The Tom Tom | May 2019

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

theGreat Gatsby issue

volume 57 . issue 8 . may 2019 sequoitmedia.com. @achstomtom. @sequoitsports 1133 main street. antioch, illinois. 60002

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PERSPECTIVES

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

04 | EDITOR’S NOTE

05 | DEAR CLASS OF 2019 06 | SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT 34 | WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BLOCK OUT THE BUZZ

CELEBRATIONS 22 | SAYING GOODBYE

23 | SEQUOITS IN ARMS 24 | COLLEGE MAP

FEATURES

08 | TOO LATE TO LOOK BACK

@ACHSTOMTOM

10 | THEN AND NOW

ON THE COVER

THE TIME HAS COME TO FINISH READING OUR GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

SENIORS LOOK BACK AT SOME OR THE LAST MEMORIES THAT THEY WILL MAKE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND WITH THEIR CLOSEST FRIENDS.

volume 57 . issue 8.

May 2019 Cover Illustration jessica Nettgen

theGreat Gatsby issue

volume 57 . issue 8 . may 2019 sequoitmedia.com. @achstomtom. @sequoitsports 1133 main street. antioch, illinois. 60002

THE TOM TOM | 2018-2019

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The Tom Tom is a student-produced magazine that is distributed to students, faculty and staff of Antioch Community High School, as well as the members of the Antioch Community.

Members of the Tom Tom staff contribute to sequoitmedia.com, the Sequoit Media website, on a regular basis. The student magazine serves as a public forum and is supported by New Voices legislation in Illinois and policies of Community High School District 117. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of ACHS or D117, nor Antioch Community High School’s faculy, staff or administration.

CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address: 1133 Main St., Antioch, Ill. 60002 // Phone: 847-395-9433 Website: sequoitmedia.com Email: thetomtom@chsd117.org MEMBERSHIP The Tom Tom belongs to the Kettle Moraine Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.

ADVERTISING Businesses and community members may sponsor the Tom Tom if their sponsorships adhere to guidelines. These can be found in the Sequoit Media Lab (room 263) or on our website (sequoitmedia.com).

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily M. Torres MANAGING EDITORS Diana Anghel Gianna M. Chiappetta PRINT DIRECTOR Benjamin J. Nauman DIGITAL DIRECTORS Alex L. Rapp Karley K. Rogalski SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTORS Jessica J. Nettgen Eleni A. Sakas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Merrick W. Foote ASST. DIRECTORS Joseph M. Kestian Avery J. Frasch

12 | LOOKING OUT OVER THE HOME STRETCH 14 | MORE THAN JUST A NAME 16 | FINDING A NEW SELF 18 | A WEALTH OF WISDOM 20 | TEACHERS COMMUNICATE FOR LIFE

LIFESTYLES 26 | OUR AMERICAN DREAM 30 | POP GOES THE SEQUOIT 31 | HIGH SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE

SPORTS 32 | IRON ATHLETES

ASST. CREATIVE DIRECTORS Kayla E. Grenke Emily Lara SENIOR EDITORS Alexander J. Riedel Kevin E. Tamayo Joseph R. Whittall Jacob R. Leitza Shannon E. Price

JUNIOR EDITORIAL BOARD Emily A. Higgins Alex C. Johnson Madisen M. Krapf

Brandon R. Reynolds Jazzmyn J. Roman Valerie M. Rosek Grace A. Rowe

Valerie N. Rasmussen Alessia N. Rivera Sarah M. Smith Mollie T. Wagner Sierra M. Ward

Adrian Ruiz Rilee A. Schreiner Matt P. Soberano Cassidy A. Thomas Katelyn M. Vaskovsky Beatriz C. Warnes

TOM TOM STAFF Grace R. Acello Haley M. Aitken Kylar A. Arias Charlotte M. Bongratz Reagan C. Brewer Gavin R. Calabrese Kyle A. Christian Evan M. Day Lena M. DeVore Kara C. Galarneau Julia C. Hackeloer Kaitlyn A. Howe Robbie S. Hulting Izzy J. Hunter Jake T. Ilkka Athan A. Kaliakmanis Sofia C. Klem Avery A. Krizanovic Kyle A. Miller Madison R. McBride Bridget J. Nauman Alexis N. Olson Brandon R. Pinto Maggie M. Quirke

Walker A. Winkler ADVISER Patrick R. Johnson, MJE SEQUOIT MEDIA TEAM Iwona Awlasewicz, SBN Sarah Ogborn, Sequoia Sam Worden, Finesse ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR Dee Andershock ACHS ADMINISTRATION Eric Hamilton, Principal Aryan Haren, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Scott Leverentz, Assistant Principal for Student Services Steve Schoenfelder, Athletic Director Teri Klobnak, Activities Director Patricia McGuigan, Dean Grant Murray, Dean DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Jim McKay, Superintendent Brad Hubbard, Asst. Superintendent Brie Cederna, Asst. Superintendent Jennifer Nolde, Asst. Superintendent Ryan Miles, Chief Technology Officer

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

RESPONDING TO THE TOM TOM Letters to the Tom Tom can be submitted through sequoitmedia.com or directly to the adviser’s email. All letters must be signed, must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Tom Tom is committed to seeking the truth, minimizing harm and presenting the most accurate reporting as possible. If you notice any inaccuracies in this or previous issues, please contact the adviser at patrick.johnson@chsd117.org.

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE GREAT GATSBY ISSUE

Looking back at the greatest story of all time.

EMILY M. TORRES editor-in-chief @emily_marilynnt

W

ell, it is finally that time of the year.

Saying goodbye has never been easy for me. I am an extremely sensitive person, therefor, having to leave the place I call home is becoming harder as the days go by. My year as the editor-in-chief has been a rocky one to say the least. It has been such a challenging year for me and there were days where I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my mom, I probably would have. This year, while it was hard, it taught me many life lessons that I would have never learned if I didn’t have this experience. It taught me how to bite my tongue and just nod my head, which, if you know me, was a major challenge. I learned how to work with different types of people and how to comfort those around me who needed it. This experience, while it wasn’t the best, allowed for me to grow as a person.

The Tom Tom has been more than just a class to me; it has become another family. Being with the same people for three years forces you to develope a relationship with them. Through these relationships, I have gained some of my forever friends and even some unexpected additions to my family.

This year’s senior issue is focused on The Great Gatsby. Gatsby is

4 | PERSPECTIVES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

believed to be the greatest story that has ever been told and my experience for the past four years in high school is my own greatest story, at least for right now. Since freshman year, we have all changed.

We each were all able to write our own stories since the minute we walked through the glass doors. Some of our stories were heavily focused on athletics: going to practices every day or waiting for the infamous Friday night lights. Others focused their storytelling on academics, long nights studying for the upcoming Anatomy or AP Calculus tests or preparing for the seemingly never-ending I-Search. Our last chapter, senior year, is finally coming to an end, which means a new story is about to begin.

As we are about to walk out of those glass doors for the last time, some of us are looking back at the green light across the water thinking of all of what we are leaving behind. While some are still stuck searching for their green light, others are ready to start the newest chapter in their book of life.

I am ready to start my new story. I’m also excited to see where the rest of my family in this program takes their stories. We are all so diverse, which is my favorite part about this environment. The Tom Tom, while it can be a stressful, tiring and mentally exhausting, is something that I will never experience again. All of my favorite past times with my family are now becoming memories. While I’m scared to move on from the only thing that I have known for the past three years, I am excited to see where everyone goes and what comes of the future of this staff.

Throughout this magazine you can find stories relating to how the senior class has changed throughout the past four years, wholesome stories about teachers and students saying goodbye, but this magazine is more than that. We hope that through this magazine you find your greatest story and don’t lose sight of the green light.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

DEAR CLASS OF 2019

C

an you believe your four years of high school are coming to an end? It seemed like not so long ago you attended your first day of high school trying to find the locations of your classes.

But, here we are, less than one week away from graduation and it is time to move on to the next chapter in your lives. While you were at ACHS, I hope that you were able to learn, love and laugh. Not only learn information that will help you in your next journey, but also learn from your mistakes. I hope you felt love from your Sequoit family, from your friends, teachers, counselors, administrators — all of us. And, most importantly, I hope you were able to laugh TONS! While in these last few days, take a moment to reflect on what you learned, loved and laughed about at ACHS. Did you learn about your passion for anatomy and physiology and are now majoring in pre-medicine in college? Do you remember the feeling of winning a state medal with your team members and coaches and representing ACHS as a proud Sequoit? And how about all the moments that made you laugh — moments that made you laugh so hard you cried or maybe it was some of those jokes from the morning announcement.

While I may not have the perfect advice for everyone as they leave ACHS, I do hope that you continue to learn, love and laugh wherever life takes you. Life can be hard, but if you continue to learn and be open-minded to new people, places and things it can open up so many doors for you. Continue to love the people around you and be respectful.

