The Tom Tom | November 2019 by Antioch Community High School Tom Tom

NOVEMBER 2019

ALL WE NEED IS

ONE MORE SKILL

TITLE BREATH CONVERSATION DAY CALL WAVE sequoitmedia.com

THING

1133 Main Street. Antioch. Illinois. 60002

Volume 58. Issue 2.

THE ONE MORE THING ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME 58, ISSUE 2, November 2019

SEQUOITMEDIA.COM

Perspectives

04 05 06 08 42

Editor’s Note Staff Editorial Say it in All Caps Sequoit to Sequoit What it Feels Like

News

09 10 11 14

News in Brief Seeing Star-Crossed Lovers Choose Their Way Politics An Administrative (Dis)Connect

16 17 18 19

Adopting to Save a Life Coping with Conflicts Searching within a Purple Fog Extra Classes Bring Extra Stress

20 One More Conversation 22 One More Day 24 One More Breath

for.

One More Club: How students after-school schedules to attract colleges.

One More Goal: Trying to accomplish something one regrets finishing.

One More Album: Antioch students talk about the best selling albums of

2019 along with

ones that came out that did not cause a lot of conversation.

One More Holiday: How some people spend holidays as if they were any other day.

Sports

blessings they should be thankful

try to fit many clubs into their

Features

One More Fight: How toxic friendships impact students’ wellbeing and lives. One More Reason to be Thankful: Antioch Students and their

Lifestyles

HEAD ONLINE TO READ THESE EXCLUSIVES

27 28

One More Title One More Skill

One More Way to Workout: Instead of going to the gym and running laps or lifting weights, one can dance and have fun while getting a good workout in.

THE TOM TOM STAFF | 2019-2020

The Tom Tom is a student-produced magazine that is distributed to students, faculty and staff of Antioch Community High School, as well as the members of the Antioch Community. Members of the Tom Tom staff contribute to sequoitmedia.com, the Sequoit Media website, on a regular basis. The student magazine serves as a public forum and is supported by New Voices legislation in Illinois and policies of Community High School District 117. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of ACHS or D117, nor Antioch Community High School’s faculy, staff or administration. CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address: 1133 Main St., Antioch, Ill. 60002 // Phone: 847-395-9433 Website: sequoitmedia.com Email: Staff members may be contacted by using their first name(dot)last name(at)chsd117.org MEMBERSHIP The Tom Tom belongs to the Kettle Moraine Press Association, Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.

SPONSORSHIPS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Businesses and community members may sponsor the Tom Tom if their sponsorships adhere to guidelines. Emily Higgins (emily.higgins@chsd117.org), Community Outreach Director, will handle all sponsorship requests.

@sequoitmedia @sequoitsports

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Merrick W. Foote

@achstomtom

ADVISER Patrick R. Johnson, MJE

@sequoitmedia @sequoitsports @achstomtom

ON THE COVER WE ASKED OUR STAFF WHAT WOULD BE ONE MORE THING THAT THEY’D WANT TO KNOW OR ACCOMPLISH. THIS MAGAZINE DID JUST THAT; SO DID OUR COVER MODEL.

THE TOM TOM MANAGING EDITORS Kara C. Galarneau Sarah M. Smith SEQUOITMEDIA.COM MANAGING EDITORS Emily A. Higgins Alessia N. Rivera THE FEATHER MANAGING EDITORS Kaitlyn A. Howe Madison R. McBride SPORTS MEDIA MANAGING EDITOR Avery J. Frasch CONTENT EDITORS Grace R. Acello Julia C. Hackeloer Bridget J. Nauman Mollie T. Wagner Beatriz C. Warnes Lena M. De Vore Robbie S. Hulting SPORTS CONTENT EDITORS Evan M. Day

McKenna R. Kalisz Brandon R. Pinto Rilee A. Schreiner Cassidy A. Thomas Madisen Krapf SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Gavin R. Calabrese VISUAL CONTENT EDITORS Kyle A. Christian Kayla E. Grenke Emily Lara Brandon R. Reynolds Valerie M. Rosek STAFF Haley M. Aitken Khalil J. Anderson Kylar A. Arias Alexis M. Barbosa Lucas M. Baronello Sarah J. Benes Charlotte M. Bongratz Reagan C. Brewer Daylia A. Brock Tyler J. Cook Gabrielle J. Debevec Olivia E. Gerhardt Elkanah Gahima Collin K. Glassman Lila R. Heilig Ethan R. Holmes Isabelle J. Hunter Jake T. IIkka Athan A. Kaliakmanis Sofia C. Klem Ryan A. Kolmers Avery A. Krizanovic Nayla Loos Adam J. Lynn

Kyle A. Miller Samantha J. Milliken Taylor N. Mueller Izana S. Nordhaus Jadda C.L. Pope Alex K. Pritchard Elijah N. Reyes Adrian Ruiz Jazzmyn J. Roman Grace A. Rowe Kristi D. Schon Patrick T. Sheehan Matt P. Soberano Austin M. Stewart Miles J. Taylor William R. Torres Ngoc Tran Kourtni N. Weldon Walker A. Winkler SEQUOIT MEDIA TEAM Iwona Awlasewicz, SBN Sam Worden, Sequoia & Finesse ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR Dee Andershock ACHS ADMINISTRATION Eric Hamilton, Principal Aryan Haren, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Scott Leverentz, Assistant Principal for Student Services Steve Schoenfelder, Athletic Director Teri Klobnak, Activities Director Patricia McGuigan, Dean Grant Murray, Dean

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 themore 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.

Volume 58 Issue 2 November 2019

Cover Photo Merrick Foote

RESPONDING TO THE TOM TOM Letters to the Tom Tom can be submitted through sequoitmedia.com or directly to the adviser’s email. All letters must be signed, must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited. CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Tom Tom is committed to seeking the truth, minimizing harm and presenting the most accurate reporting as possible. If you notice any inaccuracies in this or previous issues, please contact the adviser at patrick.johnson@ chsd117.org.

EDITOR’S NOTE

ONE MORE VOICE IN THE ROOM

he Tom Tom has been around for almost a century. In the past six years alone, we’ve written over 5 thousand stories, taken more than 10 thousand pictures, published 55 magazines, and had 192 different people on staff. Over our history we’ve told countless stories, and in all that time we’ve always struggled with finding new ways to tell those stories. In this magazine we’ve tried to find topics we talk a lot about: stressed-out students, pets, politics and death, but find a new way to tell those stories or a new aspect of those topics to talk about. As a staff this year, we’re focused on taking our recent failures and using them to better ourselves; we want to come out of the tunnel and into the light. A major part of that is shaking things up and finding fresh perspectives within our community. We’ve strived to find new rocks to turn over in our pursuit to write innovatively. And when we couldn’t find new stories, we instead found new ways to tell them.

This magazine adds just one more thing to the school: a story that has the possibility of lasting a lifetime.

For example, instead of writing a typical profile of a football player, Content Editor Bridget Nauman focused on starting wide receiver Dino Kaliakmanis’ less-discussed love of dance. Instead of talking about how pets change their owners’ lives, Content Editor Julia Hackeloer decided to change it up and talk about how the owner can change the pets’ lives. In our features section we’ve taken death, a topic which has been covered to exhaustion, and wondered what people’s “lasts” would be. Content Editor Grace Acello asked what people would say if they had one more conversation with a departed loved one; Content Editor Lena De Vore answered what people want from their final breaths; staffer Charlie Bongratz talks about what people want from their last days alive. In a rare double appearance in this magazine, Bongratz also discusses a disconnect between the students and administration within CHSD 117. We also decided to take a look at the current political landscape in Feather Managing Editor Madison McBride’s “One More Call,” a recap of recent events with President Donald Trump at the center of an impeachment hearing. Finally, we decided to spotlight our very own hometown-hero: Charlie Smith. Smith is the recently named IHSA men’s cross country state champion. He graces our cover, as well as a spread of pages at the end. We’d like to congratulate him on his new title, while also highlighting all of the hard work he put into becoming the best of the best. Read up, we hope you enjoy.

