The Tom Tom | December 2013

The Student Voice of Antioch Community High School

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Volume 52, Issue 3 12.13.2013 www.tomtomnews.com

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

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Features

PERSPECTIVES

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WORLDS AWAY Kerri Elliott and Edpowerment work to change lives in Tanzania. This upcoming summer, Elliott is planning a return trip to Tanzania to make an even bigger impact.

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FAMILY MATTERS

ACHS is a place full of families and tradition. Numerous sets of siblings, cousins and more walk the halls. However, does being a sibling mean a reputation precedes you?

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H8 ON SCREEN

Cyberbullying leads to depression, anxiety and introversion. Two students came forward to discuss being a bully and a victim of cyberbullying attacks.

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NEWS

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Abused Holiday Lights Brings Life into New Program Prescribed The Gift of Life

LIFESTYLES

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Holiday Traditions Near and Far

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Easy Ways to Relax Before Finals

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Kacey Musgrave: A New Face in Country

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‘Tis the Season for Holiday Sweaters

SPORTS

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Senior Shay McCue shows Sequoit Pride in dance, band and the classroom.

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ONE|SEQUOIT

Editor’s Note Staff Editorial Coaches Leave a Lasting Impact

A Diamond in the Rough Working Out Without Weights Winter Sports 2013 Snowboarding 101 Q&A: Phil Lindberg

ON THE COVER The Student Voice of Antioch Community High School

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DOMESTIC ABUSE COMMUNITY HELPS IN TANZANIA SNOWBOARDING 101 CYBERBULLYING: THE SCHOOL, THE VICTIM AND THE BULLY Volume 52, Issue 3 12.13.2013 www.tomtomnews.com

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Senior and psychology club president, Anna Gwozdz recognizes the need for attention toward stopping cyberbullying. Posing on the cover is one way she feels will raise awareness for the issue.

“Cyberbullying is a real problem in today’s society due to the increased use of technology,” she said.

Perspectives EDITOR’S NOTE

HIDDEN LINKS IN ANTIOCH

Students experience endless connections in school, throughout the community and across the world.

SARA PETTY Editor-in-Chief

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n a town the size of Antioch, it’s to be expected that you run into multiple people you know every day. Whether it’s just a quick grocery shopping trip at Walmart or a sporting event here at Antioch Community High School, you’re bound to see someone you know, whether you like it or not.

Let’s face it. The people of Antioch are connected in more ways than we could possibly count. From random family members that knew each other back in high school to a boss that used to be neighbors with your uncle, these connections are endless.

During the past couple of months,

the TOM TOM staff

2013-2014

Sara Petty Mr. Patrick R. Johnson, CJE Editor-in-Chief Adviser Marina Palmieri Managing Editor

Alexis Vetter Digital Director

Tyler Stephens Creative Director

Kathryn Holmes Tyler Dziubla Kyle Heywood Advertising Director Asst. Digital Director Asst. Creative Director Madelyn Chassay Assignment Editor

Heather Latakas Assignment Editor

Arlenne Lozano Assignment Editor

Karen Pimpo Assignment Editor

REPORTERS Sarah Chapleau Ian Gowland Andrea Sodt

Adam Chellberg Heather Klean

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.

Tom Tom 12.13.13

Let’s face it. The people of Antioch are connected in more ways than we could possibly count.

Michael Horvat Chase Pogue

Mission Statement

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the Tom Tom staff sought to find ways in which the people of Antioch are connected. We’ve dedicated this issue’s features to these connections, whether they be blatantly obvious or subtleties.

Though there were many possibilities, one of the ideas we decided to focus on was how families that all went to school at ACHS are connected. Many families in Antioch had multiple siblings attend ACHS within a few years of each other. They were each able to relay a different perspective, all while talking about essentially the same experience.

However, the citizens of Antioch are also connected by and serve as “connectors” for subjects that affect a much greater audience than just our small town in Lake County, Ill. From the multiple faces of cyber bullying, domestic violence and a program that helps African countries overseas, Antioch and ACHS offer support for both people in our own area and for others we may not even know.

Essentially, what we discovered is that there are always multiple sides and viewpoints to what may seem like a simple topic with a one way connection.

There may be an obvious victim and perpetrator, but also the not so obvious supporter and bystander. Each of the roles is unique and important in its own way.

With this same idea of the many perspectives that make up ACHS, we are thrilled to release our first round of ONE|SEQUOIT video projects! For the first set of videos, we decided to focus on staff members that attended ACHS as teenagers and then decided to come back as employees rather than students.

Each Sequoit explains exactly what being a part of ACHS means SARA PETTY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to them and the person ACHS has helped make them into.

These ONE|SEQUOIT features exemplify the qualities (and ACHS connections) that made them perfect candidates to make ACHS their home once again.

These videos are available online at www.tomtomnews.com. Let us know what you think by leaving a reply in the comments section at the bottom of the story. And remember, once a Sequoit, always a Sequoit! TT

On Dec. 16, the Tom Tom will release the online One|Sequoit video projects. They can be found at www.tomtomnews.com and will feature various ACHS alumni that share the effect that ACHS has had on their education, student life, athletics and community service. Stay tuned for more videos to be released on our website throughout 2014!

STAFF EDITORIAL

THINK BEFORE YOU TWEET W

e the staffs of the Tom Tom and the Talon Times recently noticed the shift from social media being an outlet to make connections with friends and family, to a place to share even the most personal and trivial parts of daily life. This may not seem like a big deal, but students often don’t realize the effects that their social media posts can have on their lives and the lives of people around them. As society turns towards technology more and more, things posted have a larger effect on people’s future than in years past.

Though sharing things like what you had for dinner may not have a negative effect on your future, things like the details of a party you were not supposed to be at, or a kegstand you may be proud of may not be the best idea.

Do you really think that everyone wants to hear about and should know about how drunk you were the night before? To your friends, posts like this may be funny, but to future employers, college admissions officers or school administrators, these posts can mean something totally different. Employers are increasingly turning to social media to learn more about their applicant pool, and we assume hiring a drunken bully is not on the top of any admissions office’s list of top applicants to join their esteemed institution.

Furthermore, the Kaplan Test, a survey of college admission programs, found that in the 2012-2013 school year, 31 percent of the 381 colleges surveyed admitted to checking an applicant's social media sites to learn more about them, a five percent increase from the previous year. Thirty percent of these colleges stated that social media posts had a negative effect on the student’s application.

While the most immediate effects of social media are usually directed toward the person who posted, people involved, whether directly or indirectly, can be affected as well. The immediacy of social media can result in the posting of remarks that otherwise would not have been voiced. It is easy for potentially anonymous users to say exactly what they are thinking at any given moment without any censoring; this can result in excessive use of foul and inappropriate language, as well as hurtful remarks about people that others may have little to no knowledge about. Though you may not be intending to offend or hurt others, this is often the result. How would you feel if you were constantly the target of a horrible Twitter hashtag that everyone but you thought was hilarious? Or if everyday you came home to negative comments on all of your Instagram pictures? Though these examples may seem lame or unimportant, situations like this can become the difference

between someone feeling safe enough to go to school or not.

While many people are reluctant to take a stand in front of live people, why are they so willing to partake in the free-for-all-bashing of someone in their Internet persona? Have we as a whole started to lose our empathy towards others, disregarding the emotions of others that nearly no one would ignore in the real world?

With the introduction of social media many have become so self-consumed with the instant gratification they receive from their posts, whether it be likes on pictures or the instant support of others when they post something uplifting or something completely inappropriate or offensive. With all the attention someone receives from posting negatively, it’s easy to see someone on the receiving end of these posts feeling as though they can do nothing to stop the constant negative vibes, but other people can help.

It only takes a few seconds to send a comment suggesting that a post be taken down or to show that you actually care about someone being hurt by others. Even if it doesn’t

seem like one comment can evoke significant change, the support you can give someone who is dealing with a bully will mean the world to them.

Students need to be conscience of the wide variety of audiences that can view the content that is posted on social media. The things you post now can have long lasting and potentially drastic effects on the rest of your life. So next time you think posting about your “rager” or that maybe picking on someone because you think they’re a “snitch,” ask yourself if that post will really benefit anyone.

The image you give off to the entire Internet world is something everyone should be conscious of now, even as high school students. People that may not know you personally have access to these pages you are broadcasting to the world, and if you wish to project that you are a horrible person to the rest of the world, keep doing what you’re doing. Otherwise, pay attention to what you’re posting, be aware of other people’s feelings and make an Internet persona you’d be proud to share even years from now. TT

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Perspectives EDITORIAL

COACHES LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT

Being involved in a sport creates bonds between the athletes and coaches. These bonds are special because they share the same love for the sport which can guide an athlete to ultimate success in and out of practice.

HEATHER LATAKAS Assignment Editor

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very expert was once a beginner. Every successful person, in whatever it is that they do, had someone to guide them in the right direction. A coach does so much more than tell you what to do and how to do it. A bond with a good coach is one that can last a lifetime and reach far beyond the sport or activity in question. A coach is someone to confide in, someone to trust and someone to look up to.

I could not imagine where I would be without the coaches I have had in my life. A good coach can be a lifelong friend. The right coach can set you on the right path, one that makes you happy for the rest of your life. I know my relationships with my coaches have reached far beyond practice and competition. I trust my coaches with everything. They have a way of understanding you in a way no one else can. Your coach is passionate about the same things you are. A coach gives the best advice. That’s why we regard them so highly in our lives. A coach that truly cares and is there for you inside and outside of the sport is irreplaceable.

There is nothing quite like your first coach. My first coach taught me all the basics I needed to be successful. But that was the least she ever did for me.

Along the way, she planted the seed that grew into the passion that I have for what I do today. Without her, where would I be right now? What would I be doing with my life and time? We all owe a great thank you to our first coach because whether we know it or not, they got us hooked. That first coach will see you grow older and more successful and take pride in you and what you have accomplished.

They got you started, and from there, you can go anywhere.

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

Cartoon by Andrew Pimpo Brad Rudd, an Antioch Upper Grade School wrestling coach, is an example of an inspiring coach. One year, he coached a one-armed wrestler who ultimately made it to state.

Sometimes a coach can exist to teach you a lesson in what kind of person you don’t want to be.

Some coaches stand to be someone to overcome. Personally, I can say I have had the most personal growth dealing with individuals who were not positive role models and leaders. I had a coach who was very negative and made me feel like I was not good enough. I felt like he went out of his way to make me and everyone else feel inferior. Those are opportunities to prove them wrong. For me, all I wanted to do was be able to keep up with him and show him that I was better than he could ever have imagined I would be. I learned that, in the process of trying to prove it to him, I proved it to myself.

