Issue 5 vol 52 march 14 2014

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 109 Glenview, IL

the Oracle

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

GLENBROOK SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

4000 W. Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60026 VOLUME LII , ISSUE 5, MARCH 14, 2014 theoracle.glenbrook225.org

Redesigned SAT intends to strengthen compatibility with high school curriculum JULIA JACOBS

co editor-in-chief AARON ACH

asst. news editor

LEAVING LVIV: Three years after moving from Ukraine, junior Nick Saldan sits at his dining room table with a photo of his childhood friends, Zachary Rosyak (middle) and Nick Lotoshynski (right), who currently live in Lviv, one of the main anti-government protest sites. Rosyak and Lotoshynski haven’t been to school in four months due to the protests, and Lotoshynski recently returned from the hospital where he was recuperating from an altercation with the police during a protest in which they broke his hand and ribs, Saldan said. Photo by Wyatt Richter

Crisis in Ukraine hits home

South students consider implications for family, friends in region JULIA JACOBS

co editor-in-chief

CHARLOTTE KELLY

co news editor Protests in Ukraine, called Euromaidan, and the resulting actions from the government and other countries have captured international attention,

keeping South students keyed into news that may affect the safety and future of family and friends in the region.

Junior Stephanie Smelyansky, whose parents are Russian but grew up in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, when it was a part of the Soviet Union, currently has extended family living in the city. Kiev’s Independence Square is the main protest site.

First gun licenses mailed after concealed carry approval AARON ACH

asst. news editor House Bill no. 0148, also known as Concealed Carry, permits qualified Illinois citizens ages 21 and over to carry any approved firearm on their person.

The first permits were mailed at the beginning of March. State and local police have the ability to issue permits, according to WGEM, an NBC news affiliate. In order to acquire a license, potential carriers must undergo proper training for a minimum of 16 hours, pass mental health screenings and background checks, pay a considerable fee and carry a Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card.

Senior Matt Chorvat, who intends to leverage his new liberties as a carri-

news

4

G.H.A.N.A. CLUB

er when he turns 21, felt that Concealed Carry is proper recognition of his Second Amendment rights, but also that firearms are still misunderstood tools.

“I feel like people really have always had the wrong idea with firearms, and hence Concealed Carry,” Chorvat said.

“Firearms have been a part of American culture since its foundation, and in many ways remain the embodiment of self-sufficiency and independence.”

According to the bill, which went into effect on Jan. 1, guns have no place in certain public institutions. A licensee is prohibited from knowingly carrying a firearm onto the grounds of a school, a government building, an area used for recreation or athletic activity, a playground, onto public transporta-

See GUNS page 2

The protests began in November 2013 when former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an agreement with the European Union (EU) that would increase trade between the country and the EU, and could have potentially led to EU membership for Ukraine, according to BBC News. Ya-

See UKRAINE page 2

David Coleman, president of the College Board, announced changes to the SAT on March 5: by 2016 the essay will be optional, obscure vocabulary words removed and its penalty for wrong answers eliminated.

According to an interview with the New York Times, Coleman said that the measurements the test takes of students’ aptitude have become increasingly disconnected from Common Core standards, which is what the ACT is framed around. For example, Susan Levine-Kelley, instructional supervisor of the English Department, believes that the vocabulary tested is not necessarily applicable to words used in real life.

“I believe that you learn vocabulary from both reading and talking,” Levine-Kelley said. “We learn vocabulary from people around us.”

Senior Rohan Shah, who took the SAT twice, is disappointed with College Board’s choice to modify that section. “[The vocabulary words tested] were the kinds of words that were appearing in literature that we were reading in class and various things that we read daily,” Shah said.

Shah explained that the “watering down” of the vocabulary section is just one attempt to make the new version of the SAT gain back market share from the ACT. Shah said that changes like vocabulary modification will make the SAT less strictly-academic. ”I suppose that from a business standpoint, [these changes are] perfectly fine,” Shah said. “From an academic standpoint, I disagree.”

Mary Ethington, an educational

9

consultant for some South families and other families on the North Shore, said that the SAT will distinguish itself from the ACT by providing 200 free lessons through Khan Academy, a non-profit online education tool.

However, Ann LePage, South’s college counselor, said that while changes are coming to the format of the test, more important change is that College Board will give students with varying socio-economic statuses more equal opportunity.

“One of the purposes of this redesign was to equal the playing field,” LePage said. “The testing companies feel there’s too much bias or too much advance for students with means.”

In addition to benefit for low-income students, Ethington believes the most important conversation the release of the changes has provoked concerns the importance of standardized testing in college admissions.

“The main benefit I see to it is that it has opened up a lot of discussion of [standardized] testing,” Ethington said. “I am hearing more and more that colleges are even saying that ‘testing is not that important to us.’ […] I think that that’s positive.”

Model UN takes first in New York conference NISH ASOKAN

staff reporter

MODEL PAIR: At the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, South delegates Grace Kilpatrick and Matt Baeckelandt listen during the closing ceremonies of the Model UN conference. Kilpatrick and Baeckelandt were chosen by the chairs of their committee, the Disarmament and International Security Committee, to present the group’s resolution on transnational border security in Africa. Photo courtesy of Jane Brennan

opinions features a&e PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Photo by Wyatt Richter

10

SIBLINGS WITH DISABILITIES

16

TECHNY CHORAL CONCERT

South’s Model UN team of 14 student delegates won first place in the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference in New York City on March 8.

This was South’s first year attending the conference, which had around 3,000 students total, according to club sponsor Terrence Jozwik.

The conference’s closing ceremony, where the South delegation received their honor, took place at the United Nations Headquarters.

Besides their first place win overall, the South team also won third place in the research and preparation category and had the honor of speak-

See UN page 5

sports

21

SYNCHRONIZED SKATING

2

news

March 14, 2014

Prairie Club, home of South Paddle Tennis club, wins ‘Outstanding Facility’ it so you have a really nice view of all four courts,” Farber said. “They have a staff reporters little patio outside and it is beautiful in the spring or The Illinois Parks and when it is nice enough to Recreation Association sit outside.”

(IPRA) named the GlenMarino used to work at view Prairie Club of 2800 W. private club Valley Lo but Lake Ave, a Glenview Park left to help establish the District facility that hosts new facility.

South’s Paddle Tennis Club, “It’s really a wonderful an Outstanding Facility of facility, like all the other the Year on Jan. 24.

Park District facilities here The award is given to in Glenview,” Marino said. one facility out of 2,000 in its “They did a really nice job “specific use” division. Acwith it. It obviously looks cording to Debbie Truebeautiful; it’s on a wonderblood, IPRA executive diful landscape here next to rector, two qualities helped the golf course.”

Glenview’s facility to stand Farber said that the apout: the diversity of the Praipeal and experience of the rie Club’s offerings of golf GBS Paddle Club goes beand paddle tennis and the yond simply playing and way in which the club inpracticing the sport bevolved the community in its cause there is a large social development. aspect.

“We appreciated that [the “It’s a very social comPrairie Club] had done quite petition,” Farber said. “It’s a lot of focus groups and not [an] overly aggressive survey[s] and meeting with sort of competition, you the community to give the have fun and you enjoy community something they each other’s company.” loved,” Trueblood said.