MERRICK W. FOOTE Editor-in-Chief

PERSPECTIVES November 2019

STAFF EDITORIAL

ONE MORE EDITION

ot too far down the road is the town of Evanston. Evanston is the home of Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. Medill is considered one of the crown jewels of collegiate journalism. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 journalism schools in the nation and boasts an illustrious list of alumni all

over the world. They do journalism right. Until they didn’t. Ten days ago The Daily Northwestern released an apology to their readership regarding their coverage of Jeff Sessions on campus. They apologized for doing journalism. The opening line of the apology read: “The Daily was not the paper that Northwestern students deserve.” In journalism, we call that the lede (or lead depending on who you talk to) and we were taught that the lede is what is going to capture the audience’s attention and tell the readers exactly what the story is about. Their lede set them up for failure, left a dark cloud over their publication and told their readers that they don’t do journalism well all in ten words. Ten days ago ten words left us asking if Northwestern doesn’t do it write, then will we ever do it right? Does our student journalism program matter if The Daily Northwestern is able to destroy their reputation in one short sentence. We believe student journalism does matter. The journalism world attacked the editorial. Even the dean of their school chose to condemn the students for their decision, offering to “facilitate... dialogue” because he believes that “journalism is under assault in a variety of spheres.” We would like to participate in that dialogue here While many people choose not to read our stories or pick up our magazines, we believe every word in them matters. We see students throw our magazines in the trash or criticize sentences for a misplaced or missing comma. We know that not everyone respects what we do and we know that we are a part of what our President calls “the enemy of the people.” Antioch, we are not your enemy; we are your champion. We believe journalism matters because our job is to call out wrongdoings and celebrate successes. We expect our reporters to fact check and tell the stories of those who remain silent. We expect our designers to craft pages that are meant to convey meaning and purpose. We expect our photographers to act morally and ethically. We expect to do what the Society of Professional Journalists believes first and foremost: “tell the truth.” Yes, journalism is under attack. Journalism is, in some ways, dying. More and more publications are halting printing, with ESPN and USA Today being the two more recent to announce transitioning to a digital-only publication. More and more people are free to Tweet their personal news each day; the New York Times even recently published an entire special section about how Twitter has become the dominant form of news from our President. But what remains is something we value: the truth. For us, journalism is about the truth and sharing it with our community. We believe it is the truth of our community, and we believe that this truth is what connects us, challenges us, and changes us. We believe this truth leads to a better America, one that includes all of us no matter who we are, what we do, who we love, how we look or what we believe. One more thing: America needs us, too.

SAY IT IN ALL CAPS

PERSPECTIVES November 2019

Instead of a traditional interview, the impact of words emerged in the form of observation and vignettes

“THAT’S SO GAY”

“YOU’RE A DUMB BLONDE”

the friend that would never understand. It’s comical and it’s gentle, with no

Tears fall from her once admired blue eyes. The mascara she

A friendly joke, playful banter. Something that is harmless to one but painful to another. When will the day come when heads don’t drop into hands and eyes don’t scatter because there’s no comfort in eye contact from intention of being misconstrued to be unsupportive of fellow classmates.

worked on so precisely this morning slowly starts to dangle from her

Girls can’t hold hands and boys can’t have pink hair because “that’s so

eyelashes and drip down her face. She is stunning, in ways people

gay.” Peers throw up the immediate white flag of “no offense” as if they are

don’t seem to acknowledge. Her classmates see her, but don’t really

surrendering their statement. But they are still the winner. It’s isolation. It’s

know her. Instead of joining her in soft laughter, they pick her apart

the sick feeling in your stomach when you’re hurting over something out of

and question who’s behind the pretty face. They play her down to be

your control. It’s compelling to a stigma that shouldn’t exist.

someone she’s not. They envy her for who they aren’t. You can see it in the way she shifts in her seat and tucks her hair behind her ear

Where do we draw the line?

every time she speaks up in class and gets glares from every angle. She doesn’t want to be loved for her looks. She doesn’t want to be looked down upon for something as miniscule as the color of her hair. To others, it’s a small nudge and loud chuckle of “you’re such an airhead,” but to her, it’s quiet sniffles in the bathroom and smudged concealer under her eyes. She is talked to like she is less than and acknowledged, like she doesn’t know better; when really, she is just as much, just as intelligent. Where do we draw the line?

“TRY-HARD” Never finding your crowd. Flocking to teachers as your companions because your age group has never understood you. Not being able to find your place at assemblys or football games, so you just stay home and study because you have nothing else to do. Adults are your people. Fitting in hasn’t been on your agenda since elementary school so you sit in the front of your class, tell your teacher about the essay you wrote for fun and hardly notice the whispers happening directly behind you. Even from people who you consider your friends. Well, let me rephrase, they ask you for homework answers but never to see a movie. They ask you about your weekend just so they can tell you how much fun they had because let’s face it, you didn’t leave your room anyway. You don’t dress up for football games because you’d rather sit in the parent section, with people who match your maturity level. You want to be the next level of Cardinal Crazy but have never gotten the chance. People would gawk at you for it. Where do we draw the line?

WRITER & DESIGNER | Mollie Wagner

SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT: HOROSCOPES ACCURATE

ome people may read their horoscope just to get a laugh out of it, while others, like myself, continuously read them hoping to see if they will come true.

I can see how it may seem cliché because the stars just so happen to be aligned in a certain way that determines an individual’s mood, personality traits and environment depending on what day they were born. People always seem to contradict the validity of astrology, but I have never questioned astrology because if the moon controls the tides of water on the planet, it must control humans in the same way. Astrology has increased in popularity in recent years. I find myself reading my horoscope daily, mainly because I am superstitious. There have been many occasions where my horoscope has been spot on, leading me to continue wanting to read them. When I’m having a particularly rough week, my

INACCURATE

horoscope always seems to give me the best advice for working though my problems. According to my zodiac, I am a Virgo. Virgos are: loyal, hardworking, detail oriented and well organized. One of my favorite parts about star signs is finding compatibility with other signs. It’s easy to say that people with certain characteristics get along better. Being a Virgo, I am compatible with Pisces and Cancer signs, which I’ve come to realize that many of my friends are those signs. I’ve learned a lot about myself by just reading my sign three to five times a week. Zodiac signs are believed to be a false hope for plenty, but for others, they mean much more than just a coincidence. The idea of other people who have similar qualities, and most likely get themselves into similar situations, provides a sense of relief. Horoscopes are given as much validity as we choose to give them.

WRITER & DESIGNER | Alessia Rivera

real life, and because my friendships and relationships are such a

large part of my life, this makes it difficult to trust the accuracy of my birth

considered as having no scientific basis. Therefore, astrology is based merely

personality and physical traits are wrong as well. As an Aquarius, I have

on interpretations rather than facts. Although astrology and horoscopes may

been described as detached, hippy and interested in science fiction and

be surprisingly accurate for some, others find them to be completely wrong.

technology, all of which are nothing like myself. Additionally, Aquarians

s astrology is known as a “fake” or pseudoscience, the accuracy of this field of study is minimal. According to Dictionary.com, pseudoscience is any of various methods, theories or systems,

While I doubt the accuracy and truth behind my sign, which is Aquarius, I have continuously noticed that my compatibility with certain signs is questioned in astrology. I get along with the people my horoscope tells me I am not supposed to. On multiple occasions, while spontaneously reading my daily horoscope, I have noticed many inaccuracies in the daily, weekly,

given zodiac sign. Along with the faulty descriptions of my relationships, my “assigned”

have been said to take any opportunity to fly, hang glide or skydive; this description could not be farther from the truth in my case. Although many traits assigned to my horoscope are accurate and well matched to my life as an Aquarian, the constant inaccuracies and false descriptions lead me to believe that astrology is not as reliable as it is entertaining.

monthly and yearly messages to my sign. The description of my attraction toward friendships and relationships is far from correct when applied to my

WRITER & DESIGNER | Sarah Smith

IN BRIEF

NEWS November 2019

D34 IN SEARCH OF NEW LEADERSHIP Community High School District 117 feeder school district Antioch School District 34 announced Monday that Superintendent Jay Marino has been “on leave from the District since Friday, November 1, 2019.” The email, written by District 34 School Board President Mary Beth Hulting, expressed that Superintendent of Community High School District 117 Jim McKay is willing to serve as a Temporary Interim Superintendent. She explained that McKay must receive approval from both District 34 and District 117 School Boards for this appointment. At this time, there is no clear timeframe on how long McKay would potentially fill the temporary interim position; he believes it will last a few weeks, while the full interim position itself could last until the end of the 2019-2020 school year. District 117 School Board member Bart Winkler discussed McKay's possible responsibilities. “[His responsibilities] would develop as needed from the school, as there would be no direct management [from his temporary interim position],” Winkler said. “Regardless of his possible appointment with D34, McKay’s

main responsibility would still remain with District 117.” Although it is believed the second and final decision will be made at the District 117 Board meeting on November 20, District 117 leaders are confident in McKay’s skills as a leader for the feeder district. “I have known and worked with Dr. McKay since he was a science teacher in D117,” Lakes English teacher and District 117 Union President Bryan Plinske said. “Dr. McKay has always had the students’ best interests at heart, and I believe he will do a stellar job. He has the experience to help D34 navigate what must be a difficult time. I have no doubt that he will be able to handle the rigors of both positions seamlessly. ... I think it is fantastic that two school districts are working together for the greater good.” More information will be provided as decisions are made. Updates from last night’s District 34 board meeting, tonight’s D117 board meeting and future information regarding changes can be found on Sequoitmedia.com. WRITER | Emily Higgins

CHESS TEAM LOOKS TO MAKE MOVES THIS SEASON After crashing a 1997 Ford pickup into the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, a 23- year-old Grayslake man was charged with a DUI. Prior to running a red light Valerie Rosek

on Orchard and Main Street, the man slammed into the front of the building with numerous accounts of damage. While it was a scare to workers and the community,

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is temporarily under construction; however, regularly scheduled holiday events will still take place as originally scheduled.

