THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
the Shakespeare issue
volume 57 . issue 7 . april 2019 sequoitmedia.com. @achstomtom. @sequoitsports 1133 main street. antioch, illinois. 60002
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PERSPECTIVES 04 | EDITOR’S NOTE
05 | STAFF EDITORIAL 06 | SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT 40 | WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE
LIFESTYLES 12 | PROM ON A BUDGET
13 | LOW PRICES MAY COME WITH HIGH RISKS
NEWS
08 | NEWS IN BRIEF
SPORTS
26 | SPORTS SNAPSHOTS
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THE TOM TOM | 2018-2019
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The Tom Tom is a student-produced magazine that is distributed to students, faculty and staff of Antioch Community High School, as well as the members of the Antioch Community. Members of the Tom Tom staff contribute to sequoitmedia.com, the Sequoit Media website, on a regular basis. The student magazine serves as a public forum and is supported by New Voices legislation in Illinois and policies of Community High School District 117. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of ACHS or D117, nor Antioch Community High School’s faculy, staff or administration. CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address: 1133 Main St., Antioch, Ill. 60002 // Phone: 847-395-9433 Website: sequoitmedia.com Email: thetomtom@chsd117.org MEMBERSHIP The Tom Tom belongs to the Kettle Moraine Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honor Society. ADVERTISING Businesses and community members may sponsor the Tom Tom if their sponsorships adhere to guidelines. These can be found in the Sequoit Media Lab (room 263) or on our website (sequoitmedia.com). EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily M. Torres MANAGING EDITORS Diana Anghel Gianna M. Chiappetta PRINT DIRECTOR Benjamin J. Nauman DIGITAL DIRECTORS Alex L. Rapp Karley K. Rogalski SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTORS Jessica J. Nettgen Eleni A. Sakas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Merrick W. Foote ASST. DIRECTORS Joseph M. Kestian Avery J. Frasch ASST. CREATIVE DIRECTORS Kayla E. Grenke Emily Lara
FEATURES
14 | RIVALRIES CAN SPARK FROM INFERIORITIES 16 | RESTATING A RACE 18 | TO BE THE ONE ON TOP OF THE HILL 20 | ADAMANT AMBITION IN TEENS 22 | BREAKING OUT OF THE MINORITY 24 | UNEXPECTED BETRAYAL
SENIOR EDITORS Alexander J. Riedel Kevin E. Tamayo Joseph Whittall JUNIOR EDITORAL BOARD Emily A. Higgins Alex C. Johnson
Madisen M. Krapf Valerie N. Rasmussen Alessia N. Rivera Sarah M. Smith
Jazzmyn J. Roman Valerie M. Rosek Grace A. Rowe Adrian Ruiz
Mollie T. Wagner Sierra M. Ward
Rilee A. Schreiner Matt P. Soberano Cassidy A. Thomas Katelyn M. Vaskovsky Beatriz C. Warnes
TOM TOM STAFF Grace R. Acello Haley M. Aitken Kylar A. Arias Charlotte M. Bongratz Reagan C. Brewer Gavin R. Calabrese Kyle A. Christian Evan M. Day Lena M. DeVore Kara C. Galarneau Julia C. Hackeloer Kaitlyn A. Howe Robbie S. Hulting Izzy J. Hunter Jake T. Ilkka Athan A. Kaliakmanis Sofia C. Klem Avery A. Krizanovic Jacob R. Leitza Kyle A. Miller Madison R. McBride Bridget J. Nauman Alexis N. Olson Brandon R. Pinto Shannon E. Price Maggie M. Quirke Brandon R. Reynolds
Walker A. Winkler ADVISER Patrick R. Johnson, MJE SEQUOIT MEDIA TEAM Iwona Awlasewicz, SBN Sarah Ogborn, Sequoia Sam Worden, Finesse ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR Dee Andershock ACHS ADMINISTRATION Eric Hamilton, Principal Aryan Haren, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Scott Leverentz, Assistant Principal for Student Services Steve Schoenfelder, Athletic Director Teri Klobnak, Activities Director Patricia McGuigan, Dean Grant Murray, Dean DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Jim McKay, Superintendent Brad Hubbard, Asst. Superintendent Brie Cederna, Asst. Superintendent Jennifer Nolde, Asst. Superintendent Ryan Miles, Chief Technology Officer
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. RESPONDING TO THE TOM TOM Letters to the Tom Tom can be submitted through sequoitmedia.com or directly to the adviser’s email. All letters must be signed, must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited. CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Tom Tom is committed to seeking the truth, minimizing harm and presenting the most accurate reporting as possible. If you notice any inaccuracies in this or previous issues, please contact the adviser at patrick.johnson@chsd117.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE
SHAKESPEARE
Shakespeare’s themes of love, betrayal and inequality are timeless; Antioch isn’t too far from his world. had many ups and downs. I will be the first to admit that I had many, and I mean many, breakdowns, but there were also the days when I was on cloud nine because of this program. The Tom Tom is more than just a class. I know, everyone says that, but it truly is a family and through that family, you learn more life lessons than you realize. I have learned so many different things this year that I will take with me through the rest of my life. While it’s going to be extremely hard leaving what I have known as my family for the past three years, I am ready to hand over the baton to Merrick. He is more than capable of running this program next year and I genuinely have not met anyone else more deserving of a position. I can’t wait to see what he and his staff create and I can’t wait to see the Tom Tom flourish even more. Merrick: This Shakespeare magazine has been my chance to sit back and observe what will soon be “my” staff. As of now, no decisions about leadership positions have been made, so throughout this cycle I’ve been really trying to push the Tom Tom staffers into new roles, as well as to start seeing things in a new way. This year has not been very smooth; more than anything it has accentuated the kinks in the system that I will need to fix for next year. Being forced to think this way has made me feel almost as if I am William Shakespeare. In the same way that he explored the world’s problems in different settings, I’ve had to troubleshoot our own issues from fresh perspectives.
