The Tom Tom | December 15, 2017 by Antioch Community High School Tom Tom

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

BLUE LAWS AND BEDS OF ROSES: THE THORNS IN SOCIETY TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION IS LEAVING SEQUOITS HEADS IN THE CLOUDS THE TEACHER BESTIES OF ANTIOCH HIGH

THE OCEAN BLUE ISSUE

volume 56 . issue 7. december 15, 2017 sequoitmedia.com. @achstomtom. @sequoitsports 1133 main street. antioch, illinois. 60002

sequoitmedia.com sports calendars Girls Basketball: - December 18th @ Zion-Benton - December 27th @ Lisle - December 28th @ Lisle - December 29th @ Lisle Boys Basketball:

- December 28th @ Teutopolis - December 29th @ Teutopolis - January 9th @ Vernon Hills - January 11th @ Williams Bay

Dance: - December 17th @ Warren - February 10th @ Home - January 14th @ Grayslake Central

Wrestling: - December 22nd @ Home - December 27th @ Home - December 28th @ Lincoln - December 29th @ Lincoln Gymnastics: - January 5th @ Schaumburg - January 9th @ Libertyville - January 13th @ Lake Forest Bowling:

Cheer: - December 16th @ Rolling Meadows - January 6th @ Lake Zurich

- December 16th @ Hawthorn - December 28th @ Lakes Bowl - January 4th @ Home - January 6th @ Mount Prospect

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE 04 Perspectives 05 News 09 LIFESTYLES 13 Air and Sky 27 Truth 31 Blue Laws 34 Trust 36 you before me 38 SPORTS 40 what it feels like 52

table of contents

the tom tom // the ocean blue issue // December 15, 2017

PERSPECTIVES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

THE OCEAN BLUE ISSUE

Jessica Nettgen JASON R. WOOD editor-in-chief // @jason_wood7

verytime I sit down to write my editor’s note for the next magazine, I find myself questioning how I can make them new. For the past few issues it has felt monotonous; something scripted in which I just fill in the blanks and an algorithm does the work for me. I’m tired of that. Lucky for me, I get to give our readers a sneak peak into what our master plan is for the start of 2018, as the Tom Tom continues to seek excellence and innovation. We originally planned for the entirety of the year to focus on color and how we as a staff refuse to see things in black and white; however, we realized two things: one, that there are only so many colors to base a magazine off of, and, two, that seeing things in black and white is deeper than just the colors of the rainbow. We played it fairly safe this semester; our magazine discussed important topics, but none that were overly controversial. That’s about to change. Next semester, we’re going to tackle issues that seemingly only have two options—issues that we choose to see as either black or white; however, I can’t get caught up in the excitement of the new year just yet. I still have one color to send off and how fitting is it that it’s my favorite color in the world: ocean blue. Just looking at the color makes me happy. The incredible range of emotions that reverberate from the color blue have always intrigued me. It has the capability to be happy, to be relaxing, to be thoughtful and to be

somber. It also represents unpredictability, truth, morality, trust and responsibility. I think it’s kind of ironic how blue was the color set to follow the pink mag that was previously released. Pink being the standard color of females and blue being its male counterpart; however, that’s not really true. Pink is stereotypically a “girls color,” but blue doesn’t receive that same stigma. Anybody can wear blue. Anybody can feel blue. Anybody can represent blue. Blue is one color that truly isn’t seen in black and white. The stories in this magazine share the same duality as ocean blue. Both stories of triumph and joy, and stories of sadness and sacrifice can be found within these pages. In our final issue for 2017, print director Branden Gallimore looks at students whose perspectives change based on social media. Senior editor Lauren Bluthardt writes about blue laws and how one’s morality in life can guide their decision making. Tom Tom staffer Benjamin Nauman focuses on the importance of trust in sports and team chemistry. Print director Diana Anghel tackles the idea of lies and honesty in relationships and how the younger generations have been trained to look past the negatives. Tom Tom staffer Ella Maggio tells the stories of Sequoits who have filled the shoes of a parent in their family. In our perspectives section, Tom Tom staffers Sadie Vanderwall and Mollie Wagner share their own views on the holidays and how Christmas may not always be all it’s made up to be. Senior editor Jessica Lamberty and team leader Alex Rapp swapped wardrobes following our new “I Tried” tradition in our lifestyles section; read their story to see what it’s like to be dressed by a person with the complete opposite sense of style. Within sports, we check in on the current season, focus on shoes and take a visual look at the last week in sports. Finally, managing editor Jillian Everett and digital director Kaylee Schreiner decided to investigate a prominent issue at ACHS, and in high school athletics: wrestlers and their methods of cutting weight. From myself and the rest of the Tom Tom staff, we wish you a safe and happy holidays, and as always, thank you for reading and helping us show that there is more to life than what we may see as black and white.

executive team

JASON R. WOOD Editor-in-Chief PATRICK R. JOHNSON, MJE Adviser JILLIAN M. EVERETT Managing Editor BRANDEN W. GALLIMORE Print Director KAYLEE S. SCHREINER Digital Director NICO L. CHIAPPETTA Public Relations Director CHLOE E.GRASS Creative Director DIANA ANGHEL Print Director ALIYA N. RHODES Creative Director Editorial Board DIGITAL ASSISTANTS Griffin P. Hackeloer Jacob R. Johnson Alex L. Rapp Emily M. Torres

SENIOR EDITORS Lauren N. Bluthardt Jessica L. Lamberty John P. Petty Monica E. Wilhelm

Coordinators SOCIAL MEDIA Jared D. DeBoer Emily C. Hanes Mikayla M. Holway PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica J. Nettgen Steffanie A. Richardson Kat B. Zamudio

TEAM Peter A. Boeh Dan D. Filippone Alexandra C. Johnson McKenna R. Kalisz Madisen M. Krapf Valerie N. Rasmussen Eleni A. Sakas Karley K. Rogalski

staff journalists

Gianna M. Chiappetta Joyclyn L. Crawford Caden M. Davis Taylor A. Feltner Merrick W. Foote Avery J. Frasch Kayla E. Grenke Emily A. Higgins Robert S. Hulting Joseph M. Kestian Alexandria Q. Knight Emily Lara

Ella M. Maggio Julia M. Murillo Benjamin J. Nauman Jadda C. Pope Ashly M. Ring Tyler S. Skutnik Matthew P. Soberano Kevin E. Tamayo Sadie M. Vanderwall Skyler R. Wackenhuth Mollie T. Wagner Sierra M. Ward

staff interns

Haley Aitken Charlotte Bongratz Gavin Calabrese Evan Day Andrew DeBoer Matthew Edmark Brianna Fisher Julia Hackeloer Kaitlyn Howe Jackson Hugener Isabelle Hunter Jake Ilkka Sofia Klem Madison McBride

Alexis Olson Maggie Quirke Alexander Riedel Alessia Rivera Grace Rowe Maya Schon Rilee Schreiner Sarah Smith Cassidy Thomas Katelyn Vaskovsky Beatriz Warnes Alison Weiser Walker Winkler

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.

JASON R. WOOD editor-in-chief

THE TOM TOM STAFF

2017-2018

STAFF EDITORIAL

THE SEQUOITS’ NOT SO HIDDEN PHIX For many students, the culture of this generation is allowing their behaviors to go up in smoke.

s the age of smoking cigarettes becomes less prominent, an alternative form of smoking that seems to be taking the world by storm is emerging: vaping. If you ask a high schooler what they know about vaping, odds are the answer will go something like this: “Well, sometimes I vape and I know that a bunch of my friends vape. There are so many kinds of vape that I can’t even keep up with them. People vape in the bathrooms all the time and even in the classroom. Vaping gives you a buzz and every time I turn around there is a new vaping device that ‘hits harder’ and ‘holds more juice.’” It seems as though the new generation’s craze of vaping started out with regular vape mods or sticks, even vape pens, but then Juuls came out and they were smaller, slimmer and easier to hide; Juuls are a highly concentrated nicotine vaporizer which is commonly mistaken for a USB stick, this makes it easy to use in class. High schoolers started gravitating towards Juuls, but then Phixs’ came out and everyone claimed that those “hit harder” and had a better shape than the Juuls. Now, the latest trend of vapes are the Suorin Drops, which are a water-drop style ultra portable pod system, and the Suorin Air, which is a card-style ultra portable pod system for e-liquids. It is hard to stay on top of these devices when we are being bombarded with different vapes all the time, and this is all to say that the legal age to buy and use vaping devices is 18, so most of the student body should not even be owning or using a vape in the first place. Many people just have their friends, who are 18 or older, buy the vaporizers, juice and pods for them, or they can purchase them online and lie about their age. It is not difficult for underage high schoolers and even middle schoolers to get their hands on a vape.

In a survey of 91 students at ACHS, 53 percent of students said that they had used at least one of these vaping devices before. Specifically, the most used device is the vape mod or stick, which 45 percent of high schoolers who took the survey had used or currently use. The second most popular vaporizer among ACHS students is the Phix, which 36 percent of these students have used. Ten percent of vapers use their device every day at home and at school, and 8 percent believe that if they get caught with a vape at school that they will not get in much trouble; furthermore, 18 percent said they simply do not care if they get caught at school while vaping. On the other hand, 48 percent of students think that if they get caught vaping at school they will get in trouble. So, we guess the question becomes: why is vaping taking over this generation? Everyone has their reasons for vaping, but popular opinions include that vaping is somewhat of a stress reliever because of the nicotine buzz. Some people just do it because they think it’s satisfying— 19 percent of students said that it is fun to practice vape tricks and blow O’s. Thirteen percent said they are just bored and vaping gives them something to do, 9 percent of students said they vape because their friends do it, and 11 percent said that they are addicted to vaping. For the kids who do not vape, 48 percent said that they think vaping is disgusting and should be illegal—perhaps, another way to state their beliefs is that it’s not cool to Juul. It seems like nobody is talking about vaping, but at the same time, everybody is. Who knows what the future of the vaping industry will look like and if these devices will still dominate high schools even after we graduate. One thing that’s for sure is that there will soon be a new vaporizer that will become popular among students and teenagers. No matter what, we will still continue to find ways to conceal our hidden Phix.

PERSPECTIVES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

A BLUE CHRISTMAS The challenges that one faces with a broken family during this time of year color the holiday season.

SADIE M. VANDERWALL tom tom staff // @smvanderwall

s the holiday season rolls in, we are all reminded of our favorite Christmas memories and traditions with family and friends. I recall all of my faux phone calls with ‘Santa’ telling him how good I was all year and promising to write to him about everything I wanted. I was a very fortunate child and got a lot of the things I asked for each year. Christmas was a day of so many blessings and cherished moments with my family. All of my favorite Christmas memories are spent with my family. A few weeks before Christmas, my family gets together to make cookies for all of our neighbors, family, friends and, of course, Santa. I’m reminded of all the sleepovers my sisters and I would have on Christmas Eve and our love for this special night. Christmas traditions are certainly one the most important celebrations for me and my family; that’s why my dad bought my mom a new wedding ring and re-proposed to her on Christmas. It made this day even more special. I obviously wasn’t around when my parents first got engaged, so being able to see their love be rekindled in this moment will forever be a moment frozen in time for me. I remember this so vividly; it was like it happened yesterday. That image painted in my head is replaced with the reality; the reality is that this is no longer my life. I no longer live in that house, or wait for Santa. Seeing the love between my mom and my dad will only be a memory, as by the next Christmas, my parents were divorced and no longer spoke to each other.

That Christmas felt so different. It is as if the magic of Christmas was drained from my family— leaving me devastated. There is no more Santa or this real-life fantasy. My ‘real life’ is something I cannot rewind or change the ending. I want a happy ending. I want my parents to have the happy ending I thought they had. I’ll never forget the joy of seeing my parents in love; it’s what every kid wants for their family. I know now that I took every real and loving moment with my family for granted. Now, the memory is just connected to the heartbreak. It’s been about six years now that my parents have separated, but those thoughts still come back every now and then. The older I get, the more I understand. I know that my parents were unhappy, and although I wish they made each other happy, I know they will be happier without one another. Of course, I wish that, that wasn’t the truth, but I’ve come to realize that this is the reality of it all. No matter how much I wish that my parents had worked it out, it will never change what happened. Christmas will never be the same as it once was, but I know there’s families everywhere just like mine. I’ve began to accept what cannot be changed and learn to be open to everything that comes with divorce. The holidays will never be like they used to be, but getting mad and upset at the past will never change the outcome of what the present is. It will create a worse future. It’s always hard to look at the bright side of things, but I’m still trying to find new magic and happy memories during what looks like it may be a blue Christmas.