DRUNK DRIVER CRASHES INTO ANTIOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE After crashing a 1997 Ford pickup into the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, a 23- year-old Grayslake man was charged with a DUI. Prior to running a red light on Orchard and Main Street, the man slammed into the front of the building with numerous accounts of damage. While it was a scare to workers and the community, Antioch’s annual holiday festivities will not be affected.

Parks and Recreations worker Bernadette Rowe.

be affected. “There will be no delay to the parade, and it’s not going to be affected in anyway,” said Village Parks and Recreations worker

“Luckily, no one was severely hurt and things will

Bernadette Rowe. “Luckily, no one was

be back in no time.

severely hurt and things will be back in no

The Saturday afternoon prior to the crash, residents continued to enjoy the annual

time. The Saturday afternoon prior to the

Champagne and Chocolate Holiday Walk. After

crash, residents continued to enjoy the

repairs are made to the Santa’s Village location, it

annual Champagne and Chocolate Holiday

will remain in the same place for the Christmas

Walk. After repairs are made to the Santa’s

season.

Village location, it will remain in the same

“There will be no delay to the parade, and it’s not going to be affected in anyway,” said Village

Antioch’s annual holiday festivities will not

place for the Christmas season. WRITER | Kara Galarneau

WRITER | Kaitlyn Howe

SEEING STAR-CROSSED LOVERS CHOOSE THEIR WAY Freshmen kick-off annual reading of the Shakespeare classic with a chooseyour-own-adventure interpretation.

Fraistat. The take on the “choose your own

“Many of them are similar and they all have

ending” structure incorporated a mixture

overlapping lines of dialogue. I do like the

he freshmen ventured to fair Verona

of Shakespearean age and contemporary.

voting structure as it is easy to know what

Wednesday, November 13, as the

While the script had typical Shakespearean

the audience picks.”

English 1 and English 1 Honors

language, the cast uniquely added a pop of

classes attended the Antioch Community

moderness with different colored Converse

High School fall production of Romeo and

shoes and costumes for each member.

Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending. The tragedy

After certain scenes throughout the

Each person in the audience is given two glow stick bracelets with which they will use to vote: one yellow and one red. When prompted by the actors, specifically

by William Shakespeare was written by the

performance, the audience casts votes to

Romeo, the audience raises the arm with

sister-and-brother writing team Ann and

determine which course true love will take,

the wristband representing the option they

Shawn

ultimately deciding whether the characters

prefer.

live or die. With eight different possible endings, the plan is not the tale of lovers that is read in the book. The play pauses at three different points for the audience to vote on a decision Romeo must make; this determines who he falls in love with, what he fights for and whether

“The play and the book are similar, but the endings are different,” freshman Allie Curry said. “I loved the voting because you got to choose what you wanted which is really cool to me. I like the different endings for the play because you got to see different ways the book could have ended.” Romeo and Juliet is often read as a story

or not he dies in the

about love at first sight and tragic fate.

end. These tragic or

At the beginning of the play, the two title

comical endings are

characters seem destined for each other.

what makes the play

However, Romeo mentions he is still in love

either similar or different

with someone else: Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline.

from the original play.

Romeo and Juliet encounter one another at

According to drama teacher and play director Wanda Teddy, each actor was given the task of memorizing more than twice the amount of lines that would need to be memorized in a typical high school play due to the many possible endings to the show. Cast members were given the play script in May to allow them to have months to memorize their lines; this task was still difficult for many. Senior Braedon Naramore

a party and, within moments of meeting, fall deeply in love. Yet, despite its allusions, the play also contains elements which suggest there is something suspicious about Romeo and Juliet’s love. Though Rosaline never appeared onstage with the ending that was first chosen by the freshman audience, she is one of the most significant characters in the play. The different endings to the play determine the time spent on stage by each character. This new and different style of

struggled to memorize the part of Mercutio,

production is enjoyed by many and seen as a

but he still enjoyed the different style of play

positive addition to the ACHS production of

with the voting aspect included.

Romeo and Juliet.

“The hardest part of the show for me was knowing and getting all of the endings correctly,” Naramore said.

WRITER | Alessia Rivera & Sarah Smith DESIGNER | Mollie Wagner ILLUSTRATOR | Mollie Wagner

ONE MORE CALL President of the United States Donald J. Trump is currently under fire for his “quid pro quo call” with Ukraine.

n late July of 2019, Donald Trump made a

impeached, but he was acquitted from his charges

phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the

by the Senate rather than removed from office.

president of Ukraine, in which he suggested

that Zelensky launch an investigation into Hunter Biden. H. Biden, son of Joe Biden, was involved with Ukrainian oil and gas company Burisma in May 2014. H. Biden’s involvement was previously investigated by Trump’s personal lawyer, Roy Giuliani, in May of 2019. Giuliani’s investigation inevitably concluded that neither J. nor H. Biden had committed crimes in their dealings with Ukraine. However, during the July phone call and on numerous other occasions, both Giuliani and Trump were reported to have pushed Ukrainian government officials to reinvestigate the case against the Bidens. In the wake of this investigation, POLITICO reported that Trump’s administration was withholding funds delegated by Congress to aid the Ukrainian military. Impeachment is a Congressional power

Although Nixon was never formally impeached,

tampering with political rivals’ private documents, status to enlist groups of people to spy on those lasted seven months, beginning in February of 1974 and ended when he resigned from office in early August of that year. To date, Nixon has been the only U.S. president that has resigned from office; his resignation was a direct result of the impeachment inquiry and his fear for the House’s decision on his guilt. Clinton’s impeachment inquiry began with charges of lying under oath and obstructing

impeachment charges from the House. Clinton was

crimes and misdemeanors.”

acquitted of all charges in the Senate and was not

Trump’s impeachment inquiry began after a

are introduced to the House by a representative.

whistleblower filed a complaint against him. This

From there, the Speaker of the House directs the

complaint, although withheld for weeks, was

House Judiciary Committee to begin the formal

eventually reported to the House Intelligence

inquiry into the

Committee on September 9, 2019. In late

allegations that he had violated the Tenure of Office Act. His impeachment inquiry was the third attempt by his political rivals to remove him from the presidential office. The House of

September, the whistleblower complaint and financial reports went public. Following the leak of

PERSONAL ATTORNEY TO PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DONALD J. TRUMP

FIONA HILL (R):

funding and his investigation of H. Biden.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST AND PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR

“We want to make sure that country is honest. It’s very important to talk about corruption. If you don’t talk about corruption, why would you give money to a country that you think is corrupt?” Trump said. The day after reports of this claim from Trump, on September 24, Nancy Pelosi declared a formal impeachment investigation into President Trump.

ultimately charged for the crimes and formally

RUDY GIULIANI (R):

News report claiming a link between Ukrainian

charges against Johnson, most of which revolved over the office of Secretary of War. Johnson was

UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE

these documents, Trump was quoted by an NBC

Representatives at the time formulated 11 formal around his involvement in a power struggle

MIKE POMPEO (R):

removed from office.

of representatives when articles of impeachment

Johnson faced impeachment in 1868 amid

UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

nationwide sex scandal revolving around White

offenses include: “treason, bribery, or other high

formal impeachment charges.

GORDON SONDLAND (R):

justice. The inquiry was prompted by his

December 1998 and ultimately ended in two formal

only Johnson’s and Clinton’s inquiries resulted in

SON OF 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION JOE BIDEN

he found suspicious. Nixon’s impeachment inquiry

As described by the Constitution, impeachable

Congress during their terms in office. To date,

HUNTER BIDEN (D):

bugging their offices, and using his presidential

impeachment inquiry lasted from October to

Bill Clinton all faced impeachment inquiries from

PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE

the Watergate scandal. This scandal involved

House intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton’s

of its kind; Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY (S):

inquiry was started due to his involvement in

way to formally reprimand government officials.

