The Tom Tom | September 2015

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

NEW IMPROVEMENTS, SCHOOL SAFETY UPDATES AND INCREASED COMMUNICATION

+ The Top 5 Ways to Cure Summertime Sadness + What it Feels Like to be Adopted THE

Jekyll &Hyde

ISSUE

THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY SEQUOIT VOLUME 54, ISSUE 2 + SEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS

@ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @

SEPT. 2015

CONTENTS

VOL. 54 NO. 2

CLAY VESSER

NEW IMPROVEMENTS, SCHOOL SAFETY UPDATES AND INCREASED COMMUNICATION

Cure Summertime Sadness

+ What it

CLOSE & FAR

DEATH & LIFE

Feels Like to be Adopted

ISSUE

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

16

+ The Top 5 Ways to

Jekyll &Hyde

20

From Asia to Antioch and back, senior Claire Roeker sees studying abroad as a necessity to growing up.

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

THE

14

THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY SEQUOIT VOLUME 54, ISSUE 2 + SEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS

ON THE COVER Senior Abby L. models the multiple sides of a Sequoit, showcasing the theme of the issue.

Robin Parfitt found life in death by moving on to create a legacy for her late daughter Nicole, who would be a senior Sequoit this year.

18 WHISPER & SHOUT

Perspectives 4 News 7 Lifestyles 10 Sports 30 One|Sequoit 34

Growing up not speaking English as a first language can make schooling difficult; for junior David Estrada, it didn’t hold him back. Instead, he let his actions speak louder than his words

26 WAR & PEACE

Small town girl Kaitlyn Koski continues her educational journey far from Antioch at Florida Gulf Coast University, saying goodbye to her family and friends and saying hello to her new home.

Coming from a military family isn’t easy, especially in times of conflict and war. For some Sequoits, the balance between war and peace is an everyday experience.

22

28 HELLO & GOODBYE

DENIED & ACCEPTED Junior Mary Ellsworth faced numerous hardships while attempting to be open about her sexuality to her family and friends.

24 WEAK & STRONG At her weakest point, senior Natalie Nielson found her true strength: her undying passion to succeed.

Leaving public school to attend a private school took plenty of adjusting for junior Liana Geraty. To make matters more difficult, she had to transition back to public school.

32 WHAT IT FEELS LIKE Karissa Wennstrom shares her story on what it feels like to be adopted.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

LOOKING BACK

Despite freshman year not being that far away, reflecting on the experience of the short, four years brings back a number of lasting memories and spirited advice.

A Sequoit is not truly one, but two.

People don’t usually see both sides to every person, instead they can distinctly point out one of the two sides. It can be easy to make judgments when only one side to a story is visible, but the truth is so much easier to see when the other side is revealed. In this issue, themed in honor of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, members of the community reveal both sides to their lives.

The honesty portrayed in the the TOM TOM staff

2015-2016 executive team

NICHOLAS DOROSAN Editor-in-Chief PATRICK R. JOHNSON, CJE Adviser MADISON PADDOCK KRISTINA ESDALE Managing Editor Print Director NATHAN BORRIES GRANT HAIDER Senior Editor Creative Director MADELYNN SOBERANO NATHAN FORMELLA Digital Director Advertising Director department editors

DAN MEADE Sports PAIGE GRUBER Lifestyles YASMIN LARA News LAUREN PONZETTI Copy Chief/News

GENNIFER GEER Copy Chief CHRISTINA MICHEALS Assistant JOHNNY HORTON Photo Editor JESSICA GUZMAN Social Media Director

staff journalists

Nathaniel Alexander Nick Andre Jayme Bailey Danielle Bay Rachel Beckman Chris Bedolla Brittany Bluthardt Grace Bouker Daniel Brito Rebekah Cartlidge Alexandra Comer Jack Connelly Haley Edwards Abigail Ellsworth Jillian Everett Matthew Farrell

Booker Grass Ella Gruber Benjamin Gutke Dylan Hebior Megan Helgesen Symone Henderson Kennedy Hettlinger Brenna Higgins Emily Holmes Paige Hope Lauryn Hugener Marc Huston Gabrielle Kalisz Nicolas Kilian Theodore Martinek Kaleigh Miller

mission statement

The Tom Tom provides fair and balanced news reporting for the Lake County area.

The Tom Tom is a student-run news organization that serves the Antioch community through a monthly print news magazine and

4 Tom Tom September 2015

Chloe Moritz Haley Nickles Nicole Peterson John Petty Natasha Reid Matthew Rowe Alexander Ruano Abigail Russell Kaylee Schreiner Lauren Slack Shane Sorensen Jordan Staten Tyler Steele Olivia Szwajkowski Clay Vesser

daily online content.

It is our duty to encourage the involvement of town activities and sporting events. The Tom Tom is an open forum publication and strives to inform, educate and improve the atmosphere and student body at Antioch Community High School.

pages of this magazine is inspiring; so much so that I knew it was also important for me to examine my two sides: the editor-in-chief and the football player.

The two sides to my story consist of the jock and the editor-in-chief for the school magazine. Both sides define who I am. I’m either looked at as the varsity football player or the editor-in-chief; it never seems to be both. It wasn’t until I took a trip to Denver for the National Scholastic Press Association’s annual spring journalism conference that I saw how different these parts of me really are. As I walked around to different sessions, looking at the variety of journalists surrounding me, I realized that not many of them were like me. Everyone seemed to be like each other, while I seemed to be the odd one out. I was never used to being the one that was different; I’m the one that usually “fits in.”

When I first came to high school I knew exactly what I wanted to be: a jock. I wanted to be part of the football team that everyone went to watch on a Friday night under the lights and I didn’t ever think I was going to do anymore than that. I never expected that I would be part of the school newspaper staff, let alone becoming the editor-in-chief of the Tom Tom. I’ve spent the remainder of my high school career living in both worlds: football and journalism. For me, I’ve been able to better understand myself because of the experiences I’ve had with both. My time in Denver just helped me realize that if I would have stayed content with the world I was most comfortable in, football, I may have never appreciated the part of me I’ve learned to know and love: journalism. And for that I am forever grateful to be a part of such a significant community, one that respects and honors both parts of me.

With the recent tragedies that have occurred in and around Antioch, I am happy and proud to say I am member of this community. It is so touching to see how many people came together from this to pay respects to those who have fallen and given support to those who are in need. I am proud to say I am a Sequoit.

What you will find in this issue is an opportunity to see others as you may not have seen them before. In our features, we examined a variety of pairs: war and peace, life and death, close and far, and beyond. Each feature in the 15-page section closely examines the two sides to a person, which drove the theme of “Jekyll and Hyde” in this magazine. Additionally, you’ll see a familiar addition: a what it feels like story. Given the success of that magazine last February, we decided that we would add one of these types of stories to every magazine. You will also see some other new additions: full-page snapshot photos into the lives of the Sequoits, a fashion spread, shorter news and sports sections, and a variety of alternative story forms. Finally, I can announce the addition of more magazines to the Tom Tom this year, which will include three sports magazines. The first of which will come out in October.

I am excited to have this community get a glimpse into “Jekyll and Hyde,” and I cannot wait to share with you what this incredible staff comes up with this year. TT

NICHOLAS G. DOROSAN Editor-in-Chief

STAFF EDITORIAL

MAKING THE GRADE

Providing feedback in the form of As and Fs is standard practice for teachers for their students.

However, students should also be allowed to evaluate teachers, administrators in the same way.

A

s students, we are often times defined by just a simple letter: an “A”, a sign of hard work and intelligence; or an “F,” a sign of failure or laziness.

Students are ingrained to work towards a certain letter after spending most of their lives being evaluated mainly, if not solely, by grades. If grades are such an essential part to the measurement of success in a student, then why are students not given an opportunity to grade their teachers, likewise?

Surely, just as there are good students and bad students, there are good teachers and teachers who could use improvement. School systems around the country have set evaluation procedures for teachers, whether it be observation by administers and other staff, or by the success rate and growth of the student body as a whole. Community High School District 117 recently updated their evaluation system, which will ultimately include student growth and performance. But why not include student voice in the evaluation process as well? Students spend the most time in the classroom with the teacher—anywhere between 90 to 180 periods a year; and, ultimately, students are the ones who will either fail or succeed based on the abilities of the teacher, coupled with their own drive to succeed.

Many college students use websites such as Rate My Professor to essentially “grade” their professors, but these grades are just simply for the convenience of prospective students of the professors to refer to when choosing their teachers and classes. In high school, the system wouldn’t work that way.

We are unable to pick teachers, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. What students truly need is an opportunity to grade their teachers in a way that will be considered by administrators, whether it be through a survey, questionnaire, or talking personally with an administrator. The goal of student-teacher grading should be to help teachers improve in order for students to get the best education possible, much like the teacher’s goalfor his/her students is to help them improve and be successful moving forward.