IT IS AS IF THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS WAS DRAINED FROM MY FAMILY SADIE VANDERWALL

WITHOUT YOU I FEEL SO

MOLLIE T. WAGNER tom tom staff // @molliewagner_

t is another day that consists of laying in bed for hours after a long week. You stay in the same place for hours, perfectly content in your favorite sweatpants and fuzzy socks. Tomorrow is the day you’ve waited for. Since the end of last week, you have surrendered your whole being for this one day, for this one person. Every night you talk from dusk till dawn, discussing everything imaginable, especially your future together. You hold their name safely in your lips, the gentle uniqueness of it is like no other you have ever loved. Saturday is finally here; the day is reserved for two. You drag your mom out of bed and beg her to take you to the little house on the brink of downtown Kenosha. She knows better than to let you go; everyone knows better than to let you go, except you. Your family wants you to be happy, but this seems to be your only source of happiness. After finally winning the weekly argument, you spend hours getting ready because this is the only day you get so it has to be perfect. Your heart feels uncomfortably full as you get into the cold car and settle into your seat—it’s a long ride. As you ride through the town, taking the same path as the weeks before, there seems to be butterflies in the pit of your stomach fluttering so fast that they felt trapped. You’re trapped. You pull into the familiar driveway of the only brick house on the street and swallow hard, and you hate those stupid bricks; the two golden dogs that greet you at the door never fail to welcome your restless, hopeful heart into their home once more. The little Christmas village that quietly sits above the wood cabinets stares back at your tear filled eyes, as you try to comprehend their tiny, perfect reality. You envy the ice skaters that hold hands proudly with a purpose. But the lights, they get to you. They’re roped throughout the house, it’s odd, there’s no familiarity. They usually make you feel something. They fill the void of absence during what is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But these lights are different. The lights that line the warm house makes your throat dry; they aren’t comforting—painful

actually. Counting down the days till Christmas hurts worse when you know you can’t spend it with the only one that makes you feel worthy. You’ve been playing your parents like a violin, but the symphony doesn’t sound the same anymore. When will you accept the burdens of those around you and wear it on your shoulder with such pride? One day you will realize. It’s not the situation, more so the person. Keeping them a secret is a quick witted decision. You have been asked countless times the true meaning behind closed doors and long hours of heartache, but the answer that has sat on the tip of your tongue for months won’t budge. You’ve never been proud of the person that constantly tore you down day after day, yet you attached yourself, which is why the holidays make you the uttermost shade of blue. You dread that conversation with your dearest Aunt every Christmas: “How’s your boyfriend?” “Have you started dating yet?” “Wait until you’re 16 before finding someone.” “Who’re you texting: your boyfriend?” “What’s his name?” You have etched an image in her mind for years, saying that you just haven’t found someone yet, but it makes your chest tense and your palms sweaty every time you shoot down the one on your mind. What is supposed to be the best time of the year has become the hardest. You’ve learned to take the heartache after two long years and you’ve cried a thousand tears to keep the loose ends tied. This past Christmas was harder than ever before because instead of hiding someone in my coat closet, I spent it completely alone. Night after night is spent contemplating spilling my heart to my parents. When numerous relatives kept throwing blank paper and pens my way asking me to transcribe what I wanted for Christmas, all I wanted was someone to call my own. The lights make me feel numb again and my parents cannot figure out why I woke up so reluctantly on Christmas morning. Love grows colder in winter, which I have sadly learned the hard way. Mikayla Holway 7

PERSPECTIVES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

‘‘ SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT

SHOULD VARSITY ATHLETES BE EXEMPT FROM GYM CLASS?

I DON’T THINK ATHLETES SHOULD BE EXEMPT FROM P.E. I BELIEVE THAT P.E. HAS VALUE FOR ATHLETES. PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER JAMIE WALTON

LET ME EXEMPT

eing an athlete isn’t easy, especially for busy high school students. Finding the right balance among school, work and sports puts an

immense amount of pressure on students, but, there is a solution AVERY FRASCH to help reduce the strain on // SOPHOMORE student-athletes. Gym class is a required class in District 117 and ensures that some kind of physical activity is part of everyday life; however, some athletes surpass the level of necessary physical activity per day. Whether participating in cardio-based activities or weight lifting, current student athletes are exercising before and after school hours. Even though that extra fifty minutes of being physical can be beneficial, using that period to eliminate the at-home workload would be much more practical. Homework, tests and projects can put a significant amount of stress on a student, but, when the athletes are getting home three or more hours after school ends, there is limited time to prepare for

JUST REQUIRE IT

believe that all students should be required to take gym regardless if they are athletic or not. There’s no special privilege that should be applied, all students are equal. No one student is more important than the other. ELENI SAKAS // Many schools have debated JUNIOR this and many believe physical education provides a way for all kids to get some form of exercise. It’s a vital part of the curriculum and every student should be able to undergo the experience of learning new techniques and virtues that the class withholds. There’s also a benefit to having an extra 50 minutes of physical activity. It jump starts the student’s day and allows their brains to become attentive. For example, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, physical education classes increase test scores and students’ focus.

what is due that next day. Most student athletes are surpassing the level of needed physical activity, which is why gym classes should be exchanged for study halls to ensure the success of student athletes. The workloads of high school students can be extremely demanding, creating the challenge of managing time efficiently. The purpose of a gym class is to encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but many believe it is a waste of time and athletes should be exempt from physical education classes. Considering 33 percent of the United States population is overweight, according to the Centers of Disease Control, if all student athletes are removed from gym classes, more time will be dedicated to the non-athletes, and teachers can be focused more on encouraging the ones that truly need it. Balancing school and sports can be challenging. Coming home from a late night game or practice to pages of homework can take a negative toll on a students in-school success. In all honesty, the intensity of playing a varsity sport far exceeds the intensity of playing dodgeball, capture the flag, and occasionally running the pacer during a useless gym class for student athletes. Also, the United States has a high obesity of 33 percent. Not every student is in the best shape and gym is the only class where they receive exercise whether they want to or not. Having another period of physical activity just ensures that the athlete will be in better shape and with that sustain a better performance. I understand that one can be tired and find the class pointless, but it’s not hurtful in the end. It makes the athlete stronger, faster, and it gives them time to reboot. It also allows for a chance to socialize with peers in a different classroom environment and give the student a break from core classes. On the flip side, student athletes have to learn to manage their time accordingly, whether it’s waking up early in the morning or staying up late at night after practice to finish assignments. One can argue that in lieu of a gym class they can take a study hall to lessen the workload. I feel that all students will learn from the required, fun class and it will help provide a path towards a healthy lifestyle if taught accordingly.

NEWS IN BRIEF ANTIOCH CHRISTMAS TREE GETS A NEW LOOK After decades of the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Antioch, the iconic Christmas tree has been cut down. The Village of Antioch still remains the same, a true loving community that strives to preserve traditions. The tree was overgrown and diseased forcing the tree’s life span to come to an end. The families of Antioch enjoyed the festive event of lighting the Christmas tree. “The only tradition on hold right now is the ornaments on the tree,” Antioch Park and Recreation program supervisor Mary Quilty said. “It is not strong enough as it is so new, next year families will be able to drop ornaments off to have hang on the tree.” Although the famous tree is gone, the tradition continues for many generations to come. JADDA C. POPE

Gianna Chiappetta

#METOO

weet by tweet, the hashtag reading “Me Too” spreads frequently on Twitter headlines, in hopes to reaching out and spreading awareness of what is occurring in America—women and men opening up about their sexual assault stories that they’ve hidden for so long. The hashtag has come to represent the victims of sexual assault that swept their stories under the rug. Victims that range from celebrities to normal everyday people, are speaking out about their experiences on Twitter. The hashtag is a way to spread consciousness of their sexual abuse stories and make people realize these occurrences happen far more often than people assume. The creator of the hashtag, Tarana Burke, has been a public advocate for women’s equality for nearly two decades. It all started when she talked to a 13-year-old girl who opened up about her experience with sexual assault. It left her shocked, and she felt the need to make a change. In 2007, Burke created a non-profit organization called “Just Be Inc.” The organization helps victims of sexual harassment and assault. Eventually, she called the movement “Me Too.” Actress Alyssa Milano was the first to promote this movement, and it caught on quickly and has been successful in promoting awareness ever since. Ever since the hashtag began, women are taking their turn in stepping up to the plate, and revealing the truth about these people in the media. Powerful figures such as journalists Matt Lauer and Mark Halperin, director and screenwriter James To-

back, actor and screenwriter Kevin Spacey, and, most recently, chef and television show host Mario Batali. The most highly-accused perpetrator is movie producer Harvey Weinstein, with nearly 60 actresses and models accusing him of assault. The social media hashtag has been used to prove to women and men that are victims that they are not alone. It is the reason why so many authoritative people have been singled out; however, a lot of victims are hesitant to hand the world their abuse stories on a silver platter. Sophomore Josephine Morgret understands why some aren’t comfortable to speak out yet. “It could’ve been a really traumatic experience that had frightened them,” Morgret said. “There are individuals in our society that do that and bring them down by not believing their stories, or telling them hurtful things.” Even though some victims are not comfortable speaking out, the movement encourages positivity and helps make all of the participants feel welcome and comfortable in their home, work or public environment. Sophomore Paige Bolton appreciates the movement and notices the positive impact that it is leaving. “I think it is kind of like a chain reaction,” Bolton said. “Once someone steps up, maybe other people won’t feel alone and help raise attention.” All in all, the creation of a small hashtag has created an empire of sexual assault victims coming together to support one another. MADISEN M. KRAPF 9

NEWS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

SEQUOITS ONE, SEQUOITS ALL, LET’S ALL WATCH THE SEQUOITS FALL Recent conflicts emerging among members of the ACHS community, both inside and outside of school, push the limits of respectful, responsible and proud. In many ways, the Sequoits’ motto is at its own crossroads.

MONICA E. WILHELM senior editor // @monicaisstilltwitterless

ince the beginning of time, the world was riddled with conflict: man versus self, man versus man, man versus society and man versus nature. At the advent of every fight, there may be a disagreement between two groups—a disagreement that holds hatred and aggression at the heart of it all. What many people don’t realize is that war goes on everyday inside the walls of every home, school, work and playing field. It is human nature to often find activities that provide the same effects of warfare, while still attaining mental satisfaction. In other words, humans tend to find alternative activities to find purpose. In the case of some of our Sequoits, that acitivty is fighting. By definition, fighting is the physical or emotional force in order to defeat another person or group of people. In the past few months, there has been what many view as an unusual uproar of fighting, both physical and verbal, in the halls of Antioch Community High School. These fights also lead to a chain reaction, both inside and outside of school, presenting itself as behavior that is acceptable for other underclassmen to partake in and an odd celebration on social media. These conflicts have left many teachers, students and parents concerned with the reputation that follows these conflicts.

“[The fighting] is unusual,” dean Matthew Jones said. “I am new to Antioch, but from my experiences talking to staff and students, it is definitely something that is out of the norm.” The reality of these fights is formed from a small group of kids that light a spark. A spark that, if not extinguished, will transform into a wildfire. The kids that tend to involve themselves in such physical and emotional distress are believed to have a background that exploits similar behavior. Immaturity is a significant aspect of development during adolescence that can delay responsibility and wisdom if influenced poorly. Being that most of the conflicts have taken place with underclassmen, it calls into question whether or not this is a maturity issue. “A lot of times kids have these unanswered questions,” Jones said. “Instead of going to each other to talk like a mature, responsible person, they get in one another’s face, which, in turn, causes something bigger than that.” Having mature conversations are a learned behavior that kids need to obtain. This type of behavior allows for positive-reinforcement in the end. The world doesn’t revolve around everyone liking each other. There will always be people in life with conflicting views; however, approaching negative situations in a civilized manner eliminates escalation of the disagreement. The golden rule states to treat others how you want to be treated.

