Diller Street Journal - Issue 5

Teen Depression

Grinds My Gears

Page #3

Page #5

The Diller Street Journal Thursday, March

21st,

2013

310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL, 60093

Vol.1 #5

Senioritis Annie Murnighan ‘13

In 2003, a SARS pandemic spread across the globe.

In 2009, it was H1N1, colloquially known as swine flu. In both cases, after about a year, a cure was discovered and panic around the world ceased.

However, there is one epidemic that resurfaces each year around January, targeting only those enrolled in their final year of high school. This illness is, of course, Senioritis.

Symptoms of this crippling ailment include: a decrease in motivation, frequent absences from school, dismissive attitude towards school work, and general laziness. An increased desire to spend hours at a time on Netflix has also been documented in multiple cases.

Thus far, no cure has been found, and as this semester comes closer and closer to its end, students of the Class of 2013 spiral further and further into immobilizing apathy.

Julie Block ‘13 exhibits a multitude of these symptoms on a daily basis. “I stopped doing homework, so that’s one thing. When I do do homework, I try way less. I text a lot more and watch a lot more TV. I watch like, ten episodes a day.”

Block has even created a timer that allows her to countdown the days until graduation.

So what causes Senioritis? In most cases, this disease begins to take its toll just after first semester reports and college applications have been sent in.

Senior class representative Jamie Swimmer

Photo by Brent Rolfes ‘15

‘13 sees it as a combination of two factors. “I feel that there’s less pressure in the second semester because [colleges] don’t necessarily see those grades when making a decision. Overall I think the workload’s gone down a bit, but I still feel there’s less motivation.”

As most students experience this lack of motivation, some teachers find it necessary to alter the way they treat infected students. “Second semester seniors are the equivalent of second graders, and need to be treated as such,” said AP English teacher Ms. Hiland.

But although a number of teachers modify

The Truth About North Shore’s Green Thumb Veb Anand ‘15 Our school has seemingly made a lot of effort to be more environmentally friendly, but how much has really been done?

Our new Upper School building, constructed from 2010 to 2011, was built with being green in mind.

It has LEED certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is what is used to rate buildings such as homes and schools and eventually help these types of buildings achieve less energy usage and be more environmentally friendly. To summarize, LEEDcertified buildings are designed to be healthier and safer for occupants, have lower operating costs, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

their teaching styles to adapt to rising levels of Senioritis, many students continue to experience symptoms. Swimmer’s point about a lighter workload combined with less motivation became increasingly clear as assignments such as writing a double-spaced, half-page comment on a scene of Shakespeare’s Hamlet began to receive endless kvetching.

So, is it simply a temporarily incurable plague, that can’t be relieved by any possible changes made by the School?

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Diversity?

Justin Savin ‘15

Although not all of these certifications are required for a building to be LEED certified, advancements such as reducing light pollution and water usage, stormwater design, water efficient landscaping, on-site renewable energy, air quality, and increased ventilation are common aspects that are used to rate a building.

Our new Upper School building has all new systems, so it saves on electrical energy, water, and gas. One aspect in which the building is using a lot less energy than before is through our added insulation. The previous building did not have any, and an adhesive-spray-foam insulation made from recycled material has been put into the walls and

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With Spring Break approaching, North Shore Country Day as a school community is moving toward the time when evaluations are made. One such evaluation is that of the recent efforts to integrate diversity into the culture at North Shore.

This year’s diversity efforts began with the announcement of the hiring of Prexy Nesbitt. A graduate of Antioch College, Nesbitt’s job was to survey the school community and consult with students at their desire about aspects of diversity which could be fixed or implemented. Taking a liking to the school’s motto, “Live and Serve,” Nesbitt was seen as a promising new addition to the school.

The efforts to amalgamate diversity with North

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News

3/21/13

The Truth About North Shore’s Green Thumb

Diversity?

Veb Anand ‘15

Shore’s community were heightened when André Lee visited North Shore to share a portion of his film, The Prep School Negro. The film chronicles Lee’s journey to the prestigious Germantown Friends School and the repercussions that came with his passion for attending and studying at a predominantly white, private school.

Lee said that his inspiration for making the film stemmed from his family feeling as if they were second class citizens.

“I felt guilty about gaining access to this world of privilege and knowledge,” he said. “I wanted to share this new world with those who were not able to walk with me.”

The Prep School Negro had a lasting impression on the faculty and student body, and seems to have resulted in a new awareness of diversity.

Unfortunately, this awareness may have been short-lived, as following Thanksgiving Break the student body slowly began to become aware of the absence of Prexy Nesbitt. No action was taken by students, although concern was evident.

Furthermore, despite the numerous opportunities that have been presented by the North Shore community, including multiple visits by André Lee, a special showing of Rashid Ghazi’s film Fordson: Faith, Fasting and Football, and A Conversation on Religious Pluralism with Eboo Patel, the general student body’s lack of participation has been noticeable.

One student expressed disappointment in a lack of participation, saying, “The one thing that gets to me about diversity at North Shore is that the perception of the work on diversity is that it reaches a wide range of people, and it doesn’t.”

The student went on to say, “We have lots of fantastic opportunities, but no one [members of the student body] is getting involved. And that falls on the shoulders of the administration just as much as it does the kids.”

North Shore provides many opportunities for students to explore the concept of diversity and aids them in the process of taking action. Whether or not to engage in these opportunities is up to the discretion of each individual student. However, the opportunities provided do not accomplish their respective goals if nobody is present to hear their messages.

With Diversity Day having come and gone, it’s time for the entire North Shore community to utilize the lessons they learned during Diversity Day, such as examining the effects of different attributes of a person’s identity.

While we must refer to these lessons when opportunities arise, it is arguably more important for students to not be “humane for only a minute” but create an environment where diversity is respected and cherished. If the North Shore community does this, and capitalizes on future opportunities presented, then we will all be seizing the chance to “Live and Serve.”

Cont. from 1 roof. The roof is lined with plastic shingles that help insulate it as well. Another way in which our high school uses less energy is through its rooms’ lighting system, which automatically switches on and off as it detects, through motion, when the room is occupied.

Comparatively, says Ms. Cindy Hooper, our school is definitely “using less energy than a school that’s not a LEED-certified school.”

There are also groups of students at North Shore who have actively participated in making our school more environmentally friendly. One example is E-Club, which is led by Alissa Nolan ‘13 and Anna George ‘13. This year, the club initiated a battery recycling program and is hoping to grow tomatoes so that our cafeteria will have organic tomatoes grown locally rather than from a distant part of the country. They plan to germinate the seeds and place them in our hydroponics system (a system of growing plants in a solution of minerals and solutions without soil). They hope to produce tomatoes that will be used in the cafeteria.

In addition, E-Club has collected and sorted batteries to send them to a recycling plant. The club, along with volunteers from the rest of the school, travels to the Skokie Lagoons twice a year to clean up trash. A couple of years ago, in 20102011, the club made a worm composting system which they used to compost the school’s outside garden.

Although our school has done a lot, especially compared to other schools, to be more green, we can still improve greatly. For example, we normally buy plastic water bottles rather than bringing our own water bottles, which contributes to a lot of our waste. At lunch, we should use the water cups and pitchers in the cafeteria.

We also, said Nolan, “Waste a lot of paper because our printing is free and easy.”

Although it may not cost students much, it costs us all in terms our combined effort to be environmentally friendly.

“We need to be more cautious about what we print and how many times we click the print button for one document,” said Nolan.

In addition, when we send a printout out to a printer and decide, out of its own error or for another reason, to send it again to a different printer, we sometimes forget that it’s still added to the first printer’s queue and we’ve just wasted that much more ink and paper.

Another way we can improve is to be aware of what resources we have available to us.