Even a bad coach can better you in the long run. I am content in saying I haven’t seen that coach in years and may never have the displeasure of working with him again. However, I owe so much to him.

I never really knew what I was capable of until he told me what I could not do.

Why is a coach so important? Because they are such an obvious role model for the young people whose lives they touch. I always aspire to be as successful and talented as my coaches. Half of what you do in your sport is to gain the approval of your coach. And the other half is for yourself. That kind of bond does not exist with just anyone.

Never underestimate the importance of a good coach. Even the littlest things can inspire and change lives. A good coach or bad, both have a huge influence on their team. I know that my coaches played a huge role in molding me into who I am today. They have helped me reach past accomplishments and point me in the right direction of a brighter future. For that, I have my coaches to thank. TT

JOIN

SEQUOITSTUDENTMEDIA SEQUOIT INTRODUCTION TO PRINT AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM

This semester class will teach you the basics of writing and producing multimedia stories for news, sports, lifestyles and perspectives. Learn to get the story, cover the big game and review movies, television, music, food and more. Taking this class is required before taking any of the other journalism classes at ACHS.

PRINT AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM: THE TOM TOM

Students in this year-long class will get to work for the Tom Tom. Students work in and out of school to produce the news magazine and website, while also attending conferences out of school to enhance their learning and better the publication. Students will get to write, design, photograph, record audio and shoot video. Intro to Print and Digital Journalism or teacher consent is required to take this class.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

Students in this NEW year-long class will get to work extensively with video and audio to tell digital stories. Part of this class will emphasize television performance, while other portions will emphasize production. Students will learn on-camera reporting, anchoring and filming techniques. Students will be expected to work on the NEW school television news program. Teacher consent is required to take this class.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN INTRO TO PRINT AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM, PRINT AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM OR BROADCAST JOURNALISM, SEE MR. JOHNSON IN ROOM 270 OR EMAIL HIM AT PATRICK. JOHNSON@CHSD117.ORG

YEARBOOK JOURNALISM: THE SEQUOIA

Students in this year-long class work together to produce the school’s yearbook, The Sequoia. Get involved and learn how to tell the history of the school through stories, designs and photos. Students will also be attending conferences out of school to enhance their learning and better the publication. Intro to Print and Digital Journalism or teacher consent is required to take this class.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YEARBOOK, SEE MS. OGBORN IN ROOM 259 OR EMAIL HER AT SARAH.OGBORN@CHSD117.

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LITERARY MAGAZINE: FINESSE

Students in this semester-long class produce the school’s literary magazine, Finesse. Students will learn how to develop a theme, select materials for publication, curate artwork and develop quality and consistent designs. Students who are creative in both writing and the arts should definitely consider joining.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LITERARY MAGAZINE, SEE MR. WORDEN IN ROOM 255 OR EMAIL HIM AT SAMUEL. WORDEN@CHSD117.ORG

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

ABUSED

This is how it is: you put towels on the mirrors, because you’re dyed a deep blue. You pick up the phone just to listen to the dial tone. You find your vocal chords cracked and strained, and you learn never to speak again. You learn about distance from the twenty-two inches he swings from his palm to your face, the expanse of space he keeps between the bottle and his lips, and when he leans down to kiss you, the fraction of an inch you pull away every single time. You learn about echolocation when he says “I love you.” You know this is it from the glasses shattered on the ground and the scent and sound of sick. This is the crack of knuckles on skin. This is you crying on the floor. This is him slamming the door. These are your mom’s worried eyes. This is “I love you, too.” This is domestic abuse.

ALEXIS VETTER MADELYN CHASSAY Digital Director

Assignment Editor

In high school, many want to find someone to love and find someone to love them back. Puppy love, as adults call it, put us in very dangerous places sometimes. With the focus so much on love, what happens when the love becomes not only mentally dangerous, but physically dangerous as well?

According to loveisrespect.org, 1.5 million adolescents experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year and one in three adolescents in the United States are a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. Although it may not have happened to you, or someone you personally care about, it could be happening to someone around you. If it is happening to you, there are ways to find help.

“Domestic abuse can be physical and emotional abuse.

It’s something that makes someone’s entire living arrangement unhealthy because of someone else invading their life,” said ACHS psychologist Christine Kasbohm. “It’s not ‘common’ but it is certainly happening; it’s out there,” said Kasbohm. “When you use those terms, you think it’s just violence but it is emotional and sexual as well.”

Domestic abuse is always close to home. It lurks in the school, in the neighborhoods, in the town you think you know so well. It’s hard to tell who’s being abused, because it doesn’t always leave a person in bruises.

“I have been in two relationships where domestic abuse has occurred. The first relationship was mainly mental abuse and the second relationship was both physical and mental,” said Susie*. “It has ruined any self esteem I’ve ever had. I try not to act like anything demeaning they ever said to me bothered me, but I can’t help but take it to heart. Along with that, it has made me hesitant to trust anyone.”

According to loveisrespect.org, “violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by putting the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence.” They also can completely turn someone away from their friends, family and life.

“It’s scary for most people to come forward but it’s the best way to not only help yourself, but help others who could become victim to the same person,” said Kasbohm.

Domestic abuse is taken very seriously. If domestic abuse is relayed to a social worker or psychologist in school, they have to report it. Although getting support can be scary, “..the most important thing to do is report it. Even if you just tell a friend or a trusted family member, just tell somebody. That’s the only way you can start getting help,” said Kasbohm.

“It’s extremely hard to get out of an abusive relationship, but there are plenty of resources you can go to if you need them. [I used A Safe Place] and they will be more than happy to help you through it. Believe me when I say your life will be so much better if you get out,” said Susie. “It’s not your fault. You are not the reason any of this is happening and you don’t deserve it. Never let your abuser tell you otherwise. Take a step back and realize that you deserve happiness.”

A Safe Place’s website, www.asafeplaceforhelp.org, has information for teenagers to call for help, as well as stories about other people’s past experiences. TT *Name has been changed to protect the victim.

12.13.13 Tom Tom

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News

NEWS BRIEF Science Department Introduces Plotly Program to Enhance Graphing in Class.

The ACHS Science Department is introducing a new program called Plotly. The program is intended to be a new and effective way for students to graph data.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS BRINGS NEW LIFE INTO OLD PROGRAM

The ACHS Fine Arts Department retires the Holiday Cafe name to embrace cultural traditions and music from around the globe.

“Plotly is the first online graphing and analysis program for the Internet. Its like Excel, but free, prettier and all online. This means that you can access your graphs and work in Plotly from anywhere with Internet connection. You won’t lose your work and you can share your work more easily,” said Jack Parmer, one of the creators of the Plotly program.

Plotly is meant for students to more efficiently graph all of their data and make it easier to do labs that have any kind of graphing; because Community High School District 117 has turned their attention to using Chromebooks, the Plotly program is perfect because it works faster on Chrome than any other browser.

“The people that started Plotly use to be scientists and we got tired of the old-fashioned graphing programs that we had to use all the time. When working with each other, we had to email our graphs and data files to each other all the time. This became disorganized quickly and took too long. We tried to use the spreadsheets in Google docs, but it wasn’t powerful enough for science work. We realized students in science classes and professional scientists were having this problem everywhere, so we decided to build Plotly,” said Parmer.

Because students are already used to do a lot of work online, Plotly should be an easy transition.

“High school students today are used to doing everything online, and they don’t want to pay for Excel or stay after school to use a school computer because they don’t have Excel or Vernier at home. They want to being able to access their work on their phones. Plotly is the only program that can do this. About 100 new students sign up everyday, our goal is eventually be used in every high school in the United States,” said Parmer.

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

Photo by Karen Pimpo

KAREN PIMPO Assignment Editor

MARINA PALMIERI

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Managing Editor or many years, Antioch Community High School has hosted Holiday Cafe as a fundraiser for the fine arts department and entertainment for the community. This year, a new name, new location and new traditions will reshape the winter program taking place Dec. 14 and 15.

The changes have been made to accommodate parents and students during the busy “trip year.”

A trip year is every other year when the fine arts department takes a group vacation during spring break to perform, learn, and have fun. This year, the students are headed to New York in March.

For now, however, the focus is on this winter event.

“It’s kind of like a variety show,” said orchestra director Michael Riggs. “It’s a chance for us to celebrate all the holidays, and it allows people to perform who might not otherwise get a chance to.”

Holiday Lights, as the new program is called, involves performances from the band, orchestra, and drama students just like Holiday Cafe. This year, the entire student body was invited to try out. Auditions were held Monday, Nov. 18 after school.

Choir director Trey Hickey said, “We’ll have people singing, we’ll have people playing instruments, we’ll have comedic acts, and Mr. G’s [Arnold Glapajone] band is playing.”

As suggested by the name, the concert features songs from may different winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah. Pieces may also be simply winter-themed like ¨Amid the Falling Snow.”

“It’s [‘Amid the Falling Snow’] got orchestra and choir, so we’re going to combine them because orchestra’s new,” said Hickey. Other songs promote peace, like ¨Hope for Resolution” sung by choir students.

In years past, Holiday Cafe has been a festively decorated event that took place in ACHS’ cafeteria, albeit somewhat crowded with tables and stages. For Holiday Lights, the concert will be moved to the auditorium, allowing the entire choir, band, and orchestra to perform together.

There will also be more space for the audience, along with a better lighting and sound system.

For the students and parents who volunteer at the event, Holiday Lights will also require much less preparation in regards to decorating and food preparation. The food will all be donated, helping to lower the ticket cost by more than half. “[In these economic times,] we want to be conscious of our community as well,” said Teddy. The money raised by Holiday Lights and Holiday Cafe goes straight into the AMPS general fund, where it is then used to help cover costs for summer camps, food for late practices, new equipment, and other such expenses.

During Holiday Cafe, finger food is served during the performances by students. At the new Holiday Lights, food will still be offered, but only after the concert in the commons to allow patrons to eat and talk freely. Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, and Madrigal Choir will also be performing in the commons.

To reserve your seat at Holiday Lights, contact fine arts department chair Wanda Teddy by phone at (847) 838-7161 or by email at wanda.teddy@ chsd117.org. Shows are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. TT

PRESCRIBED Save a Star helps to address growing problem in Antioch and its surrounding communities.

SARA PETTY Editor-in-Chief

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his past summer, the Antioch Police Department installed a prescription drug box inside the west lobby.

The box is intended to collect prescription drugs and other substances that are not needed or cannot be used appropriately anymore, in hopes of preventing abuse of these drugs. A few examples of appropriate items that can be placed in the box include various prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and other substances, including medicated ointments.

The lobby is open day and night to allow for the collection of these substances that no longer have a proper use. The box is then emptied monthly and weighed before the contents are properly disposed of. “In our first month, we had a little bit less than fifty pounds,” said APD Sgt. Rick Moritz.