In the midst of this conversation, the point was brought up that students who didn’t like a teacher—for any particular reason or grudge they may be holding— could simply “sabotage” a teacher during an evaluation. While outliers do exists, much like on standardized tests (something that consistently measures us, successful or not), that is simply not going to be the case. Even if there is one student holding a grudge, the one poor grade they give to a teacher will be merely brushed to the side if the rest of the teacher’s grades are positive. There are plenty of students who are willing to give honest and constructive criticism and feedback to create a better learning environment for themselves, future students and the teacher’s colleagues.

We implore and encourage administrators to allow us to help gain insight on their teachers. The result would not be a negative bashing of teachers, but, rather, constructive criticism to make the learning environment tailored to the best it can be for each student. Ultimately, this could provide an opportunity for us to continue to thrive as a school and improve our standing in the county, in the state and in the country. TT

The goal of studentteacher grading should be to help teachers improve in order for students to get the best education possible...

THE TOM TOM BREAKDOWN

FREE SPEECH

58 4 AGREE

Should students be able to grade their teachers?

DISAGREE

THE SCHOOL BY THE NUMBERS

Should students be able to grade their teachers?

DISAGREE

The teachers help us to succeed, so we should help them too.

Eleni Sakas, Freshman

AGREE

STAFF Respondant type (192 total responses)

STUDENTS Survey by the Tom Tom staff

Students and staff feel that students should be offered the ability to provide graded feedback for their teachers. ACHS staff represented 27.9% of the 192 responses. Thirty seven staff members felt that students should be given this opportunity, and many reached out to the Tom Tom asking if they could provide justification for their response. While the student response was more significantly “yes,” there were some students who felt that they shouldn’t be given the opportunity to grade their teachers.

Yes, because with anything in life if you aren’t held to standards you will go by your own standards, and some teachers have low standards.

Dale Trusky, Senior

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

REMEMBERING HOME, LT. JOE

On September 7th, 2015, I watched my home town of Antioch, IL from 1,100 miles away in Waterford, CT. What I saw was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.

I grew up in Antioch, and lived there for 18 years, and 20 years in Lake County over time. I have not lived in Illinois in 10 years. Most of the last 19 years I have spent living outside Illinois, but somethings of “home” have never left me. I am still a die hard Cubs fan and bleed Cubbie Blue. I am a fanatic Blackhawks fan; I never miss a game on TV and can regularly be seen in Southeastern CT wearing my No. 19 Toews red Hawks Sweater. And yes, I am a Packer’s fan too. Even through my time away, I still consider Antioch home and it will always hold a special place near and dear to me. The loss of one of our own in such a way had no less impact then if I was still living in Illinois.

To see my hometown and Fox Lake go through what it just did, was not easy to watch, especially from afar. But the outpouring of support and the unity I saw was truly inspiring to watch on TV and through social Media with ACHS right in the middle of it. I watched our towns and school come together to honor and respect one of our own: a Sequoit.

I do not personally remember Lt. Gliniewicz, but I know our paths have crossed at some point and have some other common aspects. We were both from Antioch; both graduated from ACHS. He was a Police Explorer advisor for the FLPD during the time I was a Police Explorer with the APD while I attended ACHS. He served in the Army, I serve in the Navy. He was 1 month from retiring from the Fox Lake Police Department; I am 1 year from retiring from the Navy (I just made some teachers feel really old!).

But even if our paths never crossed, does not change the respect and loss I have for him at all. He was willing to do things most of us would not. He was willing to serve for the better interest of others at his own expense. He wrote out a check over 30 years ago, written “Payable to: the People of the United States; Cost: Up to and including my life”. A person could not be willing to give more to his community and perfect strangers.

The term “hero” is thrown around way too much in my opinion, because what is a hero? There is one sure way to tell who a hero is, it is not the Quarterback throwing a game winning touchdown, it is a not an actress standing in front of a camera. You can only tell who they are when danger is around. When everyone else is running from danger, they are running to it. When everyone else is fleeing a burning building, they are running into it. When people are standing on their roofs or at their front door looking and crying for help, they are the help. They are the people who do everything they can to get in between danger and the people around them. The last thing Lt. Gliniewicz did before taking the hand of God to His Kingdom, was to run after the danger so none of would have to. He IS a true hometown hero. That check he wrote out over 30 years ago, has now been cashed, paid out in full, and the honor you all gave him was nothing less than inspiring and deserving of what he gave. It made me proud of my hometown and High School to see how you all came out and supported and honored one of our own.

I just want to say this to Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, you sir are relieved of the watch. We have the watch now, your job is done and was completed exceptionally. You can go rest in Peace now, and God Speed. And to all you Sequoits and all others from our home towns, thank you for showing America how to treat a hero who was one of our own. TT

There is one sure way to tell who a hero is...

They are the people who do everything they can to get in between danger and the people around them.

JERAMIAH “JERRY” L. BROWN Submarine Sonar Technician (Submarine Qualified) Senior Chief Petty Officer, USN ACHS Class of 1995 Always a Sequoit

6 Tom Tom September 2015

A STUDENT TRIBUTE POEM BY ALEXSIS FIER

Isn’t it crazy how the world keeps spinning? As if nothing can stop it?

Well somebody’s world somewhere has just stopped spinning.

Someone somewhere is no longer living.

Someone somewhere is no longer dreaming.

Someone somewhere is no longer hoping.

Someone somewhere is no longer eating.

Someone somewhere is no longer laughing.

Someone somewhere is no longer joking.

Someone somewhere is no longer singing.

Someone somewhere is no longer breathing.

Someone somewhere is now grieving.

Someone somewhere is now seething.

Someone somewhere is now bleeding.

Someone somewhere is now crying.

Someone somewhere is now pleading.

But don’t worry, someone is out there praying.

Someone is out there reaching.

Someone is out there seeking.

Someone is out there preaching.

Someone is out there teaching.

You are not alone, for we reach out to you and your families.

Although you aren’t here in our world, your presence moves within us.

Your inspiration moves within us.

Your determination moves us.

Your kind, gentle soul moves us.

You are us.

You gave your life and so much more. Your work doesn’t go unappreciated.

You were a brother, a son, a husband, a father, but most of all, you were a Sequoit. As a family we will stand side by side, hand in hand, as one, because you are not alone, we are here for you.

NEWS IN BRIEF

EVENTS

GLINIEWICZ FUNERAL

SEPTEMBER 18 HOMECOMING KICK-OFF PEP RALLY

“Police lives matter” rang throughout social media as family, friends and colleagues gathered in Antioch to say goodbye and pay their respects to Fox Lake officer, Sequoit alumnus and father Lt. Joseph Gliniewicz on Monday, Sept.

7.

Many walked and lined the streets of Antioch to Fox Lake to show support for not only the family, but also the police force. Officers, military men and guests from all over the county came to show their support of the Gliniewicz family with over 1,000 police squad cars and motorcycles joining in an 18 mile funeral procession which started at Antioch Community High School and ended at Hillside East Cemetery in Antioch.

The fallen officer is considered a significant role model in the Antioch and Fox Lake communities, as well as a hero. TT

SEPTEMBER 21 DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 23 POWDERPUFF GAMES AT THE STADIUM SEPTEMBER 24 HOMECOMING PARADE BONFIRE AND PEP RALLY AT THE STADIUM SEPTEMBER 25 HOMECOMING GAME AGAINST VERNON HILLS SEPTEMBER 26 HOMECOMING DANCE

ANTIOCH GRANTS A WISH

W

hen Make-A-Wish called, the Sequoits football team knew just how to answer. For six-year-old Antioch resident Harrison Victor, the ACHS varsity football team is his dream team, one he wanted to spend one of his MakeA-Wish wishes on to be a part of it.

In cooperation with the Make-AWish Illinois chapter of the Make-AWish foundation, a nonprofit organization that arranges experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions, Victor became a part of his dream team under the Friday night lights on the new stadium’s turf field.

Victor, as honorary team captain, lead the Sequoits down to the field Sept. 4. Moments later, he accompanied football captains Matt Adams, Jake Cloe, Griffin Hill and Ben Her-

T TRENDING: Relationships

For most people, a relationship is meant to be full of love and happiness. But, for 18-year-old Michelle Carter, she took being in a relationship with Conrad Roy to a whole new level.

Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and over 7 percent have attempted it. As for Conrad Roy, he had become apart of these statistics due to Michelle Carter’s encouragement to end his life.

JOHNNY HORTON

This week, the Information and Learning Center added store-front walls to provide for new learning opportunities and experiences for students and staff. For a full story about the new space, go to SequoitMedia.com.

Currently, the defense have documents filled with numerous texts from Michelle urging Conrad to end his life. She is now facing charges of manslaughter.

BY CHRISTINA MICHAELS

mes, holding hands, to the center of the field to call the coin toss. Victor received a specially designed coin from CTE teacher Jon Salaban to use for this special occasion.

Victor’s wish also included getting to meet the entire team and join in on the team dinner, where he also received a jersey and a helmet signed by all the football players. The Cardinal Crazies also had a FatHead made of Victor and chanted his name each time he stepped on to the field.

The Sequoits took the win over Moline with a final score of 30-6, but the real win was getting the chance to grant Victor’s wish of being a part of the team: one town, one team, one dream. TT

BY LAUREN PONZETTI

SEQUOIT SOUNDOFF

“The funeral was conducted with the utmost respect and compassion towards Lt. Gliniewicz and his family.”

