Each December, students in Mrs. Witulski's American Sign Language classes take part in a project that combines holiday spirit with language learning. Small groups travel throughout the school, visiting classrooms to perform Christmas songs entirely in ASL.

Mrs. Witulski believes that the project offers both expressive and cultural benefits.

“The students pick their own songs, no duplicates within a class,” Witulski said. “They relearn holiday signs from last year and analyze their songs for meanings that could be signed differently in ASL.”

A large part of the project involves translating English lyrics into ASL grammar. This process is more complex than it seems.

“For an English word, there is often more than one sign for the word itself because of the meanings the word expresses,” Mrs. Witulski said. She used bear as an example, as it's one English word with several meanings. “With this, we do not use the sign for the animal BEAR for all meanings.”

Students complete the project in groups of two or three.

“It’s rare for individuals to happen, but it may be due to student absence,” she said. “I tend to go with those students and sign with them so they're not alone.”

Depending on class size, each period can have anywhere from six to 10 groups.

Performances take place across many different classrooms. To organize this, Mrs. Witulski sends out a Google Form so teachers can request a visit.

“They sign up for the dates and times available,” she explained. Students also ask teachers personally if they would like a performance. From there, she builds a schedule and route for each group. “It’s not an easy task… sometimes there’s a last-minute request or classroom change, and I have to adjust.”

Students spend several days preparing their song, both in and out of class. They receive a handout with spaced-out lyrics to mark grammar structure and meaning.

“They practice first without the song playing, and once somewhat confident, they add the music and practice that until they become confident,” Witulski said.

Students may play their song on a Chromebook during their performance, but they are not allowed to sing.

“English and ASL have different grammars and will fight for the superior position of language use when expressed,” she explained.

The project also holds meaningful value for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

“Music is accessible,” Witulski said. “Some people may hear the music but not the words, so when signed, they may follow the music or pick up words as it goes. They could also feel the music and watch the signers. It brings awareness of ASL and accessibility to the school environment.”

According to Witulski, staff and teachers consistently respond with enthusiasm.

“They enjoy having the students come in and do the songs,” she said.

Many send her photos afterward, and others stop her in the halls to share how much they appreciated the visit.

“They consistently sign up every year,” she added.

What began as a classroom assignment has become a tradition that many look forward to that celebrates communication, creativity, and inclusivity. With each performance, ASL students share not only holiday cheer but awareness and expressiveness of their language.

The Rage Against The Machine album titled The Battle of Los Angeles came into the market on November 2, 1999, and recently had its 25th anniversary. This album is the third studio album for the band, whose albums include the commercially successful Evil Empire, which contains their most popular song, “Bulls on Parade,” as well as their self-titled debut album, which had hit songs “Killing In The Name,” “Bombtrack,” and “Know Your Enemy.”

Rage Against The Machine consists of a variety of metal genres in their music, including rap metal, alternative metal, and funk metal. The members are vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Merrelo, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk, who, when combined, create a sound filled with rebellion and rage against the common culture of the world.

The album's title, The Battle of Los Angeles, is a reference to a World War II incident from February 1942 when Los Angeles fired over 1,400 anti-aircraft shells into the night sky at what was believed to be an attacking Japanese force, though no enemy aircraft were ever confirmed. The incident was then said to be caused by war hysteria and panic after Pearl Harbor. The title perfectly describes the themes of this album, which are authority, media manipulation, and how the government creates enemies to legitimize military action and increased control. Rage Against The Machine’s music describes their disdain for police brutality, racism, inequality, poverty, government oppression, and corporate power.

The Battle of Los Angeles was produced by Brendan O'Brien, who previously worked with the band on Evil Empire, with the result in a polished yet aggressive sound on this album. Tom Morello's guitar work features his signature experimental techniques, including but not limited to his guitar pickup toggle switching, whammy pedals, and unconventional playing methods that he uses to create sounds resembling DJ scratches and electronic effects. Tim Commerford's bass lines lay out the funk, groovy sound that sets Rage Against The Machine apart from most other metal bands at the time, the same with regard to Brad Wilk's drumming, which drives the songs onward with relentless energy.