The box came from a drug awareness organization called Save A Star in response to the increase of incidents involving prescription drug abuse in the area. Currently, there are boxes located in 21 police department lobbies throughout Illinois. Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville received information from the organization and decided that Antioch would be a good location to install another drop off box. For a full list of acceptable items, please visit the Save A Star website at www.saveastar. org and click on the Save A Star drug disposal boxes link.

The Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation was founded

in Highland Park, Ill. by David sonnel. This was followed by and Gail Katz. The couple and another presentation to Lakes their daughter created the orga- students which highlighted the nization after their son, Daniel, ten most commonly abused predied due to a prescription drug scription drugs, as well as other illegal drugs and their effects. At overdose.

According to the Save A Star Antioch Upper Grade School, website, the mission statement fourth, fifth and sixth graders is as follows: “Prescription and their parents gathered to drug abuse is the nation’s fast- gain awareness about drug use est growing drug epidemic. The and were given the opportunity Save a Star Drug Awareness to ask any questions they had Foundation brings attention to about the topic.

“Prescription drugs are more the disease of prescription drug abuse and addiction by promot- prevalent because the accessiing awareness, education and bility is much greater. Anyone resources. The Foundation is can go to the pharmacy and pick committed to the safe collection up their prescription, but if [the and disposal of drugs as another drugs] are not secured properly, means of minimizing the cycle that’s where we run into trouof prescription drug abuse and ble,” Moritz said.

In a survey addiction.” of 100 ACHS The APD students, only has decided 9 percent adto help this mitted to havcause both by ing abused a installing the prescription Save A Star drug, but 60 collection box percent said and by providing inforTOM TOM SURVEY that they knew of another high mational preschool student sentations for local schools. The presentations that has abused a prescription are to help faculty, staff and stu- drug.

“Prescription drugs are made dents to recognize and understand drug addictions and issues for the people that they are prein Antioch, something Moritz scribed to," said Moritz. "The believes is a very real issue in doctors know what the prescription is for, what their body type the Antioch community.

Moritz said, “It’s all here right is, what their weight is, and what in Antioch. These things happen other prescriptions they might no matter where you are. We do be taking. If somebody starts address them as we hear about taking pills without having any of that from a doctor, they can them, as quickly as we can.”

Chief Somerville put together run into serious problems. I want a presentation that was given to them [teens] to know that there the staffs of Antioch and Lakes is always a risk to taking someas well as other district per- one else’s prescription.” TT

60 percent of students know another high school student that has abused a prescription drug.

NEWS BRIEF Snowball Club is in Full Roll this Year.

Just this year, seniors Alex Hare and Jessica Stonis helped bring back Snowball to Antioch Community High School.

Snowball is a club designed for students who take a stand against alcohol and drugs. Every member of the club shares a passion for Snowball. The title R.A.A.D is a popular topic of interpersonal conversations. R.A.A.D, which stands for Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs, is a nickname for Snowball Club. The club's goal is to raise awareness of the negative effects of alcohol and drugs.

To many, how the name "Snowball" came to be the legitimate name of the club is a typical question. Operation Snowball is all about making choices and positively influencing peers, family and even strangers. Take a look at a snowball from a different perspective. If one person decides to throw a snowball to commence a traditional snowball fight, the other person reacts. That is how Snowball Club works; when one decides to make good choices in their lives, a reaction occurs, just like a snowball fight. The positive decision that one friend makes causes their best friend to do the same; it is like a chain reaction of good decisions and access of prevention.

Stonis said, " This is something that I'm passionate about, which is not what a lot of kids can say. I think it will help benefit my future. And seeing other kids have the same belief as me keep me on the right track as well. My favorite thing about the club is how everybody comes together.

We're all very different but we're in there for one purpose. Knowing that there's people who stand for the same things as you do is empowering."

Snowball Club means so much more than just raising awareness. Anybody and everybody is always welcome to jump right in and join the club.

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, or if you would like to get involved with Operation Snowball, visit www.os-iti.org.

TT

12.13.13 Tom Tom

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News

THE

GIFT LIFE OF

Inspired by a colleague and friend, an ACHS English teacher’s donation gives a stranger a lifetime of opportunities.

example, Ms. Menoni needed a bone marrow transplant and none of us who entered into the registry were a close enough match to be able to help her so it’s a matter of luck or faith, or genetics I suppose, that you wind up being called,” said D’Andrea. “When I went in for the blood test I didn’t think that I would even be a match so that was kind of interesting.”

To be able to register oneself, a form similar to one for blood donation is required to be completed. If one is lucky enough to be a match, he/she must go ARLENNE LOZANO in for a blood test, then a doctor’s appointment. Following the appointment, an Assignment Editor EKG test must be done as well as X-Rays to make sure the donor is healthy. The ecently, English teacher Jamie D’Andrea donated entire process is anonymous and the donor does not pay a cent for any of the stem cells to an anonymous 62-year-old male who doctor visits or blood drives because it is covered through the patient’s insurance. is battling pre-leukemia. Typically, a person does D’Andrea filled out an additional set of paperwork to ensure that she was not not just decide on a random day that they are going to do- getting anything out of the process, as in, no money or reward beyond knowing nate stem cells. D’Andrea needed some kind of inspiration. that you potentially helped to save a life.

In order to donate stem cells, the donor must receive injections to boost their Her inspiration was Sarah Menoni who used to teach foreign language at Antioch Community High School until she own stem cell count. The drug used for that process is one used on cancer patients. More paperwork had to be completed to advise D’Anpassed away due to leukemia. drea of all the symptoms and side effects of a drug called “Ms. Menoni had leukemia as a Filgrastim. college student but when she started “Physically I felt tired. I feel like I did something that I teaching here she began to experience would want any other person do to if given the opportunity. pain again so she went in and found I had to take a couple injections which gave me a headache. out that she had leukemia again,” said I had to sit there for four hours as they pulled my blood out, D’Andrea. “The only reason I signed got the stem cells and put my blood back in,” said D’Anup was because of Ms. Menoni. She drea. “But otherwise, I didn’t really do anything, so I feel was such a good person, she was caring, she was a good teacher and she JAMIE D’ANDREA, ENGLISH TEACHER good knowing I helped save this person’s life, or potentially, there’s a possibility that it won’t work out. Ms. Menoni, she kinda rubbed off on a lot of people.” got her bone marrow transplant and ultimately passed away D’Andrea chose to donate because of a former colleague at ACHS. Her donation went toward anyway so there’s a possibility that it won’t work.”

D’Andrea recently spoke with Ms. Menoni’s parents. They discussed the dohelping a 62-year-old man.

The donation process is full of opportunities. If you de- nation and it turns out that the Menoni’s know one other person who donated cide to opt out of the donation, that would be acceptable. stem cells because of their daughter. They were really grateful and filled with Whereas if you decide to continue with the donation, more hope because of the donors.

“It’s really powerful to know that it could have that kind of impact. I didn’t paperwork will follow.

“Once you’re in the registry, you’re in the registry. There have to do anything, really,” said D’Andrea. “My job was really easy and if it have been a couple other people who have been called as could help prevent the pain and heartache a family would have to go through if potential matches and it turns out, they’re not a match. For they lose their father or their brother, whoever this man is, then it’s easy enough

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It’s funny because a lot of people have said “thank you” have said, “you’re a hero,” but I don’t really feel that way.

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NEWS BRIEF does a great job of providing information. I was a for me to do it so why not?”

For four days leading up to the donation, D’An- little bit nervous and panicky because I don’t like drea received the Filgrastim, met with an at home doctors and I don’t like needles but then I started nurse on Thursday and Friday at school and then thinking about what Ms. Menoni went through, met with the nurse again on Sunday at home. On like what’s the process sick people go through, the Monday before her donation, D’Andrea re- the amount of doctor visits, surgeries and that ceived her fifth round of shots and the doctors kind of stuff. They’re going to stick a couple neehooked her up to an apheresis (similar to an alyx dles in, draw some blood and call it a day, so if machine used in blood drives), which takes blood there’s someone out there who’s struggle or pain out and mixes it with an anti-coagulant and sa- can be lessened by a couple pin pricks on my end, line to keep it from clotting. The purpose was to eventually I was able to be less nervous about it,” said D’Andrea. pull out the white “In the long run, I feel blood cells which like it’s one of those obtained the stem pay it forward kind of cells. The process things so if everyone is approximately who had the opportufour hours long. nity like this did it then “I got some perhaps there would be awesome bruises less sick people in the on my arms where world or less suffering. the needles went in. Otherwise, I sat Photo courtesy of Jamie D’Andrea It would be ideal.”

D’Andrea’s donathere for four hours tion will lead to ample and I watched a opportunities for the movie. There was man who received her the marathon of stem cells. This powNCIS on the teleer, however, didn’t go vision, so that was to her head. Instead, kind of cool. I just D’Andrea found this sat around and experience to be exprobably took a tremely intrinsically little bit of a nap. I motivating. like naps, naps are “The person who good,” said D’Anreceives my stem cells drea. will have the opportuThe Be the JAMIE D’ANDREA, ENGLISH TEACHER nity to write a thank Match program is you letter, but it’s all a great opportunianonymous. I think ty to get involved.

Once you are in the registry, you can call in to it’s one of those things where the real value is be taken out if wanted. The program is an 18-44 knowing that I’ve done something good. Certainage group. Be the Match helps patients with leu- ly, my close friends and family sent some popkemia, lymphoma and other diseases who need corn or flowers. The Be the Match group sent me a marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant. Be a little gift basket with a nice little pin in there, the Match is operated by the National Marrow but, you know, that’s not really why you do these Donor Program (NMDP), a non-profit organiza- kinds of things. It’s not like ‘I’m going to donate tion that matches patients with donors, educates blood so I can get out of class one day.’ It’s ‘I’m health care professionals and conducts research going to donate this so that I can do good things so more lives can be saved. More information for other people,’” said D’Andrea. “It’s one of those intrinsic values that are worthwhile. But I can be located at www.bethematch.org.

“I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what it had great support from my school, the teachers, would require of me. The Be the Match program my friends and family, which made it easier.” TT

My job was really easy and if it could help prevent the pain and heartache a family would have to go through if they lose their father or their brother, whoever this man is, then it’s easy enough for me to do it so why not?

English teachers find required novel is censored compared to editions past.

Each fall, the English 4 classes at both Antioch and Lakes Community High Schools read the novel “In the Lake of the Woods”

by Tim O’Brien. The book’s plot line explores a Vietnam veteran’s suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The main character, John Wade, ran for US Senate, but did not get elected, leading to a spiral into the mystery of his missing wife.