ROBERT “GABE” GABRIEL SECURITY GUARD

303

BY THE NUMBERS

FRESHMEN

This year marks the 101st school year for Antioch Community High School. It also means a new class, the class of 2019, joins the ranks of thousands of other Sequoits around the country.

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

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IN BRIEF

Sequoit Snapshot

On Labor Day, the Antioch community gathered to honor fallen Sequoit and officer, Lt. Joe Gliniewicz. The procession stretched over 18 miles.

JOHNNY HORTON

8 Tom Tom September 2015

BLUE LIGHT:

With three lockdowns in the first weeks of school, some question if ACHS is safe. Updates over the summer, swift communication and planning, and a new bluepoint system are all in place to ensure students’ safety.

GENNIFER GEER Copy Chief

A

s the new school year dawned, students and parents received sets of emails dealing with separate, unique problems involving the security of Antioch Community High School. Due to the combined efforts of administration, staff and the Antioch Police Department, at no time were students in danger.

The year began with the discovery of an unknown knife in a locker, a problem quickly handled.

The following week, the school entered “safe mode” with all teachers and students in locked classrooms due to a student-made threat. ACHS then launched various forms of lockdowns on Sept. 1 in response to a manhunt for nearby Fox Lake shooting suspects.

Principal Bradford Hubbard said notice of community emergencies generally comes from the police, citing a phone call he received the morning of the shooting. When getting word of the issue, the staff arranged meetings to send mass updates.

“I typically err on the side of too much communication,” Hubbard said. “As a parent myself, I would hate to find out from my student something they were exposed to or put through that I wasn’t aware of.”

ACHS students expressed appreciation for the updates.

“It’s nice to know what’s going on,” senior Lillian Holmes said. “Sometimes we get too many emails, but it’s good to know what they’re doing about it.”

While keeping students in the loop, administration depends on support from the Antioch Police Department for security and expertise in developing responses.

Aside from the emergency planning, ACHS has daily measures to prevent emergencies. Security guard Gary Braun spends part of his time in the building keeping watch by the office, triggering the lock on the front door. As students and adults enter, Braun ensures he pleasantly greets them and, more importantly, that they pose no threat to ACHS. “Our number one warning is we’ll get a call from the police with a picture and a name,” Braun said, explaining he looks for indicators such as “long hair, coats and [groups of] multiple people.”

According to Braun, these threats rarely occur, with the most recent incident involving non-threatening strangers.

The upcoming school year also features constantly evolving security measures, including the implementation of the Blue Point System, which had its first drill Sept. 9.

Dean of students Wilbur Borrero said the new system isn't perfect yet, but he believes it's cutting-edge technology. When triggered, it will alert the police department, who will arrive at ACHS with "all guns a-blazing." Another form of warning comes from those within the building.

"One thing we always ask our students, our teachers is [to] please let us know," Borrero said.

"You’re our eyes and ears."

Responses to other situations often depend on teachers' directions to students, which they learn from meetings, handbooks and reference cards. Because of their diligence, Hubbard said he is inspired by the way faculty has responded.

“They’re unbelievable,” he said. “Our faculty and staff are some of the best I’ve ever worked with.

I believe they’re really compassionate about wanting to create a safe environment.”

He emphasized that safety is the first priority, one central to ACHS values.

“We often say that teaching and learning are very important, and, obviously, as a school, they are,” Hubbard said. “But, in my opinion, teaching and learning do not happen without two things. One is a positive relationship with our students, and, more importantly, it doesn’t happen without a safe learning environment.” TT

SHANE SORENSEN

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TOP 5 WAYS TO CURE SUMMERTIME SADNESS

Say goodbye to tanktops, suntans, and staying up till 2 a.m. First semester is in full swing at Antioch Community High School, which means summer is long gone and months away from returning. Do not fret, along with the new year comes all of the excitement of the fall season. Here are five top ways to cure your summertime sadness:

NEW BEGINNINGS

Take the opportunity of this fresh start to make friendships, strengthen your relationships with teachers, and become more involved within the school community. No matter what has occurred in your past years as a student, begin this semester with an open mind and a willing to learn.

PUMP UP PLAYLIST

Stroll through the halls with your favorite jams blasting through your earphones. Find your new song anthems and become inspired by music. Nothing says, “Let’s get down to business” or “Power through the day,” like a little Beyonce or Kanye West.

WARDROBE CHANGE

So much of our confidence spreads from loving our appearance and having a positive outlook on ourselves. By simply buying the pair of Nikes you have been eyeing, chopping off your hair, or testing out a new makeup look, you can become fully refreshed and determined to work.

HEAD TO THE GYM

Lift and bench away your summer worries by making a work out plan and sticking to it. With the semester, restart and become the healthiest version of yourself (this means, no fries everyday for lunch!). Exercise invigorates the mind, strengthens the body, and leads to an increase in energy. Not only will exercise change your mindset, but also encourage you to participate in other healthy activities throughout the year.

GET SPIRITED

The easiest and most foolproof way to forget about summer is to find fun here at ACHS. Football games, powderpuff, homecoming week, and Wear Out Wednesdays are only a couple of the activities that occur during the first months of the school year.

Participate in the spirit dress days and come to as many events as possible; your time in high school will be over before you know it, so leave the year with no regrets.

BY BRITTANY BLUTHARDT

10 Tom Tom September 2015

JOHNNY HORTON

CROSSFIT

Controversial workout program added to physical education physical best curriculum to improve overall fitness and wellness of Sequoits.

BRITTANY BLUTHARDT

T

Tom Tom Staff he newest fad is gaining spotlight in the fitness and gym world: CrossFit. Not only has the workout been said to guarantee quick and noticeable results, but is different from the normal weightlifting or cardio-based exercises. Recently, CrossFit has etched it’s way into Antioch Community High School’s physical education program and has become the basis for most Fit for Life and Physical Best gym classes. With the introduction of this new program, students are learning elements of weightlifting, cardio, balance and overall strength, a drastic change in activity from past curriculum.

Christopher Stanich, a math teacher and “Crossfitter,” said, “I had never lifted weights before, besides when the cross country team went to the weight deck during high school. I wanted to actually see if I could do it.”

Often perceived as difficult by newcomers, CrossFit’s level of intensity can be overwhelming, but Stanich explains, “it involves discipline in all areas: olympic weightlifting, heavy cardio and proficiency in body weight exercises.” A combination of both mind and body effort, along with perseverance, CrossFit extends past the regular workout.

With any up-and-coming health trend, skeptical questions arise. Is CrossFit truly healthy and safe for the body? Are the results always positive? Does it cause more harm than good?

Erin Simmons, athletic coach and fitness writer for the “Huffington Post,” warns about CrossFit workouts and movements.

“They are extremely technique-oriented and are meant to be explosive and powerful over very short periods of time with plenty of rest. Subjecting your muscles to those movements continuously for time or for reps sets you up for injury,” Simmons wrote.

Like any other workout, overexertion and improper form can cause intense pain and exhaustion, and can lead to negative results.

Extending past the high school community, CrossFit gyms are sprouting up across the nation and are quickly catching up to their most successful competitors in the health and wellness industry.

ESPN writer, Mark Fainaru-Wada, notes, “CrossFit's rapid growth can be tied to several factors — the emerging stature of the CrossFit Games, the community atmosphere of the training and the fact workouts are short and results come quickly.” With locations in McHenry, Crystal Lake, Vernon Hills and Lake Villa, CrossFit has already made a presence and continues to emerge itself into the ACHS learning environment and currounding community. TT

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Theatre program to take ACHS to Wonderland for upcoming fall performance.

BOOKER GRASS Tom Tom Staff

Lewis Carroll's famous novel Alice in Wonderland is being brought to life through the work of fine arts department chair and theater director, Wanda Teddy, and her students. The story is about a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and to a world of opposites and increasingly weird characters.

“I am always trying to challenge my students in many different ways,” Teddy said.

She’s worked with her students everyday after school so Wonderland will inhabit the ACHS auditorium October 9-11. The show is substantially different from the plays Teddy and the theatre department produced in the past. This show sets up a years worth of thematic theatre, all wrapped up in the idea of dreams.

After ACHS falls in the rabbit hole to Wonderland, Teddy and the theatre department will begin work on student-directed one acts in the winter and “Footloose” for the spring musical. TT

S S P O T L I G H T: CHLOE GRASS

Chloe Grass may be just a sophomore, but she already has talents with makeup that allow her to completely transform an average Antioch Community High School student into a performer ready for the stage. At the age of 13, Grass knew makeup was her passion.

“It all began a year and a half ago when I was first introduced to the show “Face Off,” which is a special effects makeup show that I really enjoy,” Grass said.

Although Grass enjoys doing gory, spooky types of makeovers, as of right now she is prepping everyday after school for the upcoming ACHS fall play, “Alice in Wonderland.”

When she was asked to help with the production, Grass had no clue what was in store for her as one of the makeup artists for the school play. All she knew was that she was not going to be doing the type of makeup she was used to, and it was going to be time consuming.

