Produced by students of Krueger Middle School. Everyone has a story.
Krueger’s Boyd bequeaths belief and passion to new generations
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Before winning a championship, coaching future professionals and being a middle school vice principal, John Boyd was a kid who slept in class.
He was an elementary schooler in Gary, Ind., sound asleep when his teacher woke him up.
“She stuck with me.” Boyd said, “She didn’t send me out. So that was a point where I thought I could believe in people.”
KMS principal Josh Malone has students’ best interests at heart
By Connor Vandenbergh
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – More than anything, Krueger Middle School Principal Josh Malone is proud of his students.
“(We have) great kids that want to learn, they enjoy being here, and to me that’s the best,” Malone said. “Especially, too, when you hear the kids’ success stories when they make it to high school.”
KMS student Lawrence Patrick gives his all at family’s pizzeria
By A’Naria Williams
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – ¨How old are you? Are you even supposed to be here?¨
This is commonly asked to 14-year-old Lawrence Patrick. Lawrence, a Krueger Middle School student (and soon to be alumnus), works at his family’s business, Pizza Stop in Michigan City. It was formerly known as Pi City. He is among the youngest at the restaurant.
“My favorite thing is probably being able to help customers and being back to cook for customers,” Lawrence said.
Krueger teachers Peo, Olson honored at spring chorus concert
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – A staple of Krueger Middle School was in the spotlight this month.
Janine Peo, a loyal teacher to the Krueger Wolves, got her flowers Thursday, May 2, at the spring chorus concert in the school cafeteria.
For 27 of her 37 years at MCAS, Peo has been the glue for the school. With her retirement around the corner, chorus teacher Shirley Allen decided to show her love for her last go around. The chorus welcomed her to the stage with flowers and a thunderous applause.
“It felt good in the sense that Ms. Allen and the chorus students recognized that I support them and have supported them in their program for years,” Peo said. “I felt appreciated. I felt connected and proud to be a part of Krueger Middle School.”
KMS ELA teacher Jamie Hullings pours her heart into her job
By Ailbe Miegl
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Jamie Hullings always knows what her students need.
Hullings, a seventh grade ELA teacher at Krueger Middle School, is not only there academically for her students but also emotionally.
“I like to be emotionally helpful for kids because I know that that’s what I needed,” Hullings said. “So I try to be like what I needed.”
A series review worthy of The Last Airbender
By Jayvin Williams
Staff writer
But when the world needed a review the most, he vanished.
In February 2024, the live-action adaptation of the animated Nickelodeon TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender was released on Netflix. While the series stays true to the source material, it does derail in some of the most important parts of the original series that made it so good. However, the live-action series is still superior to the live-action Avatar movie that was released in 2010.
KMS math teacher educates with strength and determination
By Abigail Shanks
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Teresa Whitney didn’t want to be a teacher, let alone a math one.
She was inspired to teach partly because she met a teacher and knew she could be a better teacher than her.
Whitney is an 8th grade math and algebra teacher that strives for her students’ success and works hard to give her students the best education possible.
Five reflections on the WNBA Draft and upcoming season
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
It’s no secret that this year’s NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship game between Iowa vs. South Carolina was one to remember. With the game peaking at 24 million views, it became the most-watched basketball game, period, since 2019. With such a huge game for basketball, and especially women’s ball, it was no surprise the WNBA Draft was so popular that following Monday.
It wasn’t just piggybacking off the great game, though. The draft stood on its own feet as a fabulous event in itself. Here are five takeaways from the WNBA Draft that could lead to possibly the greatest season they’ve seen.
Krueger’s Ard makes history come alive
By Morgan Powenski
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Sue Ard teaches her students the past to get them ready for the future.
Ard, a social studies teacher at Krueger Middle School, is kind, helpful, chill and can be firm when needed to be. She also never gets tired of the job.
“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “The good outweighs the bad.”
KMS students, staff venture outdoors to enjoy solar eclipse
By Damani Edgington
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY, IND. – Students of Krueger Middle School made the most of the rare chance to see Monday’s solar eclipse.
The eclipse, which started at 12:52 p.m. and ended at 3:23 p.m., was at 95.8 percent totality by 2:08 p.m. The Wolves went outside behind the school with their solar glasses to enjoy this golden opportunity. Watch the video below to see what they had to say about it.
Watch the whole clip to see the solar eclipse at the end!