South’s Paddle Tennis The Glenview PraiClub appreciates the facilirie Club is also the home ties of the Prairie Club, acof South’s Paddle Tennis cording to Farber. The club Club, which is led by jubegan with an overwhelmPADDLING PROS: Playing on the paddle tennis court at the Glenview Prairie Club, junior Monica Masini charges the ball. Masini, who first started playing paddle tennis nior Michael O’Connor and ing response in students inthis year through South’s club, says the Prairie Club has been really helpful to the players. Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt sponsored by math teachterested in joining. er Steve Farber. According “After two weeks [of the to O’Connor, the public club is general manager, said that there was ing paddle tennis into the community,” the rest of that credit goes to my staff club’s existence] I went back [to the comparable to similar area private a high demand for paddle tennis in Manhart said. here. We operate on an idea [where] we SAO] and I said that we have to cap clubs. Tony Marino, the paddle tennis Glenview, which led to the creation Manhart said it was a “pleasant surwant to know everyone on a first name [the number of members] or it will not instructor at the Prairie Club, believes of the new facility. The Glenview Park prise” to be honored by the IPRA. He basis.” be able to operate,” Farber said. “Next that the Club won the award for its District sent out a community-wide credits the Park District marketing deManhart also said a lot of thought year we [hope to] have multiple sponfunctionality throughout the seasons. survey to assess the interest in paddle partment for creating a positive buzz went into the “horse-shoe” architecsors, and we will either find more facil“I think that was a main attraction, tennis. as well as other workers at the Club. tural design of the Prairie Club. Farber ities or we will just go on more days.” being able to be used year-round ver“There were over 800 respondents “Some [credit] goes to the interior believes the design helps to set the club sus just seasonal,” Marino said. and, overwhelmingly, about 89 perdesigner,” Manhart said. “She really apart.

The students of the Journalistic Writing Blake Manhart, the Prairie Club’s cent of them were excited about bringgave it that [warm] feel, and I’d say “At the Prairie Club they designed elective contributed to this story.

SAM CASEY & GRACIE SANDS

GUNS continued from front -ion and other places with “no firearm” signs. Nonetheless, some Glenview residents are uneasy about what this liberty might bring to the community. According to an Oracle-conducted survey of 212 students, 54 percent of students felt less safe as a result of Concealed Carry.

Glenview contains many areas where firearms are prohibited–– marked by a sign of a black gun crossed out in the middle of a red circle— and some, like Wegley, felt uneasy about the signs and what they imply about the community.

“I find it a bit redundant that [we must say], ‘People are not allowed to walk into our school with a gun,’” Wegley said. “[The signs] are not the first things I want people thinking about when they walk into the doors of GBS. I want them thinking about what a welcoming, warm [...] culture we have. That is why I think I have the reaction I have to those signs.”

Wegley believes that the placement of the signs says more about the safety issues the law creates than it deters people from concealing and carrying in public places.

The meaning of the signs aside, junior Shane Spiro* feels that Concealed Carry does not affect the community’s safety.

“People who wish to do evil and carry out heinous acts do not care whether or not they have a little plastic card that gives them the legal right to carry a firearm,” Spiro said.

“If they are intent upon breaking

numerous federal and state laws, it is foolish to think that that one extra law would have stopped them.”

Senior Andrew Golucki felt that Concealed Carry has actually made Glenview safer.

“I do not believe that a change in the law is going to change the behavior of criminals, and that we should rather focus on making our schools more safe with extra security than currently exists,” Golucki said.

Callahan disagrees that Concealed Carry will deter potential violence.

“First, it neglects the possibility of ‘miscalculation’ or accidents; fights can escalate or altercations can happen, and before anyone knows it, shots have been fired in the heat of the moment,” Callahan said.

“The other problem is that it’s Concealed Carry; it’s impossible to deter someone with a firearm if they can’t be sure you even have one.”

While Callahan believes the signs specified institutions are required to post increase public safety, he felt that they exist primarily to appease those who would have shot the bill down.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction, […] so the risk of gun violence in those places is lower,” Callahan said.

“However, it doesn’t compensate for the law itself. Anyone who has been able to stockpile weapons as a result of easier access [from the new law] won’t be deterred easily by a small white sign, […] a token gesture used to appeal anti-gun lobbies when writing the law without changing anything substantive.”

“I find it a bit redundant that [we must say], ‘People are not allowed to walk into our school with a gun.’”

-South Principal Dr. Brian Wegley

*Name has been changed

UKRAINE continued from front -nukovych then chose to increase ties with neighboring Russia.

Smelyansky’s cousin Valentin Logvinskiy, a 27-year-old who lives in Kiev, said that three-quarters of people in the city stay home from work. Logvinskiy has not been involved in protests, but several of his colleagues participate.

One was killed while trying to deliver equipment to medics, Logvinskiy said.

Logvinskiy said that there is no one specific group of protesters.

“In [Euro] Maidan there are really different people,” Logvinskiy said.

“From ultra-right to [non-political].

From people without [education] to professors.”

The protesters are mostly from Western Ukraine, where the West has more favor, according to BBC. In addition to the EU agreement, the protesters are fighting against corruption and poverty, according to junior Nick Saldan, who moved from Lviv, Ukraine to Northbrook three years ago.

Almost every day, Saldan Skypes with his childhood friend Nick Loyoshynski, who was involved in protests and was hospitalized after an incident with Ukrainian police during a protest. About a month ago, Loyoshynski threw a Molotov cocktail and the police chased and beat him, breaking his right hand and a couple of ribs, Saldan said.

“My friends, [the protests] changed their lifestyle,” Saldan said. “They don’t go to colleges. They protest, they help [...], they guard the city.”

The situation escalated in late February when Ukrainian police began large crackdowns on protesters in Independence Square in Kiev. This occurred after strict anti-protest laws were passed earlier in January, according to CNN. The laws have since been repealed.

There’s currently an “information war,” Logvinskiy said. Logvinskiy doesn’t trust Russian or Ukrainian newspapers, so he contributes to a

PASSING THE BRICK: Passing paving stones, Ukranians supply fellow protestors with bricks

to throw at the police in Kiev. Although protest activity and reactionary activity escalated in mid-February, protests have been occurring since Novemeber. Photo courtsey of Valentin Logvinskiy

Facebook page called “EuroMaydan” by translating articles from the Western media into Ukrainian and Russian. “[The] main newspaper[s] today [are] Facebook and Twitter,” Logvinskiy said.

Saldon also stays up to date on Ukraine through a Facebook page called “Right Sector,” a collective of several far-right Ukrainian groups. He uses this site, as well as firsthand accounts from Loyoshynski and other friends to keep his parents informed.

Ukraine is now led by Arseniy Yatsenyuk because Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February. According to Smelyansky, the groups that are vying for power pose a threat to Ukrainian Russians, who make up 17 percent of the population, and Tatars, a minority group mostly living in Crimea.

“Ukraine hasn’t really self-governed in centuries [...] even the word Ukraine

means ‘borderland,’” Smelyansky said.

“It seems that Ukraine might just hand power over to new groups that will abuse/misuse power as much as the old government.”

Russia became involved in late February when pro-Russian forces began attempts to take control of Crimea, a Ukrainian republic, according to BBC. There has been fighting ever since, and there have been attempts by Crimea to join Russia. There is a referendum scheduled for March 16.

Smelyanksy’s biggest fear is war between Ukraine and Russia, which became more probable with the referendum, she said. If war was declared, Logvinskiy and Saldan’s friends said that they would be drafted.

“We don’t want this war, but if there would be [no] other option, we would fight,” Logvinskiy said. “I really don’t want to live in Russia.”

news

March 14, 2014

3

Project Lead The Way expands with new classes and space

jors in college because students will have the skills co-news editor real engineers need, like South’s chapter of Project Lead The Way working with necessary (PLTW) is increasing its course offerings for the tools and technology.

“We brought [Engi2014-2015 school year with the addition of two new courses, two new classrooms and a new four neering Design & Development] in for our upyear program.

PLTW is a nation-wide initiative that began at perclassmen,” Hall said.