MERRICK W. FOOTE creative director @mfoo42
EMILY M. TORRES editor-in-chief @emily_marilynnt
K
eeping traditions alive is something that the Tom Tom has always focused on. As a collective, we strive to lead our school and community through sticking to our roots while still moving forward with the changing society. Though the Tom Tom has been around for over 60 years, we’ve always found new ways to explore the same streets of Antioch throughout time. In this magazine we wanted to look at Shakespeare, who much like us, found a way to continue making the same themes relevant over the course of multiple centuries. Emily: To continue our theme of writing about literature, this magazine we decided to write about the ideas in Shakespeare’s writing. We want to continue our tradition of writing stories that you wouldn’t normally see talked about. In this magazine, we talk about the hard times and even the triumphs. I can’t believe that I am already writing this editor’s note. When I came into the Tom Tom my sophomore year, I wasn’t expecting to be the Editorin-Chief of it my senior year. I always wanted a leadership position but never thought that my dreams would become a reality. I was told I was going to be the next EIC during the middle of my junior year. That moment was something that I never saw coming and still to this day I will never forget how excited—and nervous—I was. I knew that the year ahead of me was going to be challenging but I was excited for it. This past year has
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Shakespeare’s problems ranged from betrayal and the struggle for power to racism and sexism. ACHS students constantly trying to be better than those around them can be seen in staffer Kara Galarneau’s take on the story of “Antony and Cleopatra”, while the betrayal that exists between those “on top” is displayed in staffer Katie Howe’s interpretation of “Julius Caesar”. Facets of the societal class system such as racism and sexism are explored in staffer Beatriz Warnes’s story based on “Othello” and junior editor Alexandra Johnson’s analysis of lesser known play “The Taming of the Shrew”. Also found in this magazine are timely stories about prom and as-seen-on-TV ads from junior editor Sarah Smith and staffer Haley Aitken, respectively. To cap it off, junior editor Madison McBride puts her own spin on “The Twelfth Night”. This magazine also marks the end of an era for the Tom Tom, as we will be hitting the reset button on all facets of our production next year. I could not have possibly asked for any better EIC to finish out this iteration than Emily. When I think of her, I still think of how she raised me up from being a “newbie” to being the EIC. I am immensely proud of everything she’s accomplished in her tenure here, and only hope that I can fill her shoes next year. Best of luck, Em. From everyone here at the Tom Tom, we will miss you.
Merrick, I don’t think you will ever realize how sad I am to leave you. We have had some fights and there have been times where I have ignored you for days (tehe sorry), but I think those moments really molded our relationship. You are someone who I have gotten so close to and didn’t expect it in the slightest. I have no doubt in my mind that you and your staff will be nothing short of amazing next year. I am ecstatic to see what you are all capable of. Always remember to stay humble and don’t get too frustrated (like me). Don’t forget to show people you care, you and I both know that you do. Next year, you will learn so much about yourself and many different lessons, but with all of that, don’t forget where you came from.
Love you lots,
Em
STAFF EDITORIAL
UNDERCLASSMEN ARE NOT UNDERWHELMING Feeling of inferiority welcome underclassmen
same AP and honors classes, before junior and senior year. Not only have underclassmen been allowed to take AP classes, but they have excelled, receiving top scores of 4 and 5 on AP exams. Academic excellence is also shown by underclassmen outside the classroom, in extracurricular activities such as in the math team, speech team and academic team. Underclassmen see no limits in academic achievement.
M
any movies, television shows and other forms of media limit the abilities of certain students. These limitations include a lack of empathy for the teenagers in high school. These assumptions translate into the real world. The students that are commonly thought less of are underclassmen. Traditional high school hierarchies are often focused on seniority in the situation of which the upperclassmen has power over the underclassmen. Upperclassmen can do this, yet underclassmen cannot. Upperclassmen can do that, yet underclassmen cannot. This trend may seem repetitive; yet, there are instances where this trend is broken. Throughout the hallways of ACHS, there are underclassmen rising to power. Whether its sports, academics or the performing arts, the underdogs are putting traditional stereotypes to shame. Traditionally, upperclassmen were typically only allowed to be the ones to take Advanced Placement classes. Underclassmen have been shown to rise to the occasion by taking those
Here at ACHS, one Ě s grade level rarely determines their athletic standing. Many underclassmen have impressed their coaches enough to be able to compete at the varsity level even at a young age. In fact, some coaches look forward to the incoming class due to well known talent and work ethic. Underclassmen see no limits in athletic achievement. Underclassmen see no limits in performing arts (and art in general) achievement. Underclassmen have risen to the occasion of filling bigger roles in ACHS’ plays, musicals and music in the performing arts program. Teachers and directors have become impressed with the level of participation by underclassmen in the performing arts especially; the students show no sign of letting their grade level define them. Our staff does not believe that underclassmen are superior to upperclassmen; we believe that underclassmen have the same opportunities to succeed, and have succeeded, through high level achievements all throughout high school. A student’s age does not change the fact that they are still a Sequoit. What underclassmen differ in experience they make up for in spirit. Sequoits see no limit to what they can achieve.
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SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT: Standardized
testing may be a pain to some, but overall it helps with many things.
