The Tom Tom | Senior Issue 2014 by Antioch Community High School Tom Tom

The Student Voice of Antioch Community High School

THE

SENIOR ISSUE

321 SEQUOITS OUR PORTRAIT OF THE CLASS OF 2014

THE

SENIOR ISSUE

CONTENTS

4 Editor’s Note 5 Letter to the Editor 6 Growing Up and Seeking Shelter

Senior Snapshots / 5 Things Somebody Should Have Told Us About High School

8 9

Living on $7.25 Growing Up Sequoit

10 Counselors Impact Seniors’ Futures

11 Sequoit Soldiers 12 Under Pressure 14 Not So Little Sequoits 16 Reflections on High School

17 DENIED 18 Where Are Seniors Going to College?

20 Senior Profiles 27 Remembering Joel Whittkamp

They Make a Difference

30 The Iron Men and Iron Women of 2014

32 ONE|SEQUOIT

Senior

ALWAYS A SEQUOIT

EDITOR’S NOTE

As time begins to dwindle, seniors begin to look forward to the future and back on their experiences at ACHS. SARA PETTY Editor-in-Chief

Several times this year, I’ve found myself wondering, “what if I could have just one more year of high school?” One more year to truly take advantage of everything that ACHS has to offer. One more year to really make sure I can walk across the stage at graduation and feel like I’ve made an impact on ACHS and the Antioch community. At the same time, I also find myself thinking, “how much would I really do differently?” Sure, I could be a little more involved, do a little more for the Tom Tom or work a lit-

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 Nathaniel Alexander Nicholas Dorosan Ian Gowland Chase Pogue

Sarah Chapleau Johnny Horton Heather Klean Lauren Ponzetti

Adam Chellberg Michael Horvat Brendan Moore Andrea Sodt

Mission Statement

Letters to the Editor

The Tom Tom provides fair and balanced news reporting for the Lake County area. The Tom Tom is a student-run news organization that serves the Antioch community through a quarterly print news magazine and daily online content. It is our duty to encourage the involvement of town activities and sporting events. The Tom Tom is an open forum publication and strives to inform, educate and improve the atmosphere and student body here at Antioch Community High School.

Letters to the editor must be signed and should not exceed 250 words in length. Those wishing to withhold his or her name must still sign the letter for the Tom Tom office purposes. No more than two signatures can represent a letter. Unsigned letters will not be printed. The Tom Tom staff reserves the right to edit lengthy material or withhold the publication of any letters.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

tle harder at tennis practice... even put a little more effort into my homework. But in the long run, how much difference could that really make? Seniors, I challenge you to take those “what ifs” and use them to fuel the next four years (and maybe even more) of your lives. Starting at a new school, in a new town, maybe even a new state, gives you so many opportunities that you might not have had at ACHS and even some that you did have but never took advantage of. This is the perfect time to move ahead with our lives, taking with us the memories and lessons we’ve learned over the years and leaving behind any bad decisions or regrets. Though we may not realize it now, ACHS has had more of an impact on each of us than we may ever know. For some, it may have been positive, for others negative at times, but still influential just the same. I, for one, could not be more grateful for the support and guidance I have received from not only staff members, but administrators and peers as well. Through their daily actions, they have shown me what it means to be a leader and have inspired me to put my all into everything that I am involved in. I look forward to applying this mentality to the rest of my life. As we prepare, in these last few days, to become official graduates of Antioch Community High School, Class of 2014, I hope that each and every senior can look back at their time here and reflect on their experiences, good and bad, and use them to take the first steps into the rest of their lives. For many of us, May 18, 2014, will be the last time we see the majority of our fellow classmates. HowSARA PETTY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ever, this realization doesn’t need to be consumed with sadness. Instead, choose to look at this day as an affirmation of our preparation for the “real world” and the diversity and unique qualities that make up our senior class. No matter how many miles away we end up, both from Antioch and each other, we are all Sequoits at heart. Whether we choose to accept it or not, “Once a Sequoit, Always a Sequoit” will still hold true. TT

Whether we choose to accept it or not, “Once a Sequoit, Always a Sequoit” will still hold true.

As the school year winds down, the Tom Tom will not be producing content online or in print after May 31. When On Dec. 16, the Tom Tom will release the online school resumes in be thefound fall,at One|Sequoit video projects. They can the various student media www.tomtomnews.com and will feature various ACHS alumni that share the effect that ACHS has had organizations at ACHS willon their education, student life, athletics and community combine to form Sequoit service. Stay tuned for more videos to be released on Student Media. Look for a our website throughout 2014! new website and social media accounts, coming soon.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

GIVING THANKS TO THE CLASS OF 2014 Sequoit Seniors,

t is with many mixed emotions that I sit down to write a letter to you. As we embark upon the last few days with one another, it has caused me to spend some significant time reflecting on your high school experience, your future endeavors, and the school’s role in both of these. While what the next phase of your life will hold for you is extremely exciting to me, I am saddened to think that our daily interactions will soon come to a halt. While I am hopeful for what your contributions of leadership, citizenship, passion, hard work, and dedication will bring to our communities, I am apprehensive about the absence of your lead-by-example character, attitude, and presence here at ACHS. While I am inspired by the opportunities and successes that lie before you, I am still in awe of those you have left as your legacy in our halls, on our walls, and in our hearts. While I will miss you, I am so incredibly proud of and excited for you. Finally, while we thank you for what you have done to leave your indelible mark upon our learning community, we want to encourage, support, and have hopefully prepared you to make an even larger mark on our society. You are my first graduating class as a principal. As I am sure it is for you, this time of year has become very emotional for me. The principalship is such an incredible opportunity. In these few months we have been together, you all have taught me more about education, leadership, and humanity than I can even begin to put into words. I started out the year by speaking about the importance of relationships in education; you have all taken heed of that and forged relationships that will last you a lifetime. The relationship your class has built with me has profoundly impacted me. Your actions, words, accomplishments, time, dedication, passion, perspective, and voice all have worked to influence me as an educator, a leader, and a father. You have embraced my family and have had a significant influence on my two daughters. They love the Sequoits and I thank you for making this their home away from home. As you look at your future beyond high school, you ought to be consumed with anticipation of the impact you will be able to

make and lives you are about to touch. Whether your path will take you to the military, college, a technical school, or into the workforce, you will make a difference. Your class posted the highest ACT score in school history. On your backs, ACHS is able to celebrate making AYP. Through your leadership, we are a learning community that is respectful, responsible, and proud. And, through your experiences and efforts, you are ready for life beyond these four walls. You will always be a Sequoit… be proud of that. This will always be a home for you… please visit often. I will always respect and admire you… please know how much all of you mean to me. Being the father of two amazing and beautiful young daughters, I am compelled to leave you with three quotes from Dr. Seuss… he is our household’s inspirational leader: • On the conclusion of your high school experience: “Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.” • On being passionate about all you do: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” • On following your dreams: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Thank you class of 2014. You have left a mark on Antioch Community High School and you have left a mark upon my heart. I deeply care about each one of you and I will sorely miss you all. I wish you the very best of luck and look forward to all that this class will accomplish in the future.

Go Sequoits! Mr. Hubbard

05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior COLUMN

GROWING UP AND SEEKING SHELTER

Making mistakes and changing your mind are part of getting older. HEATHER LATAKAS

like crap. We will make new friends and Assignment Editor lose some along the way. And you know igh school has a way of being why? Because we finally can. Yes, high school is a whole new lifethe longest and shortest time of your life. You’re not a kid, but style compared to middle school, but it’s not an adult. Adults expect you to take still so sheltered. If we are all “good” on grown up responsibilities, but you’re kids, then we always go to class and we still treated like a kid. By the time we’re never go to parties. There have always seniors, students are supposed to know been parents and teachers telling us right where they want to go to college and from wrong, with serious consequences what they want to do with the rest of behind every misstep we take. In other their lives. At the same time, we are still words, there is so much in life we know so sheltered. There are so many things nothing about. There are so many wrong we are not supposed to do and still ha- paths left to follow. Yet somehow, we are supposed to be ready and commit to ven’t tried. High school is just four years of our a future we know nothing about. We’re lives, but honestly, they’re a pretty vi- supposed to confidently pick a school and a major, when tal four years. we’ve only lived where This is the time our parents chose to where we find live and learned what out who we reour teachers chose to ally are. Take a teach. look at yourself Are we really ready? as a freshman and Do we know what now as a senior. You don’t have HEATHER LATAKAS we’re getting ourselves into? I’m not all of the same so sure I am, and colfriends. You lege is a pretty expendon’t play the same sports or enjoy the same hobbies. You used to like to read, sive mistake. We’re still learning about but high school loaded you with “To ourselves all the time, slowly gathering Kill a Mockingbird” and “A Tale of Two opportunities to make our own choices. Cities,” and you no longer read just for At this point in time, we should know fun. You’ve fallen in and out of love where we are going, what we are doing with the wrong girl or guy who knows and what path we are on. Along the way, how many times. Let’s face it; we aren’t there will be a million different directhe same people we were when we start- tions we can take, but we are mapping it ed high school. Why? Because of our out now, before we have a clue. So here we are, in our final days of experiences. And that’s just in four years of high high school. Some of us held onto a few school. Now we’re seniors, and we’re amazing friends. Some of us are sayoff on our own, supposedly ready to take ing goodbye to the sports we’ve played on all the responsibilities of adulthood. since we could walk. Some of us move But just as easily as high school affected confidently in the direction of our fuus, college will do the same. And think tures, and some of us are hesitant. Either of all the things we haven’t experienced way, it’s ours; we have the power to do yet. The amount of freedom we will the wrong thing and we all will at one have as college students will cause us point or another. We are going to change to make about a million mistakes and our minds, and change them again, bepoor choices. We will skip class, we cause that’s growing up, and we all have will have messy dorms and we will eat a little more growing up to do. TT

High school is just four years of our lives, but honestly, they’re a pretty vital four years.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

A SIDE NOTE

Senior Year: The Best Year TYLER DZIUBLA

Assistant Digital Director

Seniors have been at Antioch Community High School for four years and, in some cases, five. Those years, depending on who a person asks, can be very different. Ranging from high school sucks, to high school is amazing or maybe somewhere in between. No matter which side each of us may be on it can generally be said that senior year is the best year out of the other three. Why do I believe this? Freshmen are terrible. It is a sad fact that the seniors were once this obnoxious bottom of the barrel. They are the most immature and make us seniors shake our heads. Seniors get when the teachers talk about little freshman being annoying little, high-pitched children. For most people, sophomore year is just one big blur that no one remembers. If you asked one person their favorite part of sophomore year they would most likely say, “I don’t even know.” There isn’t much to do as a sophomore in high school. Some may get their permits and take drivers ed, but you have to drive with an adult, which is always an inconvenience when you want to go out with your friends. When you get your license and your parent doesn’t provide a car for you, a license is basically useless because it’s hard for a sixteen year old to get a job without a car. It’s also hard to get a car without a job. Junior year is plagued by getting ready for the ACT. Pressure by that beast of a test, which essentially determines the rest of your life, can lead to juniors feeling overly stressed about their futures. This whole year is based on preparing for college even though you still have time left to get it all together. Honestly, the only privilege that juniors get is prom, which is probably the most exciting thing about the whole year. Senior year, the only pressure is waiting to see if the college you desperately want, wants you back. After the first semester, students also go into a mode where coasting is the name of the game. The classes become more relaxed and the day dreaming becomes an everyday occurrence. After spring break, it’s expected that most seniors are checked out. Thinking of summer where the only stress is deciding which mini-fridge to buy for your dorm room. No summer reading, no homework, no obligations. Other than that, the goal is to wake up (somewhat) and not fail all of your classes. It is a time to push to the finish, and that finish will be so sweet when you get that piece of paper that lets you start your life or move on to a higher education and work towards another piece of paper to hang up on your office wall. TT

SENIOR SNAPSHOTS

5 THINGS SOMEBODY SHOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL 1. It's never too early to start preparing

With the ACT and the many other tests one takes in high school, and will continue to take after high school, nothing is more important than preparation. When looking back, nearly every high school graduate remorses not investing more time in preparing for these tests. As well as preparing for individual tests, studying course material is a must.