“Everyday after school I go to Ms. Teddy’s room to apply the pieces for the play to make sure they fit,” Grass said.

Now that the play is in full rehersals, Grass is getting plenty of practice for the animal and fantasy characters that will be featured in the show. Her passion for makeup does not stop at ACHS. She hopes to continue to pursue it by attending a college that specializes in that specific field.

BY KENNEDY HETTLINGER

JOHNNY HORTON

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IT’S TIME TO GET A LITTLE BIT SPIRITED

Homecoming week is next week. Members of student council, with a little help from class sponsor and math teacher Megan Webster, dropped in to the media lab to do a little photo shoot to get ACHS ready for what to wear each day.

FRIDAY: SEQUOIT WEAR JOHNNY HORTON

12 Tom Tom September 2015

TUESDAY: TWIN DAY

MONDAY: PJ DAY

WEDNESDAY: FAIRY TALE DAY

THURSDAY: ANIMAL/TOGA The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

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Senior Claire Roeker crossed the boundaries of comfort and security by studying abroad.

FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC

PAIGE GRUBER Department Editor

I

t takes bravery, curiosity and an open mind to venture out and stay almost a year in a whole new world. Imagine being surrounded by strangers who at most could speak broken English, being completely immersed in a different atmosphere. That is exactly how Antioch Community High School student Claire Roeker lived for ten months.

And she loved it.

Too eager to sleep and just days before her departure, Roeker recalls listening to “Ocean of Light,” a song written by a Korean music group.

In the midst of it all, it hit her: she would be leaving her familiar hometown for Thailand.

“I was definitely a little nervous. This was my first time flying far, being away from my parents for a very long period of time... it was a little nerve-wracking,” Roeker said.

Upon arrival, Roeker began to miss her family and back home.

“There was a time when I got to the Korean airport and I was taking pictures of this one cafe

“I suddenly heard a voice nearby that sounded just like my sister. That’s when I amost had a breakdown.”

14 Tom Tom September 2015

and I suddenly heard a voice nearby that sounded just like my sister that’s when I almost had a breakdown.” she said.

But it only took stepping outside to change her mind. She went from being excited, then apprehensive, to as Roeker explains, “the best time of my life.”

She described the first week as “magical,” and she was completely taken back by the beautiful country and it’s culture. Everything was new and exciting from her point of view. Roeker felt the second week was a little different, however. “‘Culture Shock’ hits. And it hits you hard,” Roeker said. “You don’t really know what to do anymore, because you are at a standstill, especially if you didn’t really learn the language before you left you can’t go anywhere by yourself.”

When she did go out by herself, she hoped others could communicate with her through hand gestures and their broken English. Language was the biggest pressure and difficulty, and Roeker stressed that anyone who does do exchange, to learn some what of the language.

She said you connect more with those around you, as well as make friends; it also helps when you need to simply ask questions to citizens.

“You need to know the basics,” she said. that “stuck in the mud” feeling goes on for three months, and the basis can pull you out of it.

After adjusting to the new atmosphere, Roeker was set. She fell in love with every aspect of the country, and even claimed it changed

her outlook on herself as well as life. While in Thailand she came home with tattoos and piercings, stating she was “more adventurous” during her time there. She also came home with a new, more positive attitude. She began to see how beautiful and diverse life truly was.

One of Roeker’s most vivid memories was walking the streets of Thailand. There were rows of vendors and small local shops that lined up along the streets at night.

“They were very crowded. So crowded,” Roeker said. “It was also almost always humid, and I remember the very bright, obnoxious, yellowish lights. It also smelt disgusting because of the meat market during the day.”

But nevertheless, she loved it. Every weekend Roeker and her friends would hit up the streets, sometimes not to buy anything, but to simply absorb the atmosphere.

“It was our thing,” she said. “We sometimes just sat on the stairs and just laughed, watched people pass by, and enjoyed each other’s presence. It was incredible.”

The experience impacted Roeker’s life so much that she wants to share her endless stories with everyone, and never grows tired talking about her trip to a fascinating country. She also encourages others to join a local rotary, just as she did, for she is for certain it is one of the most beneficial things someone can do.

“Ten months seems like a long time, but in reality, it was like blinking your eyes, and then the illusion is gone,” Roeker said. TT

COURTESY CLAIRE ROEKER

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DEATH AND LIFE There is truly no way to put death into words. The only way to describe it is a hole.

MADISON PADDOCK

Managing Editor

A

hole in your heart, a pit of sadness in your stomach, an emptiness in your life, and a spot left open where your lost loved one should be. After losing someone you love, your life feels as if it is split into two different halves: life with your loved one, and life after death.

On Nov. 18, 2012, the town of Antioch lost a beautiful young girl, a 14-year-old freshman at Antioch Community High School Nicole Parfitt, and her father. For Nicole’s mother, Robin, the pain of her losses has never gone away, but instead, it has manifested into something much more positive as Robin works to make Nicole’s legacy live on forever.

Ask anyone who knew Nicole and they will speak of her unwavering positivity, her bubbly personality and her ability

She left such an impact on us all because of who she was. Nicole loved people... She was sensitive, strong and passionate.

16 Tom Tom September 2015

to walk into a room and instantly make everyone smile. But when speaking to Robin, it is as if Nicole is still in the room with her.

“She left such an impact on us all because of who she was,” Robin Said. “ Nicole loved people. She was full energy, good energy. She was sensitive, strong and passionate. All of the perfect qualities. She had a great sense of humor and, you know, she was always looking to have fun and laugh. It just rubbed off on everyone around. Ever since she was a toddler, I always told her that I was so happy to see that she loved everyone she met and they loved her back. She was everybody’s best friend.”

When Nicole passed away, the world lost an “amazing human being” and a “beautiful young soul.” Many searched for a reason why as Robin struggled to cope with her loss.

“I just kept looking for the purpose and moving forward. I believe that even in tragedies, everything happens for a reason,” Robin said. “I had to take whatever that reason was and find some good in it in order to move forward. It’s hard and it never gets easier, you just start to learn how to hide your pain more. Doing something positive from the tragedy helps; it keeps me strong.”

More than anything, Robin wanted to make sure Nicole’s legacy lived on forever. She remembered the moment in which she was the proudest of Nicole, watching her dance on stage and perform her last solo. Nicole loved to dance more than anything, and in addition to being truly talented at what she did, the true light of Nicole’s personality and passion shined bright whenever she performed.

Somewhere in the midst of the tragedy, Robin realized the perfect way to remember her daughter: a dance studio in her memory. A place where other kids could have the opportunity to experience passion and happiness and dance the way that Nicole did.

“The [dance studio] happened very quickly,” Robin said. “Once I knew that this was what I wanted to do, I moved forward like a mom on a mission. It seemed like once the idea got in my head there was no stopping me, I was completely determined. It’s funny, because Nicole said to me once, ‘Mom, once you decide to do something, you just never quit.’”

After months of hard work to bring Robin’s dream and Nicole’s legacy to life, Shine Bright Dance Studio opened in An-

tioch in November 2013, commemorating the first anniversary of Nicole’s death.

Upon walking into the dance studio for the first time, dancers and loved ones of Nicole describe it as instantly “feeling at home.” Nicole’s story seems to be written in the walls and the whole studio is nothing short of, as Robin describes it, “the perfect embodiment of her personality.” It is, and will continue to be a place where Nicole’s loved ones can be happy and find solace, much like the happiness Nicole used to radiate onto everyone.

“Shine Bright is her legacy,” Robin said.

“She inspired it and everything we do is with Nicole in mind. I want her to have a legacy, because somebody so beautiful inside and out is worth remembering. I tried to take all her best qualities and make something that she would be proud of.”

For a grieving mother to create something so beautiful and positive out of something so negative and tragic is truly inspirational. For Robin, it is her remaining family and the loving memories of Nicole and her husband that she keeps so close to help her remain strong.

“A lot of my strength comes from my son,” Robin said. “I’m strong for him. I can’t fall apart

on him, even though it would be so easy to do.”

The impact Shine Bright Dance Studio has left on Antioch’s community is a positive one. Robin created an outlet for those who knew Nicole, as well as those who didn’t.

Even more positive than the studio’s impact on Antioch, though, is Nicole’s impact.

Although those who knew Nicole will forever be missing a piece of their hearts, the love she left on this Earth is never ending.

“Nicole had such a love for life in such a positive way,” Robin said. “She had so much to offer the world and a long lifetime ahead of her, and it was cut too short. It’s so sad that we didn’t get more of her. The amount of love she had for life just makes it that much more tragic for all of us to lose her.”

For Robin, the only way to pay tribute to such a unique and wonderful personality was to remember and celebrate her life. Nicole’s vivacity and the instant happiness she gave to every person she met forever changed the lives of Robin, as well as the rest of Nicole’s friends, family and the Antioch community as they continue living and loving life after her death. TT

On Oct. 2, senior night for football, dance, band and cheer, the Sequoits will be honoring Nicole in what would be her senior season on the dance team. The class of 2016 will be invited to release purple balloons in honor of their classmate at the start of the game. See a Cardinal Crazy leader for details.