T
racking a student’s academic progress can be argued as an essential part of a school. Many schools track this through standardized testing. Love them or hate them, standardized tests play a major role in education. Although, to some, standardized testing may seem like a “waste of time,” standardized testing can also be extremely beneficial. Standardized testing is a way to track a students progress through their years in school. These tests show how much one has developed academically throughout school. It can also prove that students are actually learning what teachers are teaching them. Standardized tests are a way to hold not only students accountable, but also teachers. It shows if a student is trying the best that he or she can in school, and it shows how much effort a teacher is putting in while teaching a lesson. These tests can truly reflect back on what the curriculum is providing students. If the lessons are not geared towards what is on the test, then students may not perform well on their upcoming tests. Standardized tests give guidelines to what we should be learning and also give us guidelines towards what we need to be learning for the future.
illustrations by
Reagan Brewer
MAGGIE QUIRKE tom tom staff @maggiequirke These tests can be crucial when it comes to applying to colleges. The score received on a test can be very influential to one’s future. These tests can significantly impact the way the rest of one’s life plays out; not only do these tests focus on colleges, but they also are a way to show where students are improving and where they are struggling. Standardized tests are not only presented in high school; students have been taking standardized tests since elementary school. These tests can show whether or not a student should be placed in a gifted class. Being placed in a gifted class can set up how one’s time in school is going to work out and traditionally provide a path for academic and collegiate success. Some may argue that these tests are not truly testing one’s knowledge because it can cause a majority of stress-related problems. This stress can be preventable by preparing for the test. Studying or using practice problems that are geared to standardized tests is a good way to prepare. Another stressor this test may cause is time management. To improve one’s skills in time management, many practice problems are geared towards timing yourself. These practice books and problems help with many different things and can ultimately improve the overall score one may receive on their test. Whether one is willing to prepare or not, it reflects on how they will perform on a certain test. These tests are an extremely accurate way of recording one’s progress in academics. Standardized tests are a major part of today’s education and are very beneficial for one’s future.
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ACT, SAT, & NWEA Standardized
testing cannot accurately show a student’s strengths and weaknesses.
C
orrectly answering a total of 154 questions in just under four hours should not have the impact that it currently has on students’ futures. Whether they are tests measuring what has been learned throughout high school, or tests measuring readiness, the goal of each assessment is to evaluate student performance across the state. For those students who do not test well, standardized tests seem to only measure a small portion of intelligence. A single exam cannot correctly measure a student’s intelligence in all capacities. Every student is unique, and cannot be compared to a standard that is meant for an entire population of students. On a standardized exam such as the SAT, students are tested on reading and math. On the ACT, students are expected to complete the same sections along with an added science category. Although the tests provide a rounded selection of school subjects, many feel the reading section within both standardized tests should be scored differently due to the interpretation of both the passage and questions. The tests also do not provide a full picture of soft skills needed to learn, such as creativity, motivation and cooperation. While mentors teach that there are correct answers for every question, the narrowed down approach promotes only the correct answer on the test, not leaving room for a differing interpretation. This does not allow students to think creatively, and it forces them to think the way the state wants them to in orderfor them to be “college and career ready.”
EMILY A. HIGGINS junior editor @emilyhiiggiiins unfamiliar with the format and timing within the different sections of the test may hinder their test taking approach. Situational environments including mental and physical health issues can also affect a student’s test score, but standardized tests do not allow for individual personal factors to be taken into consideration. Colleges use and analyze these testing scores to measure how ready a student is for the next step after high school. Because tests like the ACT and SAT only evaluate a one-time performance, colleges are not able to see a student’s progress and growth over time throughout their schooling years. It can be argued that the student’s performance should be evaluated over the course of all four years instead of just one single test that determines their entire future. Since the beginning of standardized testing across all states, students have performed in various ways, regardless of studying habits and outside preparation. Though many factors can increase or decrease the tests’ reliability, a single score should not determine a student’s future.
Is standarized testing benefical?
Yes
No For some
In college
This inflexible way of thinking allows for some students that excel in the classroom to not perform well on a standardized test. Being
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8 | NEWS | February 2019 | The Tom Tom
IN BRIEF SAT TAKES ANTIOCH BY STORM The annual test took place at ACHS on Tuesday, April 9. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a nation wide test administered by the College Board that allows for colleges and future employers to see applicants’ skills based on the standardized test. Most current juniors took the test while current freshmen and sophomores took the PSAT 9 or the PSAT 10. The SAT is graded on a scale from 400-1600 to form a composite score of both English and Math sections. The math portion of the test is broken into two sections: calculator and non-calculator. The English section is divided into reading, writing and language. The essay portion, if one chose to take it, is a separate score that consists of three different scores all ranging from two to eight. “I think I did fairly good overall,” junior Zoe Johnson said. “But I think that I could have done better.” According to the College Board website, the multiple choice scores from the SAT taken on April 9 will be available on May 2 and most of the essay scores will be available between May 5 and May 7. Jazzmyn Roman
VALERIE N. RASMUSSEN
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10 | NEWS | February 2019 | The Tom Tom
IN BRIEF LOCAL ART DISPLAY SHOWCASES WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS The annual Women’s Art Show was held on Friday, April 12 at Lakes Community HIgh School. The show was sponsored by the Antioch Women’s Club and hosted a variety of different mediums of art from many surrounding schools. Some of the art presented included watercolor paintings, colored pencils drawings, pen drawings, pottery and much more. The works were collected from several middle schools and high schools from the nearby area. In addition to enjoying the students’ pieces, those who were in attendance also enjoyed the 2nd Annual Mud Olympics. The Mud Olympics is a throwing competition in which students mold and shape clay on a potters wheel in order to try and win a titles with the pieces they are able to create within the time limit. “It’s really cool that they brought the throwing competition back this year,” junior Tessa Larson said. “It’s so much fun to watch and I’m glad I was able to go.” The show allowed for a massive range of student work to be shown to a large audience and provided entertainment for all who went. Valerie Rosek
VALERIE N. RASMUSSEN
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PROM ON A BUDGET A
s prom season approaches, many students start to begin their preparation for the “big night.” This preparation may include dress shopping, tuxedo rentals, nail appointments and
ACHS Students
save money on prom preparations.
SARAH M. SMITH junior editor @smsmitty3
Avery Krizanovic “Oo La La Botique is actually a really affordable place to go to when you need something and they have a lot of different styles.” Brooke Poulos
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per ticket and this may already be too expensive for some. “While prom night is a night to remember, it doesn’t need to have a bill that will take
much more. For many, prom night is one to remember; all of the minor details need to be perfected in order to make the occasion a perfect event to remember.
forever to pay off,” U.S. News author Jon Lal wrote. “More money saved on prom expenses means more money that can be applied to college expenses.”