“The school actually recycles,” said George. “We have recyclable plastic silverware in the cafeteria.”

If all of us were to fully commit to making our school as green as possible, by each of us doing our part in recycling and minimizing waste, we could utilize our newly designed school much more effectively.

Justin Savin ‘15 Cont. from 1

Photo of Diversity Day discussion by Brent Rolfes ‘15

3

News

3/21/13

of the Arts Center Teen Depression Renovation and Auditorium on the North Shore Nick David ‘15

Rachel York ‘15

Think about our school for a minute. There are 210 students in the Upper School.

We pass each other in the halls, play sports with one another, and study together. Now think about the fact that according to Psychology Today, approximately 20 percent of teenagers will experience a depressive episode before they reach adulthood. That means 42 people in our school alone. These numbers are shocking, yet true. Depression has also been on the rise in adolescents in recent years, with a fivefold increase since the end of the 20th century, according to the 2x2 Project.

Teenagers on the North Shore are especially likely to experience depression. It is a well known fact that the North Shore is a wealthy area, meaning many of us have high achieving parents. We also attend a school and live in a culture that places a high value on extrinsic goals rather than intrinsic goals. According to Psychology Today, “Intrinsic goals are those that have to do with one’s own development as a person...

Extrinsic goals, on the other hand, are those that have to do with material rewards and other people’s judgments.” This is evident in the high value that we all place on where we get into college, rather than the value we place on developing into better people.

This is a common trend, with surveyed college freshman reporting “being well off financially” as more important to them than “developing a meaningful philosophy of life,” while the reverse was true in the 1960s and ‘70s.

In addition to this, we have all grown up in a world where we are constantly rated, judged, evaluated, and graded against each other. Everyone is competing to be better than each other, rather than to be the best they can personally be. Also, because of the system that we live in and learn in, we are more focused on getting an A than we are on actually learning the material in school. Our culture and society, especially one that is as high achieving as the North Shore, has placed such a high value on material things that we have sacrificed finding true meaning in our lives. This has dire consequences for our mental health.

It is no wonder that anxiety, depression, and mental disorders are on the rise among teenagers. If you have ever wondered, “What’s the point?” or felt like your life is out of your control, and you are only doing school, sports, etc, because someone is telling you to, you are not alone. This is a key element to why we all feel so stressed, and a key factor in why depression is on the rise.

In order to solve this alarming rate of depression and anxiety among adolescents, our society must take a look at the way that our system works. We have virtually no choice in what we learn or how we learn, we are constantly tested and evaluated and pitted against each other to compete for the top colleges. We have grown up learning that the only way to exist is to compete, compete, compete; many of us will graduate high school with no real sense of self, just a diploma and a couple of 5’s on AP tests. What’s the real value of that if we’ve sacrificed our teen years to anxiety? Why have we put such an emphasis on education without learning, and competition for competition’s sake, and not self betterment?

Of course, Rome was not built in a day, and we can’t change the whole system immediately. However, we can all do a few things to make sure that we help each other and ourselves stay sane. We can take a break every so often; not just procrastinating by scrolling through Tumblr, but an actual break where you disconnect and read a book, or go for a walk.

We can all remind ourselves that a less than optimal grade isn’t the end of the world; a 70 on a test means you learned 70% of the material after all, which is great.

We can all stop to think about what we really want, and not what our parents and teachers want us to want. If you hate basketball, don’t play. If you’re only taking that AP to get into college but not because you are interested in the subject, don’t take it.

Invest in courses and activities that are meaningful to you.

The most important thing we can all do is be there for each other. Talk to your friends when you’re stressed and be an outlet for your friends. Don’t be afraid to open up.

Forget the competition that has been ingrained in you, and remember that we are all teens going through the same things. We need to take a step back sometimes and think about the important things in life.

In June, after school has ended, North Shore Country Day will undergo its renovation of the Auditorium and Arts Center. This renovation will completely modernize both spaces.

The first element of the renovation is the Diller Street Theater. The theater was built in 1924, almost 90 years ago. This will be a complete interior renovation of the building. Included in the renovation will be a new heating and air-conditioning system, a brand new full rigging and theatrical lighting system, and a catwalk. An audiovisual system will be installed so that Morning Ex programs can be easily recorded.

In addition, North Shore plans to replace all theater seating with brand new, comfortable seats. Also being replaced is the orchestra pit, stage floor, and the curtains. The interior of the theater will be designed to allow for an “integrated acoustical design.”

When asked how the plans will benefit theater arts, Upper School Drama Teacher Ms. Macholl said, “The renovation is going to benefit the theater classes next year because we will have our own drama room... Within the drama room we hope to have platforms and different levels, so we can do a lot more scene work, and a lot more perspective.”

“The play productions will have all brand new lighting and sound,” said Ms. Macholl. “We are going to have a new rigging system... We are going to have brand new seats, so no more broken seats. We will have an all new stage floor that will be replaced. We will have four dressing rooms instead of two, which will be great.”

The Arts Center will also be seeing a major renovation. The band, chorus, ceramics, drama, photography, and art studios, as well as the woodshop, will be upgraded as part of this renovation. As a whole, the Arts Center will receive brand new heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. In addition, the fire safety system and the plumbing will be upgraded.

Work on this major renovation will begin soon after school is dismissed.

The 2013 graduation will not be affected by the renovation.

Next year, for the 2013-2014 school year, it is expected that the visual arts studios will be finished by the first day of school. Theater arts classes are expected to be held in the Collaborative Learning Studio.

For those in band and chorus, classes will be held in “mods.” These mods are similar to those used at North Shore during the 2010-2011 school year.

A mod is a classroom inside of a trailer.

In terms of Morning Ex, all Morning Ex performances will be held in various places throughout the North Shore campus. These locations include the Upper School “V,” the Mac Gym, the West Gym, and the Atrium.

For musical performances and plays, North Shore is examining various local venues in which North Shore students might perform. It is expected that the project will be completed in or around March of 2014, allowing for 2014 graduation to take place in the brand new theater.

Opinion

4

Gay Marriage in Illinois: An Update Katherine Chandler ‘13

Our nation has made great strides recently in the fight to legalize same-sex marriage. So far, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Maine, Washington, and the District of Columbia have all legalized gay marriage, and our home state of Illinois just might be the next one to follow in their tracks.

On Valentine’s Day this year, our state made history by approving Senate Bill 10, which includes the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. The bill passed in the Illinois Senate with a vote of 34 to 21. This approval has advanced the bill on to a full House vote, which is the final step before it is made legal.

Democratic Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn has already promised to sign the bill into law if it passes the House vote.

The bill must receive at least 60 votes, but the House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) currently estimates that the bill is 12 votes short of the required 60.

This, however, is just an estimate and the vote could easily go either way.

The Chicago Phoenix quoted Madigan’s spokesman, Steve Brown, commenting that, “It’s a hard issue to monitor—social issues—people are getting pulled in a lot of different directions here. The only way to know for sure is to have a vote.”

It is unclear when exactly this bill will be brought to a vote in the House of Representatives. The bill’s chief sponsor, Greg Harris (D), has said that he will not call up the bill for vote until he has gathered enough support to pass it.

Marriage equality proponents are putting pressure on representatives for a “yes” vote and are working hard to gather support for the bill. Many people are optimistic about the future of this bill and the impact it could have on our state.

Proponents now anxiously await the decision of the fate of Senate Bill 10 to see if our home state of Illinois will make history by joining the nine other states that have legalized gay marriage in our nation.

3/21/13

Food Fight Over Cafeteria Prices Debbie Newmark ‘15 There are some controversies that enter the School and become obsolete almost immediately. This is certainly not the case with the issue of displaying food prices in the cafeteria.