Recently, the English 4 teachers discovered that the copies that were ordered for this year’s seniors were very different from the traditional copies that many of the teachers have. Though the copyright date and information is identical in both copies, the version that was ordered more recently is different in many other ways, including multiple parts where whole paragraphs were edited out and language that could be seen as offensive was taken out.

It is still unclear as to whether or not the edits were requested by the author or if an editor took the liberty of making the changes without any permission.

“It’s very strange to not have a disclaimer, a forward or a change of edition number, which is usually what happens. But because editors these days would have access to the master file, anybody with access could change things theoretically and not tell anybody and that’s how you get those mistakes,” said Audrey Nagel, ACHS English teacher.

Nagel used to work at a small publishing company and has never seen a situation like this.

“If the author didn’t make the changes, then I think that changing an author’s words is pretty awful. It’s like putting pants on the statue of David. You don’t do that,” said Nagel.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WORLDS AWAY

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Kerri Elliot found a way to connect her world to the world of the children in Moshi, Tanzania. After a mission trip sparked her activism and curiosity, Elliott set out on a mission to empower the children of Moshi. Elliot teamed up with two other women to create Edpowerment, a non-profit organization built to make a difference. Together with the help of Edpowerment and community District 117, a world of difference was made. Elliot hopes to continue this connection and difference making in the future.

TYLER DZIUBLA

PEOPLE Assistant Digital Director

may not think our little community makes that much of a difference in the United States, and even less when it comes to the world.

However, the reach of our little community extends farther than most people can imagine.

In this case, Community High School District 117 is reaching all the way to Africa. With the help of people in the community, Antioch and Lakes Community High School students and teachers teamed up with people in the greater community to help the children of Moshi, Tanzania.

The story of how this unfolded begins with ACHS special education teacher Kerri Elliott.

“In 2008 I took a volunteering trip to Africa. I love to travel and always wanted to go to Africa. I volunteered to teach English and communication at the Kilimahewa Educational Center which is located by the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro,” said Elliott.

Elliott was surprised most by the students’ desire to learn. She knew that the poverty would be bad, but was struck by the kids who wanted to learn despite their situation. The kids asked every question they could to get the most out of her teaching.

“They wanted to learn so badly. They would write notes on newspapers because they did not have notebooks to write in,” said Elliott. “If a kid here does not have a notebook they won’t come to school, but kids there will take anything to write things down and learn.”

Elliott fell in love with the story of the school. School in Tanzania is different from the United States. Primary school is up to age

thirteen and is in Swahili, the native language in that part of Africa. Secondary school is taught in English and students are required to pass a test written in English to get into secondary school.

“The idea that education is free and open to all is a privilege of the Western world,” said Elliott. “In reality it costs money. The teachers cost money, the building costs money, the supplies cost money and they do not have a lot of money. It is only open to a select few there.”

Only about ten percent of students pass the entrance exam to get into secondary school.

These are usually people who go to boarding schools or English schools, and they are usually only the rich. Furthermore, only about 15 percent of the population speaks English.

Elliott sees this as a big problem.

“These young kids that do not get into secondary school usually end up in poverty and get involved with drinking and drugs. Girls get married off and have babies at a young age. Without school they just move onto the next phase of life which is getting married and go to work,” she said.

The elders in the village saw this as a problem, too, and worked together to remedy it.

They had an adult meet with the kids once a day and teach them one thing he or she knew.

“I thought it was amazing that this community had done everything in its power to create a school and do everything in their power to get these kids into school,” said Elliott. “Some of these kids walk for two hours to get to school.”

Later that year, Elliott came up with an idea to send school supplies to the kids who were writing on bits of newspaper.

“I saw how at the end of the year [American] kids would just throw out all those halfused notebooks and it gave me the idea. I met

Photo by Kerri Elliott A young boy wears an Antioch jersey donated by the boys basketball team during a fitness day. These jerseys give the children clothes to wear on these days. Many of the children do not have appropriate attire, and the clothes donated make a huge difference in the children’s physical,social and emotional experience.

with a couple of teachers and did a school supplies drive with students donating supplies in their classes from both Antioch and Lakes. Once we had collected all the supplies, ACHS’s student council and National Honor Society and LCHS’s Key Club and National Honor Society paid for the packag12.13.13 Tom Tom

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Features ing and shipping of the supplies over to Tanzania through their fundraisers. We shipped 70 supply packages which each included a five subject notebook, pencils, pens and glue, “ Elliott said.

Another big fundraiser that the schools did was “Dress on a Dime,” which raised around $1,500. People came from as far as Round Lake and Gurnee to buy dresses. Elliott used that money to buy the kids at Kilimahewa Educational Center new textbooks.

After that first year of teaching, Elliott has returned to Moshi each of the five following years and will be going for a sixth year this summer.

“My second year I did not directly teach, but I worked with the teachers and government officials to come up with a curriculum that lasted a whole year for Business Math, Communication and English. I took a more administrative role for the school and sometimes subbed in when a teacher was not able to teach,” said Elliott.

This was also the year Elliott and two other teachers, Jillian Swinford and Moira Madonia, started a non-profit organization: Edpowerment. Edpowerment is a top rated non-profit by greatnonprofits.org.

“When I came back this year I asked the elders what we could do to help them more, and they said water. The elders explain to me why the schools attendance was so low at the time was because the kids had no water or food.

Attendance was at around 50 percent at the time. I told them I am just a teacher, but I will see what I can do. When I came back to Antioch I talked to the Diversity Club, National Honor Society and Student Council, with the Diversity Club leading the way, mostly,” said Elliott. “They came up with the Teacher Town Showdown.”

Many teachers participated in the Teacher Town Showdown and many students came as well, which helped raise money for this project. Diversity Club also sold water bottles and water bracelets to raise money.

Through Antioch, Lakes and a few other high schools, they were able to raise $8,000 dollars to drill a well in Tanzania.

“The money was just to drill and see if there

Photo from www.edpowerment.org Thanks to the effort of many people at ACHS and LCHS who donated money, they were able to drill a well for the people of Moshi. Now 100 families have access to clean drinking water. This also made it possible for a lunch program at Kilmahewa Educational Center.

was any water there. We had no idea if there actually was any water there before,” Elliott said. “Fortunately there was water where we drilled in an aquifer that would give water for a very long time.” “[Madonia] found us a donor to pay for the pumps to extract water. The well opened in the village in 2011. It gives water access to over one hundred families,” said Elliott. The drilling brought attendance at the Kilimahewa Educational Center to 98 percent.

Another bonus of having access to clean water was that the school day could be extended and a lunch program could be put into effect.

“After we put the well in, we really thought that Edpowerment was going somewhere,’’ said Elliott.

Photo by Kerri Elliot

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Senior Jackson Boeh listens to children read to him. He helped the kids when they struggled on certain words.

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The three members on the board all had different ideas on what should be done so they all started to focus on the goals of Edpowerment. The three focuses are the Kilimahewa Educational Center, helping children attend higher education who cannot afford it and Autism Connects Tanzania.

Autism Connects Tanzania’s goal is to educate the Tanzanian people about mental and physical disabilities. In Tanzania, it is believed that children who are mentally disabled are possessed by the devil and it is the parents’ fault for these things. This social stigma results in parents keeping their children with mental disabilities hidden in their houses for the rest of their lives without getting the help they need. Autism Connects helps teach the people that no one is at fault for these disabilities and that these children need help.

“After this got off the ground I met with Rotary Club to ask for funds and they suggested the idea of having kids who have expressed interest in what I do come with and start an Interact Club,” said Elliott.

Senior Jackson Boeh, a member of Interact Club, said, “Each year we raise enough money to pay for the kids’ food program at Kilimahewa Educational Center so they have food to eat during school.”

The food program is paid for mostly by the annual chili cook-off hosted by Interact Club.

Boeh also went on the volunteering program the second year it was offered.

“While there, I taught mathematics to the kids at Kilimahewa,” said Boeh.

Senior Sara Young was the other member from ACHS to go on the trip and she taught English. They went with students from all over on the volunteering trip.

Boeh found the trip to be a life-changing experience.

He said, “I thought it was eye-opening how resourceful the people are over there. We think we recycle well here but the people use everything they can to make their lives better.

The kids were all so polite and took advantage of every learning opportunity they had. It made me feel grateful for all the opportunities I have back in the states.”

Another project Boeh and Young adopted while they were in Tanzania was to paint a playground that had been designed and put together by the people who went the year prior.

People can get involved by donating things to the center. The ACHS soccer team gave funds so that the kids could receive soccer balls. The ACHS volleyball and basketball teams both donated their old jerseys for the students to wear during fitness exercises. At LCHS, the wood shop classes created mini chalk boards for the kids.

For more information on Elliott’s organization, please check out www.edpowerment. org. TT

FAMILY MATTERS

The Kelly family from left to right: Megan, Kristen, Brittany and Nicole.

Sibling rivalries are a thing of the past at Antioch Community High School, a place many call home.

Three groups of ACHS siblings found that being in the same halls comes with its perks.

CHASE POGUE Reporter

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ibling rivalry is alive and thriving. From tykes fighting over toys to comparing salaries at family reunions, brothers and sisters have been battling over who is the biggest success since the beginning of time. And who can blame them?

Especially when the older sibling paves their way through high school and leaves a legacy, whether positive or negative, that’s hard to live down. It’s hard for a freshman to come, doe-eyed and wet-nosed into a school that’s already full of expectations for them. Teachers never seem to let them remember your name, always give you that look, they never let you live it down. If your sibling was exceptionally great, you never get grace for not securing all A’s. You will never live it down if your brother or sister was a troublemaker. It’s not just annoying, it’s downright uncomfortable.

Whether it’s clothes, rooms or even teachers, siblings aren’t strangers to the act of sharing. Having a previous sibling in the school secures you the fastest routes to class, the best scoops on the sports, privileges with teachers and administrations and the familiarity to calm the fear of facing high school alone.

However, Antioch Community High School tries to be different.

While little tiffs may erupt in the hallways or at home, the Gantz, McCameron and Kelly families feel it isn’t about the rivalry, but the respect and bond they have for and with one another.

Tiffany Gantz, a senior at ACHS, knows what this feels like. Tiffany was a freshman when her sister Marissa was a senior and her brother Travis was a junior.

“Mr. Stanich [ACHS teacher] specifically remembers my first day of school as a freshman when my sister brought me into his classroom and said ‘Look, this is my little sister,’” said Gantz.

Siblings Alex and Carly McCameron.

Although high school was a new chapter in her life, ACHS was like a second home. Gantz and her siblings were heavily involved with sports and extracurricular activities. Because her siblings were already active in the school before her, she felt very acquainted with the coaches and the layout of the school by the time she came in her freshman year.