However, the cost of the night may make perfecting it difficult for many students. Paying for tickets, an outfit, accessories and everything else that ties the night together can amount to a hefty bill, and not all students are capable or willing to pay for every accessory.
By saving a small amount of money in different places, more money is available to put into other things later on in life. Saving a few dollars on prom night may be beneficial for one in the future if that’s a major concern in the moment.
“I think [students] spend so much money on things for prom because this is the one day a year where they can really dress nice and pretty to feel good about themselves,” junior Samantha Champney said. “It’s what’s been done for so long that it is the norm to spend all this money on prom. It’s a fancy occasion where you feel the need to dress nice and be extravagant.” For students who are not able or willing to pay these expensive prices, one may shop at stores such as Goodwill, Cinderella’s Closet, Ooh La La Boutique or other thrift stores that have inexpensive dresses, shoes and tuxedos available. To avoid paying to get ones hair, nails and makeup done, many people do it themselves or ask a friend or family member to do it for them. One aspect of prom preparation for all students that can not be changed is the price of the ticket. Admissions cost $100
“The best way to save money [on prom] is to get a dress that’s on sale,” Champney said. “[You] also don’t need to go crazy on how much you spend to get your hair and nails done. Go get it done for a reasonable price. You can do your own makeup or have a friend do it for you.” Prom does not always need to be very expensive. Budgeting money for prom may have many benefits. Students still have the chance to look their best on prom night. One may look back on this memorable night for the rest of their life as a fun and important events of one’s life.
LOW PRICES MAY COME WITH HIGH veryone has seen as-seen-on-TV ads and RISKS Ethought of buying it’s products. The popular Snuggie, Magic Bullet and Turbi Twist are just some of the many “deals”.
HALEY M. AITKEN tom tom staff
A
s-seen-on-TV products can be beneficial for a lot of people. These products can make daily life easier and possibly more enjoyable. The Snuggie may be one of the most popular “As-Seen-on-TV” products. It’s another form of a blanket, but with sleeves like a sweater. Some people like to say it is more comfortable and makes moving around easier. “I own a Snuggie and it is very comfortable,” sophomore Sergio Longinos said. “I personally like it better because it has sleeves and it’s long enough to where it covers your whole body so I can move around in it.”
much easier to use which I prefer because my hair is longer so it stays on my head well.” These products are beneficial because they are used by many people and are known to work. Some products may also be cheaper, which can attract customers to buy them. There are also negatives about all these products. For example, the Magic Bullet isn’t the easiest to clean and the Turbi Twist tends to work better for those who have longer hair. Some people may find that the Snuggie is uncomfortable and may find it hard to move around in depending on the sizing. A variety of people purchase these products because it makes life easier for them. As-seen-on-TV products may not only benefit a person, they can benefit anything one can think of.
The Snuggie is easier to use because people can accomplish more while being comfortable at the same time and are able to do their chores of their daily life. Another popular asseen-on-TV product is the Magic Bullet. It’s smaller than most blenders, but it can blend the food faster than a normal blender. This product may not be one of the easiest blenders to clean because it is smaller and has more blades at the bottom, and it can blend one’s food as well as expected. “I like this blender the best compared to others on the market because it does what it claims to do and it’s extremely effective,” senior AnLi Butler said. The last popular product is the Turbi Twist. The Turbi Twist is a miniature towel that people wear on their head after they take a shower. They are much smaller than a regular towel and work just as well. “I’ve been using a Turbi Twist for a while now and I love it,” sophomore Alyssa Colpaert said. “It is much smaller than a regular towel and
Madisen Krapf
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RIVALRIES CAN SPARK FROM INFERIORITY Inferiority between siblings can lead to family/sibling rivalries.
LENA M. DE VORE tom tom staff @lenaadevoree
I
n certain situations, Parents tend to favor one child over the others. Parental favoritism can make things tense between siblings and there can be a sense of rivalry especially when in an activity together because parents can easily single one child out. The feeling of inferiority towards one sibling is what may lead to rivalries between them. Favoritism from parents can be the primary cause of a child’s feelings of inferiority, in other words, the feeling of not being enough. Revenge can be an effect of inferiority because a rivalry may spark competition between siblings. “I feel that anyone who is a younger sibling already feels inferior to their older siblings, partly because your [older] sibling gets privileges that you do not get,” sophomore Kelsi Sheren said. “My brother is definitely better at sports than me. He’s currently playing college baseball, which is amazing, but probably something I could never do with dance.” Parental favoritism can make adolescents that are less favored feel diminished and
14 | FEATURES | February 2019 | The Tom Tom
compared to the favorite child. The feeling of inferiority can lead to a sense of mental injury and being favored can lead to a sense of entitlement that can continue to develop over time according to Psychology Today. Younger children tend to be more sensitive to parental favoritism because they develop a negative reaction to their parents’ favoritism and create more of a conflict. There are two types of parental favoritism approaches according to Psychology Today: apparent or intentional. Apparent favoritism is when children are sensitive to the ways parents treat other siblings and themselves. Apparent favoritism goes along with unfairness parents give. Intentional favoritism goes past unavoidable appearances. This kind of favoritism is either a comparative or a special privilege a sibling gets. “Yes [there have been times I’ve felt inferior to her], I feel she is better at pretty much everything and that people like her more [since we are twins],” sophomore Faith Miller said. “I think of something that I know I’m better at than her [when I feel inferior to her].”