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

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WHISPER AND SHOUT

Imagine walking down the hallway during a busy high school passing period not saying one single word to anyone. Imagine attending a school where they teach in a foreign language. Imagine having a voice, but having nobody to listen.

NATHAN BORRIES Senior Editor

This is the unfortunate reality for sophomore David Estrada. He often finds himself wanting to say something, yet not being able to say it out loud.

Fine arts department chair, Wanda Teddy, experienced Estrada’s quiet personality first hand as a student in her stagecraft class.

“He wouldn’t even say two words in that class freshman year,” Teddy said. “[Estrada] is like a gentle giant. He’s that tall but very, very quiet kid. If I asked him a question he would nod his head and say, ‘mhm.’”

Although he didn’t say much, Estrada was comfortable with this class as it is something that interested him.

“I have always been fascinated and interested on what goes on backstage during a play or musical,” he said. “So when I saw that their was a class specifically set on building the sets, I could all but wait for the class to start,” he said.

However, it was not just the class’s content that made Estrade open up a little. Teddy made him feel like he was at home. Sure he liked what the class had to offer, but Teddy and stagecraft was his way out. It was his way of knowing he could finally have a voice.

“In normal classes, I tend not to talk until I get to know the teacher, but in Ms. Teddy’s class I couldn’t help but start talking,” Estrada said. “I really felt at home and that continues to this day.”

Teachers have students that are quiet and barely say a sentence, but normally, they tend to eventually open up,” Teddy said. “Estrada was different though in the fact that it was not just warming up to people, it was a real communication problem: a language barrier.”

Before he knew it, Estrada was picking up on English pretty well. “At first, speaking only Spanish made it hard during the first years of school, but in time I was able to learn from teachers, friends, TV shows, and movies,” he

18 Tom Tom September 2015

said.

After conquering the language barrier and finding a class that suited him, Estrada didn’t really know what to do next. Lucky for him, stagecraft came with mandatory attendance of two theater events.

The more Estrada did, the more he found his voice. As he worked on the 2015 spring musical, “The Music Man,” Estrada was able to practice more and more to gain the confidence of knowing what set had to be where and when.

“It became this thing where I didn’t have to worry about anything backstage because David finally found his voice,” Teddy said. “He definitely ran the show backstage.”

People in the fine arts department argue that his experience with the musical is what made him find his voice. Estrada can surely attest to that as he has always wanted to work behind the scenes.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t really know what made my voice louder,” Estrada said. “In my opinion, it could have been many things, but I think the one thing that really helped was the fact that it was my lifelong dream to work behind the scenes at a play or musical. After accomplishing that I just felt the need to get out there and get myself noticed and for once I could be who I wanted to be.”

Estrada wanted to be the man that could get things done behind the curtain.

“He definitely ran the show backstage and he’s already taking ownership over things in the beginning of the school year,” Teddy said.

Having the important unseen role during productions is a pretty big task not many could tackle. But what about outside of the fine arts world? Estrada sees himself in an unique role and position within the ACHS walls.

“I see myself as the guy who knows when the set is supposed to change and what set has to get on stage in the next 60 seconds,” Estrada said. “I am the guy that everyone knows, even though I don’t know everyone else, I see most of them in the halls but we don’t say hi or gesture to each other.”

From the fine arts family supporting Estrada, Teddy has noticed something new about him.

“Now when he is on [the fine arts] side of the building, there’s this wit and confidence I haven’t seen anywhere else,” Estrada said. “He found where he belongs and fits.”

“I am just the guy you pass in the halls who happens to know another language, but doesn’t say anything but secretly lives somewhat of a double life.”

Estrada said. “I was quiet because I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere, but ever since I meet Ms. Teddy I really felt like I belonged somewhere in school.”

Estrada was the whisperer. With his voice unheard, nobody really knew him let alone respected him. After meeting Teddy, it changed. His voice was becoming heard. It was not a soft whisper. It is a shout. A shout made for everyone to hear. TT

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AND

CLOSE FAR

Sequoit alumna Kaitlyn Koski decided for college that she was going to give up her Midwestern roots for Florida sun and palm trees to achieve her degree.

JORDAN STATEN Tom Tom Staff

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rowing up in a small town has its ups and downs; the same people in the same town for as long as one can remember. The small town feeling can leave one homesick at the mere thought of leaving everything they’ve ever known behind.

But as students and young adults come to the end of their high school career, the decision of going to college comes quicker than they’re ready for. Where, when and how are all important questions that come to mind when deciding on where to go.

Growing up in small town Antioch, Kaitlyn Koski found herself thinking constantly about every one of these questions. Just as any teenager worries, she could not imagine leaving her family, friends and home behind. During her high school years, she embraced the small community of Antioch under the Friday night lights as a Sequoit dancer, a member of National Honors Society, a 4.0 GPA and a loving family. The thought of leaving all of this behind and going into such a different place, with no one by her side, was extremely scary.

“I miss my family and friends of course, but I also miss being in a town where I knew about everything and everyone,” Koski said.

From the beginning of her search for the perfect college and second home, Koski knew that she had to end up somewhere in Florida. After continuous research on different .

FGCU was my number one option and I am so thankful that I got to go to the college of my dreams

20 Tom Tom September 2015

schools, she came down to two choices. Her first choice being Florida Gulf Coast University and her second being University of Tampa.

Her decision between the two ultimately came down to getting her feet on both campuses and seeing at which she felt more comfortable. After visiting both, Koski found her dream school and her new home. Koski moved her things into her new dorm at FGCU in August and loves to call herself an Eagle.

The friendly atmosphere was what Koski fell in love with the most at FGCU. The short drive to the beach was something that really interested Koski, as well as all of the recreational sports that seemed to be going on wherever she walked.

The town she lives in is very “beachy” and much different than the Midwest town she grew up in. Koski familiarizes herself with her new home every chance she gets. The southern feel and hospitality is very different, but also very comforting at times. The fashion style, hobbies, sports teams, the way people talk and the type of people are much different than what she is used to, but she was more than ready to welcome every change into her new lifestyle.

“I am still learning the area, but one thing I’ve learned so far is that instead of snow days I have to prepare for hurricane days, which is fun and scary at the same time,” Koski said.

Moving day was a huge reality check for Koski. As her parents drove away she realized that she was truly on her own. No one was there to do the laundry. No one was there to make her food or be a shoulder to cry on when things got stressful. No one was there when she needed guidance to make the right choice. But eventually independence wasn’t such a scary

TOP10 FURTHEST COLLEGES THE CLASS OF 2015 ATTEND ARIZONA STATE UNIV. 1,731 MILES BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV. 1,478 MILES

COURTESY KAITLYN KOSKI

idea. Koski learned to do things on her own just as most other freshmen in college do. Eventually she devloped a daily routine to keep her mind busy. She quickly made new friends that became that shoulder to cry on, and most of all, family was just a phone call, a letter or a Facetime call away.

Growing up with lots of people in the house and friends always over was something Koski was very used to. She grew up with two half siblings and three step siblings. Her group of friends at home was widely spread and very large. They were always there for her and leaving for college did not change a thing.

Koski is still extremely close with the friends she left at home and cannot wait to come back for Christmas break and visit.

One of the first friends Koski met at her home away from home was her roommate. Not long after the two girls moved in they became very close. They got along great and welcomed each other with a great attitude and outlook. Koski’s roommate surprisingly comes from a small town not too far from Antioch.

It was very heartwarming to hear that she would be spending so much time with a girl who grew up in Crystal Lake.

After a while, being so far away from home was not a worry. Koski always saw herself going far away for school, and she was determined to be the first on her dad’s side of the family to go to school out of state. Koski’s parents were more than proud that their daughter was so brave and never second guessed herself. It will definitely be a challenge to

not have a mother there to be her alarm clock; as a constant reminder to do her homework; tell her when it’s too late to go out; someone to make her feel better when she’s getting sick; or a constant wallet giving her money for simple things like food or money for gas. Koski is determined that although this experience might be a rude awakening, it will help her develop into a mature, independent woman.

Her first week in the Sunshine State surely won her over and she could not be more thrilled for the next four years in Florida. Koski still has not decided on what major she would like to take on and study, however Looking back on high school, Koski encourages everyone to enjoy it while it lasts because “Before you know it, you’ll be in the same situation as her and in the real world.”

She admits that the real world can be frightening, but also so extremely exciting because a whole new life has begun for her.

As first semester moves on, the workload is a concern for not only Koski, but most college students.

Going away and being on her own is a great thrill to her, but she has it in the back of her mind that she needs to study and stay focused to prosper throughout her journey in college.

“I am very happy with my decision and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Koski said. “FGCU was my number one option and I am so thankful that I got to go to the college of my dreams.” TT

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIV. 1,365 MILES KANSAS STATE UNIV. 652 MILES LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 965 MILES UNIV. OF ARIZONA 1,729 MILES UNIV. OF ALASKA 3,516 MILES UNIV. NOTHERN COLORADO 979 MILES UNIV. SOUTH ALABAMA 916 MILES WAGNER COLLEGE 855 MILES

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DENIEDand

ACCEPTED

Multitudes of teens struggle with the difficulties of coming out LGBT to their parents, siblings and friends. Mary Ellsworth is one of those teens.

