The Tom Tom | March 2017

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 6 + MARCH 2017 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE | MASSAGE THERAPY

Trusted & Dedicated since 1994!

C OLLETTI PT. COM LAKE COUNTY MEDICAL GROUP, SC 1170 E BELVIDERE RD SUITE 202 GRAYSLAKE, IL 60030

NINA NEYMAN, M.D. LAWRENCE AMATO, M.D. DAVID CHIOU, M.D.

460 Orchard Street Antioch, Illinois 60002

18 MAR. 2016

PERSPECTIVES

21

CONTENTS 14 | LIQUID LIPS

5 | STAFF EDITORIAL

16 | SPRING FASHION SZN

8 | TOM TOM TRIES 34 | WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE NON-STOP NEWS 6 | VOTING TACTICS AND STRATEGIES

LIFESTYLES 10 | BOMBS AND SCREAMS 11 | ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT 12 | STREAMING TV

N 27

VOL. 55 NO. 6

13 | GRAPHOLOGY

4 | EDITOR’S NOTE

7 | DISTRICT 34 REFERENDUM

24

SPORTS 31 | POSTSEASON BRIEFS 32 | IN SEASON BRIEFS FEATURES 18 | NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART

21 | NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF 24 | NOTHING VENTURNED, NOTHING GAINED

27 | NOT THE BRIGHTEST CRAYON IN THE BOX Throughout this magazine you will see a purple Tom Tom icon (see left).

That means readers are able to scan the page with Aurasma, an app downloadable from any app store.

Readers will then be engaged in a virtual reality experience like never before.

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 6 + MARCH 2017 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

ON THE COVER

Junior Mary Cook is certainly an original. Her unique background in the fine arts, coupled with her outgoing personality push her to try new things and make a difference in her community.

Cook is currently the stage manager for the spring musical “Grease.” The musical opens April 21.

Cook’s sun/moon face piece and makeup were created by Tom Tommer Chloe Grass.

{Perspectives THE TOM TOM STAFF

2016-2017 EXECUTIVE TEAM

KRISTINA M. ESDALE Editor-in-Chief PATRICK R. JOHNSON, MJE Adviser PAIGE HOPE Managing Editor REBEKAH L. CARTLIDGE Digital Director JACK A. CONNELLY Digital Director JILLIAN M. EVERETT Print Director JASON R. WOOD Print Director EDITORIAL BOARD DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rachel Beckman Grace Bouker Branden Gallimore Booker Grass Benjamin Gutke John Howe Lauryn Hugener Gabrielle Kalisz Alexander Ruano Abigail Russell Kaylee Schreiner Logan Weber SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS Haley Edwards Dylan Hebior Megan Helgesen Marc Huston SENIOR EDITORS Christina Michaels Natasha Reid

STAFF JOURNALISTS Jayme Bailey William Becker Lauren Bluthardt Peter Boeh Nico Chiappetta Jared DeBoer Emma DeJong Taylor Feltner Chloe Grass Griffin Hackeloer Emily Hanes Symone Henderson Brenna Higgins Emily Holmes Jacob Johnson Michael Kawell Jessica Lamberty Chloe Moritz Nicole Peterson John Petty Alexandra Rapp Ashley Reiser Steffanie Richardson Matthew Rowe Allison Smith Ashley Stephens

Annie Wagner Kyle Whitley Monica Wilhelm Diana Anghel Caden Davis Dan Filippone Camille Flackus Emily Higgins Mikayla Holway Robbie Hulting Alex Johnson McKenna Kalisz Alex Knight Madisen Krapf Emily Lara Jessica Nettgen Valerie Rasmussen Aliya Rhodes Karley Rogalski Riley Rush Eleni Sakas Matthew Soberano Kevin Tamayo Emily Torres Skyler Wackenhuth

MISSION STATEMENT The Tom Tom seeks to not only be the premier source of student news, sports and lifestyles at Antioch Community High School, but it also aspires to do so with integrity, respect, responsibility and pride. The Tom Tom believes wholeheartedly in giving voices to the voiceless through unique engaging methods of storytelling, while engaging with the Antioch community to see diverse and challenging perspectives. In doing so, we choose to tell some of the more challenging or untold stories even when they can be controversial in order to make our community stronger, more caring, and more tolerant. This program envisions a holistic experience of quality journalism through print publications and digital content, as well as promotes student spirit and school culture through innovative and inspiring public relations and advertising campaigns.

We are the Tom Tom. We are originals. It would be an awfully big adventure if you choose to come along with us and work as one community, One Sequoit.

EDITOR’S NOTE

NIGHT AND DAY

Opposites are oftentimes what makes life interesting and worth living; these opposites fill our magazine and even our staff.

KRISTINA ESDALE // Editor-in-Chief

I

’ve gotten used to hearing the phrase “opposites attract,” but I never really understood it or believed it to be true until this year. Coming into freshman year, I had the most basic idea of high school stereotypes: the jocks, the nerds, the band kids, the burnouts and the popular crowd. But as time continued to move forward, my perspective on social groups completely shifted. I found myself being involved in clubs and activities that I wouldn’t have even thought of joining when I was a freshman, and was surprised that I was able to get along well with people who had very dissimilar interests than I did. Although we were as different as night and day, somehow we were able to fit together like puzzle pieces.

This year, I find myself connecting this cliche to our very unique Tom Tom staff. When I first found out we would be having separate sports and lifestyles classes this year, I thought it would be interesting to see how each class would act and work differently, considering that I thought mostly boys would take sports and mostly girls would take lifestyles. Evidently, that turned out to be very true. But what I didn’t see coming was the way that each class works in its own unique way; sports tends to be a little on the louder and more laid-back side, while still managing to do work; and lifestyles tends to be more reflective and quiet.

Surprisingly, these two classes couldn’t have turned out better. Somehow we manage to work with both classes in a way that allows us to be even more productive and organized, while also figuring out how to communicate with each effectively. Although we work well together as two separate classes, our class rosters between sports and lifestyles reflect the stereotype between genders in today’s society; yet, at the same time, a constant contradiction.

Although our classes tend to be more of one gender over the other, our executive team is made up of mostly women.

In addition to myself and Paige Hope, the managing editor, print director Jillian Everett and digital director Rebekah Cartlidge run the show in a male-dominated class. On the flip side, print director Jason Wood and digital director Jack Connelly manage the female-dominated class. Nonetheless, we still come out with quality products between both classes.

Considering that March is Women’s History Month, the Tom Tom decided to take a stand and emphasize the importance of this month and how the women of ACHS can unite to send a strong message about women’s rights.

Featured in the “N” issue is English teacher Mary Easton reenacting the iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter, which represents the true power and strength that every woman has. By scanning the purple Tom Tom circle with the Au-

4 TOM TOM MARCH 2017

PHOTO // NATASHA REID

rasma app, you’ll be able to see an inspirational message from some of our female Sequoits. Around the school today you’ll find a number of recreations of famous women’s rights posters and advertisements using members of our Sequoit community. These posters are an extension of this issue of the “N” magazine.

In our “N” magazine, you’ll find that these stories reflect the concept of “Like Night and Day” just as much as this note does. Similarly to past magazines, each feature’s headline is a cliche that starts with the letter “N.” Department editor Rachel Beckman writes about the hardships of being a student in today’s society, while staff member Haley Edwards tells the perspectives of students who struggle with overcoming their fears every day. On the opposite end of the spectrum, staff member Emma Dejong tells the tale of Sequoit students and staff who have benefitted from international travel, while department editor Gracie Bouker describes Sequoit families that come from all different kinds of backgrounds. On the brighter side, department editor Lauryn Hugener and staff member Allison Smith give the Tom Tom Tries a good ol’ twist by trying new and unique foods. From rating popular lipsticks to investigating the streaming of TV, there is a lot more to our 36-page lifestyles magazine than meets the eye.

Thank you for taking the time to read our magazine. We hope that even though our content may seem as diverse as night and day, we can provide you insight as to what it means to be an equal member of our Sequoit community. TT

KRISTINA M. ESDALE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NO IFS, ANDS OR BUTS ABOUT IT Is equality all a matter of black and white, or is it simply all about the gray matter?

TOM TOM STAFF // 49 of 49 Agree

W

hen there are no ifs, ands or buts about it, there is no room to negotiate or discuss the issue. We think that our word is final; it isn’t open to question.

However, issues rarely fall into this category and there is almost always room to discuss and/or argue a topic.

But the problem is that people cannot see past their own opinions and views to understand an issue from someone else’s perspective.

Such is the case with equality. In February, we celebrated Black History Month. This month, March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. These are just two of many social groups that are oppressed when compared to their counterparts. And there isn’t inequality for only these two groups. In addition to racial and gender inequality, there is inequality in religion, age, sexuality and many others.