"Testify," the opening track of the album, sets the aggressive and politically charged tone that defines The Battle of Los Angeles. The song criticizes media manipulation and how television and news outlets control public perception of political events. Zack de la Rocha takes aim at the way mass media shapes narratives to serve those in power, particularly focusing on how coverage of political candidates and world events is filtered and distorted. The song's title itself is a call to speak truth and bear witness to what's really happening behind the carefully constructed media image. One of the most powerful aspects of the song is how it questions the authenticity of what we see on our screens, with de la Rocha explaining to think critically about the information they consume rather than passively accepting the common story. The track's energy, driven by Morello's distinctive guitar work and the band's signature heavy sound, mirrors the urgency of its message about seeking the truth of what you hear.

The second track on the album “Guerrilla Radio” was written when George W. Bush and Al Gore were in the 2000 presidential election, and about how the media wrote about both of the candidates. Even though both candidates had their own opinions about things such as climate change or tax policies, many felt that they both had the same objective of increasing military spending, and with this song, Zack de la Rocha expresses that he wants none of what the candidates are offering. Zack de la Rocha also says in the song that he feels as though we use our power as a country to get rich by exploiting smaller, poorer countries and then making sure it doesn't spread through to the media. For example, the line “More for Gore or the son of a drug lord” refers to an allegation that while George Bush Sr. was president, the CIA was supplying drugs to inner city areas.

Another song from this album, and my personal favorite, is "Mic Check." Instead of talking about a particular subject like "Guerrilla Radio," it raps about the common themes found in '90s rap back then, like spelling names/letters out. However, Zack de la Rocha makes sure that this song hits just as much as everything else on the album. I really like this one verse in the song where he asks the question of who really has power and compares each answer to different people and things. "With this mic device I spit nonfiction, “Who got tha power?” this be my question. Tha mass of tha few in this torn nation? Tha priest tha book or tha congregation? Tha politricks who rob and hold down your zone? Or those who give tha thieves tha key to their homes?"

25 years later, The Battle of Los Angeles stands as it did in 1999-more relevant, more able to deliver a punch. Critiques on media manipulation, corporate power, and government oppression are as true as ever in today's world, wherein so much of public debate revolves around fake news, wealth inequality, and military interventions. Few have matched the dynamic yet critical significance where aggressive musical creativity combines with political messaging.

The Battle of Los Angeles stands as a reminder of the power of music as a form of protest and social commentary. While the specific political figures and events referenced in the album may have changed, the systems of power that the band rages against could still be found. This is what makes the album essential listening, not just for fans of rap metal or alternative music but for anyone who believes that music is an art that can challenge and inspire change.

La Porte High School’s lacrosse team is having a comeback, former Slicer Nick led by Mr. Korell.

Korell felt frustrated over the fact that LPHS was not able to have a team last year, which could have made a gap year for students who wanted to play. The Slicers were not able to field enough players for a team

“To see the program fold last year was heartbreaking because it meant this generation of Slicers would not have the same opportunities I had. I am incredibly honored and grateful to be able to bring the program back,” Korell said.

When asked, Korell could not emphasize enough how much not just the team this year, but lacrosse as a whole means to him from the connections he has made with others.

“As an alum, this program means the world to me. Being able to play for my high school allowed me to meet players and coaches from all over the state and go on to play at Purdue, which led to tons of professional opportunities in the industry and coaching after college,” Korell said.

Korell is accompanied by his coaching partner, Tim Walsh, and their vision for the season is significant.

“I have a talented coaching partner and a dedicated board with some big dreams for the future, so we hope never to see another decline in membership or performance.“

With this passion, Korell is confident in having enough players for a team

“We have received a good amount of engagement with starting the program back up. We have about 18 students looking to play in the spring and are accepting as many as we can!” Korell said.

Korell emphasised that while he understands lacrosse gear could start to be expensive, this will not affect new students in any way when starting up, and he will help in any way he can.

“Lacrosse is an expensive sport, so we are working on gear programs and fundraising to lower costs for prospective players. We will not turn a player away for cost issues. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to play for our program will be able to.”