Love your family and friends and do not take advantage of the time you have with them. The rule in my house is the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated. You never know when an old acquaintance could appear in your life again. Be a person that is remembered for your kindness and generosity towards others. Also, find something you love to do, that you are passionate about and do it like a rockstar! And please, please, please do not forget to laugh. Laugh out loud, laugh until you cry and laugh until your stomach hurts. You know what they say?

Laughing increases your lifespan! Just don’t eat too much bacon to counter its effects. I hope that made you laugh. :)

While it might sound cliché coming from the Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction, I hope ACHS was able to accomplish our mission statement to Ignite Passion and Discovery in Every Student while you were with us. As a cheerleader for ACHS graduates, as you embark on your next chapter in life, my hope for you is to learn, love and laugh. Do you know what that equates to Class of 2019? BE HAPPY!

With pride & respect, Ms. Aryan Haren

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SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT: COLLEGE SOLVES ALL

ALEXANDRA L. RAPP digital director @arose_106 NOT AN INSTANT FIX

I

can’t wait to get out of here.

school: one pen, no planner, ready for class.

As soon as I turn 18, I’m leaving.

Another thing people seem to perceive about college is that it’s a full-on judgement free zone. Life’s not that simple. There are cruel, judgmental, hurtful people all around the world. Just because you move, it doesn’t mean that those people go away. For some, the place they’re moving to can be even more judgemental than the place they left. More dangerous, in some cases, too. Some colleges are probably more accepting, but there’s still going to be awful people wherever you go.

The real trick is to find people who love you, really love you. People who accept you and lift you up. Obviously, it’s not going to be everyone, but all you really need is a few tried and true friends.

I’m never coming back to Illinois.

We’ve all heard it at one time or another. Maybe it’s a friend, maybe it’s you. That person who just can’t wait until graduation, to leave Antioch behind, go off to college and never look back. With so many people waiting for one event in their lives, it must be worth it. If you listen to the seniors as they walk down the hall, you’d get the impression that going off to college is the 100 percent cure-all for any problems they faced in high school. News flash: it’s not.

I believe that while college can be a fresh start, you will also need to do work. There’s no reason that moving cross-country changes anything about you. It may be a different landscape, but deep down, the person in it is fundamentally the same. Sure, you’re going to learn and grow.

Sure, you’ll make new friends. But, if you don’t work at becoming better and I mean really work, nothing’s going to change much.

Another thing everyone needs to work on? Procrastination. Everyone pretends that they don’t procrastinate, that they didn’t wait until the night before to read their chapters or write their I-Search, but it happens to the best of us. While the looser schedule that colleges offer allows you to choose when you take classes and what time of day your life happens, there’s a huge downside. There’s no built-in class time to work on projects and papers. You need to schedule that yourself.

Say that you, in high school, already aren’t the best at remembering, writing down and scheduling even with parents and teachers are breathing down your neck. In high school, you get daily reminders and in-class time to work. In college, what makes you think you’ll be able to keep up when you have to set the structure yourself?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not by any means saying that you’ll ultimately fail if you’re a procrastinator. What I’m saying is that it’s going to take effort. You can’t roll up to college with the same mentality as high

6 | PERSPECTIVES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

You know what else college isn’t? Drama free. The friend you thought you trusted could turn around and betray you at any moment. Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean the world is suddenly going to be perfect and drama free. Odds are, you’re still going to argue with your friends, your boyfriend, girlfriend, whoever. That’s going to happen for the rest of your life. Drama’s not going to go away, it’s here forever.

Just because we leave Antioch and move onto the next chapter in our lives doesn’t mean that suddenly everything becomes Hollywoodworthy picture perfect. It’s your life, you’re in control. If you want a good college experience, just like your high school experience, you need to create it. It’s not just going to fall into your lap.

JOSEPH M. KESTIAN senior editor @j_kestian9 COLLEGE SOLVES IT ALL

G

raduation. The day that has been in the back of seniors’ minds for the last ten months. After that is college, a time where students can move on from high school and transition into their adult lives. Some believe that college will provide the opportunity for someone to become a new person or better version of themselves.

procrastination has eaten students alive, causing them to be defined as “not the best student.” Having this reputation or image of oneself can be detrimental to the type of respect, or sometimes even the grade they may receive from a teacher. This can make a student resent school more than they may already.

I personally believe that attending college makes everyone a better version of themselves. High school isn’t always the place where students can flourish. In college, an individual is able to study whatever they may choose rather than being limited to the choices of classes that are required to graduate high school. Students are forced to conform to the expectations that are set by teachers. What happens if someone doesn’t conform to those standards? Does that mean they are a terrible person?

Or is what is the expectation for us not always who we actually are as a person.

Something that I am eager to leave behind is the drama that consumes students in high school. In a small town like Antioch, everybody knows everybody and nothing is a secret. While some may think this is a positive for high school, it has been one of the worst aspects of living in a small suburban town. If someone makes a personal decision that isn’t accepted by the rest of the community, then they’re essentially excluded or talked about among everyone. The feeling of having everyone know and judge every move one makes can be shattering. In college, the type of person somebody was or the reputation they had no longer exists. No one knows who you are and they don’t have any preconceived ideas of you. You’re not forced to conform to everyone else’s ideals as you are in high school.

The fresh start that college provides for everyone can be refreshing.

There are no more overwhelming parents breathing down your neck.

There are no more rumors being spread about a situation that didn’t even happen. For some of us, there is no more being forced to interact with the same people who have been in our lives for almost all of it. High school is a place for that weird transition from childhood to adulthood, which can be hard for some because it forces students who have matured to deal with those who haven’t quite yet. In college, most of the students will potentially be matured and ready to move on from the world of high school.

As a student, an issue that seems to surface with most students is procrastination.

While I have the mildest case of procrastination, I’ve seen multiple situations where

Along with the drama in high school comes the image one is labeled as based off of the people they associate with in friendships. Friendships are constantly changing in high school, but they also remain the same in some cases. While some may be eager to leave the place they have called home for the past four years, others often thrive off of being in high school. Being a part of a “clique” can be hard to escape because once you’ve been associated with them for so long, others label you the same as those people. Even if one tries to leave that image, it becomes hard because in an environment like high school, people don’t let go of the past and are always judgemental towards change.

Even though I did enjoy high school, I do believe there is more to come when I attend college. High school was a bittersweet experience and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. The lessons that I benefited from the most were the ones I learned outside of the classroom. While there were moments where I thought high school would never end, I am shocked that my four years at Antioch are finally over but I am also excited to move on to college and become who I truly am.

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TOO LATE TO LOOK BACK

Jessica Nettgen

8 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

Seniors reflect on the regret brought upon by the last four years.

“I think that everyone gets so worked up about college and their future that they forget about high school and their friends here,” senior Elias Vanderwagen said. “I think that I would want to change my mindset [that] I had during high school and focus on the present and my relationships that have been made during high school.”

EMILY M. TORRES editor in chief @emily_marilynnt

R

egret is sometimes looked at as something negative.

In reality, it can be a way to grow. As graduation and the end of their high school career creep closer, many seniors may feel that they regret something from their time spent within the walls of Antioch Community High School.

Whether it be regrets in regards to academics, sports, friendships or others, the senior class may have their fair share of remorse.

“I regret not putting 100 percent into my academics during high school,” senior Dimitri Karellas said. “Now that it’s senior year and I see my friends applying to big universities, I know that it’s something I’m not able to do, even though I believe I am capable of going to some of those colleges.”

feel as though they had a negative experience by focusing too much or too little on something. Even with these regrets, teens can still have a positive outlook and find the motivation to move on with their lives. College is coming near and while many are excited to leave, they may be taking this time as a reflection period on what their past four years have looked like.

Through the years in the familiar halls of ACHS, one may either feel excited to leave the brick walls or they may feel as though they belong there and that it is all they know.

Friendships, people and mindsets changing can cause someone to feel a certain way about their high school experience and this affects what will and won’t be memorable.

“I THINK THAT EVERYONE GETS SO WORKED UP ABOUT COLLEGE AND THEIR FUTURE THAT THEY FORGET ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL.”

“Freshman year I hung out with the wrong crowd and I think that gave people a negative preconceived idea of who I was because of who I hung out with,” senior Symone Henderson said. “I think it was very inaccurate because I simply enjoyed their company. They weren’t bad people by any means, but they didn’t make the best decisions.”

Regrets are common in life; whether one consciously has them Grades still matter during senior or not, they can still be in the back year: something that students of someone’s mind and live with may forget. Even with constant SENIOR // ELIAS VANDERWAGEN them until they let their guard down. reminders that colleges still look at Carrying weight on one’s shoulders one’s senior grades, many often can be a burden to some, but it can be typical for others. No find themselves coming to the end of their year feeling as if two people have the same mindset and no two people have they should have done more. the same beliefs. In life, people walk through different doors “I was dedicated to my academics freshman year more than and go through diverse experiences. Regrets, while common, any other year,” Karellas said. “As I grew older though, I are something that one may not be aware of having until the started to care less and lost the motivation I once had.” life they’ve lived comes to an end and they stand in front of a door of a new experience.