Many students are working hard to rally the cause, including sophomores Claire McCarthy ‘15 and Jonathan Segal ‘15. When asked her thoughts on the idea of easily accessible food prices, McCarthy emphasized how long the idea has been circulating. In addition, her reaction to the DSJ finally covering this issue was summarized in three words: “I am thrilled.”

Segal, on the other hand, was a bit more agitated by the issue.

“For years, the North Shore cafeteria has been scamming all students and teachers,” he said.

I decided that I needed to consult with people in the North Shore community who could have more of an impact on resolving the issue. I caught up with Selena Soriano, who works in the cafeteria. She agrees that prices should be on display for all items, “so the kids know how much everything will cost.”

Part of the controversy is whether or not there is a definite need to display prices on the foods in the cafeteria, since a majority of students charge their lunches to their North Shore accounts.

Later, I had a more formal encounter with Co-Student Council President Ilhana Redzovic ‘13. When Madame President was asked about her stance on the issue, she said, “I am very pro [displaying prices]. In fact, I have worked to make sure that the prices are put up, and we were able to get them up, but they’re not big enough for everybody to see. So that’s going to be the issue that we’re tackling now, and hopefully that will get squared out.”

Perhaps the issue in the cafeteria is not whether the prices are posted or not posted, but where they are posted and how easy they are for those in the lunch line to read.

Gun Control: America’s Great Debate Garrett Rasmus ‘14

On December 14th, 2012, the now infamous shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School took place. In a horrific tragedy, 20 children and six adults were killed, prompting a widespread, nationwide discussion on how to prevent future attacks such as this. However, no such discussion has received so much national attention as gun control.

Rather, no such constitutional amendment has been as controversial as the right to bear arms. The country has adopted these amendments as the law of the land. Though controversial to some at the time, the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments have become much more widely accepted and are now norms which the country lives by. The 2nd amendment, however, has had the exact opposite trend. What started as a simple idea that was believed to be in the best interest of citizens to defend themselves and their property has been transformed into the center of political discussion. Some are even saying that for the first time since 1933, a constitutional amendment should be repealed and Americans should no longer have the right to bear arms.

I believe the shooter at Sandy Hook Elementary, in addition to having psychological issues, was a downright evil individual, just like the shooter at the midnight premiere for The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado last July, and the two high school students turned shooters at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. Although millions of people live with mental health problems and pose no danger to society, it seems that mass shooters all share

some form of mental illness. One of the Columbine shooters was mentally depressed. The other was considered a psychopath by Dr. Frank Ochberg, a psychiatry professor at Michigan State University who was involved in an FBI school-shooting symposium: “I do believe Harris was well on his way to being what we would call a psychopath. He showed very little conscience.” Furthermore, The Dark Knight Rises shooter is suspected to have had dysphoric mania — a mental disorder which causes depression spontaneously — and the Sandy Hook Elementary shooter had deeply ingrained mental and social issues.

These individuals only decided to wield a gun to carry out a rampage, and America is now pushing to ban guns. On the same day of the Sandy Hook shootings, a man stabbed 22 children and one adult at an elementary school in China with a knife; had the Sandy Hook shooter been wielding a knife on December 14th, would America be pushing for knife control?

What the gun does is launch a projectile at a high velocity, to penetrate, damage, and/or neutralize a target. However, the gun is not at all in control of where it is aimed. What much of the public fails to realize is that blaming the inanimate object does no good. Should America ban alcohol because of drunk driving? Pencils for spelling mistakes? Vehicles for speeding tickets?

Abolishing the right to bear arms would mean that America would join with societies such as Germany

under Hitler, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and North Korea under Kim Jong-Il. Although popular substances such as narcotics are banned, the illegal drug trade is still rampant, even after Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon focused many efforts to combat it by establishing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973. Is America really going to back down to the people who push for a constitutional right to be banned for all just because some dislike it? No. However, gun laws do need to be reformed.

The right to bear arms was established in the best interest of self-defense. If that notion is to hold true, Americans should be allowed to possess enough to defend themselves from whatever danger may occur, not enough to carry out a mass shooting. An assault rifle, for example, was the gun that The Dark Knight Rises shooter used. What would have happened if he did not have access to a weapon that was blatantly intended to kill individuals, the type of gun used in the military?

President Obama is protected by the very weapon he has hinted at taking away from civilians. In addition, other politicians, celebrities, and important individuals are protected by guns. If a person is in danger, they seek the assistance of a police officer who carries a gun to combat whatever danger may be at hand. If American citizens want to ensure their immediate protection, handgun possession should live on; but not necessarily assault rifle possession.

Opinion

5

3/21/13

Spring Breaking Matt Griffin ‘14 After seemingly endless weeks of school, the long-awaited Spring Break is upon us. The heavens rejoice, the fanfare plays, the cherubim sing to welcome the promised time. And so it is now that we finally have time to travel abroad and spend time with family — and, of course, do more homework.

Yes, many of us celebrate the hallowed tradition of being away from school by catching up on all that extra work. Because ask any high school student, and that’s what he’ll be able to tell you break is all about: having all the free time you need so you can do your extra work in peace.

Everybody knows what I mean by “extra work,” of course. I’m talking about all those fun math problems, those interesting books you didn’t get to write essays about, those awesome verbs you didn’t get to practice conjugating. Frequently, our teachers are insightful enough to assign this for us, so we don’t need to go looking for it on our own.

Because without work, what would vacation even be?

Last Spring Break, my homework of choice was analyzing the Tao Te Ching, the book of

Taoist philosophy. Getting this done was made more difficult because I had to travel to Tanzania to go on safari with my family. It was the typical break experience: cheetahs, gazelles, writing book reports. We met our guide, named Nkrumah, who gave us a personal bus ride through the town and into the countryside. I tried to digest as much as I could about the beauty of nature and being in touch with the world as we drove through Africa.

“Hey, Matt,” said my dad. “Did you see those antelopes?”

“Dad, not right now, I’m reading up on the energy of life.”

“Wow, look at those rhinos!”

“I’m trying to be at peace with the world, okay, Dad?” Suddenly, I came across a rather challenging passage in the book: “The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to.”

“What does that even mean?” I wondered aloud.

“How am I supposed to figure that one out?”

“Next stop, the Nile!” Nkrumah shouted from the driver’s seat.

“Oh, well,” I thought. “There’s always more algebra to be done.”

How was I supposed to get any work done with all this vacation going on? It seems that there’s no point in going somewhere if it’s just going to get in the way of being busy. It’s like the idea of yin and yang: even opposites are connected and contained within each other. So vacation shouldn’t just be free time, because it needs to have work in it as well. Just like there’s all those times during school when they give us mandatory, relaxing breaks and free time during the day. We should have work in vacation because there is relaxation in school!

I look back on that Spring Break knowing that I tried the best I could have to get my work done, and I hope I was efficient. I look forward to a better time, when breaks become times of doing more work, and not worrying about useless things like “relaxation.” Because nothing is more of a break from homework than having a vacation to do some homework.

Do You Know What Grinds My Gears?

Austin Curren ‘13 I am a fairly sensible human being, and I would not consider myself a complainer, but there are times when I cannot help myself. There are simple solutions to visible problems and sometimes I am overcome with an immense amount of anguish when people do not see them. There are certain things that really grind my gears.

I guess you could call me a Renaissance man. I am a very well rounded person and I perform each task I take on with the utmost amount of effort and diligence. I am also someone who is deeply invested in my community; purple and white runs through my veins. I breathe in Raiders and exhale acorns. So, when I volunteered to become the lunch monitor of the cafeteria every Friday, I understood the responsibility that I was taking on.

This wonderful spaceship of a school has offered me, a Renaissance man, a free lunch in return for my services. North Shore Country Day’s lunchroom has never had the reputation of being the most spacious, which is why the students cannot pack themselves in all at once like a Lollapalooza mosh pit. You know what I am talking about. There are those days when the lunch monitor forgets his duty and there is no one to man the post, resulting in the lunchroom resembling an over-clogged artery.