2. Find what you're good at and stick with it

Whether it's in high school or college, participating in activities is highly beneficially. But don't just join everything! Find what you're good at and then focus on it. College counselors love to see dedication and commitment.

3. You might not fall in love with a school

All too often while on college visits students start to panic when the school in question isn't everything they wanted. Don't panic! Just because your visit, or visits, aren't perfect doesn't mean it's the end of the world. The fact is that no matter how hard you try you'll never know what it's like to be a student of that college until you are a student of the college. But here's the good news, you'll adapt. So much of your experience will depend on you and not the school you choose, so pick the school that makes sense and not just the one that "feels right."

4. Don't try and be something you're not

When it comes to college essays and interviews in general, few things are as important as being honest and genuine. Admission counselors love nothing more than a honest essay from the heart; most interviewers will feel the same way.

5. Have an outlet

As you get older and more independent it will become ever more important to find an emotional outlet. Many students go from living at home with their parents, a source of stability and emotional support, to living alone or in college dorms. What many discover is just how important activities and other outlets become to regain that support and stability. TT 05.09.14 Tom Tom 7

SENIOR

LIVING O N $7.25 Finding ways to maximize a minimum wage job. CHASE POGUE Reporter

any changes are associated with the end of high school and the start of college. Undergraduate years mark an era of independence, a generation of freedom, an age of responsibility—but mostly four years of Ramen noodles. For some, college is the first time students are introduced to the idea of having to pay for one’s own food, rent, gas, clothing and, for most, this means making ends meet on a minimum wage job. There was a time, some 40 years ago, when earning minimum wage was actually above the poverty line, but that wage has long stopped keeping pace with inflation. Instead, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, a figure than hasn’t been raised in four years. Nineteen states, including Illinois, have set minimum wages that are higher than the federal level. Illinois’ minimum wage is $8.25 an hour, which translates to $17,160 in annual income. Even McDonald’s recently admitted that it’s nearly impossible to live off of their entry level salary—even if someone were to work full time and pick up another job for 40 hours a week. But if it has to be done, there are some helpful things to assist someone in doing it. As a college student, two of the biggest potential weekly expenses are going to be food and (if you have a car or a job off campus) gas. With gas prices constantly skyrocketing, driving places isn’t going to be kind to your wallet. The bad news is, somehow, you are going to have to get places. The good news is hope is not all lost. In this generation’s economy, carpooling has become more common than ever before. You can save seven or eight tanks worth of gas money every month just alternating who needs to drive to work every week. Aside from carpooling, walking or biking is a very beneficial way to get around, good for your bank account, butt and better for the environment. But what are you going to do about food? Believe it or not, eating is an essential part of living. There’s no way to get around it. Luckily, there are lots of colleges that offer student meal plans whose cost can be included in tuition. Not only does this eliminate your need to buy your own food, but it makes sure you never go hungry or feel the need to skip meals. Unfortunately, university food is not always the most appealing. If you’d rather

Tom Tom 05.09.14

take the responsibility of preparing food on your own, make sure to always check prices. Couponing can be a pastime you might want

to consider because food always tastes better when it’s practically free. Brand names are your new worst enemy and bringing your own lunch is your new best friend. If you make the choice to prepare your own food over ordering out, you immediately pocket that extra twenty bucks instead of eating your money atop an extra cheese pizza. Also, buy a coffee maker. A bag of quality coffee that makes 48 cups is $7— roughly the same amount of money as two grande Starbucks Mochas. One of the biggest mistakes that college kids make is spending their entire day’s paycheck on a latte and slice of banana bread. If you’re not used to making your own coffee, you might just find that by experimenting you’ll find your new (and cheap) favorite way to wake up in the morning. Now that you only have two or three classes a day, you might find yourself with an excess of entertainment time and an itch to splurge on movies, music and the like. Entertainment on a tight budget may seem impossible and boredom may seem inevitable, but there are ways to get around your expensive roadblock. A library is a great source of free music, movies, books and even video games. People often overlook this option because they believe that anything the library has to offer will be outdated, but one glance at the numerous stacks of Blu-ray DVDs might change your mind. Who cares if the entire collection of the “Saw” movies and the newest season of “How I Met Your Mother” smells a little musty when you’re not paying a single dime to rent it? Buying clothing and products on clearance and a minimum wage salary may not be much fun, but dollar stores and thrift shops can definitely help ease the pain. A $20 bill in either of these places can mean food for a week, two pairs of pants, three shirts, laundry detergent and other important items—like Febreze—for your less than pleasant smelling roommate. TT

GROWING UP SEQUOIT

The lessons and values ACHS taught will last students a lifetime.

JOHNNY HORTON Reporter

MICHAEL HORVAT Reporter

igh school: four years to make everlasting memories, learn new things and decide what to do with life. Freshman year: the foundation to construct a promising high school career. Sophomore year: the year to build off of that foundation. Junior year: the year to start planning a future. Senior year: a year to reflect and try to decide what to do with life. These four years have a great impact on the students. Here at Antioch Community High School, the staff tries to make each and every students’ high school career memorable and promising. As the seniors prepare to finish up the school year, they reflect on their entire high school career. Senior Hailey Ambroso described her high school experience with the teachers as comforting and influential. “ACHS’s accepting and nurturing environment allowed me to grow vastly as a person,” said Ambroso. This accepting and nurturing environment is not only shown by the school itself, but also can be seen through the students learning about themselves. While many students have enjoyed the kindness of their peers, many others have made life lessons out of dealing with tough experiences. “Well, I have learned a lot. Quite honestly,

I’ve learned a lot about life. I was a victim of some serious bullying during my freshman year, and—in some sense—I have become immune to the hatred and have never been afraid to be myself since. ACHS has truly showed me that you have to do a lot for yourself and not others,” said senior James Novack. “But, at the same time, you have to put someone else’s needs before your own. People have been rude to me my entire life; until junior year, people could say rude things to me, and I could be seriously hurt. Now, you could say the rudest thing to me, and all I will say is, ‘sorry.’” Although hatred is not condoned at ACHS, learning to deal with bullies can be a skill that will come in handy in the real world. Sometimes it’s the negative experiences that teach someone the most in life. “Life is what you make of it,” Senior Robert Herman said. “You’re at the point where you need to control where you’re headed. It’s a lot of work, but it may pay off in the long run. What did the I-Search teach the majority of the seniors? It taught us that we’re very bad at planning our time. Some more than others.” Senior year is a good time to reflect and see how far someone has come and reflect on how someone grew not only as a student, but as a thriving individual, too. These students believe that ACHS has changed them and other students immensely. The friends made and experiences had at ACHS will leave an everlasting impression on the graduating Sequoits. It’s the people and experiences that make ACHS truly unique. TT

Life is what you make of it. You’re at the point where you need to control where you’re headed. It’s a lot of work, but it may pay off in the long run. ROBERT HERMAN, SENIOR

ACHS’s accepting and nurturing environment allowed me to grow vastly as a person. HAILEY AMBROSO, SENIOR

I’ve learned a lot about life. In some sense- I have become immune to the hatred and have never been afraid to be myself since. JAMES NOVACK, SENIOR 05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior

COUNSELORS IMPACT SENIORS’ FUTURES

Seniors shared experiences through an annoymous online survey discussing how the guidance counselors and Naviance influenced the semiors’ final year at Antioch Community High School. counselors, 87 percent of seniors said that guidance counselors, some students felt they their guidance counselor constantly support- weren’t so lucky with the help they received. One student shared an unfortunate experied their decisions for life after ACHS. egardless of whether or not meetings Although many students said that their ence with their guidance counselor. with a guidance counselor occurred guidance counselors had a positive influ“I believe my counselor was definitely not only once or ence on their careers at the best when it comes to helping students. 100 times throughout ACHS, a majority of the [My counselor] would take weeks to send out high school, they have students said that they things that I gave [the counselor] and some made a lasting impact visited their guidance things were even sent out past their deadlines on students’ lives here counselors zero to three because of them. ... I feel like I should not at Antioch Communitimes over the course of have to nag my counselor in order to receive ty High School, espethe assistance they are supposed to be giving senior year. cially for the seniors. Many students are me,” the student’s response said. Senior year can be the Even though guidance counselors may not familiar with the promost stressful year of offer the desired assistance some students gram Naviance, a colANONYMOUS ACHS STUDENT high school: choosing lege/career preparatory feel they may need, the guidance counselors a college, maintaining site used by the guid- do put helping the students, and especially grades, participating in ance counselors, and seniors, above all other things in their job deathletics and other extracurriculars and, obvi- the survey revealed the seniors do not really scriptions. ously, graduation. In the midst of all this hus- feel any certain way about the site. Despite One student said, “my guidance counselor tle and bustle, guidance counselors are there the response, Naviance has done wonderful to lend a helping hand in planning our futures can offer some pretty things for me. I’ve after high school, which definitely requires a solid information about had big dreams my lot of help. entire life; wanting to college, but it also can The future is unwritten, and the guidance seem pointless at times. go to medical school counselors can offer some of the best college/ was one of those. I “I feel that Naviance life preparatory help for students while they can be helpful for those definitely did not have are still in high school. the grades. My guidwho do not know what One senior’s response in an anonymous they would like to do ance counselor suponline survey said, “My counselor helped me for college or for a ANONYMOUS ACHS STUDENT ported my decision to stay on track with my classes in order to play career. For those who apply fully. I ended up college athletics. She also helped me stay on know what they want to getting into my dream track with all the forms that I needed to fill do, it has no purpose,” school, and I could out. Counselors help a lot.” only thank [my counselor] for [the] motivasaid another student in the survey. In the same survey about the guidance Whether or not strong ties are built with the tion and support.” TT 10 Tom Tom 05.09.14

LAUREN PONZETTI

Reporter

“[My guidance counselor] also helped me stay on track with all the forms that I needed to fill out. Counselors help a lot! “

“I should not have to nag my counselor in order to receive the assistance they are supposed to be giving me.”