KRISTINA ESDALE Print Director

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oming out as an LGBT teen in the middle of high school does not sound easy. And for junior Mary Ellsworth, it was far from it.

Every single day in high school many students normally struggle with the same things: getting homework done on time, acing that one important test, dealing with relationship drama, and at the same time, trying to have a social life and possibly get some sleep. Now throw in the internal struggles of trying to come out to family and friends about your sexuality, which makes those big problems seem very little. For Ellsworth, it started with realizing that she needed to accept herself before anyone else could even begin to accept her.

“I always knew I was attracted to girls,” she said. “I never had to question my sexuality, but I really started noticing it probably my first year of middle school.”

It took her a long time to work up the courage to tell the people that mean the most to her: her two sisters. A million questions were running through her mind: what would they think of her? Would they treat her differently? Would they still love her? Ellsworth eased into being comfortable about her sexuality with grace; when she told them, they were more than willing to accept her.

“With my sisters, I actually told them while we were at church,” Ellsworth said. “At first they were a bit quiet, and thought about it, but they accepted it and didn’t look at me any differently.” she said. Coming out to her sisters was the least of her worries. She knew that they would love

22 Tom Tom September 2015

her and support her no matter what the case was. She was eager to get it off of her chest. Once she did, she felt relieved that she could confide in her two best friends. ”I never really suspected her to have feeling for girls at all,” Mary’s sister, junior Olivia Ellsorth, said. “I always thought she liked guys. She had always dated guys and never said anything that made me question her. When she told me, we were in church! I laughed and said, ‘What?

Stop playing!’, and once I realized she was serious I was just like, oh okay, wow, my sister is bisexual.”

But it wasn’t until Ellsworth faced the next obstacle that things started to become harder for her.

Growing up in a very Christian household, she and her sisters go to church every Sunday. Her parents were raised as Christians and were strict about their religious beliefs. Ellsworth was terrified to see their reaction. Not only was she scared, but her sisters were as well.

“Coming out was difficult only because, ever since I was born, my parents have taken my sisters and I to church,” she said. “Everyone said it was wrong so I figured I should just hide it.”

Ellsworth’s parents started to uncover the truth about her through posts on social media. According to her, they did not take it lightly. This had an enormous impact on Ellsworth’s thoughts and feelings about herself. If her parents were unable to accept her, then who could?

Coming out was difficult only because ever since I was born, my parents have taken my sisters and I to church.

Everyone said it was wrong so I figured I should just hide it.

D

CLAY VESSER

She shied away from everyone who got close to her in fear of being rejected and hurt.

“My parents don’t want our whole family to know,” Ellsworth said.

“Why? I’m not sure. But one day I’d actually like to not hide from my family about who I really am. I do feel a little judged by my parents. I just think it’s hard for them to accept me because we grew up in church our whole lives basically and for me to be gay is possibly disappointing to them.”

Ellsworth became angry about what she viewed as her parents inability to love her for who she was.

“There were moments where she would get so mad and cry because we were the only ones who understood and accepted her,” said Olivia.

Ellsworth found courage, acceptance and support through her sisters, friends and the LGBT community.

“After I came out it wasn’t hard for me to find a group of friends only because a lot of my friends were already in the LGBT community or had other friends who were,” she said. “I was comfortable with making it public after I came out to my sisters about it. I only cared about their thoughts and to know that they accepted me made me feel like everything would be okay.”

Ellsworth received unconditional love and support from her two sisters.

She had two people that she knew she could turn to for anything during her times of crisis. They accepted her for who she truly was despite what she saw was her parents’ unwillingness to let her express herself around their family and in the church.

“I don’t feel judged by my friends and sisters,” she said. “They all support me and always tell me that if I need to talk about anything they’re here for me.”

Ellsworth found enough support through family and friends to be comfortable with being open about her sexuality in school, even after moving to a different town. Even this big event did nothing to waver her thoughts about hiding who she is.

“We talked about it a lot,” Olivia said. “I was never uncomfortable, not even close. I personally think nothing is wrong with it. Who cares what

anyone else thinks; it only matters if you’re happy, so why not date who you want to date! She’s still my sister. She’s still the crazy, annoying, loving and caring best friend I grew up with. My feelings haven’t changed since then. I still love her and will support her through everything. It’s not like she’s a whole new person. She’s still my sister and if she’s happy then that’s all that matters to me, so I’m happy.”

She feared being unwanted by the people in her life based on who she was. But after facing her biggest fear, she got the acceptance that she deserved from the people that mattered the most. TT

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WEAK & STRONG

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The pressures of food and fitness pushed senior Natalie Nielsen into what she defines as one her darkest places.

After time, pain and a significant amount of reflection, she emerged better, faster and stronger than ever.

NICHOLAS DOROSAN Editor-in-Chief

W

hen thinking about the process of losing weight and getting in shape, one thinks about how difficult it is to eat healthy, to exercise and to truly lose the weight. But what one doesn’t think of is how difficult it can be to stop oneself from losing weight and knowing when it’s too much. For senior Natalie Nielsen this struggle lead to feeling rejected, ridiculed and left without the support of her closest friends and confidants.

During Nielsen's junior year she felt at her weakest and decided she needed a change.

Along with her field hockey team, Nielsen found herself time after time stopping at the Lake Forest Oasis and other restaurants on the way home from far away games: “[The amount of food] just made me feel sick,” she said.

So Nielsen and her mom decided to get gym memberships. It started off with just a goal to lose ten pounds by Thanksgiving—just like anyone else trying to lose weight. She did well; she ate healthier and avoided junk food.

“Once you start losing weight it's like, oh my god, I look better now,” Nielsen said. “Then it got kind of addicting and I just wanted to... keep going and going and going.”

She easily reached her goal of losing ten pounds, but decided she’d work off five more. After losing that, she thought she could go for another five; and so it continued.

Nielsen and her immediate family had not noticed any drastic change in her appearance, because they saw her every day; that was until they saw their extended family around Christmas time. After seeing Nielsen's change in appearance, her family started telling her mom, “oh my god, Natalie is too skinny.” Her mom defended her at first, saying that she looked good, not realizing how severe it was actually getting. But when all of her family kept talking to her mom about Nielsen's weight loss, she finally did realize it and decided it was time to take her to the doctors.

At first Nielsen avoided the subject of going to the doctor, “but when I first truly realized that I had a problem... was when I saw my mom cry.”

Nielsen had never seen her mom cry in her entire life because, as she puts

24 Tom Tom September 2015

it, her mom is “a total badass.”

Her mom broke down.

“Natalie, you’re going to die,” she said.

And then her doctor told her the same thing.

She was at her weakest point; she found the strength to live.

Going back to school after winter break was hard. Nielsen received all kind of looks and was constantly being stared at; it was almost like people had never seen her before.

She walked down the hallway hearing, “woah, you got effing ugly” from people she once called her friends. People not only said a lot of stuff to her, but also her sister. One time in one of her sister’s classes, “they were giving out snacks, and my sister said that she didn’t want want one.

She just casually didn’t want something, and the teacher replied with, oh what are you turning into your sister?”

People were unimaginably mean. Some teachers even said she looked like she had cancer.

“I don’t think people realized how mean people really were to me,” she said. “But if you were to ask me if I had permanently lost friends… Yeah I would definitely say I did.”

Going through things in her head, Nielsen couldn’t help feeling disappointed or mad about the situation she put herself into. Everyone thought she was happy when she really wasn’t; she would go to school and put a smile on her face, when deep down she was not okay.

“I remember hanging out with people and thinking bad thoughts; I wasn’t showing it, but I was secretly mad at myself, and mad in general,” Nielsen said.

Aside from the challenge of dealing with the criticism from students and staff, Nielsen had a bigger challenge she had to face: returning to track. To start off, she couldn’t even go to track practice for the first two weeks because her doctor did not clear her to exercise yet. Once she would reach a certain weight, she would be cleared to practice again. At first Nielsen would only be allowed to do limited cardio and weightlifting.

Even after not being able to practice for the first two weeks, Nielsen still was chosen as one of the captains. Although she was happy about

JOHNNY HORTON

becoming captain, that did not change the fact that her times were awful; actually, they were some of the worst times she ever received in her life.

After seeing her times, and because she was so weak, the realization of potentially being moved to JV became increasingly real.

“I realized I don’t want to be on JV, I don’t want to be so cold all the time, and I don’t want to be so unhappy,” she said. Nielsen finally decided it was time for her to change; time for her to gain happiness again. “I started out so bad, but then I was like, alright Natalie you need to be legit now and focus.”

Nielsen likes to win, so she had to get back to having energy to do so.

By the end of her junior year track season, Nielsen worked her way up to being the number one girl in her events. Leading up to this year, she became one of the best cross country runners on Antioch’s team. Her athleticism gave her the push that she truly needed, the tenacity to overcome weakness, and the confidence to return to the health she needed.