Well, when I man the post, I stand tall and dignified. I realize who I work for. Yes, I may be a

sellout. I know that I am working for the man, telling hungry people, “It can wait. The pizza line is extra large today.” I know you all dislike waiting in that line. I realize you may have just completed a long block of hoopla and you haven’t had breakfast. Do not sass me if you are that person. It is not like I am eating. I am waiting just like you are. I know waiting in a line is very difficult for certain people in this establishment. We’ve all got our meetings.

Everyone has places to go and people to see. And if you know the direction I’m headed then you should feel ashamed if this applies to you. Yes! I’m talking to you! You think you’re better than me! Just because you walk through the front door of the cafeteria does not make you clever. I know, I know. You walk into the Activities Room. You see the large line full of hungry kids getting stopped by some guy, and you say to yourself, “Why would I wait in line, when I could just go through the other door?”

Congratulations! By walking through the other entrance you’re not only disrespecting your fellow classmates waiting in line, you have also successfully grinded my gears. When you see my face every Friday as you walk through that other entrance, I want you to look me in the eyes. I will not scold you or make you wait in line. I realize I do not have the power to get you in any real trouble. I will not use physical force. I will just show you the pain in my

eyes. Every time a person walks through the other entrance my heart gets a little older.

So, now you know. I guess in some sense I am happy you do it. I mean, I have gears. At least they are getting put to use by your complete selfishness.

But I digress. I guess I am giving you, the student, an option. You can selfishly walk through that other gateway to get some quick food, or you can wait in line and let society do its thing. So I guess it depends: who do you want to be?

Opinions

6

Xander Reviews the First Floor Bathroom Soaps Xander Mitchell ‘15

3/21/13

‘Tis The Season To Be Pranking: The April Fool’s Rundown Cooper Ochsenhirt ‘16

As you already know, the hot topic at the Day School over the past few months has been the efficiency of the Student Council. Just kidding; it’s been the first floor bathroom soaps. Our bathrooms were graced with three anti-bacterial blessings in the first semester, and it has made students’ time spent in the bathroom during long block so much better.

If there is one thing that sophomore English has taught me thus far, it’s that being bold pays off.

Therefore, it’s appropriate to begin with this year’s largest upset: the bold Cucumber Melon. It has a tangy melon flavor to accent the more subdued cucumber, making the soap a sure reminder of whatever extravagant home you summer in. Need that jolt to make your vivid Community Gathering announcement all the more exciting? You’re going to slay that speech, and Cucumber Melon is going to be your sword.

Next, I expected a more prominent effect from a soap with a name like Mango Margarita, but I can’t say I’m displeased with its elegant subtlety. The best advice I can give you for working with this soap?

Strut that scent. Smoothly walk into that learning studio and navigate your Node knowing that you’re wearing something excellent. 99.9% of germs are gone, so all eyes will be on you. Your confidence will do the talking. That college meeting doesn’t sound too nerve-wracking now, does it?

With the hype around the new additions, it’s easy to forget the traditional option. It’s been around for so long that it goes virtually unappreciated.

Nevertheless, the scent speaks for itself. The aqueous aura and floral undertones combine perfectly to make the generic option a tool for the star student who is truly in control. Mysteriously unnamed and suavely understated, it’s perfect for both negotiating a higher grade on your research paper and a romantic date at an Almquist Gallery opening.

Altogether, it comes down to a simple fact that’s still relevant no matter how many teenage girls put it on their Pinterest accounts: wear what you love. I encourage you to go out there and dabble with your choices, because in the end, it might pay off.* *Seriously though, wash your hands.

Follow the author on Twitter @tarXANDER_

Contrary to what I said about Valentine’s Day — how much I dislike it due to corporatization — I do truly like April Fool’s. If I am particularly irritated with an individual, I can plan my comeback, and enact it. And then its occurrence will make sense because, hey, it’s April Fool’s Day. For a man (or a woman) with a bone to pick (or two), this holiday can be considered Christmas in April. Specifically, Christmas on April 1st. As of right now, I’m planning a revenge attack on the Easter Bunny. He’s really going to pay for the lack of candy in my basket. He better be watching his back. I’m coming for you, Easter Bunny!!!!

I’m kidding. In reality, practical jokes can be much more harmful than the perpetrator originally intended. Besides, as Samuel Johnson once said, “Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.” Let’s ignore that for a minute, though. Here is a docile duo of what I’d call the cream of the crop of the April Fool’s Day Pranks available to you: This Doesn’t Belong to Me This particular prank is quite simple, and like most things in life, what you get out of it is what you put into it (quite literally). For the beginning, you bring a regular bag into the venue in which the prank will take place. Easy enough task. Once you have your bag, you fill it with a bunch of embarrassing items — for example, Justin Bieber paraphernalia. Then, you conveniently place something that obviously belongs to the prank’s receiver next to it, so that people will assume it is his bag. (Someone please do this to Kobe Bryant. That man needs to be knocked

down a peg). Then, let the prank run its course.

As your prank metamorphosizes in front of you, stand back and admire your masterpiece.

You have the right to be proud of it, because you pulled it off. You have earned the right to view the comedy of your prank’s effects. But don’t bask in glory too long... they’ll be back (especially Kobe - he’s not gonna take it).

The Dark Screen This prank is pretty easy to execute as well.

Word to the wise, though: don’t do it to yourself (I speak from experience). For this prank, you need one computer, one unsuspecting April Fool’s victim, and some time to pull this job off. First, you wait until the victim has vacated the premises (the room). Then, slip out of your chair without making any noises whatsoever.

After this, you stealthily sneak over to the computer and you lower that brightness level as if it means life or death. I’m not kidding, punch those keys like you mean it. After this has been completed to a certain degree that fits your taste, stealthily move back, but once again, be quieter than a setting hen. Oh, I forgot to add: do not do this in an actual class, like English or History. If you do that, you’re just asking for a teacher’s wrath and a detention.

This is a veritable duo I have presented above. They are simple and quite harmless.

Have a great April Fool’s Day, and don’t try to pull either of these on me (I’ll know).

Senioritis Annie Murnighan ‘13 Cont. from 1 Perhaps not. Other students see this disease as the result of meaningless classes. When asked to consider what they think is the root cause, Lizzy Gendell ‘13 and Ayo Okesanya ‘13 responded at first with blank stares, as they had clearly surpassed the initial stages of this malady.

Eventually, Okesanya had this to say: “Senioritis? It’s real. It’s already hit me. Um, college? Senior year is pointless once you get into college. What’s the point of me doing work that doesn’t matter anymore?” However, this particular student also suggested a light at the end of the tunnel. “My work ethic will come back freshman year of college. Not now. It’s over, it’s over!”

Behind him, Gendell, who exhibits severe symptoms, could be seen yawning ferociously and making obscene gestures. She represents a student already far gone in the descent to complete lethargy. She is not alone.

David Wilson ‘13 was “too lazy to comment,” while Michael Jaharis ‘13 simply offered: “...”

We are currently facing a seemingly endless epidemic of Senioritis. Although there may be hope, it is clear that things are going to get much worse before they get ...

Annie Murnighan was unable to complete this article, as she, too, succumbed to Senioritis.

Opinion

7

Relaxing the School Day

‘Girl Rising’

Rachel York ‘15

Matt Griffin ‘14 Ask any high schooler what a major cause of stress is, and you will undoubtedly hear the words “homework” and “school.” These are definitely some fair complaints.

Recently, it seems there is an epidemic of overworked students as well as stressed out teachers, just trying to get work done and meet some demanding deadlines. Luckily, North Shore’s new Challenge Success program is here to help.