Fairness is a key term in effects to inferiority. Fairness is always a double standard, meaning that people don’t always treat others the same. There are many reasons why a parent may favor one child over the other. One particularl reason being because the child may perform highly in things or simply because the parent has similar traits and interests as the child. That connection between the parent and child can easily leave the other children out, which makes them feel inferior to their sibling. “Some [students that feel inferior to a sibling simply] don’t care, others feel like they have to try to live up to their siblings (if they’re doing well) or compensate for them (if they’re not). I think it also depends on how close in age they are. Generally, the closer in age, the more competitive they are,” guidance counselor Kelly Lindgren said. “[Parents] have to be accepting of all their kids equally. That would include celebrating each kid for their unique talents and abilities, attending their events equally and etc.” to Alfred Adler’s “Theory of Birth Order,”
Photographer Name
Sophomores Erin and Faith Miller look daringly in to each others eyes showing that as siblings and teammates they still compete against each other. The similarities among siblings caused rivalries that go beyond just school and sports, there was a constant attempt to go above and beyond the other; however, these rivalries can lead to the personal improvement of each sibling. “I feel that we learn things from each other as we play basketball,” sophomore Faith Miller said. “We are close and comfortable with each other.”
the birth order between siblings has a direct connection with their personality, characteristics, behaviors, experiences and development. Siblings that are born after another have to deal with a lifetime of having to compare themselves to the older sibling. In Adler’s theory, he defines the characteristics and feelings of an older, second, middle, youngest and only child in their family.
it can be between others as well. Fairness is a concept that everyone deals with at certain times and many humans continue to struggle with the idea of feeling like not enough, or not having enough. This then links to the inferiority of a sibling.
Though Adler has a very strong opinion about the birth order effect on children, he does acknowledge that not every family’s birth order has such a significant influence depending on parental attitudes, gender roles and others. He states that birth order is simply one possible tool to help guide and assess parents who notice a problem of favoritism and inferiority within their family. Sibling rivalries and revenge can be sparked by a feeling of inferiority. This feeling can have many negative effects on a child growing up, and according to many sources can lead to separation due to the feeling of always having to compete for attention. Inferiority is not always just between siblings or parents,
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RESTATING A RACE
Photos By: Isabelle Hunter
16 | FEATURES | February 2019 | The Tom Tom
with antioch being mostly caucasian, those of color find themselves constantly dealing with the idea of being a minority.
A
ntioch is a white town. There’s white sidewalks, white snow and white street lights. According to the local government, it has only 1,000 street lights, yet nearly 12,000 white people. They make up 83 percent of the Antioch population. Based on this information from City-Data, one can sense the overwhelming majority of white people in this town. The other part is made up of Hispanic, Asian, Black and two or more races. This means that the lack of diversity in a town many call their home, tends to ripple. A recent video surrounding bullying was shared with the high school staff and students. It created discussion of the feeling of being picked on because of having a certain racial background. Students of all races told their stories through someone else’s voice, but the words were still theirs. This was meant to encourage teenagers at ACHS to be kinder to those around them. “[The video is] not something that you throw out there and just let it lie and hope that it catches,” ACHS psychologist Jim White said. “It’s something that we want to keep rolling out in terms of awareness. And again, trying to just eliminate the ignorance part of it is that it unfortunately exists everywhere.” When walking in the hallways at Antioch Community High School, it is normal to feel judged. Insecurities are inserted in a teen’s brain the second they step through those metal doors. What causes those insecurities are the people that make others feel bad for having certain features. The way a person looks is related to the genetics they gain from either side of their family; however, some students may not know their parents. Sophomore Nina Carey was adopted from China when she was still a baby. Having been in the United States nearly her whole life, race doesn’t play a big role in her manner of living. “[My race] obviously affects me a little bit
BEATRIZ C. WARNES tom tom staff @bwarnes28 because sometimes I notice it, but sometimes I don’t realize it when I’m around people,” Carey said. “I don’t think ‘oh, I’m different’. I’m Asian. I just think I’m a normal person.” Carey is thankful for the relatively low number of times she has been picked on just for the color of her skin. Her life at ACHS does not revolve around the way she looks; being a student is what defines her. Ignorance plays a role in racism. While some have dealt with this kind of judgment, many, like Carey, have not. White explained that when racism comes into play with students, studies have shown that it can cause anxiety or even depression. A lot of this stems from the idea of being a minority; students will not feel like they’re fitting in because of the inability to look around and see people who come from the same racial group as them. Those apart of the Antioch majority can not relate to this type of feeling, yet there is sometimes more to it.
“I THINK ABOUT MY RACIAL IDENTITY WHEN I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO. WHAT KIND OF THINGS SHOULD I BE DOING IF I AM AFRICAN AMERICAN?” JUNIOR // TIANA FOX
Those statistics from City-Data show that there are people in Antioch that come from more than one race. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of confusion.
school itself won’t change but the students can. They cannot change the way others look at them, but they can change the way they look at themselves.
Junior Tiana Fox has both Caucasian and African American parents. While racial identity does not consume a huge part of her headspace, she finds herself taking into consideration the thought of being a minority. This only happens when she allows herself to drift into this kind of thinking. She feels that without even considering looks, everyone is different in their own way.
Looking back in the mirror can either create a smile or a frown, but looks are not the deciding factor in a person’s self worth.
“I think about [my racial identity] when I don’t have anything to do,” Fox said. “What kind of things should I be doing if I am African American?”
Their identity can come from other aspects of their life other than their genetics. They could be an athlete, an academic achiever or in multiple clubs. A student does not fall into a singular category; it is their personality that makes up what it means to be a Sequoit, not their race.
What would Antioch be like if it was more racially diverse? It would not be the town that it is now, but there is no way to say that it would make this specific area a better place. The
“With people who are feeling that they are in an area of high discrimination, and not feeling welcome, it’s when they get away from that mindset of that factor being their primary identity of the ethnicity when they get better,” White said.
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Valerie rosek Sophomore Riley Conway looks hopeful as she thinks of her goals and aspirations in lfie. She relies on her friends and family for support to help her achieve her dreams.
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ADAMANT AMBITION IN TEENS
Having big dreams and always wanting more is something many teens face in society today.