South this year to expand engineering and tech- “They’re going to go on nology options. This year, two introductory class- into this field, declare enes –Introduction to Engineering Design and Prin- gineering as a major, and ciples of Engineering– were offered with over 200 we want them to have that portfolio opportunity.”

South students registered for the classes.

Junior Luke Chirayil Jeff Rylander, instructional supervisor of the Science Department, said the program was intro- plans to take Engineering duced to meet growing interest in STEM (Science, Design & Development to Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. strengthen his future ca“Nine out of 10 of the fastest growing jobs that reer opportunities.

“I want to go into enrequire a bachelor’s degree are in STEM fields,” Rylander said. “So [teachers] feel that there’s a gineering in the future, need [...] that we prepare students in these areas.” and since the school offers these great [...] programs, I might as well take advantage of [them],” Chirayil Two new courses, Civil Engineering & Archi- said.

Civil Engineering & Artecture and Engineering Design & Development, will be added to the PLTW sequence, according chitecture, however, is to Dawn Hall, instructional supervisor for the Ap- a more specialized class WOODEN DESIGN: Preparing for her penny hockey project, sophomore Jamie Kang cuts a piece of wood for her frame. The penny hockey projfor students interested in plied Technology Department. ect was the Introduction to Engineering Design classes’ first chance for a hands-on application of what they had learned. Photo courtesy of Michael Sinde Engineering Design & Development is the final pursuing additional Arcourse for the PLTW sequence, according to Hall. chitecture opportunities. currently have that as much,” Sinde said. “So we Even in the current room, there wasn’t enough Students would design residential and comIt is designed primarily for students to research have overlap, [we can] reinforce certain concepts mercial projects and use 3D architecture software, space for the first year to accommodate the large and find solutions to engineering problems. [and] go deeper and wider into different projects.” enrollment in these classes, according to Wegley. “[Engineering Design & Development is] the according to PLTW.org.

One of the classes is taught in the keyboarding one we’re extremely excited about as students lab, which Wegley said is not the ideal location. [...] can culminate in this course, [which] is a proj“[The new rooms are] simply because the proThis summer, South will add two more PLTW ect-based, research-based, engineering design Hall and the Applied Technology Department course,” Hall said. “They will propose a solution classrooms to the applied technology wing, ac- gram as it is has grown, and we’re going to create are continuing to look to PLTW in the future for two PLTW classrooms, but those are going to fill to a real world problem, they will work with in- cording to South Principal Dr. Brian Wegley. more courses and greater coordination with North “They’re redoing the classes to have the space up in a hurry,” Wegley said. dustry professionals, they will get feedback [...], once they finish implementing their program.

The PLTW and Computer-Aided Drafting so there will be a work area, a production lab area [like] what [college] students are doing.”

Another PLTW class, Digital Electronics, is Hall believes this class will distinguish South and then two computer areas where students can (CAD) classes will be held in the two classrooms, scheduled to be added to the PLTW sequence in which will both connect to the fabrication lab with students from other prospective engineering ma- work,” Wegley said. the 2015-2016 school year, according to Hall. The equipment like 3D printers, according to Hall. class is the third course in the PLTW sequence after Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering.

Students will study circuit construction and The Science, Mathematics and Applied Tech198 electronics design in Digital Electronics, accordnology Departments have created a new learning ing to PLTW.org. environment, the STEM Learning Community.

“We didn’t bring [Digital Electronics in 2014The STEM Learning Community is a four-year 2015] because our students aren’t there,” Hall study program that will accept 48 incoming freshsaid. “We kind of jumped sequence a little bit. It men, according to Rylander. used to be one of the foundation classes because “It’s an integrated program of study for our everything’s digital and every student needs that, students who are perhaps considering a STEM caand that’s extremely important [for the future].” reer in their future,” Rylander said. “Some have Hall said there is the potential to collaborate likened it to what Academy is for humanities 609 with North, which will be starting PLTW in the classes.”

2014-2015 school year. North can offer a different Freshmen will begin by taking Introduction to class, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, beEngineering Design Honors, Physics Honors and cause of their facilities. an honors math class. This science sequence will “We’d have to build a space to offer [Computbe different from that of most other freshmen, 194 er Integrated Manufacturing] or add on to our who will take biology, according to Rylander. space, and that just doesn’t make sense,” Hall PLTW teacher Michael Sinde, who teaches Introsaid. “Now that we’re on the same schedule, we duction to Engineering Design, said this will althink there might be [additional] opportunities. low the students to go deeper into the curriculum.

Students might travel here for digital and travel to “The difference is you’re going to have continCLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION: Designed to be built over the summer, Project Lead The Way will gain a classNorth for computer integrated manufacturing.” room next year. The fabrication lab will have high-tech equipment like a 3D laser scanner. Image courtesy of Dawn Hall ued [coordination] with science where we don’t CHARLOTTE KELLY

Adding New Classes

New Space

Looking Forward

STEM Learning Community

Board of Education adds, updates course options for 2014-2015 GEORGIA ARVANITIS

staff reporter Five new courses have been approved by the Board of Education to be added to the South curriculum in the 2014-15 school year.

According to Cameron Muir, associate principal of curriculum and instruction, the purpose of new courses is to set an academic foundation for students who are interested in certain fields.

“Typically, when we add a new course, it’s based upon the perception of student interest, and sometimes it’s based upon the idea that there is a need out there [for it],” Muir said.

The courses include AP Government, Honors Astronomy, Investment Strategies and two new Project Lead The Way classes (see story above).

Illustrations by Nimisha Perumpel

The Social Studies Department has added an additional advanced placement course, AP United States Government and Politics. This course is intended to allow students to expand upon their interest in United States history and is similar to the current Political Science class.

“AP Government is a way to learn about how our government works nowadays, so it’s something you can apply to life,” junior Evan Ren, who will take AP Government next year, said.

David Kane, current political science teacher, will teach AP Government. According to Kane, students will be able to become more involved with politics through hands-on projects.

“My goal for the class would be that when my students leave, they are going to be more active citizens than the day they started [this class],” Kane said. \

The Science Department has decided to add an Honors Astronomy class and will allow freshmen in the STEM Learning Community to take Honors Physics.

The Honors Astronomy class is a laboratory course. According to the Glenbrook Course Handbook, students will first explore the movement of the sun, moon and planets. At the end of the course, students will be asked to theorize about the origin, shape and ultimate destiny of the universe by creating presentations.

“We are going to give students the option of taking Astronomy at either the regular level or the honors level,” Jeff Rylander, instructional supervisor of the Science Department, said. “There will be some additional assignments and projects that will be done that will make it honors level.”

The Consumer Science Department has added a new business course, Investment Strategies.

According to the Course Offerings handbook, the course will focus developing skills for wealth management. Some of the major topics covered to be covered include risk management, career awareness, long-term financial security and selection of investments.

Business teacher Brian Whalen said students enjoyed a simulated stock market game in the Introduction to Business course. The Business Education Department has taken that feedback to create an entire semester course focusing on that aspect of entrepreneurship.

“The block scheduling does open up a little bit of room [...], so obviously our goal is that we get as many students who are interested in those courses to take them,” Whalen said.

4

news

March 14, 2014

THIRD IN A SERIES

growth spurt HANDS-ON LESSONS: Mixing hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, sophomores Komal Gupta (left) and Nicole Kretekos (right) work on their acid-base titration lab in Chem./Phys. (left photo). While the 17-student Chem./Phys. class falls short of maximum class size, the average size of science classes will continue to rise as a result of increased enrollment. Photo by Cormac O’Brien Demonstrating a mocha whip recipe for the class, students in Foods and Nutrition 161 cook beneath a projector so that everyone can see their work (right photo). Foods teacher Kelli McDonald said that student demand is so high that the classroom is full running eight periods a day. Photo by Wyatt Richter

Specialty classes face pressure of higher student demand CAROLYN KELLY & CHARLOTTE KELLY

co-news editors Rising enrollment is putting increasing strain on courses taught in specialty classrooms, according to South Principal Dr. Brian Wegley.