NAVY

Legg decided she wanted to enlist in the Navy after she was turned down for a Navy ROTC Scholarship earlier this winter. She knew the Navy was the best choice for her because of all the Navy had to offer. “The structure, the discipline, and the benefits are the most important things that attracted me to the service,” said Legg. Legg had an easy time choosing the branch because she grew up as a “Navy brat” and was raised in a strong military family. “I have to say that my recruiter and my father were such great resources and were super helpful when it came to joining,” said Legg. Legg’s father and her recruiter have been major influences on her choices and they have made her future goals easier to accomplish. “ I am so excited to start my journey as a sailor, and I am very happy with my decision to enlist. I ship to boot camp October 1, 2014,” said Legg. TT

NATIONAL GUARD

DANA LEGG

MATTHEW LUSCH Lusch will be able to call himself a National Guard member once all his training is said and done. “I have not been fully accepted yet, but a few weeks after graduation is when I expect to start training,” said Lusch. When Lusch visited the 9/11 memorial on a school trip to New York, he decided that joining the National Guard was his calling. “I chose to sign up for the National Guard because I have always felt a strong sense of duty to the United States and to Illinois,” said Lusch. Lusch is hoping that his involvement in the National Guard will impact the nation and ultimately prevent incidents like 9/11 from ever happening again. TT

SEQUOIT SOLDIERS T

HEATHER KLEAN

Reporter

he hallways flood with seniors in their college apparel, but not every student is planning on college after graduation. Some have chosen the tough decision to enroll themselves in the military. This decision may be much more difficult than choosing which college to go to. Being a senior, enlisting into the military is a completely new step into the real world and it’s not always an easy step to take. Some of these seniors are following in the footsteps of their siblings or parents and hope to keep the tradition alive.

MARINE CORPS

JARED HEINZ

Heinz will be on the front line when he starts his career as a United States Marine. Jared will be a 61xx (Aircraft Mechanic), which is an Military Occupational Specialty. His shipping date is expected to be July 7. “I decided to join the military for multiple reasons like good benefits, retirement plans, adventure, personal belief and moral duty,” said Heinz. Heinz has many reasons for joining the Marines but two are the most important. “One is that the marines offer a challenge that no other branch can offer and the second one is that I wanted to be able to say that in my lifetime I’ve done something that less than 8 percent of the nation has done,” said Heinz. TT

AIR FORCE

CONNOR GUGEL

“The process of joining was really long and involved a lot of waiting,” said Gugel. He started talking to his recruiter last year and in November he received the date to go to Military Entrance Processing Station where the new recruits take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which is a timed multi-aptitude test and when recruits get their physical done. Once the test and physical are passed the person can be sworn in. “At the MEPS center I got examined in a million and one ways and actually made it all the way through to swearing in. Many people who go to MEPS actually get sent home before they can finish due to any of millions of things that could have gone wrong during examination,” said Gugel. Six individuals from different branches, including Gugel, were all sworn in that day. Gugel will be beginning his basic training in Texas. TT 05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior High school may help with college readiness when it comes to education, but the added stress of selecting a college left some seniors feeling unprepared and

UNDER PRESSURE SARAH CHAPLEAU Reporter

ach year of high school brings with it new challenges, and senior year may hold the most challenging decision of all. It is the year when seniors decide where they might going to college and what they are planning on doing after high school. The process of choosing a college comes with many fears and pressures that seniors have to face. For some students, it is a simple process—and for others it is nerve-wracking and stressful. Every student’s story is as unique as the path they are choosing. Several shared their experiences with the college search process as their senior year draws to a close.

NATE ZEIEN DRAKE UNIVERSITY

t was difficult [to choose] because you have to take multiple things into perspective. I am glad that the search is over.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

SIA MISTRY RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

started my search the beginning of junior year. I knew I wanted to go to art school and study illustration/animation, so I scoured forums, catalogs, etc. for art schools with strong programs in those areas (NOT liberal arts colleges or universities with art programs—that greatly narrowed down my search). I also went to two national portfolio days, which is basically a college fair for art schools and talked to admissions counselors who reviewed my artwork, told me what to improve on and answered my questions about the whole art school life. I’ve been looking forward to going to college for two years now, so I haven’t received any of the ‘what do you want to do after high school? Apply to a college already!’ spiel. My parents have been nothing but enthusiastic and supportive of my decisions and they trusted me to take care of all my applications myself for the most part, which I’m very thankful for. At Antioch, it was constantly suggested I go to CLC/a state university for art, because it seems that’s where most Antioch alumni go, but I was completely certain that that wasn’t the kind of atmosphere and education I wanted. I didn’t feel pressured at all because I had everything planned out for myself. Sometimes, I would feel left out and doubt myself since I didn’t know anyone else in the Antioch area who was also applying to art schools, which have significantly different application processes than other

colleges. Also, I was very adamant about living in a large city area after high school—Ringling is in a small town area, so it was quite unappealing to me at first, but since they gave me decent financial aid and their computer animation program is excellent, I’ve made the sacrifice. I’m also very interested in politics aside from art, so I wanted to be able to study that during my art undergrad, but I realized it’s better to focus on my art now and look into grad schools later.

MONICA SUPPLE DEPAUL UNIVERSITY

nce I visited DePaul, I knew that’s where I wanted to go. This was truly my decision; I had support from a lot of people to go wherever would be best for me. To be honest, this year came with more stress than I expected and you need to cry it out sometimes and then move on to the next thing.

YOU KNOW YOU GO TO ANTIOCH WHEN A compilation of the seniors’ ideas of ACHS stereotypes. Some of your teachers taught your older siblings… and your parents. People wear camo like a deer is going to be in the next class they go to. “Is this room cold?” “It’s okay, everywhere else is boiling.” Something has duct tape on it. Nuggeting is a professional sport.

SAMANTHA DANIELS COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY

4 I

had always wanted to get out of here and go to a four year university, but I decided in September that something like that was just not really doable for me. I decided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and then found out that I can get my associates [degree] from CLC and that was just the most financially sound place for me. There was a tremendous amount of pressure on me from my entire family to go somewhere, get out of here and make something of myself. There are still some issues that arise, but what people don’t know is that CLC is a wonderful option for someone who doesn’t have much in their college fund. I sort of just cracked under the pressure and wasn’t sure what to do after a while. But I made sure that I knew everything there was to know about the program I’m going into so I can make sure that everyone knows that I’m not just “giving up” or “taking the easy way out.” It was difficult to break it to my family that I don’t want to go somewhere far away and that I wanted to stay home. They didn’t understand why I would want to do that because of how long I’ve wanted to go far away. *** Senior year is full of the challenges that come with choosing a college. Each student deals with these challenges differently and this leads to a unique college search. Whether your post-high school plans are in far your past or deep in your future, take some time to encourage a high school senior at this tough crossroads in their lives—he or she will thank you for it. TT

The parking lot is full of diesel smoke. Your backpack is bigger than your locker. The one thing you’ll always remember from high school is what a Sequoit is. The worst traffic jam you’ve ever gotten into was between the math hallway and commons. “Trucks and mud” and “’Merica’” are part of your everyday vocabulary. You hate eagles and large bodies of water, like, for instance…Lakes. 05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior

NOT SO ITTLE SEQUOITS

SARA PETTY

Thirteen years ago the class of 2014 began preschool, some of which began wearing cardinal and grey.

Editor-in-Chief

As ACHS and the Antioch community prepare for the senior class of 2014 graduation, parents, grandparents and even students may find themselves thinking back to past graduation ceremonies. Maybe as recent as an eighth grade graduation in 2010 or as distant as a preschool or kindergarten graduation years earlier. For two seniors, Destiny Poe and Alex McCameron, their first and last graduations, before heading onto higher education, will have taken place right here at ACHS. Poe and McCameron are two members of the current senior class who attended Little Sequoits Preschool and then went on to come in as a high school students years later. For Laura Tielke, ACHS family and consumer sciences teacher and director of the Little Sequoits Preschool program, Poe and McCameron will be among the first students from her preschool classes since beginning her career at ACHS to graduate as high schoolers. The program originally started in 1976, with somewhat low enrollment. Tielke took over the classes and continued to see interest grow throughout the years. "I think the high school students really enjoy working with the preschool students. They bring a lot of energy and 'fun' to the program. The preschool children LOVE their 'high school' friends," said Tielke. "The overall environment is fun while learning is taking place." Though it has been quite a few years, Poe still remembers a few things from her experiences in Tielke's class at the age of five. "I remember playing with the blocks. They were made of cardboard but made to look like bricks. I always wanted to build towers with them," Poe said. A preschooler attending high school might seem strange to some, but Tielke, Poe and McCameron agreed that it is beneficial for both age groups. Poe said, "At the time I was in preschool, my older sister was in high school. So she had a few friends that helped out in the class. It was nice knowing someone there. The high schoolers made it easy for everyone to have individual attention." McCameron said, "I do not really remember the high schoolers that helped teach, however I also didn't realize that they were high schoolers. I thought

Tom Tom 05.09.14

they were just adults." Poe and McCameron have changed considerably from the time they first entered ACHS as preschoolers. It's hard to believe that their first graduation at ACHS took place nearly 13 years ago. "I love watching the preschool children grow. I have had so many complete families here at ACHS. I have had cousins, siblings and even past high school students' children! I know I have been here a long time when a high school student walks up to me and asks if I remember them from preschool. Wow I'm old," Tielke said. "My 1st preschool class is graduating from high school!" Poe will be attending Western Illinois University in the fall and hopes to become a juvenile police officer upon graduating. McCameron will be majoring in engineering at Valparaiso University. Poe said, "It is kinda cool to know you started and finished your education in the same place. It is not something many people can say." "It is weird to come full circle. Like when I see the little kids every day, it is really hard for me to picture being that small and young as I walk past kids who will soon be in my place," said McCameron. TT

Photos Courtesy Patty Petty (top) and Alex McCameron (bottom) The Little Sequoits Preschool program began nearly 40 years ago. Since then, there have been multiple directors. The current director, Laura Tielke, will watch as some of the members of her first group of Little Sequoits walk across the stage for the class of 2014’s graduation. Seniors Destiny Poe and Alex McCameron were among the first batch of Tielke’s Little Sequoits. The two find it “weird” to “come full circle” in this experience. The two began their educational careers at Antioch Community High School and will end their high school years at the same place. Other graduating seniors who also attended Little Sequoits Preschool include Sara Petty, Lexy Vetter and Heather Klean.