Challenge Success is an organization that was formed in 2007 at Stanford University, where it grew out of the school’s SOS (Stressed Out Students) program. The group consists of psychologists, teachers, physicians, and policy experts committed to helping lower the amount of stress and related emotional problems for students, teachers, and parents.

In November 2012, Challenge Success hosted a speaking event in Chicago featuring Dr. Ken Ginsburg. North Shore was one of the many schools in attendance and has continued its work at school with a small group of teachers and students that stay in contact with Challenge Success associates for advice.

North Shore’s team has come up with a list of both long-term and short-term stress reducing strategies. One goal was met earlier this year when Dr. Ken Ginsburg spoke to the school as a whole, giving the lecture the Challenge Success team had heard in November.

“We are trying to create a way to make a very challenging, demanding program a bit more manageable and a bit a less stressful,” said Upper School Head Dr. Potter, who runs North Shore’s Challenge Success program. “We are looking at a combination of policies around homework and grading that may provide a little bit more peace of mind to students.”

3/21/13

North Shore’s Challenge Success program is built around implementing such policies. Potential short term changes may include breathing exercises before the start of classes, late start days, and “no homework nights” during stressful weeks.

In addition to these smaller changes, Challenge Success may have a larger impact over many years, including a restructuring of the schedule.

“The possibility of having larger blocks allows students a little more time to complete work during the day and gives teachers more flexibility in how they manage their schedules,” Potter said.

Classes themselves may also change. “I think there is some value in looking into offering our own honors classes, rather than AP classes. That’s clearly a very sensitive issue but we feel it is important to consider it,” Potter said. “Change is never easy, but it seems there is a sense that change is needed, and I’m excited about that.”

Ultimately, Challenge Success is about helping stressed out students and teachers to deal with the problems a rigorous school year can bring.

Fortunately for students, this program will only help in alleviating stress, as they are the beneficiaries of the program.

Malini Valliath ‘14, part of the Challenge Success Team, said “It’s really giving students a voice in their school - because ultimately, the changes in school structure and overall environment will affect them most directly. I’m looking forward to seeing what our NSCDS students want to share with the school about stress and success, and what ideas they come up with to better the situation.”

With careful planning and implementation, school stress can be reduced in the coming years.

Students and teachers may feel overwhelmed by work sometimes, but they now know that they have Challenge Success on their side.

The College Process

Friday, March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day: a day that we can celebrate women and girls, and bring awareness to the great strides we have made for gender equality and the steps that we still need to take. One of the greatest gaps that we need to bridge is access to education. In honor of International Women’s Day, Avery Mc Call ‘16 hosted a screening of the documentary Girl Rising at North Shore to raise awareness about education inequality, and I decided to check it out.

The film itself was very well done. It told the stories of a number of different girls worldwide and their struggles for equality and, more specifically, education. Some of the stories include a young Haitian girl who demanded to be allowed to go to school after the earthquake despite her family’s lack of funds; an Egyptian girl who valiantly fought off her rapist; an Afghan girl who was educated when she was young but then was sold into marriage as a teen; and a girl from Indonesia who was freed from bonded servitude after getting an education. There were other stories as well. The narratives were connected with different facts and figures about how educating girls and raising girls’ status would help the world as a whole.

Sometimes the style of the film was rather confusing and awkward; it almost seemed as if each story were cut from another film at times, since it would jump from animated to live action, third person narration to first person narration. But what the documentary lacked in style, it certainly made up for in substance.

I thought each of the stories was fascinating in its own right, and that the documentary did a good job of bringing light to an issue we don’t hear much about.

The movie also got me thinking about how much we all take our education for granted. We pay to attend private school when we could have a top notch education for free — something that some of these girls could only dream of.

Overall, the movie was definitely worth seeing. If you couldn’t make it, it’s now in theaters and there are many screenings on the North Shore, so you still have a chance to see it! I definitely recommend it.

James Robinson ‘15 At the Day School, many seniors are anxiously awaiting college decisions, while many juniors have begun the long process of applying to college. For too many students, this has become a race. Everyone is trying to figure out what colleges want.

And there is no shortage of advice out there.

Get good grades, have a lot of extracurricular activities; be an athlete, an artist, and a musician; start a charity. Put in extra time preparing for the PSAT, the SAT, the ACT, the SAT subject tests… and the dreaded AP tests. Visit all the colleges you may consider applying to — ask intelligent questions at the information sessions. Better yet, meet with professors while you are there. Hire a private college counselor. Do something in the

summer that will look good on your application.

Have a set of reach colleges and a set of backups.

Write an application that expresses humility, wit, and intellect to make you stand out from the pack.

Is it just me, or does this all seem kind of crazy?

Groucho Marx once said, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” For too many students, the college process has come to exemplify that attitude. It seems to me that the truth is that most high school students want to go to college, and most colleges want to to have a new freshman class each year. Perhaps someday, someone will devise a way to move away from this crazy process into one where the colleges and students can really get to know if the match is right.

While there is unquestionably great value in going to a top university, it is important to ensure that the pressure of the college application process does not impede the high school experience. People should join clubs because they have a genuine interest in the subject or service, not because it will look impressive on a college application.

In The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher states, “It used to be about trying to do something. Now it’s about trying to be someone.” The same can be said for going through the college process: instead of trying to be the person who gets into a top college by participating in activities because they look good on a transcript, students should instead do what they, as an individual, believe in.

8

The Arts

3/21/13

‘Into the Woods’: An Inside Perspective Ten Minutes on Stage Julie Block ‘13 needed to be a strong leader in the production, but I also knew that with my seniority I could make this show that much better if I embodied this role and helped the underclassmen to stay focused during rehearsal and remind them of our end goal.

This particular show was definitely challenging. One would not believe how difficult the rhythms were, much less the lyrics. We sang the same tune countless times throughout the show, coupled with different words each time. Having to memorize all of those words and sing them at the right time was very demanding, especially when movement was added. Likewise, the show was filled with constant transitions, so as one person Photo of the author by Brent Rolfes ‘15 was exiting, another was entering. Everyone in the cast needed to be ready to enter at any Very few things in my life make me happier moment, because the transitions happened so than being in a North Shore Country Day School fast. It takes much effort to make a show this musical, because the daily rehearsals bring the challenging work, but everyone worked so entire cast so close together. Having been in every hard to make sure that we had a great show. musical since eighth grade, I know what it is like Tech week is quite possibly the hardest thing to create that bond with my peers. Spending two that someone involved in a production can hours with the same people every single day for endure — particularly in a musical — because three months and working together to achieve one all of the lighting, sound, and music cues need goal creates the same sort of connection that one to be added to the show. Likewise, because this would find on a sports team. is the last week of the show, everyone needs Every member is needed in order to make the to have memorized their lines and blocking, as production as successful as it can be. With a show well as the choreography, and the words, notes, like Into the Woods, where the words, rhythms, and rhythms of the music. Into the Woods and notes are all extremely complicated, it is even was the most tech-heavy show that I have more essential that everyone bring everything they ever been in, what with all of the sound and have to rehearsal every single day and commit one lighting cues. The seven-hour rehearsal on the hundred percent. It is only this level of commitment Saturday before the musical took a great deal that can make such a spectacular show. of patience, and it created a mountain of chaos This commitment started before winter break, as and stress for all those involved. soon as the audition songs were posted. Those who However, despite all of the stress, the were interested in auditioning for lead roles had culmination of all of our hard work — the only one week to learn the notes and rhythms of the performance, that is — seemed to make all of songs, how to act while singing the songs, and, (if the hours of practicing worthwhile. I know that they were particularly ambitious), to memorize the people do not always understand why I have songs altogether. The auditions required everyone the passion that I do for musicals, and it is to start learning the music even before rehearsals not something that is easily explained, but the had begun. Having the auditions before winter world that my fellow cast members and I are break allowed for the main characters to take their able to create on a simple stage brings about scripts home with them over the vacation to begin the opportunity to be someone different, in a memorizing their lines. This is essential to making different time and place, just for a little while. any production work, because memorization is just Ms. Macholl always tells us that we have to the first step in being able to act the part. Because let go of all of our troubles when we walk into Into the Woods is such a difficult show to put on, rehearsal and just be our characters, which this was particularly important. can be a great distraction from the worries of Being in a musical, especially this one, may not life sometimes. In the end, the performance is have been as important for some people as it was not for us; we perform to give the audience for me, but I have worked toward this show for the the distraction from life that we have had past four years of my life. Many times, I found that in rehearsals. To make people happy with the only motivation that I had to go to school was to something that we have created, even for just a go to rehearsal at the end of the day. It is the same few hours, is what performing is all about. The way that many people feel about a club, a team, or a fact that I have the time of my life doing so is class. It was difficult, being a senior, to know that I just an added bonus.

