The Tom Tom | April 2015

The Student Voice of Antioch Community High School

THE

COMMUNICATION ISSUE IS TWIN TELEPATHY REAL? HIDDEN MEANING BEHIND HANDWRITING THE RETURN OF THE SEQUOIA QUEEN NEW STADIUM COMING THIS FALL Volume 53, Issue 4 04.10.2015 www.sequoitmedia.com

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CONTENTS THE COMMUNICATION ISSUE 06

STAFF EDITORIAL

07

NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

08

ALICE DRILL

10

FEATURES TATTOOS

12

HANDWRITING

14

TWIN TELEPATHY

16

PARENTS TO COACHES

18

WHAT NAMES MEAN

20

LIFESTYLES SPRING FASHION TRENDS

22

BRANDED TRENDS

23

SPRING MOVIES

24

STUDYING TECHNIQUES

25

THE NEW SEQUOIA QUEEN

27

SPORTS RAYMOND CHEVROLET DONATIONS

ON THE COVER

The Student Voice of Antioch Community High School

28

STADIUM RENOVATION

30

BUFFALO WILD WINGS ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

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COMMUNICATION ISSUE IS TWIN TELEPATHY REAL? HIDDEN MEANING BEHIND HANDWRITING THE RETURN OF THE SEQUOIA QUEEN

32

TOP 15 MOMENTS OF THE YEAR

NEW STADIUM COMING THIS FALL Volume 53, Issue 4 04.10.2015 www.sequoitmedia.com

Sophomore basketball powerhouses Ashley and Amy Reiser represent communication at its finest. The twins are featured in the story “Twin Telepathy” on page 14.

EDITOR’S NOTE

COMMUNICATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Communication within the Tom Tom and throughout ACHS plays a vital role in everything we do.

C

MARINA PALMIERI Editor-in-Chief

NICHOLAS DOROSAN Digital Director

the TOM TOM staff

2014-2015

Marina Palmieri Editor-in-Chief

Madelyn Chassay Mr. Patrick Johnson, CJE Senior Editor Adviser

Arlenne Lozano Managing Editor

Nicholas Dorosan Kyle Heywood Digital Director Creative Director

Kristina Esdale Clay Vesser Johnny Horton Advertising Director Asst. Digital Director Photo Editor Madison Paddock Nathan Borries Lifestyles Editor Sports Editor

Madelynn Soberano News Editor

TOM TOM STAFF Lauren Ponzetti Alex Ruano Jessica Guzman Paige Gruber Chris Bedolla Abigail Ellsworth Briana Jimenez

Dan Meade Shannon Zogran Brianna Linco Jordan Staten Nathaniel Alexander Grant Haider

Theodore Martinek Yasmin Lara Abby Pierce Nathan Formella Shane Sorensen Christina Michaels Natasha Reid

Mission Statement

Letters to the Editor

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

The Tom Tom is a student-run news organization that serves the Antioch community through a quarterly print news magazine and daily online content.

It is our duty to encourage the involvement of town activities and sporting events.

The Tom Tom is an open forum publication and strives to inform, educate and improve the atmosphere and student body here at Antioch Community High School.

Letters to the editor must be signed and should not exceed 250 words in length. Those wishing to withhold his or her name must still sign the letter for the Tom Tom office purposes.

No more than two signatures can represent a letter. Unsigned letters will not be printed.

The Tom Tom staff reserves the right to edit lengthy material or withhold the publication of any letters.

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ommunication. This 13-letter word is arguably the most vital part of what we do as the Tom Tom staff. Without communication, there would be no ease, just confusion. There would be no relationships, just meaningless acquaintances. There would be no publication, just a scramble of words and graphics printed onto paper that we call the Tom Tom. This simple word is so important to us as a staff and as a family that it is the feature of our April issue.

Communication within our staff is shaped like a pyramid; information travels from our adviser Mr. Johnson to us, then to assignment editors, and finally to the rest of the staff. For example, staff members communicate with their editors to ensure that their stories are published on time. When they are unable to do so, deadlines are missed, stories go up late and editors are disappointed. Additionally, teamwork and communication go hand in hand; with a simple request, journalists are there to help one another with tasks such as photo shoots and interviews. Communication is the foundation of improving staff members’ journalistic skills. Being able to speak freely to one another is very beneficial and opens the door for constructive criticism within the Tom Tom, which in turn creates a better publication.

Similar to how individuals need constructive criticism, the Tom Tom as a whole needs it as well. We as a staff truly appreciate the communication and feedback from other students, faculty and community members. Advice makes us grow not only as a publication but also individually. It is vital to our success that we consider the opinions of others; without the viewpoints of Antioch Community High School students and staff, we would not have the opportunity to share our stories with our readers. Additionally, the viewpoints of credible and professional journalists and editors, such as Esquire editor-at-large Mike Sager, help to expand our journalism knowledge. We are very appreciative of the open communication between our staff and the public.

The Tom Tom is the voice of ACHS, meaning we communicate the latest news, lifestyles, sports and features to staff, students and community members. We are a source of communication.

The Tom Tom is proud to announce Nicholas Dorosan as the 20152016 editor-in-chief. He will be the leader of a strong executive team, including Madison Paddock as the managing editor, Nathan Borries as the senior editor, Kristina Esdale as the print director, Madelynn Soberano as the digital director, Grant Haider as the creative director and Nathan Formella as the advertising director. The seniors will graduate knowing the Tom Tom is in more than capable hands. TT Nick, I am very proud of all the effort you have put into the magazine and staff this year. Towards the end of the year, you really stepped up when others did not, and I know you are more than well prepared for your role as editor-in-chief. With your natural leadership skills and energy, I know you will be successful in everything you do, whether it be football or the Tom Tom. Congratulations, enjoy your role as EIC and all of the memories that come with the experience! ~Marina

FREE SPEECH

STAFF EDITORIAL

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO THE PARCC TEST?

Cartoon by Jillian Everett

WHAT IS PARCC SPELLED BACKWARDS?

For the state of Illinois administration, PARCC means measuring student progress, and to Illinois students, it’s a form of boredom and punishment.

I

n a school system that seems to increasingly revolve around bubbles on a Scantron and numbers on a score sheet, the last thing students want is yet another standardized test. Not to much surprise, the State of Illinois has introduced just what most students and even teacher despise: a new test.

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, better known as PARCC, is defined as “an assessment tool used to measure student progress in math and English Language Arts.” The PARCC assessment is replacing the widely known Prairie State Achievement Exam, taken by students in English I and Math I, by the State of Illinois that began in early March of 2015. This assessment requires students “to solve multi-step problems, read critically across multiple texts, support answers with evidence, and write in various formats.” The assessment is broken into nine different exams: the first five are taken in March and the last four are taken in May. The mission of the PARCC assessment is to prepare students for all of the skills previously listed. The PARCC test, however, sounds oddly familiar to the PSAE. These facts certainly raise the question of why was it necessary for the state to transition to a different but identical assessment.

The PARCC is a company owned assessment that is the American College Testing’s (more commonly known as the ACT) friendly competition. In reality, the PARCC test and the ACT are identical, so eventually replacing the ACT with the PARCC would be not only monotonous, but also ineffective.

Students who take the PARCC assessment never receive their scores and neither do the teacher proctors. While the PARCC company can monitor and view student progress, both students and teachers will remain in the dark when it comes to knowing areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. Students who have taken the ACT or tests leading up to the ACT will know that their scores are always readily available, making it easy to see which areas need to be concentrated on more in the classroom.

The traditional format of the PSAE has been instilled in student’s brains since the beginning of high school, and even before. The new format of the PARCC is different and also considered to be more difficult. With groups of questions that correspond, if a student gets one question wrong it could cause them to get the rest of that grouping incorrect as well. A format such as this one surely makes one wonder whether the State of Illinois is testing student knowledge or student ability to win a strategic guessing game.

The freshman class of Antioch Community High School, as well as other schools across the state, was the first official class to take the PARCC tests, the process in and of itself took about two weeks until all the students had finished and that is only the first portion of testing.

Although there are certainly benefits to the PARCC test, as well as all other standardized tests, the true issue is that the State of Illinois is trying to fix a system that has run smoothly for many years. Why fix something that isn’t broken? TT

I would recommend that the freshmen take the Practice ACT instead of the PARCC test.

JADM DEVAUJHM , FRESHMAN

[The PARCC assesment] Wasn’t bad but wasn’t good. I would choose not to do it. It was a weird format and it was kind of lengthy.