STOP is your

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$36

Katelyn Stigall Kody Stone Jessica Stonis Brittany Stout Gavin Street Riley Street Natalie Summerfelt Monica Supple Taylor Talken Charles Taylor Elizabeth Taylor Danielle Tebbe Isaac Terrazas Kyle Thode Mackenzie Thomas Shane Thomas Ryan Thorn Tyler Thorn Karla Toman Rebecca Tompkins Katie Torres Hannah Tortorella Max Tubbs Jaclyn Ukleja Kaitlyn Ukleja Jonathan Unick Frances Uy Dominique Vacala Lane Vacala Kevin Van Dycke Samuel Van Patten Stephanie Vanderwall Joseph VanDiest Kayla Vazquez Derek Veal Anne Wagner Emily Waldbart Braden Ward Megan Wargula Julia Weber Logan Weber Maia Wehling Johnathan Welsh Marissa Werba Andrew Westberg Caroline Westrate Brandon White Holly White Benjamin Wielgat Karl Wiemerslage Valerie Wilczopolski Steven Wilhelm Jeffrey Wilson Brock Wines Chase Winkler Taylor Winkler Amanda Winston David Witte Gabriella Wolske Daniel Wood Ashley Wright Jennifer Wright Seth Wright Nathaniel Yazzie Brendan Yee Elizabeth Zagorski Alex Zawistowski Jessica Zawistowski Kamila Zbiral Wesley Zegan Nathan Zeien Sara Zeien Seth Zeien Zoe Zeien Abigail Zenoni Bailey Zibble Shannon Zogran Brittney Zuidema

Senior

REFLECTIONS OF HIGH SCHOOL M

y most memorable moment throughout my high school career took place during my senior year over spring break. I was one of the few students that got to go on a trip to London and Paris for eight days and it was absolutely amazing. It was a once-ina-lifetime experience that I am so glad I took the time to go on because I learned so much about the countries and culture. The sights we saw were extraordinary, especially the Eiffel Tower, and I can’t wait to go back hopefully in the future. I became a lot closer with all of my friends on the trip and the chaperones too, and I will never forget how memorable the trip was. TT

D a niel Wood

Ashley LaPointe

Tom Tom 05.09.14

t’s no secret that running is my life, so my most memorable moment throughout high school, of course, involves that. My last cross country season this past fall was an unforgettable season. I sat down with my coach, Mr. Bailey, and told him my goal was to be All-Conference (top 30) and I knew right off the bat that it was going to be the hardest thing I have ever worked for. Antioch is in the hardest conference so the competition was not going to be easy to go up against, so I trained harder than I ever have, ate healthy and made sure I followed my coaches orders. Come race day, I was insanely cranky from being nervous. As soon as the gun went off I blocked out everything except for my goal: All-Conference. As the finish line was approaching my legs felt like hundred pound weights were strapped onto them and I started to doubt if I could do it. Mental toughness was what saved me that day, and as soon as I ignored the pain and focused on my goal, the finish line got closer and closer. The home stretch came and I gave it everything I had inside of me. At that point I was no longer running with my legs, but with my heart. I collapsed as soon as I crossed the finish line, placing 24th and making All-Conference. This accomplishment is my most memorable moment by far. TT

Zoe Zeien

ooking back on these past four years, there are sooo many wonderful memories I could go on forever! But some of my favorite would have to be from my freshman and sophomore year when I was inseparable with my cousin, Kelsey Runyard. She is my bestest friend and literally we would do the craziest things together! I remember we got ready for my first homecoming and she warned me things would get a little heated...and oh boy, they did! The dance was a lot different than dances in middle school and I think we all can assume why... but I had the time of my life!! I love dancing and having a good time and high school was filled with so many memorable dances and rowdy football games. I’m going to miss it, but I am so ready to move on. It’s been a fun ride, but now traveling and adventure awaits me! TT

Got a Letter? Send them to Arlenne Lozano and we’ll publish them online. arlenne.lozano@chsd117.org

DENIED:

When students have their hearts set on a college, it can be heartbreaking if the college decides not to admit them. Seniors Olivia Guzzardo and Anna Gwozdz share their stories of rejection and how they moved on.

So what happens after seniors get denied? Having been denied entry into their dream colleges, Guzzardo and Gwozdz were both forced to look at others. very college is given a competitive “From there, friends and teachers told rating based on the percent of apme to check out Loyola University of Chiplicants over the amount that were cago since it shared a lot of similarities to accepted. This ratio is important to keep in Northwestern. I took a tour and researched a mind when planning for college because even lot about the school and ended up falling in the best of colleges do not have room for too love,” said Gwozdz. many above average applicants. The amount In fact, Loyola University seemed to be a of time and attention given to PSAE days and perfect fit for both. the scores students get impact these numbers. “After revisiting the campus and meeting More and more pressure is placed on the jusome of my fellow classmates, I really think niors to rise to the occasion for senior year it is a fantastic school for me. The success. Senior year arrives and the anthropology program is stunning competition doesn't stop. So what happens when a college decides not I had no idea how this could possibly be; and the professors I have contacted could not have been any nicer or to accept an applicant for any nummore helpful,” said Guzzardo. ber of various reasons? As hard as it was to think about I worked so hard throughout all of Denied. attending any other college than their Antioch Community High School dream colleges, both of these stellar senior Olivia Guzzardo can attest to students are looking to their exciting this heartbreaking word. high school and on my application, so new future. “Ever since I was a little girl I “It really hurts in the beginning dreamed of going to Northwestern why didn't they accept me?” when you find out, but there are so University. Everything about it just many other colleges that have the seemed perfect. Then I toured Unimajor you are looking for and have versity of Chicago and it blew away - Olivia Guzzardo, ACHS senior an even better program than you all desires of attending Northwestthought. It's all about having difern. I decided University of Chicago ferent options and back-up plans. was truly the perfect school for me,” happened to be Northwestern University as Sometimes it doesn't work out in your favor, said Guzzardo. Northwestern University and University of well. When Gwozdz received her rejection but you have to move on and accept that there Chicago both have less than an eight percent letter, she described her thoughts at the mo- is better opportunity waiting for you elseacceptance rate, even less than average due ment as, “... an emotional train-wreck to say where,” said Gwozdz. And instead of focusing on the school, to the record breaking number of applicants the least. It's hard to have your heart and mind this year. These competitive numbers seem set on a school to find out they don't want you. Guzzardo reminds denied applicants that “it I thought I challenged myself a lot through- is never the school that leads to greatness, unimportant to seniors who have a stellar apout high school as well as trying to stay in- it is solely the work that the student puts in. plication though. Guzzardo remained in great standing volved. I beat myself up over my ACT score Remember that and keep up the great work.” Although Loyola wasn’t a first choice, the most because I thought that is what held throughout her four years at ACHS. both Guzzardo and Gwozdz find it to be a “On top of maintaining a GPA of 4.5 all me back as a possible candidate.” Gwozdz achieved a 31 on her ACT and first rate choice. At Loyola, Guzzardo plans four years, I participated in every drama production at the high school my freshman currently has a cumulative GPA of 4.687. In on majoring in anthropology and archaeolothrough junior year. I also am a part of the addition, she is psychology club president, gy and Gwozdz will be majoring in criminal National Honors Society and was a member/ has a job during the school year and is an ac- psychology. TT secretary of the Stand for the Silent Club. I tive dancer outside of school.

KATIE HOLMES Advertising Director

worked three jobs on top of my school work and extracurricular activities,” said Guzzardo. She also scored a 32 on her ACT. “When I saw University of Chicago posted its decision for Early Action I was so nervous I could barely move,” Guzzardo said. “I felt the exact same way when I opened up my decision: deferred. I had no idea how this could possibly be; I worked so hard throughout all of high school and on my application, so why didn't they accept me?” Senior Anna Gwozdz unfortunately went through the same process. Gwozdz too had a dream school in mind from the get go, which

05.09.14 Tom Tom

SENIOR

Where are Seniors IOWA

Iowa State

Jordan Cartlidge Kelsey Christensen Alyssa Dragin Kathryn Holmes

Coe College

Zachary Andre

University of Dubuque

Nicholas Muskat

Loras College

The University of Iowa

Drake

Anthony Cloe

Courtney Carley Nathan Roden Jessica Stonis Mackenzie Thomas

Nathan Zeien

Iowa Western Community College

Malik Hilliard-Jackson

MINNESOTA Bethel University-MN Cody Albrecht

Winona State University Olivia Jennrich

Minnesota State University, Moorhead Tyler Lazarz

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Jamie Horton Tyler Thorn Gianlucas Winters

Macalester College Shaylene McCue

M O Y W University of

John Brown University

Wyoming

Andrew Pelote

Caroline Westrate

CAL

IFO

NORTH DAKOTA University of North Dakota

University of California at Santa Barbara Sara Young

Aaron Kanter

* RESULTS WERE COMPILED FROM THE SENIOR EXIT SURVEY.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

Hamza Abdelatif Jordan Abear Scarlett Angone John Aparo Jarret Backer Michael Bartler Taylor Barzowski Amanda Bell Katarina Brooks Cheyenne Calloway Jasmine Casarez Amanda Charles Adam Chellberg Evan Cielek Emma Daniel Samantha Daniels Amanda Del Real Robert Donahue Shawn Draper Steven Dschida Tyler Ferguson Lauren Frenzel Chrisophe Frumet Devon Gibson Matthew Gilber Nathan Gutke Ryan Halford Austyn Hammock Maxwell Harvey Jacob Hermes Chelsea Hopkins Haley Imler Lexie Ivins Kelly Kennedy Heather Klean Lori Konkel Ryan LaCroix Aiden Lisak Peter Marsalek Kaleigh McGinn Ryan Mondus Thomas Noegel Alejandro Ochoa Samantha Olson Rachel Otto Caitlin Palmer Amanda Payonk Nicholas Peterson Kayla Rehm Samantha Revolta Andrew Reynolds Sadye Richko Robert Ritacca

ARKANSAS

ING

ILLINOIS

College of Lake County

Paige Rose Ian Rostkowski William Rudny Adam Rzewnicki Cindy Sanchez Lauren Savage Briley Schultz Michael Shepard Nahomy Solano Alex Stava Andrew Stedl Kevin Van Dycke Alexis Vetter Allison Waechter Jeremy Waechter Johnathan Welsh Ashley Wills Jennifer Wright Jessica Zawistowski

Illinois Sate University

Austin Adams Hailey Ambroso Amanda Cleven Reagan Jordan

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Megan Bering Hannah Bohn Savreen Kaur Anthony Marsiglio Isak Massman Bailey Moser Brandon Richmond-Schwarz Samuel Smithson Daniel Wood

Lake Forest College

College of DuPage Serena Brummel Nathan Moore

Western Illinois University

Tyler Dziubla Kelsey Maldonado

Northwestern

Alexander Furlong Melissa Nickles

Roosevelt University Paige Gallimore

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Brandon Grigolo Joseph Jackson Ashton Novick Kali Pope Lukas Poplevicius

Southern Illinois Edwardsville

Sinclair Guntharp

DePaul University Brandon Karpiel James Novack Monica Supple

Eastern Illinois University

Jovanni Martinelli Cody Zick

University of Illinois at Springfield

Mathew Birkman

Troy Mayer Wesley Skym

University of Illinois at Chicago

Northern Illinois University

Brandon Bontes Mehul Jethva Maxwell McKeough

Loyola University Chicago Taylor Brandon Olivia Guzzardo Anna Gwozdz Amanda Rich

Hannah Tortorella Kristina Gebel

Bradley University Sara Petty

going to college? G WI SCONSIN MISSOURI

Carthage College Cameron Ayers Sarah Chaplaeu Tyler Stephens

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Milwaukee School of Engineering

University of Missouri Columbia

Cassie Giamarusti Daniel Lonski

Elizabeth Arntzen Alexi Ilkka Emily Gelander

Ripon College

University of Central Missouri

Jacob Beake

University of Wisconsion Oshkosh Nicholas Beake Andrew DiNatale

Avery Herbon

Tiffany Gantz

University of Wisconsin Madison

Missouri State University Lindenwood University

Jonathan Bohmann Alexandra Fracek Elena Kelsh Frances Uy

University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Saint Louis University