JR Johnson The different stages of conflict entail cyber antaganism with an aggressive verbal attack, which translates into physical misconduct. Students need to understand the seriousness of physical and emotional abuse, which can only be resolved by mature communication.

as other social workers or psychologists that are needed. Both students “Peohad time to voice their opinion while administration observers the footage ple just don’t know how of the fight that occurred. This is common practice in the dean’s office. to get along with others,” Students need to understand the ramifications of hurting others physfreshman Jackson Gutke ically and emotionally. By law, SB100, Illinois is required to take certain said. “They have different action before expelling a student. Administration must attempt to change opinions and choose to argue a student’s behavior before sending them to an outplacement school. about it.” This requires involving the parents and other faculty, as well as detailed To students born in the 21st Century, documentation of the due process. technology has made up the world around “I believe in giving kids the chance to prove that they have changed,” them. Social media is a vast network that conJones said. nects millions of people around the world; however, in The administration has been working endlessly to put a stop to the our modern-technology-driven-culture, social media violence that is taking place within the halls of ACHS. During has become a silent killer of our present and future society. every passing period, the deans and teachers have made sure “Nowadays, everyone sees everything through social to interact with students more, while keeping an eye out for media,” Jones said. “Whatever happens in a school, people any possible outbreaks. Earlier this month, the Antioch Police know about it within an hour.” Department gave a presentation to the freshman and sophoWithout social media, many students throughout the more classes on taking a responsible course of action when in building would be oblivious to the fact that a fight even hapcontroversial situations. According to administration, fighting pened, with the exception of the first-hand witnesses. With is not what it means to be a Sequoit. Partaking in physical MATTHEW JONES today’s generation, it is arguable that teenagers lack social // DEAN misconduct will not be tolerated at ACHS. Antioch is not only a and communication skills that take place away from an elecschool, but a community that is home to many people. People tronic device. Oftentimes, things said online get misinterpretof families and people that are going to be the change that they wish to ed in a negative manner. These comments create a negative atmosphere see in the world. Those people will define Antioch. Those people will show which resulted in physical violence. how big our small town really is. “A lot of the underclassmen tend to be immature,” junior Matthew “A Sequoit is someone who has respect, responsibility and pride in Becker said. “They talk trash about each other for no reason which proeverything that they do,” senior Gabriel Tijerina said. “ The fighting has gresses into conflict and fighting.” been unusual, but it doesn’t define Antioch as a school or community. Following each fight, the deans took action in order to resolve the Antioch seeks to build a learning environment that is beneficial and safe to conflict. First, they sat both the victim and aggressor down to have a all students and that will not change.” conversation; a real conversation that should have occurred in place of the physical altercation. Next, they got the students’ parents involved, as well 11

NEWS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

TRUTH BE TOLD: THE JFK ASSASSINATION DOCUMENTS

n abundance of John F. Kennedy assassination investigation files have finally been released to the public after more than a half-decade of anticipation. Many debated whether the files would be released due to overwhelming arguments coming from the government that claimed that national security would be put at risk, but not Mrs. Skonberg who is an AP Government and AP US History teacher here at ACHS. She knew that a majority of the documents would be released simply because it’s the law that files would have to be released in 2017, according to a statement made by the government at the time of JFK’s death. Not all of the files were released however. A few days before the anticipated release, United States President Donald Trump announced some of the files would be kept away from the public. According to Dallas News, “[the] release came eight days after President Donald Trump agreed to last-minute requests from the CIA and other agencies to keep some material under seal, at least temporarily, citing national security concerns.” Both the media and public questioned how much of the content in the unreleased and redacted part of the files are truly a risk to national security in today’s date and time, as his assassination happened over half a decade ago. “I understand that the public’s right to know needs to be balanced with national security,” Skonberg said. “However, I’m not sure how any current security concerns could be a factor a half-century later.” With many of the files having parts that are removed, it’s a struggle to recognize if the whole entire story is being told while reading them. All the files released can be searched through by an index of the files that everyone can access and search through them by using keywords and phrases to pull up certain documents. Many of the documents contain information that was already general knowledge, but multiple of them divulge information that wasn’t released before. Most of the files reveal practices that the government engaged in and suspicions they held during JFK’s presidency. “Transcripts of intercepted phone calls made by assassin Lee Harvey Oswald to the Russian and Cuban embassies in Mexico City during his trip there a few weeks before the killing,’Todd Gillman and C.The CIA had been watching Oswald, a sharpshooter and a rare U.S. defector to the Soviet Union, and some scholars expect the remaining files will show the CIA and FBI botched opportunities to prevent the tragedy,” the Dallas News wrote. Brian Glashagel teaches Global Studies, Contemporary World Issues and Sociology. He has a strong opinion on the possibilities of President Donald Trump releasing the remainder of the files in the future. “If Trump makes it to April 26th and actually gets all of the documents released...it would be the only thing I would approve of his term in office,” Glashagel said. Although groundbreaking news was not released in this set of files, the rest of them are rumored to be released on April 26th. Until the rest of the files are released, what really happened during the investigation of John F. Kennedy’s assassination will remain a mystery to the public. MCKENNA R. KALISZ 12

Kayla Grenke WELCOME TO THE POLAR EXPRESS The new and improved Polar Express is headed to Spring Grove with cheerful kids excited to meet Santa. After boarding the train in Antioch, kids’ tickets get stamped and their off to an new adventure. When they arrive in Spring Grove, they participate in many fun activities, one of which is arts and crafts. “Once inside every child is greeted by Santa while they have lunch, crafts and dance,” Antioch Park and Recreation program supervisor Mary Quilty said. “Then every child has a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and talk to him.” This experience for your child is a one-of-a-kind event that fills a child’s dreams of happiness. This experience of bonding with other kids and meeting Santa creates lasting memories. JADDA C. POPE

Jadda Pope WITH FINALS COMES HEALTHY BREAKFAST OPTIONS Finals week is coming up and in order to be energized you need to have nutrients in one’s body. Eating a healthy breakfast is super important before taking tests, as it is the most important meal of the day. Eating a good meal in the morning fuels every Sequoit up and prepares them to be ready for the day. Without breakfast people traditionally become irritable, restless and crabby, which is why the ILC will be providing breakfast during finals week. “It starts the day in a real positive atmosphere,” ILC secretary Kathleen Stewart said. “It’s fun it gives them a lot of nourishment and a lot of the kids come to the school without eating.” Join Stewart, along with other students, to eat and study for finals. JADDA C. POPE

“STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI”: EVERYTHING WE KNOW With the newest “Star Wars” released yesterday, here’s everything we know about the movie so far.

ALEXANDRA L. RAPP assistant digital director // @a_rose106

ith “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” approaching fast, fans around the United States are eager to find out exactly what this installment in the “Star Wars” saga has in store. Ever since the first trailer of the film premiered in April, a steady stream of clues and leaks have revealed what to expect for Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo, Luke and Leia when the movie series returns to a galaxy far, far away. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” premiered yesterday and before its release many theatres sold out of tickets; however, it can’t hurt to check the local theatre in an attempt to get an opening weekend seat. Make sure you run to the bathroom before the movie because this is the longest ever “Star Wars” movie with a run time of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It just passes up the previous record holder: “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” which runs for 2 hours and 22 minutes. In this brand new installment, it appears the story is picked up almost exactly where we left of, with Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, continuing her Jedi training with the legendary Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill—although it appears he has some reservations after the fall of his previous apprentice, Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, to the Dark Side. With such corruption fresh in his mind, Luke goes so far as to call Rey’s raw and untrained power “frightening.” Although we don't see whether or not Luke does continue Rey’s Jedi training, we do see her ask Kylo Ren to “show me my place in all this.” What Kylo has been doing since he murdered his father Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, is unclear, although he does appear to have developed a large scar across his face from his confrontation with Finn and Rey in the end of the last movie. Similarly, the First Order stormtrooper turned rebel, Finn, played by John Boyega, appears to be recovering from his injuries from the battle as well. It seems that he will appear in this movie, maybe infiltrate the First Order for the Rebel cause and may even be forced into a confrontation with his former boss Captain Phasma, played by Gwendoline Christie. We last saw Captain Phasma being shoved into a garbage compactor by Han Solo and Finn in “The Force Awakens.” Also in this movie, we see General Leia Organa, played by Carrie Fisher, who passed away in December of 2016, for the last time. Lucasfilm has said that they have no plans to digitally recreate her, releasing a statement in January of this year. “We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars,” the studio said. One of the biggest questions of this film has yet to be answered. Who is the last Jedi? While fan speculation has run wild with what and who the title of the film refers to, there has been no definitive answer as of yet. The newest installation of this series that has shaped two generations to be a riveting look into the newest threats the galaxy faces and the triumph of good over evil.

QUIZ: WHAT COLOR LIGHTSABER WOULD YOU WIELD? What do your extracurriculars most resemble? A. Sports B. Academic Team/Math Team C. None D. Job/Volunteering How do your friends describe you? A. Brave B. Intelligent C. Ambitious D. Compassionate How would you get around a problem? A. Fight around it B. Think around it C. Ignore it D. Talk around it Pick a “Star Wars” starship: A. X-Wing B. Republic Attack Cruiser C. TIE Fighter D. Naboo Royal Starship Which job appeals to you the most? A. Police Officer B. Detective C. Military D. Diplomat Choose one: A. Body C. Soul

B. Head D. Heart

If you chose:

MOSTLY C: You would wield a red saber. Given

MOSTLY A: You would wield a blue saber.

only to the Sith, red sabers represent the Dark

Typically given to a Jedi Guardian, blue saber Jedi

Side of the Force. Sith focus on anger, pain, or

tend to be more focused on their martial arts and

loss in order to draw power from the Dark Side.

combat skills. These Jedi can be brash but were

This organization believes that the weak deserve

primarily defenders of the weak and upholders of

to be overthrown and removes its own members

the laws. When the Clone Wars broke out these

when they become weak, allowing them to remain

Jedi were the ones who were called upon to serve

as strong as possible. The ancient enemies of the

on the front lines. Other Jedi with lightsabers of this

Jedi Order, the Sith built the Galactic Empire from

color include Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi,

the ground up after the Clone Wars and allowed

Plo Koon and Luke Skywalker.

the formation of the First Order after the fall of the Empire. Other Sith with lightsabers of this color

MOSTLY B: You would wield a yellow or purple

include Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Count Dooku and

saber. Typically given to a Jedi Sentinel, the yellow

Darth Sidious.

and purple saber Jedi tend to blend the schools of thought of the Guardians and the Consular,

MOSTLY D: You would wield a green saber.

having both combat training and knowledge of

Typically given to a Jedi Consular, green saber

the intricacies of The Force. These Jedi also have

Jedi tend to be more focused on spreading peace

knowledge of non-Force skills like engineering,

throughout the Galactic Republic. These Jedi

stealth, demolition, or healing, which they combine

prefer to save drawing their lightsaber for a last

with their Force-driven skills. Other Jedi with

resort, attempting to talk things out first. These Jedi

lightsabers of these colors include Mace Windu,

also focused on unraveling the mysteries of The

Jaden Korr, Atton Rand and Quinlan Vos.

Force rather than their combat skills. Other Jedi with lightsabers of this color include Yoda, Kit Fisto, Luminara Unduli and Shaak Ti.

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

jadda pope

DECADES OF HOLIDAY MUSIC As Buddy The Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” EMILY C. HANES social media coordinator // @emily_hanes15

hen it comes to the holiday season, almost every place is filled with holiday decorations. From grocery stores, to restaurants, to doctors offices, every public place is decked out in holiday decorations. Another notable way that places get into the spirit is by playing holiday music through their speakers for everyone to hear. Music is a very popular way to spread the holiday spirit. From Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, holiday music has been around for ages. Due to this, holiday music has evolved over the periods of time. But, when it comes down to it, there is a certain beat that people continue to love every holiday season. So, which do people prefer, a classic tune or a contemporary hit? The first Christmas song to ever be recorded was “Jingle Bells” by Will Lyle all the way back in 1889 and since then, holiday music has been a staple part of the jolly season. Thus resulting in more hit holiday tunes such as “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland. These classic tunes are still played to this day throughout the holiday season because many people enjoy the vintage feel they give off and the fact that they can bring back old memories. “I enjoy the older classic music because it gets me more into the holiday spirit,” senior Aubrey Lonergan said. “It reminds me of watching old Christmas shows growing up.” 14

With a sense of nostalgia, classic songs like those are destined to be around for ages, but as time has gone on, more modernized songs have been released. Songs like “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and “Last Christmas” by Wham! have continually topped the charts as soon as December rolls around. Groups like Pentatonix have been releasing Christmas albums since 2012 that include modernized covers of classic holiday songs and original hits. With more current productions, modern Christmas music has been able to appeal to more people who enjoy a contemporary tune. “I love contemporary Christmas music because I have never been a big fan of the older classic Christmas music,” senior Danielle Brose said. “I think contemporary is cool because it’s more of artists you know and they revise the songs and style it the way they want it.” No matter the holiday, music is fundamental to celebration. Whether it’s Christmas or Independence Day, the celebration isn’t quite complete without music. But with Christmas in particular, music goes hand in hand with the holiday. The holiday season is a time to focus on family and giving back. Music is a way to help remind people of what matters most during the holidays, as almost all Christmas songs seemingly have the same message: being with the ones they love. Whether it’s Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé, holiday music has the ability to bring people together, no matter if it’s a classic tune or a contemporary hit.

LISTEN TO THIS Hey, Sequoits, You know we’ve got a Spotify account that you can follow to hear what we’re up to each day. Well, attached to this story is a Spotify playlist. Follow us @ ACHSTom

CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU Home for the holidays, Sequoits are left missing the warmth of their loved ones.

