss being pointed out in the hallway and in public as the INN guy. However, I will miss writing my sports reports, editing highlights and hosting the shows with Eric even more. Eric and Collin are two individuals who I will miss working with greatly next year. In the classroom, I have been blessed with so many great teachers that it is unreasonable to try to thank them individually. My sophomore English teacher Arlene Neill was one of the most encouraging, kind-hearted and helpful people during my time in her class. History teacher Robert Parker is knowledgeable, hilarious and unique. The impact that those two made on me rises above the rest. Although I had Rick Snodgrass for sophomore health,

my memories of him are mostly from outside the classroom. I have said many times, Snod is my favorite person to interview, a great coach and an ener-getic, inspiring man. I look so forward to seeing what he and the boys basketball team can do next year. As he reminded me many times, there were no seniors on the roster this season. While friendships with peers and teachers are not uncommon for students, few people gradu-ate high school saying they established a friendship with the school principal. Caren Swick-ard has given us an incredible amount of trust and encourage-ment. The students of Portage High School should appreciate the incredible leader that we have at the helm. I will miss all of you, I love you and one thing is for sure, at Portage High School, every day is a great day to be an Indian.

Brandon VickreyEditor-in-Chief

‘Thank you for all the good times PHS’Saying goodbye to Portage High School is not easy for Czilli

“I never understood until about a week ago what it would be like to leave this school for good. I kept telling myself that it would just be like an extended summer vacation. I now realize, I was wrong.”

Northw

est

Now that my high school career is coming to an end, I want

to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me get where I am today.

First of all, I would like to thank all the teachers who have helped me through these past four years. Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Childers, Mrs. Wysocki, Ms. Platt, Mrs. Deavers-Lowie, Mr. Mar-vin and Mr. Haas are some outstanding teachers who consistently go out of their way to make sure that their students are successful not only in school, but in life.

I would also like to thank some of my friends who have actually stuck by my side through everything: Katie Peksenak, Brittany Adams, Jenna Grish, Evie Tsarnus and Yesenia Men-doza. I do not know where I would be without you.

Alex Heimberg, you are truly my best friend.

You do so much for me and you have no idea how much it helps. Thank you for al-ways loving me and being there for me.

Above all people, my par-ents have influenced me the most in my life. My parents have always put my best interest first, and en-couraged me to be the best person I

can possibly be. They have taught me the impor-tance of edu- ca-tion, and have never let me lose focus on what is important in life. My parents have stayed together through

thick and thin, and have always worked their hardest to give my siblings and I the best lives they possibly can. I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to have such wonderful and loving parents.

11Senior GoodbyesMay 31, 2013

‘I am so excited to begin the next chapter in my life’

Before I leave Portage High School, there are a few people and things that I must recognize as shaping me into the person I am today. This school, where I have spent my last four years, has created in me the skills and strengths that I need to enter the real world, and I am so thankful for that. I personally believe that I have met some of the greatest people in the world while here, and although I am so excited to begin the next chapter in my life, there are some aspects of PHS that I will miss.

Jodi Barney, Lynn Wilson, Marcia Hobart and Sabrina Scroggin- I literally owe you guys the world. Attending Natural Helpers as a junior and then, basically hitting the lottery and being chosen as Rainbow Staff as a senior is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I do

not think words exist that would allow me to describe the experience that you made possible for me to have. You dealt with my crazy, all the while smiling and knowing that everything would work out exactly the way it was supposed to. Maybe not the way I wanted it to, but how it was meant to be. Tiffany, Scott, Rashaan, Sarah, Ian, Jose, you know how much retreat meant to me, and having you by my side the whole time was perfect. HOMIES forever, #RealTalk.

As many of you know, I am one of the busiest people in the world and I would not have it any other way. I joined Student Council as a freshman and worked my way through the ranks until I had the power to change PHS for the better. Without Student Council, I cannot say for sure what I would have done with my time, but I know it would have been wasted. Each adviser I had the pleasure of working with brought new experiences with

them and I would not change a single thing about my time in StuCo.