If students have even just a small interest in playing in our school's lacrosse program, please contact Mr. Korell from his email at nickkorell20@gmail.com or his phone number at (219) 851-3461.

Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, or Earl Sweatshirt as he is popularly known, is a rapper and a hip-hop icon who is famous for his distinct music and lyrics. Earl Sweatshirt was in the spotlight during the 2010s when he became a part of the hip-hop group Odd Future, which had members such as Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator, and Domo Genesis, who are all successful and highly regarded in the music industry.

His albums Doris, Some Rap Songs, and Live, Laugh, Love, his latest album, which was released this year, are some of his most recognizable albums among fans.

His debut studio album titled Doris, released on August 20, 2013, was extremely successful and has become one of his most recognized works. Among those who appeared on the album are Domo Genesis on “20 Wave Caps” and “Knight,” Frank Ocean on “Sunday,” “Whoa,” and “Sasquatch” with Tyler, the Creator, “Guild” with Mac Miller, RZA on “Molasses,” and even Pharrell Williams with his duo with Chad Hugo, The Neptunes, producing the song “Burgundy” and having Williams’s signature four count-in producer tag.

Doris has themes of growing up, self-awareness, and his general life and relationships with friends and family. My personal favorite off this album is “Chum,” which is a song that discusses the abandonment of his father when he was six and how it affects him constantly. The first verse of the song starts with, “It's probably been 12 years since my father left, left me fatherless, and I just used to say I hate him in dishonest jest. When honestly, I miss him like when I was six, and every time I got the chance to say it, I would swallow it.” Doris is overall a collection of songs that tell stories about his relationship with his friends and family, with some good, some bad, but also talks about his experiences in Odd Future, getting into trouble, and skateboarding.

After the breakup of Odd Future, the death of his absent father, and his struggles with substance abuse and depression, Earl Sweatshirt made his album Some Rap Songs, one of his, if not his best, albums. This album is almost a complete 180 in terms of instrumentals compared to Doris, with the main genres of this album being abstract and experimental hip-hop, and with some drumless hip-hop influence. With the change of instrumental direction, Earl Sweatshirt makes it up with his lyrics throughout the album.

On the album opener “Shattered Dreams,” Earl asks, “Why ain't nobody tell me I was bleedin'? Please, nobody pinch me out this dream,” showing his state of emotional numbness and dissociation following his father's death. The lyrics of this track are more abstract than the direct narrative storytelling of "Chum" from Doris, which depicts the sorrow and mental condition of Earl during this time. The whole album gives the image of Earl Sweatshirt's brain, and his way of communicating is in work with the lo-fi, sample-heavy production to form one of the most intimate and experimental works in his portfolio. Some consider this album to be the best because of the way he handles not only the music but also the lyrics.

Earl's newest release, Live, Laugh, Love, came out on August 22, 2025, and can be seen almost as a continuation of Some Rap Songs, just with a more cheerful disposition in the lyrics, addressing topics like his children, his wife, his age, his faith, and silly things like playing basketball or even baking. The album's production, mainly by Earl Sweatshirt with input from producers Black Noise, Child Actor, and Navy Blue, carries on the lo-fi, sample-heavy vibe of Some Rap Songs but with a cozier and friendlier sound that works together with Earl's lyrical transition from his new mindfulness.

Songs like “TOURMALINE” are stories of his family life, as he hints that his partner is the one who keeps him sane for the sake of his family, while the album's first track, “gsw vs sac,” is a reminder to those small things that one can enjoy, like watching basketball. The album name is a double entendre, poking fun at empty motivational phrases and a reflection of Earl's happiness with being a father and happily living with family. Live, Laugh, Love, which is a little over 24 minutes long, demonstrates that Earl can express through music a significant emotional experience without losing his experimental nature.

Out of all the reflections I have on Earl Sweatshirt as an artist, there are two main things and qualities that I personally love. Firstly, I am a fan of the fact that he was only 16 years old when he became a member of Odd Future, one of the youngest yet one of the most talented members of the group at that time. His way of delivery and rhyming is something that I have not seen any other rapper do as well as he does, and he definitely deserves the title of one of the best modern hip-hop artists.