GIANNA M CHIAPPETTA tom tom staff // @gigic29

earing matching red pajamas and Santa slippers; a teddy bear in hand, wrapped in a soft green

blanket. The christmas tree is lit with bright lights and covered in homemade ornaments. The fireplace is on and warms the whole house. From the window, white snow falls on the road creating a literal white christmas. Yet, a child is holding a present, staring out the window in search of the one person who isn’t coming home this Christmas. Celebrating the holidays without loved ones can be a hard situation to overcome. Holidays can create endless memories; some believe the key to a happy holiday is to celebrate with family and friends. Many people have the luxury of enjoying the end of the year with loved ones by their side, but others find themselves waiting around for an absent loved one. For freshman Aidan Trusky, he is lucky enough to spend the holidays with family. “My favorite holiday memory was from last year, it was when we went to a sledding hill with my older cousins and my cousins from Nashville,” Trusky said. “The hill was huge and we went very fast on it.” Trusky has spent every Christmas at a family member’s house, spending quality time with all of his family and enjoying their presence. Even though he has spent every year with the same people, he still feels the same amount of excitement to see them. “My favorite part of the holiday is seeing all of my family,” Trusky said. “I personally really enjoy the company of my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.” Trusky has never had anyone missing from his holiday celebration, but he understands the importance of everyone being there and the impact a person may have on the holiday. “My advice to someone who doesn’t have a loved one to celebrate with [them] would be to think of those [around you] who make you happy in life,” Trusky said.

Emiily Lara Some Sequoits often find themselves looking out a window wishing for their loved ones to be home for the holidays, especially when distance keeps them apart. For others, they find comfort in the love of others, including pets.

Sophomore Luke Menzies spends the holidays missing family that he wishes could celebrate with him. “I would like to see my family that lives in Minnesota; my Aunt Jill and Uncle Bill,” Menzies said. “It’s very hard for them to come down and visit, but when they do, it’s really nice.” Menzies didn’t realize the impact that his family members have on his Christmas experience until they weren’t able to come. “I’ve learned that even though they get on my nerves and annoy me, I️ shouldn’t take my time with them for granted,” Menzies said. Even though Menzies might not be able to see his aunt and uncle face to face, he still finds alternative ways to keep in touch. “Even though they aren’t always here, I try and talk to them via facetime or a simple call,” Menzies said. “I try to keep them close and when they are here, I make sure to spend time with them.” Menzies understands the struggle of distant relationships with family during the holidays, but

gap in the hearts of her family. “It’s been really hard for my family and it always feels like something’s missing around the holidays,” Pinto said. “We cherish those moments a lot more now.” Over the years, Pinto’s focus has changed on what she finds important during Christmas time. “Through the years, the holidays have become less focused on gifts and more about quality time with family,” Pinto said. Pinto has learned how significant her family is to her and the impact of losing a loved one. “I’ve learned that you should spend as much time with the people you care about as you can because you never know when they’ll be gone,” Pinto said. Pinto advises those celebrating without loved ones to always look on the bright side. “As hard as it is without them there, try to remember the memories you have with them and look back with happiness instead of sadness,” Pinto said.

senior Briana Pinto knows the true meaning of celebrating without a loved one. “[If I could celebrate the holidays with anyone] I would spend it with my cousin, Kyrie, because she always made the holidays so happy,” Pinto said. Pinto’s cousin, Kyrie, passed away from a car accident in 2010. Since then, her death has left a

For those struggling during the holiday season, know that there are ways to help one’s experience feel less lonely. One might appreciate what they have, and be grateful for what’s in front of them. Get away from looking out the window and open up to see what’s behind the foggy glass.

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

for a week a new tom tom tradition.

SWAPPING STYLES CASUAL ALEXANDRA L. RAPP assistant digital director // @a_rose106 JESSICA L. LAMBERTY senior editor // @jessicalamberty13

unior Alexandra Rapp and Senior Jessica Lamberty, two of the most polar opposites in the school, took on the challenge of switching styles for an entire week. The two shared their versions of different styles through pictures and matched them with clothes in their own wardrobes. This lead to an uncomfortable week from start to finish. We chose them for the vastly contrasting styles that they possess within their everyday lives. Jessica, who wears colorful patterned tops paired with leggings daily, and Alex, who wears sports flannels, jackets or jeans as a typical look, provide truly unique and different perspectives for this “I Tried” story.

This was probably the day I disliked most. I hate leggings and I hardly ever wear them. It’s a huge change from what I usually wear and I wasn’t a fan of the outfit. I also don’t tend to wear tight t-shirts, but Jessica insisted that the shirt I wore was on the tighter side. Probably my least favorite part of this look however, was my hair. I have very different hair: it’s super short and curly, and generally doesn’t behave the way that others hair does. I usually don’t put up my hair and it was a super weird and abrupt transition to wearing a ponytail. -A.R. For me, a casual outfit consists of leggings and a comfy plain colored t-shirt. Usually, I’d spice it up with a long necklace and simple ballet flats. Alex’s interpretation had a lot more details compared to my selection. She paired dark jeans, a flannel buttoned all the way up, a medium length necklace and medium height black boots together. For makeup, nothing but mascara and a little foundation. This was the most uncomfortable outfit for me to wear because I don’t like button up shirts or jeans, and letting my hair do nothing was difficult because it was knotty and frizzy all day. -J.L.

JOB INTERVIEW

I was pretty uncomfortable this day. I don’t think I’ve worn a dress or anything with a skirt since eighth grade, so this was a huge change for me. Jessica had me wear a dress with more muted tones, flats and a jacket. I didn’t particularly enjoy this look; it looked cute but I really don’t think that this look was for me. -A.R.

FORMAL I hardly ever wear dresses. I just feel more comfortable in pants and now I’ve worn a dress twice in one week. I didn’t dislike this look, per say, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite thing that I’ve ever worn. I think I would wear this outfit again for more formal occasions. I think that I’ve only ever worn this dress one other time, so it was fun to bust it out again. -A.R.

It felt nice to finally dress up, but the dress chosen for me was not one of my favorites. In my opinion, it was plain; usually, I’d wear something with a floral print. The black leather jacket was something I wouldn’t have paired with a plain colored dress. Instead, I’d pair something with a pattern on it with a plain jacket or vice versa. The hair curled was not much different from what I normally wear to a formal event, but I would have liked to add a hair clip. -J.L.

Normally, I would keep my look natural with little makeup and wear a casual dress with a nice jacket. The main difference between our two styles was the dress and pants swap. For Alex’s style suggestion, I wore a patterned top and a leather jacket, paired with dark jeans and ankle-high boots. There were less accessories than I’d normally wear and I would not have thought to wear a leather jacket to a job interview, but the outfit was actually very classy and had a sort of modern touch to it. Overall, our tastes for a semi-formal nightmight not be all that different. -J.L.

FALL FASHION Today was simultaneously my favorite and my least favorite day. While this outfit was super comfortable and I wore my favorite scarf, straightening my hair just make me feel weird. It was a big change from normal to the point where some of my friends commented that I looked like Mrs. Karnstedt. I don’t usually wear this plain white sweatshirt but I used to wear it much more often, so it wasn’t that awkward. The whole outfit was super comfy and I wasn’t actually as uncomfortable as I thought I would be in it. -A.R.

I almost always think of scarves when creating a fall themed outfit, but Alex had a different idea. She paired a plain black tee with plain red jeans; I actually had never worn these jeans before this outfit. There wasn’t much done for hair and I just left it down and didn’t even bother brushing it. Usually, I’d straighten it and match a patterned scarf with leggings and a sweater. The outfit was different, but I’d definitely wear it again. -J.L.

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

WITHOUT A PADDLE JESSICA J. NETTGEN photo coordinator // @jessienettgen

GIANNA M. CHIPPETTA tom tom staff // @gigic29

ne of the oldest clichés is to leave someone up a creek and without a paddle, which means to be left without hope; in the workforce, when one loses hope there is usually someone to turn to: the work husband or wife, the work mentor, or the work best friend. When push comes to shove, these are the people that make

coming to work everyday that much better, that much more fun and that much more worthwhile. For the teachers in this multi-page photospread, the person (or people) they are pictured with are their work person—the one that just gets it. While traveling up the creek for the next couple of pages, the reader will hear what makes these teachers one another’s paddle, while also understanding who they are in a very visual way. We hope this inspires you to find your paddle in life so you’re not left up a creek without one.

THE MUSIC MEN

lone, they are an individual drum beat. THUMP BOOM BA DING DA BOOM. But together they are a rhythm, a tune, a song. Fine Arts teachers Trey Hickey, Michael Riggs and Jonathan Untch are the definition of the Three Stooges, or the modern rendition of “The Music Man,” when all put in the same room. Even though they are all different from one another, together they form an unbreakable bond. Hickey (Moe), Riggs (Curly) and Untch (Larry) are the ones who bring Antioch’s music department together as a family.

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

THE THREE AMIGAS

lthough this is in reference to the 1986 movie, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Amigos,â&#x20AC;? which consist of three men in a mariachi band, these three women represent their strength and willpower to accomplish anything. Physical educators Jamie Walton, Marni Polakow and Julia Wieda are work best friends, in which they spend five days a week with one another sharing their love for physical education (and donuts). These ladies, when not in class, can be found working out together, discussing new ideas for classes, or sharing a laugh with one another.

THING 1, THING 2

ath teachers Megan Troyer and special education Jillian Glassman are ACHS’s fun bugs. They are constantaly found laughing and having a great time. These two besties were bound to be, considering Glassman was Troyer’s maid of honor in her wedding this past summer. Like Thing One and Thing Two, Glassman and Troyer are inseperable. They always have each other’s back and never have a dull moment when together. 21

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

PETER AND WENDY

heir roles may differ depending on the day, but for English teachers Kelly Taylor and Patrick Johnson they come as a package deal. Not only are they besties at work, but they also are each others besties in life. Happy or sad, high on energy or in need of a coffee, these two are always there for each other, being each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand man (or woman). The two are known for their love of life, laughing and loud shoes, but they truly are our real life version of the boy who will never grow up and the girl who is always willing to take a chance and fly.

SISTERS FROM ANOTHER MISTER

lthough these ladies look close to identical nearly every day, English teachers Jamie Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andrea and Mary Easton only met each other once they started working at ACHS. The bond they have, has created a sister-like relationship. Not only are their rooms right next door, but its very rare that you will find them not wearing similar clothingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sister telepathy. These two women make a strong team setting examples everyday for what true friendship looks like.

LIFESTYLES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

MERMAIDMAN AND BARNACLE BOY

ithin the math department, teachers Arnold Galapajone and Andrew Benton friendship are comparable to the show “Spongebob SquarePants” most beloved superheroes. These men do everything together including teach in the same department, coach basketball, share the same love for music with one another in their booth at Vegas when they need a quick bite to eat. They are each other’s sidekicks and are each other’s number one supporters.

LEWIS AND CLARK

eachers and department chairs Grant Murray and Chad Rusk are the perfect example of work mentors, for they are always teaching each other something new. These men are both powering figures apart of the ACHS staff, that it is no wonder that they are best friends.They can be found learning from one another, while sharing a delicious cup of coffee. Like Lewis and Clark, these men are both smart and eager to find something new, creating a better environment for ACHS.

THE OCEAN BLUE ISSUE features 121517

air& sky

Everything in life comes with a variety of points of view; usually, these perceptions are comparable to how Sequoits judge others through cell phones and on social media, comparable to the...

BRANDEN W. GALLIMORE print director // @brandengal

FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue SOCIAL LIFE - According to a new survey by the Pew Research Center, 82 percent of smartphone users believe that using cell phones during social situations can, and will, hurt the conversation. Likewise, 88 percent of smartphone users believe it’s rude to use cell phones during dinner time. Yet, while many respondents said they find it disruptive, 89 percent admitted to using their phone during their most recent social gathering, oftentimes finding themselves focusing more on their phones rather than what was going on in front of them.

EYES - The scientists who have studied the impact of electromagnetic waves on the human eye say that cell phone usage can lead to early cataract in its user's eyes, this is a part from affecting the retina, cornea and other parts of the eye.

SLEEP - Cell phones work as alarms and wake people up in the morning, on top of keeping them up at night. A 2008 study funded by major mobile phone makers showed that people exposed to mobile radiation took longer to fall asleep and spent less time in a deep sleep. The itch to check in on cell phones during the night or waiting to wake up in the morning to the sound of a text message disrupts our sleep, too.

BRAIN - The World Health Organization classifies cell phone radiation as a “possible human carcinogen” due to a chance of increased risk of brain cancer from heavy and long-term use of cell phones. Although short-term exposure of cell phones has not been shown to cause brain issues, research is showing that it can change brain activity in different ways.