University of Wisconsin Milwakee

Jeremy Pasterz

Marquette University

Jackson Boeh

Natalie Perry

Oklahoma City University Heather Latakas

NEW YORK University of Rochester Gabrielle Cantley

SUNY College at Geneseo Brittany Kruz

Stephanie Vanderwall

IDAHO

Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis Andrew Gagnon

Purdue University

Martin Tuskevicius Maia Wehling

FLORIDA

Patricia Hunt

Ringling College of Art and Design

University of Kansas Nicholas Geidner

Shreyanshi Purohit

University of Southern Florida

Elizabeth Procunier

MICHIGAN O

Zoe Zeien

HIO

Cornerstone University Michigan

Brett Olson

Eastern Michigan University

Ohio State University

Y K C NTU

Stetson University

Fort Hays State University

Dennis Mott

Alex McCameron

Nadia Sloat

Trichia Bravi

Ball State University Valparaiso University

Brigham Young Universtiy Idaho

Washington and Lee University

KANSAS

INDIANA

OMA

LIM College

A I N

I G IR

Lawrence University

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

OKLAH

Alexandria Hare

Victoria Peterson

Carroll University

NEBRASKA

Georgia Institute of Technology

Ashley LaPointe

Joseph Reiser

Ashlee Briggs Ozan Emsun Marissa Werba

Noah Bernardi

Patrick Krause

Sage Keyes Louisa Schweigel

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Western Kentucky University Cameron Corey Kristen Kelly

Eastern Kentucky University Trevor Olsem

Karen Pimpo

Samantha Falco Elijah Zagorski

Central Michigan University Mitchell Greany

Northern Michigan University Wesley Zegan

05.09.14 Tom Tom

SENIOR

PATRICK KRAUSE

(Left) Photo by Samuel Worden; (Right) Photo by Alexis Vetter

“[I] became more defined as a person,” said Krause. “It was difficult to put myself out there Assignment Editor rom being in school plays and musi- at first, but eventually I did and it paid off.” His favorite memories while at ACHS were cals to being a varsity football player to working at Jimano’s Pizzeria, Antioch all of the football games and winning prom king Community High School senior Patrick Krause last year. Each person takes away many life lessons has shown multiple sides of himself to staff, stuafter they graduate high school and Krause bedents and the community. The transitions from middle school to high lieves his experiences at ACHS will help him in school and into college is drastic. Many people the future. Krause said, “I don’t think I would be the find who they are and what they want in their same person if I went to a different high school. futures. Where they want to go to college, what they want to study, where they want to ACHS has supplied me with great faculty and a friend base that I can grow off of and be a better live, if they want person.” to raise a family After Krause gradand many more uates this year, he life changing leaves some advice questions go for all incoming freshthrough stumen. dents minds “Do not be afraid to almost daily. look stupid. It’s better Some are able to look like a fool than to answer those to not do something at questions within their four years of PATRICK KRAUSE, SENIOR all,” said Krause. After high school, high school, while Krause plans on going some are still decidto Missouri State Uniing in and after colversity to study nurslege. For Krause, he ing to get into the medical field. Joining the Air already has a good idea of what he wants to do Force is also something that he is considering. with his life. “I have known I’ve wanted to go into the While at ACHS, Krause has learned a lot about himself, has gained confidence and medical field since sophomore year,” said changed his views on life. High school is a time Krause. “I have lots of family in the medical for maturing and growing as a person, which field and I love to help people.” While in college, Krause wants to try out laKrause has succeeded in doing. “High school has helped me mature a lot and crosse, join a competitive weight lifting team I began taking schoolwork a lot more serious- and possibly play intramural sports. Krause stays active in and outside of school ly,” said Krause. and puts his best effort into everything that he All of his hard work has definitely paid off. Throughout his time here, he has made plen- does. Something that inspires him is the ability ty of new friends and great memories. Krause to continually improve. “Progression. Always being able to do somecame from a small grade school and coming to thing better than I could before, and just growa large high school helped him to find out more ing as a person,” said Krause. TT about himself.

MADELYN CHASSAY

I don’t think I would be the same person if I went to a different high school. ACHS has supplied me with great faculty and a friend base that I can grow off of and be a better person.

Photo by Lexy Vetter

Tom Tom 05.09.14

ZACHARY KELLER ALEXIS VETTER Digital Director

enior Zachary Keller is a captain of the football team, an avid writer for Finesse and a wrestling captain. He can dance, sing and act and uses these talents for the school musicals. He strives for success both in and out of the classroom. Sports were a big part of Keller’s career at Antioch Community High School. He played linebacker on the football team, making varsity his sophomore year. He also wrestled all four years. “Sports have shown me the true potential that I can have the rest of my life if I just put in the effort,” said Keller. “Sports for me have helped me connect with many people, even helped me make new friends that I’ll remember the rest of my days.” Keller strives for greatness in everything he does, especially in school. He made sure to balance a rigorous curriculum along with sports. He also carries himself in a respectable manner. “Zac was selected captain by his teammates for a number of reasons, but I think that what sets him apart is that he leads both on and off the field. He is focused on his school work, respects his teachers, coaches and peers,” said Social Studies Teacher and Football Coach Grant Murray. Keller did not stop at just sports to keep him busy. He also involved himself in the drama department the beginning of his sophomore year. He played Diesel in “West Side Story,” Warner in “Legally Blonde” and Will Parker in “Oklahoma!.” “It’s a funny story, but my sophomore year I lost my wallet after seeing one of the plays here at Antioch. I later received an email from Ms. Teddy saying she had it and that I had to come to her room.

Once there, she told me that I had to be in the coming musical ‘West Side Story’ or I wouldn’t get it back. So, that’s how I got into it and I definitely have never regretted it,” said Keller. In Keller’s free time he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends and writing. Writing has become an outlet for him and he brought his talent into the school’s literary magazine Finesse. “I wrote when I was happy, sad, lonely or among friends. It gave me a new outlook on life and I input some of that into Finesse so people could connect with those feelings,” said Keller. “The inspiration of my writing is life, because it takes you in all sorts of weird directions, but ultimately leads you someplace you’ve never been before. I just wanted to record those feelings in one of the only ways I knew how, poetry.” With graduation coming up in nine days Keller has a lot to reflect on of his last four years. “To me what I wanted in high school was to just be me, I dressed the way I wanted, did what I felt like doing and pushed as hard as I wanted to in classes and in class selection,” said Keller. Keller will be joining the Air Force after high school and hopes to explore the world. He strives to someday work his way up to becoming an officer. After his time in the Air Force expires he hopes to become involved with politics since that’s what he is majoring in. “Zac is very focused on his future and has a clear idea of what he wants to do with his life. I think it’s important to recognize people who do the right thing and he is one of those people. ACHS is a better place because people like Zac Keller have walked the hallways here,” said Murray. TT

05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior

SARA PETTY

COURTNEY CARLEY

Editor-in-Chief o some students, Antioch Community High School is simply just another high school. To senior Courtney Carley, ACHS is significantly more. It is the place where she discovered a passion that will continue to fuel her throughout the next four years and beyond. That passion is special education. "Actually, at the beginning of the school year I didn't think there was anything that I wanted to do [in the future]," said Carley. She was then asked if she would be interested in helping out in a special ed classroom during her free hour. "I ended up being able to help in a SEDOL classroom, with kids that have severe autism and I love it! I didn't even see myself doing something like this, but now it's what I look forward to every week," she said. "We lead crafts and play games with them....For them, games like Uno are helping them with matching numbers and colors. It's educational for them, where for us it would just be a card game." With this new-found interest in mind, Carley plans on attending the University of Iowa next year. She would like to major in education, minor in sign language and get a special education endorsement. As part of her acceptance letter, the university offered her a place in the Honors Program based on her academics. "The biggest thing for me was the Honors Program at Iowa...To me, I was like well, it's not hard to get into Iowa, but the Honors Program I

Photo by Madelyn Chassay Senior Courtney Carley balanced her grades along with being a captain of the varsity cheerleading squad here at ACHS. She is shown above performing at the homecoming pep rally in October.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

was like wow, that's a big deal. Because it is selective and it is prestigious and I finally got that feeling that I did something with my academics. That's my one accomplishment that I'm so proud of," said Carley. Even though her senior year has been filled with positives, keeping her grades up and staying involved in the school and community wasn't always easy. "I think the hardest thing I went through this year was the week that my mom got really sick. It was scary and it happened so fast. I was trying to juggle school and everything is stressful, especially as a senior...it was a huge thing to overcome..." said Carley. "I know that if anything ever gets thrown at me, I'm not going to fail and my grades aren't going to bomb. That's something you don't normally think about; you think if something gets thrown at you, everything will wash away, but it doesn't." "It just taught me that even if something really terrible happensâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like almost losing my momâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; things move on and keep going and everything will be okay. Even though you think your world is falling apart, it's not and you have people there to help you," she said. In Carley's case, these people, in large part, were her teachers, who continually supported her throughout the year and especially when she was going through a rough time. She said, "my teachers were huge and they didn't even know the gist of it. They knew when they looked at me that something was wrong and they were so compassionate. They didn't even ask me about it or pry into my business. They were seriously amazing." With graduation coming up in nine days, like many seniors, Carley finds herself thinking back to when she first started here at ACHS. Though it may not be evident, as she is still somewhat reserved, Carley feels that high school helped her to come out of her shell and realize the type of person she wants in the future. "You have to be outgoing and start conversations. That's definitely something I still need to work at, because I still don't really do that. I think next year will give me the opportunity to be better at that," said Carley. As a perfect tribute to her career at ACHS and the successful culmination of her senior year, Carley advises that students not be overly worried about figuring their futures out right away. "Don't stress about what you're going to do and what your major is going to be and what college you're going to be at. I feel like for everybody it's just falling into place. For me, I didn't even think I'd do special ed., I just thought I wanted to be a teacher. Then one day I said no, I want to do special education...I feel like it just fell into my lap and it just clicked," she said. TT

Photo by Tyler Stephens Courtney will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall. She was accepted into the Honors program.

LUCAS WINTERS

Photo by Alexis Vetter Lucas Winters (number 12) jumps to spike the ball against Libertyville on April 22. Winters played volleyball all four years here at ACHS.

Photo by Tyler Stephens Winters occupies his time with cross country, volleyball, art and work. He also finds time in his busy schedule to be successful academically.