Pioneer Days

Pioneer Days will be held on the 27th and the 28th at Creek Ridge County Park.

The event offers historical demonstrations such as wagon rides, food from ham and beans to applebutter, and even food trucks such as Cool Runnings and Day Dreams & Ice Cream Inc., and crafts such as soap making and candle dipping, where stations show and demonstrate how European settlers lived during the expansion westward.

“Pioneer Days is a great opportunity to come enjoy the park while joining the community in a little reminiscing about the simple life,” explained Lacie Baker, a worker of the parks department.

Parking is free; however, there is an entry fee of two dollars per person charged at the front gate when you come by car, foot, or bicycle.

The history of the event is an interesting one.

“The idea for Pioneer Days came to LaPorte County Parks through Dick Reel, the founder of Pioneerland at the fairgrounds, when he was active with the park board,” Baker said.

Baker said that Reel had a passion for the past and that they are honored to continue his legacy.

“Wish You Were Here” is the 9th studio album of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, which was released on September 12th, 1975, marking the album's 50th anniversary. The other albums that have been released by Pink Floyd include their most critically acclaimed “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Animals,” and “The Wall,” which are considered by many fans to be some of the most revolutionary albums of all time.

This album began recording on January 6th, 1975, at Abbey Road Studios, the same studio that many artists have recorded at, such as The Beatles, Radiohead, Oasis, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, and many orchestras that have played scores for movies such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Black Panther.

When the band first started recording, they initially felt tremendous pressure from the fact that only a few years before they began recording, they had made “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which put stress on the fact that they felt they needed to create an album that was just as iconic. This album covers themes of mental health, the pressure of success, and the absence of former band leader Syd Barrett. Barrett left the band early in the band's career due to struggles with his career, struggles with mental health, and his struggles with his addiction to LSD.

While the band was in the middle of actually recording the song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” a song that the band made speaking about him and dedicated to him, Barrett actually came and made a surprise visit to the studio and said hello to everybody; however, it had been years since the rest of the band had last seen Barrett, so they didn't even recognize him due to the weight that he had put on and his lack of hair. After he said hello, he abruptly left the studio without even saying goodbye to his bandmates, and for some, this was the last time Barrett was seen by them.

Recording this album was a new high for the band and for the music industry in general. This album has the use of lots of synths in their album, which wasn't exactly a brand new idea, but it still was a new-ish experience nonetheless. They experimented with new sounds compared to their previous album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” such as glissando, which is a technique of almost sliding and continuous sound rather than individual notes.

As well as the synths, this album has Pink Floyd's signature, iconic, legendary guitar work. David Gilmour was in charge not only of the guitar playing on this album but also the vocal parts in songs “Wish You Were Here” and “Welcome To The Machine.” There are only five songs on this album, but that does not take away the replay factor that this album has. Each song has its own individual meaning, yet they are still able to connect in some way.

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is, in the first nine minutes, an instrumental track accompanied by synths and guitar, but after Roger Waters and Richard Wright begin to sing, “Remember when you were young? You shone like the Sun,” it is about Barrett and how, before he was addicted to LSD, he truly was a talented musician. “Now there's a look in your eyes. Like black holes in the sky.” This line refers to Barrett's once again declining mental and physical health, with band members even noting that they had a look in his eyes that looked like he was filled with sadness and madness. The song continues with themes like this, talking about how Barrett's health and passion eventually were the main factors in why he was later kicked out of the band.

“Welcome to the Machine” is the second track off the album, and first starts with the sound of buzzing and a constant whirring sound that sounds mechanical. There is a variety of different meanings behind this song, and some people interpret them in different ways, but there are two ways to interpret this song to find out about what this song is mainly about. The first idea about this song is that it is about the music industry, with lines such as “Provided with toys and scouting for boys. You bought a guitar to punish your ma.” The second idea is that we live in a world where our lives are pretty much already planned out for us, with lines such as “What did you dream? It's all right, we told you what to dream.”