MEMORY - Cell phones oftentimes serve as a storage spot for people, rather than them just memorizing information. Most people would not be able to recite their siblings or friends phone numbers without looking them up on their phones. Cell phones nowadays seem to be more of a useful memory bank than some people's brains. Based on a survey of 1,000 Americans ages 16 to 55, almost half admitted that their smartphone serves as their memory, holding everything they need to recall. Digital amnesia is when people don’t care to forget important information with the idea that their cell phone will hold all the information LEARNING - Due to their large amount of time spent on cell phones, many kids seem to be very good at juggling using their cell phones and learning in school at the same time; for others, smartphones are almost always a distraction. Even just seeing a phone in reach pulls students, and many adults, away from their focus. Some kids can shift their attention between social media and games on their phones to learning in class effectively; for others, the phone screen takes away from the main goal of school: learning. HEALTH - Recently, people are concerned that cell phones might cause certain types of cancer or other health problems. Cell phones emit a radiofrequency energy, a form of radiation, from their antennas. Tissues nearest to the antenna can absorb this energy and cause cancer or other forms of health related issues.

H OW CELL

PHONES AFFECT SEQUOITS

he sky can be blue, dark or cloudy and is the visual limit of the eye. In today’s society, judgement is a real issue among people of all ages. No matter if the judgement is taking place behind a phone screen or behind someone’s back, it’s always going to be present. Humans, particularly teens, are expected to have a social media account and use it at all times. Even though much of the world communicates, and seemingly functions, through a phone screen nowadays, having the power to hide behind that screen is not al-

ways a positive and it is a power that is being abused by millions of people, as well as many Sequoits. Objects above the ground that are in the vault of the blue darkness or cloudiness of the sky appear to be “in the sky.” Birds, airplanes and skyscrapers seem to be “in the sky” as well. Yet, an airplane taking off or a bird flying off of a low branch is perceived to be in the air, not the sky. A fly ball in baseball may seem sky-high, but it eventually comes back down to earth. Everything in life can be looked at and perceived in those distinct ways. The sky seems to be the visual limit of the eye. This limitation of the sky can compare to phone screens at almost every dinner table, group gathering and, in general, today’s society. The problem that comes into play is this limitation is more present for Sequoits than anyone realizes. Air is the gas around us that we breathe and is visible, but the sky is what someone sees when they

look up outside the four walls that confines them both physically and mentally: attitudes, values and ideas. The distinction is the sky can contain air, but air cannot contain sky. This can be compared to how people see to the phone screen and not through it. One side of a story may appear to be true, but the truth may never be known without the other side of the story. Some use social media to degrade people, places and subjects, without any reason besides receiving likes and gaining followers; forgetting that there is someone with feelings on the receiving end. Humans see what they want to see and not what is in front of them. Humans are blind when it comes to situations

and thoughts that scare them, or ones that they cannot imagine the outcome or its impact on themselves or others; a lack of forward thinking is a believed flaw of this generation. “No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit,” American photographer Ansel Adams once said. This quote stands for individuality and never folding for what others perceive is the right way to act, talk or dress. Social media accounts have forced people to be the opposite of this. For example, on Twitter people focus on tweeting personalized posts about their lives and daily activities that matter; instead, they focus on tweeting funny, popular posts that may lack any originality or context to who they are. On 29

FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

Instagram, people are forced to post the most “high-quality” photos with “clever” captions to get more likes and followers than their friends. People care about their Twitter followers and Instagram likes more than what really matters in life. “I think social media has made young adults and teenagers believe that the amount of followers someone has is related with popularity,” senior Max Barton said. Years ago, when kids were actually “allowed” to be kids, they spent most of their time outside exploring the world and hanging out with friends. Nowadays, it is not unusual to see a preschooler playing on the latest iPad or iPhone. Rather than going outside and playing on the playground, kids would prefer time on social media and cell phones. Social media is more of a competition to be popular, rather than what it was really created for: contacting friends and family. By no means has social media been a total negative on the world, but it has been a strong storm that has taken over people’s time and wasted it. “Phones can make life easier when trying to stay in contact with others or to make plans,” senior Gracie Mateja said. “But when you hangout with a group in person, the focus can be on the phones, rather than interacting with each other.” Being able to make plans with friends and stay in contact with those who live far away is what’s so great about social media, but when that gets in the way of spending time with those people in person, it becomes a larger issue. There are the knowns and there are the unknown, and the inbetween is the perception of what both actually mean and how one chooses to react to them—the gray matter. The great part about having free speech and being able to say whatever comes to mind is people can create their own perceptions, but when those perceptions are slimmed down to the bone by a phone screen, they don’t matter anymore. 30

Money may be power, but time is everything. Every aspect of life is measured by time. Everyone wants more time for the things they love and less for the ones they could care less for; however, what many choose to do is use the excuse that time is the thing they never have. All people are entitled to spending their time how they please, but at the dinner table when all of the kids are sitting on their phones, totally ignoring the world and socialization, the time may become a problem. And time is what doesn’t change, so why waste the only guarantee one has. In an article for CNN, Jacqueline Howard said, “Americans devote more than ten hours a day to screen time, and growing.” Walking through the halls and sitting in classes, it is obvious throughout the Sequoit community that students and some staff live up to this statistic. “I spend a lot of my free time on my phone,” Barton said. “I could use this time to study or actually do something productive.” Even though this is a large amount out of a 24-hour day, the results are not surprising. Of course, technology is always present in today’s society for school and work purposes, but the extra time spent on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat is much more than necessary. Try to go on a break, try to make more time for other, more important aspects of life. Social media, despite its name, is not very social at all. “People are becoming more of [technological] introverts with phones and social media,” Mateja said. “They don’t want to deal with anything face-to-face anymore.” For some people, it is not difficult to put down the phone and ignore it, but, for others, it is not that easy. A lot of people have the urge to constantly check their phones and a lot of the times they have no idea why they are. Using a cell phone for a lot of people has gotten to the point of becoming a bad habit. Rather than joining in conversations or activities, these people blatantly ignore them while staring at the phone screen.

DIANA ANGHEL print director // @didi_anghel

Diana Anghel

oday’s generation of teenagers grew up viewing the world through rose-colored glasses: a way to always see the best in every situation. Mostly everyone who’s been on the internet has seen people trying their hardest to shine the most positive light on their own lives through the use of quotes, pictures and videos. This is the age of creating the impression that life is perfect. When it comes to relationships, many Sequoits are affected by this false impression. Current relationships are oftentimes founded on a sense of false reality due to the constant desire to have the perfect life. Junior Evie Swanson has been greatly impacted by this mentality. “I try to see the positive in all relationships and I really strive to see the good in people so hard that it’s sometimes unhealthy,” Swanson said. Society created a very specific ideology of what a relationship is supposed to look and be like. Romantic movies, “relationship goals” posts on social media and even modern books have been made to show this seemingly perfect picture.

FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

“I REALLY STRIVE TO SEE THE GOOD IN PEOPLE SO HARD THAT IT’S SOMETIMES UNHEALTHY.” JUNIOR EVIE SWANSON

After an elongated time frame of the same idea being advertised, people start to adapt to this idea. It’s human nature to conform to the current social climate and to what surrounds someone. Because of this, more and more relationships are shaped to fit the picture created by society. People have gotten more accustomed to hiding parts of their relationships to the public—the problem comes into play when lies are being told between the two individuals involved. The habit of ignoring lies increases because of a desire to have the perfect relationship. In doing so, people, specifically teenagers, tend to find themselves stuck with a person whom they have no true connection. Even when this happens, couples and friends stay together because of the fear of falling short of their own expectations. This could potentially create unhealthy habits and toxic relationships. Even worse, it has the potential to make someone stay with a person who is not right for them. For junior AnLi Butler, honesty is one of the most important parts of a relationship. “If a relationship is built off lies and inaccurate feelings and emotions, then there is no use of being in a relationship,” Butler said. A lot of times, it’s forgotten that lies shouldn’t be overlooked just to reach society’s picture of a relationship. Swanson often finds herself forgiving things in her relationship that she knows she shouldn’t. This leads her to being unhappy a lot of times and it makes her feel a sense of guilt. On the contrary, a relationship can be healthy and happy without the existence of any lies. In another perspective, the issue of heart over mind can be discussed. The constant battle of ignoring someone’s mistakes because of the strong emotions held towards them plays a huge role in the honesty of a relationship. If heart is always picked over mind, then the foundation of a relationship could likely be made of lies. Teenage relationships are largely affected by the internal argument of choosing between doing what is right and what seems easier and more appealing. As a generation, it’s important to have a form of immunity to the media’s attempts of creating a stereotype for the perfect relationship. “Obviously, honesty plays a huge role in relationships that it shouldn’t seem like [a case of] ‘oh, it happens in movies, so it happens to me,’” Swanson said. In an article for the Thought Catalog, author Biriyani Bacchus advises his readers to wait patiently until the heart and mind lineup in a synchronized matter. He suggests that patience is virtue when it comes to finding the right relationship, as one will never be happy with just

the heart, or just the brain, agreeing to a person. In this case, patience might just be the solution to the eagerness of our generation to find the perfect fit and form the perfect relationship. As a Sequoit, one of the three traits that holds significance importance is respect. Being in a relationship in which lies are casually told could be seen as the opposite of respect, whether that be self-respect or respect for the other person in the relationship. The role of communication in relationships can be seen as a guiding light for honesty. Learning how to properly share thoughts and feelings with another person is harder than it may seem; a common reason for this being trust issues. Sadly, trust issues have become such a normality for many couples. No one bats an eye when this topic is mentioned, almost as if there hasn’t been a known time when it wasn’t around. Butler has often struggled with trust issues herself. “Trust is not just keeping each other’s secrets, but trusting each other with your heart because at the end of the day, you are trusting that person to not hurt you,” Butler said. Communication guides honesty, until the point of reaching a blockade in its path: trust issues. In order to give a visual, one could picture honesty as a magnet. The magnetic field gets pulled in the direction of other ferromagnetic materials: iron, metal, aluminum and in this case, communication. What repels a magnet, representing trust issues, is the contact of two of the same poles. Trust issues reject honesty, while communication has the power to guide it. Just like the battle between the brain and the heart, this battle also has a solution that is found on the middle ground. Finding the balance of being able to trust and knowing how to communicate can save a relationship from becoming unhealthy. With this balance, lies will not be ignored and two people can learn to appreciate one another without simultaneously hurting each other. While learning how to communicate, it’s vital to know the partner well enough. Knowing what each other’s sensibilities and weaknesses are makes it easier to know what topics and discussions to be cautious of having. Even with this, being honest and not hiding the truth from a partner can limit the amount of trust issues they have. After all, if the magnet gets pulled with a metal, it will not stop until touching a like pole. Overall, it seems that seeing the world through rose-colored glasses doesn’t always play in the way it’s supposed to; however, that doesn’t mean that focusing on the positives should be portrayed as a bad thing. In relationships, the balance among communication, honesty and trust is a fine line; while seeing this line in rose could create toxicity, learning ways to properly communicate can create healthy relationships. In order to maintain the respect Sequoits are supposed to have for themselves and for others, understanding the role of honesty and not falling prey to media tactics can save one from a lot of pain.

Diana Anghel 33

FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

Blue Laws are moral rules that have been put in place to constrict society from unconventional beliefs and actions. These laws have been around since the 1700s, but those “ideal” morals haven’t completely adapted to the 21st Century. LAUREN N. BLUTHARDT senior editor // @laurennoelle_ 34

Chloe Grass & Griffin Hackeloer

A girl may not have sexual intercorse. A boy may not have sexual intercorse. A human should not judge others.

t is believed that people should act in certain ways and follow certain agendas. The principles of society in the past century have encountered a new generation of students who perceive life in a new and different way. For years, society has socially appropriated certain aspects of life by reflecting the moral agendas of religions or businesses. With the emergence of the 18th Century, a flood of Blue Laws hit the public scene, such as the modern day enforced policy of no liquor on Sundays. While purchasing alcohol on the holy day of the week has become a thing of the past, modern morals and what is perceived as an ideal moral has struggled to adapt to the present. Whether it is in school, at work or at home, morals can affect how a person responds to their circumstances. Senior Danielle Brose finds morals are more than just accepted ideas of society. “Morals to me would be like friends or family,” Brose said. “Certain commitments and how I would go about them [to my beliefs].” Each individual encompasses diverse morals. From not gossiping and telling the truth to abstaining from sex or having integrity, morals are personalized. In a time largely more accepting than previous generations, there is discussion on whether or not America is ready for the full shift in social perception. Without a doubt in his mind, junior Ashutosh Atre has felt the more inclusivity of this generation. “[I have been] born in a period where equality is a huge thing and having an open mindset is kind of the way of life,” Atre said. “And if you are not at least a little tolerant to what their background is, it will be hard to have strong relationships with people.” As a school body, there are common morals or beliefs for the district to try to attain. For Antioch Community High School, Atre finds that it has attainable morals.