PETER BOEH, FRESHMAN

Tom Tom 04.10.15

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NEWS IN BRIEF

WRITERS WEEK

GRADUATION COUNTDOWN APRIL 11 International Fair Photo by Clay Vesser

RECENT LIBRARY VANDALISM

NATHAN BORRIES AND MADISON PADDOCK

Each year, the Information Learning Center suffers from a substantial financial loss from lost or unreturned books. Based on numbers from the 2013- 2014 school year the ILC suffered from 322 lost textbooks, or English novels. Those books alone took $9,960.72 from the ILC’s budget. Adding to that total were 345 lost materials (novels, audio books, calculators, etc.) from the ILC, which added another $3,450 to that total. Altogether the totals ran up to a whopping $13,410.72.

Remember to return your library books to the ILC upon completing them. TT

Sports & Lifestyles Editors

T

he week of March 30, Antioch Community High School students as well as faculty had the opportunity to experience a number of talented guest speakers, including authors, graphic designers, musicians, poets and performers. These all were part of a unique new ACHS program called Writers Week.

English teacher Katharine Giertych took the initiative to start the program after seeing the event held at Grayslake Central High School.

Giertych last year. Giertcyh and Lakes Community High School English teacher Sara Lesinski partnered up to plan this years activities for District 117. The ACHS program was filled with the variety of presentors, as well as a variety of workshops.

Crowd favorites included performersYoung Chicago Authors and The Second City, as well as Principal Bradford Hubbard’s brother-in-law Menton Matthews. Second City provided students with an opportunity to be a part of the show through a series of improv activities, while YCA offered experiences with writing and performing slam poetry in a workshop. Matthews showcased a variety of his artwork and quick sketches.

“So many of our students have now been exposed to different creative venues and writing as a result of this week,” said Giertych. “Writers Week provided ACHS with an opportunity to be different and make a difference in our students’ lives.

Writers Week helped students explore the world of creative careers and learn from professionals in seminars during students’ English classes as well as workshops during their free periods. Overall, Writers Week proved to be successful program with teachers and students alike looking forward to next year’s event. TT

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APRIL 17 Centennial Art Show APRIL 22 Earth Day Fair APRIL 22 Sharing For Caring APRIL 23-26 Spring Musical APRIL 28 D117 Band Concert APRIL 29 Honors Assembly

Photo by Clay Vesser

PEP RALLIES AT ACHS

With the advent of the Cardinal Crazies, Antioch Community High School now has three new pep rallies each school year: fall, winter and spring sports and activities. All students and teachers attend the ceremony in the north gym and it is an hour long of fun for students and staff. Some of the activities include the ping pong twerk off, the Kleenex pull, and the minute to win it competition where teachers and students try to move an Oreo cookie from their forehead to their mouths in a minute or less. Of course each ceremony has the traditional Y-E-L-L chant. Each ceremony ends with a school favorite, the garbage can drumline to end things on an up note. The spring sports and activities pep rally is today in the north gym. TT

“Peer pressure is everywhere. If people don’t think it affects them, they probably are the one’s putting pressure on their friends,” said an anonymous student.

APRIL 30 Pre-Prom Assembly MAY 3 NHS Induction MAY 5 Band/ Orchestra Concert MAY 6 Honors Night MAY 9 Prom MAY 12, 13 Senior Finals MAY 17 Graduation

ACHS FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

SENIORS TO EXPERIENCE NEW RETREAT PROGRAM JORDAN STATEN Tom Tom Staff

A

ntioch Community High School is proud to announce the first ever senior retreat program beginning June 2015. Leadership, reflection and social-emotional learning will be the main focuses for the students attending.

"This program has the potential to change the school community and the landscape of how students and staff interact," said Patrick Johnson, program co-director. "We are so excited to offer an opportunity that is unique to public schools. This will make it matter."

This experience will only be open to the class of 2016 seniors, and will continue the following years with the next senior classes. The retreat is a single-sex program of 30-36 students with the first retreats being girls from June 4-7 then boys from June 8-11. Students will either be invited by faculty members or able to volunteer themselves to attend. All students planning to attend are required to turn in applications to the program directors, Johnson or Marni Polakow. Informational meetings will be held at the end of April and beginning of May. A second trip will be held in late-July and early-August, girls will go July 31st-August 3rd and boys will go August 9-12. This three and a half day retreat will be held overnight at Camp Wonderland in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. Currently, the fee for the retreat is $200 to attend, but is subject to change pending budget discussions.

"I believe that this experience could be truly life changing for students.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to truly find out who they are and who they want to be. I am very excited for this program and look forward to our first retreat," said Polakow. TT

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE TLC The Antioch Community High School spring musical this year will be The Music Man. The show is an upbeat tale of an Iowan town, River City, and a con man named Harold Hill, who deceives the locals into starting a band by buying instruments and uniforms from him. Despite Harold Hill being a con man, the musical is a truly fun love story for all ages. Seniors John Jadrich and Natalie Olson will take the lead of the performances, starring as Harold Hill and Marian Paroo, respectively. Junior Weston Fox will also play a lead role as Marcellus Washburn. The show will run at ACHS on April 22 for the Sharing Is Caring performance, and April 23-25 at 7 pm and April 26 at 2 pm for the public.

The Music Man is a musical that is premiering at ACHS this year. First premiered in 1957, it won five Tony Awards, and ran 1375 performances until 1961. TT ANNUAL NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES NATIONWIDE

Graphics by Clay Vesser

Photo by Madelynn Soberano

Once owner Jim Reiser and his girlfriend passed by and saw the 'For Rent' sign on the hill, they thought it would be a great place to open a friendly coffeehouse for the residents of Antioch to come and sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Three short months later, The Latte Cafe was up and running. The TLC delivers high quality expressos and coffees; spending a considerable amount of time visiting different coffee roasters and choosing the perfect beans.

The Latte Cafe recently opened at the corner of Rt. 173 and 83 on Feb. 20 and has already made a big impact in sales and getting involved in the local community.

"We just wanted to be a community coffee house, a place where people could come and relax and have a good cup of coffee," said Reiser.

As the weather starts to warm up, Reiser wants to take advantage of the amount of space by hosting art shows, live entertainment and the traditional car show. TT Tom Tom 04.10.15

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THE NEW ALICE DRILL INITIATIVE Schools across the country are making a switch to a new and improved lockdown procedure.

MADELYN CHASSAY

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Senior Editor

olumbine. Virginia Tech. Sandy Hook.

These are only three out of the hundreds of school shootings that occurred in the United States over the last 16 years.

Growing up, many children and teenagers went through the traditional “lockdown” procedures to know what to do in case of a violent intruder as a result of many of these shootings.

Turn the lights off, lock the door, gather into a hidden corner of the classroom, keep quiet, and wait until it’s all clear.

Much like high schools across the nation, these steps are included in Antioch Community High School’s current lockdown procedures. In case of a lockdown, not only does the local police department arrive, but also surrounding towns’ stations and the county department. “[ACHS] is highly coordinated with all local law enforcement,” ACHS Principal Bradford Hubbard said. “We want to make sure we’re all on the same page. It is important that everyone--staff, students and law enforcement--have the same training, and that we utilize the same language so everyone understands what to do.”

Each room at ACHS has white paper blinds to cover doors and windows, which are inturn put down during a lockdown. This, along with locking the doors, hiding and turning off the lights are to make it appear no students are in the room.

“The hope is to not being able to see them, and having the doors locked will create some sort of delay,” Hubbard said.

But is this really the most effective way to stay safe in a potential school shooting?

The ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) Training Institute would argue no, it is not the most effective method. ALICE is a strategy that exceeds a conventional lockdown procedure.

According to the ALICE website, it is the “leading training solution that increases our children’s and employees’ odds of survival during a violent intruder event.”

In the case of a violent intruder entering a school, the intruder is most likely going to know that there are students and faculty in the building. Therefore, turning off the lights,

8 Tom Tom 04.10.15

Photo by Kyle Heywood

leaving backpacks out in the open and hiding in a corner isn’t necessarily fooling them that no one is in there. While locking the door may slow down and possibly stop the intruder from entering the room, depending on the structure of the door, it is not necessarily going to stop someone with their mind set on getting into that classroom.

“We don’t want to be alarmists or create uneasy situations. We play as we practice.

There is a fine line between creating anxiety and uneasiness, but also making sure if something were to happen, we are prepared to respond. We never want to make anything bigger than it has to be, but cannot make it smaller than it is,” Hubbard said.

With the ALICE method, the idea is that if a violent intruder enters the building, it is better to try and escape or barricade the classroom door, rather than sit and wait for the intruder to enter. This would mean barricading the door with chairs and desks, so when someone opens the door, it collapses onto them. This could potentially stop, or at least slow down the intruder in time to save

students’ lives. Aside from barricading, ALICE also teaches safe ways to evacuate the building to escape an intruder.

“Heaven forbid someone has to utilize this.