Tonya Piergies ‘15 Since 2011, North Shore’s 10-minute play festival Take 10! has proved to be a great addition to the school’s theater program. It provides students with the opportunity to be involved in a play by being a writer, director, or actor.

“It’s a great way to see the leadership and dedication a director has [for their production] from beginning to end,” said Upper School Drama Teacher Ms. Macholl.

Take 10! stands out from other North Shore productions in many ways. Unlike larger shows, it gives all students the opportunity to have a featured role. In Take 10!, all actors are considered to be principals. No matter what role you get, you are sure to have plenty of time on stage. There is also a difference in the amount of time the cast gets to prepare for the performance. Instead of having rehearsal a few times per week every week for a few months, directors meet with their cast for just a few weeks.

A typical rehearsal goes from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. The directors of the play decide how practices are run.

Oftentimes there are theater activities given to the cast as a warm-up, which help the actors practice how to project to the audience. Next, they work on memorizing their lines and blocking the show. At the end of rehearsal, directors write reflections on what they noticed about the process for that particular day.

Students at North Shore consider the 10-minute plays a fun way to be with friends while still participating in a quality production.

“It is a great way to interact with your classmates,” said Valerie Jaharis ‘15, who was featured in Matt Griffin’s play “What I Learned in Driver’s Ed” last year. “You can be a freshman and be in a production with juniors and seniors.”

Valerie said she is looking forward to being in the production this year as well.

“We had a lot of fun and it all came together very well by the time the performance came around,” she said.

Liam Ouweleen ‘15, who was in alumnus Sam Barker’s play “Loving You” last year, is also returning to participate in the plays this year.

“It is a great way to fulfill a stage requirement. It is led by students, which makes it [the production’s process] different. It is a more laid back environment, but you still get the work done.”

Auditions for the 10-minute plays were held on Monday, March 18th from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. in Mr. Querio’s room.

Actors were required to prepare the scene ahead of time in order to get a feel for the characters and then perform.

However, there is not much pressure in these auditions, as no memorization is required. Ms. Macholl described auditions as “mainly about having the directors see how you interact with your partner and what risks you take while taking on that role.”

This year’s performances will feature several comedies.

With many people returning as cast and crew, it will be great to see how the production comes together. Take 10! is a great event to go to with friends or family. Performances will be take place on Friday April 26th, 2013 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Sports

9

3/21/13

The College Process for Athletes Ilia Labkovsky ‘13 Applying to college is stressful. Filling out the applications, submitting the papers, getting the recommendations, etc. It’s not easy. So what if you throw the pressures of trying to play a college sport on top of that? Some people think that makes it easier. “The guys who play sports, they just go to college because of that. They don’t need to stress about school,” said a student during a Diversity Day discussion. It’s not that simple.

The college process for high schoolers is often harder than for the average student. The process starts by establishing contact with the coaches of college athletics programs in which the student can play. Some students have trouble with this because they are unrealistic about their level of play. If a player is good at basketball at North Shore, it does not mean that they can play at Kentucky. Students often send out some sort of highlight tape that shows the best plays of their junior and senior seasons. They then wait to see if they receive any interest from coaches.

Once a coach shows interest in a player coming to play at their school, the process takes off. The coaches that are interested in a player keep in contact with a player for a while. They explain why their school would be a good fit for the athlete and what they can offer each other. Athletes must evaluate each school that is interested in them in order to make a well-informed decision by the end of their senior year.

After getting to know the athlete, coaches will often offer a player a visit to their campus. This is considered one of the most important parts of the recruiting process, as a student can see what it is like to be a part of the team and to live on campus.

There are many stories about athletes visiting schools and being treated like kings so that they would be convinced to attend the school.

The belief that athletes do not need to worry about school is false. The first questions that coaches ask players are often about their GPA and standardized test scores. It is possible for a coach to love a player but for him or her to be denied admission a school due to poor academic performance. Coaches often have sway in admissions decisions, but this appears

to be much more prominent in Division 1 schools than the Division 3 schools that North Shore athletes tend to attend.

Ayo Okesanya ’13, a football player, described his college process as “stressful.”

“It came down to a couple schools,” he said.

“Academics were the most important aspect of my decision. I also didn’t want to go to some random school. I think that I will contend for a national championship.”

If the school is Division 1 and the student is an exceptional athlete, it is possible for him or her to receive an athletic scholarship. However, North Shore rarely produces Division 1 athletes, and most alumni athletes play for Division 3 schools. Division 3 schools typically cannot give athletic scholarships but still provide general financial aid.

Athletes announce their college decision on a day that is often referred to as “signing day.” There is a national signing day for football, but many athletes opt to announce their decision on a day of their choosing. At many schools, the high profile athletes host a ceremony to announce their decision, but North Shore does not follow this sort of procedure.

North Shore produces a significant number of college athletes for the size of the school. In the senior class, three football players, three basketball players, two field hockey players, a tennis player and a golf player all have the possibility of playing in college.

Sam Tullman will be playing football at the University of Pennsylvania, and Joel Hylton and Ayo Okesanya will play at the University of St. Thomas.

Riley Hall will play basketball at Claremont McKenna University, while Jamie Swimmer and Austin Curren are still making decisions about their basketball careers beyond high school. Nick McCall, the individual golf state champion in the Illinois 1A division, is also still evaluating his college decision.

Finally, Addie Ball and Lizzie Gendell will play field hockey at DePauw University and St. Lawrence University, respectively. Annie Morris will play tennis at Colby University.

The DSJ wishes these athletes the best of luck in their college athletic careers.

Photos at right by Brent Rolfes ‘15.

Austin Curren ‘13 (top) and Riley Hall ‘13 (bottom) take shots during the faculty vs. student basketball game on March 11th.

Sports

10

3/21/13

The Madness Begins Will Lawler ‘16

It is time to fill out your brackets. To many, March Madness is the best time of the year. Each year is filled with surprises and upsets, which makes it so fun. Who will be this year’s Cinderella?

This year, there is no dominant team, which will make the tournament that much more thrilling. The tournament is wide open and all 68 teams have a chance. I will give you advice on who and who not to pick.

There is always one team that shocks the nation.

There has been a theme to the team that pulls off the biggest upset: they are usually an 11 seed. For example, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason, and La Salle University have all made it to the final four as 11 seeds. There have been three 11 seeds to make the final four in tournament history. That may not seem like a lot — however, it is incredibly difficult to do this. Let’s take a look at this year’s bracket busters.

There are several teams that could make a Cinderella run. La Salle University is one of the teams that could be destined for a historical run. The Explorers are an athletic team with impressive victories over Butler, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Villanova.

They are a team that could surprise many.