Trump’s impeachment inquiry isn’t the first

WHO’S WHO: IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT

he did face an impeachment inquiry. The

granted by the United States Constitution as a

The impeachment process begins in the House

NEWS November 2019

According to the New York Times, the majority of the House of Representatives support the impeachment inquiry against Trump. Although,

NANCY PELOSI (D): SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADER

out of the 228 representatives in support of the inquiry, zero of them are Republican. The divided support for Trump’s impeachment has resulted in tension between political parties during the hearings. The impeachment inquiry has not received bipartisan support from American citizens. In a study conducted by FiveThirtyEight, 45.4 percent of polled citizens were not in support of the inquiry. Out of the 51.8 percent of citizens who were in support of the inquiry, 82.6 percent were Democrats. The House began their public impeachment hearings on November 13 with William Taylor and George Kent. William Taylor is a Vietnam Veteran and the presiding ambassador to Ukraine during the TrumpZelensky phone call. During the trial, Taylor stated that there was definite evidence of a quid pro quo. George Kent is the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs and a former diplomat to Ukraine. George Kent took no strong stance against Donald Trump personally but discussed how Guiliani lead a smear campaign against the ambassador. Marie Yovanovitch, a senior diplomat for the United States foreign affairs. She discussed how Trump’s associates called her out of Ukraine, making it easier for his allies to push for an investigation against the Bidens. WRITER | Madison McBride DESIGNER | Merrick Foote ILLUSTRATOR | Merrick Foote

e Trump h t n P si

s re

ncy e d i

2017: First use of “fake news”

2016: “Grab them by the p*ssy”

2017: Executive order for border wall

Big Ev e n t

NEWS November 2019

STAFF SUBMISSION IS IMPEACHMENT OF TRUMP CONSTITUTIONAL: YES OR NO?

he government has enough information

for the Impeachment

to happen. (meaning there are constitutional grounds) The House followed proper procedures. It is evident by the Impeachment hearings that are currently happening in the House of Representatives. Today, Friday is the second day of hearings and there have been numerous people testifying. As well, there was the whistleblowers’ testimony which also happened previously. I think the biggest misconception is that impeachment automatically means removal from office. That is not accurate. The President may be charged with impeachment in the House, but if the Senate does not charge them, then they will not be removed. Also, today, Nancy Pelosi talked about adding another charge, bribery. I am not sure how she will tie this in, but we will have to wait and see. WRITER | Meghan McDonnell

2017: Tweet about “covfefe”

2019: Troops pull out of Syria

2018-19: Government shutdown for border wall

2019: Impeachment hearings

AN ADMINISTRATIVE (DIS)CONNECT As students go about their high school careers, they may never form the same connections with administrators as they would with teachers or their peers. Some administrators say it is normal, others make it their mission to have students know their face and to know studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names individually.

chools are never void of sound. In every

the Sequoit Pride Main Event raffle includes a

nontraditional method to

classroom, there is a symphony of chatter

“principal for a day” prize, in which students

make a better connection

or laptop keys clicking. In the hallways,

can shadow Hamilton and get a peek at what

with them.

there are light footsteps or soft whispers of

a semi-regular day looks like for him behind

students rushing to get to their next class.

closed doors.

Noise, whether it be productive, social or otherwise, is everywhere. Through this noise, students are able to connect with their peers on a different level than they would outside of school. Even though students are constantly talking to each other and forming new bonds,

“That can sometimes be the struggle of the

NEWS November 2019

On a higher level within the district, people like superintendent Jim McKay advocate for the District 117 students,

job,” Hamilton said. “The paradox of education

though he may not have the time to be as

is [that] the higher [up] you get, the further

visible. Nonetheless, McKay is ready to take on

away from the classroom you are.”

any issue that is presented to him.

Hamilton’s sentiment seems to ring true for

“I will take absolutely anything that

they are not getting to know the people that

all schools, but the District 117 administration

somebody wants to bring to me,” McKay said.

provide them with the opportunities to do so.

takes extra steps to forge relationships between

“If someone has taken their time to contact

themselves and the students. The apparent

me, it’s my responsibility to deal with whatever

divide between students and those who oversee

their issues are. I do not care how small they

them is not the fault of one specific party.

are. At nine o’clock, I’m talking to the fire chief

Students may simply not pay extra attention

about legislation. At three o’clock, I’m talking to

to those they do not interact with on a daily

the Antioch village trustees about recreational

basis, or they may not consider that anyone is

marijuana and the impact on our kids. That’s

there at all. While students may not know every

the scope of this job.”

It is not that students are completely oblivious to the adults in their school, nor is it that the adults do not care to know the students. The natural boundaries of administrative positions sometimes do not allow for personal relationships with the student body. Eric Hamilton has been working in education for 25 years, serving as a teacher in Waukegan and assistant principal in Lake Zurich before coming to ACHS as the principal. While overseeing an entire high school has a wide variety of responsibilities, he takes the time to interact with his students throughout the week. Before the weekend, for example, he participates in high-five Friday and stands in the hallways playing songs like ‘Friday’ by Rebecca Black through a speaker to encourage the students’ good moods. On the more formal side,

administrator by name or face, they are still in every student’s corner. At this school year’s freshman orientation,

Students may see them as big shadows that periodically walk into classrooms or stand in the hallway watching them like hawks,

the incoming freshmen learned several new

but administrators are real people that work

partner handshakes to familiarize them with

to make sure that every child gets the best

peers that they may have not previously met

education they can get.

or at least gotten to know. Teachers, board members and administrators were also made to learn the handshakes in order to show the students that they want to get to know them and are willing to do so in a fun, more

“There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that students will never know [about],” Hamilton said. “And that’s ok… I’m not in the job for praise. My job is to be the number one cheerleader for you guys, because it ultimately is about your success.” In order to be the best for their schools, administrators step away to ensure that they are doing the most they can do. Students may not seem curious about the adults that watch over them, but students may also understand that those people are in charge for a reason and they do what they can for the success of every child in the building. The divide between students and administrators is not one that harms the school environment, but rather works to build it. Students may not know about a lot of events that happen behind the scenes but the students’ behaviors and accomplishments show that whatever is being done to lead them is something worth the distance. WRITER | Charlie Bongratz DESIGNER | Patrick Sheehan

ADOPTING TO SAVE A LIFE Although adopting a pet may not change the world, it has the possibility to change that animal’s world for the better.

onsidering adding a new addition to the family may be a hard decision to tackle. Many people may feel a certain breed will best fit their family; however, these people may

not be aware of the benefits that no-kill adoption centers and animal shelters have to offer. Many adoption centers, such as Save-A-Pet, focus on finding forever homes for cats and dogs in need. “We are very unique in that we are a true and pure no-kill Valerie Rosek

adoption center,” Save-A-Pets Animal Welfare and Operations Manager Sally Hubbard said. “Some organizations can claim they are no-kill as long as they have live release of at least 80 percent of the pets they take in.“ Save-A-Pet adoption center first opened in 1972, staying true to their “no-kill adoption center” policy ever since, unlike many adoption centers that claim they are no-kill when in reality they are not. Junior Gloria Lobodzinski and her family have adopted dogs into their family from Save-A-Pet. “They do want to save as many animals as possible, but they also want to make sure that all of them are going to a good home,” Lobodzinski said. Save-A-Pet takes pride in knowing that each individual animal deserves the chance for a good family. As a pet adopter, Lododzinski and her family found joy in bringing a new soul into their home as Lobodzinski’s dog had rough past experiences. Her and her family brought a new meaning of “home” to their newest family member. “Bringing them a new life and bringing them a new happiness is really nice and really joyful,” Lobodzinski said. “There are so many dogs in the world that are in terrible conditions, in kill shelters, or in places that aren’t safe for dogs.” Along with the adoption process, pet ownership is deemed very

“We go to all lengths, no matter the cost, to treat each animal as an individual and give them the very best chance for a good and happy life,” Hubbard said. “Every animal’s needs are different and we recognize that.” The adopting experience brought Lobodzinski and her family together when they found out their new pet had puppies on the way. “Raising puppies and helping a dog out as well that was definitely at a low point was really nice and heartwarming,” Lobodzinski said. Many adoption centers provide a wide range of animals that are of any age, breed or size. No matter what, a pet addition to a family has the ability to introduce a perfect companion. “I would say adopting a dog definitely can create a whole new personality and can bring a different type of style into your house,” senior Eric Tanner said. Family means not only growing with kids, but also with the warmth and happiness that pets can bring to a family.

important by Save-A-Pet and many other adoption centers. The background of a new family can be detrimental to the new pet.