One of the main problems that comes with inequality--besides the inequality itself--is one’s inability to see that something is wrong. When we fall on the more privileged side of the line, we believe that everyone is equal.

It is when we are the ones being oppressed that we finally realize what’s wrong.

Across the board in different aca-

ILLUSTRATION // JESSICA LAMBERTY

demic departments, and especially in the senior composition curriculum, classes discuss the “haves” and “have nots.” This is the idea that there are some people who “have”: money, status and privileges; however, there are others who do not have those same luxuries or freedoms. When we fall in the “haves” category, oftentimes we don’t stop to think about what the “have nots” do not have. A person’s views on issues will frequently coincide with whatever is in his or her own best interest. We often think that problems are “out of sight, out of mind.” If an issue isn’t affecting us, why should we care about it? It is only when we ourselves become a “have not” that we find this system unfair. It is only when we ourselves become a “have not” of equality that we start to notice all of the inequality that exists in the world.

As everyone’s views differ from one another’s, there is no ultimate solution to inequality. The only aspect of equality that is truly “no ifs, ands or buts about it” is that most people will see their personal views as being true; we each have our own “no ifs, ands or buts about it” and there’s no room to argue. But no matter what side of the spectrum you fall on--no matter if you think that everything concerning

FREE SPEECH // IS EQUALITY A RIGHT OR RESPONSIBILITY?

DENAE ELDRIDGE // SENIOR Yes. It’s both because everyone deserves to have equal opportunity and it is also our responsibility to not let people infringe upon others chances at equality.

equality should stay the way it is now, or if you think that more actions need to be taken to grant equality to all--one thing remains constant: equality is both a right and a responsibility, and we need to treat it as such. We all know that laws have been put in place in order to ensure our equality, including the Fourteenth Amendment, Fifteenth Amendment and Nineteenth Amendment, among others.

Yet these laws are not enough. We must have this conversation with ourselves and understand that it is a choice whether women choose to work or to be stay-at-home moms. We must understand that age does not determine wisdom or maturity. One religion is not a moral deterrent over another.

Nationality does not predetermine one’s character or upbringing. One’s love of another isn’t dependent upon their sexuality. The color of someone’s skin doesn’t inhibit their right to an education, a future or a dream.

It is our own personal responsibility to strive for equality. Equality should be imparted by human nature. We do not need a law to tell us that everyone is created equal and should be treated as such. It should simply be in our human nature to do so. TT The “N” Issue

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News

SMALL DIRT FUELS BIG POLITICS PHOTO // KYLE WHITELY

Local political elections are glorified in movie and TV shows as being extremely dirty, but making the correct decisions while voting is detrimental for the stability of the country.

Mayor of Antioch since 2009, Larry Hanson says that a community that works together to build a better future is a happier and more productive place. “We want to do good for the community to make it easier for future leaders; [that] comes first, we’re all neighbors,” Hanson said. With the 2017 mayoral and trustee election fast approaching, Antioch residents are encouraged to turn out and vote for the future of the town.

KYLE WHITELY // Tom Tom Staff

were made were not easy. Most of the election cycle’s coverage was based around the drama created

by Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, but Illinois also voted for a new senator as Democrat Tammy Duckworth took on incumbent Republican Senator Mark Kirk. Duckworth eventually won by a 54.9 percent to 39.8 principal margin. Some Sequoit students had a say in this matter.

“As a person who is about to enter the real world, I felt it necessary to vote the way that I thought was the best for the US Congress,” senior Eston Iman said. “Being educated on down ticket candidates is extremely important and congress has the same amount of power as the President and can make decisions that will alter the country. I tend to lean more on the Conservative viewpoint of government. Most of my decisions and views are things that I’ve fabricated for years. There is little a politician can say that will change the way I vote, it’s all about policy.”

Conducting research on policies and formulation of one’s own opinions is one of the many reasons why democracy works. The elected can only govern at the will of the governed. This being said, many politicians will lie and cheat their way to the top. The most important part in an election is that the interests and rights of the people are protected. TT

T

he United States government is a complex body of elected officials seated at different levels of power. Most people only focus on the presidential side of things, but local elections are equally important. Whether it be one of the two senators in a state or the mayor of a small town, voting for the right person is important to improving things in an area or community.

The election process can be difficult for both the people and those up for election.

Local elections are glorified in movies like “The Campaign” as extremely dirty and bloody (in the political sense). While all elections can be considered popularity contests driven by smear tactics, some are much dirtier than others, especially in small towns.

“It’s not as tough for me because I have a proven track record,” Antioch Mayor Larry Hanson said. “The biggest challenge is perceiving the dif-

ference between fact and fiction. It is easier for me in this mayoral election cycle because I have already been mayor for 8 years and have been on the city council for 22.”

Every high school student is either of voting age or will be the next time a presidential election comes around in 2020. With that being said, it is important that young, firsttime voters be informed on the issues that matter.

“Young voters need to pay attention,” Hanson said.

“They need to ask questions and only believe facts.

Campaigns are full of short, misleading statements and as for local elections, you shouldn’t believe the first thing you hear; always do research. The people that are voted for in local elections are your neighbors, they should build a better community.”

Some of the senior class was able to vote in last year’s presidential elections and the decisions that

“

There is little a politician can say that will change the way I vote; it’s all about policy.

“

6 TOM TOM MARCH 2017

SEQUOIT POLITICAL AFFILIATION

Out of the 233 ACHS students who were polled, 43 percent said they lean Democratic, 38 percent Republican and 19 percent lean Independent or Third Party INFOGRAPHIC // KYLE WHITELY

SCHOOL

PHOTOS // GABRIELLE KALISZ District 34 facilities have become outdated with age and require updating.

Antioch Elementary School has been open for over 90 years and lacks adequate equipment and amenities to offer students a full educational experience. W.C. Petty Elementary has over three portable classrooms causing students to leave exterior walls throughout the day.

“The referendum will get rid of portable classrooms and ensure climate control and air conditioning in all D34 schools,” Marino said.

DISTRICT 34 REFERENDUM:

ANTIOCH SCHOOLS SEE CHANGE With new plans of redistributing students and updating amenities, District 34 looks to unlock its full potential.

GABRIELLE KALISZ // Department Editor

Antioch School District 34 has proven to uphold top tier educational standards while simultaneously utilizing outdated and ineffective facilities. District 34, as of current, consists of three transitions between schools as a child proceeds a K-8 education; the process starts at Hillcrest Elementary School, the newest facility to the district that predominantly facilitates Pre-K through first grade students. The students are then split up between second through fifth grade institutions: Oakland Elementary, W. C. Petty Elementary and Antioch Elementary School. After attending one of the three elementary schools within the district, every student is filtered into Antioch Upper Grade School for their sixth through eighth grade experience.

In the upcoming April election cycle for Antioch Township, District 34 has proposed a referendum for Master Facility Planning. This all encompassing referendum highlights four main points to improving aesthetics and overall educational experience and opportunity within District 34. The first and main point within the proposed change is the shift to K-5 grade level configuration. This change allows for less facility transitions within an average student’s experience of K-8 education. With less transitions during a student’s educational career, it allows for District 34 to create neighborhood schools and provide more efficient busing of students. With the creation of three neighborhood schools, it is expected that students will spend 50% less time on buses.

“The proposal will reduce costs associated with student transportation as students will attend neighborhood schools,” District 34 Superintendent Jay Marino said. “Currently, students are bused from all corners of the district to transport students to Hillcrest Elementary School.”

Due to constant growing student populations within Antioch Township over the years, District 34 has acquired 16 portable classrooms to accommodate an influx of students. The use of portable classrooms,

although practical, proposes immediate safety and security concerns regarding students and faculty. The proposed referendum eliminates said classrooms and builds additions to existing facilities.

As the increase in new students continues, it is partnered with the increase of age and deterioration of schools. District 34 provides a widespread variety of learning facilities in both amenities and age, with schools ranging from 15-90 years in age. This gap allows for differences in learning environments that can hinder students. Amenities within school vary on an individual basis: air conditioning, separate gymnasium and cafeteria spaces, classroom size, room temperatures and quality of lighting. The proposed Master Facility Plan seeks to close the gaps between schools across the district and increase equality and equity.

“The quality of learning facilities has a direct impact on the academic, social, emotional and behavioral aspects of education,” Marino said. “It is anticipated that the Master Facility Plan will address the inequity of learning spaces across the district.”

Several attempts at referendums addressing these issues in District 34 have failed in the past. Although said referendums are similar in nature, there is one distinct difference: no property tax increase. Currently District 34 is facing debt previously taken out to expire in 2017, this meaning that the Master Facility Plan would just extend current debt another 20 years. This allows the district to address deterioration of facilities in the district without any economic impact to the taxpayers of Antioch Township.