“Have a Cigar” opens with an almost theatrical energy that immediately sets it apart from the rest of the album. The song is sung not by any member of Pink Floyd, but by Roy Harper, a fellow artist who happened to be in Abbey Road Studios at the time. Roger Waters had attempted to sing the track himself but felt his voice didn’t capture the sarcastic bite the lyrics demanded. The lyrics are a satire of record executives who care more about profits than the people behind the music. “Oh by the way, which one’s Pink?” is a direct quote from an actual executive who didn’t understand that “Pink Floyd” wasn’t a person. This line became symbolic of the disconnect between artists and the corporate machinery that surrounds them. The title track begins with a simple acoustic guitar riff, played by David Gilmour and processed through a radio filter to make it sound distant and nostalgic. As the second guitar joins in, the filter fades, and the full warmth of the song is in the room with you. It’s a genius song in emotional build-up.

“Wish You Were Here” is a song about absence and not just the physical absence of Syd Barrett but the emotional and spiritual absence that fame and success can bring. “We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,” is an impactful line capturing the divide that many feel when their dreams become reality but lose their meaning. The song is both a tribute and a reminder, a wanting for connection in a world that sometimes feels so cold and premade. The album finishes with the second half of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” returning to the synth-filled, surreal sound that started this album. These final parts are more instrumental and less lyrical but feel just as powerful compared to the rest of the album. The synths swell and come back and forth like waves, and Gilmour’s guitar solos feel like echoes in a secluded room.

Part VI begins with an almost eerie bass riff, followed by layers of synthesizers that build a sense of emptiness. Part VII brings back the vocal theme, with Waters singing lines that feel like a farewell: “Nobody knows where you are, how near or how far.” Part VIII shifts into a more upbeat rhythm, almost celebratory, as if acknowledging Barrett’s legacy, and Part IX fades out with a gentle keyboard that mirrors the opening of the album, creating a musical loop.

Overall, this album undoubtedly earns its place among the most beautiful and iconic records of all time. Its chart success, spending two weeks straight on the U.S. charts and holding a top 10 spot for 10 weeks, paired with over 20 million copies sold worldwide, shows how impactful the album is. From the in-depth instrumentation to the powerful themes shown throughout, it stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to be played across generations.

A week in the Rocky Mountains area

Over the summer, I visited Rocky Mountain National Park and its surrounding areas with my Boy Scout troop for a week. I saw everything from national monuments such as Mount Rushmore to beautiful hikes such as Sky Pond and Black Lake. For fellow nature enthusiasts I detail about my favorite and most notable things I saw during my trip.

One of the first things I saw before I went to see the Rockies was Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I loved learning about the process of how they built the monument and all of the different changes that had to be made before the final product. The reason why they wanted to build Mount Rushmore in the first place was to attract tourists to South Dakota because there were hardly any people in South Dakota before it was built.

Originally, the builder, Gutzon Borglum, thought about having heroes from around the South Dakota area, such as Lewis and Clark, indigenous tribe leader Red Cloud, and Buffalo Bill; however, he later decided to honor some of our country's greatest men by carving some notable presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt.

One other notable spot that I went to see on the way to the Rockies was Jewel Cave National Monument located in South Dakota. Jewel Cave is credited with being found by Frank and Albert Michaud in 1900, who were looking for gold. When Frank and Albert were exploring the cave, they found a rock that was similar to Quartz but was Calcite.

There is a common belief that if visitors find quartz in a cave, there will typically be gold as well, which is why they were extremely disappointed when they found out that there was no gold or let alone anything valuable inside the cave.  However, finding this cave was not just a bust, and when they kept exploring it, they realized how beautiful it was and how large it was. According to https://www.nationalparks.org/, researchers, many years later, have found that the cave is actually approximately 200 miles long in length, making it the third largest cave in the entire world.

The next favorite spot that I went to see is Fort Laramie in Wyoming. Fort Laramie was at first a private fur trading fort but was later used more due to the conflict that the indigenous tribes of the area had with the new American immigrants traveling the Oregon Trail. Fort Laramie is referred to often in Western films and novels due to its usefulness and its popularity at the time that the fort was built.