Kung Fu Panda 4 packs punch worthy of a Dragon Warrior
By Damani Edgington and Quinton Smith
Staff writers
When people heard that the Kung Fu Panda franchise was getting another movie, I’m sure some people were thinking, Wait–they still make Kung Fu Panda movies?”
I’m sure when the producers made the first movie in 2008, they would’ve never thought that they’d make Kung Fu Panda 4 16 years later, which surpassed movies as big as Dune: Part Two at the box office.
Even though the movie was very successful at the box office, the necessity of a fourth movie is still up for debate. Some people believe that you shouldn’t fix what’s not broken, especially if it’s not been broken for eight years straight (with Kung Fu Panda 3 coming out in 2016). Despite not being completely necessary, the movie held its own weight and was a well-crafted addition to the series.
By De’Rico Spires and Aaron McKrell
Staff Writer and Editor
Debating basketball’s greatest of all time
Editor’s note: This is a column in which two big-time sports fans, 13-year-old De’Rico Spires and 33-year-old Aaron McKrell, debate some of the hottest sports topics of the day.
De’Rico Spires: Basketball was not better in the ‘90s because some of the people in the NBA were and are unknown.
Aaron McKrell: Coming in hot, huh? So, you’re saying that the competition wasn’t what it is today?
DS: No, because we have better NBA players, and coming out of the ‘90s, players were not that athletic.
AM: So let me guess: LeBron is your GOAT over Jordan?
DS: No, LeBron’s trash. My GOAT has to either be Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Edwards.
KMS’ Browning goes extra mile for students
By Morgan Powenski
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Even as a kid, Lindsey Browning was always there for others.
Browning, a social worker at Krueger Middle School, was that one friend that people would come talk to about their problems.
“I enjoyed playing that role, and it made me feel good helping other people,” Browning said.
Krueger hosts first-ever winter semiformal
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger was dressed to impress Friday night.
Along with the students, the cafeteria was covered head to toe with beautiful lights for Krueger Middle School’s first-ever winter formal.
“With everything else that’s going on, for us to be able to come in and have a dope time, thats what it’s about,” said KMS teacher Brandon Williams, who DJed the event.
Video in link by Jayvin Williams
Local youth dance organizations Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team Inc. and Judah Explosion performed in the parade that kicked off the Festival of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2 on Franklin Street in Michigan City.
Festival of Lights puts on most spectacular display yet
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – The Festival of Lights Parade was almost double the fun.
The parade, which was Dec. 2, kicked off Michigan City’s annual Festival of Lights.
With this night came lots of joy and fond memories for the Michigan City citizens.
“I think what was most exciting about this year’s event was we almost doubled the size of it,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events of Michigan City. “Last year, we had 25 units in the parade, and this year we had 43.”
Nickelodeon cooks up a worthy sequel to the classic Good Burger
By Jayvin Williams
Staff writer
Welcome to Truth from the Youth, home of journalism, may I take your review?
In late November, the sequel to the Nickelodeon original film Good Burger was released on Paramount+. Good Burger 2 came 26 years after the original film. With all the time between the movies, did Good Burger 2 live up to the original, and was it worth the wait?
Even though the sequel did not fully live up to the charm of the original film, it’s still a satisfying movie. Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson respectively reprise their roles as Ed and Dex, and their chemistry on screen still works decades later.
Krueger student A’Naria Williams excels with baked goods business
By A’Niyah Fly
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – A’Naria Williams delivers service with a smile.
A’Naria, an eighth grader at Krueger Middle School, sells her delicious cookies as the Kute Kookie Kid. She started the business in 2022 and now sells cookies all around Michigan City.
“I feel like it opened my eyes to how food can really bring people together,” A’Naria said of her business.
A survivor’s tale of the MAACabre Haunted Attraction
By Julien Wolford
Staff writer
VALPARAISO, Ind. – Debra deserved it. We watched her die in the colorful room while the furious magician impaled her. She joined the rest of the dead that haunted Bogathy Fright Productions’ MAACabre Haunted Attraction on Friday, Oct. 13.
At that point in our journey, we couldn’t even be sure if her untimely demise was real or not. Maybe all of this was fake, a hallucination created to haunt our dreams.
Bogathy Fright Productions provides terror for a good cause
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
VALPARAISO, IND. – The MAACabre Haunted Attraction made nightmares come true.
Bogathy Fright Productions worked with the MAAC Foundation to make their annual haunted house another success.
From Oct. 13-15 and Oct. 20-21, the attraction raised more than $27,000. These proceeds all go to the MAAC Foundation, which splits the earnings between the various first responders training programs they have.