Boise State is better known for their blue turf than for their basketball team. However, this year the basketball team has turned many heads. They have key wins over Creighton, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Colorado State. They also have close losses to Michigan State and New Mexico. Boise State is a team that will be a tough out in this year’s tournament.

Although Florida Gulf Coast is a 15 seed and matched up against Georgetown, do not be surprised if they pull off a major upset. We witnessed two 2 seeds fall to 15 seeds last year. This year could be no different. They have an impressive non-conference schedule even though they suffered several losses, including losses to Duke, VCU, and St. John’s University. They have shown that they can play with top caliber teams, as they knocked off Miami. The Eagles have the potential to be the story of this years tournament.

Wichita State is proving a team to be reckoned with, as they have followed up their 5 seed from last year with another appearance in the NCAA tournament.

The Shockers have beaten Creighton and VCU this year. They are led by Malcolm Armstead and Carl Hall. This team creates matchup problems for many.

Wichita State is a team Gonzaga University did not want to see in their region.

The Minnesota Gophers are an 11 seed. As I mentioned before, 11 seeds have historically done well in the tournament. If an 11 seed were to make a magical run in this year’s tournament, it would be Minnesota. They have beaten the likes of Memphis,

Michigan State, and Indiana University. They create matchup problems with their big men. Especially with one of UCLA’s best players going down, don’t be surprised if Minnesota is not only able to upset UCLA but also make a deep run.

Northwestern State is a team most of us have not heard of. However, that does not mean they can’t make a run. The Demons lead the nation in scoring, averaging exactly 81 points per game.

Many of you might be thinking they are a very good 3-point shooting team; however, that is not the case. Northwestern State shoots only 31% from beyond the arc. They love to push the tempo. Their average tempo is 73.3, which makes them the fastest team in the country. The Gators of Florida were not happy to hear they would be matching up against the Demons. If Florida relies too heavily on the three ball, Northwestern State could pull off the upset of the tournament.

Those are the teams who could mess up everyone’s bracket. Now let’s take a look at those who will disappoint many.

University of Kansas is a team that could see an early exit from this year’s tournament. They have one impressive win with a victory at Ohio State, but that was early in the year. However, they have several losses that indicate this team is not going to make a deep run. They have losses to Texas Christian University, Oklahoma, and Baylor: all games they should have won. The tournament committee did the Jayhawks no favor by having a potential matchup with North Carolina in the second round. The Tar Heels have won 11 out of their last 15 with those 4 losses coming to Duke twice and Miami twice, both top caliber teams. I would not be surprised if the Jayhawks do not see a Sweet 16 appearance.

Akron is a team that has been labeled by many as a Cinderella team. However, they will be lucky to make it past the first round. They do not have a signature win, but have had several opportunities to get one. They have losses to Creighton and Oklahoma State as well as others. Akron was on the nation’s longest winning streak before it was snapped at Buffalo. Akron’s star player, Alex Abreu, has also been suspended for being arrested. This just about squashes any chance of Akron being the Cinderella school of the tournament.

Florida does not play a tough schedule. Their best wins are against Wisconsin, Marquette, and Missouri. The Gators rely heavily on their shooting, and if they are not on, it becomes very difficult for them to score. Although Northwestern State is a 14 seed, it would be no shock if they upset Florida. The Demons were marked as one of my Cinderella teams.

This matchup has upset written all over it.

Michigan is a team that has struggled as of late.

They have lost 6 out of their last 12 and have not

been playing quality basketball. With a potential matchup with VCU in the second round, it seems unlikely the Wolverines will make a Sweet 16 appearance. Michigan is not the team we all thought they were in the middle of the season.

These are the teams that are unlikely to make a deep run despite their seed. These are also the teams that could easily be upset by one of the teams I talked about earlier. However, this tournament is so wide open, any team could be upset or make a deep run.

Could this be the year a 16 seed knocks off a 1 seed? As the mid-majors are becoming stronger, it is only a matter of time before a 16 seed upsets a 1 seed. Last year, two 15 seeds knocked off two 2 seeds. Also, 16 seed UNC Asheville played Syracuse, losing 72-65 after very controversial calls in the final minutes. With no dominant team in college basketball this year, this could be the year for a 16 seed to make history.

I would not be surprised if a 16 seed upset a 1 seed for the first time ever. Western Kentucky is a quality team that has the potential to pull off the biggest upset in history over Kansas. This most likely will not happen, but it certainly is not impossible and would not come as too much of a surprise. Last year, UNC Asheville was spoiled by the referees, and this year it could be different.

This tournament has the potential to be one of the craziest, most thrilling, and upset-filled tournaments ever. As many say, anything can happen. Look for that to be true in this year’s tournament.

Sports

11

3/21/13

Baseball Spring Trip Rachel York ‘15 Although Chicago is a lovely city to live in, one of the hardships of living here is the predictably unpredictable weather. Last year, the weeks leading up to Spring Break brought with them unseasonably high temperatures, whereas this year the opposite is true. Although spring sports started weeks ago, at times it still feels like the middle of winter.

Because of this, spring sports teams have been relegated to indoors. A track team with no track, a soccer team with no field, and a baseball team with no diamond make for a difficult beginning to the season, since getting in practice before games start is crucial. However, one thing the baseball team has that track and soccer do not is their annual Spring Break trip.

The baseball team trip is a popular tradition among the players. According to Justin Savin ’15, “The Spring Break trip is a great way to bond as a team and play lots of baseball before the season

starts, at a time when the weather usually doesn’t allow for it.”

Last year, the boys went to sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where “a lot of baseball [was] played,” as well as some “extremely intense mini golf.”

The players agree that the atmosphere of the trip is decidedly relaxed, since it is not a tournament and the games that are played do not count for their official record.

Will Case ‘14 said, “We just play some games against good teams... [the trip] builds team camaraderie and allows the team to get prepared for the short two-month grind that we go through together.”

This team also knows how to have fun. Savin said that “it was a blast last year,” while Case noted that the team “pretty much screws around the whole time.” Last year’s activities included a

trip to an amusement park, some mini golf, and the general craziness that accompanies a large group of teenagers.

This year, the boys will be traveling to Florida for another week of baseball and bonding before busting out a great season. The general consensus is that this year’s trip will be very similar to last year’s. Players are excited for how this trip will prepare them for their season, given that North Shore’s fields are currently unusable.

A great trip, and season, awaits for these regional champions!

Springing into Track Season Nick David ‘15 Even though it is only March, Spring Track has begun and is in full swing. Two meets have already occurred and the indoor season of track is drawing to a close. In the first track meet of the Spring Track season, the team set a school record for the girls’ 4x200 meter indoor relay when Tonya Piergies ’15, Reese Formolo ’16, Antonia Theodosakis ’16, and Valerie Kirtley ’16 ran the race in 1:59.10. In addition to setting the 4x200 record, Piergies also set a school record for the long jump, recording a jump of 15 feet and 6.5 inches.

On Friday, March 8th, the track team traveled to the Henry Crown Field House at the University of

Chicago for a meet. At this meet, numerous events were won by North Shore Students. These events were the record-setting 4x200 meter relay, the 55 meter hurdle race won by Piergies with a time of 9.64 seconds, and the girls’ varsity long jump, also won by Tonya Piergies.

“So far spring track has been going great,” said Jackson Lubin ’15, a team member. “There have been quite a few school records broken on the girls’ side, and the boys’ team is also coming together nicely. We are still finishing up the indoor season before beginning the true spring track (outdoor) season after spring break... Tonya Piergies should

Photo of Tonya Piergies ‘15 by Art Jessen

qualify for some individual events including long jump and hurdles. Overall, the track team shows a lot of potential and even though the boys’ team doesn’t currently have a school record, we are making good progress and should have a very successful season.”

The track team has had a fantastic start to their season. With so many records being set by underclassmen, they have a promising future — both for the rest of this season and for upcoming years.