KARA C. GALARNEAU tom tom staff @karag__
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s human beings, people are oftentimes are stuck in a constant cycle of wanting more. Whether its fame, wealth, power, better grades or winning, it seems people are never satisfied. Why is it that some feel so obligated to be better, achieve more, be willing to betray a close friend, or cheat their way into something. As humans this is one of the greatest flaws, but also a valid reason as to why they are so civilized. Everyone is competitive and without that humanity would never come close to the advancements the world has accomplished today. Teens are the epitome of relentlessly wanting to accomplish more. They have their entire future ahead of them, and are told they need to be successful from day one. Teens are expected to get good grades, take advanced classes, excel in extracurricular and get into a good college. Along with all of these pressures comes social life, popularity, fitting in and keeping up with trends. They are taught to blend in, but also to excel at the same time. Keeping up with these pressures may seem near impossible and it can weigh on teens as a whole. “As a teen, I feel that me and most people my age always want more and can never be satisfied,” junior Jackson Devaughn said. “I find myself always wanting more technology or new products such as clothing and shoes.”
period when one is not a child, but also not an adult. While searching to find who one truly is, it is difficult when more pressure is added. Today, society is fast paced and when going into high school, it is expected to consider career paths and future goals. Although it is important to set goals, making teens grow up too quickly can be very unrealistic. Some are more capable of handling this pressure and others are not. Sophomore Riley Conway does feel pressure from society and her friends, but finds it pushes her to achieve more in life. “One thing I value a lot is being successful,” Conway said. “I want to become a doctor in the future, have good grades in school and be successful in cheerleading. Being successful makes me feel better as a person.” Although stress and pressure can be negative, there are ways to make the most out of the teenage years in a healthy way. According to Psychology Today, communicating with those who one loves and trusts can help tremendously. Those loved ones can lend advice and make one feel less alone in a difficult time. With early start times in high school, it is hard to get enough sleep, but sleep is another topic that can affect an overall quality of life. It is ideal for teens to have a minimum of 9 hours a night. Managing homework, extracurriculars and a social life can be tough, but finding a schedule will make life seem more organized amongst all of the chaos. The most important thing to remember while on the road to success is that it is okay to fail. Failure is important amongst not just teens, but all ages; it teaches lessons and that sometimes the path one wants to go on is not always right.
According to Psychology Today, teens are under more pressure in this day and age than ever before. Adolescence is always a difficult transition
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BREAKING OUT OF THE MINORITY The issue of inequality is still a prominent part of everyday life for women.
heard this term because they are not directly affected by it and therefore do not feel as if it is their duty to try to change it.
ALEXANDRA C. JOHNSON junior editor @woahalex2
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omen have come a long way from the stay-at-home housewives they were once expected to be. This was back when it was nearly impossible for women to seek higher education or simply get a job. It is fair to say that the equality standards today are stronger than they have been before; however, they are still not perfect and most likely they never will be. A lot of the issues that advocate for equality are based off of the fact that there is not a lot of education on the topic itself. Sometimes advocating for women’s rights is skewed in a derogatory manner, and a person can quickly go from a feminist to someone who hates men. If people were better informed on the topic, then it would give them the opportunity to see the issue from multiple perspectives. Despite what some people want to believe, there are still inequalities for women in their everyday lives. There is a term called the “Pink Tax” where women are paying more for items they need for everyday use such as clothing, accessories and personal care. There are many people that have never
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There are also a lot of tasks that women are expected to perform solely based on the fact that they are more female oriented. In third world countries this can often include life saving tasks such as collecting water and food, according to CNN. Many of these necessary tasks that women perform are often done for free and with little recognition given for doing them. Along with that, women do not get the same opportunities to advance to higher positions in the workforce as men do. According to Insider, “Women are 18 percent less likely to get promoted in their jobs than their male counterparts.” None of these issues are meant to put blame on men, but society’s inability to enact change in a growing and diverse world. If everyone of all genders and races could stand together on the issue then it could help push society in the right direction. There is no time like the present to start enacting change, and people just have to be excited for what the future will hold. “[Women] were always strong, but now we have the courage and the confidence to speak up,” math teacher Megan Troyer said. Being a femenist in our current society can have multiple meanings. A lot of the time feminism is falsely associated with disliking men; however, the true definition of feminism is mainly just a person of any gender that advocates for women’s rights. Therefore anyone can be a feminist and still want equal rights across genders.
Sierra Ward
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UNEXPECTED BETRAYAL
Sometimes people are betrayed by the ones who are least expected
KAITLYN A. HOWE tom tom staff @_kaitlynhowe_
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ome may feel like everyone around them is carrying an invisible knife, ready and willing to unexpectedly attack at any time. Sometimes, the people one thinks they are closest to may have the sharpest knife. Being stabbed in the back can have multiple meanings. Those who are literally stabbed in the back don’t live another day to feel the puncture of the blade. Those who are metaphorically stabbed in the back, live to tell the tale. The feeling of betrayal has existed for a long time, and is not going anywhere anytime soon. Historical figures, real and fictional, have been betrayed by those whom they thought they could share anything and everything with. This feeling may be similarly felt in high school. The four years of high school are accompanied by multiple sources of stress, such as balancing school work, athletics and jobs; however, some students may claim they have found one of the best stress relievers: friendship. Spending time with friends can be a helpful way for stressed students to clear their minds and reset. According to MentalHealth.net, research showed that by talking to a family member or friend for a minimum of ten minutes has the ability to improve memory and mood. Seems pretty simple, right? Talk to a friend and stress will be relieved. But, when one becomes upset and may want to rely on a friend, what happens when that friend is not there? There can be many different feelings one may feel if or when they are betrayed. Commonly, those who are betrayed go through a stage of denial. They may not believe that someone they thought they could trust actually took action against them. The situation may feel too ironic to be real. “I felt awful,” sophomore Chloe Martinez said. “I could not believe that someone so close to me would do that.” Martinez described how it felt to be metaphorically “stabbed in
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the back” by those she thought she could trust. The feeling of betrayal can have multiple effects. Some people, like Martinez, are able to move on from the situation; other people find moving on too painful. After being in a state of denial, the next feeling could arguably be the worst: feeling hurt. Someone that used to bring happiness is now the reason for feeling sad and upset. When losing someone one was close to, they could go through the feeling of loss — losing an acquaintance, a classmate or a friend. It may be sad to think of how a friendship was before one felt the blade of betrayal. Some may be better at moving on than others are; either way, it can be hard to forget good memories. “The friendship was amazing,” junior Alex Barbarise said. “There were no problems at all and I felt like I could tell the person anything.” Looking back at the good times of the past may make one want to rekindle the old friendship. Yet, it may be hard to put themselves out there with constant reminder of betrayal. One may be placed in a tough situation: Do they cut that friend out of their life, but forever missing the friendship they once had? Or, do they accept their ex-friend’s apology, but are constantly reminded of their past betrayal?