Courses that require the use of specialized rooms –such as those in the Applied Technology, Family and Consumer Science, and Science Departments– may soon fill up, forcing these departments to turn students away, Wegley said.

Dawn Hall, instructional supervisor of the Applied Technology Department, explained that courses taught in specialty classrooms max out at a smaller number of students and cannot accommodate large increases in enrollment in the same ways other classrooms can. Constructing a specialty room is more expensive than adding a typical classroom, Hall said.

“The result of that means that, somewhere in this growth phase, we’re going to start limiting access to students to these types of [specialized] classes,” Hall said. “So you know, some difficult questions come up: how do we select students for those classes?”

A prospective response to limited class sizes could be to work with guidance counselors to connect students with an early passion for a certain field of study before opening that course’s registration to all students. However, Hall also believes

that signing up for an elective can be just as beneficial to students without an identified interest.

“The true values of taking an elective and exploring a passion […] are one of two things: you take it and decide it’s not for you, and that’s a valuable decision,” Hall said. “If we do that before you go to college, we have successfully supported you.

“Even better is when a student says, ‘I never thought of that, but I just took this class and I fell in love with it.’ That’s what high school is about.”

Foods teacher Kelli McDonald said her foods classroom is already full, running eight periods a day. She feels that students who get turned away even for a year could lose their opportunity to recognize a passion.

Woodworking teacher Stephen Silca agrees that rising enrollment poses challenges. Silca said it raises concern about safety in the shop.

“My concerns would actually be related to [...] storage, safety in the shop,” Silca said. “If all classes are full, packed at 24 which is our class cap, I’d be concerned about having that many people [...] waiting for machines [and] not having as easy access to the shop.”

Jeff Rylander, instructional supervisor of the

Science Department, said his biggest concern is running out of room in science labs. Citing his own research, Rylander said by the 2017-2018 school year the department will be operating at 103.3 percent capacity.

“A solution that is not acceptable is to teach science in a nonscience lab,” Rylander said.

Students are also at a disadvantage when a class is taught in a lab of a different discipline, such as teaching Biology in a Chemistry classroom, because of the set-up and equipment specific to a course.

When the department surpasses 90 percent capacity after the 2013-2014 school year, students and teachers will start feeling that impact, Rylander said.

Biology teacher Josh Koo said that he has already seen larger class sizes affecting student engagement.

“I have 23 and 18 [students] for [two of my classes, and then I have 28 and 28 [and the

“Somewhere in this growth phase we’re going to start limiting access to students to these types of classes.”

-Dawn Hall, Applied Technology instructional supervisor

difference is] night and day,” Koo said. “It feels so limited [because] with a smaller class you feel like kids are more engaged.”

Koo believes that the quality of lab experiences will decrease because of difficulty coordinating with shared classrooms and lack of resources.

“I think what you’re going to see is [fewer] labs, which is I think is what [South teachers] pride ourselves in, that we do so many labs,” Koo said.

However, the switch to the block schedule will expand student opportunities to take elective and specialty classes in the 2014-2015 school year, according to Hall. Hall expects students that have an extra block in their day to take an extra class, which will result in higher numbers of students taking specialized elective courses.

“I think our upperclassmen are realizing this year as they’ve [registered for next year’s classes], there’s some more room in that schedule for them, and I’ve had so many students say to me, ‘I was able to take this and this [and] I still had room for an elective,’” Hall said.

The block schedule can also help alleviate the pressure on classrooms that are already full and constrained by space because of the rising enrollment, according to Rylander. Rylander said blocks will allow the science labs to be used for 100 percent of blocks, while now they’re fluctuating between 90 percent during periods one, two, and three, for example, and only 68 percent during lunch periods.

GHANA Club collects money, supplies for African school

LAUREN BENSON

Each issue, the Oracle features a club’s recent accomplishments.

staff reporter South’s Giving, Helping And Nurturing Anloga (GHANA) Club is planning a fund-raising campaign this spring for Anloga, a village in Ghana.

GHANA Club was founded by juniors Madison O’Brien and Jane Brennan to spread awareness and gather aid for the people in need in Ghana.

“We are raising money and collecting old school supplies and clothing for the children in Anloga, a village in Ghana which I worked with this past summer, [who are] in need of help,” O’Brien said.

Thus far, fund-raising has primarily consisted of bake sales; however, O’Brien and Brennan said they

plan to expand their efforts in the coming months. “[We’re going to] have a school supplies drive,” O’Brien said. “There will be boxes all around the school that you can put old school supplies in. We’ll be doing a clothing drive at the end of the year, and on top of that, we will be selling Livestrong bracelets [that] will say ‘Ghana’ on them.”

Club sponsor Kim Kiraly volunteered to have her Child Development classes help out.

“My Advanced Child Development class is working on an educational outreach project where the students are creating teaching and instructional resources for volunteers [teaching] in Ghana,” Kiraly said. “[My] students will then fill a suitcase full of these teaching materials along with school supplies [to send to] the children of Ghana.”

O’Brien first met the children of Ghana this past summer, when she spent three weeks in Anloga teaching and helping to build a kindergarten school as part of a service trip.

“The students there were incredible, always so excited to learn and so appreciative and so enthusiastic about it,” O’Brien said. “I’ve never met children with such a passion for education, [and] their attitude towards it [...] led me to want to continue to work with them somehow.”

Ghana Club meets Mondays at 7:30 a.m. in the foods room.

GHANAIAN GREETING: Jumping and waving, children living in Anloga, Ghana welcome junior Madison O’Brien and other volunteers. O’Brien taught the primary school children various subjects, but said their favorite to learn, by far, was English. Photo courtesy of Madison O’Brien

news

March 14, 2014

5

Local Google Summit inspires, connects teachers with technology

RICHARD PEARL & INAARA TAJUDDIN

co-web editors A Google for Education Summit was hosted at Glenbrook North from March 1-2. The Summit was a two-day event where local instructors focused on implementing Google tools as a means of promoting enriched education for their students.

According to Ryan Bretag, district director of instructional technology, Google for Education is a foundation which allows Illinois and Midwest schools to come together to explore a professional development opportunity for utilizing Google products and tools in education.

“For me, in education, it’s important [that] we are always branching out to other schools, other teachers, other areas and connecting together to have an opportunity to sit next to different disciplines and different teachers both within the district and outside the district,” Bretag said. “[The summit] gives us an opportunity to grow as professionals.”

Dr. Rosanne Williamson, assistant superintendent for educational services, said the Summit was geared towards instructing teachers on using

Google Applications and technology to expand student opportunities.

“The purpose of the summit was to provide teachers with professional development in improving instructional approaches through the use of Google Applications that improve student collaboration, students’ ability to produce, publish, create and be creative,” Williamson said.

Williamson said that North was given the chance to hold the summit for the second year in a row. The district chose to accept it because of the increased use of Google within the district.

“Google and EdTech host several summits throughout the world each year,” Williamson said. “When provided the opportunity to host the summit the last two years, the district saw this as a way to continue to provide professional development [for] teachers in meeting instructional needs through the use of Google Applications that the district has worked with for the last several years. The [timing] also positioned us well for the transition to 1:1 Chromebooks this year.”

Bretag, who presented at the Summit last year, felt that the Summit was an enjoyable learning experience.