While many may regret their choices in academics, others

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THEN AND NOW

Seniors physical growth through high

school mirrors a growth in their sense of maturity.

JESSICA J. NETTGEN special projects director @jessienettgen

H

igh school is full of changes, from maturing

mentally to growing up physically. Maturation is crucial to growing up and the physical aspect typically accompanies it. Some students change more throughout high school than others, but almost everyone looks different in some aspect. There are typically major changes from the time one walks through the doors their freshman year to when he or she walks across the stage senior year.

Senior Ashley Hoerning feels as though she has changed dramatically since freshman year. From being physically different to growing emotionally into the person that she is today.

“I feel like I have grown into a more confident person all around… freshman year I was chunky and probably didn’t know how to dress,” Hoerning said.

Most seniors can claim that they are a completely different person than they were freshman year.

Imagine the senior class as young freshman: small, immature and excited for their future at Antioch Community High School.

Now, the seniors are getting ready to graduate and move onto bigger and better things. Most likely they are more mature and responsible than they were freshman year. They are beginning their new lives as young adults. No matter what the seniors are doing, they will soon realize that independence and maturity are going to play a large part in their new journeys, whether they be going off to college, getting into the workforce or joining the military.

Senior Kaitlynn Stay feels as though she has changed mentally, but not physically since freshman year.

“I feel like I’ve grown in the sense of maturity, because I became more independent,” Stay said. “I think I

10 | Celebrations | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

actually look kind of the same, just more of a mature face and I grew a couple of inches.”

Senior Braden Buehlman has grown a lot since freshman year. He is much taller than he used to be and he has begun reflecting back on his high school career. He learned that sometimes he has to do things he doesn’t want to do in order to work towards making himself a better person.

“I was a skinny little 5’6’’ kid who weighed one hundred pounds soaking wet,” Buehlman said. “Throughout high school I grew nearly nine inches and slowly passed up on all the kids that hit their growth spurts in middle school. I also got rid of that awful ‘Justin Bieber’ haircut, which did us all a favor.”

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Sta

Hoe rnin g

man

Bue hl

LOOKING OUT OVER THE HOME STRETCH Near the end of the year,

many seniors realized the deadlines and obstacles they had to overcome before their high school careers were coming to an end.

T

here are many things that students must accomplish and come to terms with by the end of their senior year. The main focus of the year tends to be looking for, applying to and getting accepted to colleges that appeal to them. Additionally, academic work piles on to the stress of dealing with the future; however, even with all of these tasks, many students see senior year as a time to relax because it is the final year before they move onto their future. Nonetheless, there are many deadlines that can creep up on students during their senior year and end up passing them in the blink of an eye.

KARLEY K. ROGALSKI digital director @Karley_Rogalski

FINDING THE COLLEGE A big deadline that can creep up on seniors is the time to find the perfect college. It is normal to go visit many different colleges to find one’s home and once one does they can then fill out the colleges’ applications in hopes of getting into their top choice; however, some seniors overestimate the amount of time they have to complete this task, resulting in having to rush through forms in order to make application deadlines.

“For college application time, there’s a very strict window of certain decisions that I just often did not make,” senior Emily Wright said. “I made the regular decision [deadline], which [was] fine by me, but I think that [time] passes much quicker than you think.”

After students make this important deadline, they must then wait days, weeks or even months to see whether or not they were accepted into those colleges. This can be stressful for some as it can be daunting not knowing if they will be accepted into their top choice. Once a student finds out what the admissions board has decided, then their life can take a turn for the better or for the worse.

Karley Rogalski No matter what they undertake beyond high school, 2019 graduates are looking to the future. Seniors Emily Wright and Maya Carey are two such people.

“I’m almost done,” Wright said. “I made it and I’m really happy about that.”

12 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

“For me, senior year was very exciting,” senior Maya Carey said. “I knew that it was my last year to prepare for college and college was the big next step for me. But I kind of just chose the first college I saw because I thought it looked cool. I wish I could have taken more time to look into stuff and figure out where I actually want to go.”

Once students decide which college they want to attend, they can then move on to the committing process. Some may not understand the positives to accepting their admission to a college early. Those who wait some time before accepting end up losing the opportunity to select their preferred classes, where they want to live and whom they want to be their roommate. By accepting early, there is a better chance that their first two months of college, which are usually the hardest months for new college students, will turn out exactly how they dreamed.

“It’s very stressful to not know what you’re doing and I feel like probably for the first month or two [of college] I’m going to plunge in mental health,” Wright said. “After those two months though I’m going to be great, but I feel like the first two months of just trying to adapt to a new environment where I don’t really know anyone and I don’t know what I’m doing is going to be really tough.”

College tends to take up a big part of a senior’s last year of high school. It is something that they usually think a lot about because it is such a big part of their future. It can also take away from the high school experience as it can be the only thing on a senior’s mind. Instead, they could be focusing on other things that are occuring in their life or at school such as completing assignments and projects that are due.

BAD HABITS One habit that many seniors deal with during their last year of high school is senioritis: not having the motivation to do certain things relating to school because they just want to move on to college. Their work ethic usually starts to diminish and the quality of their work can sometimes go down the drain.

“It’s definitely hard to do multiple giant projects at the same time,” senior Landon Norkus said. “I haven’t really started my civics project because I’ve been worried about the I-Search. I’ve definitely prioritized certain projects over others and have procrastinated a lot.”

After an entire year of wanting to get away from school, recently graduated high school seniors are thrust back into a schooling environment — one that will probably be harder than what they have

previously experienced. When one has poor time-management habits in high school, they tend to experience increased difficulty and stress when it comes to the school work they need to accomplish. Nonetheless, if one realizes all the bad habits that come from senioritis, they have a better chance of getting back on track. By doing this, it will hopefully help one’s work ethic moving forward in college and in anything else that they may encounter in their future.

GRADUATION The overarching goal of high school is usually to graduate and receive a diploma, but there is much more to this process before one walks across the stage. Some elements saying goodbye to the everyday occurrences that many take advantage of when they come to school everyday, such as consistently being able to see their friends, teachers and more.

“Saying goodbye to everyone seems really depressing,” Carey said. “I really don’t want to say goodbye to anybody. I hope that when our five year after high school graduation comes, we all come back and we’re all accomplished, but I don’t want to graduate and have to say goodbye.”

Another aspects of the journey toward college is the realization that there is a chance of not finding the same type of connection with friends in college as they have now with their friends in high school. Even if the idea of leaving doesn’t hit someone on the day of graduation, most can start to miss the benefits of high school as they begin to see how different college can truly be.

“I feel like that we are kind of tight knit in a way,” Wright said. “You’ve known these kids forever and when I go off to college, or whenever anyone goes off, they’re not going to have anyone for about a year or so as they’re trying to get to know people they have around them.”

Graduation is right around the corner and the senior’s four years of high school are coming to an end. After spending so long with the same group of people, seniors will now get to move towards their future and have many new experiences with many new people; however, even if people move away, it can be challenging to forget people and a place like Antioch.

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MORE THAN JUST A NAME As the graduating sequoits

go out into the world as new adults, these former high schoolers have to figure out a way to make an impact on their world.

SHANNON E. PRICE senior editor @shan_eileen01

14 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

M

aking a name for oneself has become a nearly vital aspect of society and it is far from a new trend. Humanity has striven for recognition, publicity and praise for an innumerable amount of years, whether it be politicians, celebrities or ordinary individuals.

People, particularly young people, seem to have a hunger to make a name for themselves. Every year, as they begin to move toward their futures, high school seniors have to make choices regarding their majors in college or possible occupations and many of them choose the ones that will allow them to create a brand or make a significant impact on the world around them.

It can often be difficult to create a definition for what it means to make a name for oneself. It can be done in many different ways, but there are some underlying similarities that create a general meaning. Senior Sydney Koslica shared her definition.

“It usually means to make an impact on the environment that you’re in,” Koslica said. “Whether that be in a professional setting in which you significantly improve the workplace in a way that helps the business or the school environment, or it could be in a personal manner in which you have relations with people and you have stories and memories with them.”

German teacher Chad Rusk also weighed in with his definition.

Many students turn to things like social media to help them become well known. It has become an integral part of the lives of young people, particularly in regards to creating a brand or reputation. It is used to promote accomplishments or lifestyles in order to show the world who one is; however, some young people can still make the mistake of focusing too much on appearance rather than the quality of his or her content.

Rusk believes social media has perhaps become a hindrance for people who are attempting to create a brand.

“I think too much focus is put on how you look on social media and not on the kind of content you are putting out there,” Rusk said. “I feel like substance is lacking in a lot of places.”

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, maintaining a social media presence has become a major stress for teenagers and has even caused some to develop diagnosable anxiety disorders. People feel compelled to maintain a following by constantly posting on their various accounts in order to promote their brand.