WRITER & DESIGNER | Julia Hackeloer

COPING WITH CONFLICTS

LIFESTYLES November 2019

People going through challenges resort to different sources of support to cope with pain.

veryone experiences difficulties in life, but the coping mechanisms Valerie Rosek

used to get through tough times differ from person to person. Antioch Community High School students and staff live through struggles of

People cope with conflict in different ways. Although, not everyone copes with the help of others, some choose to use friends as a way of overcoming obstacles that they have.

their own. While trying to maintain a work/life balance, losing a loved one is an

Adolescents may be distressed when experiencing

event that may be difficult to deal with. A death in the family is a traumatic

challenges in their lives, but hardships are not just age exclusive.

experience for people of any age. Sophomore Ravyn Edran went through the

Psychology teacher Anton Borchert had to cope with his mother

passing of her grandfather during middle school and wasn’t able to be present

dealing with cancer.

at the ceremonies.

“It was by far the most challenging situation I’ve gone

“The only way we could cope was through prayer,” Edran said. “We prayed

through because it was ongoing,” Borchert said.

to God for his safety.”

The uncertainty of treatments may be emotionally exhausting

Edran dealt with her loss through family and prayer. Edran and her family

and the path to accepting a close family member’s passing may

were able to grieve together, but the balance between her home and school life

differ depending on the person’s coping mechanisms.

shifted because of the time she needed to grieve.

“I do not depend on others to fix my problem,” Borchert said.

“I got closer with my family, but I also distanced myself from other people,”

“I just absorb their personality in the time I have with them so

Edran said. “It wasn’t their fault, but they couldn’t understand what I was going

when I go back to being on my own, I have balanced out the

through.”

positive and negative.”

Loss is a tragic yet common part of life and students must deal with many

Change does not always end badly, but everyone seems to

challenges in their formative years. Moving to a different country is not as

struggle with the challenges that accompany change. Whether

tragic of a change, but can still bring challenge into a student’s life. Adjusting

dealing with loss or moving to a new place, hardships that people

to life while moving from America to India was a struggle that required

face reveal their methods of coping.

adaptation, resilience and a strong support system for senior Maya Schon.

WRITER | Daylia Brock DESIGNER | Gabby Debevec

“I was in shock for a while,” Schon said. “It was definitely not easy going [to India] and leaving all my friends and everything I knew.”

“IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT EASY GOING [TO INDIA] AND LEAVING ALL MY FRIENDS.” Valerie Rosek When people go through rough times in their life, having people to be there for them can be ideal. “I was in shock for a while,” senior Maya Schon said. This person could be a shoulder to lean on.

SENIOR // MAYA SCHON

SEARCHING WITHIN A PURPLE FOG Antioch Community High School students remembering their grandparents that have fallen victims to Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that kills the brain’s ability

eating, getting dressed and speaking properly without slurring, stuttering, or not knowing what to say at all. In some situations, having a family member with Alzheimer’s can be demanding and may take a toll on close family and friends. For example, sometime after her grandmother had been diagnosed with the disease at the age of 75, it became laborious for ACHS junior Brooke Poulos’s grandfather to take care of her.

to think and remember everyday information as time passes.

As a result, her family admitted her grandmother into a nursing home while her

As Antioch Community High School students grow older,

grandfather moved in with her and still lives with her today.

times may become more difficult for their grandparents.

In addition, finding out about a family member having Alzheimer’s may be life-

Some students have grandparents with Alzheimer’s disease,

changing for many families. However, sophomore Jasmine Ameti’s family has not

which can also be referred to as senile dementia. Dementia is

changed drastically since her great grandmother was diagnosed.

the memory loss aspect of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association Organization, in 2019, Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The organization also mentions that 10% of elders age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, which includes dementia. Alzheimer’s continues to negatively impact one’s ability to perform daily activities such as recalling someone’s name,

When I see them, I see the same old like the same regular family I’ve been seeing before,” Ameti said. Poulos and Ameti each have different ways to cope with the disease. Poulos stresses the importance of simply talking to those around her about her feelings, fearing they won’t listen to or understand what she has to say. Meanwhile, Ameti remains close to her great grandmother as much as possible knowing that she has limited time with her. Both students empathize that spending time with their grandmothers is the best they can do for their family. After Poulos’s grandmother suffered from the disease for over ten years, she passed away in 2017; Ameti still has time with her great grandmother. Both students have accepted the reality of the disease. Ameti and Poulos found out about the diagnosis when they were in Elementary School, so they grew up being used to the way their grandmothers have been treated with caution. Unlike Ameti, Poulos has experienced her grandmother’s death and has struggled to cope with the loss. “The time that she was sick, definitely, [I missed school or felt like I had to be there for my grandma instead of hanging out with my friends],” Poulos said. “I wanted to spend as much time with her as I could, I would go to her nursing home a lot.” Alzheimer’s has affected Ameti and Poulos in many ways. As the disease progresses to spread further, it is crucial that family members stick together and students get the support they need in order to maintain a healthy and stable daily life. WRITER | Ngoc Tran DESIGNER | Avery Krizanovic ,

5 4 3

EXTRA CLASSES BRING EXTRA STRESS Taking over seven classes during a school year could have more disadvantages than benefits.

ome

Mon

students

may feel overwhelmed

Tues

Chem Quiz

Wed Seminar Project

Speech Quiz FRQ English Project Chem Quiz

FRQ Interview

Thur

Fri

Sat

LIFESTYLES November 2019

LIFE

WORK

Sun

Speech Unit 1 Test InterUnit 2 Spanish view Test Project Rough STUDENT Draft Essay Due

“I have three AP

9:45 PM classes this year and STUDENT Received a score of 1 out of 5 on SP the workload from those 12:00 AM Naming Compounds Quiz 7 in APclasses is enough to push Has an updated grade of D (60%) in Unit 3 Chemistry TestAP Lang back my bedtime,” Atre

with a typical eight period schedule that includes seven classes and lunch. However, other students are juggling eight or nine classes by sacrificing their mornings, their lunch, or both. Students may feel pressure from parents, college or themselves to take on seven classes during the school year. They may believe that taking extra classes, specifically advanced placement classes, are necessary to be a “good student.” However, the negatives can outweigh the positives of an additional 50 minutes of learning in a student’s day. Many students who take extra classes experience additional stress and exhaustion

TODO - Chemistry HW - Study for FRQ - Study for quiz - Math packet - Study German Vocab - Practice speech - Research for Seminar

said. Despite the negative impacts, some students may argue that there are more advantages to taking additional classes. Although students may strengthen time management or organizational skills by having a busier schedule, counselor Kelly Lindgren believes that there are few benefits that come with extra classes. Lindgren also notices a misconception that taking more classes is beneficial for college. “I don’t think [ taking additional classes] helps prepare you for college because the reality is [that] the schedule in college is so

much different than the schedule in high school,” Lindgren said. “[Colleges] want you to do well in the classes that you’re in.” One alternative to taking an extra class during the

from an increased workload with limited mental

school year is to take a class during the summer through

breaks. Junior Julia Wagner, who has taken over

an online program. Atre has taken a summer course of

seven classes both her sophomore and junior

Honors US History and has found it to be helpful.

years, endures the difficulties of taking more classes. “I’m definitely regretting taking nine classes,” Wagner said. “It [is] kind of heartbreaking because I [have] to focus on school rather than my social life.” Junior Shivani Atre has also taken extra classes throughout her high school years. Taking more classes has been the cause

“Rather than taking extra classes, [students] should try to take a summer school class,” Atre said. “It was a lot easier to do [the class] during the summer, rather than doing it during the school year.” Before biting off more than they can chew, students may be better off if they evaluate the negative impacts of taking additional classes. Considering alternative options may benefit students more in their health and future.

of stress for Atre; she also mentioned the heavy workload bleeding into other areas of her life, such as health.