MARINA PALMIERI

cartoons for the Tom Tom. “I liked the art show. When I attended the art show, it was pretty interesting to see what the schools had to offer and I got a gold medal, so that was cool,” Winters said. Although senior year is a challenging time for students, Winters successfully balanced all of the things he needed to get done, from academics to college applications. “Senior year, you have to turn in a load of applications for colleges, and then your teachers are like ‘hey, we don’t care that you have to turn in applications, here’s a bunch of homework on top of that.’ And so, your first semester is going to be juggling a job, a sport, applications and a bunch of homework,” said Winters. “And what did I learn from it? Pretty much, go where you’re going to go very early and prewrite your essays during summer or you’ll get screwed in the first semester.” Accomplishing all of these mandatory assignments and other requirements takes a lot of motivation. Winters said, “I’m completely self-motivated and I just do things to have a better future for myself and to be happy for myself. I mean, my job [in the future] is like the most important thing. I don’t really care about the money, but with engineering, the money will come.” Overall, Winters feels that ACHS prepared him for life after high school. Taking challenging courses benefited him greatly for the future. “I mean, since I took rigorous classes, I think it has prepared me, especially since I’m going to get a lot of credits with AP [classes],” said Winters. He made the most of his four years at ACHS to prepare himself for is bright future. As a senior, his advice to an incoming freshman is that “every year counts. You may think freshman year doesn’t count, but it definitely does. The main struggle is in the early years. I would just say stay active and don’t do drugs, freshmen.” TT

Managing Editor igh school consists of four years that seem to fly by. Within these short years, a student is expected to juggle academics and extracurricular activities, along with maintaining a social life, to set up the rest of his or her life. At Antioch Community High School, there are many outstanding students, but a few stand out from the crowd. One of these remarkable students is senior Lucas Winters. Winters has big plans for the future. These include attending the University of Minnesota next fall and eventually transferring to another school. He plans on studying engineering, but is unsure of which branch to go into. “Right now, I am engineering undeclared, but I’m thinking either chemical or mechanical. I would say junior year I figured out I wanted to do engineering because I was like ‘hey, I’m good at a lot of different things, but I’m pretty good at math and I like doing math.’ There's a good job market [for engineers],” said Winters. “I mean, there’s a large possibility that I’m going to switch majors just because our high school doesn't give you any hands on engineering stuff. It’s just, my only knowledge is that I’m good at math and science, so might as well try that field because there are many different branches I could go in to.” Winters has filled his time at ACHS with athletics and a job. “Right now, I’m in volleyball. I was in cross country and pretty much I was just in cross country so I could get exempt from zero hour gym so that I could take two science courses,” said Winters. “I work at Burger King on the weekends for like 24 hours a weekend. Right now, it’s mostly just job and volleyball.” In college, with the possibility of more free time, Winters is thinking about joining the newspaper staff to create artwork for them. Art is an activity that Winters enjoyed throughout his years at ACHS. He took advantage of art classes the school offers and drew

I’m completely self-motivated and I just do things to have a better future for myself and to be happy for myself. LUCAS WINTERS, SENIOR

05.09.14 Tom Tom

SENIOR

KAREN PIMPO

PJ HUNT

Assignment Editor

ore than 1,300 students crowd into the hallways of Antioch Community High School every day. For teachers, each year brings with it new faces and stories that, with time, may start to blur together. One of those teenagers stands above the rest as an exemplary student, someone who embodies all that a Sequoit should be. Her name is PJ Hunt. “I think that at Antioch I have gotten a lot more opportunities to learn both life lessons and academic lessons that I would not have gotten anywhere else,” said Hunt, a senior at ACHS. After four years at ACHS, Hunt is excited to attend Stetson University next fall, going in with an undecided major and hopes for a bright future. “My family does not have any connections to ACHS. Neither of my parents grew up around here,” shared Hunt. As an only child, Hunt was the first in her family to attend ACHS, but she is proud of her school. “I definitely think that school spirit is important! Being a part of the Cardinal Crazies and getting involved in spirit days are what make memories in high school, and what will make memories in college. I think we are more likely to remember the fun we had being silly than the average school day,” said Hunt. This lighthearted attitude has kept her sane despite many time commitments and involvements. Most seniors say their high school years have flown by, but Hunt’s were full of multiple activities that kept her busy. “Freshman year, I was on the dance team and I did the musical; sophomore year I did dance team and soccer; [and] junior year I played club soccer and soccer for the school,” said Hunt. Being involved in sports was a key aspect of Hunt’s life while growing up and it taught her how to keep her own life organized. “Soccer taught me a lot about time management and getting things done when I had free time. That definitely had an impact on me academically because I wouldn’t procrastinate as much. At first it was hard to find a balance between sports, sleep and school, but I got used to it really fast and I loved that I always had something to do,” she said. Besides sports and the musical performances, Hunt was also interested in giving back to her community through being a member of the National Honor Society. “This year I am only involved with NHS at school because I have a job. I would have to say that soccer was my favorite [extracurricular activity], especially when we got together as a team and went to Feed My Starving Children. That was just a great experience volunteering and it was great that we did it as a team,” Hunt said. “The most challenging part of being involved is

Tom Tom 05.09.14

time management. It can be really overwhelming juggling school, a job, extracurriculars, et cetera,” said Hunt. During her senior year, Hunt has taken several time-consuming AP classes in addition to working a job during the week. Supportive teachers have encouraged Hunt take tough classes. “I actually have two favorite teachers; I can’t pick one. Both Mrs. Potter-Nelson and Ms. Anderson, or Mrs. DeCaro now, have been great. They both helped challenge me academically and I was always able to go to them for help,” said Hunt. Outside of classes and clubs, Hunt enjoys spending quality time with her friends. “My favorite memory from high school is probably when I got to go to prom sophomore year,” she said. “[It] was my favorite because it is something you see in movies and it seems like such a big deal growing up, and I was able to go as a sophomore which seemed special at the time. Plus I was so excited to get dressed up in a long dress and get my hair done, I know it sounds super cliché but I loved it.” Another one of her favorites is the AP Biology class Hunt took during her junior year. “I really enjoyed biology because it was so interesting! It explained t h e reasons behind why/how things happen in our bodies or in the environment that I would have never even thought about before! It is super nerdy, but it really got my attention,” said Hunt. “I’m still undecided in my college major, but because I enjoyed biology so much I am considering pursuing a career in a related field,” said Hunt. At Stetson University, Hunt looks forward to making new friends as well as learning. “I know I want to get involved in college and stay active. I won’t take up a sport or anything serious but I might join intramural sports. I think those would be a great way to meet people with similar interests, too,” she said. As she moves into the next stage of her life, Hunt leaves behind one final piece of advice: “I would tell an underclassman to try their hardest throughout high school because it does truly matter when it comes to applying for college, even though it may seem far away.” This optimistic attitude is sure to aide Hunt in the next years of her life as she faces the challenges that come with college. However, she will always have the lessons she has learned at ACHS to help guide her along the way. TT

MEGAN BERING SARAH CHAPLEAU Reporter

very student at Antioch Community High School is passionate about something. Senior Megan Bering is no different. But Bering has taken her love of the fine arts one step further than most and plans to make a career out of it. She credits her time at ACHS for this decision. “I’ve known for a while I want to go into music education, but I was like, I don’t know. [ACHS] has made me realize what I want to do with the rest of my life because, through the fine arts, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to branch out and have different experiences,” she said. Bering plans on attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study music education. She will also be a part of the Marching Illini. “I went to U of I winter of junior year just because I wanted to be like, ‘okay, a big school isn’t for me.’ I went down there and I fell in love with it.” Bering was also one of a small number of students chosen to work with a flute professor at the University of Illinois. “Every year, a lot of kids apply to work with him and he only chooses six to eight. I really wanted to be able to work with him and I was one of the ones chosen to.” While Bering wants to study music education in college and pursue it as a career, she is already considered a leader in her band and choir classes. “I got the opportunity to lead one of [Mr. Hickey’s] choirs while he was out on paternity leave. I was also a drum major this past year for marching band and that is a big thing because it gives you the chance to be really influential,” said Bering. Bering is also the president of the A Capella choir. This means she takes over leading the class through exercises and songs when Choir Director Michael Hickey is gone. All of her experiences with leading in class have made her more confident in her future line of work. “Through high school and the experiences I’ve had, I’ve realized that I can work with a range of ages. At first, I thought I would work with younger kids, but through leading my peers, I’ve realized I can teach high school students too. I mean, I’m just an 18 year old student; imagine how different it will be when I’m an actual teacher.” Though Bering has had many great experiences through the fine arts, including playing in the ILMEA District 7 Orchestra this past October, she does wish could have done more activities outside of the fine arts. “There are so many clubs I didn’t get to join because ‘oh hey, I have rehearsal during that time.’ Being involved a bit more would’ve been fun. Or trying to play a sport even though I don’t know how well that would’ve gone. But it would’ve been fun to try,” Bering said. TT 05.09.14 Tom Tom 25

Senior

KRISTINA GEBEL

lies. This may sound like a lot, but for her, it's always a fun time. Gebel said, "I like babysitting because you get paid to play with Assignment Editor kids. The best part about it is that every child is different and has s a student prepping to take a giant leap into a new and more a completely different personality. Not to mention that they're adorrealistic world, balance is key. Here you are junior year, study- able." ing to take that ACT. Five weeks later, you stand face-to-face Sure, Gebel may not play a school sport, act in the school producwith the score you were hoping to achieve. Now what? Now, you're tions or take part in clubs, but the important thing is that she is a good a senior trying to balance time between work, school, extra-curricular example for many people, which brings out many positive qualities activities, college applications and sleep. Welcome to the life of An- in this future Huskie. Gebel has a passion for being a helping hand tioch Community High School senior, Kristina Gebel. and takes pride in doing so. School spirit is wild in Gebel's heart. She Gebel will be graduating this May. She loves children, people and enjoyed attending football games and getting to know new people at takes her schoolwork the games. very seriously. She will "I met at least 80 perattend Northern Illinois cent of my friends at University in the fall and football games. They plans to study nursing or were fun events that evpharmacology. eryone could go to, have "Ever since I was fun and meet new peoaround eight years old I ple. Every time I hear have always wanted to the National Anthem be a nurse. I think when I in the future I have a was younger I just wantfeeling I will be saying ed to be able to wear cute 'and the home of the Sescrubs, but now looking quoits' in the back of my at it I love the idea of behead," said Gebel. ing able to help people," There are countless said Gebel. memories lived withGebel debated heavily in the community of about which university ACHS the past four she'd attend. With guidyears. The memories ance and lots of patience, don't stop here. The past the decision on the perfour years helped Gebfect school was made. el overcome struggles Before jumping right into as well as learn many extra-curricular activities things about this crazy at NIU, she would like to world we live in. get a taste of what living "Over the years I alone will feel like. She'll have definitely become need time to stabilize her a stronger, more indeschool schedule with free pendent individual. I time. don't worry as much The idea of college about what people think is thrilling, so senioritis of me or other things as surely hit Gebel right off much as I did when I the bat. While the desire was a freshman. I also to breeze by senior year learned to not sweat the was strong, Gebel knew smalls things because she couldn't afford to everything happens for waste time by doing so. a reason and I should "I have learned that I just go with the flow," have it in me to do well, said Gebel. "Also, but I can't let laziness friendships. I guarantee or distractions get in the you will walk out of way, no matter how hard high school with a comit is to stay focused," said pletely different group Gebel. of friends than you When she isn't in walked in with because Photo by Kyle Heywood school or working on people change and you homework, she babysits Kristina Gebel poses as she proudly shows off her Northen Illinois University hoodie. She will be change." TT for four different fami- attending NIU in the fall of 2014. Her social skills and love for working with people will give her an

ARLENNE LOZANO

advantage in either the field of nursing or pharmacy.