When asked whether young people put too much pressure on themselves to gain recognition or make a name for themselves, Koslica responded.

“I think it’s the biggest mistake you can make, and I think that what everyone views as the pinnacle “I think it means that you of success is being well known,” have had a positive impact Koslica said. “I don’t think that is where people will remember necessarily what people should put you,” Rusk said. “When on a pedestal. People don’t get they think of you, they think into careers for the right reasons.

GERMAN TEACHER // CHAD RUSK of some other attribute or People think ‘I should make YouTube action.” videos because it made this person famous’ or ‘I should get into acting because that person is on TV’, Making a name for oneself doesn’t necessarily have to be due to one’s versus ‘I should do this because it is making a difference and making ability to be recognized. It mostly comes from the impact that one’s me happy.’” actions have on other people, which will hopefully be positive. But, recognizability can be a fleeting thing if the person does not use it to The mistake that many people make when they try to make a name for make a difference. themselves is assuming that the name is what forms their legacy. They assume that the word, the grouping of letters that forms their personal “In the case of celebrities and high school popularity, it certainly can title is the thing that matters most, but it is not. The actions one takes be how well known you are, but in the long term that doesn’t leave a and the connections one makes are the things that truly add value to lasting impact,” Koslica said. “If you ask people who major celebrities a name. It is the quality of a person’s character that allows a name to were 60 years ago, you can’t name any that didn’t truly impact the be powerful. Martin Luther King Jr. is not famous because his name world in a great way, whether that be globally or within their own was “Martin Luther King Jr”; he is famous because he did something careers.” worthwhile. He touched peoples’ lives and hearts in a way that was Celebrities are not the only ones who have this ability. Students and unique to him. young people have the capacity to make a difference on a smaller Young people do not need to become famous on a global scale in scale. Even though students’ accomplishments are often not known order to make an impact. Writing just one sentence in the storybook of on a large scale or beyond the school itself, they can still make a history can still be influential and inspiring. They simply need to make positive difference. Koslica once more shared her perspective on what an attempt to positively affect as many people as they can, even if that making a name for oneself entails for high school students. isn’t a large number. The quality of a name or the person behind it are “In a school setting, it certainly is based on what you do,” Koslica said. more important than the number for people who know it. That’s what it “You don’t hear stories about the kids who had a lot of friends; you means to make a name for yourself. hear stories about the people who made a difference.”

“IT MEANS YOU HAVE HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT WHERE PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER YOU.”

| 15

ALEXANDRA L. RAPP digital director @arose_106

FINDING A NEW SELF One of the major benefits

of graduating high school and going off to college is the opportunity to reinvent oneself.

16 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

A

clean slate, a fresh start. If something goes wrong in one’s life, then it is held over their head for eternity. They may wish to begin again somewhere else with no prior knowledge of their previous bad choices.

For high school students, it’s almost inevitable to start a new life after graduation. Many seniors look to graduation with anticipation because of the chance they have to make brand new first impressions on the people around them. As of the 2010 census, the town of Antioch numbered 14,235 people, landing the settlement squarely within the parameters for a town. And in this small town, everyone knows everyone else: who their parents are, where they live and what kind of car they drive.

No matter where a person goes, it’s likely they will see someone that knows them.

“Antioch is the perfect place to start,” senior Emily Gardner said. “It’s big enough to not know everyone, but small enough to know someone everywhere you go.”

However, this kind of small town community can become overpowering with established judgements. One wrong move can be remembered by the town forever. One small fact can be blown wildly out of proportion. One opinion can become a whole identity.

“One thing that people always seem to think about me is that I’m always this quiet, shy person, but that’s really just because if I don’t really know you I don’t really go out and step right up and start talking to you,” senior Rebecca Brnot said.

Every person thinks something about the people around them, a conscious judgement or not. Every action is projected into the person that stands in front of the school.

“I have a few reputations at school, many of them are harmless, but sometimes I wonder how things would be different if I didn’t have them,” Gardner said. “The biggest one currently is that I cry a lot, particularly in theater.”

These preconceived ideas about the type of person that one is and what kind of things he or she does can make it difficult for people who are attempting to change something about themselves. If they’ve been one way, associated with one character trait by the people of the town, then it becomes difficult to shed that concept and reclaim part of themselves.

“I was the quiet shy person in elementary

school, so a lot of the Emmons people would probably consider me shy,” Brnot said.

First impressions matter and there’s only one shot.

“A preconception that people who don’t really know me have had was that just because I was on the football team, I’m probably a jerk,” senior Bradley Parfitt said.

“It will be nice to go to college and meet new people with no previous knowledge about me and have a fresh start,” Parfitt said. “At the same time, the reputation I have gotten after the last four years is kind of scary to lose because it’s hard to say what people might think about me when I do go to college and if it will be better or worse.”

By going off to college, a job or somewhere else, one gets to begin again. They are allowed to make an impression as an adult rather than their entire perceived personality being based on behavior as a young child. One is no longer trapped within the ideal that others have had.

Instead, they can focus on a new identity or becoming the best version of themselves.

Reinventing who one is, is not easy, by any stretch of the word. It takes work and dedication to become a better person and it’s certainly not something that will happen overnight; however, the first step is, as many say, leaving Antioch behind. Leaving behind the place that has shaped and nurtured one is difficult, but ultimately, necessary for the next steps on their journey.

“Going to college next year, I do want a

“I feel like when I’m in college we’re really

completely clean slate,” Gardner said. “Not because I hate who I currently am, but because I want to see who else I could be. The things I’m known for currently define a lot of my life and while I don’t have a problem with that I feel like different doors open and close because of what a person is known for.”

starting to grow up and the superficial things that mattered before aren’t as important and we get to really start our lives,” Rosemeyer said.

The refinement of oneself into the best version is part of growing up. Making mistakes and becoming better from them, changing and evolving is a fundamental part of development.

Being pigeonholed into a mold where one must be this or that isn’t the way to become better.

Deep down, many students want to change something about themselves; going into college presents the perfect opportunity to do so: a new place with a plethora of new people never before met.

“In college I want to be a more amiable person in general and try to just be nice to everyone,” senior Jhonna Rosemeyer said. “I want to come across as more approachable and friendly and just in general a nice person.”

While there are many positives to starting fresh, there can also be negatives to the complete rebuilding of a reputation. After so many years with the same group of people and only one perceived personality, it can be hard to change.

Letting go of the judgements and prejudices one holds is just as important as wanting to become a new person. One should cease to think of themselves as one type of person: nerd or jock, gamer or hipster, goth or prep.

It doesn’t matter. Being surrounded by people whose company one enjoys is what’s important.

“I think I’ve learned all I can from this school and this town and if I stay too close I’ll be holding onto something that I need to move on from,” Gardner said. “It’s scary moving away because I’ve never lived anywhere else, but I have no doubt in my mind that leaving Antioch is the next step in my life and necessary for continual growth.”

As senior year rapidly comes to a close, it’s important to recall not only who one is, but also who one wishes to be. That desire to be changed and reinvented, to become the best possible iteration one can be; that’s what college—and essentially life—is all about.

“I THINK I’VE LEARNED ALL THAT I CAN FROM THIS SCHOOL AND THIS TOWN.” SENIOR // EMILY GARDNER

| 17

A WEALTH OF WISDOM

Seniors share the knowledge they’ve gained from freshman to senior year.

ALEX J. RIEDEL senior editor @riedelriedel6

I

t is safe to say that almost no senior is the same now as when they

first walked into Antioch Community High School. Throughout high school, there are countless situations that students can be a part of that can affect them in unrecognizable ways.

Freshman year, everyone is nervous for each day of high school, but eager to get a fresh start. Although the adjustment is hard, everyone thinks they know exactly who they are, but most have no idea what is ahead of them. Senior Dylan Czerlanis has experienced a drastic transformation throughout his four years of high school and he feels that he is close to finding who he is.

“I was nervous,” Czerlanis said. “I didn’t think I was prepared, I didn’t take anything seriously.”

Once into their freshman year, people start to relax as they get more into the groove of their new life. As a person gets more comfortable, they tend to come out of their shell and blossom into their true selves.

“I met so many new people,” senior Miranda Hopkins said. “One thing that’s changed is my confidence level, I’m so comfortable with myself and confident now.”

Wisdom is gained through things people witness and experience.

Although high school is comprised of four important years, freshman year is a crucial time for student development.

Mental and physical maturity is one of the characteristics that change

18 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

during a person’s time in high school. Oftentimes, as underclassmen students feel as if teachers treat them like young children, raising their hands to speak, asking to use the bathroom and censoring from the “inappropriate.” As time goes on, teachers allow students to take responsibility for their own lives and that is where the maturity comes from. For upperclassman, asking to go to the bathroom is no longer a grueling task and discussions are more personal and thought provoking to somewhat simulate what the real world is like. Maturity and what one experiences are the parts of life that no one can avoid and they have an impact on who a person becomes.