WRITER & DESIGNER | Izana Nordhaus

have always loved the amount of support that you’ve given to me. You have been there my whole life, and kept me on my feet. All of the adventures we have had will never fade in my

memory. I am going to miss you. I love you so much, and I hope you have fun while you are up there. For some, this is how a final conversation goes; that last conversation before someone never returns. For others, this conversation will never happen, and they are left thinking what exactly they would say to the person that they will never come face-to-face with again. It’s their final conversation. The ambiguity of life will always baffle humankind; humans long for an answer or a meaning. To have a final conversation with someone that has passed would provide insight, comfort

ONE MORE CONVERSATION

and an opportunity to gain answers to questions that are otherwise unanswerable. “If I was able to have one last conversation with someone who has passed,” junior Erika Mehring said. “I would probably ask them what the best moment of their life was, and what they would have done if they had five more years left.” With memories from the past flashing before people’s eyes and hearts left empty on the floor, there is always so much more to say to a person who was taken before one is ready, but never enough time to do so. Getting one more moment to be able to relive the past, recount those most precious memories and reflect on all the best pieces of life would be breathtaking. Graduation day, weddings, child-birth, promotions— these are all the obvious moments that stand out in a lifetime. One more conversation could mean one more story; one might learn about a cool summer night with friends on a dock under the stars— a moment filled with emotion and surprise. That day when a car was packed up on a whim and the most amazing spontaneous road trip ensued is just another example. All the little inside jokes that are still said, but no one seems to remember how they started. Maybe it’s the day that two best friends met each other under the most odd circumstances, not knowing that that very moment would change their lives forever. These are the final conversations where best moments of life that might have been taken for granted in the moment, are shared and internalized for an eternity. Of course, a conversation has two sides, and death inevitably affects the people that are left behind. “The last thing that I would say to [my friend’s dad] is how much I appreciated him and how he sacrificed so much just to make sure that his three kids were always okay,” senior Spencer Lazarz said. “I would also tell him how much I loved him as a father figure, and how much I wish things were different.” If the chance were given, then what might one say to someone that has passed? This moment becomes a chance to learn about someone else’s best memories of them. These moments impact the people around them most. Sometimes the actions might mean more to the people that love us than we assume, and it’s something that tends to go left unsaid until it’s too late.

FEATURES November 2019

Valerie Rosek

Telling family members one lovess them and making the most of the time one has with their loved ones is the key to not having regrets if a family member or friend passes. Losing a friend or family member can be challenging, imagining a conversation with a lost loved one has the ability to provide closure. Visiting their grave or decorating their grave weekly, monthly or annually can also help with the passing of a family member or friend.

Unfortunately, Lazarz did not get to have the ideal last conversation that many wish to have. This lack of closure leaves people with questions constantly pondering their minds. These questions can range anywhere from if the person loved them, to what they need to do to be happy by the end of their time. Not getting these answers are a huge source of regret and leads us to wonder what we can do to minimize the regrets that we might have throughout our lives. “The number one thing I would say to someone who has passed is if

they could have done more for that person, with regrets that they didn’t spend as much time with them as they wished. Sophomore Isabella Bussone said. “My grandma’s brother had died… seeing my family so hurt by the passing, I wish I could have talked to him or at least gotten to know him a little better.” There may be regrets from not getting close to people, but learning from mistakes is a big takeaway from these situations. “My last ideal conversation would probably be a conversation about the person’s life,” Lazarz said. “I’d want to know their outlook on life.

they were happy with how their life was overall,” Mehring said. “And if

One person I can definitely think about is [my friend’s dad]. His passing

they had any regrets or anything they would have changed.”

hit me and him pretty hard, and being able to have a last conversation

We all have a few things we might change about our lives, but does it align with the things that we would change after the fact? Would they

with him would mean the world, not only to me, but [my friend], too.” Lazarz touches on the meaning of life, which is the ultimate question

tell us about how they should not have spent so much time worrying

to be answered. Perhaps, the answer would be found in the best

about what college they got into? Or that they wished they had listened

moments and memories of someone’s life. Perhaps, it would be found

to their mother? Or maybe even that they wished they had slowed down

in the regrets or things that someone would choose to change. Perhaps,

a bit to enjoy the little things in life while they had the time. Maybe

the answer would never be found at all. Maybe the meaning of life isn’t

their regrets wouldn’t be about any of the major things at all, but rather

meant to have an answer, but instead, is something that we learn simply

that they wished they had told people they loved them more.

by living it, slowing down and taking the time to tell the people around

For those of us that have lost a loved one, we might tell them that we regret not spending more time with them. Others may tell them how their family gathered around them with their souls aching from sadness and their fingers crossed, hoping to somehow have just a little bit more

us that we love them. Or by making sure that we do our best to live life with no regrets. Maybe the meaning of life is simply to love others. No matter what your interpretation might be, we must always remember that a final conversation is rarely an option.

time to spend with this person. Time goes by way too fast, and lives are taken for granted: one of the biggest regrets of all. After the death of a loved one, many people can end up living in the past and wishing that

WRITER | Grace Acello DESIGNER | Sarah Benes

ONE MORE DAY

ime works in mysterious ways. The 24 hours in a

a heavy impact on a person. Even if it is

single day may drag on, with each one passing seeming

not their last day on Earth, the messages

FEATURES November 2019

like an eternity of impatience, or they may fly by in a

one sends to the people around them can

blur of productivity or haste. Those fleeting hours never stop,

impact their thoughts, words, actions and

inconsiderate of every person or thing existing in them, always

future plans. The severity of the last words

marching on without a thought otherwise. Twenty four hours is a

or messages sent to loved ones holds unimaginable depth that a

daunting amount of time as well.

simple cliché cannot comprehend.

There is a cliché that asks a person about what they would

“I would want my sisters to know that I love them even

do if they only had one day left to live. This haunting question

though they can be a pain sometimes,” junior Anastasia Paulino

usually prompts answers that are often not possible to execute

said. “But I would also want them to know that they can do

given the amount of time and money one may have at their

anything they want to if they put their minds to it [with] hard

disposal. People often want to spend their last 24 hours checking

work and effort.”

off everything on their bucket list: having outlandish adventures, skydiving or bungee jumping. But many people’s current situation simply may not allow for those big last wishes to come true. In a way, this realization makes the idea of a person’s last day on Earth that much sadder. “Thinking about my own mortality makes me feel small,”

The bond between families can differ greatly, but those lucky enough to be able to connect with their relatives sometimes do not realize the luck they have inherited. Close bonds between family members oftentimes provides a sense of perpetual security in at least one relationship in a person’s life. In the sense of siblings or cousins, they tend to be closer in age and therefore

senior Allison Beckman said. “There are a lot of people who

connect on a different level than adult relatives. This similarity in

think they’d be fine with dying, but I think when it comes down

personalities prompts them to want to look out for each other in

to it, it’d make us all feel small and inferior.”

the long run even after one of them is gone.

Considering one’s own mortality oftentimes forces people

“I’d probably give [the money in my bank account] to my

into further contemplation of the universe around

sisters for them to split,” freshman Joseph Neumann said.

them, accounting for the feeling of inferiority. The

“They’re in college and I have a cousin in college, and then some

thought of how large the Earth is, the Earth inside the

others that just [graduated], so they might need the help.”

solar system and the solar system inside the galaxy is enough to make even the most confident person feel like they’re insignificant. Even further, they may begin to evaluate their relationships and try to imagine what would happen if they only had one day to send their last messages to the people around them. “I don’t really like last words,” Beckman said. “I don’t like saying goodbye. I don’t really know what I would say to someone [if it was my last day on Earth] because there’s so much I could say.” The relationships someone forms with the people around them are infinitely unique. No two people are alike, and the unique qualities each individual has collide differently with others. These interactions between vast arrays of people are the origins of potential strife or collaboration between the two individuals, meaning that every possible combination of interactions between people causes a

Chosen family is just as essential to life as blood family. The connection between a person and someone they choose to share their life with can often be more personal than those between family members. Because of these types of tight knit relationships, a person’s last 24 hours would more than likely have time carved out for a meeting with close friends. In addition, a person in their last two dozen hours faces decisions that they may not otherwise take into consideration. The little choices someone makes in their life affects the people around them, specifically close family and friends. Things that seem trivial in everyday life, like taking a shower, ultimately seem like a big decision on a person’s last day. “I know it’d be my last day, but I’d be hanging out with my friends,” Neumann said. “I obviously wouldn’t want to smell bad. Like, ‘oh remember Joey?’ ‘oh yeah [on his] last day he smelled terrible.’ I wouldn’t want that to be their lasting memory.

unique relationship among them. For example, while a student may love to go see movies or go out for a meal with one friend, they may prefer to stay home for a chill night with another. The relationships between family and friends, or the lack thereof, can have