Now, the thing that allows me to write this sappy, senior goodbye: Pow Wow. I can honestly say that I ended up in Journalism my freshman year as an almost-accident. I messed around on the yearbook staff in middle school and I signed up for J1 on a whim. That whim turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I have been a part of Publications for four years and each year I learned something about myself. Deavs, thank you for allowing me to make these discoveries.

I cannot end this without thanking my family. Before you turn the page and give up on my sentimental mess, hear me out. I am so privileged to come from a family that, even though we cannot stand each other sometimes, is consistently supportive. My parents have stood behind every decision I have made, stupid or otherwise, because they knew in the long run that

I would learn from the choices I made. I also have the best brother ever (there you go, Mom. I said it). My aunts and uncles, my grandparents and every single one of my wild cousins have set me up for the successful future that I hope will be mine. I will miss you all like crazy when I am at college.

Although I do have a few pet peeves, I must say that I am so, so happy about the time that I spent here. I met my best friends here (some, a lot later than I would have liked) and I learned about myself. I can speak for all seniors when I say that I am ready to graduate, but I know that there will be times when I genuinely miss this place. To everyone I have met while attending PHS, I thank you wholeheartedly because you are the reason I have achieved as much as I have today and given me the motivation to search for even more. Boiler Up!

‘I did not want to make this a sappy goodbye’

Olivia Forrester says goodbye to high school life

I did not want to make this a sappy goodbye like all the others in the past. Alas, it will be. It all started when I was selected out of a photog-raphy class to apply for the position of photographer on the Pow Wow staff. I had no idea I would be where I am today as the Photography Editor of this paper and a helping hand to the Legend. It has been a hard, but well worth two years. I put in many after school hours and attending many events throughout my photography career. With that being said, I am so upset that this huge part of my life is coming to a close.

Along with my waitress-ing job and the many other organizations I am a part of, Pow Wow is one of the things I look forward to and love. This class has helped me realize my passion and talent in photography and my love for journalism. The Pow Wow has opened me up to opportunities that I would never have had if I did not apply. It has also has given me a sense of responsibility and a somewhat better way for time management. I still need to work on that, but anyway, my favorite part of the Pow Wow is having my photos published to the student body. I love the feeling of taking the perfect shot and having it printed and published for the com-munity to see my efforts

and talents.As an outgoing

senior I will miss some aspects of high school.

The Pow Wow staff members are some of the greatest friends and funniest people I know, not to mention the most talented. I am sure I will miss the jokes and the rough times we go through together. All I can say to the remaining and incoming students of Portage High School is that high school is only what you make of it. So do what you love and if you don’t like it, then be active and take part in it to make it better. Your four years may seem like an eternity, but it will be the fastest eternity of your life.

Olivia ForresterPhoto Editor

‘i cannot begin to describe how grateful I am’

Senior Peyton Hulse thanks her friends, teachers and parents

‘It took a lot of getting used to things’

Katie Peksenak reflects on her high school careerAs

senior year comes

to a close, I would like to reflect on these past four years of high school. Various

people have affected my life, made me into the person I am today and have given me lasting memories.

Coming into high school freshman year, I was definitely afraid. It took a lot of getting used to things and

making some mistakes to learn a few really important lessons that I still carry with me today.

Playing softball for the high school has given me some of my favorite memories. Whether it was a seagull getting drilled by the ball against Merrillville or winning the sectional championship this year, spending time with these girls has been hilarious and amazing. Holding that sectional trophy while screaming, jumping and hugging

each other had to be one of the best experi-ences I have ever had.

A few of my close friends have also made high school worthwhile. Brittany Adams and Peyton Hulse have always been there for me and we have shared some great moments. Mudding and then crashing in our golf cart while camping had to be one of my best memories along with our trip to the softball world series in Peoria. They have always been there for me and we have had so much fun these past four years.