My favorite part about the fort, which is my favorite part for most of these old west era places, is the history of the indigenous people and their culture and seeing how they lived in and loved nature. I also enjoyed the historic buildings that were there, such as the soldiers' quarters and the different houses that were on the property for the multiple higher-ranked men who stayed at the fort when it was in use.

The last thing I'll highlight is my hikes in the Bear Lake area of the Rocky Mountains National Park. The two hardest but prettiest hikes I did were Black Lake and Sky Pond. To beat the traffic and enter the park first, we had to make a reservation the night before, then I had to wake up at 3 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, eat breakfast in 15 minutes, and drive an hour to the Rockies.

Even after all of those worries, it was 100 percent worth it. I can confidently say that these two places were some of the most beautiful places I think I have ever been to in my life, and I cannot express how beautiful both of those hikes were to and from them. The hike for both was about 11 miles each, and it was so cool being able to hike on the side of a mountain.

I plan on going to Yellowstone National Park, and I hope that it will be as beautiful as the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding areas were on this trip. The hikes I plan on seeing and writing about the most would be the Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, and the Mystic Falls trail.

Overall, this entire trip was one of my favorite trips I've done, if not my most favorite. I enjoyed learning about the area of the Rocky Mountains and even some things that were not around that area. I enjoyed learning and seeing the history of the people from years before, and I enjoyed seeing the same sights that have been viewed by thousands of people before me.

Whenever you build a house, the first thing you start building is typically the frame. The frame holds your house together, protects it from bad weather, and makes it less prone to damage. When you start high school, freshman year is like the frame of your high school years. With this new experience comes new problems and opportunities, from making new friends to facing your first finals, which are completely different from your middle school years. Part of entering high school is also realizing you only have so many years until you become an adult, making these years some of the most important for your future.

As a sophomore becoming a junior next year, I've learned about what works and what doesn't in high school. Here's my advice for making the most of your freshman year and setting yourself up for success.

The first piece of advice I can give to incoming freshmen is to always go to your classes. This might seem obvious, but it's more challenging than you might think. According to a research report from the Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago from July 2007, about 15 percent of freshmen have extremely high absence rates, missing one month or more of classes each semester. These students have largely disengaged from school, and they remain enrolled but have poor attendance, and they have less than a 10 percent chance of graduating.

Other than just improving your chances of graduation, consistent attendance builds useful habits. When you show up every day, you're not just physically present, but you're also engaging with the lessons of your classes. You hear important announcements, participate in class discussions, and build relationships with your teachers. Teachers notice students who are consistently present, and this can work out for when you need help or when your grades need improvement.

Skipping class creates a domino effect: You fall behind on notes, miss instructions for assignments, and have to rely on others to catch you up. What seems like "just one day" can quickly become weeks of catching up on missing assignments or tests. Make attendance a priority, even when you're feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed by school.

Your freshman year grades matter more than you might realize. If you prioritize your grades in your first year, you'll build study habits that will significantly benefit throughout high school, including time management, consistent homework completion, and active studying rather than temporary memory retention. Your freshman grades also have a significant impact on your GPA, which affects college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and even eligibility for certain programs and activities later on in high school. A strong start gives you an edge for the more challenging courses you'll face in later years. Starting with poor grades means you'll spend the rest of high school trying to dig yourself out of a hole.

My final piece of advice is to join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities where you can connect with others who share your interests. LPHS has a large range of clubs and organizations that support different passions, from academic honor societies and debate teams to drama clubs.

Participating in extracurriculars provides experiences that go past just having fun. You'll meet students from different grade levels who share your interests, helping you build a network of friends and mentors. These relationships often become some of the most meaningful connections you'll make in high school. These experiences look great on college applications and teach you valuable life skills. Students involved in extracurriculars also tend to feel more connected to their school community and are more likely to have positive high school experiences overall.

Freshman year is your opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the rest of your high school experience. By attending classes, prioritizing your academics, and getting involved in your school community, you'll set yourself up for success in the years to come. Remember that everyone's high school experience is different, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way, but what matters is that you learn from them and keep moving forward.