“It’s invigorating,” Bretag said. “It’s so stimulating and engaging to be in

“It’s so stimulating and engaging to be in these experiences and these workshops, and then to see the excitement of your colleagues.”

-Ryan Bretag, district coordinator of instructional technology

OVER THE MOON: Presenting to attendees, keynote speaker David Jakes, former South coordinator of instructional technology, describes

Google’s Moonshot Thinking motto, which emphasizes big dreams, according to Ryan Bretag, current director of instructional technology.

Jakes used the John F. Kennedy quote about the dream to go to the moon as an example of that method. Photo by Hanna Bilimoria

these experiences and these workshops, and then to see the excitement of your colleagues, who are people you have known for years. [The Summit]

just provides some fruitful opportunities to grow.”

Williamson said that the program was, overall, a success.

UN, continued from front

page position papers. Jozwik said he sees the team continuing to improve.

-ing in four delegations before the attend“This is our fifth full year,” Jozwik said. ing schools, according to junior delegate Kali “Each year the number of students increases.

Croke. Croke said that before the conference, [...] Each year we become more adept at the the team did not know how well they would training we do in preparing for conferences.” place in such a large competition.

Junior delegate Matthew Baeckelandt “To be honest, like going into it, we did not agreed that reaching the level of competition expect to win,” Croke said. “We knew that in New York was a big symbol of the club’s we were good, but being a five-year-old club, progress. and our first time [travelling by] plane, and “[Model UN] has gotten a lot bigger, and our first time experiencing so many internaover our first week of meetings, we had over tional delegates, we knew that we were go100 members come, and also our team has ing to try but not necessarily place, which we gotten a lot more competitive, so we’ve gotwere totally fine with.” ten better delegates, and we’re off to better The South delegates were assigned the conferences,” Baeckelandt said. country of Ethiopia for the conference, and At their last conference at the University of Croke said that her highlight of the conferChicago, South claimed two first places, two ence was meeting the Ethiopian ambassador. second places and three third places out of “So, we actually were talking to the man 125 schools, according to Jozwik. we were technically representing, like he’s Croke said for the weeks prior to leaving the one that goes and does exactly what we’re for New York, the team met to strategize. doing, except in real life,” Croke said. “You “What’s different about this conference is know, just seeing the person we’re actually that we are competing as a team,” Croke said. epitomizing, all this time, and hearing from “So now more than ever we have to collabohim the actual struggles that Ethiopia deals rate and work together and talk about stratewith, not just us reading stuff online, that was gies about how we can win as a group.” really cool. And I actually used what he said The team’s success in New York confirmed in committee and it ended up their status as one of the DELEGATE KOSMIDIS: being a really big part of our top teams in the nation, a Speaking for the Special Political resolution and stuff, and that young “dark horse,” acand Decolonization (SPECPOL) was really fun.” cording to Croke. committee, South delegate Billy According to Jozwik, South “I definitely think that Kosmidis explains to the General was on 12 different commitas time goes on, especialAssembly what the committee actees of the UN represently now that we know we complished over the conference. ing Ethiopia. Each commitcan, we will start travelKosmidis and his partner, Keelan Meehan, defended Ethiopia’s positee dealt with a unique issue, ling and we’ll start going tion regarding the South Sudan’s ranging from socioeconomto [..] bigger conferences, refugee situation in SPECPOL. ics, national security, disarbecause now we know Photo courtesy of Jane Brennan mament and human rights, that we’re up to the level for which students that we always hoped we prepared by readwould be,” Croke said. ing up to 70 pages “This kind of assured us of research on the that we […] are definitely topic of their comat the level where we can mittee, followed start expanding and all the by research on their delegates that we look up country’s position. to and all the schools that Students then we look up to as the best w ro t e schools […] we can consid4-14 er ourselves one of them.”

gh Valid throu

12/2014

“We have heard a lot of positive feedback from our teachers,” Williamson said. “EdTech and Google were pleased with our facility as a host site.”

6

editorial

March 14, 2014

Students: utilize mental health support system at school

Life is full of different struggles, including fights with friends and family, stress from schoolwork, loss of loved ones and mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Although some of these issues may seem more severe than others, any problem must be addressed before it can begin to be resolved. The Oracle Editorial Board recognizes that it is difficult to go through challenging situations alone, and encourages students to utilize the support system that is available to them at school in the Student Services Department.

Although many students may only know the Student Services Department as the location of the guidance counselor offices, it is also the workplace of South’s three school psychologists and six school social workers. According to School Psychologist Rebecca Pollack, the psychologists and social workers assess students’ psychological well-being and counsel students through a variety of mental health concerns. In fact, according to a recent Oracle-conducted survey of 171 students, 31 percent of students have sought help from a school social worker or psychologist.

However, according to the same survey, 53 percent of students believe that there is a stigma related to visiting a school social worker or psychologist. Junior Anna Hofmockel, who sought help during her sophomore year for anxiety and depression, recognizes that many students feel a stigma against seeking help. Additionally, she believes that speaking with a social worker has helped her feel more comfortable at school.

“It’s helped a lot just knowing that if I’m having a really bad day, that there’s always somebody at the school that understands…what I’m going through,” Hofmockel said. “[It is helpful] knowing that you’re not alone in the situation, because a lot of kids get help and you don’t realize it.”

There are a variety of sources of help at school.

According to School Psychologist Jennifer Pape, each guidance counselor works with a psychologist, a social worker and a dean. Though a guidance counselor’s main responsibility is ensuring that each student is academically on-track, some counselors regularly meet with students to talk through personal issues. A social worker’s main function is to individually counsel students who

need a higher level of support.

As a school psychologist, Pape’s main role is to diagnose mental health issues and to evaluate students for eligibility for specialized academic accommodations, Pape said. However, she also counsels a small number of students. Most of the students she meets with deal with short-term issues, like going through a breakup or a fight with a friend. Pape recognizes that no problem is too small to seek help for.

“I’d like to see more kids coming down [to the Student Services Department] just for problemsolving and figuring out how to grow up,” Pape said. “[Growing up] is hard.”

According to Pape, every mental health professional at school follows specific rules regarding confidentiality on what students discuss during counseling sessions. Parents need to be alerted if a students talks about hurting themselves, hurting others or being hurt by others.

This confidentiality does not only apply to individual conversations with a social worker. According to David Hartman, school social worker, for students who feel that they would benefit more from speaking through their issues with other students, private support groups are another option. There are 14 support groups at school, in which eight to 12 students come together during one class period each week to seek help in coping with issues including anxiety, grief, addiction and social skills, with each group focused on one specific issue.

Hartman encourages students to reject any stigma they might feel and view talking with a social worker or in a support group as a normal, proactive step in maintaining mental health.

“My goal is always to know every student’s name […] The more people I know, the less stigmatized a student is going to be,” Hartman said.

If you need help with some issue in your life, head down to the Student Services Department during any time of the school day. The department is even situated away from classrooms near the front of the school to make students feel more private about seeking help, according to Pollack.

Whether this help can be found in a guidance counselor, a social worker, a psychologist or sim-

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION

Photo by Wyatt Richter

ply in a friend, the Student Services Department can help students create a support system.

Even several members of the Oracle Editorial Board have sought support from the department and found it very beneficial. In the experience of such members, the social workers and counsel-

ors are there for you when you need them, and they recognize that the level of support a student needs will fluctuate. However, your best resource in maintaining mental health is your ability to advocate for what you need so you can get back to being a happier and more fulfilled you.

Career happiness results from following personal definitions of success As South students plan and organize their future academic goals, according to an Oracle-conducted survey, 47 percent of 202 South students said that they plan to pursue a certain field because of money.