“Freshman year [teachers] treat us as if we’re incompetent,” Hopkins said. “Senior year, my teachers just let me leave the classroom and that’s how the real world is; they treat us like adults.”

For Czerlanis, teachers treat him differently now compared to freshman year. Although respect is not something that should be given out, it is a two way street, something that is earned.

“Freshman year I wasn’t the best student and I didn’t pay attention, which didn’t show any respect on my part,” Czerlanis said. “Now, as the years have gone on, I show more respect. I think that helps the teachers respect me.”

As a freshman, Czerlanis didn’t talk to many upperclassmen, so he had to learn on his own. On the other hand, senior Tyler Farino had two brothers that were juniors when he was a freshman and believes that his brothers had a big impact on the person that he is today. He has also observed his teammates on the volleyball team along with peers and has gained some valuable knowledge about his school work and work ethic that has also transpired into his life in general.

“Something [that] I learned was to never give up,” Farino said. “No matter how hard it is, never give up and things will get better.”

In the span of a person’s life, high school is a short amount of time with a drastic amount of change and as the years go on, people will continue to break through their thick shells and push forward in their lives.

RYAN ROYCE

BENJAMIN J. NAUMAN print director @bnauman48

H

igh school is a time in teenagers’ lives where they are able and free to learn who they are. At the beginning of a student’s four year long journey, they have much to discover about themselves. Some people end up experiencing extreme personal changes in which they find a new point of interest, while others beliefs and interests only grow stronger.

ALANNA LOWRY

For senior Alanna Lowry, her social skills were what were impacted the most. Throughout her four years at Antioch Community High School, Lowry has also not only gotten better at talking to people that she may not know, but she has learned that having deeper, more meaningful conversations can be incredibly helpful in a friendship.

“Now I’m able to have real, deep conversations with people,” Lowry said. “It’s great because now I feel that I can be real with people.”

Being honest and open with people can also be an effective method of determining friends that are good for you and those that can hold you back.

“That’s one of the biggest lessons that I have learned throughout high school,” Lowry said. “You can’t always be friends with everyone and that’s okay. You have to pick the ones that are good for you, not the ones that hold you back.”

Lowry feels that being more open has helped her friendships, but also helped her grow as a person. As Lowry progresses throughout her life, she hopes that she will be able to use the things that she had learned in high school to continue to mature.

Mental and physical maturity and a willingness to try different things are qualities that senior Ryan Royce would say have been affected the most during the duration of his high school experience.

“As I’ve grown and matured, I’ve found new areas and activities that I did not know I was interested in,” Royce said. “Freshman year I started playing the guitar and I practice all the time. I also found a deeper love for choir.”

Music was the place where Royce found a home. Starting high school, sports were something that Royce had put to the side because he was unsure of where he would fit in when it came to sports.

“I was going to try out for the guys soccer team,” Royce said.

“But I didn’t know who I was. During my four years in high school and watching people at dances and in the hallways helped me to become more comfortable with who I was.”

SEAN MCCARTHY Comfortability with one self is one of the most important ideals that a person should have. Senior Sean McCarthy’s time in high school helped him with exactly that.

“I wasn’t very confident as a person,” McCarthy said. “I was sort of self conscious as a freshman and sophomore. But going into junior year, I started to get more comfortable in my own skin.”

Personal growth is not only aided by the situations that a person goes through. McCarthy also knows that people can be affected by the people that surround him.

“Although I haven’t noticed a super drastic change how different I am,” McCarthy said. “My friends have helped me notice that I am more conscious of myself and the people around me.”

Knowing who a person is surrounding themselves with is something every person should think about. If someone is talking bad about him, instead of immediately resorting to anger, McCarthy tries to figure out who is saying it and why.

McCarthy knows that depending on the person, the value and effect of an insult may vary.

“As I go through high school, I have begun to realize that not everyone wants the best for you,” McCarthy said. “I try not to let bad talk from bad people get to me, cause I know it doesn’t affect me.”

McCarthy trusts that even if rumors go around, the people that are the closest and most important to him will always take his side and have his back.

| 19

TEACHERS COMMUNICATE FOR LIFE As seniors find themselves

saying goodbye to the school they’ve called home for the last four years, educators also wave farewell to the kids they’ve called students.

G

raduation is an emotional time of the year. As students, the seniors of Antioch Community High School have called this building a second home for the last four years, united under the “A” with an arrow flying through it. These classmates have seen one another nearly every weekday from August to May, while sharing answers, french fries and memories for the past four years.

On May 19, these graduating seniors can call themselves classmates no more, as they go into the next frontier: the real world. These Sequoits who entered ACHS four years ago in August 2015, as kids, now will exit in May of 2019 as adults.

Friends were gained, lost and everything in between. The last four years were a wild ride for everyone involved. And while graduation will be a time of final goodbyes for the students, there is a forgotten factor in this equation.

The teachers have seen these students at both the high and low points of their high school careers. They’ve seen kids grow into adults and graduation will be a time of goodbyes for them, too.

Teachers are a crucial part of the growth of high school students. They first meet them at 14 or 15 years old, fresh out of middle school, still innocent and unaware of the world around them.

“It’s sad to see people leave,” orchestra teacher Michael Riggs said. “There’s a little bit of bittersweet there because you know that they’re going to go do something great, but they’re leaving.”

Besides being educators, teachers are there to support the kids, too. They’re vital to the students’ growth process. The years of high school are pivotal and having teachers there to support kids and help them through tough times is crucial.

“My favorite thing about teaching is being able to make connections with students in ways that you can’t normally make and in the process of making those connections, doing things that I feel are important,” social studies teacher Stephen Rose said.

When teachers are able to make connections with their students,

20 | FEATURES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

JOSEPH R. WHITTALL senior editor @jrw_14

teaching becomes more effective and the students get more out of the experience.

“There are things that we have to do, but while we’re in the process of getting things done, it’s fun to interact,” Spanish teacher Rachel Morales said. “Each class has its own personality. Students have different things and it keeps me on my toes. It helps me to just gel with each of the classes differently.”

While students spend their time in high school making friends and lasting memories with their peers, they also make memories with the teachers and that isn’t forgotten by the educators.

“I have a lot of seniors that I’ve had the pleasure of being able to travel with at some point during their high school career,” Morales said. “Whether it be the Australia and New Zealand trip, or whether it be the Spain trip, I was able to have that unique experience with them before they graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

Experiences like international trips, clubs and other activities give students an outlet to have these unique connections with their teachers.

“If there are [students] I keep in touch with [after they’ve left], it’s either math team kids or kids in the workout club that [Andrew] Benton and I ran,” math teacher Christopher Stanich said. “They’ve been from different situations like math team or the Tanzania trip back in 2014. Usually, it’s a situation that I knew them more outside of class than in class.”

In class, the need to teach the curriculum can impede the ability to form real connections with teachers and while it is a goal to make those connections, teaching comes first. In extracurriculars, however, whether it be a club or sport, teachers who run the activities are able to interact with the students without the added pressures of schoolwork. They allow teachers and students to form those ever-so-crucial connections.

“You really got to know that individual more than just academically,” Morales said. “You got to know them personally. So there might be certain characteristics about their personality that you might miss, as their humor or the little jokes or things like that.”

Of course, in the day and age of social media, it is much easier for teachers to keep in touch with students after they have graduated.

“In our day and age, there’s really no reason that you should miss anybody because you can always keep in contact,” Stanich said.

Not only does social media work to keep people in touch, but it also works to keep teachers updated on the lives of their former students.

“I’ve got students that are traveling so I get to watch their travels and comment on them,” Rose said. “I always ask, ‘Did you do this? Did you do that?’ That’s a lot of fun.”

Riggs agrees with this sentiment and while he may not be as prevalent on social media, he still finds time to keep himself updated on his former students.

“I keep in touch with the ones who want to keep in touch with me; social media has made that really easy,” Riggs said. “Although it’s gotten a little bit more challenging lately because people of your generation don’t do Facebook. I don’t have an Instagram. I don’t have a Snapchat. I don’t get to keep in touch with people who don’t use Facebook.”

While the prospect of saying goodbye to the graduating class may seem like a bittersweet moment, for the teachers it’s part of the job and many of them believe it is better to be excited to see them succeed rather than sad to see them leave.

“From an emotional standpoint, I’m more happy than I am sad,” Morales said. “I’m more excited. I’m much more for cheering them on as opposed to feeling sad that they’re leaving.”

However, there are still some parts of the proceedings that tug on people’s heartstrings.

“The only time I get emotional is when they’re playing Pomp and Circumstance,” Stanich said. “It’s a song about a transition point. It’s about how you’ve accomplished so much and you’re transitioning to something else. Music means a lot to me and so when [the students are] transitioning from childhood into adulthood and I hear that song and it’s so good.”

After the songs have ceased and the tassels have switched sides, the over 300 graduating seniors of ACHS will call this place home no more and the teachers all have words of wisdom for them.