“The District 34 community has the ability to replace current debt payments through the successful passing of a referendum in April, 2017 without increasing the amount of annual property taxes paid by a homeowner for the district’s bond and interest payments,” Marino said.

Antioch School District 34 encourages the community to continue to be involved in the Master Facility Planning process through asking questions and attending open forums. The school district will be investing $25.6 million for infrastructure and facility improvements, with $6.8 million of that coming from the Board of Reserves, according to a statement released by Antioch 34. The entire administrative staff of District 34 chose to release a statement to the Tom Tom through Superintendent Joe Marino. TT The “N” Issue

7

Lifestyles

WA N T A R E P L AY ?

HEAD OVER TO SEQUOITMEDIA.COM AND W AT C H A S O U R S TA F F E R S G I V E I T T H E G O O D ‘ O L T O M T O M T RY AT E AT I N G NEW AND INTERESTING FOODS.

8 TOM TOM MARCH 2017

TomTomTries:

EATING ODD FOOD

See what happens when our staff members take a turn at tasting some Twisted Cuisine.

PHOTOS // LAURYN HUGENER & ALLISON SMITH

While brainstorming ideas for this magazine’s Tom Tom Tries, we decided we wanted to do something out of the norm. Instead of trying a sport we both knew we would fail at, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try weird foods. Twisted Cuisine is a restaurant located in Kenosha, Wis. that cooks food with weird ingredients, catching many of their customers off guard.

LAURYN HUGENER // Department Editor

I’m not going to lie--on my way to Twisted Cuisine, I stopped to order fries and a Coke because I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat my entire meal. I was right.

I’m a vegetarian and have been for a few years, and I wasn’t planning to break that streak for Tom Tom Tries, even though the menu was almost entirely carnivorous.

I normally prefer raw vegetables, but for my entree I settled for a cauliflower steak, which was essentially a large hunk of cauliflower that was grilled like a normal steak.

The cauliflower steak didn’t look like I thought it would--it was very puffy and hard to cut (even with a steak knife) because of the multiple branches of the cauliflower. It had a jade-green pesto sauce, but also a red seasoning that was almost undetectable by taste but bright by sight. The seasoning didn’t look like much, but its extreme spiciness added a kick to the cauliflower that would’ve otherwise been bland. The steak itself had the texture of undercooked hashbrowns, which was slightly unappealing, but different; I think if it had been cooked to a crisp (in terms of a real steak, well done), I would have been more willing to eat the rest of it.

For dessert, we ordered crème brûlée, which has the texture of pudding on the inside and is coated by a caramelized topping. To reach the creamy pudding, one has to break the top layer of hardened sugar--we all agreed the pudding was better than the topping. The top layer was too sweet to eat more than a tiny portion at once, paired with a much larger portion of pudding. However, it was a normal and refreshing ending to a meal full of new experiences.

ALLISON SMITH // Tom Tom Staff

After scanning the menu, I was pretty nervous by the choices I had for dinner. I am not the biggest fan of seafood, so I knew going in that I would try to avoid fish and sea creatures. After showing my concern to our waiter, she suggested ordering the marrow butter as an appetizer and trying the pig cheek as the main dish. Because Lauryn is a vegetarian, I knew I was going to be on my own for trying both of these entrees.

The bone marrow butter arrived first. It was served in a small cup with rolls on the side, and looked like whipped cream. It grossed me out knowing that the butter came from an animal’s bone marrow, so I tried to pretend it was normal butter. After the first bite, I was taken by surprise; it tasted like a creamier version of normal butter, and it was really tasty. The entire time I was eating my appetizer I was thinking about having to eat pig cheek next-- it scared me the most.

After chowing down on rolls, the pig cheek finally arrived. Knowing I had to face my fear, I cut into the tender meat and took a quick bite. I expected it to be tough to cut and chewy, but in reality it was tender and soft. It tasted like normal pot roast, and paired with the mustard, it was really good. I wasn’t a big fan of the aftertaste it left, but with the spicy mustard it was easy to get over. Overall, I loved that Twisted Cuisine got me out of my comfort zone to try new foods; without taking on this Tom Tom Tries, I would have never willingly tried pig cheek or bone marrow butter. TT THE “N” ISSUE

9

Lifestyles

PHOTO // BOOKER GRASS Young Teenagers spend most of their time watching movies, with action and horror genres being some of their favorites to watch.

BOMBS AND SCARES Get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Grab some popcorn and turn off your phone.

BOOKER GRASS // Department Editor BRENNA HIGGINS // Tom Tom Staff

Lately, the movie industry has been releasing new movies, with the common genres of action and horror. What is it about action and horror movies that make them so popular to not only the industry, but to the public? There are many movie genres out there. However, now that the movie industry is producing largely action and horror, it begins to limit the options on what films to go see at the movie theatre.

“I like seeing horror movies more because the plot is more interesting than a love story,” senior Emily Olson said.

What seems to make horror and action movies so popular to the public is the feeling one may get when watching a particular film, like the intense frame of mind when watching an action film or the sudden rush from a horror film. Many people like to seek the fear of something, so they pursue situations that trigger this fear.

“It gives people fear and adrenaline in a healthy way,” Olson said. “I like it because it gives you an adrenaline rush without you doing something scary.”

The movie industry has also been releasing sequels. The genres of action and horror seems like the movies tend to have a series that continues with the story the industry is trying to tell.

10 TOM TOM MARCH 2017

GENRE SPECIFIC ACCORDING TO 150 STUDENTS, HERE ARE THE MOST POPULAR MOVIE GENRES AT ACHS. INFOGRAPHIC // BOOKER GRASS 21% 40%

21%

21%

ACTION/ ADVENTURE (YELLOW) HORROR/ THRILLER (NAVY) COMEDY (MINT) OTHER (BLUE)

“The biggest outbreak recently was with Star Wars,” Antioch Theatre employee and junior Jake White said. “A movie like that would be taken seriously to insure that the great series of Star Wars goes on to be remembered.”

When watching horror and action films, it is chilling to see the characters in certain situations they are in on screen.

That feeling then turns into relief, realizing as a viewer that you are not in the same situation as the character. Movie producers tend to film negative situations because not many have actually been through these negative events. If the movie is exceptional, it is easy to feel like one is witnessing the pain and excitement first hand. Still, there is more to the movie than just the entertainment aspect.

“It is good to see the dark side of life.” Olson said. “It is good to have some negative in your life while everything is always positive.”

Some Sequoits love seeking the thrill and adrenaline rush of action and horror movies. Teenagers now go out to the movie theatres whether they are on a date or just an activity to do with friends, they go to see a movie, and most likely see either horror or action or sometimes a mix of both horror and action movies.

“I personally prefer a mix between the two, but I prefer the trend of action,” White said.

The industry itself seems to be creating films that entertains the public, the industry keeps producing new movies based on the two specific types of genre. The sudden rise in action and horror films interests the public, showing what they should expect from the new movie, whether it be bombs or scares. TT

A SMALL TOWN’S BIG SUCCESS Growing up in Antioch proved to be instrumental in this Sequoit alumnus’s future success.

LAUREN BLUTHARDT // Tom Tom Staff

Since 2007, Sequoit Alumnus Tommy Freeman has been making a name for himself. Freeman graduated from Antioch Community High School with no plan, but full of aspirations to be an artist. Following his artistic motivation, Freeman found his unexpected future as a worldwide graphic designer.

Antioch can be compared to the famous saying, “good things come in small packages.” With a population of roughly 15,000, the quaint town of Antioch has been producing prideful citizens, with even more successful students. Antioch may be small, but for many Sequoit Alumni such as Tommy Freeman, this town has been a blessing.

Graduating in 2007, Freeman left his legacy at ACHS with a mind full of artful wonders. Not being the sharpest needle in the haystack academically, Freeman focused on his one true passion: art. Doodling more than note taking in most of his classes, he made sure to follow his dream. Although unsure of his future, he knew it would involve art.

While at ACHS he found a teacher who advocated for him: Toni Leprich. ACHS takes pride in providing a positive, success-building community, and Leprich provided that for him. It was important for Freeman to take Leprich’s class every year, as Leprich was “amazing.” Being an artist, he dealt with lots of criticism about not being able to find a job, or getting a real job, but Leprich was the teacher who never gave up on him. ACHS was the place that ignited his flame. He felt she gave him a “million 2nd chances” that have forged the passion he put forth in the following years.

Following high school, Freeman attended CLC and took apprenticeship at tattoo and graphic design shops in the area, leading to his one true obsession: graphic design. The first step in his path to success was the purchase of a printing press. Immediately after seeing how he could incorporate all his passions into one, he realized now was the time to take a step forward. Taking a risk, he began his company, Fuzion Custom Apparel, right here in Antioch.