Tom Tom 05.09.14

REMEMBERING JOEL WITTKAMP

As the Class of 2014 walks across the stage, they’ll be missing one of their classmates.

highway with the "Adopt a Highway" program in his name on Petite Lake Road in Lake Villa. "My dad explained to Alyssa what 'Adopt a ast year was a difficult year for Antioch Highway' was and they both looked each othCommunity High School. On top of the er at the same time and were like we should regular struggles of school, the commu- do that in Joel's name," said Sarah Wittkamp. nity lost three students. One of those students "He called me and asked what I thought about was then-junior Joel Wittkamp. Wittkamp it. All we'd need would be a group of people would have been graduating with the senior to pick up the litter on the side. I can so picclass this year, but his life was cut short last ture everyone in their Joel shirts once or twice year after a car accident that took the lives of a month keeping this highway clean in his both him and his girlfriend, then-junior Ashley name." The sign will read "Forever in our Hearts Seay from Lakes Community High School. This past school year the football team dedi- Joel Wittkamp." It should be up sometime in the next few months. cated their football season to Wittkamp. "I guess you'd never think that this would "The thing that made Joel a unique kid, was that even as a freshman, he had a ton of per- be our reality, adopting a highway for him," sonality. He was a talkative, outgoing, funny said Sarah. Senior Pat Krause likes to remember all the young man, and it made every interaction with him one that you'd end up smiling after. He great times he had with Wittkamp since they was the kind of kid that you couldn't help but were little kids. He remembers nursing a baby talk to and smile. If we had a few more people bird back to health and winning the little league with Joel's personality, the world would be a world series of baseball together. He also uses much better place," said social studies teacher his death as a reminder that you shouldn't take driving for granted. and football coach Jeffrey Petersen. "I think about him all They also presentthe time, before I speak to ed his jersey to his a bunch of people, before I mother Amber Liebdecide to press the acceleraert, parents William tor and sometimes when I'm and Sarah Wittkamp looking for direction I talk to and siblings Alyssa him. I will never forget the and Jace Wittkamp. time spent with Joel, he will The football playforever be in my mind and in ers took turns wearour hearts," said Krause. ing the number 30 in JEFF PETERSEN, COACH AND TEACHER Although Wittkamp will the games during the not be walking across the 2013 season. stage with his class, he is re"I was so honored membered in their hearts as this football season to be the ‘keeper’ of Joel's number 30 foot- they end this chapter in their lives. "I never thought I would have my senior ball jersey. The idea was to honor Joel every game by having a different football player year without Joel. I never thought I would lose wear Joel's jersey. I could not be more proud my childhood bestfriend so young. This year of the young men who volunteered to wear the was weird without him. Without his jokes, his jersey on game nights. As a football player, laugh, his smile, his hugs. We continue to live your jersey is your identity, but these young out our days because life goes on but we never men gave that up for one night to honor their forget the ones we lose. Even though he's not teammate. The young men demonstrated so physically here, he's still always here in our much pride wearing the jersey and I could not hearts and that is what got me through my sehave thought of a better way to honor Joel," nior year without him," said senior Angelina said social studies teacher and football coach Koch. Joel is remembered as an athletic, hardworkGrant Murray. The Cardinal Crazies dedicated the theme ing and sociable young man that was loved by of the last football game of the season against many. He was beloved by his family, friends, Vernon Hills to Wittkamp and dancer Nicole tennis team and football team. "Thanks for the memories and being by Parfitt whose life was lost in November 2012. The fan section sported blue at the beginning our side this football season and school year. of the game and then switched to purple after You'll always be remembered #30," said ACHS football head coach and social studies a performance by the dance team at halftime. Wittkamp’s family decided to sponsor a teacher Brian Glashagel. TT

LEXY VETTER Digital Director

If we had a few more people with Joel’s personality, the world would be a much better place.

Photos Courtesy of Sarah Wittkamp (From top) Wittkamp’s yearbook photo from junior year. Anothony Cloe wears Joel’s number at the playoff game against Sycamore. Students organized a football game theme dedicated to Joel and Nicole by wearing blue and purple. The cheerleaders decorated posters for the entire football team, including this one for Joel.

05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior

THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Seniors take a moment to acknowledge and thank the faculty who have made high school a great four years. KAREN PIMPO Assignment Editor

t's 10:33 p.m. and you're starting to sweat because the midnight deadline is coming dangerously close. Your fingers are a blur on the keyboard as you try to form coherent sentences about your third grade science teacher, the "most influential person" in your life. The scholarship essay is nearly complete and you're starting to relax when you come to the final screen. "Please send a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor that addresses your leadership qualities and work ethic." Your heart, which was previously stopped in shock, begins to race and you desperately shoot an email to your current English teacher a mere hour before you have to submit the form. Your fingers (and toes, too) are crossed, whenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;lo and behold, a new email in your inbox! "Glad to hear you're applying for scholarships, now all we need to work on is your procrastination. The letter is sent, and good luck!" We've all had experiences with a teacher or faculty member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. These people are more than just staff, they're life coaches, mentors, shoulders to cry onâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or recommendation writers at midnight. As Antioch Community High School's Class of 2014 prepares to leave these halls, we'd like to give one last shout-out to the faculty and staff who have made our four years here priceless. Teachers, here's to you. Thank you.

***

1. Senior Sarah Chapleau joined the ACHS newspaper staff her senior year, and she had some words of thanks for Patrick Johnson, adviser of The Tom Tom and English teacher. "Mr. Johnson always takes the time to critique my work honestly (yeah it's part of his job, but still). He's supportive when I'm struggling especially with design, and he's a great adviser," said Chapleau. 2. Social studies teacher Tony Borchert had a huge impact on the life of Jennifer Wright, and she credits him with helping her mentally and emotionally through a rough period. "I went through a tough time in my life, and it seemed as if my world had ended when it really wasn't too horrible," said Wright. "But Mr. Borchert has helped me through it and has made me a much stronger person through it. He listens to all of my problems and takes the time to really sit down and listen. He says hi to me every day in the hall and it makes my day. He is truly an amazing teacher, psychologist and friend." 3. Cheyenne Calloway had kind words to say about Stephen Rose, a social studies teacher at Antioch. "Mr. Rose helped me through a lot when I was in Environmental Club. On camping trips we would talk around the fire with the club

Tom Tom 05.09.14

and just help each other. He has definitely helped me though a lot in my life and I see him as more of a friend than I do a teacher ('cause I haven't had him as a teacher)," Calloway said. 4. James White, a school social worker, received thanks from Allison Waechter. She credits White with giving her wisdom during her four years at ACHS. "Mr. White has definitely helped me a lot throughout my high school career," Waechter said. "Whenever I was having a bad day, or just needed somebody to talk to for any type of advice on anything I know I would always go to him and he'd never judge off anything I would tell him, but he will always give the best answer or solution he can." 5. Taking the ACT and choosing a college are two challenges faced by most high school students at some point in their careers. Aryan Haren, assistant principal, helped Samantha Daniels immensely in both these areas. "Ms. Haren was my mentor while I was preparing to take the ACT last spring. She gave me advice on taking the test, prepared me with practice problems, and when I had any questions she was always available to help me out. Not only did she help me with ACT preparation,

Photos by Karen Pimpo

she also talked to me about college and offered any help and advice that she could. She sent me notes and candy to my classes throughout the weeks leading up to the test and she also bought me a t-shirt from NIU, a college I was looking into going to in the fall," Daniels said. 6. Another math teacher and math department chair Jill Farrell was also recognized by Destiny Poe, who shared that Farrell's teaching greatly improved her math skills along with her high school experience. "As a freshman, I HATED math. I was not good at it and I struggled in Algebra I. Mrs. Farrell was my teacher, and I did not like her at the time either. As the end of the year approached, I realized I needed to get an A on my final or I would be in summer school," said Poe. "Mrs. Farrell was there to tutor me and she helped me get an A. As a junior, I had her again for Algebra II. I still did not care for math but she was always helping me and pushing me to do my best. Mrs. Farrell even stayed late after school, just to tutor me when I got back from TECH. She was my ACT mentor as a junior. And when I wanted to re-take my ACT as a senior, she spent the time to tutor me, even though I was not her student. Mrs. Farrell made me not hate math so much anymore and

helped me achieve a higher score on my ACT!" 7. Guidance counselor Kelly Lindgren was a source of help and encouragement to Hannah Bohn, especially with the college search process. Bohn sees Lindgren as a role model. "Although not a teacher, my counselor, Ms. Lindgren, has made getting through high school and surviving the daunting college application process more exciting than stressful. Throughout my four years at Antioch, it has been comforting to know Ms. Lindgren was always willing to answer the millions of questions I had. Even though I sometimes waited until the last minute to turn in applications and scholarships, Ms. Lindgren was always patient with me," said Bohn. "Most of all, whenever I had good news, she was genuinely excited for me. Ms. Lindgren is someone I look up to for her patience, compassion, organization and amiability; I am so appreciative of everything she has helped me with and wish she could be my college counselor!" Do you have staff members in mind that you would like to thank? Don't hesitate to let them know what they have done for you! It's never too late to pass along gratitude and encouragement, and a little bit of those can go a long way. TT

To read more about students saying thanks to their teachers, visit TomTomNews.com 05.09.14 Tom Tom

Senior

THE IRON MEN AND IRON WOMEN OF 2014

The graduating class of 2014 has 10, four year, three-sport athletes. These athletes earned the title of “Iron Man” or “Iron Woman” for their four years of hard work and dedication to their sports.

Hannah Bohn

Tim Regan

Tiffany Gantz

Alex McCameron

Alyssa Dragin

Kristen Kelly

Anthony Marsiglio

Paige Gallimore

Troy Mayer

Sinclair Guntharp

Photos by HR Imaging

MADELYN CHASSAY Assignment Editor

NICK DOROSAN Reporter

hroughout students’ time in high school, there are various activities they can take part in. For many, they take part in playing a sport or two, sometimes three. At Antioch Community High School, students have the choice to participate in up to three different sports per year, each year. If a student athlete plays three sports (or a two season fall/winter sport along with a spring sport) in a year for four years, they are recgonized with an award known as the Iron Man/ Woman award. In the graduating class of 2014, there are ten student athletes who received this award. Five of the ten Iron Men and Women in this year’s graduating class are ACHS seniors Tiffany Gantz, Hannah Bohn, Anthony Marsiglio, Alex McCameron and Tim Regan.

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Along with keeping in shape and doing what they love, participating in various sports in high school has brought these athletes to meeting their closest friends and great coaches. Throughout her four years, Gantz has participated in tennis, basketball and track. Her favorite memory from track was, “When we went to University of Wisconsin-Platteville for a track invite. It was a lot of fun and I got really close with the girls on the team which as a freshman is a really good thing.” For many, their favorite memories do not involve actually playing the sport—their favorite memories are with their team members outside of practice and games. “My favorite memory did not actually involve playing a sport. This year my cross country team was in the homecoming parade. Following that, the boys and girls teams performed a dance together at the pep rally,” said Bohn. “Practicing the dance, making t-shirts, and spending quality time together is the fondest memory I have of high school sports.”