“A lot of people in graduation speeches tell you to go out and make a difference in the world,” Riggs said. “But that’s not how it works. You are going to go out and make a difference, no matter what you do. You just can’t avoid it. You have to decide what kind of difference you are going to make because you can’t avoid affecting the world. You can decide how you affect it.”

Rose sees the potential that every kid has.

“Don’t settle for good enough,” Rose said. “There’s always room to grow and improve. Nothing’s ever really done.”

Joseph Whittall Stanich looks at his experiences for his advice to graduating seniors.

“I try to encourage kids to get out and explore the world, get out of their comfort zone and see things that they never would have thought existed,” Stanich said. “In high school, I thought everybody was just like me and my friends, but there’s a whole big world out there to experience.”

Morales, too, wants people to go out and see the world.

“No matter what you do, make sure that you find the time to travel,” Morales said. “Go visit other cultures, meet new people, see the sights.”

Graduation is a memorable time for everyone involved. While the graduates are saying goodbye to ACHS, the teachers stay behind to teach the next generation, only to see them also eventually leave. These teachers sacrifice their time, effort and much more so students can succeed.

As the graduating class of 2019 ends their high school career, say goodbye to their friends and exit the school as students for the final time, remember to take the time to appreciate all that the teachers have done. Remember to say goodbye to the teachers that have shaped the last four years here.

| 21

NOT ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA After 33 years

of teaching, charlie trout retires from the social studies department, but plans to remain coaching.

helped students to gain college credit and increase their chances of getting into their dream school.

DIANA ANGHEL managing editor @didianghel

I

t’s rare to find a teacher that has experienced a large portion of

the 104 year history of Antioch Community High School still in the building. The ACHS staff is filled with teachers and faculty that have been around for a long time, but none as long as social studies teacher Charlie Trout.

Trout experienced first-hand what it means for a high school to grow: different leadership, expanded architecture and growth of curriculum; however, one thing always left the same mark: the students. In his 33-year-long career of teaching, Trout has felt the impact of his students each year.

“Almost every year, you come in and you meet young kids that are really excited about learning and it makes it fun,” Trout said.

Along with this, interactions with students will be what Trout will miss most after his retirement.

He sometimes remembers moments from as far back as 25 years and smiles at those thought.

Since he started teaching in 1986, Trout was able to build and create an Advanced Placement history program: AP European History and AP United States History. Today, those classes have

22 | Celebrations | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

Trout does not have one specific favorite memory, but instead could write down a hundred if he took the time. Some of these memories would emerge from coaching soccer; as of right now, Trout plans to keep coaching both the girls and boys teams after retirement. Although Trout will not walk into his classroom as a teacher again, coaching will enable him to relive his memories of working as a social studies teacher.

“Trout has been a part of the [soccer] program for so long and he has done amazing things: from when he was the head coach of the varsity, winning many championships and accumulating a great record, to coaching the freshman team and preparing them to thrive in a varsity setting,” senior and varsity soccer player Alexander Keeler said.

The future is looking bright and broad for Trout. He already has four trips planned with his wife, who loves to travel as well. These plans include traveling to Denver after school is finished, Glacier National Park in July, Florida in the winter, Venice in the summer and many other in between trips.

“I was always taught that when you find something you should always leave it better than how you found it,” Trout said.

ACHS wishes him the best of luck in his future affairs and thanks him for serving the district and the students within it — leaving ACHS better than he found it.

SEQUOITS IN ARMS JOSEPH M. KESTIAN assistant director @j_kestian9

At time of Press, this is who has reported their information to staff.

S

enior Justin (JJ) Stevens will be participating in the Marine Corps after graduation. He will be heading over to San Diego, California, on July 22. Stevens believes going into the Marines is a great opportunity and foundation for what he decides to do with his future after he is out of the armed forces.

“I’m most nervous for the crucible,” Stevens said. “It’s a two day event where I will only get two meals over the course of two days, be sleep deprived and a 52-mile hike and once I complete the evaluation then I will be ready for graduation.”

Stevens is excited for the discipline aspect of the Marines, as well as the financial stability it will provide for him and his family, making life easier.

Another future member of the Marine Corps, senior Damien Gersch will be participating after graduation. He is deciding whether to pursue a career in artillery or scout sniper. Gersch has wanted to join the army since he was five.

“I am hoping to build better awareness of my surroundings,” Gersch said. “I also want to learn self defense and gain more knowledge on where I fit as an individual.”

Gersch is excited for the experience and also hopes to earn respect and create friendships along the way with people of similar interests.

Entering the United States Army infantry is senior Daniel Koch. Some of Koch’s family members have participated in the military, which contributed to his decision. He has wanted to participate in the Army for the past four years and is excited for his journey to begin.

“I hope to come out stronger both physically and mentally,” Koch said. “I’m excited to see the world through a first-hand experience other than just hearing about the problems in the world.”

Koch is most excited to meet people with the same interests and learn how they handle the situation of being in the army. He will be leaving for the Army mid-July for Fort Benning, Georgia.

Senior Matthew Chappell will be participating in the military after graduation. He has wanted to participate in the military since he was five years old when he began playing with toy soldiers.

Ever since, it has been a dream of Chappell’s to serve his country.

“I’m excited to better myself as a person,” Chappell said. “I’m also excited to travel the world and experience different cultures while serving my country.”

Chappell is still undecided on which branch he would like to serve in, but he plans to serve in either the Coast Guard or the Navy.

At time of Press, these are the students who have reported that they will be going into the military. Those who are not included are Allton Nicolai- Military and Ian Gugel and Jena Burton- ROTC.

| 23

IN SEARCH OF OUR GREEN LIGHT Many are finding where they will go in the fall of 2019

ALABAMA

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN ALABAMA Hannah Moll

ARIZONA

ARIZONA STATE Jasmin Brean Karley Rogalski GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Rachel Ustich

FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA Sarah Hedger VALENCIA COLLEGE Destiny Enriquez

ILLINOIS

AUGUSTANA COLLEGE Katie Vilardi

NORTHERN ARIZONA Carolyn Miller

BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY Anthony Sertic

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Amber Phillips

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE Kevin Tamayo Nicholas Wiley

CALIFORNIA

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS Ethan Almaria

COLORADO

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER Grace Hellen

COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY Erik Adams Tyler Agne Tess Alderson Aaron Appling Madeline Aykroid Tyson Baker Anna Baker

24 | Celebrations | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

Kamil Baran Nicholas Baum Elise BotsfordMowry Fernando Candia Daisy Cosio Gisselle Cosio Cassie DAcquisto Brianna Daye Erich Etolen Sabrina Gimino Trevor Gregory Hayley Guillen Alexandra Haug Victoria Henkel Anthony Henning Easton Herbon Luke Hermes Ashley Hoerning

Jenna Hoffmann Grace Huggler Jacob Jackson Connor Johnson Dimitri Karellas Shiraz Khan Dane Kish Joshua Lahti Joshua May Brittany McManus Amanda Miller

Ryley Mondragon Monica Montoya Tinoco Genevieve Novarro Trent Olson Christian Ortiz Karter Pesole Katrina Peterson Lars Pritchard Alvaro ReyesJimenez Jacob Robinson Eric Roche Leah Rolland Karlie Ross Andrew Savage Simon Sazian Carson Scott Kaitlynn Stay Nathan Ulmer Sabrina Venhorst William Vesser Hanna Wichman Kelsey Wilfert

Tabitha Wixforth Alexis Yaris COLUMBIA COLLEGE Alanna Lowry Caelin McGuire DEPAUL Gianna Chiappetta Ash Flackus Drew Smith Sean Weiser EASTERN ILLINOIS Dylan Czerlanis ILLINOIS STATE Isabella Angus Anne Freeman Kameron Jones Isabella Mateja Tara Matkin Bradley Parfitt

Sean McCarthy Gabriella Michaels Jillian Moffat Vincent Roszkowiak Jhonna Rosemeyer Eleni Sakas Ashlyn Sheppard Iain Smith Cale Wolf Emily Wright

KANSAS

WESTERN ILLINOIS Piper Foote Benjamin Nauman Megan Vraney

KENTUCKY

INDIANA

BALL STATE Rachel Phillips BUTLER UNIVERSITY John Ware DEPAUW UNIVERSITY Abby Pyburn EARLHAM COLLEGE Karina Steitz

Rebecca Brnot Maya Carey Colin Conway Jack Holston Carley Mager Avery MalickiCzaplewski Grace Rachek William Resurreccion Jackie Sistrunk Elitania Tellez ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Krystian Nikolov LOYOLA Amber Podgorski Evangeline Swanson MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY Alexander Riedel NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE Ian Gugel NORTHERN ILLINOIS Michael Balagot

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY Skylar Eiselein SOUTHERN ILLINOISCARBONDALE Eric Hart Valerie Kolodziej SOUTHERN ILLINOIS EDWARDSVILLE Madison Shepard UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - URBANACHAMPAIGN Noor Abdellatif Diana Anghel Natalie Hill Graci Leineberg

INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON David Delfiner PURDUE UNIVERSITY Joseph Whittall Nicholas Gagnon

IOWA

DRAKE Landon Norkus ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Xavier Sanchez GRINNELL COLLEGE Jack Gillespie IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY Braden Buehlman Kyle Jilly Blake Juszczyk Cole Kazakeich Thomas Ruminski Kevin Tebbe UNIVERSITY OF IOWA Symone Henderson Rebecca Bargamian Connor Flatley

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Howard Matczynski UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Samantha Gaydovchik EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY Clayton Ushkow UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY Emily Gardner Joseph Kestian

MICHIGAN

BAKER COLLEGE Jeremy Sprosty INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY Katelyn Buerger LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Lillian Regnier MICHIGAN STATE Sydney Koslica Emily Krock Shannon Price MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Nathaniel Colpaert Michael Volkmar WESTERN MICHIGAN Emily Williams

MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MANKATO Patrick Beake SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY Chase Becker

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI COLUMBIA Kevin Darner William Piper Alexandra Rapp Claire Reband Emily Torres ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY Ashutosh Atre

NEBRASKA CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY Shyanne Arias

NEVADA

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Niah Malabanan

NEW YORK NEW YORK UNIVERSITY Jacob Leitza

NORTH CAROLINA

APPALACHIAN STATE Gabrielle Good ST. ANDREW’S UNIVERSITY Kelly Mondus UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO Casey Kiyohara WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE Donovan Redd

OHIO

COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Zoe Semersky UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON Callie Tubbs

SOUTH CAROLINA

ST. MARY’S Alexander Keeler

NAVY NUCLEAR ACADEMY James Coutcher

MISSOURI

TENNESSEE

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY Cole Connelly

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY Starlin Bognar

WISCONSIN

CARROLL UNIVERSITY Valerie Lapke Robert Misiek Sebastian Scofield CARTHAGE COLLEGE AnLi Butler Tyler Farino Christian Plonski MARQUETTE Robert Christiansen Tyler Crum-Ladewig Amelia Neumann Cole Niemi Zoe Speich MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Samantha Brown Kyle Rickert UW-EAU CLAIRE Allison Hoffelder Kenzie Michalski UW-LACROSSE Aubryn Corey Zachary Grindley Sawyer Phillips UW-MADISON Justin Jones UW-MILWAUKEE Jena Burton Spencer Heney UW-OSHKOSH Addison Hammock Ashley Hradisky UW-PARKSIDE Miranda Hopkins Anna Hradisky Alexander Redmond UW-PLATTEVILLE Jason Carpenter Carter Rothmann Elias Vanderwagen UW-STEVENS POINT Austin Andrews Megan Lawrence UW-STOUT Matthew Becker UW-WHITEWATER Robert Hoffmann Rachel Malsch Jessica Nettgen Grace Weber

| 25

“What is your

American Dream?”

Kevin Darner

Eric Hart

“My dream is to finish college and hopefully get a job that I enjoy.”

MJ Balagot

Colin Conway

“Being happy and having enough money to support my family.”

Caelin McGuire

“Become a physical therapist.”

“Be a performer in productions related to my major: musical theater.”

“Become outstanding... by standing outside.”

26 | LIFESTYLES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

Ashutosh Atre

“My American Dream is to travel and have great experience all across the world.”

Simon Sazian

Karina Steitz

“...to live in Colorado and travel the world.”

“...is to live a successful and happy life with my family.”

James Kutcher

“...is to get a great job and live a happy successful life with my future family.”

Drew Smith

Victoria Henkel

“To have a happy life.”

“My American Dream is to have a successful career in which I am happy while also ensuring that I have no fiscal worries.”

Alexander Keeler

“...to raise and support my family while doing what I love by helping fellow athletes with psychological problems they face.”

| 27

Clayton Ushkow

Zachary Cook

“Living a good life”

Jack Holston

John Ware

“Have a beautiful family.”

“Always be best friends with Ian Gugel.”

Anthony Sertic

“Live a happy life with a job that can support my family.”

Joshua May

“I want to be a successful business man and maybe even a CEO of a company.”

Samantha Gaydovchik

“...to have success and be content with the simple things in life.”

28 | LIFESTYLES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

“I want be successful doing a job that I love.”

Tyson Baker

“...would be to fix climate change and have a successful job to make tons of money for my parents.”

David Delfiner

“Becoming Alex Riedel’s PGA Caddy”

Kenzie Michalski

Iain Smith

“Being a license plate stamper.”

“...to just be financially stable and living a moderately happy life.”

Rebecca Ustich

Carolyn Miller

Rachel Ustich

“To be successful in the medical field and have a big family.”

“To live a happy life, be financially stable from graduation college and earning a degree to pursue a career in accounting, and to have a family.”

“... to move to a different country that’s not America.”

| 29

POP GOES THE SEQUOIT: FERNANDO CANDIA

Fernando’s favorite...

Fernando Candia

Carlos Reyes

Mr. Henning

Candy

Hershey’s Chocolate

Kit Kat

Pop Rocks

Teacher

Mr. Rose

Mr. Stanich

Mr. Rose

Drink

Water

Water

Boost Energy Drink

Subject

Math

Math

Physical Education

Celebrity

Ariana Grande

Shigeru Miamoto

Caitlyn Jenner

Holiday

St. Patrick’s Day

Christmas

Cinco De Mayo

30 | LIFESTYLES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

ANTIOCH’S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE TIPS AND TRICKS ON SURVIVING SENIOR YEAR SCHOOL FRIENDS GIANNA M. CHIAPPETTA managing editor @gigic29

H

igh school is not for everyone.

Even though lots of teenagers enjoy their daily routine, others may prefer a more flexible schedule.

Antioch Community High School is an educational working environment and although some favor this lifestyle, it’s not for everyone. Education can be considered an important aspect of one’s life, but not everyone prioritizes it as such.

“I am a student who can be intelligent, but hates school work,” senior Joshua Lahti said. “Teachers would describe me as someone who likes to have fun and is nice, but has low work ethic. I did not complete assignments. I was not invested in school at all because I hated it.”

Students who enjoy high school commonly benefit from what ACHS has to offer to them; but on the other hand, the students who dislike high school are commonly found ditching class, starting fights or vaping in the bathrooms.

These “bad” habits are not considered “good ideas” and to make the best of one’s high school career, they should follow this survival guide to help get through their dreadful days.

READING ALOUD Listening to a teacher read for 50 minutes straight can be a drag. When one has to read a book that they don’t personally find interesting, they might find themselves falling asleep in class. To prevent this from happening, one should try drawing what they hear. Doodling can be a great way of remembering what a book is about.

According to eduTopia, students who draw what they hear can comprehend 25 percent more information than someone who only took notes on the same topic.

If one isn’t into drawing, then they can try color coordinating.

Taking notes on what one is hearing can help them better comprehend what is happening in a book. If one were to separate their notes by using different colors, then they might find this process more amusing and helpful when it comes to staying awake.

For the most part, everyone has those friends that they only interact with while they’re in school. These friendships can go a long way because if the odds are in favor, they can help each other out in the long run.

For senior Nicolas Fier, being an active participator in class helped him with his success.

“I tried to know everyone,” Fier said. “People are very important and the shortcut is to try and stay on everyone’s good side.”

In most cases, the smartest person in the class is not the one dreading the school day. If someone is having a hard time in a subject, then they should try sitting with or next to someone who naturally has a better understanding of the topic. This person might not end up sitting with their friends, but being by people who know what they’re doing can help one stay focused.

PROJECTS It’s typically not common to find students who dislike school being the first ones to get a project done.

“I’m am very bad procrastinator, which I don’t recommend,” Fier said.

Procrastination is something that most kids experience at least once in their high school career. When a teacher hands out a project that’s not due for another two weeks, not many students will jump the gun and get the project quickly out of their way. To help reduce procrastination, students should try rewarding themselves.

“Staying in a positive work environment helps me complete projects,” Lahti said.

When a student is dreading to do a project they should set a time limit where they exstinguish all distractions and allow themselves to actually work. Once the time limit is over, they can reward themselves with food, their phone or time to hangout with friends.

HEAD STRONG High school is what students make of their time. They might choose to throw away opportunities just because they are too stubborn to try; however, getting involved within ACHS can help one stay busy and out of trouble. Students should not define high school by a single event. Every day is a new day granted with many opportunities.

Instead of throwing away four years of one’s life, they should try and enjoy every bit of it.

When seniors graduate and step into the next part of their lives, they can think of these tips to help them get through their future endeavors.

Every second counts, so don’t waste the time that’s being given.

| 31

ATHLETES FOR LI(FE) This award was given to the senior Sequoits that

participated in three sports for all four years of high school.