PHOTO // LAUREN BLUTHARDT ACHS alumnus Freeman has continued to follow his first passion: tattoo art. This part of his life led to his passion of design. Freeman even spent time apprenticing in local tattoo shops.

When he bought the first few machines on a whim, he felt he should stay close to home, which worked in his favor. Living in a unique town, Freeman dealt with community clients who were passionate about keeping business in the community. Antioch was the perfect place for him to set up for success.

Freeman took what he learned from teachers and mentors such as Leprich and began a life for himself. In 2013, he molded what he learned into a successful company that provides specialized artwork and design for people worldwide. From seeing his designs on TV and in countries around the world, the hard work proved to be one of best decisions of his life.

Being in Antioch and becoming a Sequoit has made all the difference for this Alumnus, and his success is one example of how powerful growing up in a town such as Antioch is. Many are tired of seeing the same people and driving past the same railroad tracks every day, but it’s important to recognize the support system present in this town. The community wants people to succeed, and as long as hard work is put in and desires are followed, Antioch will help form future successors. The teachers and adults who advocate for student success are the same that helped inspire Freeman to achieve his dreams. Freeman believes it’s important to not settle; to do what you love to make you happy for the rest of your life. This small town’s big success is one example of the power of the ample town of Antioch. TT

PHOTO // TOMMY FREEMAN Freeman showcased his work at an expo recently, surrounded by other artists who share the same session. Always taking pride in his designs, Freeman went to share his name with the world, always searching for business opportunities worldwide.

The “N” Issue

11

Lifestyles

MAINLY STREAM TV PHOTO // CHLOE MORITZ The switch between cable television to streaming is increasing more and more every day. People overall are starting to prefer the benefits that come from streaming such as no commercials and more frequent episodes, and pretty much ignore cable televison itself.

Television entertainment impact is a significant one throughout history: from a select number of channels airing a limited amount of shows, to innovating into hundreds of channels with near countless shows. As television becomes more and more advanced, viewers are drifting away from its original broadcasting form into more streaming and binge watching.

CHLOE MORITZ // Tom Tom Staff

For many years, television has been a key component for entertainment in society. It is what provides people with the suspenseful, long-awaited TV shows and movies they crave. Because of this massive crave for television, people start to pick out the qualities that need innovation. Viewers want less commercial breaks and more episodes to watch in one period. It has come to the point where viewers even want to skip through the introduction to get straight to the show. It is these qualities that have changed television from basic broadcasting to instant streaming.

Networks like Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV typically have more of an advantage in the change in television today. They are the networks that possess the qualities viewers want in television. They have the ability to binge watch seasons of TV shows all in one sitting, without having one commercial break. Netflix even gives people the ability to skip the recaps of episodes and the introductions.

“I enjoy watching Netflix over TV because I can binge [and] I don’t have commercials,” junior Bailey Yturralde said. “If ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ comes on on TV, [my mom and I say], ‘Why don’t we just turn on Netflix? Then we

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can just watch it without any breaks.’”

Another reason as to why more and more people are switching over from broadcasting television is availability. Streaming makes it very easy for viewers to find their favorite shows on the go. Broadcast television on the other hand tends to be limited to watching at home. Even programs with their own apps typically have only a select amount of episodes viewers can watch.

“I think people are switching over to streaming television because it is faster and you get to choose what you watch at any time over waiting for your show to appear on TV at a certain time and date,” senior Sophia Ruiz said.

With the massive influx of viewers transitioning to streaming television, it is starting to become more difficult for the pre-paid broadcasting channels to keep up with their ratings. It is causing these channels to lose money due to subscribers slimming down pre-paid channels and putting the money towards networks like Netflix and Hulu.

“TV networks have been left flat-footed in the transition to streaming video, unsure whether to license all their content to services like Netflix or keep it locked up with traditional pay-TV operators, which are slowly losing subscribers,” Time Magazine writer

Victor Luckerson said in the article “How You Watch TV Is About To Change Forever.”

Entertainment is changing so much that networks like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video are creating their own original shows and movies like “Stranger Things” and “Bates Motel.” “‘Bates Motel’ is a Netflix show,” Yturralde said. “I watch that one; and I watch ‘Stranger Things’ too.”

Ruiz also mentioned how she watches Netflix exclusive shows. “[A] show that I prefer that [is] only on Netflix [is] ‘Stranger Things,’” Ruiz said.

Additionally, society is becoming more impatient through easy access to TV through programs like direct streaming. People are expressing how they are tired of dealing with commercials and waiting each week for a new episode to premiere. As society starts becoming more innovative and makes things easier to access, the less people want to wait.

Whether this change is for the better or worse is debatable. All people know now is that everything, including their entertainment, is changing. The decision that remains is if people are going to stand their ground and stick with what they know, or if they are going to move with and adapt to this change. TT

WHAT YOUR HANDWRITING SAYS ABOUT YOU GRAPHOLOGY “Just from analyzing your handwriting, experts can find over 5,000 personality traits.” Graphologist Kathi McKnight said, from the article “What Your Handwriting Says About Your Personality.”

For example, according to Business Insider, handwriting can tell whether someone is an introvert or extrovert, what is important to someone, self-esteem and goals for the future. People with small handwriting tend to be shy and meticulous, while those who are outgoing and boisterous will most likely have larger handwriting.

SLANT The slant someone uses is possibly the most telling trait of one’s writing. Those who slant their writing to the left tend to keep to themselves, while those who slant to the right are open and enjoy meeting new people. If there isn’t any slant, then that person is thought to be logical and unemotional.

“Your writing is a direct link to your thoughts and opinions and just as you may convey your thoughts and opinions through the way you act, you can do the same through your handwriting,” Carley said.

Everyone has heard it: “Your handwriting says a lot about you.” But, many wonder how much merit this statement holds. Graphology is the study of handwriting in regard to the writer’s character or personality.

GRACE BOUKER // Department Editor

DOTTING T

HE I’S

I f someone places the dot to the left of a lowercase “i” or “j”, he or she is considered a procrastinator. If the dot is right above the letter, then the person is detail-oriented and organized, but if the dot is way above the letter, then the person is overly self-critical and impatient. If the dot is more of a circle than a dot, then the person is creative and possesses child-like qualities.

Senior Breanna Carley has her own opinions on handwriting.

“Everyone has handwriting that is unique to them, just like a fingerprint,” Carley said.

CLOSING

THE O’S

O p e n O’s, or O’s with a loop at the top, indicate that someone is talkative and social, while closed O’s indicate that someone is reserved and doesn’t often share personal feelings.

Some believe that our handwriting changes with our personalities.

“I do not feel that [a change in my handwriting] reflects a change in my personality, b u t rather it has to do with the fast pace of school and the need to keep up while taking notes or completing timed essays in school,” Carley said.

CROSSING

THE T’S

Regarding crossing lowercase t’s, if the cross is long, then the person is determined and enthusiastic. If the cross is short, then the person is thought to be lazy and not very determined. If the cross is placed near the top of the “t”, then the person is ambitious and has high self-esteem.

Sharing this opinion with many, senior Jack Kiyohara believes that the study of graphology has merit.

“No, [I do not think that graphology is a myth] because people have unconscious behavior, whether they know it or not,” Kiyohara said. “[This behavior] can be shown through written language, and it’s not the same for everyone.”

PRESSURE I f someone presses hard with his/ her writing utensil, the person is thought to be good with commitment, but can occasionally be uptight and react negatively to criticism. On the other hand, light pressure means that someone is empathetic and sensitive to others, though they may lack energy.

“Graphology should be a rule of thumb, not a law,” Kiyohara said.

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Lifestyles A TOM TOM GUIDE TO: LIQUID LIPSTICKS

NYX. TOO FACED. KYLIE. KAT VON D.

Teenagers have so much to do throughout the school day, leaving no time to reapply. These four different lipstick brands were worn for the same amount of time and each went through three meals all for the sake of finding the longest lasting lipsticks.

“I keep redoing it and fixing it throughout the day,” sophomore Allison Hoffelder said, when talking about makeup. Find out which products will leave smudged lips or perfect precision.

CHLOE GRASS // Tom Tom Staff

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// NYX LIP LINGERIE

The Lip Lingerie is one of NYX’s many lipstick products, but this line focuses on nude shades, for all skin tones, for the price of seven dollars. It is a matte liquid lipstick that goes on very smoothly. It can be slightly streaky and may need a few layers to achieve its maximum pigment, which may cause lips to feel cakey. At the end of the day, the lipstick was almost all gone and a slight residue was left. Since they are all natural colors, most can get away with not reapplying. For being a “drugstore brand,” it did a decent job, but make sure to keep the product close by throughout the day.

“I do like it but it’s not as long-lasting as others I have tried, it does not dry down all the way, in my opinion, and [it] wears off somewhat fast,” junior Ashly Ring said after trying the product.

