Truth from the Youth

12/20/2023

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

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.

Check out the rest of the story - including a crowd-surfing video - in the link below!

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 e...

12/18/2023

New Video: STEPPING UP
By Jayvin Williams
The Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team Inc. and Judah Explosion dazzle with dance moves in downtown parade!
http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/12/18/stepping-up/
Video Music from (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-work
License code: KJEDLTBFRPBVZJ1M

12/11/2023

BIGGER AND BETTER

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.”

Check out the rest of the story and the video in the link below!

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/12/11/bigger-and-better/

12/06/2023

WELL DONE

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.

Check out the rest in the link below:

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/12/06/well-done/

11/17/2023

ONE SMART COOKIE

Krueger student A'Naria Williams excels with baked goods business

By Aniyah Fly (with reporting and video editing by Destiny Elliott, and a video from A'Naria herself)

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.

Check out the rest in the link below!

Krueger student 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 co...

10/31/2023

NUCLEAR GAS NIGHTMARE

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 Bogarthy 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.

Check out the rest in the link below!

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/10/31/nuclear-gas-nightmare/

10/30/2023

SCARING IS CARING

Bogarthy 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.

Check out the rest in the link below!

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/10/30/scaring-is-caring/

10/04/2023

TAKING FLIGHT

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.

Check out the rest in the link!

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...

09/22/2023

MESSAGE TO THE BEAT

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.

Read the rest in the link below:

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 thin...

05/23/2023

POSITIVELY UPBEAT

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.”

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 sa...

05/22/2023

BUILT FOR IT

KMS’ 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.

Check out the rest of the story here! http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/05/22/built-for-it/

05/04/2023

Check out Krueger eighth grader Andrea Roberts' story about Record Store Day in The Beacher! This story marks the first time a Truth from the Youth reporter has written for another publication!

Here's a sneak peek of the article:

Record Store Day showed how impactful records
can be.

“Something tangible to hold onto means something,” Michigan City resident Lauren Peters said.

Peters, 29, was among the 89 people who signed up to be in line at Static Age, 621 Franklin St., for Record Store Day on April 22. Many of them showed up when the store opened bright and early at 7 a.m.

Read the rest here on Page 10:https://www.thebeacher.com/2023/ewExternalFiles/BeacherMay04.pdf

05/03/2023

Laughter & Loyalty

Krueger's Sigler does duty with humor

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.

Read the full story here: http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/05/03/laughter-loyalty/

03/24/2023

All in the Family

KMS 8th grade girls basketball unites for perfect 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.

Read in full here: http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2023/03/24/all-in-the-family/

03/13/2023

New feature: STRONG ENOUGH

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.

Read the rest below!

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 physi...

03/13/2023

Check it out!

Staff writers Andrea Roberts and Sean Triemstra combined to give an in-depth look at an important Krueger alum and staff member, Jenny Jones.

Enjoy, and feel free to share!

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 work...

01/27/2023

Classic movie review: Breakfast at Tiffany's

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 mode...

12/19/2022

READ: OUT WEST

Krueger alumnus Johnzo West enjoying national success as musician

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...

12/13/2022

READ: CHRISTMAS PAST & PRESENT

Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet is back as the two columnists compare and contrast the 1951 classic A Christmas Carol with a modern retelling of the Scrooge story, Spirited starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.

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 revi...

12/09/2022

READ: OH, CHRISTMAS TREE

City holds parade, tree lighting to kick off Festival of Lights

By Abby Killingbeck and Andrea Roberts, photo/video by Seidet Segura

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 ...

12/07/2022

READ: NO MATTER WHAT
MCAS teacher/coach Colin Yarnelle impacts youth through dedication

Excellent work by Batoul Achy!

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...

11/16/2022

READ: Movie Night with Batoul & Seidet - Pinocchio Review

This month the duo gives an honest, measured look at an early Disney classic!

Disney's Pinocchio falls short despite stellar animation By Batoul Achy and Seidet Sagura 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 m...

11/10/2022

READ: WOLVES IN TRAINING - Krueger, Barker volleyball develop promising athletes

Excellent work by Iyanna Adkins and Maryssa Stokes!

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 prog...

11/04/2022

Krueger eighth grader Abby Killingbeck wrote about the combined band/chorus Halloween performance in front of around 400 community members. Read/share here!

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. T...

10/26/2022

Check out the first in a series of classic movie reviews from a modern perspective! Seidet Segura gives a thoughtful, honest reflection on "The Wizard of Oz."

"Wizard of Oz" holds up well after almost a century By Seidet Segura Staff Writer "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 ar...

09/20/2022

Truth from the Youth is back with our first article of the 2022-23 school year! Krueger Middle School's Andrea Roberts and Seidet Segura did an outstanding job covering the Hoosier Star, which found KMS and MCHS alum Savannah Holley winning first place in the 17-and-under youth division!

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 p...

06/02/2022

Final Truth from the Youth story of the school year! Jackie Ramirez and Jasmine Ford teamed up to write a feature on Leslie Samelson, an impactful teacher/coach/robotics club leader who is retiring after 29 years at Krueger Middle School! Mariah Williams contributed to this story.

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2022/06/02/lean-on-me/

06/01/2022

Truth from the Youth's penultimate feature of the 2021-22 school year is written by Brikiera Franklin. She delves into the world of Krueger/MCHS alumnus Will Walker, who excelled at every level of basketball before returning home to give back as an assistant coach for the Wolves.

http://truthfromtheyouth.com/2022/06/01/raised-by-wolves/

04/19/2022

We're proud to present our first profile feature! Iyanna Adkins penned an in-depth look into the life of Krueger Middle School basketball coach Brandon Williams. With video work by Mariah Williams, Brianna Adkins and Brikiera Franklin.

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 wom...

03/07/2022

Brikiera Franklin and Eriana Rutledge team up to give their thoughts on the Oscar-nominated 'King Richard':

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 the...