The Oracle Editorial Board acknowledges that students should push for successful careers; how-

ever, success does not have to be defined solely by money or status. It can come in a variety of forms, depending on the student, their interests and what ultimately makes them content. When it comes to success, students should create their own definitions.

At first, 2013 South graduate Tim Kirby

is published monthly by students at Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60026.

The opinions expressed in the Oracle are that of the writer(s) and not necessarily of the staff or school.

The Oracle neither endorses nor rejects the products and services advertised.

editors-in-chief Julia Jacobs Camille Park news editors Carolyn Kelly Charlotte Kelly opinions editors Claire Fisher Sally You features editors Elisa Kim Madison O’Brien a&e editors Shea Anthony Kali Croke sports editors Rachel Chmielinski Breck Murphy

planned on studying engineering, doubting a future in music, but decided to pursue his passion in music education at Elmhurst College. Despite the consensus that art fields are considered risky when it comes to money, Kirby believes that viable options exist.

“I think the general perspectives towards music related fields is that music as a profession cannot bring in enough money to live comfortably,” Kirby said. “However, there are multiple fields of music to go into and there are many professions that are suitable for careers.”

Unlike Kirby, junior Tiffany Raine is not certain of her interests for the future.

“I chose to pursue studying in the medical field, because I consider myself intelligent enough to one day lead a steady career,” Raine said. “I don’t know if it will make me happy, but I always put financial security above my own happiness.”

Whether it’s related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or Humanities, the Editorial Board believes that students should pursue the career field they consider to be best for them.

According to the survey, of the 46 percent of South students pursuing STEM fields, 88 percent said that they agree that they are pursuing their

web editors Lauren Durning Richard Pearl Kelsey Pogue Inaara Tajuddin illustrations editor Nimisha Perumpel photos editor Wyatt Richter asst. news Aaron Ach asst. opinions Dani Tuchman asst. features Hailey Hauldren Calli Haramaras Addie Lyon

field because of interest.

However, that does not mean that a student’s interests need to belong in only one field. A student who may be interested in both fields can integrate them into a single career, said Jeff Rylander, instructional supervisor of the Science Department.

“What is cool is when they can take those two passions and put them together,” Rylander said.

“And maybe they’re going to be a sound engineer or something that’s…designing acoustics or something like that where they get to follow various passions. Because in any art-related field, there’s probably a STEM-related job in that field.”

Mixing different passions may help students find a career that balances passion and realistic endeavors, which the Oracle Editorial Board recognizes is also crucial. Kirby found his major passion in music, and his definition of success relies on following that passion.

“There is nothing that brings me joy like music does,” Kirby said. “That differs for every person though. For some people it may be biology or philosophy. For me it was music.”

Whether their major focuses on the arts or the sciences or neither, the Editorial Board urges for students to follow their definition of success.

asst. a&e Lauren Frias asst. sports Hannah Mason asst. photos Marley Hambourger Cormac O’Brien adviser Marshall Harris gbsoracle@gmail.com “The Glenbrook South Oracle” @GBSOracle @gbsoracle

opinions

March 14, 2014

7

Ref lections on Beauty

My experience with pressures of plastic surgery SALLY YOU

co-opinions editor Let me give you a general overview of my face: my eyes happen to be on the smaller side, my jawline more sharp, and while my nose bridge isn’t incredibly low, it’s definitely not high.

I admit that I’m not 100 percent satisfied with the way I look, but I’m not bothered enough to pay extra attention to my face with the exception of basic makeup. My relatives from South Korea, on the other hand, constantly nag me about getting plastic surgery.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, South Korea is ranked as the country that undergoes the most cosmetic procedures in the world. This doesn’t surprise me, as I’ve noticed that the beauty standards in Korea are very narrow and particular.

When I look at pictures of famous Korean celebrities, all those who are considered beautiful and handsome have facial features that are more “Western”: big eyes, slim jawlines and high-bridged noses. This exact veneration of a certain group of people based on their looks seems to be the underlying reason why approximately 31.5 percent of South Korean residents, ages 15 and older, are willing to get plastic surgery, according to a New York Times article.

Though plastic surgery was considered taboo and perceived in a nega-

tive light in South Korea just a decade ago, many Koreans today live with the mindset that beauty is a crucial factor in obtaining a decent spouse or job, or being included as an integral member of society. Plastic surgery is also becoming an indicator of wealth and one’s ability to groom themselves, especially among females.

While I don’t see a problem with one’s desire to improve on their looks, this becomes a problem when society and the media’s standards of beauty start influencing and determining the value of one’s worth – which is certainly not limited to South Korea.

I was everything but flattered when after meeting my relatives in Korea for the first time in 13 years, one of the first comments they made about me was on my appearance. My aunts all nodded in agreement that I “undoubtedly” needed double-eyelid surgery, a procedure in which a crease is made above the eye to enlarge it, and nonchalantly compared me to my sister who, according to them, has more acceptable and desirable facial features than me.

As a freshman who was already feeling insecure and sensitive about her physical appearance, the criticisms behind the way I looked plummeted my selfesteem. I eventually convinced myself that my entire face truly did need recon-

struction because no matter how much I worked at enhancing my looks, I never felt “pretty enough.”

And to top it all off, the standards of

beauty are different in Korea and the U.S, so I found it difficult to establish a balance to please both sides. My nonKorean friends boosted my confidence by complimenting my features as unique and discouraged all forms of plastic surgery. But I couldn’t help but feel like an ugly duckling in front of my relatives who didn’t like “unique” – they wanted the big eyes, slim jawline and high-bridged nose.

I began to measure my worth based off how everyone else perceived my physical appearance and thus only ever talked about me, myself and my face. And though my obsessive attempts to transform myself somewhat helped me look better, the truth of the matter was that I wasn’t feeling any better.

I wallowed in self-pity almost every day, yet never felt satisfied no

matter my efforts because I didn’t want to settle for less when I knew I could keep going.

Only through a seemingly neverending mental battle did I come to realize that there was no value in looking good for others when I was feeling like trash every day.

As a Korean who was raised in the U.S, I do feel that there’s more leeway for uniqueness and creativity when it comes to beauty here, but one’s desire to be beautiful is an inevitable instinct everywhere in the world.

We often look up to CoverGirl and Cosmopolitan models as our definitions of “beautiful” and “sexy” and beat ourselves and others up if we don’t look like them. It’s okay to admire beauty and share our personal standards on what “beautiful” is, but to treat someone in a degrading manner because they do not fit our standards is completely uncalled for and wrong.

I understand where my relatives are coming from when they tell me I need plastic surgery, but I’ve come to appreciate my non-physical qualities and traits enough to care less about how I look. I also feel better when people tell me I’m “interesting” or “fun to be around” than “you look good today” because I then know I’m not just a shell to everyone.

For all of us who have struggled with physical image in any way, I challenge us to seek the truly commendable attributes in ourselves and others, ones that we may not be able to notice with our bare eyes.

Daily use of makeup signifies creativity, not insecurity

SHEA ANTHONY

co-a&e editor Every weekday morning yields the same routine for me: I shower, put on music, apply makeup and get dressed. I rarely deviate from this cycle, even if it means being a couple minutes late to first period. There are people out there who would probably tell me that I could save myself time by skipping the makeup part, but to me, putting on makeup is like choosing a shirt for the day. It’s a way for me to express myself and play up my appearance to fit my mood.

I’ve garnered an ample amount of commentary on my everyday makeup usage because a number of my friends wear makeup sparingly or only on special occasions. The conclusion a lot of people jump to is that my makeup wearing equates to insecurity.

They assume that I have to wear it every day because I’m not comfortable enough with my bare beauty.