TOO FACED MELTED CHOCOLATE LIQUIFIED LIPSTICK \\

Too Faced provides many different lines within their liquified lipsticks including metallic shades, matte and their chocolate line which is infused with cocoa powder. This product feels extremely comfortable and light. It doesn’t dry out and crack lips like many other matte brands do, but it never seemed to fully dry down. At the end of the day, the product was very faint and almost completely faded. It is an extremely nice product with beautiful colors, but not worth the high price of $21.

// KYLIE LIP KIT

Kylie Lip Kits have become extremely popular because of the brand creator, Kylie Jenner, but are they really worth the price of $17? The product went on very smoothly and pigmented, however left my lips looking extremely dry and flakey, which was not comfortable or attractive. The lipstick started to fade in the center of the lip, but other than that small touch-up, it stayed on effectively.

KAT VON D LIQUID LIPSTICK \\

These lipsticks come in a wide variety of colors, and even though they are a high-end brand, the product is well worth the money. You don’t need much product when applying and it feels lightweight on the skin. Throughout the day it wore extremely well and looked almost the exact same at the end of the day as it did when first applied.

Kat Von D Beauty Liquid Lipstick is the clear winner for its indestructible formula that keeps lips looking perfect all day without feeling too dry or cakey. The high price of $20 may seem ridiculous for a lipstick, but this is money well spent for its pigmentation, comfort and long-lasting quality. TT

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Lifestyles

W

ith so many styles coming back this year, it’s warms up, try adding a short-heeled sandal or cut boot. easier than ever to find one that matches your If you are going for a nicer look this season, try finding a “look,” or even to create your own. The most lace-up heel or ballet flat.

April showers bring May flowers, so for this rainy seapopular urban styles still include casual chic and high fashion pieces, but that doesn’t mean young adults can’t son be sure to grab a pair of rainboots. They’re easy to pair with any fitted leg pant and add in a bit of grunge or show some layers can be added by wearing risky skin. This year’s colors are APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY long socks to compliment the colall about getting back to nature by FLOWERS, SO FOR THIS ors. Windbreakers are also a nice bringing out the nude, pink, cream, trend this season, by bringing back blue and green tones. Each color has RAINY SEASON BE SURE TO the ‘90s feel. Of course, new ones millions of shades and ways to pair GRAB A PAIR OF RAINBOOTS. from athletic stores are cute, but try them for the perfect spring outfit. digging around thrift stores or your Pastels have been one of the most frequent tones recently, but this spring, try them in a new dad’s closet to find the perfect retro piece.

Boy’s spring style is on a whole different level this year style. Rather than throwing on a soft toned dress, try a bomber jacket over a T-shirt for a casual yet stylish look. with a frat boy style. Chubbies are on the rise along with When it comes to the new sporty, on-the-go look, pairing Vineyard Vines. Spring for guys is like a mix of fall and running shoes with a pair of leggings is a quick way to get summer. Pairing a long sleeve with shorts and bringing out the door. Add a graphic tee with a soft denim jacket along a quarter zip is the perfect outfit for a colder day. for a more put-together look, with or without makeup. For Antioch boys, it seems that rainy days mean khakis Ripped jeans have been a style piece since the late ‘80s and sneakers or a dark pair of joggers. Eyewear this season has also gone back in time, with the circle lense makand continue to be in the 21st century.

Another trend this season is footwear. You can still ing a comeback this year. TT rock those Adidas and Nike sneakers, but as the weather

OM Tom OM m March ARCH 2017 16 Tom

IT’S SPRING BREAK NATASHA REID // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // NATASHA REID

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Features

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“I thought it would be good for me, help me grow as a person,” Tholen said. “But , I just wanted to be in a familiar place.”

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NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART 1. Very personally and emotionally important to one.

GRACE BOUKER // Department Editor PHOTOS // GRACE BOUKER

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amilies across the globe vary tremendously--more so than most of us consider in our daily spectrum of thoughts. While there are hundreds of cultural norms, many in our own community fail to recognize the same range of diversity within families in this town.

Senior Zachary Tholen has an uncommon home situation. Last year, his family made the decision to move to California, but amidst the move, Tholen’s dad was working on a project for work that could not be halted until this May. Tholen had the choice to stay in Antioch with his dad for one year or go with his sister and his mom.

“I wanted to start a new adventure,” Tholen said. “I needed to do something else, somewhere else.”

After deciding to move to California with his mom and sister, Tholen had the opportunity to return to Antioch temporarily with his dad.

Needless to say, Tholen decided to come back.

“I thought it would be good for me, help me grow as a person,” Tholen said. “But, I just wanted to be in a familiar place.”

However, the absence of his mom and sister hasn’t gone unnoticed; the most obvious downfall of living without his mom and sister is loneliness. Still, he connects with his mom and his sister over text frequently.

“Just because we’re on separate sides of the country doesn’t mean that we aren’t close,” Tholen said. “This whole process has actually made my sister and I closer.”

But loneliness isn’t the only pitfall. In the absence of his mom, Tholen has had to become more independent. ”I had to start cooking by myself and taking care of myself and doing things that I didn’t do when my mom was here,” Tholen said.

No matter where he is though, Tholen acknowledges the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side.

“If I’m here, I’ll want to be in California, and if I’m in California, I’ll want to be here,” Tholen said. “There are advantages and disadvantages to both places; you just have to do what’s best for you.”

On the other hand, senior Bryan Ortiz is a second generation immigrant from Mexico. His parents came from Tejupilco, Mexico as teenagers.

“They came to find a better life,” Ortiz said. Though they lived good lives in Mexico, the economic state in Mexico is much different than here, and in America there is more opportunity to build an economi-

cally sound lifestyle.

Decades later, his parents have built their way up to self-employment. They own a restaurant, and Ortiz and his two siblings help out frequently. However, this isn’t the only unique thing about being a second generation immigrant. While his parents are fluent in Spanish, Ortiz doesn’t speak much Spanish at home. Yet, he knows enough to understand and reply fluently.

Furthermore, tradition is big in Mexican culture, and it has carried over to Ortiz through his parents.They follow national holidays, such as the Day of the Dead and Mexican Independence Day. But, Ortiz’s family is spread out so much so that he doesn’t see anyone outside of his immediate family often.

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Features “[We have] an uncle in Chicago, an aunt in Chicago, an uncle in Milwaukee and some [family members] in Texas and California,” Ortiz said. “The rest are in the hometown [in Mexico.]”

Ortiz wishes that he hadn’t lost part of his culture and connection with family in his parents’ transition from Mexico to America, but some things cannot be changed. Even so, Ortiz is an advocate for equal opportunity. “[My parents] tell me to be hardworking and not [judgemental], but sensitive of others because they came from [less],” Ortiz said.

And while some may view working extra as a disadvantage, Ortiz doesn’t. He believes that the increased opportunity in this country and the greater chance of receiving a higher education pales in comparison to any other challenges and disadvantages he has and will face in the future.

On the contrary, senior Dylan Parker is someone who comes from an All-American family. He classifies himself as a white, suburban, middle class, male student who participates in American activities.

For example, the holidays are spent with family, and family isn’t far.

“We celebrate Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July,” Parker said. “My grandparents live by Lakes Community High School, and my cousins live in Mchenry, so I see them a lot.”

Unlike the Ortiz’s, Parker has the ability to gather with his family on more occasions than just the major holidays. Parker’s standard week consists of watching sports games, going to school, attending business club, volunteering and working.

“If it’s football season, we just watch football the whole day, every Sunday,” Parker said. “Saturdays are [for] soccer and college football.”

However, there are setbacks of being a middle class, suburban, white kid that most do not recognize, and one of these is receiving financial aid for college.

“If an underprivileged kid [and I] go to the same school, [he/she’ll get] a lot more money and [I’ll] get less,” Parker said. “Obviously, I [will] have to pay more and he might end up getting the same job as I do; we get the same job but I have to pay off more and he has to pay off less.”

Parker illustrates the fact that middle class kids often get stuck in middle class schools, and therefore stuck in a middle class job because they went to a middle class school. They are stuck in a cycle of mediocrity that doesn’t end.

Even further on the spectrum is senior Mariel Almaria, whose parents are from the Philippines, and they came to America when they

20 Tom Tom March 2017

were teenagers, similar to the parents of Ortiz.

Almaria is the only sister amidst six brothers.

“It’s never quiet at my house, it’s always loud,” Almaria said.

In addition, her extended family is located nearby. She has family in Gurnee, and Almaria said, “I’ll find out that I’m related to five other people that I’ve never seen before, but [they] go to school around here.”

Since they’re all so close, Almaria and her family get together often.

“We do everything together,” Almaria said. “Almost every weekend we’re having a family party, and it’s weird for me to not see my cousins or my family on a weekend.”

Furthermore, Almaria carries the culture of her roots with her everywhere she goes.