PIPER FOOTE Foote played tennis, basketball and softball during her time in high school. She will be playing Division I softball at Western Illinois University for the Leathernecks.

“In some ways being an iron athlete was easy for me because I love playing tennis, basketball and softball, but in other

KEVIN E. TAMAYO senior editor @kevinta91416173

ways it was hard for me because

S

urvival of the fittest, or in the case of the iron athletes, the most dedicated. This award means more than just a commitment to athletics. It shows the dedication and hard work that a student athlete needs to put forth while also maintaining their academic standing.

The following are this year’s recipients of the award.

Eleni Sakas

I had to manage my athletics and academics at the same time,” Foote said. “Some days it was hard going to practice because I knew when I got home, I would be up late finishing all the tasks I had on my plate.”

Foote’s perseverance is one of the reasons that she is such a prized athlete. Not only that, but she is also an excellent student. As a result of such excellence in both sports and school, Foote was one of the recipients of the Female Athlete of the Year award.

SAMANTHA BROWN During her time at ACHS, Brown played golf, basketball and soccer.

Brown is known on her teams for never giving up and being determined to make her team better in whatever way she can. Brown has always put the team in front of herself. She was also a finalist for the Female Athlete of the Year award.

Although an avid athlete, Brown also remained focused on school, working toward being an above average student.

Jessica Nettgen

32 | SPORTS | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

“Being an iron athlete means that I was able to make a commitment to being a student athlete because it took a lot to be able to be successful academically and athletically,” Brown said. “It took a lot of my time to stay in sports, but it was worth it.”

ZACHARY GRINDLEY Over his high school career, Grindley was a part of the football, basketball, baseball and track and field teams. Grindley found track and field late, but has made an impact through his time on the team, making it to the state competition last year and hopefully again this year.

“I took lots of time along with the drive to compete in all the sports that I could,” Grindley said. “Playing with my friends made it fun to play three sports all four years and being good at my sports made it easy and fun to keep playing.”

Grindley will be taking his talents to the University of WisconsinLa Crosse to continue his success in track and field as a Division III jumper. Grindley was also a finalist for the Male Athlete of the Year award.

Valerie Rosek

BENJAMIN NAUMAN Nauman has played football, basketball and track and field throughout his career. His athleticism has helped him achieve his dream of being able to play Division I football at Western Illinois University.

“In my eyes, it was not a taxing achievement,” Nauman said. “I love what I do and that’s why I do it. If I ever felt that I was not enjoying myself, I would have given up being an iron athlete to be happy. I enjoyed 100 percent of my athletic career throughout high school.”

Nauman’s main focus is to be a leader and good teammate to all. His ambition will hopefully take him far in life and his athletics. He was also a finalist for the Male Athlete of the Year award.

time that I’ve spent here at Antioch,” R. Phillips said. “I play sports because I have been doing it for my whole life. Being in a sport has become a routine for me in my life and it would feel weird if I wasn’t on a team or part of one.

Though I am pretty glad that I got this award.”

KEVIN TEBBE

Eleni Sakas As a student-athlete of ACHS, Tebbe participated in football, basketball and track and field.

He tried to only show great character, which was one of the reasons Tebbe was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award for both the varsity football and basketball team. He’s always tried to be a positive and motivating teammate to have.

Jessica Nettgen

AMBER PHILLIPS In her four years of high school, A. Philips has been a part of the dance, track and field, and soccer teams. A. Phillips has achieved a lot throughout her athletic career. Her competitiveness shows in her efforts on the dance floor and on the soccer field. A. Phillips takes on any challenge that stands in her way without fear. A. Phillips was also recognized as a finalist for the Female Athlete of the Year award.

Jessica Nettgen

“Being an Iron Athlete is such a great honor to receive,” A. Philips said.

“It has been my goal to get this award since my freshman year. I always have been involved with sports for my whole life. Earning this award is one of the greater accomplishments that I have gained in my sports and high school careers.”

“Becoming an Iron Athlete took many years of hard work and dedication to the sports I competed in,” Tebbe said. “I learned a lot from doing the specific sports I did and it taught me lessons for the rest of my life.

I definitely would recommend people to play multiple sports as you will meet new friends that you will stay with. This was potentially the best part of being an Iron Athlete.”

MICHAEL VOLKMAR Volkmar has participated in Nancy Grindley several sports throughout his four years: football, cross country, wrestling and track and field. Volkmar is the type of teammate to never give up and keep pushing. His determination and ambition for his wrestling career pushed him in his athletics. In addition, Volkmar received the Male Athlete of the Year award.

“Being an Iron Athlete definitely takes a toll on your body and a lot of time away from school,” Volkmar said. “It takes four hard years of dedication to sports, but I didn’t mind it at all because I enjoyed every second of competing in every sport.”

RACHEL PHILLIPS R. Philips took part in volleyball, basketball, track and field and soccer in her time at ACHS. R. Phillips strived to be a trustworthy teammate and somebody who people could depend on in tough situations. R. Phillips was also a finalist for the Female Athlete of the Year award.

“The Iron Athlete award has never really crossed my mind during the

Sarah Smith

| 33

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO

BLOCK OUT THE BUZZ I

BY DIANA ANGHEL

was living day-by-day in an ocean of echoes.

They buzzed so loud, like a thousand wasps around my head; I could not hear or think about anything else. They came back to me repeatedly, like they were magnetically attracted, even after I swatted them away.

Each day the noise followed me, making a home out of my mind.

Sometimes, the background noise sharpened, screeching out something about me I’d never noticed before, a sharp ringing, a stinging noise each time I heard it. It called out my flaws, parading them to everyone around. It hardened me in a way that nothing else could, but at the same time it felt like an arrow to the heart each and every time I heard it.

Although it was a painful melody, I learned to dance with it. We developed a sync; I allowed it to control my own thoughts and, eventually, my actions. We waltzed together to the beat and became one. It was no longer a stinging noise; it was now the song that led my life. I held it by the hand and decided that it would tell me who I was supposed to be; it was what I was supposed to be doing. So, I held it tight and continued on with the choreography, not knowing the damage it inflicted. As we spun and twirled, it clung its beats around my heart, scratching it each time it rang.

Naturally, when we become so accustomed to something, we develop a certain immunity towards it. We don’t smell the scent of our own houses because our noses have become too familiar with it. We don’t raise our eyebrows when the go-getter goes after his or her dreams or when the glamorous girl has the top-tier trends in her closet. We aren’t surprised by day-to-day things; it’s just how

34 | PERSPECTIVES | May 2019 | The Tom Tom

they are supposed to be. The music became something I eventually learned to block out, or that’s what those around me thought.

I’ve walked these hallways with my head held high most of my days here. I got called intimidating because of this; the buzzing increased. From the outside, I was deaf to the noise, but my heart told a different story. It was like being stuck inside my own body, wishing I could escape. It wasn’t too long before I realized that no matter how much I tried to swat the bees away, to eliminate this noise, it would always come back to me.

If I didn’t try hard enough, then its volume would blare inside me. If I tried too much, then the music turned into laughs and repetitive notions of my lack of talent. So, there it was. I was stuck on a bridge with fire burning on both ends. No matter which way I turned, the noise was waiting with open arms to welcome me.

I walked one way: straight A’s, AP classes, leadership positions, extracurriculars and volunteering. My favorite melody followed, ringing to me: try-hard, talentless, undeserving.

I walked the other way: spending time with friends, having fun, trying new things. It sang words like careless, obnoxious, lazy.

It seemed that I never could truly win. The only way to escape was to build my own path, perpendicular to the bridge’s two-end street.

It took me until my last year in high school to finally find the best option. Engulfed in the music that entangled me, I forgot that I’m capable of making my own beats. Slowly, I escaped the notes that clung to my heart. I let loose because it turns out my dancing partner wasn’t a melody, it was nails screeching on

a chalkboard. It was a noise made by the insecurities of others. It wasn’t who I was supposed to be and it certainly wasn’t good for me.

I’ve met people who truly are musicians with their words. I’ve received the criticism that I needed to hear in order to grow. It took me a long time to differentiate between the two tones: one being a choir of judgement, while the other is growth.

My climb to the top of the mountain that was high school has taught me how and when to listen to the noises that come to me. Criticism is not supposed to be bashing, nor judgement.

The bridge I was stuck on gave me two options: walk through the flames or create a path for myself. I chose the latter.

I became my own musician, trusting myself with each note. Now, it is no longer about what I am given, but rather what I create. Each note guides me in the right direction, paving the path for me and only me. And by using criticism, the good kind, the kind that heals my ears and helps me to grow, I bettered and freed myself from the buzzing noises that overtook my head. I learned to differentiate between lyrics that improve me and those that ring in my ears and leave them scarred.

I’ve said goodbye to the screech that used to seize my hand and yanked me along. I’ve said goodbye to all the instruments that created a cacophony within my head.

So, there it was. I now waltz to my own music, the music of my own chorus and the musicians who have helped me to grow.

Jessica Nettgen

| 35

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