Though I do appreciate makeup for its ability

to enhance my features, my rationale for wearing it has less to do with self-doubt and more to do with the color it offers. I own makeup in several shades of brown, gold and rose. My makeup arsenal even has purples, whites and blues.

This color range gives me the opportunity to match my makeup with my outfit. If I decide to go to school wearing jeans and a T-shirt, the easy addition of some gold eye shadow complements my clothes nicely. If I want to wear a white dress with black boots, applying purple eyeliner gives the outfit a lovely pop of color that would be hard to incorporate any other way.

The color in makeup assists my physical appearance, but the way I apply it can even influence me mentally. When I decide to keep my makeup simple, I feel simple. If I do something out of the ordinary with my makeup, I usually feel bolder.

Makeup application affects me internally but also has the power to influence what others think of me. Like clothing, the makeup I wear is a reflection of my personality. When I want to come off as fierce, I can rock winged eyeliner. On days where I want to look more girly, I like to wear more eye shadow. External perception incentivizes me to fit my makeup to my mood so that the way I feel and the way people view me go hand-in-hand.

The usage of makeup is common at South. According to an Oracle conducted survey of 180 people, 74 percent of girls at South wear makeup ranging in frequency from everyday to only on special occasions. From the pool of girls that do wear makeup, 77 percent of them

No one should feel bad about their reason for wearing makeup because it is a personal choice.

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION wear it every day. With numbers this large, it is important for people to understand that girls do not only wear makeup to mask insecurities.

Too often girls are criticized for not embracing a more “natural” look or are put down for caring too much about their appearance. Though it is ideal to evaluate yourself more on your innervalues and less on your physical self, wanting to look good is normal. If wearing makeup helps a person’s confidence, they shouldn’t be criticized for that.

Makeup is a tool that is used for a wide range of

Photo by Dani Tuchman

things, from covering up acne to helping individuals express themselves. No one should feel bad about their reason for wearing makeup because it is a personal choice. Just like you wouldn’t go out of your way to question someone’s choice of outfit, you shouldn’t judge a person’s motives behind wearing makeup.

8

reviews

March 14, 2014

Schoolboy Q maintains tough sound in new album, ‘Oxymoron’ JAKE AQUINO

music critic “My daddy a gangsta.” With his 5-year-old daughter’s opening statement, Quincy Hanley, a.k.a Schoolboy Q, launches into the first song of his third studio album, Oxymoron, appropriately titled “Gangsta.” In this gritty opener, Q makes it very clear from the beginning that he is not trying to craft hits for the radio or trying to appeal to the current flavor of rap; he is pushing his brand of West Coast Gangsta Rap into the mainstream.

Signed to the California label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), which boasts rappers such as Jay Rock, AbSoul, and most notably Kendrick Lamar, Q has been waiting for his chance in the spotlight. With Kendrick taking a step back after his domination of the rap game in the past year, Q has emerged as the next great rapper to come out of TDE. On Oxymoron, which has been in the works for two years, he chronicles his upbringing, his experiences as a former gang member and his struggles with the consumption and selling of drugs.

Sonically, the album is extremely well crafted and mixed. In-house production from TDE members THC and Digi+Phonics, along with a variety of other big name producers such as Pharrell Williams and The Alchemist, gives the album its sleek sound. A nod to ‘90s-era West Coast hip-hop production, the album is unique in that it features elements of modern rap along with its obvious influences from the past.

The album’s masterpiece comes on

the seventh track, “Prescription/ Oxymoron.” A two-part song, it is a perfect example of Q’s unique sound and lyricism. The song demonstrates Q’s ability to evoke emotions from the listener while still remaining true to his hard, tough sound.

The first half, “Prescription,” is a sullen song about his troubles with drug addiction over a dark, cloudy beat. Lyrically, it shows Q at his most vulnerable, a stark contrast from his gangster leanings.

In the first verse, Q references the drugs that have got him at his current state. He says, “My mommy call, I hit ignore. My daughter call, I press ignore. My chin press on my chest, my knees hit the floor,” painting a vivid picture of his problems with commitment to his loved ones while on drugs.

Then, on the second half of the song “Oxymoron,” he raps from his current view as a former drug dealer, rhyming about his past selling and how he is done selling now. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the beat of “Oxymoron” changes to a bass-heavy dynamic beat while he speeds up his flow to match it, highlighting his versatility.

The album is filled with shoutouts to the Hoover Street Crips and to Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, Calif., where Q grew up. Though he stays true to his roots, he never glorifies the gangster life; he simply raps about its effects on him. All in all, Oxymoron is an excellent album with great lyrical content and wellproduced beats.

Photo from Top Dawg Entertainment

opinions

March 14, 2014

9

Requiring pledge disregards true meaning of patriotism

EVAN SAWIRES

columnist In 1892, an American socialist by the name of Francis Bellamy wrote the original Pledge of Allegiance. However, it was not written in an attempt to inspire nationalism by cold, tired soldiers striv-

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION

ing for unity after the Civil War. You see, friends, in truly American style, the Pledge of Allegiance was written as an advertisement.

Here’s the story: according to historyofthepledge.com, in 1888, a magazine known as the Youth’s Companion began a campaign to sell American flags to public schools as a premium for their subscriptions. As part of this effort, it was decided that a “flag salute” would be published to increase the patriotic energy. This is one of the reasons I’ve never been entirely comfortable with taking part in this ritual.

Fast forward 120 years to my fourth grade classroom. As a school, we recited the pledge every Monday morning. My teacher, however, didn’t think that was enough. Under her rule we said it daily, rotating who stood at the front of the

class to lead.

When my turn came along, I said no, having decided I didn’t see a particular need for it. I’m not sure what exactly triggered my 10-year-old self’s discomfort; I just remember my uneasiness with the mindlessness of the ritual taking hold. Unsurprisingly, this didn’t go over very well, and that memory is now filed under “things I’m going to pretend never happened.”

Here at South, that attitude has been more successful. The original pledge contained no mention

of a god—that was added in 1954, when, amidst the red scare, a movement began to assert religion in our profession of national identity almost 200 years after our nation was established with the separation of church and state. As a result, we’re not required to say the pledge or its official affirmation of a god at school.

In my first period class, most students are seated, probably because we’re too lazy to stand up. I’m aware that not all students share my experience of being prodded into saying the pledge; it seems our choice is largely dependent on who we happen to have as a first period teacher. Regardless of its inconsistency, this flexibility can be appreciated.

The teachers who require students to participate are, I believe, missing the point. The existence of a statement of national unity isn’t a problem in itself, but making an affirmation of our freedom mandatory is inherently ironic. Blatant recitation is essentially meaningless, especially at young ages when we don’t even know the meaning of “indivisible.”

Although I’m not a fan of its implications, I want to be clear in saying that I am not necessarily opposed to patriotism as a concept. Liberty exists both because of and in order to protect the qualities that make a person and community interesting: skepticism, thoughtfulness, creativity, and inquiry. A practice that emphasizes blind loyalty and conformity does nothing to further those.

Whether or not you decide to participate in the pledge (and that’s totally up to you), I’m hopeful that we’ll all arrive at a critical, questioning sense of national identity rather than the one that’s been imposed upon us. After all, our freedom can only be preserved as long as people question whether it’s actually there.

“Blatant recitation is essentially meaningless, especially at young ages when we don’t even know the meaning of ‘indivisible.’”

Photo by Dani Tuchman

Vegan experiment reveals notable mental, physical benefits

asst. opinions editor I was exceedingly uninformed and unprepared as to what being anything but a meat-eater entailed prior to starting my two week-long vegan experiment. Veganism, otherwise known as abstaining from the consumption or usage of any animal products, initially made me deem 14 days without scrambled eggs, string cheese and my mom’s homemade brownies to be unthinkable.