“Respect, responsibility and pride,” Atre said. “I definitely [also] think they do a good job of being prideful towards students; I think the school is very kind.” Similar to the school, it is normal for people to place their beliefs for all of the society to see. More often than not, what people say to others is not always how they truly feel. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP The most generic depiction of how people form their opinions on others is in relation to when they were raised. Similar to the controversial topic of sexual intercorse, morals idealized in previous generations have been reformed over time. Human nature also speaks to show how unrealistic expectations are for what makes a person respectable. A once accepted expectation of society is to abstain from sex before marriage, but how well have those conceptions translated into society? “I would say ‘do not have sex before marriage’ is outdated,” Atre said. “It’s a good idea to have, but it’s not entirely plausible these days.” Similar to this, some students felt that other morals are not feasible. “Do not gossip and do not judge,” Atre said. “We don’t mean to do it, but humans are just prone to judging.” Humans are inevitable to be judgmental or to have negative thoughts from the food people eat to the vehicle a student arrives at school with. ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH Changes in moral righteousness have been developed in the past century, but the reasons for the changes have been various. Social studies teacher Charlie Trout has witnessed the alterations in culture since he began teaching. “[There are] moral battles,” Trout said. “So much pressure to fit in and be cool, which can lead to lapses in judgment.” A student may feel pressure to ace a test by studying for weeks; another student may believe in copying off another’s for their personal benefit. The

second students moral judgment can highlight how students want to achieve excellence at any cost. The true culprit in why people must distinguish between right and wrong or appropriate and inappropriate is based on the mind. Who distinguishes between what is acceptable can be inherited in various ways. “My parents definitely do have some different morals than I do just because of how they grew up,” Brose said. “Being able to state your own opinion in not a negative way… I think that is more this generation than my parents.” The real question is: are there moral expectations in society? Blue Laws in society are not only methods in America to control behavior, but moral rules are ways for people to express themselves. Depending on how a person was addressed, raised or experienced as a child helps form how they converse with the world. Diversity in what a person finds right or wrong helps build relationships with friends, family and in future endeavors. “[Dissimilar morals] make every person different, but, at the same time, some morals are the golden rules of life, like some morals everyone should have: being kind and respectful,” Brose said. BLUE LAWS A girl may have sexual intercorse. A boy may have sexual intercorse. A human may judge others. Just as there are “rules of the road,” there are rules of life. Society has put in place certain rules that determine the righteousness of society, but as the centuries roll on moral rules become “overrated.” What makes someone loved and appreciated is not how they perform academically or how they represent themselves in the world. What makes an individual is not being afraid of not conforming to the moral standards, but rather reenforcing their beliefs and being proud of how a person represents themselves in life. A name is just a name, but people will remember the name by how the name represents itself.

FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

Jacob Johnson 36

Trust is vital, and, without it, a team cannot properly function. BENJAMIN J. NAUMAN tom tom staff // @bnauman48

rust is both an emotional and logical bond. Trust is the string that ties everyone together, and if there is a lack of trust within a team, there cannot be success. Trust is a crucial aspect of any team sport and, without it, success is unattainable. Throughout sports, trust is needed everywhere, but sometimes trusting teammates can be hard. High school sports are successful because of the bonds that the team can form during the school day, but when players go to different schools, that can be hard. When on a team with all responsible trustworthy people, this task is easy. “Trusting someone is relying on and believing in them to be doing exactly what they need to be doing to help us win,” senior Brianna Vettese said. “Without trust, there wouldn’t be a team.” Being a two season sport, cheerleaders spend a lot of time together. During this time, the members of the team laugh and bond, all while practicing and perfecting their routines that will hopefully bring them success during the competition season. Everyone has a chance to get to know every other individual on the team, which brings them all closer and can create more trust. “Throughout the course of the season, we have all spent so much time together that it has almost forced us to become closer,” four year varsity cheerleader and senior Aubrey Kay said. In such a sport as cheerleading there are many different moving parts, and every member is crucial to the team’s success. If a team does not have faith in one another to accomplish their specific task, then the routine will not run smoothly. “Everyone has different levels of trust,” freshman Riley Conway said. “You should try your hardest to trust your teammates because it will help with teamwork.” As an incoming freshman, Conway, along with all of the other incoming freshmen and newfound team members, did not have as tight of a bond as the rest of the returning team coming into the season. Even though they may not have had the same relationships with all of the others, they all knew that to be a successful team they would need to work to form those bonds. “We all have a different bond that helps us trust each other,” Conway said. “We all have different bonds because of the different ways that people on our team interact.” If the relationships that have now been formed within the team had not been formed, then they would face many struggles. Flyers would not trust their bases, and other people may over think and worry that someone else may not be doing their job, hindering their ability to do their own. Luckily for the cheer team, just in time for competitions, they all have become a family and believe that no matter what everyone will be striving for greatness. They trust their teammates to not only focus on the good of themselves, but also on the good of their team. Like in cheer, volleyball players need to have faith in their teammates and trust them to be in the right places at the right time. With only six people on the floor, there are a lot of uncovered spots on the volleyball court. Teams need to communicate and know not only where the ball is going, but also where every-

Samuel Worden

one else on the floor is going as well. Players need to feel secure in knowing that there will always be a person in position to keep the ball in play. “Communication is a huge aspect to the game because it creates a positive atmosphere where everyone is cheering,” Vettese said. “It allows for balls to never hit the floor and for the hitters and setters to have a better connection.” Players in different positions need to be able to know their teammates good enough to know where exactly to put the ball for the next person to make the best play off of it. Unlike cheer, the volleyball team does not have two seasons to gain a strong connection with their fellow teammates. Before their first game together, a 2-1 victory over the Johnsburg Skyhawks, the girls only had a week of team practice to get to know one another and gain full trust in one another. “If we would have grown a little closer at the beginning of the season, I feel like it would have been easier to start off with more wins, rather than slowly gaining each other’s trust throughout the season,” junior Grace Weber said. Even though the team may not have been as close as they could have been at the beginning of the season, the girls had managed to make an appearance in the state tournament sectionals game. Trust was a very important part of making it that far during the season; lacking trust would have made it hard to become such a successful team. “[Without trust] we definitely would not be as good as we were this season,” Weber said. “We definitely would have lost at least half of our games

this season if we did not all trust each other.” Despite the fact that a lacrosse team consists of players from rivaling schools, the District 117 lacrosse team does not see each other as rivals; they see each other as a team. They know that they need to put aside the inter-school rivalry so that they can achieve their mutual goals. “There really isn’t any lack of trust amongst each other,” senior captain Gino Riforgiato said. “Although the schools may be rivals, we all look past that when we step on the field. We are all teammates and we all have each others backs.” Even though they are from different schools, the players do in fact trust one another. Players need to be able to trust their teammates to catch every pass thrown at them, and only take the best possible shots on goal. “You have to trust your teammates to do what they do best, and not try to do anything special,” junior Lakes attacker Nate Langille said. “It all comes with experience and learning how to improve when you make a mistake.” Flyers must have trust in their bases to keep them stable in the air and to catch them on the way down. The lacrosse team took on this challenge and made a very successful team out of it with players coming from both Antioch Community High School and Lakes Community High School. The varsity volleyball team, a majority of which are upperclassmen, have had time throughout the years to get to know each other and have trust within one another.

YOU BEFORE ME FEATURES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

The average Sequoit is able to go to the mall freely, participate in school events and be with their friends at the drop of a hat, but for others, it is not just about being “the average,” but it is also about being able to manage their own lives and the lives of their siblings.

ELLA M. MAGGIO tom tom staff // @ellamaggio33

s if balancing school, a social life and sports isn’t hard enough, some students have the added task of taking care of someone else. Some students have an obligation to take care of their siblings, nieces or nephews on top of all of their other activities. For a few Sequoit seniors who are applying to colleges and making a lot of decisions for their future, this responsibility can add to an already full plate. These students go above and beyond to provide for themselves and their loved ones. Three seniors with different backgrounds—Katherine Barr, Breanna Kramer and De’Andre Burns—have shared life experiences of being an older sibling, and while their views are different, they all feel that helping with their siblings is both a rewarding and beneficial experience in many ways. “I think I am a co-parent,” Burns said. “I think my brother and I do a good job of taking care of our niece and nephew because we’re there as father figures; they look up to us.” These seniors are seen as role models by their younger siblings and family members. They want the best for them and help out as much as possible. “It’s kind of a lot of pressure sometimes because I know I want Will to be a good kid and I want him to turn out [well],” Barr said. The benefits of acting as a co-parent towards siblings or other family members is mutually beneficial. Respect slowly builds up in the relationship, along with trust and

DeAndre Burns

Breanna Kramer

responsibility. The student being the co-parent is rewarded by helping their loved one and having the knowledge that hey are contributing to others’ success and happiness. The student receiving guidance or help gains confidence and is empowered by having support easily available to them. “[My siblings] definitely have respect for me because they know that I help them out a lot,” Kramer said. “I mean, we still get in spats here and there because we are still siblings, but they show me more respect than maybe some other siblings would.” Kramer has just as much respect for her brothers as they do for her. She spends a lot of her time with her family and helping her brothers with any of their problems. “Because my brother, Matt, has a disability, we do everything together,” Kramer said. “[If] he needs help with how to approach someone at school, he would come to me and ask for help. I view him as someone who is differently abled because he is one of the smartest kids I know even though he doesn’t have the same abilities as everyone else.” Similar to Kramer, Barr also helps her brother with school problems and homework. It is refreshing knowing there are students who not only want their own success, but also success for their siblings. “Will comes to me with school issues because he gets bullied at school sometimes,” Barr said. “He comes to me with that and any homework problems or anything a normal

sibling would do.” Most students find enjoyment in spending extra time with their siblings to help their parents out in a sticky situation. Whether they are stuck at work, grocery shopping or going out with friends, parents can always rely on their family to take care of one another. Siblings can help in many ways such as giving support, providing transportation, helping with homework, giving advice or just listening. “I think I always helped out even from a young age, but it started more when I was old enough to start babysitting because [my parents] would be able to leave me at home with the boys,” Kramer said. Barr feels similar to Kramer. “My dad is gone all the time because he is a police officer and my mom is gone most of the day. I get Will to school and get him ready in the mornings,” Barr said. “I’ll wake him up and make sure he gets in the shower. Normally, I will make breakfast and get him to school and home.” With a busy family comes a lot of responsibilities like preparing their loved ones for school or getting them places safely. “My sister works the night shift, so I usually babysit during the night and then I go to the school in the morning,” Burns said. Taking on the role of being a co-parent is difficult because not only does a student have to manage their own schoolwork, work schedule, practice schedule and social life, but they also have to know their siblings schedules, too. Once

Kat Barr

a student hits age 16, he or she is perfect for providing transportation to take a little stress away from parents. This allows parents to have a little more free time and share the responsibility of getting their youngest children places by having the older siblings help out. “My brother and I are super close,” Barr said. “I think it’s kind of hard to be close to him because he is a pretty introverted person, but I am definitely one of the people that he trusts the most.” Spending time with family seems like an easy task, especially when they do things such as bowling and dinners together. “Basically we like to do everything together,” Kramer said. “We go bowling and go out together a lot.” Burns enjoys spending time with his niece and nephew Amiyah and Amere. “I genuinely like to do it,” Burns said. “During the summer I used to have a lot of free time. I took them to the park a lot, [to] some bouncy houses, to the store to buy some stuff or to get ice cream.” These seniors have set the bar high. Their dedication and contributions to their loved ones is evident. As an extra benefit, they have helped to add support and improve quality of life for their parents, like Kramer and Barr, or in their sister’s life, like Burns. In addition to their family members, they help co-parent by always putting others before themselves.