“I definitely overcame my weakness from the support of people, and the mentality of wanting to succeed in track. When I first truly realized that I had a problem was when I saw my mom cry; but at that point in time, track was my driving point,” she said.

In retrospect, Nielsen didn’t expect the kind of responses she got. She

didn’t expect to feel like an outcast or like she didn’t have a place in the school anymore. Her heart was broken, her faith faltered, and her image shattered. Next to seeing her mom crying for the first time, accepting how some of her good friends turned their backs on her was one of the most difficult experiences to deal with.

“Now I know who my real friends are,” she said.

The people who didn’t make fun of her were her real friends; people who were thoroughly concerned and didn’t try to backstab her. Nielsen found herself feeling more independent than before, and unconcerned to any rumors she may hear.

“It was an eye-opener,” she said. “Everyone thought I was happy when I wasn’t, but now I’m just genuinely happy.”

At awards night for track and field her junior year, Nielsen received the “Comeback Award” she literally gained strength to overcome her weakness. For her, it was in her time of weakness where her strength truly shined.

To say the least, Nielsen overcame a challenge, a challenge at such great proportions that some people can go their whole lives without confronting one such as hers. TT The Jekyll & Hyde Issue 25

F

WAR AND PEACE In a time of conflict, more than the military faces change, hardship and separation.

Sequoit families feel the pain and pride of war.

DAN MEADE

Department Editor

W

hen you marry a soldier, you marry the military.

Being part of a military family comes with much more than the average citizen may realize. Difficulties like hardships with family at home, one adult in the house, and a sense of emptiness all come with having a parent in the U.S. Army. There are sacrifices the soldier makes left and right not only for his/her country, but for their family as well. Sophomore David Dalton belongs to of one of those families.

Dalton, his two siblings and mother have been impacted by having a family member in the military. A big portion of his family is involved in the military lifestyle. Not only is his father in the military, but he has also had uncles serve time in Vietnam, andserve in the Navy, as well as worked as an investigator in Army. Although all these family members are a part of the armed forces, David's father being involved and deployed quite often takes the greatest toll on him.

Dalton’s dad, Patrick Dalton, is Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army. Sergeant Dalton has spent a lot of time away from home, spending four separate tours across the globe. He spent time in Afghanistan from January through June 2006, and April 2007 through July 2008. He also was deployed in Iraq January through September 2003, and January 2004 through March 2005. Sergeant Dalton has spent a total of three years and six months away from his family, the states, and home all together.

26 Tom Tom September 2015

For Dalton, it was difficult to not having a father present at home. The little things kick in like playing catch out in the front yard, hearing how their day went, and having someone to learn life lessons from. But, someone must take the father figure role while Sergeant Davis is on duty.

Every second Dalton’s Dad spent away from home, his mother, Danielle Dalton, was there to support him and his little brother and sister. She not only took the challenge of being a motherly figure, but a fatherly figure as well. She was there in the yard throwing the ball and taking on all the responsibilities left for her. Danielle Dalton also kept spirits high in the household, reminding Dalton and his siblings of the situation they were in.

“I’d like to thank my mother because she raised me through the tough times not having my dad around,” Dalton said. “She told me he was fighting for what he loves and he is being a hero which made me view things in a different perspective.

He is my role model and someone I will always look up to.

My father is a great man and I love him for everything he does and has done.”

When Sergeant Dalton is not on duty protecting his country, he is working his other job 24/7: taking care of his family that missed him dearly. He spends all his time at home taking advantage of every moment with his family. But, nothing quite hits home than when Sergeant Dalton and his son are reunited.

The second Dalton sees his father after a long tour of being across the globe, it's a sight to see.

“It’s a joy to see him walk off of the plane,” David said. “My mind is always racing of all the questions I want to ask him, but I’m just so happy to have him home knowing he is safe.”

Back home, Dalton is overwhelmed by the company of his father and all the time they missed together. He takes advantage of every moment and spendd every second he can with his father. The small things begin to kick in for him: playing video games and making jokes, things that every kid takes for granted with his father. All the activities he missed out on for that year, he does with his dad as soon as he can.

David loves his father and supports his him with all his decisions. He understands what Sergeant Dalton does for a living and is very proud of his father. In a time of peace, David is one of the happiest kids alive and feels very fortunate with the time he gets to spend with his dad. He seizes every moment while his dad is by his side at home and couldn’t be more thankful. It has taught him a lot about life and is the reason why he is the boy he is today.

“We take the littlest things for granted in our lives,” Dalton said. “With family, we need to cherish every moment we have with loved ones.”

David and his family are proud to be a military family. TT

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

27

HELLO GOODBYE

and

F

JESSICA GUZMAN Social Media Director

For some students starting high school can be difficult. For junior Liana Geraty saying goodbye to private school and hello to Antioch Community High School was a culture shock.

Geraty came from Chicagoland Jewish High School where her classes included as few as five students, which put the pressure on every kid in the class. While her small private school was laid back, there was intense school work seemed to feel like all eyes were on her.

"It's very very different, and at public school it's easier to blend in because the attention isn't always on you. It felt like a was a fish in the sea," Geraty said.

Going from a private school where everyone knew each other in their small class to a school with a school with nearly 1,400 students there was bound to be a lot of changes. But Geraty felt there were bigger and better things to look forward to in public school.

"At my old school it was hard to get support from anyone; we had to beg for people to even go to a basketball game and even then we only got about five people to come,” Geraty said. “In our case that was a lot. Now all someone has to do is post something on Twitter and 60 people will show up."

With the constant support and excitement there was in the ACHS hallways and Antioch Community, leaving private school didn't seem so bad after all.

“Everyone is just so happy to be there and I liked it,” she said.

Geraty lived in Antioch all her life and she felt better knowing there were still people here that could help her along the way. For Geraty, there was a feeling of comfort knowing there would be kids back from middle school that would help her settle in to ACHS.

28 Tom Tom September 2015

JOHNNY HORTON

"Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but there was a familiarity with knowing people back when I went to AUGS,” Geraty said. “Coming back I didn’t know there would be more than just schools going to Antioch other than AUGS, but it is better going to Antioch than starting somewhere completely new.”

Events like glow in the dark pep rallys and spirit days were a whole new experience where "school was like a party," instead of having all work and no play.

As Geraty begins her junior year, she plans to go to the social events her private school did not

have like homecoming or football games, and she is excited to be a part of a bigger school.

Even though private school may seem like it is far more superior to public school, Geraty believes there are just as many opportunities going to a public school. Saying goodbye to the life she had in private may have seemed hard when thinking about starting all over. But looking back at the start of school Geraty didn’t expect the many positives that came her way, but it was the support and happiness in Antioch that made her excited to become a Sequoit. TT

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

JOHNNY HORTON

The varsity trio of sophomores David Lonski, Barton Krumpos and Gabriel Tijerina’s wall stands tall against a Round Lake free kick. The Sequoits lost to the Panthers 7-3.

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

29

S

IN SEASON FIELD HOCKEY

T

he lady Sequoits had a tough start to their 2015 season. Their current record is 0-7, with a disappointing showing at their annual St. Louis tournament and close loss to rival Lakes. However, the Sequoits are training harder and are eager for a win. Hard work and determination are key in leading the girls to victory.

“We’ve been working very hard on our of-

fensive and defensive corners,” senior and captain Madelynn Soberano said. “We’re hoping that spending so much time on trying to master down these plays and working on defense, that we can hopefully get a win in our upcoming games.”

The field hockey team will play a total of 21 games this season, not including regionals.

They are giving it their all for a win with 18

games left before the first regional game. The girls have great hopes of making it farther than last year’s first round regional loss.

“We’re a strong team and I think once we finally get everyone to their right position we can go really far,” Soberano said. TT

BY ALEX RUANO

JOHNNY HORTON

UPCOMING

SEPTEMBER 18 FOOTBALL @ ROUND LAKE SEPTEMBER 18 SOCCER @ FREEPORT SEPTEMBER 19 BOYS GOLF @ STEEPLE CHASE SEPTEMBER 21 GIRLS GOLF @ WARREN SEPTEMBER 21 TENNIS HOME V. N. CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 25 VOLLEYBALL HOME V. N. CHICAGO 30 Tom Tom September 2015

BOYS GOLF The boys golf team found themselves in a hole, starting 0-2 for the season. However, the team looked to turn things around with their recent home tournament at Spring Valley golf course Sept. 12.

“The season is not going so well; we have a lot of potential to be very good and we are not taking advantage of it,” said senior captain Tyler Steele.

Some other notable players on the team who are hoping to turn the season around include seniors Braden Ward and Adam Regalado.

Showing potential for not only later this year, but next year as well are junior Reece Eldridge and freshman Tony Sertic. The team’s next meet is the Mundelein Invite at Steeple Chase. TT

BY DANIEL BRITO

VOLLEYBALL Varsity currently sits at a winning record of 10-3-1. With last season being a losing one, coach Jamie Atkinson is optomistic given this team’s current success.