It makes a whole lot of sense, but on the other hand we would have to practice all of this and make sure everyone is okay with it,” Hubbard said.

Before using the ALICE method, a school must go through ALICE training and receive a certificate. This ensures that a school or other organization knows how to carry out these methods effectively.

Schools across the country are changing their current lockdown procedures to the ALICE method. ACHS is sticking to its current procedures, but, according to Hubbard, “If anything points to its best practice, we are open to exploring it. If we ever did [the ALICE method] it would need to be in conjunction with all local law enforcement as well.

We are not looking for the easiest drill, but looking for the drill that will keep our students safest. TT

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN COMMUNICATION IS HEARING WHAT ISN’T SAID.

THE WAYS WE COMMUNICATE Tom Tom 04.10.15

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Julio Ramirez

TATTOOS:

THE EMBLEM OF A GENERATION

Despite discrimination, tattoos prove to tell the stories and struggles of a generation.

Tattoos are so often judged by people before they know the true meaning. The beauty of tattooing is that it is a piece of original artwork and each tattoo is unique to its owner. urprisingly enough, in a society where Tattoos are not just meaningless pictures or tattooing is becoming much more of a words, they are a true piece of human exnorm, those who are tattooed are still so pression that communicate more than many often stereotyped and discriminated against. would expect.

People are quick to judge others who have Whether the meaning of an individual’s tattoos. Whether someone has one small tattattoo is hidden or clear, they speak to the too or a body covered in them, the tattooed heart of their owners as well as to those vieware often slandered with ing the tattoos. remarks of how pointSenior Abby Vogel less, trashy or unprofessaid, “[A tattoo is] a sional their tattoos are. perfect representation of Antioch Community who each person is.”

High School paraprofes“Tattooing is the sional and tattoo lover power of having what Suzanne Chambers said, is close to the heart en“I think some people are graved on the body forpredisposed for judging ASHLEY YOUNG, JUNIOR ever. a person [with tattoos] “Tattoos are important based on sight, without because they communigetting to know them. cate a person’s past and Tattoos can express crewhat they have been through. It also can show ativity, memories or moments in life. They their future: what they want to become and can represent anything anyone wants them how they want to represented,” said junior too, that alone is a freedom.”

MADISON PADDOCK Lifestyles Editor

S

Tattoos can express creativity, memories or moments in life. They can represent anything anyone wants them too, that alone is a freedom.

10 Tom Tom 04.10.15

Destiny Fuller. “They communicate memories and meaning. When you get a tattoo, you make the decision to have that representation on your body for the rest of your life, so it must be important.”

Each tattoo represents an untold story, and the tattoos of the ACHS community are no different.

THE WANDERLUST

ACHS junior Claire Roeker’s tattoos tell the story of her need to travel and her amazing journeys.

“I have two tattoos: one of a paper airplane and the word ‘wanderlust’ and another of the Rotary symbol,” Roeker said. “The airplane, for me, represents decisions in life and how you need to make the right folds, or decisions and choices, to get where you want to be and sometimes you need to try over and over until you can make it fly. ‘Wanderlust’ means a desire for travel and I definitely have a strong urge to travel and see new places. As for the Rotary tattoo, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be the person I am now, nor would I have experienced the things I have.”

OVERCOMING STRUGGLE

Tattoos for ACHS junior Ashley Young mean much more than just a random picture or silly phrase. Young used tattoos and the art of tattooing to help her through her life struggles and credits them for keeping her strong in tough times.

“I got my tattoo for my 16th birthday. The tattoo is a few crows on my forearm and wrist area. My tattoo is a personal reminder. In the past, I have been through a life of struggle and started to self injure. During my crisis, I went into inpatient care. Writing and drawing were things that kept me busy and content in a boring, locked facility,” Young said. “The crows on my tattoo represent being reborn or rebirth. It covers up my scars and reminds me of the struggle and how I overcame it. Interacting with people is a struggle for me, but it really helps me communicate.”

Young now dreams of becoming a tattoo artist and opening her own tattoo shop after her days at ACHS.

A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

ACHS students are surprised to find out a number of teachers have been tattooed, among these teachers is social worker Joseph Loffredo.

“I have two [tattoos.] One is a tribal symbol that has a really cool meaning behind it, but it’s something that is personal that several of my closest friends and I got all together; we don’t share the meaning behind it,” Loffredo said. “My other tattoo looks like an oil painting. It’s an outdoor landscape of myself, my son and my dog; it took a little over six hours. Tattooing is truly an art.”

Ashley Young

Margaret Ruffin

Dakota Daniels

A MESSAGE OF LOVE

Vogel’s tattoo keeps her father’s love close to her heart.

“My tattoo is American Sign Language for ‘I love you.’ It means so much to me. Ever since I can remember, every time my dad dropped me off at home after my parents had divorced, he would pull out of the driveway and throw up his hand,” Vogel said. “We have matching tattoos, and even though he lives seven hours away now, a little piece of him is always with me.”

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

What may seems like just a cartoon from a childhood game to some is much more to the screen I would get super excited, he was my favorite character,” Fuller said. “When I was seven, my dad moved away and gave me a Bomb-omb plushy. It was the only thing I had to remember him On my 14th birthday, he shared that he had taken a job in Florida. My dad wanted to give me something I would remember him by, considering he would hardly be able to see me anymore, so he offered me the opportunity to get a tattoo and I took it. I remember the good times off of my tattoo and favorite character from my favorite childhood game.”

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL

No matter what the meaning of a tattoo is, it brings the one who is tattooed closer to what is important to them. For senior Iven Hernandez, it is religion.

Hernandez said, “My tattoo is a guardian angel prayer in Spanish. I got it because ever since I was very little, I say this prayer before

bed every night and I make sure I don’t forget to say it.”

THE MUSICIAN

Sophomore Margaret Ruffin keeps her passions proudly displayed on her body through her tattoo.

“I only have one tattoo and it is a treble clef. The reason I got a treble clef is because I am really into singing, and music is a huge part of my life and always will be,” Ruffin said. “Tattoos, I think, communicate who you are as a person and what you love in life.

They are a way to express some things even words can’t describe.”

11 WORKS OF ART

For ACHS faculty member Chambers, her 11 tattoos are a way of expressing her feelings and attachments.

“I got my first [tattoo] at age 29, a clover, for my Irish heritage. The second one is a sun and moon that represents my daughters’ births: a morning baby and an evening baby.

My favorite besides the sun and the moon is my ‘Mother Nature’ representation. It shows my connection to nature and my other career in horticulture,” Chambers said. “My other favorites are my Gaelic and Egyptian words ‘Love’ and ‘Strength;’ they remind me to be both to all and that I am both as well. All of my tattoos represent a moment, milestone or an artistic expression about my life and each of them are so unique to me.”

Chambers is a huge advocate of tattoos and the freedom of expression that they represent for everyone. TT Tom Tom 04.10.15

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LOOPS, DOTS AND CROSSES

One’s handwriting may be the key to understanding someone’s lies, confidence, childishness and more.

SHANNON ZOGRAN

E

Tom Tom Staff

veryday, students write thousands of words in their own personal style of handwriting. A person’s handwriting can vary from large to small, leaning left or leaning right, big loops to closed loops and so much more. All of these varying qualities mean something different to graphologists, or people who analyze handwriting. Just from the looks of how one sentence is written, a graphologist can tell a lot about a someone’s

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personality. But in order for graphologists to understand personalities within handwriting, the writer must use cursive instead of print.

The way in which one writes is a form of communication; it can tell others, nonverbally, the type of person someone really is.

SIZE

When it comes to handwriting, size does matter. People with larger handwriting tend to be very outgoing, people-oriented and outspoken. They love attention and the limelight.

Unsurprisingly, celebrities tend to have large handwriting. On the contrary, those with

smaller handwriting are shy or withdrawn, but are more studious, concentrated and meticulous. Finally, medium-sized handwriters are well-adjusted and very adaptable.

SPACING BETWEEN WORDS

When writing, a space needs to be in between each different word. Wide spacing means that the person enjoys their freedom and does not like to be overwhelmed or crowded. On the contrary, narrow spacing implies that the person does not like to be alone and they tend to crowd others or be intrusive.

PRESSURE AND SPEED

The pressure and speed you use when writing can say something about personality and health. Those who write heavy are good with commitments and taking things seriously. Health wise, they have high energy and, in general, better health. But, if someone writes excessively heavy, this means they are uptight and react quickly to criticism. Light writers tend to be more sensitive and empathetic and lack energy. They are more likely to have health problems. Speedy writers are impatient and dislike delays and time wasters, while slow writers are organized and self-reliant. Slower writers are generally healthy people.