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

IN SEASON DANCE CAPTURES FIRST PLACE

BOYS BASKETBALL The boys basketball team has had a great start to their season. They won their holiday tournament over the Thanksgiving break by beating Woodstock, Round Lake and Woodstock North. Their overall record stands at 4-2 on the season. The boys’ next game will be at Teutopolis High School on December 28. The boys look forward to the rest of the season and hope to stack the plaques. “We started off hot this year by winning the tournament and starting conference off at 1-0,” senior Jaden DeVaughn said. “Lately, we have not been playing our game so it is hurting us. We hope we can turn it around quickly and get back to playing our game.” PETER A. BOEH WRESTLING Last year the Antioch wrestling team had a great season with a positive record. The team had a fantastic win by state champion Patrick Schoenfelder and is now attempting to go to team state this year. The team has had to deal with tough schools and placed third at the Aurora West Tournament. The boys continue to keep their hopes up and their confidence high until team state. “The season has gone pretty well for myself and the team as a whole,” sophomore Niall Shoenfelder said. “Our practices have been really intense and we all seem focused on a common goal: getting down to team state.” DAN D. FILIPPONE

Cathie Hackeloer The dance team has started off their competition season strong. The dance team placed second out of 25 routines at the Mundelein Invitational as well as placing first out of 15 routines at the Stevenson Invitational. The team will compete next at Warren Township High School on December 17. With this start, the girls are feeling confident about the rest of the season. “This is the most talent we’ve had on the dance team in about a decade and we have all been working very hard to get where we are right now,” junior Amelia Neuman said. “So far this season we have done really well and hope to keep the streak going.” PETER A. BOEH BOWLING The girls varsity bowling team has started their season strong going undefeated with many players starting fast and finding their touch so early in the season. The team plans to continue their season with a positive record and hopes to make their way to state. The team has had to face off against tough schools from all around Illinois and will continue to play their best and keep their hopes high. DAN D. FILIPPONE 40

GYMNASTICS The new addition to ACHS athletics this year is a gymnastics team. The gymnastics team hopes to prove that they are not just here to take part and compete, they are here to take over and win. They have started their season off strong while having some athletes adjusting to a new sport. “The season has been going pretty well, I think the team is doing really well for it being our very first year,” senior Natalie Warnes said. “During practice everyone is improving and my main expectation is that we’ll keep doing better in upcoming meets.” PETER A. BOEH

Eleni Sakas CHEERLEADING Last season the cheer team placed fourth in state and have yet to compete this season. Their first competition is at Rolling Meadows High School on December 16. The girls are excited to start their season with a new routine and hope they can make it back down to state this year. “I’m so excited for our first competition and can’t wait to show everybody what we have been working so hard on,” senior Miranda Karellas said. “Competition season is where we get to show off our skills more intensely and I can’t wait to see how far we go this year.” PETER A. BOEH

SEQUOIT SIDEKICKS The Sequoits Sidekicks basketball game was on Saturday, Dec. 9, and had a great turnout. There were many people there to support and cheer the teams on, which helped them to do well. The final score was 28-22 with thegray team winning, with each player on both teams scoring at least once. “I had a lot of fun and I think we all did really good,” junior John Kasbohm said. TAYLOR A. FELTNER 41

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

GIRLS BASKETBALL The girls basketball team has had a 1-8 start to the season thus far, but have learned many important lessons through those games. The girls are learning to play without the Reiser twins and many other key seniors who graduated last year. The team looks ahead to their future games knowing that the season is long and there are still great things to come. “I feel the season started off rough, we only have three returning members from last year,” senior Olivia Ori said. “We are beginning to pick up the pace and work better as a team. In the future I hope we continue to improve as a team and, hopefully, win some more games.” DAN D. FILIPPONE 42

Kaylee Schreiner

DRILLING TOWARD SUCCESS Whether it be to help perfect the team’s form or tighten up plays that they need to execute, drills are there to improve the entire team’s work effort. JULIA M. MURILLO tom tom staff // @juliaaa_murillo REPETITION Running certain drills every day is important because it improves athletes’ all-around game. “We do our closeout progression, shooting drills and shell defensive drill [every practice],” freshmen boys basketball coach Andrew Benton said. By doing this, the team can get ready for games and create energy before a game. When it comes to energy, Benton tries to keep the drills under fifteen minutes to maintain energy and keep the pace fast. EQUIPMENT When it comes to drills, there are some coaches who prefer using extra equipment to help at practice and make practice feel more like a game. For instance, in basketball, there is a pad that can be used to help athletes get used to contact. “We mostly use a basketball and a hoop,” Benton said. “We take the pad out once in awhile for finishing and cones for various other drills.”

Time is taken to teach the drills, but the team still focuses on the fundamentals of basketball: communication, defense, energy and being a good teammate. “The rest takes care of itself,” Benton said. WELL ROUNDED There are never ending numbers of drills, and there are so many ways that they vary depending on the coach, team and their overall style of play. Drills play a significant role in preparing for a game, especially when focusing on a specific part of the game. For sophomore boys basketball coach Arnold Glapajone, there are three drills that he favors: “nash shooting,” which focuses on shooting; “22 passing,” which forces athletes to have focus on passing more and dribbling less; and “3v3 rebounding,” which makes the defensive players get in the habit of boxing out the offensive players. If the defender gets the rebound, they are given a point, and vice versa. INTENSITY Drills often have different levels of intensity. Some drills force athletes to be more mentally focused, or athletes may be participating in full court drills, which require constant movement and energy. If the team has given all of their effort for the length of the drill, they have obviously earned a break. “The more intense, the more breaks I usually give,” Glapajone said.

TECHNIQUE When it comes to wrestling they do not have specific drills that they necessarily need to work on each practice; however, they do work on their positions. “Intensity is highest when we have live wrestling or simulation matches,” varsity wrestling coach Luke Karner said. “While reviewing technique or new moves it is a bit slower pace.” In wrestling, there are three different positions: neutral, top position and bottom position. Being in neutral means that both wrestlers are up on their feet, it's how they begin a match. The second being top position is when one wrestler is down on the mat and the other is hovering over them. When working from the top position the team works on their moves to get the opponent pinned. Finally, the bottom position makes the team work on their ability to be able to escape and stand up for reversals. STRATEGY Each and every practice has its own goals, depending on the time of the season and how close a competition may be. Practices during the week prior to matches will have more conditioning and have plenty of live wrestling situations. When it is closer to competitions, practices are focused on technique to prevent injuries and keep the athletes fresh. “As the team gets closer and closer to regionals practices begin to taper,” Karner said. “[We] focus on fine tuning areas of each wrestler.” 43

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

NOT

ENOUGH CREDIT Jessica Nettgen Varsity cheerleader Rebecca Bargamian joins her fellow teammates during the this

Despite the effort that they put forth, the cheer and dance teams still don’t get the recognition they deserve. JOSEPH M. KESTIAN tom tom staff // @j_kestian9

riday night lights—the thing that Cardinal Crazies spend the year counting down to, despite it signifying the school year’s beginning is yet again slowly emerging. The piercing shrill of the whistle, shattering clash of helmets and roaring cheer of the crowd can be literally heard for miles. Members of the Antioch community descend from their businesses and homes to come cheer on the Sequoits, and, for the past few years, the excitement was coupled with what many would call domination. Yet, the town doesn’t fill the cold metal bleachers for no reason; instead, they come to watch the football team punt, pass and kick their way to a win. The echoes of the stands aren’t the only noise that rings loudly under those lights. The bellowing of cheers from the “athletic support,” however, seemingly falls on deaf ears. The cheerleaders and dancers work the sidelines in an effort to keep the crowd cheering, the spirit up and the excitement going. But this isn’t their season. Football isn’t their sport. And when the winter cold falls hard on the quiet town of Antioch and the hollow leather of a basketball beats as fast as the Sequoits’ hearts as the shot clock winds down, it isn’t their time to shine either. Despite being the ones that are there to celebrate others, and being two of the most dominant sports currently in the Sequoit athletic department, the cheerleaders

past season’s homecoming bon fire pep rally. The team had one squad for the fall and a second for this current winter competition. Their first competition is Saturday at Rolling Meadows High School.

and dancers can’t help but feel as though cardinal and gray is something they simply wear and that it isn’t something that bleeds for them. “The credit that is given to us is very little to what is expected from us,” varsity dancer and junior Amber Phillips said. The pedestal that some sports are put on can be seen as unfair. Other teams who put in just as much time and work, sometimes more than others, often don’t receive the recognition they deserve, which is how members of both the varsity cheerleading and dance team feel. “I don’t think the dance team gets enough credit because the students of Antioch seem to lack interest or judge the dance team too harshly,” Phillips said. “For example, after our last competition, when we placed 2nd out of 21 teams, I was asked numerous times why we didn’t place first or was told it didn’t matter that we got second because it wasn’t first.” Our school always says, “Once a Sequoit, Always a Sequoit” and along with the dancers, the cheerleaders still wonder if they will ever be considered a member of the Sequoit family. “I feel nobody gives us a chance when we perform in front of them. I’m always being told that it was boring and that people didn’t even pay attention,” varsity cheerleader and junior Rebecca Bargamian said. Often, more times than not, the members on both teams are stereotyped and not given the benefit of the doubt, which can be discouraging

when it comes time for them to support others when they don’t receive support in return. “Not having a fan section cheering us on while we perform, makes it difficult for us to be happy or excited when we have to support others when they compete,” Phillips said. The misunderstanding of both teams is what causes many to be blindsided by their judgement. Like many sports, each team has to practice in order to get better and become stronger as a team. The final performance that results from those practices is limited when it comes time to compete for

then it is very crucial to our score,” Phillips said. “If the whole team isn’t in sync or skills aren’t executed correctly, then our score is docked down and we need all the points in those categories to help better our chance of advancing to state.” While constantly practicing the same routine over and over again, in hopes of making it perfect, the stamina and endurance needed is grueling. These athletes are performing a routine all out for two and a half minutes which consists of difficult skills and teamwork. The dancers having to execute flawless turns with no flexed feet, and the cheerleaders having to perform jump sequences, tumbling and stunts with no time to rest. “People think we just smile and wave our pom poms around,” Bargamian said.

‘‘ these athletes. “We only get one shot to perform perfectly and if one person doesn’t execute a skill correctly at each competition,

I FEEL LIKE NOBODY GIVES US A CHANCE WHEN WE PERFORM IN FRONT OF THEM. JUNIOR REBECCA BARGAMIAN

“If someone were to come to one of our practices and see what we actually do, then they would understand how hard it really is to perform our routine.” Another aspect of both sports that most seem to forget is the length of their seasons. The first tryout process for these athletes is at the end of the school year, in May, where athletes tryout for their sideline squads. They practice over the summer and attend camps in preparation for the upcoming fall season, to cheer on their school with pride. Once the fall season comes to an end, the girls tryout again for the winter competition season, and are on a team with others until February when it comes time for state. “Other sports have to be with each other and practice for, at most, only four months,” Bargamian said. “We are with each other for nine months out of the year. Then we only get about a month break and then have to tryout again. Which shows how much time we put into our sport as an individual and team.” The records of both teams show that they present success within their sport. The misunderstanding of both is what stands in the way of them receiving the recognition they deserve. Like most, they consist of teamwork which helps build the base for competing as a whole, like most teams are taught. Skills that keep them ahead of their competition, to represent success among their school. Then grueling practices and performances that consist of both difficult skills and teamwork. Making them one that others should take a second glance at when recognizing sports at school.

WOULD YOU RATHER?

football game or a cheer/ dance competition?

Jessica Lamberty

basketball game or a cheer/ dance competition?

Jessica Lamberty

soccer game or a cheer/ dance competition?

Jessica Lamberty

volleyball game or a cheer/ dance competition?

Jessica Lamberty 45

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

1 TOP 3 W AYS WRE STLERS WEIGHT BY TYLE SAY THEY CUT A BALAN R SKUTNIK: CED DIET The effe cts

of cuttin body an g weight are p re d minds et of a w valent on the restler. Balancin g out yo ur healthie st way to diet and drinkin gw cut weig looking ht, but w ater is the to hen you your die get rid of the w are t is defi nitely no eight fast, bala weight, ncing t the faste even th ough it’s st way to the bes cut t for lon weight g term loss. Accord ing to th e Acade etetics, my of N “if you s urtition hed pou muscle and Dinds too , bone, fast, yo and wa u’ll lose ter inste ad of fa Eat com t.” plex ca rbohydra body w te s and re ith vitam fuel y ins and nutrients our .

T ’ N O D . K S A T ’ DON

he wrestling season is full of singlets, headgear, tournaments, sweaty mats, and lots of exercise. But the one aspect that never seems to be discussed is how wrestlers’ methods of cutting weight can lead to unhealthy lifestyles. Before an athlete can wrestle in a meet, they must get certified. This process consists of getting body fat tested and passing a hydration test. Illinois High School Association rules state that a male wrestler must have 7 percent or more body fat, and a female must have 12 percent or more body fat in order to lose any weight during the season. If a wrestler is under these requirements, then they are not allowed to cut any weight JILLIAN M. EVERETT managing editor // @jilly_everett simply because they don’t have the fat to lose. KAYLEE S. SCHREINER digital director // @kayschr06 Once a wrestler is certified, IHSA

The battle of losing and maintaining weight for wrestling might be causing longterm problems for a short-term committment.

provides them with specific data on when they can lose a certain amount of weight; if they miss these benchmarks, then the wrestler must wrestle at their current weight class for the rest of the season. Along with this, if a wrestler wants to drop weight, then they can only lose a certain amount each week, which prevents wrestlers from dropping an excessive amount of weight in a short period of time. Typically, in the beginning of the season, wrestlers try to cut weight before they get certified, which is when some of the negative ways to cut weight are seen. In theory, if someone is strong enough to beat another wrestler in a higher weight class, then they can beat someone in the lower weight class easier. When cutting weight entails starving oneself, the person can develop tendencies of eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia. Some even take laxatives in order to flush out their body and lose as much weight as they can. “[Cutting weight improperly] not only affects your high school years; these bad habits will follow you much later in life, too,” athletic trainer Bryn Nottoli said. “So, make sure when you’re [trying to lose weight], you’re doing it safely.” If the body is unable to take in nutrients and distribute them properly, then it starts to store all of the nutrients it already has, which is counterin-

AND DEHYDRATION ON STARVATI

TELL.

health sults in many Dehydration re cause n ca at th a wrestler problems for su re lt in a th and could a lack of streng reacts to dy ce. The bo bad performan eat and sw g in uc od pr dehydration by dration hy De e cramps. causes muscl the body on ts ec eff term also has long lems. t and liver prob including hear g up to your e days leadin Not eat for th effects like de si y man match causes e eating d irritation. Th depression an childhood ur yo g rin velop du habits you de ve de lop when g habits you affect the eatin lt in eating su re d ul and co you are older disorders.