Some people are extremely uncomfortable with the thought of not being on good terms with a friend. When one is betrayed, they may feel that the problem is someone else’s fault. Yet, with further contemplation, their mind could begin to tell them something else. They could wonder about whose fault it really is and their reason for being betrayed. After a lengthy thought process, one could begin to see the situation completely differently than how they originally did. They may begin to see themselves as the one with a knife. As a result of this, they may go apologizing to their friend, even if they weren’t the one at fault. One’s inability to be in bad standings with a friend could ultimately lead to one being more vulnerable to betrayal.W “The friendship was amazing,” junior Alex Barbarise said. “There were no problems at all and I felt like I could tell the person anything.” Looking back at the good times of the past may make one want to rekindle the old friendship. Yet, it may be hard to put themselves out there with constant reminder of betrayal. One may be placed in a tough situation: Do they cut that friend out of their life, but forever missing the friendship they once had? Or, do they accept their ex-friend’s apology, but are constantly reminded of their past betrayal?
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24 | SPORTS | February 2019 | The Tom Tom
SNAPSHOT SOCCER The Sequoits girls soccer team started off their season a little rough but plan on kicking it up as the season comes to a close. Right now, they have earned a record of 6-4-2. “This season we’ve been working hard and putting everything out on the field,” sophomore Chloe Krumrai said. “We may not be having the best results, but it has been an exciting season so far.” With a young team this year, Antioch plans on doing some real damage down the road. Come support them when they start to make their state push. Jessica Nettgen
SARAH M. SMITH
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SNAPSHOT BASEBALL The Sequoits baseball team had a rough start in the beginning but have begun to show more teamwork and success in their recent games. The boys started out with a non-consistent record winning some games and then going on losing streaks. “We lost a lot of the games that we should have won because we weren’t consistent,” senior baseball player Jack Gillespie said. “Recently we’ve been winning games against some really good teams and we’ve been improving much more as a team.” Although the baseball team had an unsuccessful start they have proven to show more effective teamwork and cooperation in games against teams that they did not think that they could win against. The Sequoits are performing much more consistently than in the past and hope to keep it that way the rest of the season. Come cheer on your Sequoits in their push to reclaim their super-sectional title. Valerie Rosek
MATTHEW P. SOBERANO
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SNAPSHOT GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD The Sequoit girls track team has been dominating the conference this season. They have been on a roll and there is no sign of them stopping. With senior Noor Abdellatif’s recent signing to the University of Illinois, there is a feeling of pride amongst the team as they continue their journey this season. There is much promise for the team. Junior Ayanna Tommy was a track prodigy throughout middle school and has lived up to expectations this season. “I feel like it’s going really well,” Tommy said. “Everyone is starting to hit their goals as the season ends.” The team’s season is coming full circle, and while they still have goals to accomplish, they are confident that they can reach them. The expectation for the girls track team this year is huge, and the pressure is only building as the season goes on. With all eyes on them, the Sequoits are ready to make their final push. With their eyes on the prize, the race for state is beginning. EVAN M. DAY
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SNAPSHOT BOYS TRACK AND FIELD The boys varsity track team has had a great season so far, attaining a record of 7-0-0. The Sequoits have also placed top three in every invitational they have attended this year. Going undefeated in the Lake County Conference, Antioch hopes to continue to have success finishing up this season. “I think that the team is doing a great job this year; not only have we won varsity meets, but we have also won junior varsity meets easily,” junior Charlie Smith said. “Our goals for this season are certainly to win conference again, along with county and sectionals while putting as many people down state as possible.” The Sequoits are fortunate to be well-rounded in track events and field events this year, allowing Antioch to gain points in every aspect of the sport. This, coupled with the depth which the team’s roster has, is the reason Antioch has been able to do so well thus far. Jessica Nettgen
BRANDON R. PINTO
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SNAPSHOT TENNIS The boys varsity tennis team has received a lot of new players this season. However, the team has been focusing on improving the basic skills they need to get the results they desire. The boys as a whole have had a rough season so far, winning two matches along with six losses making their record 2-6. Their varsity lineup includes singles players Thomas Ruminski and Will Vesser, as well as doubles players Gavin Eldrige, Merrick Foote, Easton Herbon and Spencer Heney. “Right now I’m just focusing on the basic fundamentals since this is my first year,” junior tennis player Elijah Reyes said. “Next year I think we have a lot of potential, but right now we’re taking it one step at a time.” Come out to support your fellow Sequoits as they start their postseason push!