WRITER | Charlie Bongratz DESIGNER | Merrick Foote

O E

ORE

for some the feeling of dying may not be a once-in-a-lifetime

out and wake up dazed,” junior Scornavacco said. “It was really bad and I

experience. A near-death experience comes with no advance

ended up flatlining. What followed was a lot of stress. There is nothing I

warning. This sort of experience can happen to anyone, most likely

can really do to [stop] it other than hope my body can control itself to not

affecting every moment of their lives that follow. Someone who has lived

have another episode. I now look at life differently, realizing I can’t take it

through what could have been their last breath of air may continue the rest

for granted because it can end in [an instance].”

veryday has the potential to be the last. Death is inevitable, but

of their life knowing that this is essentially their second chance. Living life cautiously is not expected. In the blink of an eye the

“When [the lightheadedness] happened I’d feel dazed, go pale, black

According to the Daily Mail, in the moment of a death-like experience the feeling can be numb and even peaceful, seeing a bright light at the

reality of life can be completely flipped around for someone. According

end of a dark tunnel realizing this may very well be someone’s last breath.

to Psychology Today, when someone lives through a serious near-death

There is an out-of-body experience that the body and mind go through in

experience they may wonder how they got so lucky and question their

which the person perceives themselves leaving their body. Some may also

meaning or purpose in life. There is typically a new awareness for someone

feel that they were reunited with a dead relative.

who has lived through a near-death experience, and with that comes an increased amount of self-esteem. After someone has survived a near-death experience, they may not fear death anymore. Dominic Scornavocco had his heart stop multiple times for a span of 10-15 seconds. He was sent to Lurie Children’s Hospital because of his lightheadedness. After the incidents occurred he went through a lot of testing and studies, along with two surgeries.

Jack DeMartini suffered from a lacerated liver while playing football. In the moment he felt shocked and normal, feeling like he was able to finish the game. When in a near-death experience most don’t feel the pain or realize the seriousness of the situation. “I was in a near-death experience two years ago when I lacerated my liver,” freshman DeMartini said. “The injury happened over several hits to my lower right ribs. In the moment I thought I just got the wind knocked

BR E T H

out of me. My initial reaction was [that I was just going] to sit out for a few plays, then come back in and keep playing. After the game, my dad took me straight to the hospital, where I was housed for a week-and-a-half.”

one little mistake could lead to like something so severe.” According to Medical News Today, the most common near-death experiences result from unintentional injuries caused by either car accidents or sports and the complication

When someone goes

of an organ. Near-death

through a near-death

experiences are more common

experience it can be

than most people think. This

traumatizing. The feelings

sort of event can be just as

of the unawareness of their

disruptive to the survivor’s

surroundings and reality of

family as the physical real

what is happening around

death of someone. The pain of

them, paralyzing them in a

someone dying is resolved when

sense may occur. According

that person survives a near

to The Science Explorer,

death experience.

survivors of a near-death

“My grandpa used to work

experience react better in

on roofs,” junior Ashlyn Sundell

scary situations than those

said. “One day he was working

who have not gone through

on the third or second story

the same personal trauma.

of a building and he was on a

This sort of life-altering

ladder and the ladder broke. He

experience permanently

fell down all the stories of the

changes the brain by tricking

building onto the concrete. He

it into thinking metaphysical or spiritual experiences

Reagan Brewer

occurred when they almost died. According to The Science Explorer, memories of

“I’m always scared of a near death expierence,” Freshman Mollie Tubbs said. “You never know when one may happen so I always remeber to be grateful for what I have.” One may always be afraid of life or death expierences but takig it all in and living life i the moment helps cope with that fear.

near-death experiences are normally vivid. When scientists did a scan of plane crash survivors brains nine years after the incident, the results showed that the area of the brain related to memory, emotion and visual processing were active. The survivors of the neardeath experience still had distinct memories of the event. Scientific evidence suggests that the experience of a near death event is not spiritual or metaphysical, but chemical.

was in the hospital for months with two broken legs, a broken jaw and other injuries. I know my mom was really worried about it and obviously my grandma was, too.” Once someone has lived

through a near-death experience there is refound hope in life and a reconnection with the things or people they could have lost. These events are almost a check of reality and gives people a new awareness and appreciation for things they have and didn’t have before the event occurred. Some who has lived through such an extreme experience

These moments are actually a function of oxygen being

may live the rest of their life feeling rediscovered. Near-death

absent in the brain.

experiences are unpredictable and range in the extremity

Bella Bussone almost drank a cup of bleach that she mistook for a glass of water. She reacted to the smell before she went to drink it because it smelled funny and put it down, preventing herself from possibly becoming seriously ill. “My aunt cleans my house and she left a cup of bleach on

of effects they cause to someone’s brain and loved ones. Someone who has lived through a near-death experience will forever live their life knowing that they need to live in every moment because they have felt the feeling of death. That last breath of air is a feeling that is indescribable and different for everyone, but what determines whether a person lives such

my bedside table on accident in a clear cup,” sophomore Bella

an extreme event is the one more breath of air and living

Bussone said. “I just figured it was water so I went to go drink

life optimistic each day.

the bleach because I was thirsty, but I hesitated. If I would have drank it I probably would have done something to my stomach and ended up in the hospital. It’s very surreal that

WRITER | Lena De Vore DESIGNER | Merrick Foote

2525 25

Features FEATURES PERSPECTIVES November 20192019 November 05.17.19

ONE MORE

TITLE He’s spent the past four years running, and running and running. To start his season, he couldn’t run due to injury. To finish it, he took the state title.

he gun fires, marking

is so different from other sports with how patient you really need

the start of the Class

to be. I think once I figured that out, is when I really started to see

2a Illinois High

improvements.

School Association Cross Country State Championships. Senior Charlie Smith was one of those runners racing down the fields of Detweiller Park to the front of a large pack of runners, with one thought crossing through Smith’s mind: Winning the state title. There’s

My first thoughts on the start line of a race... when I step up to the start line I always look at the course, and I always pay attention to when my first turn is going to be because when the gun goes off that’s really what’s most important that you’re heading in the right direction. That’s really critical because the start of the race is so hectic and chaotic that you can find yourself veering off too far to the right or too far to the left. I’m always looking for that first flag. Really just enjoying it more. I think when I first started cross

a lot of work that needed to be done behind the scenes; four years of

country I was really only doing it because I was good at it. That’s

cross country training as a Sequoit led up to that moment. The big

part of me I regret because I’ve really learned to love the sport a lot.

question: what has Smith learned through his cross country career

I wish I figured that out my freshman year cause I think I would’ve

at ACHS.

enjoyed it a lot more.

I kind of thought through my head the whole week going

What motivates me to push myself during a race… that urge

into it [Illinois high school cross country state championships] what

to get better, I always want to get better each day. Everyday I go to

I’d feel like if I ended up winning. It was so emotional, forty-five

practice, I always have that thought in my head of “How am I going

seconds after the race my whole family-my parents, my sister, my

to get better today?”

grandparents, my aunt and my uncle, they were all there cheering me on. Just a minute after the race I was already with them, that was pretty much the best moment of my entire life not gonna lie. It was pretty awesome. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I learned that I’m not just a runner. Running although it’s a part of my life, it’s not who I am. I’m not a runner. I’d rather be remembered as a good person rather than a good runner. That’s probably what I learned most about my four years [as a Sequoit].

It’s taught me to be a better person. My coaches have not only told me how to be a better runner but they’ve taught me how to handle different situations in life in general. I can’t thank them enough for that because the things I’ve learned in cross country, I’ll never forget. It’s all thanks to a lot of my coaches. I was injured in the start of July. That’s pretty much my primary training period of endurance, I don’t do a lot of speed work in the summer. I do, do a lot of strength training and endurance. So I definitely missed a good portion of that, I think that if I wasn’t

One lesson regarding efforts needed to compete? It takes a

injured I would be faster this year. It taught me how to be mentally

lot of mental toughness and it’s not just about how physically fit you

tougher and it really refuelled my love for this sport. I think that if I

are. You have to be prepared to race at a high level mentally, too. It

wasn’t injured, I wouldn’t have been so hungry for winning.

takes a lot of good rest and focus. Something that I can’t run without? I think just a positive

The whole week leading up to state I was reflecting on pretty much my whole career as a cross country runner at

attitude; I never step out the door to run if I’m feeling bad or

Antioch and I knew that stepping up to the start line I might be a

anything. Whenever I run happy is when I run best.

little bit emotional knowing that it’s my last race as a Sequoit cross

I’ve learned a lot about patience and how important it is to running, not just when you’re injured, but with running you also don’t see improvements right off the bat. It takes a while before you really start seeing times drop. Even without being injured I learned a lot about patience; being injured I learned that it’s not always going

country runner. When I got up to the start line I thought about what my coach always told me and how I’ve just been waiting for this opportunity for so long and I wasn’t going to let it go by me. That’s what I thought about when I stepped up. During the state finals I was just trying to stay focused, it

to be real easy, where I can just go outside and run. Sometimes I

wasn’t really anything different than other races. I always kind of just

have to do different things such as swimming or biking instead.

focus who’s around me, what position I’m in and if I need to make

One piece of advice that’s stuck with me throughout four years... I’d say probably just the whole patience thing, and running

any moves soon. I was really just staying focused on the race.