SIGNATURE

Many people compare sloppy signatures to doctors, but this is with good reason. People with messy signatures are very private and hard to read or understand, but they are highly intelligent. Legible signatures are made by people who are confident and comfortable in own skin and are genuine people.

SLANT

Photo by Johnny Horton

LOOPS OF L’S AND E’S

Lower case “l” and “e” both have loops when written in cursive. L loops have more to do with how the person is feeling at the moment rather than their constant personality. A narrow L loop can imply that the person is restricting themselves and may lead to feelings of tension. Wide L loops imply that the person is relaxed. If someone constantly writes wide loops, one can assume they are spontaneous and that self-expression comes easily to them. E loops are more about personality.

A narrow E loop means the person is skeptical of others, but they tend not to be swayed by the emotions of others. Wide E loops make for an open minded person who enjoys trying and experiencing new things.

DOTTING YOUR I’S

For the lower case “i” in cursive and print handwriting, a dot goes over the short bottom line. A dot very high over the “i” means that a person has a great imagination, while just having a slash over the “i” means the person is overly self-critical and impatient. If the dot falls a little to the left, this person is a procrastinator. People with dots that fall perfect-

ly above the “i” are very detail-oriented and empathetic. If someone circles their dots this means they are visionary and child-like.

CROSSING T’S

Whether the letter “t” is uppercase or lowercase, it has a cross through it. If someone crosses the very top this means they are ambitious, optimistic and have good self-esteem.

Long crosses show determination and enthusiasm, but also stubbornness. People who cross right in middle are confident and feel comfortable in their own skin. Only lazy people with a lack of determination have short crosses.

S’S

Just like e’s and l’s, just one letter like s can say a lot about someone’s personality. In cursive, a round s means the person is a people pleaser and avoids confrontation. Those who write a pointy s enjoy learning new things and are inquisitive and ambitious. The higher and pointer the peaks, the more ambitious the person is. One who writes a wide bottom s might not be following their heart.

Slanting when writing is not seen in just one or two words, but in everything someone writes. Just looking at a few sentences, someone can tell immediately whether a person’s handwriting slants left, right or not at all.

No slant means the person does not let their emotions get the best of them. This is because the person is most likely logical and practical. If someone slants right, they are open to new experiences and like meeting new people. Someone who slants left likes to keep to themselves and work behind the scenes. If someone is right handed and their handwriting slants to the left they may be expressing rebellion.

PAGE MARGINS

People have a tendency to both slant one way and write closer towards one margin.

Those that write closer to the left margin live in the past and have a hard time letting go of things. In contrast, writing closer to the right margin means the person fears the unknown and constantly worries about the future. If someone just writes all over, it means they can’t sit still or relax and their mind is constantly running.

LIAR, LIAR

Someone is probably lying about what they are writing if their handwriting is bunched up, moved out of alignment from the other writing or is in any way different from how they normally write.

There are so many more forms and techniques of writing graphologists can look at and decipher, which makes handwriting an underappreciated form of communication.

The next time you want to learn something about a stranger, just look at their handwriting. The results and their accuracy just might surprise you. TT Tom Tom 04.10.15

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TWIN TEL

The Reiser sisters are Antioch’s very own double threat.

NATHAN BORRIES Sports Editor

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eanut butter and jelly. Macaroni and cheese.

They are amazing things alone, but when they are put together, they create one amazing team.

The Antioch Community High School sophomore Reiser twins on the basketball court are no different.

Whether it’s a fast break lay-up, an assist on a three pointer or picking each other up after a rough day of school, Ashley and Amy Reiser help each other out and make one another better. The fact that they are twins makes it easier. The fact that they are best friends make it special.

They are twins, and best friends. Going through the hallways within ACHS, you are hit with the Reiser charisma every turn you make. They seem to be everywhere in a way, but nobody ever cares. In fact, anyone that has ever run into the Reiser twins leave with a smile on their face stretching ear to ear.

Best friends or twins one thing’s is sure, the Resiers are really good at communicating with one another.

Sometimes they seem to show telepathy, which 54% of surveyed students believe in. For those who may not know, telepathy is the communication without utilizing the known senses.

Amy said, “We do not really act like twins. We do not feel the others pain, finish the others sentences, or anything cliche like that. But, as people can see during basketball, we are pretty good with twin communication on the court.”

So is this telepathy? Girls varsity head coach Tim Borries has resulted to it. Borries sees the high level of communication between the girls.

14 Tom Tom 04.10.15

LEPATHY

“[Having the twins on the team] is awesome because they read each other and communicate without talking.

They know where the other is going to be before the play even happens,” Borries said. “In their very first practice, when they were freshmen, Ashley saved the ball after it was headed out of bounds. All she did was throw it to an open space where she knew Amy would be and Amy intercepted the pass and took it in for an easy two points.”

The communication on the court also often transfers to life outside of the gym. As mentioned before, the Reisers are special people. They make everyone’s day no matter what type of day they are having. As for the Reisers in school, it isn’t hard to believe they haven’t been in a lot of classes together.

“Amy and I unfortunately have not had many classes together throughout our high school years. However, in middle school we had the majority of our classes together,” Ashley said.

The amazing aspect of their relationship is that they are both independent from each other. They are two completely different girls, yet communicate seamlessly when the time comes.

Borries also sees the advantages of having a twin once the fourth quarter is over. When the twins switch to non-basketball mode, they continue to help one another be better in anything and everything they do.

“They always lean on each other. When they are having a bad game, or even a bad day, they lift each other up,” Borries said.

The inexplicable communication often points to what many believe is twin telepathy.

Ashley said, “Many people say we have a sort of twin telepathy or will call us the dynamic duo because of our sense of each other on the basketball court. So yes, I have a good amount of experiences in which we have done things that could only be explained through being twins.” TT

Photos by Kyle Heywood

Tom Tom 04.10.15

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COACHING PARENTS, PARENTING COACHES Communication between coaches and parents builds trust, responsibility and pride, and, ultimately, success in the program.

MADELYNN SOBERANO News Editor

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oaches nowadays have huge responsibilities. In addition to coaching a winning team, they have to make sure their athletes are out of trouble, healthy and in shape, and academically eligible to play. They also must bond with parents and answer their questions, who come with high expectations and great intentions to be involved with their child’s sport. Some parents wish to be greatly involved and attend each game, while others are minimally involved and let the coach take over for the next eight or more weeks. Then, of course, there are always the few parents that can be overly involved. Coaches can experience problems with these overly involved parents that yell or try to coach on the sidelines, questioning any decisions or calls that the coach or referee makes and even verbally abusing opponents. Parents that confide in these negative and vulgar behaviors do not understand the embarrassment and poor sportsmanship it brings to the school, team and their child.

“I will call administration when parents don’t cooperate,” said Antioch Community High School varsity field hockey coach Terry Dewing. “My focus is on the game and winning, not the parents.”

Though girls’ field hockey has a different environment than Friday night football games, parents come from all around and act out in both situations.

“During varsity games, I can’t hear anything, but my wife, family and friends can while sitting up in the bleachers. Parents can be cussing and foul mouthing me the whole time and I don’t even know about it,” said ACHS varsity football coach Brian Glashagel. “We have had a couple of incidents of parents being belligerent during freshman and sophomore games; those are the ones you can hear everything. A few years ago, parents were getting out of hand at the sophomore football game. They were yelling at opposing team players and officials. Our freshman coaches had to literally turn around and tell them to shut up and stop embarrassing themselves and our school. There will always be that group of parents who think they can say whatever they want.”

In the world of high school sports, playing time and favoritism are ongoing conflicts that seem to go hand in hand. It is common to see the same starters every game; once a coach finds that “winning formula,” making any slight changes will be affected in the short-term. Some athletes think that coaches that are well familiar with some of their players tend to lean towards them in terms of playing time, but in the eyes of a coach, playing time is based on work ethic, talent and skill. Some parents feel the need to step in when their child is not receiving as much playing time as others, and some are the reason why their child gets to step out on that court or field more than others.

“As a parent, seeing your child not being able to play is always hard. But when they are playing at a high school level that is between

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a coach and parent, the coach sometimes begins to clearly show favoritism towards that child. A coach should never let a child play more or less depending on how well they like the parent.”

Coaches all around agree that playing time relies on how much an athlete trains and how much skill they develop over time, not by their parent’s status or personality.

“Playing time is always going to be a bulk of being a coach, one of the biggest issues involving parents is playing time. Football-wise, we set parameters, we want to have our athletes first talk to their position coach, then level coach and finally head coach. Every coach will tell you that playing time is an issue,” said Glashagel.

Photo by Kyle Heywood Field Hockey coach Terry Dewing and senior Erin Dampf’s mom, Kimberly Dampf, have built a strong relationship over the four years that the Dampfs have been involved with field hockey.