Blue Beetle elevates DC to new heights
By Jayvin Williams
Staff writer
With the announcement of Blue Beetle, many people worried if the film would hold up to the comics that began in 1939.
After seeing the film, it’s clear that expectations were met, Blue Beetle was worth the wait and it was a win for DC Studios. The movie’s casting, costume design and cinematography make it a great film.
Former funk drummer Fairest Hill brings positive vibes to Krueger
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger Middle School felt the funk last week.
Motivational speaker Dr. Fairest Hill, who used to be the drummer of the Gap Band, came to speak with students about a multitude of things Thursday, Sept. 14, at an assembly in Krueger’s gymnasium.
Hill, who is CEO of a nonprofit organization called Youth on the Move, spoke to the students as part of the organization’s Stop the Violence Tour. Topics he covered included persevering through struggle, keeping the youth away from violence and to find purpose in helping others – all through catchy tunes and heart-tugging stories.
Krueger’s Allen motivates students with gusto
By Andrea Roberts
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Shirley Allen’s positive attitude goes a long way.
Allen, a chorus teacher at Krueger Middle School, motivates kids to go in new directions each day.
“I love doing music together with kids,” Allen said. “I love to see kids find out who they truly are.”
MCAS’ Olson born to be a band man
By Abby Killingbeck
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger’s George Olson was meant to be a band teacher from the very beginning.
When Olson, 58, was in high school, he played in a band and organized groups of his friends to play Christmas carols during the holiday season.
During Olson’s 30-year high school reunion no one was surprised to hear he became a band teacher.
“Every one of them said, ‘Oh man, I’m so glad to hear that because that’s exactly what you should be doing,’” Olson said.
Krueger’s Sigler does duty with humor
By Morgan Powenski
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – He may joke a lot, but Bill Sigler is serious about teaching.
Sigler, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Krueger Middle School, filled in as a science teacher when there was an open position this semester.
He did this even though he hadn’t been a science teacher before.
“It just had to be done, so I did it,” Sigler said.
KMS eighth grade girls basketball team unites for undefeated season
By Andrea Roberts and Sean Triemstra
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – The 2022-23 Krueger eighth grade girls basketball team had a perfect season.
The Wolves went 15-0, with several wins coming by blowouts. The girls and the coaches all did their part to cement their undefeated record.
“Everyone’s a family,” team member Gabby Patino said.
Krueger’s Dopka inspires students and staff
By Morgan Powenski
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Nikki Dopka is tough enough to pull a semi, and is strong enough to motivate a whole generation.
Dopka, 43, is an eighth grade math teacher at Krueger Middle School. She also once pulled a semi as a physical training challenge.
When she pulled the semi truck, she first thought it was going to be hard. It was hard, but when she did it she got a lot of confidence.
“I talk about that with my students to let them know all things are possible,” Dopka said.
KMS’ Jenny Jones helping the school student by student
By Andrea Roberts and Sean Triemstra
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – “Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.”
– Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Those words define the mindset of Jenny Jones. She works at Krueger Middle School as a computer science teacher.
“She is a really good person,” Krueger eighth grader Stefany Lopez said. “She understands kids.”
Breakfast at Tiffany’s dazzles with charming love story
By Batoul Achy & Seidet Segura
Columnists
This is the fourth installment of Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet, a monthly series in which Batoul Achy and Seidet Segura will collaborate on and taking turns writing classic movie reviews from a modern perspective.
You won’t be able to take your eyes off Breakfast at Tiffany’s! The 1961 film is strengthened by the aesthetic of it overall, the love story between Paul and Holly, and its humor. On the other hand, the racist stereotype towards Asians and the weird relationship between Paul and Holly at first glance is what weakens the movie. In general, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a film that many admire, even to this day.
Krueger alumnus Johnzo West enjoying national success as musician
By Andrea Roberts
Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES – Johnzo West’s time at Krueger Middle School changed his life forever.
West, a nationally famous musician, went through Krueger Middle School in seventh grade. He was in an environmental group, and starred in a musical which helped spark his interest in performing.
“I will never forget being in that musical,” West said. “I’ve always wanted to sing and act since then.”
Spirited superior to A Christmas Carol in telling the tale of Scrooge
By Batoul Achy and Seidet Segura
Columnists
This is the third installment of Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet, a monthly series in which Batoul Achy and Seidet Segura will collaborate on and taking turns writing classic movie reviews from a modern perspective.