SPORTS November 2019

The week of a race we do a couple of workouts. We usually

I learned a lot about competition through swimming and

workout on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if we have a race on Saturday.

how every race you have an opportunity to beat other guys and you

The day before I just get a lot of rest, but usually what’s most

can say that you’re faster than other people. I translated that to cross

important is two nights before; 48 hours is really the most critical

country and track where whenever I step up to the line I know I

point or night of rest. I always make sure I get rest throughout the

have a chance at beating my competition.

week, and then as for the day of, I just have a light breakfast. I’ll just stay focused and don’t really pay attention to my phone a lot. The start of the cross country year, I was a little injured. It

A quote I’ll follow in cross country… “you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take”, I mean this one is pretty cliché. I know whenever I step up to the line I’ll have an opportunity and

was definitely a stressful time, and somewhat disappointing, I want

if I always had that thought in my head then I won’t be afraid of

to say, but it helped me realize that I’m really hungry for winning.

failure. I won’t back down from any type of competition.

When you’re away from the sport you love so much, that’s when you really realize you love it. That just refueled me to want to win more, and want to chase my goal of a state championship.

WRITER | Sarah Benes

Kyle Christian

ONE MORE SKILL Football star Dino Kaliakmanis opens up about ballet and how it helps him on the field.

allet and football: many people may depict these two sports as

“Dino is already an elite athlete, but what continues to separate him

complete opposites and may never think that one would benefit

from others is the extra work he does outside of football, like ballet,” Munda

the other. Junior Dino Kaliakmanis believes differently; he breaks

said. “It only reinforces those essential skills you use to be a great athlete.”

this stereotypical thought by participating in both football and ballet. Kaliakmanis believes that ballet helps him improve all of his football skills.

Kaliakmanis started ballet because he was inspired by former National Football League players that participated in the sport as well.

Many athletes work hard to go above and

He believes it is a great way to supplement the weight room

beyond for their sport. They might do anything

and off-season training. Kaliakmanis has been participating

to maximize their skill set to enhance their

in ballet for about a year and plans to continue on with the

performance in any way possible. Others may

sport in order to improve his skills for his future football

not have the same passion and drive, however.

career.

Kaliakmanis pushes himself by participating in ballet on his own time, outside of school. Ballet works his body in ways he did not expect; flexibility, balance, speed and agility have all greatly improved. “I have a lot of respect for ballet as a sport,”

“To go to the next level and to continue your physical and mental growth, you always have to figure out how to get better and improve your level of play,” Kaliakmanis’ mother Colleen Kaliakmanis said. “Weight room, speed and agility, and ballet all play a key role in Dino’s training that has elevated his level of play. The physical and mental

Kaliakmanis said. “It helps with a lot of skills,

conditioning that it requires has done wonders for Dino’s

especially flexibility and balance.”

overall training regimen.”

Kaliakmanis’ coaches say he performs well during football practices and shines during the

Kaliakmanis goes to ballet practices twice a week and is never complacent toward any of his skills. He strives to be

games. He plays both offense, as a wide receiver, and defense, as a defensive

the best football player he possibly can be and works hard for a successful

back. His ballet experience has helped him improve agility and route

future. Kaliakmanis encourages athletes to try new things to strengthen

reading for both of his positions. Mitchell Munda, receivers’ coach for the

their physical and mental growth.

ACHS football team, believes that Kaliakmanis has great footwork. Munda claims Kaliakmanis goes through the dynamic warmup easily because of his flexibility and skills generated from ballet.

WRITER | Bridget Nauman DESIGNER | Merrick Foote

CONTACT INFORMATION

Antioch Community High School 1133 Main Street // Antoch, Ill. 60002 Community Outreach Director Emily Higgins e-mail: emily.higgins@chsd117.org

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WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO...

RIDE ONE MORE WAVE

y life has always revolved around

that was comfortable. Although I knew I wanted

actually wanted to go to college for the better of

water. Like waves, I have had my

to be a welder, I felt like something was not

my character, not just because of peer pressure

fair share of crashing into shore and

complete. I knew I needed a bigger change in my

and fear of being different. After numerous

building myself back up again. I have been asked

life. Something bigger than college and bigger

conversations with several people with different

since I was a child what I want to be when I grow

than Antioch. Something that could show me the

perspectives, I decided I wanted to go to college.

up, but my answer was never the stereotypical

endless opportunities the world has to offer.

From there I started to apply to welding schools.

doctor, firefighter or veterinarian; my answer has always been to join the Navy. I have always liked the idea of sailing far away from everything I know and having opportunities to explore the world. My grandpa tells me countless stories of his time out at sea, painting pictures of what I wanted my own waters to look like. In seventh and eighth grade, my middle school

My plans went from cresting to crashing overnight. As I sailed from option to option, I was stopped by a Navy recruiter in the commons. While I was talking to him, I felt my wave slowly building back up. I felt like the Navy could be the one thing I was missing. It could challenge me, lead me to more opportunities, and it could be the path that was right for me. The more I thought

Through my transition, I felt like everything I had done was for nothing. All of the studying and training I had done in preparation for boot camp was for nothing. I was drowning. I was behind in the application process with only 11 days left until deadlines, it felt like I was too far behind to successfully change paths. My mom was the biggest supporter of my

brought my class to the College of Lake County

about the Navy and the more research I did, I felt

decision to change my path. She helped me find

for an event called FutureQuest. FutureQuest

complete. From my junior to senior year, I became

schools that appealed to me and she helped me

was a workshop for students to learn everything

more serious about joining the Navy and felt

build my wave back up; she encouraged me every

about a specific career field. This gave me the

increasingly confident in my career choice. The

day and helped me through the struggles of

opportunity to test the waters of welding. The

waves of my life plans were building momentum.

applying to college and was always patient with

act of starting from nothing and ending with a

I applied for early graduation and took the Armed

me. I knew that welding was still something I

product I created gave me an addictive feeling.

Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. I

wanted to pursue and I knew that I still wanted

Now that I am in high school, trying to plan out

started training every day: running, swimming,

to join the military, but first, I wanted to jump

what I want to do for the rest of my life, I’ve been

going to the gym. I started studying the essentials

into the college experience. Growing up, I never

trying to navigate through choppy waters: new

for boot camp to ensure my success. To me, the

cared about being different or choosing different

friendships, future plans, added responsibilities.

water was clear, I wanted to join the military. As

paths that strayed away from the norm. I chose

my senior year went on, conversations of college,

the military because it instantaneously appealed

roommates, and applications floated around the

to me but college has always been an important

school. When talking to my friends about the

goal that I looked forward to as a kid. The more I

future, I felt like I couldn’t relate to them. At

thought about my future, I came to the decision

this time, a tidal wave of uncertainty crashed

that the military will always be available to me,

over me. I felt like I was missing something

but going off to college at the same time as my

that everyone had built into their future. Their

friends is something I couldn’t get back if I passed

waves were building as mine sunk to nothing. I

up the opportunity. Changing paths so late was

wanted to feel the excitement of getting accepted

the hardest decision I had to make because I

into a dream school, I wanted the friendship of

was so confident in the ship I wanted to sail.

a new roommate, and I wanted the milestones

Experiencing college with my friends would be

everybody else had.

too hard to give up. One day, after college, I will

In the beginning of my high school career, the tides of my mind pulled the decisions of my future back and forth. Thoughts of college were floating at the surface of my head but the thought of the Navy drifted below. Junior year, I attended the College of Lake County for an introduction to welding night class. As I dove deeper into welding, my decision became clear. From the sight of the fire igniting to the feeling of the sparks hitting my jacket, I knew what I wanted to do. From that point, I began looking at colleges for welding. My waves were slowly building. As the days went on, sitting in a classroom for

Pursuing a different current made me feel

another four years did not appeal to me; I knew I

secluded from everyone around me. I decided

needed more excitement in my life. I had to leave

to look into colleges, but I didn’t feel authentic;

Antioch, leave my family and leave everything

it was important for me to make sure that I

join the Navy. That ship will wait for me.

WRITER | Nayla Loos

PERSPECTIVES November 2019

Kayla Grenke & Emily Lara

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