Photo by Kyle Heywood Football coach Brian Glashagel and Lisa Webb, junior Dale Trusky’s mom, have created a strong bond between the coaching staff and the parents.

“My focus isn’t the parents, but on the athletes. I want the parents to feel comfortable and in my 17 years of coaching I’ve never had a problem with parents, mutual respect is what creates that environment,” said Dewing.

Many other parents believe that it’s the roles that other, more involved parents play that is what gets their child more playing time, but that is not the case at ACHS. It’s more than just a game to the parents, but the bonds that are developed in their child’s high school career.

“I was on the football board last year and sometimes my son wouldn’t get much playing time, but it’s not about that. It’s about the boys. I love the junior class,” said football mom and chair of the football moms board Lisa Webb. “I love having a bond with this team. It’s a great bunch of boys. I’m on the field a lot because I take pictures during all the games; it’s my favorite thing to do, other than feeding all of them. It’s about making bonds and memories that they’ll never forget.”

Though the parents that seem to get way too involved draw much attention to themselves, it’s the parents that sit through the cold and rainy games, organize and plan fundraisers and drive their children to practices and games are the ones that go unrecognized. The soccer, basketball, football and cheerleading moms and dads are the backbone of these sports.

“I love being involved with all the different activities.

I love that the other players have welcomed me to their precious lives. The main difference between being a field hockey mom and being a football mom is nothing. In the end the result is the same: make sure the kids are fed and happy and us parents are just there to cheer for them and love them. I think parents are the ones that miss out by not being involved. I have made some of the best friends

through my kids sports and I wouldn’t trade the hugs and hellos I get from all of [the players],” said Dampf.

“I have been fortunate enough, ever since my son’s freshman year, to have a group of phenomenal moms, like Sarah Andre and Linda Grenke,” said Webb. “When it comes to meals, incentives, camp or fundraising; it’s always for and about the boys.”

Whether parents play a role in their child’s sport or send them off into the coaches hands, communication can play an important role. A strong bond between a parent and coach can make an athlete’s sport season more memorable and enjoyable, especially in the long run. When coming back to Antioch from college years later, it is always a nostalgic feeling to visit an old coach. Watching freshmen in the same position you were, years before competing for those varsity spots and bonding with your former coach.

Glashagel said, “I like to know my players. I like to know their parents. I prefer to have a relationship with the parents. Since I moved into town this past summer, I’ve been bumping into parents more and it can be awkward sometimes, but there are some players and their families you just bond with, take all the football moms for example. I have players from six or seven years ago that get in touch with me over Facebook to wish me good luck on big games, even parents that continue to help with the football program after their son has gone off and graduated. It’s a great feeling.” TT

Tom Tom 04.10.15

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BRIANNA LINCO

Tom Tom Staff ersonalities can define who a person is and names can even communicate a deeper meaning. Although some parents just choose a name because of the way it rolls off their tongue or because it was a family member’s name, a name can give a profound impact to a person’s true being. A name can be just a name, or it can be a whole new idea of a person’s background.

Although some students know their true meaning, the Internet gives the exact definition of each name. According to BabyCenter Population, the top five boy or girl names in America in 2012 are still popular to this day.

Another website, Behind the Name, shows, “The etymology and history of first names” showing the history of either royalty or symbolism of the top five male and female names.

Hitting the top of the chart for male names is Liam, an Irish form of the name William.

Number two is the name Noah, which means rest. The biggest recognition of the name is from the Old Testament, where Noah is the man who built the Ark that allowed him, his family and animals to survive a flood, creating peace and rest for the species. The third most popular name is Mason, which means stoneworker. The fourth most popular name is Ethan, which means solid, or enduring.

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Ethan is common in America due to the fame of the revolutionary Ethan Allen. The last of the top five is Jackson, which means “Son of Jack” who was a famous bearer of the hereditary name of American president Andrew Jackson.

Antioch Community High School junior Gregory Horton believes he knows enough of the meaning of his own name.

“My name quite literally means vigilant and I suppose it represents me. I do like my name because it is not common, but it is not too weird, and I wouldn’t change mine because it is mine,” Horton said.

Hitting the top of the chart for female names is Emma, which means whole or universal.

Emma was introduced to England by Emma of Normandy who was the wife to both King Ethelred II and later King Canute. Not only is Emma the number one female name in America, but it is also number one in Belgium, Finland, France and Norway. Second off the chart is the name Olivia. This name was first used in this specific spelling by Shakespeare from a character in his comedy “Twelfth Night,” Olivia rose in popularity in America from a character on the 1970s television series “The Waltons.” Olivia is also number

TOP THREE GIRL NAMES FROM 2012

TOP THREE BOY NAMES FROM 2012

Number of District 117 Students with these names:

6

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2

0

one in America’s neighboring country, Canada. Third most popular name is Ava, which is a version of the name Eve. Sophia, which means wisdom in Greek, takes the fourth most popular name in America. Sophia was named after an old saint who died of grief after her three daughters who were killed based off of their beliefs. Sophia is common among continental European royalty during the Middle Ages, and it was popularized in Britain by the German House of Hanover when they inherited the British throne in the 18th century. Last to take the charts is Isabella, a name carried by many medieval royals.

ACHS sophomore Jenna Bork said, ”[My name means] small bird and I believe this to be true because I wander but I always find my way home.”

According to Behind the Name, the name Jenna was popularized in the 1980s by the character Jenna Wade on the television series “Dallas.” Jenna is currently number 227 on the charts on Behind the Name.

Another ACHS student, freshman Heather McNaughton, said, “Heather is a small pink and purple bell-shaped flower, so I would say it means grace and daintiness. My family is Irish and Scottish so they chose my name

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brand name is spelled ‘Connelly.’ My husband was skiing one day, I believe a person defines their name not the other way around.”

Based off of Behind the Name, the name Heather is a small shrub saw the brand, and asked if I liked it. I did, though I didn’t want to spell it the same way as the name brand. Anna with pink or white flowers that commonly grow is my middle name. I don’t think Clay has much in rocky areas, and is currently number 836 on meaning other than the literal meaning of clay. the charts of Behind the Name.

Conley means strong willed or wise. Since I am Picking a name for baby can be a very long pregnant currently, we will probably reveal the and difficult process. Electing the child’s name names on our list since we won’t know the sex can be very thought-provoking. The name has of the baby. People always want to know someto fit the child and needs to have meaning bething.” cause it will stick to the child for the rest of Looking into Easton’s kids’ names, Clay their life. Not only is the specific meaning to the originally referred to a person who lived near or name important, but the meaning of the family history involved can be as well. It can also be a JENNA BORK, SOPHOMORE worked with clay. It is popularly ranked at 722 in America. Conley does mean strong willed or difficult process because both the parents do not wise. have to agree. So who wins?

Choosing a name is such an honor, but who “My husband and I decided together,” said English teacher Mary Easton. “We did have a few names that we ve- knew it took so much effort just because of the meaning. No matter toed, but there was not a ton of controversy. We had a list in mind the length or the popularity of a name, everyone’s name has a specific going into delivery and then we waited until seeing the baby to give meaning that can represent their personality. Although some students them their names. My son’s name is Clay Jason and my daughter’s would like to change their name, there used to be a reason as to why name is Conley Anna. Clay is just a name we both liked and Jason is we all have the names we do. Maybe if the community knew more my husband’s name. Conley is actually the name of a ski brand. The about their name it could change the way they look at themselves, and turn themselves into something they were always meant to be. TT

[My name means] small bird and I believe this to be true because I wander but I always find my way home.

WHAT DOES YOUR NAME MEAN? According to BabyNames.net Tyler Originated from tile makers, it was derived from an occupational name into a more masculine name, but has recently become a name popular for women as well.

Anna

Katherine

John

Coming from the Greek language this name means chaste or pure. This name is also very popular among Christians.

Originating from the Hebrew language this name means “God is merciful.”

This name has been popular among kings, princes, popes, saints, and emporers.

Nathan

Sarah

This name means gracious and merciful.

This name belonged to many women in Russian royalty and has been popular for centuries.

Originating from Hebrew, this name means “God gives.” Gaining popularity in the 1950s, this masculine name is one of the most popular among boy’s names.

Abigail/Abby

Thomas

Meaning, “my father’s delight,” in Hebrew.

One of the most prominent feminine names.

Originating from Aramiac, this name means twin. This masculine name has been used for centuries but has lost popularity in the 21st century.

With Hebrew as the origin, this name means princess or lady-like. The name became popular in the 17th century and has been popular ever since.

Emily This English name comes from the name Emilia and it means competitor or rival.