“I knew where a majority of my classes were in advance because I had spent so much time at the school prior to even going there,” said Gantz.

If she had a problem with a teacher, or a question about a class, her siblings could help her because of their past experiences with that same teacher or class.

Junior Carly McCameron knows what it’s like to be the younger one, but she says that her and her brother Alex are supportive of each other in sports and in school. Even though Alex and Carly both play basketball at ACHS, there’s no bad blood between the two.

“Sibling rivalry is not that common for us. We are each good at different things and I’m okay with that,” she said.

For the McCameron’s the rivalry that is supposedly expected to exist, does not. Instead, their support for one another lead to many more successes and positive reputations among faculty and staff at ACHS. The Kelly family also knows what it’s like to have support from siblings. Kristen Kelly, a ACHS senior, has two older sisters and one younger sister.

“My sisters showed me around the school and helped me out my whole freshman year and I really wanted to do the same for my sister,” said Kelly. “I showed her to all her classes before the first day of school and showed her the best places to put her locker.”

Being a support for one another is what Kelly believes makes the experience for her and her siblings. By developing relationships, rather than fighting them, being a sibling in the same school won’t be about battling for the best reputation.

Finding time for one another can be difficult. As families grow older, time becomes a commodity that is easily cashed in for friends and relationships. Having a sibling within the walls of the school may seem like a blessing or a curse, but it may just be an opportunity to capture time that may be lost otherwise. An opportunity to stay connected. TT 12.13.13 Tom Tom

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Photos by Tyler Stephens

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H8 MARINA PALMIERI Managing Editor

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ARLENNE LOZANO

Reporter

our phone vibrates twice. It has to be a message. No. Instead, a tiny blue bird and a short note appear on the lock screen.

“You were mentioned in a Tweet.”

Face it, being mentioned by someone else on Twitter tends to generate some excitement to the day. Reading that tiny message builds that excitement. You swipe. As the screen loads, the anticipation begins to feel as though it is going to crawl right from beneath your skin. It’s odd. Feeling that much excitement from something as simple as 140 characters, and you aren’t even sure what those characters might say or mean.

The now iconic blue fills the top sixth of your phone and a list of mentions, favorites and retweets fill the screen.

As you read the latest Tweet, the feeling of excitement is slowly being drained from you. Your fingers tingle and a sense of happiness dulls to pain.

“Why don’t you go kill yourself @Name. You don’t deserve to live you piece of ****! #tattletail” You contemplate. The color slowly fades from your face. Kill myself? Should I? This type of situation seems all too common now with the increase of social media use. Pulling up Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or another social media channel is simple. Sending out a quick Tweet or post is easy. Retracting hateful words, that’s a different story. The cyberbully is used to using this language. The victim is used to hearing it. The act of cyberbullying is becoming more common. It is an act of H8 on screen.

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THE SCHOOL Cyberbullying is a problem that can be found at Antioch Community High School as well as in the Antioch Community. When students at ACHS are affected by cyber bullying, some reach out to the school for help. Many share their experiences regularly with school psychologist Christine Kasbohm and social worker Joseph Loffredo.

One of the issues of cyberbullying is the ignorance of the dangers and effects it can cause. Every action taken has consequences, and that includes those actions that occur online and through cell phone use.

“We try the best we can to warn students and help students learn different ways of expressing things instead of turning to cyberbullying. We try the best we can to educate on the dangers, on the consequences, and all that,” said Kasbohm. “And sometimes, again, we’re just so unaware. Because there’s just so much out there that we don’t necessarily know what you guys [students] are doing on social media.”

While cyberbullying will always be present in society, the preventative action of educating young adults has the possibility of helping the situation.

Loffredo said, “We don’t tolerate it and we take action, but every case is different. There are different levels of cyberbullying.

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A lot of it could be addressed as more of a preventative measure to prevent it from getting worse as opposed to a situation that has gotten really bad.”

One preventative action that can be taken is the checking of cell phones and social media accounts by parents.

“I think the difficult thing is not all parents understand [cyberbullying], and not all parents exactly know how to monitor all this stuff and what the best way is,” said Kasbohm.

Many cyberbullying incidents take place on the top social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Since what is on the Internet can never be completely deleted, it is smart for students to think twice before posting.

Kasbohm said, “I think it’s just education on that and a lot of people forget that what’s put on social media is pretty much there forever. It’s not going to go away. Even if you delete it, it can be found.”

For students at ACHS, there are many people available to talk to about cyberbullying situations and events. Speaking out about cyberbullying may be the most challenging part for some, but it helps to share the story with a trusted person.

Loffredo said, “Getting help-that could be talking to parents, talking to a dean, talking to me, psychologists or counselors. Think of how many people are available to support them, but if we don’t know, we can’t do anything.”

Monitoring cyber bullying falls under multiple realms in school jurisdiction. There are far too many reasons to why cyberbullying is a common norm for high school students. A huge reason is because the bully thinks cyberbullying is a safer way to be mean. “[Cyberbullying] falls out of school. Immediate attention with bullying takes place and is quickly addressed. If I suspect that a student is being bullied I try to take a look at what they are talking about. There is a lot of investigative research and if it turns out that the suspected child is being cyberbullied, then we provide emotional support for it,” said Kasbohm. “They say knowledge is power. It is important to keep in mind of a few simple questions when a person goes online: What are you using it for? When do you need to stop? What do you need to report?”

It is essential to be fully aware of all the possible situations, whether positive or negative, that can occur when online and using social media. Kasbohm’s advice to users of social media sites is to “always protect yourself. Beware of people that can be mean. Report. If [bullying] becomes too much, get off the media site and delete your account.”

ACHS Dean Wilbur Borrero wants students to know that cyberbullying in the school will not be tolerated.

“I believe cyberbullying is a reality and very sad. Victims are subjected to ridicule, exclusion, rumors, and other hurtful comments, often for others to see. Bullies believe they can hide behind a keyboard or other electronic device, and demean an individual or group of people while attempting to take away their dignity. It is something ACHS is absolutely intolerant of and a focus of many recent conversations. We are trying to get out in front of the educational opportunity regarding bullying, in general, and we are focused on broadening the resources we have to deal with situations we become aware of,” said Borrero.

ACHS Principal Bradford Hubbard agrees with Borrero. Hubbard hopes that administration can work with the students to be sure the issue is resolved and all parties are respected.

“I believe it is incumbent upon us to respond. I firmly believe we need to work with both the victim and the offender as we attempt to mitigate concerns and future instances of this kind of behavior. We must support the victim and provide them with resources to manage

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the impact the incident has had, while we must hold the offender accountable and find ways to educate them of the ill-effects of their actions. It is necessary that we communicate with and bring parents into the conversation with respect to both sides and we must use each situation to better inform our practices, policies and procedures in dealing with future educational opportunities and individual cases,” said Hubbard.

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THE BULLY

There are many roles that kids play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in cyberbullying, they often play more than just one role. There are the ones who bully, the bullied, the ones who reinforce, the outsiders and the ones who defend. The general society will often say that there is one reason to why people bully others: the bully is simply jealous of the victim and sometimes the bully may not even realize that they carry jealousy with them. These children are the targets of bullying behavior. Some factors put children at more risk of being cyberbullied.

Hannah Epker, an ACHS alumna from the class of 2013, now attends College of Lake County as a freshman.

“I was the bully. I was so mean,” said Epker.

Epker began cyberbullying during her middle school years, when MySpace was popular. At the time of her bullying, Epker felt as if bullying gave her a sense of dominance to cover up her insecurities.

Epker would bully others via social media over physical attributes, differences and people’s intelligence. Regularly, Epker would call others degrading names.

“My best friend now was somebody who I wasn’t a big fan of in middle school and I remember making fun of her physical attributes and I publicly posted about this on Facebook. I know that what I said is definitely an insecurity that she probably still has somewhere inside of her mind. And I was the one who inflicted that,” said Epker.

In the moment, Epker felt better than her victims. “[Cyberbullying] didn’t bother me. Now, I learned a lot about who I am. We’re all people and we deserve rights,” said Epker. “Another thing that really affected me was, even though I was already out of my bullying stage in high school, that’s when you started hearing about people killing themselves over things they had to see on the Internet and I realized that I was that person. I have said ‘you should kill yourself’ online. I’ve been that person.”

Epker soon realized the harm she did to her victim and their family.

In middle school, Epker was picked on due to her weight and her tomboy style. Today, Epker takes pride in who she is. Instead of letting the teasing affect her, she takes it as an inspiration.

“I very well am aware of how others felt about me bullying them. I bullied more people I was personally connected with. I never got into trouble with the school, and not even with family. The victim’s family

let me know that was I was doing was reflecting on me as a person and that it was wrong,” Epker said.

Epker’s past occasionally comes up in conversations, and even though she forgave herself for what she did, a small aspect of her past sticks with her to this day.

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THE VICTIM Freshman Aaron MacArthur was a victim of cyberbullying. As a middle-schooler, a small group would continuously tease MacArthur via Facebook about of the people he hung out with.

“I was really suicidal at the time. I just kind of went home and was really depressed. That’s the only way I could really deal with [cyberbullying],” said MacArthur.

MacArthur participated in therapy sessions for some time while he was cyberbullied. “[Therapy] didn’t really help me a lot. They didn’t really know what I was feeling, so I just went there and acted like they were helping,” he said.

MacArthur believes that the experience changed who he is. Even more, the experience is one he wanted to share with others in hopes that the bullying will stop. The lasting impact cyberbullying has on people is devastating, yet it continues to occur.

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At a young age, we are asked what it is that we want to be but then told what not to be. We were told that we must become what we are not, sacrifice who we are to inherit the mascaraed of what we will be. Standing up for yourself does not have to mean embracing violence. To this day, kids are still being called names. It’s hard to hold your ground when others want to bury you beneath it, you have to believe they were wrong. Cyber bullying is a trembling point in today’s world. It affects more than one would think.

In every person’s life, there will come a brief point when one feels down on themselves. Running for help from people who do not know how the experience feels like is tough. When being cyber bullied, it is important to document and report the behavior so that it can be addressed. If you or someone you know have been bullied in any way please see a guidance counselor, dean, administrator or parent immediately. TT

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LIFESTYLES

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS NEAR & FAR Seasonal celebrations in Antioch and beyond bring holiday cheer each year. From KFC for dinner to spider webs on trees, holiday traditions are opportunities for diversity.

KAREN PIMPO

Assignment Editor “ h there’s no place like home for the holidays,” croons one classic song. In this spirit, the Tom Tom encourages you to stay close to home this holiday season and enjoy the many community celebrations that Antioch has to offer. Visit Santa, search for gingerbread creations and ride the polar express this winter--all in your own neighborhood!