The 1951 film A Christmas Carol and 2022 film Spirited are both films that share a handful of similarities, yet differences. A Christmas Carol is a take on the book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Spirited is a modern retake with a plot twist of the 1951 film. Overall, Spirited is better since it feels more alive and the message is clearer than in A Christmas Carol.
City holds parade, tree lighting to kick off Festival of Lights
By Abby Killingbeck and Andrea Roberts
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – Holiday spirit, here we come.
Michigan City hosted a parade and tree lighting to set off the Festival of Lights on Saturday evening in the downtown area on Franklin Street.
“I was very happy with the turnout, “ said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events of Michigan City.
MCAS teacher/coach Colin Yarnelle impacts youth through dedication
By Batoul Achy
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Many people sit and watch the world go by, while Colin Yarnelle stands up to make a change.
Yarnelle, 32, is the defensive backs coach for the Michigan City High School football team, and is a computer science teacher at Krueger Middle School.
He’s motivated by God, love and curiosity to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I do what I do because I love life,” Yarnelle said. “Waking up everyday is not an, ‘Oh no, here we go another day again.’ Everyday I wake up I’m like, ‘Oh, I wonder what’s gonna happen today.’”
Disney’s Pinocchio falls short despite stellar animation
By Batoul Achy & Seidet Segura
Columnists
This is the second installment of Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet, a monthly series in which Batoul Achy and Seidet Segura will collaborate on and taking turns writing classic movie reviews from a modern perspective.
The 1940 film Pinocchio is one of the most influential animation films, even after 82 years. The movie is well known for a bunch of great reasons, including Pinocchio’s physical features and its detailed animation. Although the movie is visually appealing, the plot and dramatic scenes fail to complete the movie entirely. Pinocchio isn’t the best, but definitely deserves credit for inspiring future generations of animated films.
Krueger, Barker volleyball developing promising athletes
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger volleyball coach Mandy Ketcham is making a huge impact on Michigan City.
She and Barker Middle School volleyball coach Daisy Lee have done their part to re-energize the middle school programs.
At the moment, Ketcham coaches the eighth graders at Krueger. Ketcham graduated from Michigan City High School in 2005, and played volleyball for the school all four years.
“(Other MCAS coaches and I) want to start building the program back up to how it was when we were playing,” Ketcham said. “And, we’re just trying to work together, and we know middle school is where it all really begins.”
KMS band and chorus team up for a Halloween performance
By Abby Killingbeck
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger’s band and chorus charmed their audience with a haunted performance.
The Krueger Middle School band and chorus put on a Halloween concert Thursday, Oct. 27, in the school cafeteria.
The performance was a part of Krueger’s Haunted Halls trick or treating event, which was open to the public. Around four hundred people showed up to see the band and chorus perform.
Longtime band teacher George Olson called the concert “a huge success.”
“Wizard of Oz” holds up well after almost a century
By Seidet Segura
Staff Writer
This is the first installment of Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet, a monthly series in which Batoul Achy and Seidet Segura will collaborate on and taking turns writing classic movie reviews from a modern perspective.
“The Wizard of Oz” is a timeless classic. This movie has been passed down by generations for a great reason.
The film’s lovable characters, catchy songs and surprising developments still hold up to this day.
There are a few parts that don’t complement the story, but overall this movie definitely leaves the audience impressed and satisfied.
Krueger alum Savannah Holley tops competition at Hoosier Star
By Andrea Roberts and Seidet Segura
Staff writers
La PORTE – After seven years of auditioning, Savannah Holley competed and won at the 17th annual Hoosier Star singing competition.
Holley, a Krueger Middle School alum, won a $1,000 cash prize in the 17-and-under youth division on Saturday at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.
Holley, 17, had auditioned to be a Hoosier Star finalist six times before. This was her first time singing at the event. She was very excited to perform.
“It felt so euphoric,” she said. “I just felt so at home, so at ease.”
Krueger’s Samelson to retire after a brilliant career
By Jackie Ramirez and Jasmine Ford
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – What a career it has been for Leslie Samelson.
Samelson is retiring after teaching science at Krueger Middle School for 29 years.
She has played many different roles in Michigan City, including coaching cross country, gymnastics and running the robotics club.
It’s all a part of her desire to use her talents to make the world a better place.
“The most rewarding thing in the world is to give up one’s stuff, because that’s the ultimate joy in giving someone a skill that they’ll use the rest of their life,” Samelson said. “Teaching them confidence that they can do things that they never thought they (could) do.”