Nicholas

Meaning “the great triumph” and from Greek origin, Nicholas or “Nick” has been a popular masculine name for centuries

I think that my name accurately describes me because I am a very competitive person. I think it says that I like a challenge and will try my hardest to prove something or someone wrong.

EMILY HOLMES, SOPHOMORE Tom Tom 04.10.15

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2015 SPRING FASHION TRENDS PAIGE GRUBER Tom Tom Staff

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he time is finally here; the snow is melting and the flowers are coming out. It’s time to put away the oversized parka and shed the gloves, and break out the rain boots and say “hello” to spring fashion once again.

Antioch Community High School senior Domanique Nelson is notable for her unique, adventurous and tasteful sense in today’s fashion.

“I feel like I do not put myself under one category of fashion,” Nelson said.

“I like to widen my taste, but mostly I would consider myself to have an eclectic style.”

She shared her helpful advice as well as her point of view on 2015 spring fashion, and what makes it so different from winter, fall and summer styles.

“Spring is so much different from the transitions of fall to winter because of everyone being sick of this nasty weather,” Nelson said. “Everyone is much more lively and excited to show off their new bright clothes, which is really neat to see.”

Spring fashion definitely mimics the season itself. Floral patterns are not hard to come by, and colorful apparels blossom. Other trends may be the growing use of sheer material in clothing, a much lighter and delicate fabric, rather than bundling up in thick layers and coats. Cute and colorful rain boots for the April showers also come in handy and make a fun and bold statement.

For the fellas, junior Matt Farrell recommends wearing “light and easy” clothes. Layers are Farrell’s go-to fashion advice because of the unexpected

20 Tom Tom 04.10.15

weather of spring.

“I like being able to wear something where it looks good to roll the sleeves up. Also, wearing light weight sweaters are nice because you can move around easily and you are never too cold or too hot.” says Farrell.

Something so simple can make an outfit like a button up dress shirt go from formal to casual.

To find these spring fashion necessities, girls, as well as guys, should check out stores like Forever21, American Eagle or Pacific Sunwear. These local stores are typically flooded with colors and fun patterns on all kinds of apparel.

They also have very diverse and unique styles to suit anyone. These stores are not hard to find, reasonably priced and usually in the area. Near by locations include Gurnee Mills, Hawthorne or Old Orchard. As far as accessories go, Charming Charlies has an endless selection of colorful and outgoing jewlery Although Nelson is very insightful when it comes to fashion, she is also a big believer when it comes to expressing oneself through fashion.

“Some pointers I have for everyone who’s looking for new spring wardrobe: whatever you buy, buy it because you like it,” Nelson said. “Do not worry what other people say, go out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might find your new and improved spring style!”

Take advantage of a vibrant and fun season, and let it shine through in your closet. TT Photos by Johnny Horton

Farrell is wearing a button up under an American Eagle sweater with the sleeves rolled up for the unpredictable spring weather. The dark washed jeans also add a casual vibe to his stylish look.

Nelson models a floral dress accompanied by a cozy cardigan and bold necklace. She also adds fishnet leggings to transform a girly look into something unique and edgey.

Tom Tom 04.10.15

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OVER

TRENDS TRUE SELF

Are name brands dictating high schooler’s style, or have students taken to unique and independent styles?

JORDAN STATEN Tom Tom Staff

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rowing up, the way people act, dress and look is almost of no control to them. Childhood is based on simplicity and childhood choices are left almost entirely in the hands of parents. The best time in someone’s life is when judgement does not exist. What seems so important now was of almost no value back when life was judgement-free.

As age increases, the amount of judging does as well. The once careless childhood life becomes chaotic. A definitive style forms within that presents itself as a reputation.

When high school comes around, a style starts to form. The way someone acts and presents him- or herself becomes crucial to how he or she is viewed. The way someone dresses becomes a part of who he/she is. For young adults, discovering who they are and where they belong is one of the biggest chal-

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items that are more popular in among teens lenges throughout high school.

One way many ways young people choose than ever.

“To be honest, at first I bought [name brand to stand out or to fit in is through their clothing. Most people’s style changes every year, items] for the popularity of the brand,” senior Brendan Moore maybe even multisaid. “I get made fun ple times a year. A of for what I wear personal look and sometimes, but I style is something wear what I wear that people will because it represents make judgments on, me. It’s how I presboth good and bad. ent myself and if In high school, kids you look nice that’s spend as much monalways a great first ey as they need to fit impression. It’s also in and feel like they a dress good feel belong.

It is recognized KARISSA WENNSTROM, JUNIOR good thing. It feels good when someone that name brands compliments you are becoming more on how you look or and more common in high schools. Brands such as PINK, Nike, what you’re wearing.”

It is evident that the style and attitude UGG, Michael Kors and Vera Bradley are all examples of the expensive lines of designer among high schoolers changes throughout their four years spent among their peers. The value of money and the desire to fit in becomes less and less important. Although some students admitted to wearing name brand clothing for the sole purpose of gaining popularity, others buy name brands simply because of the high quality of the materials.

Junior Karissa Wennstrom said, “I usually buy name brand clothing or accessories when I want to buy something that will last, items from a popular or designer brand are almost always the nicest and most reliable, rather than knockoffs.”

Name brands are seen more and more throughout high schools.

Whether kids are wearing them because of the desire to fit in or because of the good quality, it is important to remember that self recognition and respect is more important than fitting in and worrying about the opinion of others.

It needs to be made clear to students that although their designer clothes might look nice in the eyes of their peers, money cannot buy happiness. Finding oneself is much more important than finding who everyone else wants and expects. TT

I usually buy name brand clothing or accessories when I want to buy something that will last, Items from a popular or designer brand are almost always the nicest and most reliable.

SPRING MOVIE PREVIEWS NATASHA REID AND MADELYNN SOBERANO Tom Tom Staff & News Editor

THE AGE OF ADALINE

INSIDE OUT

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isney’s Pixar recently released a trailer promoting their upcoming 3D film, “Inside Out.” From the creator’s of “Finding Nemo” and “Up” come the new fantasy-comedy directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen. The film will be set in the head of young girl, Riley Anderson. She is guided by her five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust—as they try to lead her through her everyday life. The five emotions (voiced by Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black and Mindy Kaling) guide Riley through new changes in her life after she is forced to leave the Midwest and head to the sunny city of San Francisco when her dad receives a new job.

The emotions live in Headquarters, where they control Riley’s thoughts and feelings. Riley’s most important emotion, Joy, tries to keep things positive and uplifting throughout all the changes while the other personified emotions try and navigate through the changes of a new city, house and school. The film is set to be released on June 19. TT

UNFRIENDED “The Age of Adaline” directed by Lee Toland Krieger will be begin playing in theatres April 24. Adaline, played by Blake Lively, ceases to age following a winter accident, but keeps her secret closely-guarded while embarking on a number of incredible adventures throughout the 20th Century. After years of a solitary life, she finds the love and courage that enable her to fully begin living. TT

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2

Directed by Levan Gabriadze, “Unfriended” is an upcoming 2015 supernatural horror film.

The film takes place one year before high school student Laura Barns, played by Heather Sossaman, commits suicide due to ridicule received after an embarrassing and raunchy video of her passed out at a party is posted anonymously. A year later on the anniversary of her death, her six friends start a group chat over Skype, but are caught off guard when a suspicious seventh person continuously tries to log in with Laura’s old account.The anonymous user reveals that he or she knows more than they think and threatens to kill them if they try to leave or log off.

Throughout the night the user torments the friends by attacking them in their houses and reveals secrets that test their friendship. The film premiered at the Fantasia Festival last July when it was originally released as Cybernatural. The film is set to be released on April 15. TT

THE DESERT DANCER

“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2,” is hitting theaters April 17 and directed by Andy Fickman. Paul Blart (Kevin James) and his daughter Maya (Raini Rodriguez) take part in a security guard expo in Las Vegas. While attending, Blart saves the day by helping to capture a group of menacing art thieves before returning home. TT

“The Desert Dancer,” opening April 10, is directed

by Richard Raymon. “The Desert Dancer” is set in Iran, where it is illegal to self express. This influential and unimaginable true story follows the couragous ambitions of Afshin Ghaffarian played by Reece Ritchie and Elaheh played by Freida Pinto as they rebel against their government. During the climate of the 2009 presidential election, Ritchie and co-stars risk their lives and form an underground dance company allowing their inner dreams to dance become a reality. Through hacking Youtube, they learn from ageless legends who cross all cultural divides, such as Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Similar to the series “Step it Up,” Afshin and Elaheh also learn how to embrace their lust for dance and one another. TT Tom Tom 04.10.15

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STUDYING TECHNIQUES STAY ORGANIZED GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP REFER BACK TO OLD NOTES FOR STUDYING TURN YOUR PHONE ON SILENT HEALTHY SNACKS AND A GOOD BREAKFAST TO START YOUR DAY With finals around the corner, opportunities for academic success might be as simple as making flash cards or using an assignment notebook.