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THE POLAR EXPRESS

Photo From IMDb.com

In its second year, the Antioch Polar Express on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 is sure to be a family-friendly festive experience. Based off the children’s book and movie of the same name, the Antioch Polar Express is an adventure of seasonal spirit. Children ride the train into a winter wonderland on a three and a half hour trip to the North Pole, visiting Santa and elves along the way. Caroling, crafts, story time and fun snacks are all part of the journey which begins at the Antioch Metra Station.

“It’s a very fun little experience for families,” said Roby. “Antioch is known for its events.”

This Polar Express is no exception.

Tickets are $20.00 and are available for children of all ages. Contact the Antioch Department of Parks and Recreation to purchase tickets.

GINGERBREAD WALK AND SCAVENGER HUNT

Photo courtesy of Barbara Porch

SANTA’S ENCHANTED VILLAGE Barbara Porch, the executive director of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, runs the events and memberships for the chamber, which totals about 300 businesses. The Chamber’s “Santa’s Enchanted Village,” an improvement on the old Santa’s Castle, is in its second year. Visits run from now until Dec. 23. Weekend times are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while the Enchanted Village is open weekdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m..

“Santa has a new home for when he’s in Antioch,” said Porch.

“Santa’s Castle that we used for 25 years was no longer fit to be used.”

The new location at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters is a huge improvement that features bathrooms, indoor waiting rooms and games for the children to play while they wait.

“Visits with Santa are always free at Santa’s Enchanted Village,” said Porch. “We’re very proud to be able to offer free visits.”

Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras. Antioch Woman’s Club members are Santa’s helpers and will also be available to take photos for a nominal fee.

“We’re in our second generation of visitors,” said Porch. “Some of the people bringing their little ones came through when they were little.”

Start the tradition with your family by bringing in the kids for a visit with St. Nick.

“Think outside the gingerbread,” said Barbara Porch, encouraging families to create and view the various gingerbread creations during this year’s Gingerbread Walk. The projects will be displayed in windows of businesses in downtown Antioch. Patrons can enter their own gingerbread sculpture by printing off both a scavenger hunt form and a contestant form on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce website: AntiochChamber.org.

The event is organized as a challenge for artists to create their best gingerbread art and a scavenger hunt for those who will view them. There are prizes for finding the most creations in the scavenger hunt and the opportunity to vote for the most scrumptious gingerbread project.

Musicians and carolers will also be present on Saturdays to create a festive atmosphere and help get you in the holiday mood during your search.

There is no fee for making or searching for the gingerbread creations. Look for the displays downtown from Dec. 7 through Dec. 21.

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

Photos from AntiochChamber.com

I

know you groan every time your Uncle Bob breaks out his fuzzy Christmas sweaters with the real deer antlers, but you have to admit that it makes for a really great story. And who knows, maybe someone else has an Aunt Sally who decorates her house in so many flashing lights that it’s visible from the International Space Station. Besides, some of your family traditions are rooted in longheld beliefs and should be treasured, not hidden.

This holiday season, I encourage you to embrace these funky or unique traditions. ‘Tis the season to give a little grace and celebrate with those you love in their own individual way.

MUSICAL TREES

The traditional Christmas tree is growing to new heights, literally. The newly fashionable singing Christmas tree can be found throughout the United States, Canada and Switzerland.

Carolers make up the “needles” of the tree, singing from their perch on the metal “branches” of a giant treeshaped structure.

The most popular of these living Christmas trees is in Knoxville, Tenn., where during the past 20 years over 500,000 people visited.

Photo courtesy of Sia Purohit

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

Senior Sia Purohit celebrates the Hindu holiday Diwali, or the festival of lights, with her family every year. They are originally from Gujarat, India.

“There’s this ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayan, and it’s basically a story about a prince and his brother who are exiled from a kingdom called Ayodhya. Diwali is the actual day Ram comes back home after defeating Ravan, that’s the big celebration,” said Purohit. This year, Diwali is Sunday, Nov 3.

“One of the other purposes is welcoming the goddess of wealth, she’s called Lakshmi.

People sometimes leave their doors slightly open as if to welcome her in,” she said.

Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day celebration when it is common for people to buy gold and silver jewelry. The actual day of Diwali involves fireworks, worship, food such as jalebi, decorative powder called rangoli and tiny lights called diyas that often line windows or driveways.

Photo from Wavuti

WEB ORNAMENTS

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with the regular tinsel, lights... and spider webs. These unusual decorations stem from an old Ukrainian legend. The story goes that an old widow’s tree was decorated by a spiderweb which turned to pure gold in the sunlight of Christmas morning. From then on, the widow’s family wanted for nothing. People still decorate their trees with spider webs today.

GOLD-MEDAL SANTA Every winter, Switzerland hosts the “ClauWau:” a competition which crowns the World Champion Santa Claus. Contestants must dress as the big man himself and then participate in exhausting events to prove their mettle.

In past years, an American team called “St. Nick’s Hicks” competed with members who had all formerly worked in the U.S. Navy.

Sleighing, dancing, climbing (chimneys, of course), gifting, singing and showing Christmas cheer are among the Santa skills tested.

To participate, you’ll need a whole lot of milk and cookies to Photo from Sudostschweiz build up your strength.

Photo from Vancouver Homes

KFC CHRISTMAS DINNER ACHS science teacher Tom Deichsel lived in Choshi, Chiba, Japan for two years.

“Christmas is a social holiday [the Japanese] spend with friends, not family,” he said. “New Years is spent at home with your close-knit family.”

Because of a well-placed marketing scheme by KFC, many Japanese citizens reserve tables months in advance and order their Christmas dinner from this restaurant.

Colonel Sanders is dressed up as Santa and the KFC buckets sport wreaths and lights. TT Photo from InventorSpot

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Lifestyles

EASY WAYS TO RELAX BEFORE FINALS With finals just next week, exercising and using other coping techniques might just help students to find it easier than ever to handle the stress of impending tests.

SARAH CHAPLEAU

Reporter

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inals are approaching and the closer they get, the higher students’ stress levels get. Many students don’t know how to relax before their tests. However, relaxing isn’t the impossible task it seems to be. There are multiple fool-proof ways to calm down before entering a classroom to take a final.

Yoga is a great way to relax before any stressful event. While it may seem like a hassle that isn’t worth the time it takes, nothing could be further from the truth. A few minutes of yoga a day can decrease your stress level greatly.

When people think of yoga, they usually think of sun salutations in a boiling hot room, but it can be as simple as taking five minutes to breathe.

Becky Derosa, a yoga instructor at American Stars of Dance in Antioch, said, “Like exercising a muscle, you can exercise your body/mind connection to better manage stress.”

One exercise that helps relieve stress is to write in a journal right before a stressful event, such as finals. This isn’t like a diary; it is simply a list of things that are causing stress. By writing bad thoughts down, they are out of the way, allowing the brain to focus and think more clearly.

Another exercise to reduce stress is stretching.

Even little exercises, such as rolling your shoulders or stretching your neck, helps relax your body and allows you to focus on the task at hand.

Another way to relax is working out. By working out, students are forcing their minds to wake up and think more clearly, instead of turning to caffeinated or sugary beverages.

Teri Klobnak, Physical Education teacher and Department Chair, said, “Natural ways to wake up [like working out] are a lot better.”

Working out also releases endorphins and helps build new brain cells. This allows you to think more clearly and improve your memory, which definitely help when it comes to taking a test.

According to Klobnak, the higher intensity the workout, the more stress it releases. For example, an Insanity workout will release more stress than doing abs or walking for 30 minutes.

Also, higher intensity workouts increase the growth of new brain cells. The increased flow of oxygen to the brain gives cells more energy to form.

The harder the workout, the more oxygen that goes to the brain.

There are many ways to relax before final exams.

Each person is different, and it is just a matter of finding what works for you. TT

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

Running is a way to focus the mind on the physical exertion the activity requires. This allows the mind to forget whatever was bothering it for a length of time.

Photos by Sarah Chapleau and Heather Klean (Left) Journaling is a way to get all negative thoughts onto a piece of paper and out of the mind. This allows the mind to think about the task at hand and not whatever is stressing it out.

Stretching before a stressful event is a great way to relax tension-filled muscles and focus the mind on the task at hand.

(Right) Yoga is another way to relax the body and mind before a stressful event. Simply taking time to breathe is just as effective at making the mind focus as a full yoga routine.

COLUMN

A SIDE NOTE

KACEY MUSGRAVE: A NEW FACE IN COUNTRY Photo from kaceymusgraves.com

Musgrave grew up playing instruments daily, leading to her adoption of the guitar at age 12. Ever since, she’s been on the road to country stardom, and she’s an artist you should know.

ANDREA SODT Reporter

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veryday those with a passion for music try to put themselves out there in an attempt to get themselves noticed in the music industry. The difference is, only a handful of those individuals actually make it to the big time.

Everyone has to start somewhere.

25-year-old Kacey Musgraves began by singing publicly at her local church when she was only eight years old.

“Performers come up on stage and sing old country songs with a live band. I did that every weekend. It got me familiar with being in front of people and working with musicians,” said Musgraves.

Musgraves started playing guitar at age 12, and continued to play throughout her high school career until she wrote enough songs for her grandparents to help fund her first record.

She moved to Austin, Texas and shortly after competed on Nashville Star on which she finished seventh. In 2008, Musgraves packed her bags and moved to Nashville to fully pursue songwriting.

To make money, Musgraves sang on the demos of other artists, not only to make a quick buck, but to try and get noticed by publishing companies. Shortly after, she got a publishing deal with Warner/Chappel. Musgraves was then approached with many label interests, but when she had a couple of ses-

sions with them it did not feel right.

“What we did sounded like them, not me,” said Musgraves. “It just wasn’t the right time yet. If you only get one shot to say something, it better be exactly what you want to say from the beginning, you know?”

Later in the winter, Musgraves and a couple of her favorite co-writers went on a writing retreat to Strawn, Texas where a series of wildfires had recently hit. Here, Musgrave's first hit “Merry Go Round” as well as many other songs were written, just within a few hours given the circumstances of their surroundings.

When the retreat was over, Musgraves headed back to Nashville with the job of looking through all the songs she had wrote back in Texas to put on an album that would be released shortly after.

Musgraves's album was a success and she spent her summer of 2012 touring. Musgraves then headed to Europe with Lady Antebellum.

In September, Musgraves returned to release “Merry Go Round” as a hit. Rolling Stone magazine placed the song as one of the top twenty singles of the year and named her their 2012 Best New Artist.

In the summer of 2013, Musgraves went on tour to promote her album Same Trailer Different Park, as a special guest on Little Big Town’s The Tornado Tour, and then as an opener on Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation.