“This season has been really good so far,” said senior Emily Quinnett. “I’ve never clicked with a team as well before as I do with them. We are pretty strong and excited to see what the season has in store for us.”

SEQUOIT SOUNDOFF

This has been a tough start to our season, but the boys are resilient and are putting in the work to get better every day. This team is very coachable and the leadership of our seniors will be what gets us back on the winning side of things.

MARNI POLAKOW VARSITY SOCCER COACH

GIRLS GOLF

Senior captains Kayla Vazquez, Emily Quinnett, Allie Gelander and Candace Nelson are all excited to finish out their last season strong.

Since the program now sits at five teams—freshman A, freshman B, sophomore, JV and varsity—the coaching staff forsees success in the future. TT

With only one win against Lakes, and four losses, the box scores for the girls golf team don’t seem to tell the entire story. Rather, the team’s success is in its growth.

The team grew to ten this year with the addition of four new members.

“We have a lot of strong players with a lot of potential,” junior Rachel Price said. “But most importantly, we all love playing together and we are always having fun.” TT

BY LAUREN SLACK

BY TED MARTINEK

SOCCER With the varsity team seeing state tournament success in the last few seasons, making it to super-sectionals in 2013 and sectionals in 2014, head coach Marni Polakow and assistant coach Matthew Bohman are hoping success strikes again with this team, despite starting the season with a 3-4 record.

“I’d like to be about 500, but I just want us to be in every game,” said Polakow. TT

BY LAUREN SLACK

TENNIS

CROSS COUNTRY

Junior captain Patrick Schoenfelder is very excited for the season and believes the cross country teams’ hard work and determination will lead them to victory.

“Our coaches have been working us pretty hard and the team is constantly overcoming anything they throw at us. So over all hard, the right mindset and a great coaching staff is how we are going to get ready for the rest of the season,” Schoenfelder said.

Both girls and boys teams competed against Lakes, Carmel, Grayslake North and Richmond Burton in their first meets. The girls were able to pull through and take fourth out of five teams, while the boys finished last. Freshman Natalie Hill was the first girl to cross the finish line for Antioch, finishing No. 13 overall.

“I felt pretty good during the race,” Hill said.

The race was important to Hill because it was her first as a high schooler.

“I wanted it to be something I’d be glad to remember,” Hill said.

“For me, being first as a freshman was a huge deal. It gets me excited for my next few years at Antioch, and it was something to be proud of.”

Hill finished the top runner in the last three meets for the girls.

At the UW-Parkside meet, Hill placed 25 out of 160 runners. She was the first female since Erin Poss (2009) to medal at the Rebel Invite. The No. 2 runner for the girls has been sophomore Jessica Lamberty. However, Tessa Furlong, a junior coming off an Injury looks to repeat as an All-Conference runner for Antioch.

On Sept. 8, Both teams took on rival Lakes at LCHS. Although the teams lost, a lot of team members finished with personal record times, including Schoenfelder and Hill.

With a long season ahead of them, both teams plan to keep the hard work up to secure well-earned victories. TT

The girls tennis team started out their season with a 3-0 record, with the undefeated team of Kelsey Neville and Sjiana Henderson giving up little to no points each game.

“These girls were very successful throughout the previous season, so I knew this season was going to be special,” said head coach Jamie D’Andrea. “I'm anticipating that we do well at the various weekend tournaments we are scheduled to play, and I'm hopeful that we can finish on BY ALEX RUANO top of the Prairie Division in the North Suburban Conference.” TT

BY TED MARTINEK

P

PLAYER TO WATCH: Kelsey Neville, Tennis

If there is one athlete to watch this fall, it is definitely sophomore varsity girls tennis player Kelsey Neville. So far into the season, you could say Neville has started out strong with a personal undefeated record of 11-0.

This past summer, Neville put in many hours training day in and day out in order to reach her goals this season, and so far, she’s on track.

“My goal this season is to make it to state and while I’m there, place in the top 32,” Neville said.

Keep an eye on Kelsey Neville as she works her way to state.

BY DAN MEADE

FOOTBALL

The football team started off with a solid 2-0 season, but recently felt their first loss last Friday to intradistrict rival, Lakes, making their record 2-1. The team is looking to improve their record as they take on Round Lake tonight.

“These games will not dictate the rest of our season; it’s nine games ending in the post season,” said head coach Brian Glashagel.

The team’s success is led by the defense, not only holding opponent teams to minimal points, but also scoring five total touchdowns from the defensive side of the ball. Part of the success on the defensive side is from junior Ben Gutke, who plays linebacker and is also the team kicker. Last year as a sophomore, he broke the school record for the longest field goal, and so far this year he has two of the defensive touchdowns. TT

BY DANIEL BRITO

40

BY THE NUMBERS

TOP 5 FALL ATHLETES CANDACE NELSON Volleyball Nelson’s deadly hits and killer serves make her a necessity to the team this year as she looks to make the most of her senior year and drive her team toward another great season.

DANNY BRITO Soccer The combination of Brito’s impressive natural talent, desire to win, and infamous throw-ins make him an invaluable player as he leads his team to what might be another season on top.

GRIFFIN HILL Football Coming off of a record-breaking season, Hill looks to capitalize on his speed, determination and attitude to push his team toward a winning season and a successful playoff run.

REBEKAH CARTLIDGE Field Hockey Returning from her last season where she was named all-state as just a sophomore, Cartlidge hopes to use her skill and infectious good attitude to lead her team to a successful season, as she also hopes to be named Illinois’ Goalie of the Year.

NATALIE HILL Cross Country Being just a freshman on varsity cross country doesn’t stop Hill, as she has proven herself to be a great addition to the team with her phenomenal times and exceptional team attitude.

BY KALIEGH MILLER

PERCENT High school football is reportedly the sport with the most concussions per year. Roughly 47 percent of accounted concussions from sports result from high school football games and practices.

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

31

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WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE

ADOPTED

BY KARISSA WENNSTROM AS TOLD TO MADELYNN SOBERANO

I felt like I always knew. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that I was somehow different from my family. I was confused that I did not have my mom’s warm smile or my dad’s green eyes. I didn’t understand why I didn’t look like my siblings and why my siblings didn’t look like my parents. Why were we all so different? I was confused as a child, but once I found out that I was adopted the start of my longing questions were answered.

I started to catch on once my parents introduced me to Nicky, a “family friend.” Every year on my birthday my mom, Nicky, Nicky’s husband and Nicky’s parents would take me to Rainforest Cafe and then Build-A-Bear Workshop. Every time I would build a new stuffed animal and her dad would take pictures. Everything I did was photographed. From the brownie volcano dessert they would bring out at Rainforest to the same toy dog I would stuff and dress up year after year. That’s when I started to crack the code. It became more and more obvious as I got older who this family friend was. She was my biological mother.

I didn’t mind that Nicky was my birth mother. It didn’t change anything after I knew. My mom would always be my mom even if Nicky was my biological mother. I’m grateful that she makes an effort to see me every now and then,

32 Tom Tom September 2015

especially when I was younger. My parents were always honest about my adoption. As I grew up, I gained more knowledge about part of my life that I initially didn’t even know about.

My biological parents were only seventeen; with already trying to balance the stress of high school, a newborn baby wasn’t ideal. I understand the situation she was in. As a current senior in high school, I don’t blame her. I understand the decision she made. As many questions of my adoption were answered, some are still left in the dark.

I do not know who my birth father is or anything about him, except that people call him Rob. I do think about him a lot though. I question if he ever wants to meet me. Does he knowswhat I look like? Does he ever think about the daughter he had in high school? What would we say to each other? I’ve accepted that these questions might never be answered, that I’ll never know who this man is, but I could not be more grateful about where I am now.

Although my curiosity about my biological family will continue to grow, I find myself very lucky and I ask myself, “why me?” But I usually answer myself with “lucky me.” I have a family that loves me unconditionally and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I understand why my biological parents gave me up, but I was lucky

enough to be given the chance to live.

I want to live for the children that never got the chance to be here today. The children that are stuck in unsafe and unhealthy environments.

I live and love for children in orphanages who have never been loved. Adoption taught me that all it takes is one decision: one to change a life.

When I grow older I will always consider the option to adopt a child, to love the ones who have yet to be loved. To care for them how my parents cared for me and my siblings.

Along this journey I have learned many things, I have learned to appreciate the little things in life; the things that truly matter. To cherish the birthdays, laughter and lazy Sundays; the time I get to spend with my parents and siblings, who are also all adopted. As days go in and out, I remind myself to appreciate what I have been given. I have gained ambition to make the most out of my life that was spared with one decision.

Many people can’t grasp the feeling of what it feels like to be adopted, but it truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Everyday, I am thankful for the amazing life that I was given to live. Although I don’t have my mom’s smile or my dad’s eyes, I am thankful for the family that has given me unconditional love. TT

JOHNNY HORTON

The Jekyll & Hyde Issue

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P

. . .

Y M M O THIS ISHE’ST A SOPHOMORE.

Scan here to listen to audio about Tommy and why he loves being a Sequoit. http://goo.gl/W1ajKk

JOHNNY HORTON

34 Tom Tom September 2015

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