Lastly, I would like to mention the Pow Wow staff. I have been a part of it since my sophomore year and am thankful for the experience. Through Eric Mesarch’s constant harassment of my nervous habits or Emily Evans’s lovely imitation of the way I compliment people, it has been a joy. I have gotten close to people I never would have expected to and can say that I am truly sad to leave these wonderful individuals.

Evans recognizes her influencesEmily EvansDesign Editor

Katie PeksenakNews Editor

Peyton HulseSports Editor

“Above all people, my parents have influenced me the most in my life. ”

12The Back Page Issue 15

A day in the life of:Pat OlsenRegistered Nurse attends to students at PHS

From scraped knees to upset stomachs, asthma to headaches, Pat Olsen has handled it all. Olsen sees over all of the clinics for Portage Township Schools. She is also the Portage High School east nurse.

Olsen is at PHS from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. She handles injuries, distributing medication.

“Just about anything can walk through my door,” she said. On average, 60 kids visit her a day. Every day around lunch time, Olsen leaves to visit an elementary girl that is diabetic, to deliver her insulin.

“I oversee other schools, also. Some days,

my job is stressful, especially if I’m obligated to attend meetings, and still handle everything else. But I still enjoy my job. It’s nice to be a part of the PHS team,” Olsen said.

She has been a part of the Portage team for 20 years. Olsen started at Willowcreek Middle School, then moved to Portage High School, and then she finally moved up to the director of all the clinics in the system.

“My favorite thing about my job is just that I get to help students,” Olsen said.

“I started this journey because I like educating children, and I could do more of that here than in a hospital setting. Once I got into it, I really liked it. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

“It’s nice to be a part of the PHS team.”

-Patricia Olsen

Pat Olsen works on paperwork in the nurse’s office, located in the East building. Olsen’s job includes caring for the well-being of students at PHS. Photo by Olivia Forrester

Tyra AllenFeatures Writer

What Grinds Your Gears?

ABOVE: Second runner-up Shannon Summers is appluaded by her fellow participants shortly after her name was announced.

LEFT: 2013 Distinguished Young Woman Rachel Stewart presents the official medal to 2014 Distinguished Young Woman Erin Lichnerowicz.

Photos by Olivia Forrester

A winner is crownedMeet the indian: Jimmy Spence

Playing the drums is what senior Jimmy Spence likes to do even in his free time. Spence is a member of Marching Band and loves to do anything band related .He is a percussionist and he plays the drum-set, snare drum, bass drum, timpani, tambourine, marimba and the xylophone among other things.

“ It’s crazy to think you can put a group of kids together with a bunch of instruments all to make one song,” Spence said.

Spence will be attending Indiana University Northwest for a year and then transfer to IU Bloomington. He wants to be a physician’s assistant. In college, Spence plans on staying involved in music by playing in local concerts and the IU Marching Band.

“I love the field of anatomy and I’m looking forward to furthering my education

in it, “ Spence said. Spence said he was shocked to find out

that he had won the Pit Band Award this year for his work in the pit during “Legally Blonde.” But, Spence feels that his biggest accomplishment happened earlier this year when Marching Band got a gold at District.

“It was the first time in four years and I was drum captain so it was really special,” Spence said.

When Spence first joined band he didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. As he continued to advance in band he realized how important it was to him.

Spence attributes his success in band to practicing and the support he gets from his grandparents. Music has always been something he has enjoyed.

“I’ve always loved band because its a way for anyone to come and play an instrument and have fun,” Spence said.

Amber NelsonFeatures Writer

Spence holds music related awards that he has received. He plans to attend IUN then transfer to IU Bloomington to become a physician’s assistant. Photo by Taylor Mlynski

“ It’s crazy to think you can put a group of kids together with a bunch of instruments all to make one song.”

-Jimmy Spence

“What grinds my gears is when other people carry around a McDonald’s sweet tea. Everyone knows I started that.”

-Courtney Groene, Senior

“What grinds my gears is when teachers think that just showing the process of something on an overhead is going to help us learn. It takes more than just writing something down to be a teacher.”

-Kammy Kozol, Junior

Lichnerowicz’s efforts contributed to her victory