12

Features

3/21/13

Ask Piper An Anonymous Student Answering Other Anonymous Students’ Questions What kind of meat hurts you? Elk? Only if consumed raw.

How edible are crayons?

Very. Unless you’re referring to Crayola Color Explosion™, in which case you should contact the Illinois Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

Does blood stain argyle?

Absolutely. Argyle is well-known in the fabric world as highly susceptible to stains from all bodily fluids.

Does anyone ever actually ask for serious advice?

Aren’t these all serious questions? Are you trying to tell me no one is legitimately interested in my advice on harmful meats?

I never want to do my homework anymore.

What can I do to get my motivation back?

This is a very common problem for students during the second half of the school year. If you’re a senior, it may be particularly crippling. In times where you lack motivation, try to see the bigger picture. Sure, slacking on homework and spending hours on the internet may feel good now, but in the long run, it’ll

only hurt you. If the terrifying thought of college applications isn’t helping you work harder, try talking to your advisor, or another adult at school that you feel comfortable with, and ask if you can work in their room during your free period or study hall. Sometimes, removing yourself from distracting situations and being in the presence of other people with work to do can motivate you. If your friends are having the same problem, try making a study group, and dedicating a solid amount of time to doing work at a library, where talking or messing around aren’t options. At the end of the day, no one can help you stay motivated but you. It’s important to remind yourself that in order to have more freedom later on in life, you’ll have to put in work now. Sometimes even the smallest assignments can seem painful, but sitting down and focusing now will be a lot less painful than regretting things later. Good luck!

If I were to eat cotton, how long would it take for me to turn into a tree?

Approximately the same amount of time it takes a Chia Pet to grow a full head of hair.

sunlight, her lithe figure balloons to nearly 400 pounds.

Are fingerprints a real thing? Or just something crime shows made up?

Fingerprints are, indeed, a real thing. They’re the traces of an impression from the friction ridges of any part of a human or primate hand. Fingerprints also may refer to the 2006 horror film starring Kristin Cavallari of The Hills.

Are there actual monkeys replying to these questions?

Yes. It’s our day job, when we’re not moonlighting as astronauts or shopping at Ikea.

Is it okay to be a unicorn?

I like to say, “Always be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn.”

How heavy is Anne Hathaway during the summer?

Due to swelling from being exposed to direct

The Double Life of Ship Safford: World History Teacher and Sailor James Robinson ‘15 Ms. Safford’s interest in history started at a young age when she visited the tomb of George Washington and the theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. She said that her childhood visits to these places “got [her] hooked” on what has become a lifetime passion.

North Shore is the fifth school where Ms. Safford’s has taught history.

“What I like about North Shore are the highly motivated students and their willingness to try different things,” she said.

Her students read a variety of books, including The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a 1,500-year-old Chinese treatise on the strategy of war.

Creative projects in her classroom include the design of a cereal box, complete with slogans, games, and biographies to document and honor the life of a historically significant slave. Students also create videos and make visual presentations in addition to writing traditional papers.

When she is not teaching History, Ms. Ship Safford is living up to her name — that is to say, she is sailing. Every summer, Ms. Safford travels to the East Coast where she teaches sailing classes to adults. She describes herself as an avid ocean sailor, getting out on the water every day that the weather permits. When not racing or cruising, she enjoys working on the boats to keep them in good shape, as well as making model boats.

And how did she get the name Ship? Her grandmother’s maiden name was Shippard and she was nicknamed “Ship” — a name that has been passed down through the family. For Ship Safford, it is a perfect fit: a name that reflects both sailing and history, two of her lifelong passions.

Ms. Safford Photo by Art Jessen

Features

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3/21/13

Logic Problem: Hats in Jail Nick David ‘15 This issue’s riddle (easier than last month’s): This month in the world of math, we are traveling to a jail. In this jail, the warden has decided to line up six of his prisoners in a line and put either an orange hat or a purple hat on the prisoners. Each person cannot see what color hat he has, nor the color of the hat behind him, but he can count and see the color of the hat of everyone in front of him.

The warden says that whomever correctly identifies the color of his own hat is free to go, but those that do not have to stay in jail. The prisoners are given an opportunity to discuss strategies beforehand. What is the maximum amount of prisoners who can be saved?

If you think you know the answer, please email me at ndavid15@nscds.org with an explanation.

The most recent winner and DSJ staff are not eligible to win. The winner will receive his choice of a 1-year subscription to Popular Science magazine, or an Amazon.com gift card.

The solution to last issue’s problem: Last issue’s logic problem was about servants drinking bottles of Sprite. The winner was Veb Anand ’15. The original answer was eight servants, however, Veb identified a way to complete the logic problem with only six servants.

either that the servant drinks the Sprite with the potion, or he does not drink it. That means that for each servant, the maximum number of Sprites than can be tested doubles. For one servant it is 2 Sprites, for 2 it is 4, for 3 it is 8. This pattern follows the equation (Max Sprites Testable)=2^Number of Servants. Since we know that we need 250 drinks, we can find that 2^8=256, allowing for there to be 8 servants, with room for six more Sprites. Veb found that six Sprites is possible using 3^n, because he said that there can be two different tastings of the Sprite, one at 12 a.m., and one at 6 a.m. The third possibility would be never drinking the Sprite.

The original answer of eight comes from the fact Diller Street Journal that for each servant there are two possibilities:

North Shore Mixtape: Shemar James’ Pop Gems Annie Murnighan ‘13

“I selected these songs because I like to explore diversity throughout music, therefore I try and listen to a variety of different artists who all have a unique sound about them. Otherwise, I enjoy anything that is upbeat and danceable or even something that is slow and catchy. When it comes to music I’m pretty much open to all genres.”

Across 3. Spring NSCDS Musical 2013 4. NSCDS spring sport that involves running.

6. NSCDS spring sport that involves trying to put a ball in a net.

7. Sand and water’s intersection.

10. Cold weather sport popular in the Rocky Mountains.

11. North Shore’s own science team Down 1. NSCDS Dance occurring on April 20th.

2. Junior service project 5. Math test taken at North Shore by students.

8. NSCDS spring sport that involves hitting a ball back and forth between two players.

9. United, American, Delta, Jetblue, are all one of these.

rds were placed into the puzzle.

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

1. “Got to Get You Into My Life” - Earth, Wind, & Fire 2. “Al Capone” - Michael Jackson 3. “I Like The Way You Move” - Outkast 4. “Out Of My Mind” - B.O.B. ft. Nicki Minaj 5. “Gangnam Style” - PSY 6. “Skyfall” - Adele 7. “Get Up, Stand Up” - Bob Marley 8. “Don’t Wake Me Up” - Chris Brown 9. “Forever” - Drake 10. “Crazy” - Gnarls Barkley

DSJ Editorial Board Ilia Labkovsky ‘13, Editor-in-Chief Annie Murnighan ‘13, Editor-in-Chief Justin Savin ‘15, Managing Editor Nick David ‘15, Editor Matt Griffin ‘14, Editor Cooper Ochsenhirt ‘16, Editor Rachel York ‘15, Editor Photographers Brent Rolfes ‘16, Chief Photographer Mr. Art Jessen Staff Writers Veb Anand ‘15 Katherine Chandler ‘13 Nick David ‘15 Matt Griffin ‘14 Ilia Labkovsky ‘13 Will Lawler ‘16 Annie Murnighan ‘13 Zak Nelson ‘15 Debbie Newmark ‘15 Cooper Ochsenhirt ‘16 Tonya Piergies ‘15 Garrett Rasmus ‘14 Justin Savin ‘15 Rachel York ‘15 Contributing Writers Julie Block ‘13 Austin Curren ‘13 Xander Mitchell ‘15 James Robinson ‘15 Sponsor Ms. Kat Clark