“We pretty much do a lot of what they did in the Philippines, we still eat the same foods, one dish is synagoge, a soup with vegetables and chicken,” Almaria said. “On certain holidays, like New Year’s, there [are] superstitions that we have, and we’ll throw coins down the stairs. It’s for good luck.”

The size of Almaria’s family doesn’t change their strong bonds, strengthened by even stronger roots.

Families in Antioch vary vastly. There are no two families that are the same, and while Antioch may be a small suburb of Chicago, it contains diversity that is overshadowed by the masses of uniformity. Whether it be second generation immigrants, families temporarily separated by thousands of miles, being the only girl in an enormous family or facing reverse racism, each person and family brings something unique to our community, whether it be perseverance, tolerance or pride. No town shines like our town. TT

“

“Having general anxiet y is almost like having a cloud over your head at all times,” Carol said. “Sometimes it’s raining, and sometimes [the cloud] just dwells there.

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“

Features

NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF 1. Reassure people they shouldn’t be afraid of anything, no matter what their fear is, except fear itself. 2. Having fear is what keeps you from doing what you want to do and achieving your goals, so it is the only thing to fear.

HALEY EDWARDS // Social Media Director PHOTOS // HALEY EDWARDS

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ear, no matter what it may be of, withholds a person from surpassing that limit. Fear becomes so bad for some that it consumes their everyday life and prevents them from doing everyday tasks that many take for granted.

For Carol, an ACHS student whose name has been changed for anonymity, deals with anxiety in her everyday life. There are many different forms of anxiety, but for Carol it is general anxiety that prohibits her throughout her day. Anxiety is often a term that is tossed around in today’s society. People use it as a term to coin themselves or others without knowing the true meaning of anxiety.

“People definitely do throw the word around a lot and say they have anxiety when in reality it’s just stress,” Carol said. “Stress goes away over time but anxiety is always there.”

According to Medical News Today, anxiety is a term used for a multitude of disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension and worrying.

“Having general anxiety is almost like having a cloud over your head at all times,” Carol said. “Sometimes it’s raining, and sometimes [the cloud] just dwells there.”

With having anxiety, Carol is constantly left questioning everything, even the most miniscule things that many others will not even give a second thought. Someone could say something as typical as “you look nice today,” and Carol will overanalyze this wondering if there is more meaning behind the phrase.

Oftentimes, anxiety can cause panic attacks which, according to Carol, makes any situation much worse. Carol has found a way to cope when she finds herself overthinking.

“I use humor the most to cover up my overthinking, and I haven’t found a way that works 100% of the time and I am still searching for [one that does],” Carol said. “I try to press down my anxiety [by using humor] but eventually it bottles up and I’ll have a really bad panic attack.”

Since panic attacks are oftentimes inevitable, something that triggers a person with anxiety will invoke an anxiety attack either after

22 Tom Tom March 2017

tension has built up over time or in the spur of the moment. Carol described a panic attack as your entire body physically hurting all over.

There is heaviness in a person’s chest and they find it hard to talk.

Things occur in a rapid motion and a person’s brain is all over the place.

“Some panic attacks last minutes and some seem [to last] forever,” Carol said. “When I feel a panic attack coming on, I try to go outside to walk, but with our cold weather it hasn’t been the best. I just try to stay out of my room when I feel in a state of panic because my room has become almost like a jail cell.”

For Carol, she is so afraid of having panic attacks that it causes her to revert to her overthinking and she realizes that her overthinking causes her anxiety to snowball out of control.

While anxiety is a common medical condition that affects many and instills fear in those affected, there are also other medical conditions that induce fear in people. For junior Nathaniel Baldwin, ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD) is something he deals with in his every-

day life.

Baldwin finds his time being rapidly consumed by the antics he finds necessary to get through the day.

“Ever since about the fifth grade I have been checking my homework over again seven times,” Baldwin said. “I do laundry every day due to the fact that I love certain clothes and I feel that if I don’t do it, I will just have too many stresses. Since I started working, [I have less time to] do my chores and this causes a lot of stress.”

Baldwin feels the need to have everything done as best as possible. It causes him a great deal of stress since it is not possible for him to always do tasks to that high of a caliber.

“I am into religion, so if the stuff is unable to be complete, I do my ritual prayer and hope that it will all be okay,” Baldwin said. “It gives me a sense of hope.”

For Baldwin, having OCD makes him really impatient and it can lead to him getting overly frustrated when he cannot seem to fit everything all into one day. He feels this way due to the fact that he needs to check, recheck and check his homework again, do his chores over and over and attend work each day. When he finds himself in this predicament, which he often does, Baldwin turns to comfort food.

While medical conditions can give many a great deal of fear, there are also non-medical fear inducers. These can often be due to the standards set by today’s society. Many feel as if they are not good enough in certain circumstances and therefore just throw in the towel altogether.

This holds true for senior Sydney Morrow, who fears that not doing well leads her to being unproductive. Morrow is fearful of not achieving the high standards set by society, so when she feels as if she is the underdog in a situation, she will give up.

“If I know I won’t do well on an assignment or test then I just won’t try,” Morrow said. “That way when I get a bad grade, I can attest to it being because I didn’t try and not because I am a failure at whatever it may be.”

Morrow feels that instead of letting society tell her she is not good at something, she would rather have her actions say that about her.

Whether a fear is medically induced or a pressure set by society, many people are held back in their day-to-day life by these implications and are unable to go through the course of their day without getting stuck up on their fear. Some of these fears are minuscule things that most people usually look over, but for some, these ‘minuscule’ fears are their biggest enemy. TT

SEQUOITS WACKY FEARS Some Sequoits fear things that are considered unusual. Read below to hear about some of your peers who have fears that aren’t your usual spiders or heights.

Fear of Wind “I am afraid of wind because I hate the sound it makes when it brushes up against your eye or the feel of wind on my skin,” sophomore Casey Kiyohara said. “I also hate looking at trees swaying back and forth [when it’s windy out]. When I’m in wind, I feel my belly just drop like the feeling when you are on a rollercoaster and you go down the tallest [drop]. It makes me not want to go outside and [it’s hard for me] to focus on things.”

Fear of Ladybugs “I have a fear of ladybugs because of a dream I had when I was little,” senior Sarah Opolka said. “My dream ended with ladybugs crawling all over and into me while I was in my backyard. I hate how ladybugs crawl everywhere and then suddenly fly out of nowhere. I also dislike their color and size. The dream definitely traumatized me and [now I have a] fear of ladybugs.”

Fear of Sloths “I think they are creepy because of the way they walk,” sophomore Rachel Phillips said. “Their fingernails are too long and just weird. Everytime I see a sloth, I flinch and I hide because I do not like them.”

HALEY EDWARDS // Social Media Director

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Features

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O verall it made me a better person and made me see the world as better, too.

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NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED 1. You can’t expect to achieve anything if you never take any risks.

EMMA DEJONG // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // EMMA DEJONG

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person’s comfort zone is a place of familiarity; it is a place with reduced stress, low anxiety and a moderate level of happiness.

People often become too used to being in their comfort zone, not feeling the urge to break the steadiness in their lives. The avoidance of trying new foods, joining new sports or clubs, doing the same routine every day: these are all things that can hold a person back from growth and development within their own self. The comfort zone is a natural state for people to be in. However, it is important to occasionally break out of that easy and habitual state of being. Although extreme levels of stress are detrimental to one’s health, being under certain amounts of stress is necessary to push oneself to reach new heights and overcome challenges. These necessary levels of stress are referred to as “Optimal Anxiety.” It is the amount of pressure needed to improve but not too much to inhibit success.

Stepping out of the comfort zone gets easier over time. This means that the more it is done, the easier stepping out of a comfort zone will be later on. The more often these limitations are pushed, the easier it will be to deal with unexpected changes. Basically, the more often a person does this in the present, the more likely it will lead to directly benefiting them in the future.

For people like English teacher Sarah Ogborn, who have continually traveled out of the country, the level of dependence and need for help from other people has decreased dramatically.

“My level of independence increased,” Ogborn said. “Overall it made me a better person and made me see the world as better, too.”

A person who continually pushes themselves to try and see new things will see a decrease in dependence on other people. Yet, why?

The only steady and constant thing in a person’s life is themselves.

That is the only person who is guaranteed to always be there, so why not make sure that self is ready and able to take on tasks without the need of someone else?

There is a big difference between controlled anxiety and the anxiety many people deal with every day. What may expand one person’s horizons could paralyze someone else’s. Optimal anxiety can bring out the best in someone, but too much of it has detrimental effects. Do not tip the scales- trying to do too much at once can cause long-lasting damage.

One of the most fulfilling ways to escape familiarity and routine is to travel. Travelling anywhere, from leaving the house to leaving the country, instigates permanent and life-changing insight and gratification. For most, the only way to get the full benefits and experiences that come with leaving the country is to actually leave the country.