It is not easy being a three sport athlete. To be able to balance three sports and school, it sometimes requires the sacrifice of a personal life. Most three sport athletes have been playing sports since they were little, so when they end up doing three sports in high school, it’s no surprise. “Sports have been something that have been a part of me since I was a child and I loved the time I got to spend with people,” said McCameron. When Bohn first started high school, she immediately knew she wanted to be an Iron Woman. Bohn has been involved in basketball, soccer and cross country not only in high school, but also before. “[I] started playing soccer when I was in 3rd grade and played on various club and rec league teams. I played basketball for my middle school in sixth through eighth grade and I also played for the junior Sequoits team in eighth grade. I started running cross country in sixth grade,” said Bohn. Many high school athletes stick to the same three or four sports throughout their high school career, but Regan has explored many different sports in his time here. “I have played football, soccer, wrestling, track and tennis,” said Regan. Some athletes need to be in sports because they desire to staying fit and active. “I love being active and sports are a great way to stay active while being competitive,” said Marsiglio. After high school, Bohn plans on “probably playing intramural sports non-competitively, to stay active. Even though there isn’t an intramural cross country team, I will never stop running and plan to run every day and participate in road races.” From school to sports to very little time at home, it can be a challenge to balance athletics and school work. These athletes have a lot of pressure put on them, and it’s their responsibility to keep on the straight and narrow path. It is especially difficult for the AP students. “It gets pretty crazy with my AP classes. However, I have the best coaches I could ask for. They understand the pressure kids like me are under and are more accommodating if there is a night when I have more work than usual,” said McCameron.

Obviously, time is a factor with being in three sports, but an athlete just needs to know how to manage it. “I have good time management and I don’t get a lot of sleep,” said Marsiglio. Marsiglio said “free time, hanging out with friends and sleep” are what three sport athletes are willing to give up to be a part of the sports they love and it is not easy. It’s important that these athletes get all of their work done on time, so time plays a big role. For some student athletes, being in several sports can help with the determination to keep their grades up. If their grades get too low, they cannot play. It’s just the motivation they need. It can also be a challenge to have a job as a three sport athlete; while they might want to have a job, for some it is not possible. Along with learning how to balance their time, they have learned all about responsibility and themselves. “Time Management is really important to have,” said Gantz. “I have also learned responsibility and self motivation because no one can force you to work hard or remind you of games/matches and practice times” “One of the biggest things is the most obvious: time. Every day is a race to get all of my work done before it gets too late and the weekends can get busy as well,” said McCameron. “Another big one is not being able to have a job, which as a senior in high school I would like to have.” Along with learning about time management, Bohn has learned a variety of life lessons. “[I have learned about] the importance of perseverance. I have dislocated my knee twice in two years and while missing time is one of the most frustrating things for an athlete, I learned that the best thing to do is keep a positive attitude and work to improve every day,” said Bohn. “I have also learned about leadership and that a person doesn’t necessarily have to be the most talented to be a strong leader.” Being a three sport athlete, especially each year of their high school careers, has resulted in these athletes learning a lot about themselves and other people. Whether these athletes go on to playing sports in college or not, there is definitely many life lessons that they can take away from their four years here playing a variety of sports. TT

Photo by Lauren Ponzetti All of the Iron Men and Women were honored at Antioch Community High School’ s annual honors assembly for student recognition on Thursday, May 1. Each of the athletes were given plaques for all of their hard work and dedication, and for their commitment to their sports over the course of all four years of high school.

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THE TOM TOM

says a fond farewell to the senior staff members, wishing them good luck as they head off to the next stages of their lives.

Katie Holmes

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KATIE HOLMES

My dad always taught me to be a well-rounded student, and so that was the template I tried to follow throughout high school. When I discovered newspaper my sophomore year, I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain real world experience, so I joined. That was probably the best thing I ever did. I have been on the cross country and track teams for all four years and I was honored be a captain for both this year. I’ve always loved to run ever since I started in 6th grade, but what really keeps me going is my team. I will be attending Iowa State University and I will be majoring in environmental science with a double major in either biology or meteorology. Hopefully with my degree I can help create a better lifestyle for people all across the globe while preserving our Earth’s natural beauty so future generations can enjoy it just as we have. I will continue to run with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, no matter how long it takes to achieve that. Oh yeah, and I want to become a certified yoga teacher. TT

SARA PETTY

newspaper staff is a close-knit group of people who encourage and challenge each other. There are days when deadlines are closing in, tempers are high and voices grow strained as the entire room is typing, editing and designing as fast as humanly possible. But there are also days when the staff dissolves into giggles and shares snacks or gives secret Santa gifts to one another. And no matter what, they’re always a family. This year, the Tom Tom staff is saying goodbye to 11 seniors, some of whom have been essential parts of the publication for three years. It is tough to let them go, but new leaders are rising up to take their place. And as with any family, this goodbye is nothing more than “see you later.”

ADAM CHELLBERG I came into ACHS as an anxiety-ridden, socially awkward, closeted gay and truly hated my first two years. It wasn’t until I realized I could be whoever I wanted and didn’t need to let labels and fear control my life that high school truly became, at least until this point in my life, the best time of my life. I firmly believe ACHS is an amazing school, particularly in regards to its environment. Being in a school that allowed me to be myself brought me from being a failing student who just didn’t care into a charismatic and involved AP student. High school, to me, is just as Shakespeare called life: All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. We all choose how we present ourselves and what we do. Being 100 percent me and unapologetic about it was, and still is, the best decision I’ve ever made. TT

Sara Petty

I tried to take a variety of classes and get involved. Being on The Tom Tom staff my junior year and now Editor-in-Chief my senior year gave me so many opportunities to grow and gain confidence in myself as a leader and a writer. I played on the varsity tennis team for all four years and was one of two freshmen on varsity my first year. Tennis season was always my favorite part of every school year and I am beyond thankful for the coaches I had and the friendships I made with the girls on the team. Whether it was playing tennis, writing stories for The Tom Tom or helping out at ACHS events, I was constantly busy throughout the past four years. I am so grateful for the support that the teachers and administration gave me, especially in my final year here. I can honestly say that I do not know where I would be without the foundation that ACHS helped me build. Finally, I am excited to announce that I decided to attend Bradley University in the fall as a nutrition and dietetics major. TT

Adam Chellberg

Sarah Chapleau

ALEXIS VETTER SARAH CHAPLEAU

I am currently a reporter for the Tom Tom, and I love it. I was also on the dance team for two years and have been a member of the National Honor Society for two years. I am excited to attend Carthage College next year to study business. I pushed myself to take honors and AP classes all four years of high school, and this made me value hard work even more. Everyone says high school flies by and I can honestly say this is true. It feels like I just walked in the door as a freshman and now I am graduating. College is so close and I feel I am ready because of the support I got here. From teachers and friends, there is always someone there if I need help with anything. High school taught me so much, both in and out of class, and I am a better person because of what this school taught me. TT

TYLER DZIUBLA

Alexis Vetter

I joined the Tom Tom second semester of sophomore year when I took the intro class. I am Digital Director this year, which means I run everything online. Trying to balance writing stories and running online is hard, but I really enjoy this class. I’m not in any service clubs here at Antioch, but I am involved with the Open Arms Mission. Every year we participate in the Adopt-a-Family program. My mom and I adopted 24 families and shopped for 85 kids. There’s no better feeling than knowing those kids will have a happy Christmas morning thanks to what we do every year. I plan to move to Milwaukee for my junior year of college and start at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I plan to keep journalism in mind with a minor, but Psychology is what I likely want to major in. I want to be a social worker or a counselor and help children and teenagers. TT

ANDREA SODT Coming to school every day is not too much of a struggle. I enjoy certain classes more than others and one of them is newspaper, which is my only elective. My senior year was my first year doing newspaper and my only regret is not joining the class earlier in my high school career because it was my favorite class out of all my years. I was on the track and field team from my freshman to junior year. I chose not to continue into my senior year because I wanted to have a social life again. I did really enjoy track while I was in it, though. There were a lot of times when I did not think it was worth it, but I stuck it out for the experience. After I leave ACHS, I plan to attend College of Lake County for two years and then go to the Police Academy. Once I become a police officer, I will probably end up moving out of the state of Illinois and heading up north somewhere. TT

Tyler Dziubla

I had a hard time finding classes that I enjoyed taking. I was never a fan of English throughout my life. I came with my sister to a layout and loved seeing how everybody argued, yet still got along and pieced the newspaper together. It seemed like it worked the same as a real professional newspaper. My sister was skeptical if I would be able to handle the class, but I am glad I took it. In the last two years I’ve been in Newspaper it was easily my favorite class. I was a part of track during my freshman year. I love running 100 meters or less and I was also a high jumper. I stopped doing track after my freshman year due to my asthma, but I still enjoy beating random people who want to race. This fall I will be attending Western Illinois University and plan on majoring in criminal justice and law enforcement. I can’t wait to take my education to the next level in college. TT

Andrea Sodt

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Heather Latakas

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HEATHER KLEAN HEATHER LATAKAS

I always enjoyed writing, which lead me to branch out into different classes within the English department throughout high school. Sophomore year was also my first year on the newspaper staff. I was sports editor for two years and then assignment editor as a senior. I was a member of the Varsity Dance team all four years of high school. As a junior, I was co-captain and was captain my senior year. As captain, I was able to choreograph our competition routine and help our team qualify for State and finish in the top ten. I’ve been dancing competitively through different studios for 14 years. Combining studio and dance team throughout my high school career definitely made me a stronger, more well-rounded dancer. Having studio outside of school forced me to learn to budget my time. I performed in six musicals at ACHS, mainly acting as a featured dancer. TT

TYLER STEPHENS

Heather Klean

I joined newspaper this year and realized how much I enjoy writing. Being able to see my own words on paper for everyone to read is a wonderful feeling. I have come a long way since I started newspaper the beginning of my senior year. Being in a class with people who also enjoy writing stories for the magazine definitely is a great way to feel close with them. I am always willing to improve my skills and I hope to be even better in the future. When I graduate I will be starting College of Lake County in the fall. I will be transferring after my two years, but the college is still undecided. My plan is to major in psychology and minor in journalism. I hope to become involved in the forensic part of psychology. If I do not decide to do psychology, I will definitely consider being a journalist. TT

KAREN PIMPO I will never forget the time I’ve had at ACHS. Practices and performances with Jazz Choir, A Cappella Choir and the school musical were the highlight of my high school years, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I’ve also enjoyed being a part of Academic Team, field hockey and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which I help lead. I was the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society, and I went on a missions trip to Nairobi, Kenya before my junior year. These have all instilled in me the love of volunteering. These four years flew by and I’m grateful to the many teachers had here. I can honestly say I’ve learned a lot here. Not just facts and figures, but life lessons that will guide me for the rest of my life. After being a part of the newspaper staff, I am excited to attend Cornerstone University next fall as a Communication Studies major. TT

Tyler Stephens

I participated in various activities in and out of school that impacted my life a lot. Sophomore year is when I really decided to open up more and participate in what I really had a passion for. I joined the Tom Tom that year as a staff reporter and instantly loved the newspaper. I’m still on staff as the Creative Director and my passion for photography and design grew. I plan to further my education at Carthage College in graphic design and marketing to acquire a career in this field. I started wrestling in sixth grade at Antioch Upper Grade School and it was always a big part of my life up until senior year. I learned a lot throughout those six years about a true team and how to motivate myself to accomplish a specific goal. I did not wrestle my senior year, but some of my best high school experiences were with the wrestling team. TT

Karen Pimpo