Valerie Rosek
ROBERT S. HULTING
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SNAPSHOT SOFTBALL The girls varsity softball team has had a phenomenal season so far, going 18-1-1. The Sequoits are ranked 11th in the state and are 1st in the Lake County Conference. They have won all three of the tournaments they have competed in including the D117 invitational, Byron Dawg Days and the JHS softball tournament. “The way our team works together really helps us come through with a win every time,” sophomore center fielder Ashlyn Sundell said. “This season has been so much fun and so successful this far.” The Sequoits have excelled in every aspect of the game. The girls are looking forward to the rest of the season knowing they have the potential and talent to go all the way to the state finals. Jessica Nettgen
RILEE A. SCHREINER
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SNAPSHOT VOLLEYBALL This year, the boys varsity volleyball team has fought hard. They hope for more wins to come in their future and are striving to accomplish this by trying new things at practice and applying them into their games. They want to focus on improving as a team and taking it one step at a time. “This season has been tough,” sophomore Trevor Niznik said, “We could improve on finishing a game through and securing a game. Our overall goal for the year would be to win regionals.” The boys hope to keep up the good work and accumulate more wins in the future. Make sure to come out and support the Sequoits at their next game. Jessica Nettgen
GRACE R. ACELLO
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SNAPSHOT LACROSSE The Sequoits varsity lacrosse team has hit the middle of the season, and is continually improving. Although the team’s record does not reflect their talents, they are not giving up. With their past two games, a win against Jacobs High School and a tight loss to Marian Catholic High School, the boys are keeping their heads high in hopes of making it to the playoffs. The team has many games coming up in a short period of against some tough opponents. After their recent games in which they have fallen short of their opponents, the team has quickly taken it as their responsibility to resolve their mistakes and get better in every aspect. With the practices that they have recently had, they are confident in their ability to win. “We’re excited to see what the outcome will be with the changes we are making,” junior Nick Bucci said. “We’re also hoping to make a strong fight for the playoffs.” Jessica Nettgen
BRANDON R. REYNOLDS
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WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO CHANGE TO
BE SUCCESSFUL BY LUCAS BENTLEY AS TOLD TO MADISON MCBRIDE
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’ve always taken care of my body. I have to be hyper aware of my physical health in order to maintain my place in three sports. I exercise, eat healthy and sleep enough. Most of my time is spent competing or practicing for the multiple sports I participate in. I love being an athlete. Competitions fill me with adrenaline in a way nothing else ever could. The team dynamics create a sense of belonging I could not find anywhere else. Winning games or matches fulfills me in an unprecedented way. I love sports. I would do anything for my team because I know they would do the same for me. I constantly try to better my athletic abilities. It was not until my team needed me that I even considered changing my body. Varsity wrestling sectionals were approaching and we still did not have anyone to wrestle the 195 weight class. The closer we got to the competition the more obvious it became that I had to step up my game. We could not go into sectionals without representation in the 195 pound weight class, and nobody could expect one of the freshmen to gain all that weight in such a short amount of time. I wanted to be the one to represent my team; I wanted to challenge my skills; I wanted to gain that 10 pounds. Wrestling at the junior varsity level was starting to bore me, anyways. I went into every match anticipating the adrenaline rush that comes with competing, but I always left dissatisfied. I would always win. It’s not as if my competitors weren’t talented — they were. I wrestled against a lot of very talented JV wrestlers but their moves were predictable. I had grown bored of winning over time. When I realized the varsity team needed someone to fill in, I knew that it would be the perfect opportunity for me
to grow as an athlete and as a person. I agreed as soon as my coach asked me to move up weight classes. Suddenly, I was eating five meals a day along with snacks every hour or so. I ate everything I could get my hands on: especially carbs. Every morning started with a stacked seven pancake breakfast, followed by a mid-morning snack, a hefty lunch, three more snacks before school ended, an after school snack, dinner and finally ice cream. I never stopped eating. Every free moment I had was spent eating. It only took three days before I felt terrible. My body wasn’t used to me eating this much food. My usual healthy snacks and singleportion meals hadn’t properly prepared me for a 10,000 calories a day diet. I ate so many pancakes, pastas and pastries during this two week period; I could not be around the smell of food without feeling sick. My stomach was full constantly and even when it was I didn’t stop eating. For a while eating that much was just an inconvenient means to an end. I had to eat so I could gain weight so I could wrestle in the higher weight class that I was striving for. But then it started to take a toll on my wrestling abilities. I was heavier and more sluggish: my usual moves weren’t as easy as before and my reaction time was cut in half. I had all this extra weight I had to deal with and only a few days to get used to it.
I noticed the changes in my appearance soon after I noticed my skills diminishing. I had chub that I hadn’t ever had before. I was a caricature of myself. Instead of being the three-sport athlete and health maniac I had always been, I was a junk food crazed binge eater. I wanted to stop eating. The weight gain changed the way I looked in the mirror. I felt insecure with my new body, but I knew it was my fault I looked like that. I had willingly chose to distort my body.
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My family was the only thing that kept me motivated. My mom would cook delicious meals every day and eat ice cream with me every night; my teammates brought me little snacks to make sure I kept eating. I knew I had to keep gaining weight and practicing my technique so I didn’t let them down. There wasn’t anyone else that could adjust themselves to the extent I was, and, even if they could, I wouldn’t let them. I had to be the person that represented my team. I wanted to be that person so badly. When sectionals finally came I was so relieved. I knew that I wasn’t wrestling my best, but I had been waiting for this moment for two weeks. I was ready — or as ready as I was ever going to be. I still had a lot of adjusting to do with my new weight. I hadn’t realized how different varsity level matches were from the JV ones that I had usually been participating in. My competitors were faster, heavier, and more experienced than me. Regardless of my attempt to fit into the weight class, I was still on the very bottom end of it. I was smaller than everyone else, and most of my added weight wasn’t muscle. Every match was exhausting. I had to work harder than I’d ever had to before. Overall, I ended up taking fourth at sectionals. The excitement and congratulations from my teammates was enough to instantly erase all the insecurity and uncertainty I’d been feeling. I’ve never been so proud of myself. I proved myself as a formidable varsity wrestler. The pain and exhaustion of the last two weeks was worth the win and worth the pain. Since then, I’ve lost a majority of the excess weight. I couldn’t eat for a few days after sectionals, as my body had reached its final limit. When I regained my appetite it came in waves, and I made sure to only put healthy burnable foods into my body. I’m glad I was able to help my team and I’m glad I won.
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Jazmyn Roman
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