English teacher Katharine Giertych spent time studying abroad in Scotland.

“When I came home, I immeasurably wanted to go back,” Giertych said. “It’s one thing to read rather than see for yourself. Seeing and being a part of it is a different experience.”

One of the most overwhelming stress factors, seen most prominently in people who travel outside of their native country, is having a language barrier. Being in a new country that speaks a different language makes seemingly basic tasks much more difficult. Things like buying a train ticket, reading maps and road signs, or simply asking someone a question turn into an obstacle.

Leaving a home country instantly will take a person out of their comfort zone. For Social Studies and school field trip advisor Stephen

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Features SEQUOITS GO GLOBAL

Canada Mexico Jamaica Dominican Republic England

45.2%

19%

6%

France Germany

17.9%

10.7%

Italy Spain Caribbean 1.2% Data is a result of 84 submissions received INFOGRAPHIC // JASON WOOD

Rose, this is not an unfamiliar concept. He has traveled to numerous countries throughout his lifetime, some of which with the students and staff of ACHS, and has been forced to achieve tasks he was unfamiliar with. In addition, he also learned how to do things differently that contrast his usual American culture.

“In Europe, for example, they air dry their laundry,” Rose said.

After seeing this first hand on his trip to Europe, he went home, bought a drying rack and has been saving money on his electric bill ever since. Travel can change someone’s views on what they thought about something in the past, as well as open their eyes to the present and the future. Every time Rose comes home from a trip, he feels as if he learned new things about the new places he visited.

“I gained a deeper appreciation for my country and where I’m from,” Rose said.

Being comfortable is not something to avoid. It is necessary to remain comfortable to be in a stress-free and anxiety-free state. This state of being allows the brain to rest, recharge and re-up in order to develop and function better in the future.

Being in a state of optimal anxiety will lead to increased performance and enhanced productivity. These terms are general, but there are actual direct and positive outcomes applicable in all people’s lives for all lifestyle types. More productivity is guaranteed to occur.

Without a sense of unease that comes with having set expectations or deadlines to meet, it is common to see only the bare minimum amount of work done. No deadlines means no drive or attempt to go the extra mile. Stress to get things done by a certain time increases learning and ability to do tasks correctly.

Any unexpected change in the future will be easier to deal with. If this change turns into a problem it will be easier to solve it.

Because of the growing lack of effort, motivation and ambition so often occurring in the lives of people in this day and age, it

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is very necessary people to work hard to keep improving. It is never a good thing to cease progression; instead, constant improvement in all aspects of life should be done. Due to the growth in technology, making things easier and creating shortcuts for once time-consuming tasks, the motivation and work ethic of people around the world has drastically begun to decline.

A comfort zone is a good place to be but it is also a good place to leave. It will bring on stress but low levels of stress are beneficial to one’s health and overall well-being. Whether it be through trying new things, changing an everyday routine, traveling out of the country or any particular thing that takes a person out of their comfort zone, it is an experience every person should have. TT

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Instead of encouraging students to pursue their personal passions and interests, societ y oftentimes transforms the meaning of “accomplishment” into one that is built on credit .

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PHOTO // RACHEL BECKMAN

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Features

NOT THE BRIGHTEST CRAYON IN THE BOX

1. A derogatory expression used to describe someone who is not very smart or who is dumb.

RACHEL BECKMAN // Department Editor

I

t’s been heard and said in and outside of the classroom, but many question what it really means. It is used to describe somebody who is lacking in knowledge or incomparable to others, placing them under a title that is looked at as disadvantaged. But how does the phrase “Not The Brightest Crayon in the Box” really play a role in the context it is used in?

At an average American high school, some of the first things running through the mind of a student are their standardized test scores, overall Grade Point Average (GPA), midterm grades, upcoming sports tournaments and social life. Many would say these are the types of ideals that revolve around the mind of an academically-motivated or average student. But where does one fit in when these aren’t on the hitlist of their everyday thoughts? Antioch Community High School holds a wide selection of students that come from different backgrounds, have a variety of interests and pursue different goals in life, but many still attain a judgeful mindset that places people in categories. These categories are based off of the only thing visible to the public: achievement.

In the school, work and retirement atmospheres, how are people placed on the spectrum of someone’s mind? In these situations, which are primarily dealt through social interaction, people immediately gain perspective on others based off of class placement, job titles and retirement benefits. For example, when a student progresses through his high school career in the Advanced Placement classes and honors programs, he gains a new perspective when stuck into the crowd of average-level students. This immediate perception is oftentimes a negative definement. Though it is the student placing a title on others, it is the success-orientated foundation that he grew up with that causes this reaction.

Today’s society projects high, informal standards on intelligence, success and achievement. Instead of encouraging students to pursue their personal passions and interests, society oftentimes transforms the meaning of “accomplishment” into one that is built on credit. This

28 Tom Tom March 2017

credit may be academic, athletic or music-based, but all amounts to one thing: a title. Because of this, students who don’t quite “meet the standards” are left in a situation of degradation where they are defined as lesser and secondary to those around them. Not only does popularity chain high demands on students and their performance, but the aura of cut-throat success that holds such as strong founda-

PHOTO // HALEY EDWARDS

tion in society promotes this merit-based system of definement.

“Most students think they have to make lots of money and have lots of things to be successful,” senior Jacob Dallago said.

Although this continues to be a norm, success isn’t all based off of the point system. There are different types of “bright crayons” in the box. While many feel the upcoming generation is becoming more open to unique interests, it is this openness that diversifies a group of people. The perfectionist thought of a straight-A, future engineering student is simply impossible for all to meet, and limiting. This is because everyone has their own unique characteristics that give them a passion or talent in a certain area. Dallago feels that the reprimanding standards found today project a false statement of achievement. Different from the average Sequoit, he enjoys the trades and takes part in courses at College of Lake County to pursue this passion. Although Dallago doesn’t live up to the AP and honors tracks set out by many, he succeeds in areas such as welding, automotive electricianing and mechanical engineering.

“When pressured to perform well on something I find irrelevant, I get aggravated,” Dallago said. “But when it is something I see as important, I want to do as good of a job as I possibly can.”

There is a need for success in all areas, making one defining path exclusive towards those who don’t follow. In the end, the test scores received in school do not show the talent of students, yet are merely a minute snapshot of a child’s very complex learning profile. It is important for students to discover what they are gifted at and pursue that in their future rather than focus solely on intelligence levels given by tests. Academic tests tend to hide the unique gifts that kids have and overshadow their importance in today’s society.

I strongly believe everyone is the brightest crayon in their own way

but are not always recognized for their contributions,” senior Casey Bala said Positive motivation is the solution to maintaining a more creative and stress-free environment for students, allowing them to focus less on beating those around them and more on pursuing their passions and enjoying their future. As new technology, discoveries and academics drive students in the face of today’s society, a reliance and push that is less on academic achievement and more on the pursuing of talents will further encompass success in the world that is caused not by pressure, but by individual creativity and perseverance.

The knowledge of potential encourages kids to pursue things that they enjoy, leading them to work harder and have more motivation in conquering skills they are gifted at. They need to discover their hidden talents, which will ultimately help the future as it causes those working to have a passion for what they do and be good at it instead of working for money and successful titles.

“Yes, I think that I am defined by my success,” Bala said. “But failure can lead to this fundamental success; it just takes hard work and determination.”

The truth is that there is a wide variety of bright crayons in the box.

They come in all colors, careers and characteristics. They embrace their differences and encourage those around them as they pursue individual passions. Although criticism and one-sided standards will continue to remain present in the education system, workforce and everyday life, there is more behind each person and what they represent. “Not the Brightest Crayon in the Box” shows the need for others to open their eyes to the qualities that make each individual especially bright in their own, unique way. TT

ACADEMIC STRESS 49% of students reported feeling a “great deal of stress” on a daily basis

50% of students reported doing three or more hours of homework per night

26% of students noted that they had been diagnosed with depression

TO-DO DATA // THE ATLANTIC INFOGRAPHIC // JASON WOOD

The “N” Issue

29

SHAUGHNESSY FOR ANTIOCH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR I’m Asking for Your Vote on April 4th

SUPPORT SENIORS: Enhance services for our seniors and active younger senior citizens.

BUDGET WISELY: Keep our taxes from rising, through strategic use of our tax revenue.

IMPROVE COMMUNICATION: Open communication to build relationships with neighboring communities.

ESTABLISH PARK CO-OP: Create a sports co-op with an effective economy of scale.

CONNECT TRAILS: Establish an East/ West trail that connects Antioch to the Des Plaines River Trail.

STAY CURRENT: Improve community communications with an interactive, and transparent website.

THOMAS SHAUGHNESSY Long-time resident of Antioch. Father of four, grandfather of eight. Married for 45 years.