THE SWE AT SWEATIN SUIT / G A LOT S

weat ca uses the bod y to los e weight and als o lose ma ny impo rtant nutr ients. T his method of weari ng heavy c lo when sle thes eping o r running can hav e negativ e effects on the bod y. These suits are used to shed m any pou nds for matc hes, bu t in some in stances it could re sult in fa tal conseq uences .

ys od for 3-4 da e] had zero fo d over an “[My teammat er ov t ou ly worked and constant m somewhat and it made hi p, to ns no again, nchez said. Sa ec Al phomore depressed,” so

tuitive—sometimes this leads to weight gain. The body shuts down when it is overworked and denied an adequate amount of rest and nutrients. Without the normal caloric intake that a wrestler needs, the body has less energy to function properly, resulting in a lack of physical and mental strength. If one is cutting weight correctly with a balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables, then they will naturally drop weight, especially if they work hard at practice and don’t take cutting weight to the extreme on their own time. “Students take [working out] to a new level, and they start doing it on their own,” Nottoli said. “They finish practice and they go home and run for another two hours.” After a meet, many wrestlers eat a lot and gain back some weight; they then only have those couple of days before the next week to lose the weight again. This mentality can have negative effects on the body. The body must have protein in order to function, so when the fat level decreases it starts to pull from the muscles. Not only is the athlete losing

weight, but they are also losing muscle mass. Therefore, they are not able to perform to the best of their abilities because they have nothing left to give. “If [wrestlers] are coming to practice, and all they are thinking about is cutting weight, then they will never learn; if I can’t teach them, then they can’t get better,” varsity wrestling coach Wilbur Borrero said. “Their health is much more important to me than wrestling.” Diet, nutrition and hydration are key factors in the success of anyone, but especially in the sport of wrestling. If they cut weight properly and move down a weight class, then they will be stronger there; but if they don’t cut weight properly, then they will be weaker and it does them no good. Slowly getting down to an acceptable weight and maintaining that weight with healthy habits will result in success. “We have got to promote wrestling in a healthier way,” Borrero said. “I am a firm believer that our kids should not be cutting that much weight.”

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

THE BEST FOR THE BEST

Students want the best shoes that will give them the upper hand on the court. However, some athletes might not know what to look for.

ROBERT J. HULTING tom tom staff // @robbiehulting

he sport of basketball was invented in 1891 and has evolved into one of the most watched sports in the world. Shoes have always been a big part of the game. From Converse in the 60s, to Jordan’s in the 80s, all the way up to present day shoes such as KD’s, LeBrons, Kobes and many more. The style and build of shoes is always changing and the variety is expanding, which makes it harder for athletes to find the right shoe. In recent years, athletes have preferred sneakers with high tops and cushioned soles. Many professional basketball players want a shoe that can give them maximum support for their feet and ankles, while maintaining good comfortability. However, it’s not just the professionals that seek these qualities in a shoe, the athletes buying these shoes want the same quality that the professionals do. “I look for something that is comfortable for me,” junior Michael Balagot said. “[I like a shoe] that can go along with my movements on the court, has really good ankle support and cushion.”

Style can also play a factor in one’s decision on which shoe to purchase. Top notch basketball players earn big endorsements through big name athletic wear companies to devise a signature shoe line. However, those endorsed shoes are running the show in terms of style. Every year, new styles are coming out and the ultimate goal for these shoes is to be as unique as possible. The Kobe 9 is a high top which provides good ankle support, but the style of the shoe is very distinct and is truly a statement amongst other basketball shoes. The brand of the shoe is also something to be considered when purchasing a new shoe. Knowing that the shoe is reliable and worth the money is a major selling point. Nike, Adidas and Under Armour all offer quality shoes for a decent price. “I prefer to wear Nike because I have been wearing Nike shoes since I started playing basketball,” sophomore Gavin Eldridge said. “I have never bought a pair that I have been disappointed with, so I just stuck with them.” Whereas Nike might be one of the most popular brands and has the most endorsed shoes, their sneakers can certainly be pricey. Adidas and Under Armour are also brands to consider when searching for the ideal shoes. Not only do they have quality shoes, but they also may have some for cheaper prices. Knowing where to buy shoes is important; it all depends on how much one is willing to spend and how much time one has. If a pair of shoes is needed in a minimal amount of time, there are many different sporting good stores that sell all different kinds of shoes. Dicks Sporting Goods, Footlocker, Finishline and Champs all offer a wide selection of shoes; however, some stores don’t always have the best variety. Shopping online might be a better alternative; there are far more websites than stores that have an abundance of sneakers.

SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE

Not spending time with family during the holidays can be upsetting, but it is something that most student athletes experience.

EMILY M. TORRES digital director assistant // @emily_marilynnt

eavy breathing, heart pumping, sweat dripping and the motivation to rush home to see one’s family. Athletes oftentimes have practices or tournaments during holiday breaks, which can, at times, get in the way of family events. Some athletes don’t care to miss their family events due to the dedication they have for their sport, while other athletes chose to prioritize family over practices, games and sports. “I do not miss family parties because of practice because coach Borrero believes that family comes first, but I have decided to miss family events because of competitions,” junior wrestler Michael Volkmar said. “I feel okay when I miss family events because it’s my decision to miss it, and I am usually focused on the competition.” Athletes have to juggle their time in order to be able to go to practices and family events. Sometimes, it might be difficult for the athletes, such as Volkmar, to make time for both the sport and the family that they love. During the holiday season, there are athletes who struggle to decide whether or not they should go to that practice or if they should spend their holiday breaks with their families. “We have an out of town trip [for basketball] this year, and I don’t think it will get in the way of family time because my family supports the sports that I play and my dedication to the sport,” junior basketball player Austin Andrews said. “My parents always say that you have your family for the rest of your life and you can only play sports for so long.” At times, athletes’ dedication to their sport shows when they choose the certain sport they play over their family. For some, families understand that a sport might be important, so they allow for them to miss events. “I always make up time with my family or I go to the parties later when the game or practice is done,” Andrews said. “Sometimes I wish that I were with my family rather than at basketball because without them I don’t know where I would be today.” To some, family is everything; they may miss out on family events, but they want to make up for lost time. Most families are stronger when they understand one another and they see how much something, like that sport, means to an individual member, particularly that athlete. “We have practices over break this year because conference is the week after break,” junior dancer Amelia Neumann said. “My family almost always goes up North to Minnesota for Christmas, and because I have practice we aren’t able to go up North this year to see my family in Minnesota. It makes me upset because I only get to see my family once a year, and unfortunately I won’t be able to see them this year.” For many, sports during this time can either be enjoyable or a bur-

den to an athlete’s family. Along with potentially not spending time with family members, athletes may experience hard practices or they might have an easy break. “Borrero lets us do what we want on holidays and allows weight changes for the holidays dedicated to eating,” Volkmar said. “Practices are not bad, usually we have a game day put in somewhere, Griffin but there are some days where you don’t want to Hackeloer be there, but you just have to push through.” For Volkmar, the day depends on how the practice will go. It is not a known fact that during breaks practices will be hard, but some days they may be more difficult than the last; however, for Neumann, practices are fun and exciting during the holidays. “Practices during breaks are basically the same as normal practices, which are always hard, but they tend to be more fun just because we are in the holiday spirit,” Neumann said. “We always stretch to Christmas music during the winter season to get us pumped up and excited for practice, as well as sometimes even dancing to Christmas music.” During the holidays, athletes’ sports may be difficult as they are thinking about their family while simultaneously thinking about the next drill that they will be doing at practice during their holiday break.

SPORTS | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

WA N T A R E P L AY ? HEAD OVER TO SEQUOITMEDIA.COM AND R E A D O U R S TA F F E R S ’ E X P E R I E N C E GIVING IT THE GOOD ‘OLE TOM TOM T RY AT W R E S T L I N G . 50

TomTomTries: WRESTLING See what happens when these athletes leave their comfort zones to hit the mat with the varsity wrestling team, while trying to avoid broken bones or getting pinned. DIANA ANGHEL print director // @didi_anghel

MCKENNA R. KALISZ tom tom staff // @mac_kalisz 51

PERSPECTIVES | December 15, 2017 | The Ocean Blue Issue

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE CHASING

DREAMS OF THE PAST BY GEOVANI CULLOTON as told to merrick foote

rowing up I never had to discover anything by myself. I was always told who to be, what to do and what to believe in. Everything about me was determined by my surroundings and other people. For example, I would come home from school everyday to find open Bibles and molded candles depicting religiously important figures strewn across all of the countertops in the kitchen. When I was young, Christianity was quickly ingrained in my mind, but now that I have grown, I have also matured and have begun to question who I really could be. I no longer follow the path created by others; I have become my own person. I now know what I am. I am an artist. Art is what I have used to find out new things about myself and it is also what I use to express who I am to everyone around me. I use my poems, stories and music to tell the world about myself; my drawings, paintings and outfits are to show who I’ve become. My art comes from the depths of who I am. Every piece I produce is a part of myself represented in paint, words and half-notes. I have always been artistic. When I was very young it all started with drawings. Whenever I could get my hands on paper and a pencil I would sketch and doodle, never knowing what exactly I was making until after it was completed. I later moved on to writing however, and I commenced expressing myself with poems and stories. Ink and words became my allies as

I chased new heights and strove for improvement. I am never content with being “good enough”; I need to be the best. My pursuit of perfection led me to music, and I learned all I could about piano and guitar. My journey through art has taught me much,including the

in a perpetual state of financial turmoil. He is everything I don’t want to be and his lack of success has resulted in a strained relationship between the two of us. When we were growing up together my brother was always jealous of me; he saw me as the favorite child. However, I

fact that good art is not easy to create. You have to suffer for art, and let all the emotion of your past come through in what you do. For me, that emotion is the remembrance of what I once had. As a child, I lived in that house. The kind of house that people dream of. It was the big house at the end of the street, back in my old neighborhood in Chicago. My family and I had a huge pool, a jacuzzi, a television in our bathroom and a beautiful kitchen; amenities we can no longer afford. During every holiday, our’s was the house soaked in light, the glow of thousands of bulbs illuminating the grandeur we lived in. I was the king, living in my high castle.Now, I have fallen into a simpler way of life. When I was eight we moved into a small apartment here in Antioch. My lifestyle was shattered and the world I once knew was blown to pieces. It was supposed to be a temporary move, but now it feels permanent. The luxury of my past still fills my mind at night, bringing me dreams in which I return to what I once knew. I want to get back to that lifestyle, whatever it takes. Even though I am constantly striving to get back to the splendor I once knew, my family doesn’t always feel the same way. My older brother, for example, has not put in much effort to better his life. While most people look up to their older siblings, for me that is very hard to do. He is a high school dropout with kids, living

viewed him in the same light and always thought that he was truly the favorite child. We fought very frequently because of this, and now our relationship is nearly non-existent. The fighting in our childhood was one of the many factors that eventually led him down a bad path in which he got in a lot of trouble, ruined his own academic career and in turn, ruined his chances for financial stability. I do not want to follow the road he has paved. I want to be better. Even if he has not regained what we once knew, I still believe that I can. I want my art to make me known and take me back to the luxury of my youth, but I know that the chances of me making it as an artist are very low. In a perfect world, all I would have to do to be financially secure in the future is continue to create and express myself, but this is not a perfect world. Realistically, I need to have a career to fall back upon for when my art fails. I see engineering as a way to continue creating things while also making money and I want that for my future. My plan is to educate myself as well as I can so that I can be successful. Nothing in my life seems to be coming together right now though, so I am not confident that my plans will fall together the way I want them to. All I can do is hope, fight for my future and earn my success by any means necessary.

JR Johnson 53

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