ABIGAIL ELLSWORTH

Tom Tom Staff

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hen the time comes to study for a big upcoming test, tensions and stress levels are high. Whether it be not knowing how to study for it or stressing out and loading the brain with information the night before, studying does not have to be as stressful as we sometimes make it.

There are many ways to study, such as making flash cards, referring back to old notes, utilizing study guides and even staying after school for help from teachers.

Antioch Community High School freshman Steven Baum said, “I like to go back and look at old notes and old homework assignments to help me study for an upcoming test.”

Referring to old homework assignments and notes based on the topic can be a big help when it comes to studying. Other students go beyond revisiting old material.

“Singing, making a song out of the topic makes studying more interesting and fun,” freshman Za’ Tozia Duffie said.

24 Tom Tom 04.10.15

Studying can often be boring at times, but providing oneself with opportunities to make studying fun and creative may prove helpful in the long haul.

“I look at old notes but I get a good amount of sleep the night before so I am more focused on the test and not tired so much and I also eat a bigger breakfast then I usually would,” freshman Nick Kilian said.

Being tired can cause someone to lose focus in taking a big test. Getting at least eight hours of sleep the night before can help you become more focused and aware of the information you are being tested on. Eating a good breakfast will also help you to stay focused.

Top Universities, a college preparation website, said to give enough time to study, organize the study space, use flow charts or diagrams, explain answers to others, have study groups, take breaks, snack on “brain food,” plan for exam day and drink plenty of water to help prepare for any assessment.

Studying at least once a day will benefit you so you are not loading your brain down the night before with information you most likely will not be able to remember in just one night. It also helps to be organized by using assignments notebooks or binders. This will help studying become less stressful when time comes closer to the big test day.

An underutilized technique is explaining answers to others to help understand the information you are taking in even more. This can be done with study groups or tutoring.

This also means being organized to set up times for this type of preparation.

According to how-to-study.com, planning ahead, paying attention, taking good notes, getting rid of distractions and getting enough sleep all have significant impacts on getting a good grade on your next test.

“It’s really important to be active and get a work out to really get your brain working.

Doing this will help anyone focus on studying and hopefully do better on an exam,” said senior Danny Helgesen.

If you’re stressing about your next test and need a way to study take some of these ideas into consideration; they might be what you need to get the A on your next test. TT

1ST RUNNER-UP SAM DITZENBERGER

The 2015

T

he 2015 version of Sequoia Queen is a senior girl with a positive work ethic and attitude, and is also involved in the school and community.

This year’s queen exceeded this criteria and is a good and positive role model for her underclassmen peers as well.

The top five were selected by their peers from an original list of nominees.

The winner was selected from the top five by former Sequoia Queen Lori Eder and Esquire editor-at-large Mike Sager.

HANNAH SKOOG

CARLY McCAMERON

LAUREN NOVICK

SEQUOIA QUEEN HEATHER BECKMAN Tom Tom 04.10.15

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@ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ACHSTOMTOM @ ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ACHSTOMTOM @ ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN@ACHSTOMTOM @ ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE @ACHSSBN @ ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ACHSFINESSE SEQUOITMEDIA.COM @ACHSSBN @ACHSTOMTOM @ACHSSEQUOIA @ A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE STUDENT LIFE 26 Tom Tom 04.10.15

DONATIONS WELCOME

Raymond Chevrolet often donates generously to ACHS, but the real question is where does this money go?

BRIANA JIMENEZ Tom Tom Staff

T

ouchdown” and “three-pointer” are both words that the Antioch Community High School athletic department loves to hear, thanks to generous donations from ACHS sponsor Raymond Chevrolet.

The sponsorship started about 17 years ago in 1998 and is still going on today. The program began because Raymond Chevrolet wanted to sponsor ACHS’s athletic department so the school could afford new and updated equipment for athletes. Since the sponsorship started, Raymond Chevrolet expanded their program to four other schools. Over the last five years the dealership gave over $60,000 to Grant Community High School, Johnsburg High School and Richmond Burton High School combined.

The school receives a twenty five dollar donation every time one of the school’s teams scores. The donation is not limited to just the football team when they score a touchdown; a donation is given for every three point basket, home run, birdie, or field hockey and soccer goal.

Since the scholarship program started, ACHS received $65,000 from Raymond Chevrolet. All of the money donated goes directly to the athletic department. In preparation for the opening of Lakes Community High School, the $33,000 that the school received through Raymond Chevrolet went to updated athletic equipment.

Graphic by Lauren Ponzetti

This was done so that both District 117 schools would have the same athletic equipment and opportunities.

ACHS athletic director Steven Schoenfelder said, “New outdoor scoreboards, hurdles, wrestling mats, bleachers for outdoor fields, gymnastics beam, a uneven bar and many new items that will be used in the stadium next year have been paid for using the Raymond money.”

All of the hard work Sequoit athletes put in is paid off through the Raymond Chevrolet sponsorship. Through the sponsorship, ACHS’s athletic department is able to afford the luxuries of new updated equipment that benefit not only the athletes, but Sequoit fans as well. In the future, the donations from Raymond will allow the high school to provide much more equipment for the department. TT

T

he trail winds as you walk onward. It is already noon and your work is shown by the sweat on your brow. You have already walked five miles and your adventure just started. However, there are many more miles between you and your next camping spot. You are on a backpacking trip. Before the car drives away, what will you need to bring, and how will your journey start?

1. GATHER THE NECESSITIES

Photo by Ted Martinek

A QUICK 3: BACKPACKING TED MARTINEK Tom Tom Staff

You need quite a bit of equipment compared to normal camping, and is also more expensive. The basic equipment is just a backpack and a good pair of hiking shoes. The backpack is not what you normally bring to school as they are built specifically for traveling many miles and days.

These specially built backpacks can be found at outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain and REI. Something to sleep in and under is also an important part of your trip. Tents are the most common in terms of sleeping, and are the most efficient because they are able to be easily carried underneath whatever backpack you choose. Other materials for a safe and successful trip include clothes, food, cooking utensils, hygiene products and basic camping equipment.

2. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

There are many places to backpack. Whether it be a quick trip in one of Illinois's many forest preserves, or on the long, legendary trail through the Appalachian Mountains, each trip should be decided with your skill level in mind. If you are just starting out, choosing a trail spanning thousands of miles would not be the best choice.

Good places for beginners are trails with only a handful of miles, including Wisconsin's Starved Rock State Park trail, Swallow Cliff Forest preserve and the White River State Trail. For more experienced people, the Porcupine Mountains in northern Wisconsin, Isle Royale located in Lake Superior and the Ice Age Trail that crosses all of Wisconsin will provide the perfect challenge.

3. FIRST STEPS

If you plan on backpacking any long distance, being in a great physical condition is a must. If it is a 100 or 1,000 miles, you need to be able to get up every morning ready to complete 40 miles or more. What many backpackers bring with them consists of two hiking sticks, to help propel them along the way. Accompanied with a nice, broken in pair of hiking shoes, your trip should be comfortable, fast and fun. TT Tom Tom 04.10.15

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NEW STADIUM 28 Tom Tom 04.10.15

Out with the old and in with the new.

LAUREN PONZETTI Tom Tom Staff

A

ntioch Community High School is bringing revolutionary changes to the football stadium for its 101st school year. After having issues with McMillen Field for the past nine years, ACHS’s Facilities Committee decided in August 2014 that it was time for a change. A split filament turf field, eight lane track and new field equipment are just a few of the new additions for the two million dollar field renovation.

After three failed attempts at repairing McMillen Field, an idea in the Facilities Committee arose in 2010 regarding renovating the main stadium instead of spending money to repair McMillen.

ACHS Athletic Director Steve Schoenfelder said, “It was a fast track project; it all came together very quickly.”

Following the school board’s approval in September was six weeks of planning that consisted of creating two groups: one group made up of the Business Manager, Facilities Manager and Mr. Schoenfelder and the second group made up of ACHS varsity football coach Brian Glashagel, varsity field hockey coach Terry Dewing and varsity soccer coach Marni Polakow. The two groups each visited 18 schools in two days located both in Iowa and Illinois to check out the different types of turf fields and decide on what would work best for ACHS athletes.

The coaches and managers decided that a split filament turf would be the the best fit.

This type of turf is high quality, so rubber will not fly into the air when the ground is struck during a game. Outlining the turf will be tick marks that go all the way around the field so that string can be drawn across them to paint over for different sports. Besides the football, soccer and field hockey lines, there will also be marks for lacrosse in case ACHS adds a lacrosse team in the future.