Graduate of Creighton University. Successful businessman. Current Township Trustee.

“Throughout my four-year term as a current Trustee under our Supervisor, I’ve seen a lot of missed opportunities for growth and strategic management of tax dollars. There’s a communication gap between governments and a lack of vision for new programs and activities for our seniors and active younger senior citizens.”

Tom Shaughnessy

VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/tomissuper

POSTSEASON

BY BENJAMIN GUTKE

WRESTLING

I

PHOTO // DAILY HERALD

BOWLING

The girl’s bowling team had a rough start to the season, but slowly picked up speed leading to a well deserved rival win against Lakes. With ten new teammates unsure of what to expect, the team became stronger not only in their bonds, but also in their overall skills throughout the season. On their way to conference, the girls hope for a fierce season ending. TT

t is hard to ignore the incredible accomplishment that Sequoit wrestling picked up this year.

Senior Patrick Schoenfelder dominated this whole season ending with a state championship. Intense matches this year included wins against rivals Lakes and Grayslake North.

“Overall our team was strong. Young, but strong,” Schoenfelder said. “The younger guys really stepped up this year along with a couple key returners.

Next year we may have some holes in the lineup but I can truly see some great things in the coming years.“ TT

BOYS BASKETBALL

A rough regular season seemed to have motivated the boys this season. History repeated itself this year as another regional championship came back to Antioch after back to back upset wins in the regional semi-final and the championship game against Carmel, which marks back to back years beating Carmel in the regional championship.

“The word after this year being echoed throughout the program is ‘Legacy’. I am grateful for the experience I have gotten this year and I am not looking to change anything for next year,” junior Nick Galante said. TT PHOTO // JR JOHNSON

GIRLS BASKETBALL

PHOTO // JR JOHNSON

The girl’s came out of the gates firing on all cylinders this season, starting at 20-3 behind big performances from seniors Ashley Reiser, Amy Reiser and Erika Gallimore. The girls have enjoyed victories against conference rivals such as Lakes and Grant and they look to continue their success into the IHSA state tournament. TT

CHEER

A season to remember for the cheerleading team this year. Constant buzz filled the school after watching the girls compete. Placing at every competition they attended and racking up two first place finishes at the Belvidere Varsity Invitational and the Amos Alonzo Stagg Varsity Invitational. Impressive was an understatement after placing fourth in the state lead by their senior captains, Alexa Castino and Emma Miller.

“Our team made incredible improvements as the year progressed,” Castino said. “Taking a fourth place finish at state was a phenomenal recognition of our hard work throughout the past nine months.” TT The “N” Issue

31

Sports

IN SEASON

BY BENJAMIN GUTKE

SOFTBALL

TENNIS

PHOTO // JOHNNY HORTON

SOCCER

A promising season is upcoming for the girls soccer team.

“I think we have a lot of individual skill and our team chemistry is great,” senior Gracie Bouker said. Recent Iowa commit Monica Wilhelm will headline this year’s team, and after the last few seasons finishing in the middle of the pack, the new NLCC will bring a successful season and a better postseason. TT

BASEBALL

In seasons past, senior leadership was lacking while taking the field for the Sequoits. This year, a new story is unfolding as a senior loaded roster headlined by seniors Thomas Boeh and Sonny Mentone.

Heading into the first season in the NLCC, senior Alex Unikes and the rest of the sequoits are confident.

“Having three solid starting pitchers is going to set us apart from the rest of the conference,” Unikes said.

“We are all excited to start the season, we have all been anticipating our senior year and it is our time to show what we can do.” TT

32 Tom Tom March 2017

S

uccess might be what is expected for this year’s softball team.

After securing the past three regional championships, a heavy senior roster is looking to repeat again this year. The team will have a near identical roster to last year because

TRACK/FIELD

As spring rolls around, the track season comes into full bloom. The boys and girls teams are both looking forward to the upcoming season. Looking strong in all classes coming in highlighted with senior Landon Keefover who took 7th at a national meet during the indoor season earlier this year.

“I’ve learned to be coachable and no matter how good you are, you can always improve,” Keefover said.

On the girls team an exciting newcomer is freshman Ayanna Tommy who won state in the 100 and 200 meter dash in middle school. She also is the first person to get All-Conference during indoor season in all four of her events since Erin Schoenfelder. TT

PHOTO // JOHNNY HORTON

they lost no seniors. Having the same team will be a huge advantage to the Sequoits because of the connections they have from the year prior. Securing a regional title should be no problem for the girls. TT

Boys tennis is looking to leave their mark on the new NLCC this year. Looking for new people to step up and compete with already tough competitors like junior Kyle Boudreau and senior Brandon Sorensen.

This year’s team is looking to continue the success they’ve had in recent years, while also developing new talent in the multiple levels of the program. TT

PHOTO // JR JOHNSON

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{Perspectives

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE

NON-STOP

BY NATALIE HILL AS TOLD TO ALEXANDRA RAPP

A piece of toast has 70 calories. A kiwi has 40 calories. A cutie has 30 calories. A banana has 110 calories. An apple has 60 calories.

These facts are seared in my brain, a grim reminder of my time. I have the amount of calories in so many foods memorized.

In seventh grade health class, they taught us about the obesity epidemic and how to eat healthier. I took the concept of food being the enemy and figured that I could be healthier if I ate less. During the summer before eighth grade, I ate less and less and less, not realizing what I was doing. I would exercise more, eat less, and think that was a good thing. I’d skip meals and think I was lucky I didn’t have to eat. The thing that I thought I was doing to improve my health was actually making me unhealthy all along.

I didn’t realize it was anorexia for a long time. I didn’t notice what was going on. It was my mom who actually figured it out. It took an even longer time for me to accept it; I laughed at her when she first told me. We started to get into fights; she wanted me to eat more but I didn’t want to eat because I thought it was unhealthy. It was a battle between the two of us. She would try to force food on me and I’d try to not eat or I’d try to eat as little as possible.

Eventually, she sent me to a therapist. I went to her for treatment for a while, but it didn’t help. I’d just lie to both my mom and the therapist about how much I was eating,

34 Tom Tom March 2017

and if they asked, I would lie about what I was eating. If I only had egg whites for breakfast, I would tell them I had two full eggs. Maybe I would add in a piece of toast, even if I hadn’t eaten one. After a while of this, I was sent to a hospital for five weeks. I was taken out of school and had to drive an hour each way to get there.

Being taken out of school killed me, it was so hard. I didn’t get to see my friends or anybody. Ever. I didn’t realize how much I missed them. I’d be at the hospital with all of these strangers, bored and miserable. But even though I was unhappy, this was probably what helped me the most: I had such a big incentive to get healthier. I wanted to get back to school, back to my life, back to my friends.

Despite the fact that I was in a hospital being treated for my mental health, my grades were far, far more important to me. I prioritized my grades over my health: mental and physical. If I had considered recovering to be more important than getting an A on the project I had to turn in, I would’ve improved faster. But my grades were the most important thing to me at this time, and I wasn’t that concerned about my health.

It was nearly impossible to balance my treatment and my schoolwork. There were so many things that I was gone for during the five weeks. We learned completely new stuff, and I was handed homework that I didn’t even know how to start. I couldn’t figure out anything. It took a lot of Googling, struggling, and persevering. I would email the teachers and if I didn’t get the answer I

needed, I would email again and ask more questions until I found what I needed.

One of the hardest times in my life was knowing that I was falling behind even thought I was giving it my best.

In the face of all of my hardships, I maintained perfect grades, despite being treated for mental health in a hospital program. I worked long and hard each and every day, focusing only on my grades so that they wouldn’t drop.

I set an extremely high standard for myself.

If I don’t meet these expectations, I get angry. My judgement of myself is based on my grades. If I have all A’s, I’m doing well in life, going the way I need to go. That judgement is probably not healthy; I’ve thought about it before and I figure that it’s not a great thing.

However, besides running cross country and playing soccer, school is almost the only thing I do.

If I do well in school, I feel successful about my life in general. If I do bad in school, I fail at life. I expect if I do my best, I can get good grades. Not doing well is not an option. If I don’t get good grades, I don’t get money for college. No money for college means I have a ton of student debt and I don’t get to do fun things when I’m older. All that I’m working towards right now is more school later on. If I do well in school, I can have more options in college. If I do well in college, I’ll have more options for jobs and I can pick a job I like and be happy.

I’m working towards eventual happiness, and I’ll work non-stop to get there. TT

PHOTO // ALEXANDRA RAPP

The “N” Issue

35

We Can Do It!

ILLUSTRATION // HALEY EDWARDS To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Tom Tom staff recreated a number of iconic images and advertisements in women’s history. See them throughout school today. Scan the code to hear how these Sequoit women are One|Sequoit.

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