Kacey Musgraves is a prime example of someone who worked hard and followed her dream and in the end, she made it to the top.TT

Don’t be a Winter Wussie!

TYLER DZIUBLA

Assistant Digital Director

The snow has fallen and the temperature has dropped, but instead of winter rejoice all there is to hear is whining. Living in northern Illinois and the fact that winter means snow and cold temperatures still surprises people. I really do enjoy winter. I like the snow and go snowboarding almost every weekend, but I do understand most people do not like the cold.

Winter comes with many things that are considered hazardous. The falling temperatures lead to ice that forms on the roadways, which causes unpleasant driving experiences and crashes. The cold in general can be bone-chilling for people who dream at night for tropical weather. The thought of laying on a beach sounds really nice, but the reality is that it is cold out.

Making the best out of the situation put in front of a person is a good trait to have. Everybody knows that the snow will not go away until spring.

It is understandable that people do not like the cold and I am sure that you will be leaving for Florida as soon as you graduate school, but the fact that a person can find zero enjoyment out of winter shocks me.

Snow is more fun than a person may think and people who do not get snow find it very fascinating. There are plenty of activities to do in the winter months. Snowboarding or skiing are the first thing that come to my mind. Some can get a good work out from shoveling snow; you know you want those muscles. Build an army of snowmen/women. Surprisingly, these winter activities have a good chance of bring you closer with your family. If you want warmth you must go in the house and guess who is there? Your family is. Winter also brings two very family oriented holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Who doesn’t love Christmas?

People should give winter some love. Do not have such a cold heart when you see the snow falling. Drink some hot chocolate then get out there and appreciate that you live in a region of the world where the mosquitoes leave you alone for about half of the year.

TT

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Lifestyles

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY SWEATERS ARLENNE LOZANO Assignment Editor

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t last, the time has come for delectable gingerbread cookies, twinkly red and green lights illuminating houses, carolers and sporting the traditional ugly holiday sweaters! Winter is always booked with many holidays, so the customary ugly sweaters seen all around town are an excellent way of celebrating. The fun thing about ugly holiday sweaters is that anybody and everybody is able to wear them. Significant signs of the classic ugly sweater are an excessive use of red and green; comically large illustrations of snowmen, reindeer and Christmas trees; and any sort of pom-pom or felt ornament.

Junior Abby Shepherd said, “My family usually has some type of party every year where we get to wear our holiday sweaters. I actually wear mine for the competition. But I like to wear mine anyway, at school and everywhere in public by choice. To me, they’re not ugly, they’re unique.”

Among a growth in fashion nostalgia, the much-rejected Christmas knit is enjoying a moment of irony-inspired popularity. Traditional knits, such as those with Fair Isle patterns, have been quite attractive to shoppers all year round. For the holidays, some retailers are attaching jingle bells, Christmas tree buttons—even lights—to cater to fans, both genuine and contradictory.

Riley Beckett, a junior, is a participant in the holiday sweater tradition. Beckett said, “I usually wear my sweater to holiday parties, either with friends or family. My favorite thing about ugly holiday sweaters is that you’re allowed to wear the most hideous sweater you want and you know that no one else will judge you. Also, the itchiness.”

Junior Devin Kappie is completely awed by the holiday season. She enjoys participating in the ugly holiday sweater tradition as well.

“I love participating! It’s so fun to see everyone and what they are wearing and looking cute and funny! I usually wear my ugly sweaters to family gatherings around Christmas. My favorite thing about ugly holiday sweaters would have to be how unique every sweater is and how whoever participates goes all out themselves or goes shopping for hours trying to literally find the most hideous sweater,” said Kappie.

High-fashion stores draw some lines with the designs on some holiday sweaters, though. The last time ugly holiday sweaters were big was in the mid-1980’s.The Christmas sweater started out as homemade, became a mass-market hit in the 1980’s and has been a dependable seller ever since. For many, the sweaters bring back memories of a beloved grandma and a time of year when everybody just drops their sophistication and goes for the heart.

Shepherd said, “They’re all really different and individually weird.

The ugliest ones are the best. They’re stupendous and comfortable!”

Expect thrift shops to be caught empty-handed this season. Many people in the town of Antioch prefer to be on the look out at the local thrift shop to purchase ugly holiday sweaters each year. The search for “ugly Christmas sweaters” has raised by thirty percent recently compared to previous years, according to Google’s research tool, Insights for Search.

If you’re feeling obligated to wear that sweater you got as a gift, flaunt it! “Ugly” holiday sweaters are always a plus for the season. Everybody gets a good laugh out of them, and for some, it keeps them itchy and warm. Holiday sweaters make for the perfect seasonal gift. TT 26 Tom Tom 12.13.13

Photo by Arlenne Lozano

Sports

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

New studio inspired by the loss of Nicole Parfitt is a nurturing environment for local dancers. Parfitt’s spirit and love for dance is embodied within the studio and its dancers and teachers.

HEATHER LATAKAS Assignment Editor

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Photo by Heather Latakas

Photo by Karen Pimpo (Top) Sam Ditzenberger and Tori Borchert practice tilt jumps in their jazz technique prior to the opening of the studio.

(Bottom) Courtney Kozlowski, teacher and artistic director of Shine Bright Dance Studio, corrects the positions of the Diamonds dancers. The Diamonds dancers are the most advanced level dancers at Shine Bright Dance Studio. The class was held in the basement of Robin Parfitt’s house while the studio was still being built.

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ike a phoenix rising from the ashes, Robin Parfitt has created a new home for wary hearts. Just a year after the passing of Nicole Parfitt, 14, and Todd Parfitt, 50, widowed Robin Parfitt opened a studio in the memory of her daughter.

The idea of Shine Bright Dance Studio was dreamt up by Robin with Nicole and Rihanna’s popular song “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” in mind. To Robin, the song “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” embodies the spirit of her daughter and how she lived her life in so many ways. The song is as inspiring for her as the studio is for the growing number of students who are attending.

The dream crept toward reality this past summer, when a fundraiser was held Aug. 3 in Nicole’s honor. The function contained an auction, dinner and dance performances to raise money for the prospective studio. A moving prayer was read before the dinner began, setting the mood.

The meal was followed by five dance performances, one performed to the singing and piano playing of former Antioch Community High School student Gillian Etherington. After the visual performances, all the guests were lead outside to witness a butterfly release by the dancers in Nicole’s honor. The event was a huge success and an emotional journey for everyone who attended.

Starting in October, the Shine Bright dancers began learning choreography and practicing skills in Robin’s basement. Although the arrangements were not the highest quality for dancing, the dancers embraced it whole-heartedly. The authenticity of the studio lies within the dedication of the students and teachers. Above anything else, the students and teachers are all there due to a mutual love for dance.

“Dancing at Shine Bright gives me inspiration every day. We dance for the girl we love and whatever we do, we do for Nicole. We could not show our love for Nicole in a better way. I could not be more honored to be a part of this dance family,” said Tori Borchert, a junior at Westosha Central High School.

The permanent location of the new studio can be seen from Route 173 in Antioch, across from Antioch Lanes at 880 Tiffany Rd. Upon entering the studio, one sees a gorgeous waiting area and is greeted by the phrase “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” painted on the wall. The waiting area has televisions where parents can watch a live feed of what is going on in each dance room. The studio is complete with three state-of-the-art dance rooms, two of which have sprung marley floors that help to absorb shock. The entire studio is bathed in purple, Nicole’s favorite color.

The private grand opening was held on Nov. 10 for the dancers who had been rehearsing for two months in Robin’s house. The reactions toward their new home away from home were priceless.

“When I walked into the studio for the first time I was absolutely awestruck. It was above and beyond anything I could have imagined. It represents Nicole so well, so it’s like she’s always there with us,” said sophomore Paige Gruber.

“The studio was the most breathtaking and beautiful studio I have ever seen. I love being able to dance with people who were also close to Nicole and being able to dedicate every dance to our beautiful angel,” said senior Haley Imler.

A public ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Nov. 15. The studio was full of tears when thanks were given, and all the dancers had a group hug with Robin. The mood lightened as the dancers were able to enjoy the new space and dance around in the new facilities. The formal event was attended by many, including Nicole’s friends, fellow dancers and the mayor of Antioch. A news crew from ABC 7 attended as well, and the ceremony was shown briefly on Channel 7’s 10 p.m. news.

The inspiration behind the studio’s creation is what makes it so incredibly special. For those who work there, it is so much more than a job. For those who dance there, it is a way to con-

tinue to dance alongside Nicole and honor her every single day.

“It’s different than any other studio because of the atmosphere and the teachers” said Liz Janito, a sophomore at Lakes Community High School.

The new studio offers recreational classes for several age groups. Competition classes are broken into the levels of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires and Diamonds. The studio offers the styles of jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip hop and modern.

“Robin has inspired me this past year by seeing things differently and showing us that when something so horrible happens you can create something beautiful,” said freshman Morgan Holub, who dances competitively through Shine Bright.

For those who attend Shine Bright, dance is more than just a hobby or a sport; it’s a livelihood. Shine Bright Dance Studio is a home and a family for everyone who walks through the Parfitt’s front door. The Shine Bright family is looking to grow even bigger. Registration for non-competition classes is still open. If interested, see Shine Bright’s official website, www.shinebrightdance.com. TT 12.13.13 Tom Tom

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Sports

WORKING OUT WITHOUT WEIGHTS Get a workout in the privacy of your own home without having to deal with the intimidating gym setting.

TYLER DZIUBLA

Assistant Digital Director

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or some people, working out in public is not an option. Not feeling comfortable in a gym is a common thing, but it shouldn’t stop a person from getting in shape. Weights are another thing that may intimidate people. It is not unusual for people to be afraid to go up to the weight deck while the football team is up there. There are workouts that people can do at home without buying Insanity or Hip Hop Abs or another DVD set that costs a lot of money. All a person really needs is his or her body. Results may not happen as fast as at a gym with weights, but for the shy people out there, exercise can be done from the comfort of their homes.

There are different techniques to maximize a person's results. Bodybulding.com has many ideas on how to workout without going to the gym or using weights. One way is through three sets of max repititions (reps). This means for three sets, a person does as many reps as they can for each exercise. This can be done with any exercise to reach maximum results.

Doing exercises in a traditional manner with many repetitions is a good way to increase muscle mass. Grinding out a lot of repetitions will help with muscular endurance and give muscles a change of pace. Changing pace is important so that the muscles do not get a chance to get used to the exercises and start to plateau. If you’re not able to do a large amount of repetition sets, do as many reps as possible. This is similar to a burnout, which is doing as many as possible.

Groaning in gym class when the gym teacher tells the class to do push ups should not happen. Push ups are a good way to work a person’s chest and arms.