Michigan City’s Walker raised by, gives back to hometown
By Brikiera Franklin
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – The common saying is that it takes a village to raise a child.
For Will Walker, that was definitely the case. Walker was raised by parents, teachers and coaches who taught him good values, especially the importance of education.
“My parents would say it took a community to raise me,” Walker said.
Krueger’s Ackerson finds joy, food supply in fishing and nature
By Jasmine Ford
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – In today’s world, it’s more and more uncommon to find people who provide food for themselves.
Erica Ackerson is one of those people.
Ackerson, a health and physical education teacher at Krueger Middle School, is a fisher who provides food for herself and her family. She also teaches other people about health and how to get their own food supply.
“It requires time and has required me to learn new skills along the way, but there is also something very satisfying about being able to provide,” Ackerson said.
Krueger’s band performs live for first time since 2019
By David Symons
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – After the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the Krueger Middle School seventh and eighth grade band had to cancel that year’s spring performance.
It was unclear when the band would perform publicly again. That all changed on May 5 when Krueger Middle School’s band played live for the public for the first time since 2019 in the Krueger cafeteria.
George Olson, Krueger’s band director, said that the students’ discipline factored into the success of the concert.
“Many of the students are self-directed, and spend quite a bit of time practicing at home, which helped quite a lot,” Olson said.
MCHS names track and field after former Rogers High teacher Barbara Jones Slater
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Michigan City had a legend in its presence last month.
The Michigan City High School track and field was named after former Rogers High School teacher and Olympian Barbara Jones Slater on April 26 at Michigan City High School.
Jones Slater was honored to have the track and field dedicated to her.
“When the education system says, ‘I approve, you did a job well done,’ that’s the greatest honor you can ever receive from anyone, especially from your peers,” Jones Slater said.
Krueger’s Jones takes running and life one mile at a time
By Weston Smith
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Upon walking into Kevin Jones’ classroom, you might think his large display of running medals is a way of showing his accomplishments.
Yet Jones, an 8th grade science teacher at Krueger Middle School, uses his medals to inspire and motivate his students.
“Anyone can do things,” Jones said. “These aren’t a flex, this is more like a, ‘If I can do it, you can do it’ (thing).”
Artificial intelligence offers hope, concern for the future
By Eriana Rutledge
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Robots and labor-reducing technology may change the way we live, but we don’t know if that’s a positive or a negative thing.
To investigate, we decided to ask Krueger Middle School teachers their opinions on artificial intelligence.
What we found isn’t as simple as one might think.
Krueger’s Brandon Williams motivates youth through creativity and basketball
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Most coaches don’t have their players read poetry before games.
Brandon Williams isn’t like most coaches.
He believes that developing his student-athletes as young men and women is more important than how they compete on the basketball court. This includes having them read “If” by Rudyard Kipling on game day.
It’s a part of getting them ready for the world and what it may have to offer.
“If I’m a good coach, it’s gonna tell 10 years from now (based on) where our players are, how they’re doing (and) where they’re performing,” Williams said.
Review: King Richard serves up excellence
By Brikiera Franklin and Eriana Rutledge
Staff writers
‘King Richard’ was amazing. The movie showed what real-life tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams had to go through to accomplish their goals. The film shows how they achieved their dreams and how their father, Richard Williams, was always a part of their journey.
Our View: Green Bay needs to keep Aaron Rodgers
By Marshaun Thompson
Staff Writer
With the Green Bay Packers losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, fans are starting to worry about what Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers plans to do next season. If the Packers lose Rodgers, the 2021-22 MVP, they will be missing a very valuable part of their offense.
The Packers should keep Rodgers, because he is an outstanding player and they have no replacement who is on his level.
By Jackie Ramirez
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Maddy Parry’s first production for Centerstage Youth Theatre was a great success.
Parry, an eighth grader at Krueger Middle School, played the role of Bulda in Centerstage’s Frozen Jr. from Jan 14-16 at Michigan City High School.
The musical, which was a take on Disney’s animated film, Frozen, sold almost 900 tickets over three shows in one weekend.
By Camille Orzech
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Michigan City was literally lit up with the holiday spirit for more than a month.
The city held its annual Festival of Lights from December 4 to January 9 at Washington Park.
“It was spectacular,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events of Michigan City. “The response that we’ve gotten from the residents and everybody who’s been down there, they were just so excited and thought that the (Michigan City) Parks and Recreation Department did just an amazing job.”