Along with the tick marks on the outside of the field, there will be four logos located on the outside corners of the field: football, soccer, field hockey and track. A group comprised of students, faculty and parents of athletes met to decide what to put in these four corners, and came to the decision that

there would be no better way to represent these sports teams than painting their logo on the turf.

A substantial amount of work went into the preparation for the renovation, especially in the field alone.

“The field stays as nice as the work you put into it,” Schoenfelder said.

Construction started with a groundbreaking in March, marking the beginning of ACHS’s six month journey to becoming a school with one of the premier stadiums in the state. Included in the renovation is moving the football field 15 feet to the north to accommodate for future state plans of widening Route 173, resizing the track from six to eight lanes, moving the away team bleachers east by four feet, putting a shot put and archery range behind the left field of the varsity baseball field, a new facility for long jump and triple jump, moving the pole vault facility north with the field, redoing the parking lot and fencing, putting in new drainage and converting the pond on the North side of the football field from a retention to a detention pond.

According to Schoenfelder, the estimated total of the renovation costs two million dollars. There is a total of $24,000 in donations for the renovation, as well as $10,000 donated by Sequoit Pride. The cost that is not covered by donations is being paid for out of the school’s budget.

The new field will also have many high quality additions of equipment, such as new hurdles, international plexiglass soccer goals and four hookups for new water hydration. An anonymous ACHS vendor donated $31,000 towards purchasing this equipment for the field.

The field is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, 2015. Spring and fall sports that require access to the stadium will be using other facilities such as McMillen Field, Antioch Upper Grade School, Lakes Community High School and host home meets and games at other schools until the work is completely finished. ACHS is getting a fresh new look to go with a fresh start for another 100 years. TT

BEFORE

AFTER

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ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Buffalo Wild Wings sponsors a monthly competition showcasing student athletes with great leadership skills in their sport and in the classroom. Everytime a school has a winning athlete, BWW provides the school with a $150 donation.

GRIFFIN HILL

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Hill is a running back on the ACHS varsity football team. Hill’s football accomplishments include running a total of 142 yards on nine carries at the game against Mundelein. He also currently has 722 yards rushing for 78 carries, 17 touchdowns and six receptions for a total of 54 yards within six games.

HANNAH COOK

SOPHOMORE GOLF

Photo by Johnny Horton

Cook is a very talented golfer, going above and beyond in every match. This season Cook placed eighth with an 18-hole score of 97. She was also the first place medal winner for the District 117 challenge with a score of 45, and was leading the team with her scores at every meet this year.

DANNY BRITO

JUNIOR BASKETBALL Brito plays both varsity soccer and basketball, and is a very hard working student. Brito said, “I think that the donation is very generous and other restaurants should do something like this because it is a great opportunity for hardworking athletes to get recPhoto courtesy Sequoia Yearbook ognized.”

30 Tom Tom 04.10.15

Photo by Johnny Horton

CARLY McCAMERON SENIOR BASKETBALL

McCameron is not only an ironwoman, playing three sports all four years of her time at ACHS, but she also excels both academically and extracurricularly, being one of the core leaders of the new Cardinal Crazies club. She received the recognition of athlete of the month by BWW in February for her basketball successes.

Photo by Johnny Horton

ASHLEY REISER

SOPHOMORE BASKETBALL

On the varsity basketball team, Reiser averages 14 points per game. She is also a very intelligent student with a grade point average exceeding 4.0.

NATHAN DLUGOPOLSKI

JUNIOR WRESTLING

Photo courtesy Sequoia Yearbook

He was announced the Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the month for the month of February. As a junior, Dlugopolski was a part of the varsity wrestling team for a second year.

Photo by Johnny Horton

PATRICK SCHOENFELDER

SOPHOMORE WRESTLING

Schoenfelder is both an outstanding student and talented athlete.

During Schoenfelder’s wrestling season he won 34 matches. Aside from being an amazing athlete, Patrick excels in academics. He met all of the requirements in order to win this award, such as being a good athlete, good student and leader inside and outside of Photo courtesy Sequoia Yearbook school.

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THE TOP

15 15. NEW CHANGES

The athletic program is looking forward to new additions and changes beginning next school year with a new turf field and track, as well as a remodeling of the north gym. These updates also lead into the transition to the new athletic and activity conference in 2016-2017.

ATHLETIC MOMENTS OF 14/15

NICHOLAS DOROSAN Digital Director

Photos Courtesy Sequoia Yearbook and HR Imaging

14. DUNK CONTEST

During the winter sports and activity pep rally, members of the varsity boys basketball team competed for the best dunk, with junior Theo Hill being named fan favorite.

HOME PLAYOFF 13. FIRST GAME IN THREE YEARS

The varsity football team finished with a regular season record of 7-2, which lead to a playoff game against Chicago King—the first home game at Antioch Community High School in three years.

HOCKEY—ALL 12. FIELD STATE TEAM

For two consecutive years the varsity field hockey team received three spots for the All-State team, the most a team is allowed to have a year.

Seniors Shannon Zogran and Erin Dampf as well as sophomore Rebekah Cartlidge were named to the team.

WINS 11. BOWLING CONFERENCE

The bowling team was named the Prairie Division Champions after a victory over Grant Community High School. The girls were just two points away from being undefeated in conference for the season.

10. TEDDY BEAR TOSS

The Cardinal Crazies hosted the first teddy bear toss during halftime against Lakes, at home. The toss raised over ten full-size garbage full of stuffed animals which were donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

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9. VOLLEY FOR A CURE

For the first time ever, both Lakes and Antioch purchased and wore the same shirts to raise money for breast cancer awareness. This year the girls volleyball program raised more money than ever before.

8.

BOYS SOCCER WINS REGIONALS

Following a successful 2013 season, the boys varsity soccer team took home the 2014 regional title at Polley Field.

7. CHEER WINS SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

New team, new coach, new attitude. The varsity cheerleading squad dominated most of the competitions they attended this year, leading to capturing both the regional and sectional championships.

6. RECORD BREAKING TOUCHDOWN

Junior Griffin Hill broke ACHS alumnus Cameron White’s 2007 97-yard single-play rushing record with a 99-yard rushing touchdown of his own.

(1) Ashley Reiser, Carly McCameron, Alexis Duehr and Shannon Zogran lift the 3A Sectional Championship plaque to packed stands of Cardinal Crazies. The girls beat North Chicago to take home the title. (2) Alumnus Andrew Wade’s family received a jersey in honor of his life. Wade’s number 14 was retired from the boys soccer program. (3) Hernandez’s 100th goal came during the team’s Centennial soccer game. His goal contributed to the team’s win. (4) Kelsey Neville advanced past the first round of the IHSA state tennis tournament as a freshman.

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HEADS TO STATE FOR 5. FRESHMAN TENNIS In her first year at ACHS, Kelsey Neville made a name for herself as a top tennis player in the area by finishing first in three weekend tournaments, leading up to qualifying for the state tournament, where she won her first match to finish in the top 64 players in Illinois.

4.

100 HERNANDEZ GOALS

Hernandez scored an unprecedented 100th goal in the Centennial soccer game, a feat that’s incredibly uncommon and unheard of in ACHS athletic history.

3. RETIRING OF WADE’S NUMBER

The men’s soccer team honored fallen Sequoit and former varsity soccer player Andrew Wade with a win; red, white and blue jerseys sporting Wade’s name; and the retirement of No. 14 from the soccer program.

2. FIRST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Not only was taking the Sectional Championship a crowning moment for the varsity Lady Sequoits, they managed to secure the first girls basketball North Suburban Conference championship in school history against Stevenson and the first title win for the Prairie Division.

CHAMPIONSHIP 1. SECTIONAL WIN

The varsity Lady Sequoits took home the first girls basketball IHSA Sectional Championship title in school history. The team captured the Sectional Title in front of a packed crowd at home in the #WarWithWarHawks, a camoflauged themed game against North Chicago. The girls ventured to Hoffman Estates High School to take on Montini for the Supersectional Championship; it also marked ACHS’s first Elite 8 appearance.

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. . .

E N I M S THIS IS JA

SHE IS AN INVOLVED SEQUOIT.

Scan here to see a video about Jasmine and her current and future plans. http://goo.gl/zatLwa 34 Tom Tom 04.10.15

GOT A BUSINESS?

PLACE YOUR AD HERE CONTACT KRISTINA.ESDALE@CHSD117.ORG

Tom Tom 04.10.15

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36 Tom Tom 04.10.15

HAVE A GREAT IDEA FOR A STORY? SEND AN EMAIL TO MARINA.PALMIERI@ CHSD117.ORG TO LET US