Doing three sets of ten is a good starting goal.

There is a large selection of exercises available for a person's abdominal. Whether it is to reduce stomach fat or to get a stronger core, there are many exercises that can be found ranging from beginner to hardcore. Doing variations of crunches and leg raises are some options. Muscleandstrength.com has 100 different free exercise routines available.

Working out the legs is sometimes forgotten by guys and that leads to a big guy on little legs, which is quite comical. Body weight squats, squat jumps and isometric squats train various regions of the legs

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and will give guys a balanced body. It is important to work on all of the body’s muscles equally.

After finishing a set of an exercise, flexing hard and holding for a period of time helps to reach the parts of one’s muscle. An example would be to flex one's chest and triceps for fifteen seconds and then do a set of push-ups. It is harder compared to just regular push ups.

Reducing time between sets gives a person’s body less time to recover and makes him or her work harder than with breaks in between.

Do not push your body too hard or it could result in injury. Always breathe; if a person does not breathe, he or she can pass out or strain his or her muscles.

These exercises can be done anywhere and can, along with a proper diet, help a person lose weight and gain muscle for a better self image. TT

WINTER SPORTS 2013

Girls Basketball

Cheerleading

HEATHER KLEAN

KYLE HEYWOOD

Assistant Creative Director

Photo by Kyle Heywood

Antioch Community High School varsity girls basketball team is off to a good start by taking first place in the Niles north tournament. On Tuesday, Dec. 3 the Sequoits traveled to North Chicago to take on the North Chicago lady hawks in their first conference game of the 2013-2014 season. The final score of their game was 71-52 Sequoits. TT

Wrestling ANDREA SODT Reporter

The wrestling team had their first tournament on Wed., Nov. 27. They took a quick breather for Thanksgiving and then jumped right back into the season on Fri., Nov. 29. Overall, the boys placed 7 out of 14 teams. However, the Sequoits were missing a couple of starters and some of the wrestlers could not finish their matches due to injuries.

"The team is ready to overcome our accomplishments from the last two consecutive years. With new incoming weapons such as George Bessette and Patrick Schoenfelder we've added to an already strong line-up that is ready for a better season and expect bet-

ter than fourth this year. There's high hopes among the team," said senior and captain, Zac Keller.

"The team is young, but I think we are going to be okay.

I think we are going to be decent by the end of the year and I think we have a couple of athletes who could compete at state level," said head coach, Wilbur Borrero.

Though the team is working hard and focusing on their upcoming tournaments, the ultimate goal is going to come at the end of the season.

"It's not about today or tomorrow, it's about how we do at regionals and state level," said Borrero The wrestlers have their BAGUBA Tournament on Dec. 14 at Grayslake Central. TT

Reporter Preparing for cheer competitions requires long practices consisting of performing their routine various times. Practices become more stressful as competition approaches. Stress is playing a big role on the cheer team right now, but they are not worried because they are a strong team this year.

The team began learning their competition routine in the late summer and continue to improve on their skills such as stunting, tumbling and jumps. Unfortunately, all that practice seemed to be wasted when they lost a key person on their team.

Liz Webster stepped down from her position as head coach for confidential reasons and Robin Gwinn made a surprising return as she takes back her position as the varsity cheer coach for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season.

"When I retired, I did promise those that were returning to cheer that if something happened I would always be there for them.

I'm back...not only to help them achieve their goals, but to inspire, encourage and walk alongside of them," said Gwinn.

The team does not want the loss of Webster as head coach to affect the team as a whole or how they perform in their first competition in late December. They hope for big wins this season

Photo by Kyle Heywood

with the help of Gwinn's knowledge and great achievements from past years.

"Although we have ran into many obstacles this season, we have pulled together as a team and have never looked better," said junior Jessie Maloney. TT

Boys Basketball KYLE HEYWOOD

Assistant Creative Director The boys basketball team is starting anew this year. After last years losing season, head coach Jim White and the varsity basketball team is looking to have a season this year unlike the last.

“This season is headed in the right direction,” said White.

There are only five returning seniors: captains Hamza Abdellatif and Joe Reiser, Aj Marsiglio, Alex McCameron, and Troy

Mayer (who is currently injured).

White is excited to see what the juniors will bring to the court as well.”They [the juniors] took second in the division last season and really learned how to play well together,” said White.

On Dec. 14, the varsity basketball team will be playing Vernon Hills High School at home at 5:30 p.m. The new hall of fame inductees will also be inducted on this night. TT 12.13.13 Tom Tom

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MADELYN CHASSAY Assignment Editor

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any people dread snow because they either hate the cold, and/or think they do not have anything to do. Younger kids have their fun with building snow forts, snow men, and starting snowball fights but many older kids are “too cool” for that now that they’re older.

One of the most popular winter activities for people around Lake County is snowboarding and skiing.

Snowboarding is a great way to either stay in shape during the winter, or is simply something fun to do and an excuse to get out of the house.

But for most snowboarders, it is their life. They look forward to this all year.

With winter just around the corner, snowboarders everywhere are getting all of their gear together and planning out where to ride this winter.

For those looking to try snowboarding this winter, here is everything that you need to know.

Around Antioch, the closest place to go snowboarding is Wilmot, just over the Wisconsin border. Wilmot lift tickets cost vary from age, time and dates but start at $17 and go up to $45, children six and under are free.

If you do not own any snowboarding equipment, you can rent boards, skis and boots there. There are also classes that teach you how to ride. Wilmot has 25 runs that vary from park riding (riding on rails, boxes and jumps), to moguls (snow bumps), to bunny hills.

Besides Wilmot, many students from Antioch Community High School set up parks in their own backyards. If you do not have the greatest backyard to set up your own park, there are many other mountains not too far from Antioch.

After you find your board size, you need to figure out what style you would want to ride. The main two are “all mountain” or “park”. All mountain boards are meant for anywhere on the mountain. Park boards are focused more towards people who spend more time at terrain parks or riding street. There are also boards focused towards beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. The snowboarding “Good Wood” award is when professional snowboarders test out and rate hundreds of boards and narrow it down to the best ones of the year.

All of the boards below have won this award for 2014. TT

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

SNOWBOARDING 101

Sports

Photo by Tyler Stephens Local snowboarder John Hilliard jumping over a bonfire in senior Jon Unick’s backyard. Hilliard has been snowboarding for 13 years and dreams of someday going professional. Unick, along with many other local riders , builds jumps, rails and boxes in Unick’s backyard every winter for the past few years.

Men’s Park:

Men’s All Mountain:

Women’s Park:

Women’s All Mountain:

Stepchild FTW

CAPiTA Space Metal Fantasy

GNU Billy Goat

Roxy XOXO

Photos from snowboarding.transworld.net

To learn more about the best locations and equipment of the season, size charts to figure out what size board you need and links to “How To” videos, visit TomTomNews.com

Q&A: PHIL LINDBERG, ACHS BOWLING COACH KYLE HEYWOOD

20 25 03

NUMBER OF LANES AT ANTIOCH WHEN LINDBERG WAS SIX YEARS AS A COACH YEARS AS ACHS HEAD COACH

Assistant Creative Director Phil Lindberg is in his third year as the ACHS head bowling coach. He is in the Lake County Hall of Fame because of his dedication to teaching others the game of bowling.

“I love this game; I really do,” said Lindberg.

Q: When did you start bowling?

A: “I started when I was six here at Antioch Bowling Lanes; there were 20 lanes. My favorite person was a guy named Whitey. He wasn’t very good, but he could teach. Whitey taught all of us. I wanted to be like him [teaching kids].”

Q:What was one of your most memorable bowling moments?

A:“I was 17 and I had never gotten over eight strikes when I was a kid. When I had eight strikes [Ken Bloomingshine] sat me down and talked to me about everything except bowling.

I finally made it over eight strikes; he tried to get my mind off of it. That was my first 300, at 17. I still bowl with him now, he’s 95. Bloomingshine was also a graduate of the 1936 class of ACHS.”

Q:How did you become a bowling coach?

A:“My middle daughter wanted to bowl on Saturday mornings. She asked if I would come down and teach her. That is where it all started. If I wanted to teach, I had to be certified.

I already knew how the game worked. I’ve coached for 25 years on Saturday mornings, with the kids, even after my kids got out of it.

I stayed in it because there is nothing [better than] to see a kid with a smile on there face after they throw a strike, spare or something good like that. That is what makes me coach.”

Q: How did you become a coach at ACHS? A:“My daughter her freshman year bowled for Antioch. I was still teaching Saturday mornings. The head coach at the time, Jeff Childress, asked if I wanted to be an assistant coach.”

Q:Do you still coach outside of ACHS? A:“Yes, I coach personal, it’s basically a paid position. People buy my services, but I’m not big into that. I don’t like to charge people because I was never charged. I want to teach you how to bowl, not take your money.”

Anybody interested in girls bowling and who wants to bowl for Antioch should contact Coach Lindberg at phillindberg0603@gmail. com. TT 12.13.13 Tom Tom

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One|Sequoit ACHS senior, Shaylene McCue, is currently a member of NHS and concert band and is psych club president.

Shaylene was a member of the dance team for three years, while dancing with her private studio years prior. She’s played clarinet in the marching band and been a member of colorguard. Shaylene is the focus of our December issue’s ONE|SEQUOIT Project.

EDUCATION AND STUDENT LIFE During my freshman year, I branched off into various areas of fine arts, like concert band. There was a point where I tried to learn the violin and piano.

This year, I decided to have not have a lunch and take courses I wanted to try.

Although it’s more work, it’s more interesting. It’s amazing to see how every subject connects.

ATHLETICS I started dancing my first year and I was one of two freshmen on varsity. I’ve been dancing ever since I was itty bitty.

Dance is really what drives me and it’s what I most care about. For marching band, I love how uniform it is. Everyone is so together. My athletic and extracurricular experience has just been a hodge podge of random things. I have a lot of interest so I figured why not try them all while I can?

SERVICE This year for psych club, Anna [other president] wants to try and do a service project. Our club has been more focused on our small group, so we want to reach out more. I also help lead activities and projects at my church’s retreats for the younger kids. I think it’s important to give back. If you have a skill or talent, even if that just means giving your time, why not? TT

The purpose of the ONE|SEQUOIT Project is to display how Antioch Community High School has impacted current and graduated students’ lives through education, student life, athletics and community service. This project is our attempt to tell a story of ACHS through the lens of its students—past, present and future. These stories are not told by Tom Tom journalists. Instead, they are told by the Sequoits themselves. It is their words, their story and their experience. They are ACHS, and together they are ONE|SEQUOIT.

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Tom Tom 12.13.13

SHAYLENE McCUE

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