This was until, however, I saw the many benefits of temporarily changing my eating habits.

The comedic movie Keeping up with the Steins, released in 2006, portrays the basic stereotype of a vegan. Although the movie is otherwise irrelevant to veganism, one scene reveals a woman eating solely green beans and a dozen vitamins for dinner while her reason is “I’m a vegan.” Immediately after seeing that, my eight-year-old self thought, “Who would ever want to do that? She’s basically starving herself!”

In starting my dietary experiment, it was difficult to see past this movie’s vegan stereotype and to approach the experience with an open mind free of nonsensical presumptions. However, I found this choice to be entertaining when on my first day I accidentally bit into a strawberry doughnut and confused my Television class when I squealed and ran to spit it out.

That night, my dad amusingly ran to Whole Foods and jumped at the opportunity to stir-fry

healthier diet and not contribute to animal cruelty.

I cannot rid the world of slaughter houses, but I can do my part and I can, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), personally save over 100 animals a year.

Which of these are vegan?

Answer: All of them!

DANI TUCHMAN

vegansociety.com, less than 1 percent of Amerifive different vegetables topped with tofu. Yes, cans choose to lead a vegan lifestyle, I progrestofu—one of the many soy-based meat substitutes sively became more surprised that this number is that vegans have to love. Why? Well, haven’t you so low. The diet worked for me; I experienced nuheard the saying, “It’s all fun and games until you merous physical and mental benefits. I slept more struggle to get your protein?” easily, felt more energized, and was encouraged On the second day, I seized the opportunity to to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables than I was research more complex vegan recipes on Pinterprior to the experiment. est, such as the practical kale salad with cashewCurrently, I am continuing a vegetarian lifeparsley dressing. Sadly, none of the several dozen style—abstaining from meat but once again conrecipes that I bookmarked made their ways onto suming eggs and dairy. I am doing it to have a my stovetop. Instead, whenever I wanted something quick and easy, peanut butter sandwiches took the gold every time.

I originally couldn’t understand why certain people choose to follow a vegan diet. According to vegansociety.com, however, switching to a plant-based diet is an effective way to reduce one’s eco-footprint.

First, the livestock that supplies your beloved bacon and eggs is also reponsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Plus, the not-so-shocking fact is that plant-based diets only require around one third of the land and water of a meat-based diet to provide for a typical Western meal. That means more untouched land and less factory-ridden middle-of-nowheres.

So in trying to fulfill three, wellbalanced Westerns meals for every day of the week, I consumed a lot of soy—a great source of vegan protein-such as edamame, soy-based meat substitutes, and soy yogurt. Almond milk replaced the normal Oberweis milk in my cereal and second helpings of vegetables substituted for second helpings of ice cream. Instead of wearing leather boots to school, I sported Converse sneakers every day.

After learning that, according to Photos by Dani Tuchman and graphic by Wyatt Richter

10

features

March 14, 2014

Students with siblings who have disabilities share experiences

SUPPORTING SISTER: Celebrating post-surgery, senior Kylie Lustig (right) embraces her sister Annie Lustig when she walks for the first time after three months of bed-rest. According to Kylie, doctors said Annie would never be able to walk in her life. Photo courtesy of Kylie Lustig ELISA KIM

co-features editor ADDIE LYON

asst. features editor When senior Kylie Lustig saw her 13-year-old sister Annie Lustig walking again after a surgery in February 2013, she could not hold back her excitement. Some South students like Kylie have siblings with disabilities. Although hard at times, they agree that they have filled their lives with valuable and happy memories and have impacted them in various ways.

According to Kylie, Annie has disabilities including craniosynostosis which caused part of her brain to be missing when she was born. Doctors said Annie would never be able to walk or talk.

However, Kylie said Annie has learned to do both.

“She can speak,” Kylie said. “She’s become more understandable over the years, but sometimes people don’t understand what she says because it doesn’t come out very clearly. But she can communicate pretty well, what she wants to say.”

Kylie said Annie has gotten a lot better over the past few years. However, Kylie still needs to help her with activities like getting dressed and

preparing meals.

Like Kylie, senior David Thompson also has a sister with disabilities. David’s sister, Hannah Thompson, has cerebral palsy and dystonia. According to David, cerebral palsy stops her from walking and dystonia is a movement disorder that limits her control over her actions.

David said Hannah was born with the disability, so his family supports her on a daily basis.

“I need to help feed her, and meals take longer,” David said.

“She can’t get a drink for herself, so I always have to be looking out for if she needs something. She can’t talk very well either, so [I] need to be able to read signs about it and work off that.”

Hannah graduated from college and now works as a social networker for a company and as a motivational speaker, according to David.

David said Hannah is very brave and loves going on roller coasters, parasailing and riding ATVs. “She does just about everything that her disability allows her to do, and she tries more,” Da-

vid said. “She’s really smart and a great writer.

She’s brought many people to tears when she speaks about her disability.”

Senior Megan Pelos’s sister Christie Pelos is a sophomore at South and has Down Syndrome.

Similar to Kylie, Megan has to help her sister with everyday tasks, but also enjoys spending as much time as possible with her sister.

“She loves watching movies, so when I spend time with her, I might take her [to a movie theatre],” Megan said. “She loves going out to eat, so [I] oftentimes take her out to lunch or dinner.

I also go on walks with her, go to the park and spend time with her as much as I can.”

Just like Megan and Christie, Kylie and Annie also share lots of happy memories, Kylie said.

One recent memorable event was when Annie began walking again after a surgery in February.

“She got surgery in February [2013] and she had to be on bed rest until mid-April,” Kylie said.

“One of my favorite memories was when she started walking again. She had to relearn how to walk because she was in bed for so long and it was hard enough for her to walk already. I remember I took a video of it, and it was exciting.”

Although David has happy memories with his sister, there were also some moments that were hard on him. David said he gets upset when people don’t treat her equally because they assume she is not as intelligent as someone without a disability.

“It’s very apparent physically, but she’s fine mentally,” David said. “A lot of people look at her and say she’s physically disabled, so she must be mentally disabled. That has bothered her since she was born. She’s just like everyone else with how she thinks and how she communicates, and so she gets really pissed off when people are treating her like she doesn’t understand.”

Kylie has similar feelings as David in that she thinks people are quick to judge her sister.

“There’s one moment I remember, we were out at a restaurant,” Kylie said. “And [Annie] likes laughing really loud. She likes making a lot of noises. This father and his teenage daughter, they were laughing at her. The difference was that we were laughing with her, and they were laughing at her.”

Kylie said that she feels she has learned a lot, about herself and others, from Annie.

“Annie, I feel like she shaped my personality,” Kylie said. “Like I’m very understanding of other people and their situations.

I’m very patient.

It takes a lot to get me angry. I understand that people are different. I feel like without Annie, I wouldn’t understand those things I’ve learned.”

Kylie hopes to go into special education in the future and said Annie was her motivation in making that decision.

“I don’t think I would want to go into special ed if it wasn’t for her just because all of the things that she’s taught me like patience [and] understanding,” Kylie said. “She’s taught me a lot about myself. I’ve been able to figure out what I want to

I understand that people are different. I feel like without Annie, I wouldn’t understand those things.

-senior Kylie Lustig

SMILING SIBLINGS: Celebrating at the 2013 Homecoming parade, sophomore Christie Pelos (left) and her sister senior Megan Pelos (right) smile together for a picture (far left). Proud brother senior David Thompson (left) poses with his sister Hannah Thompson after her college graduation (far right). Since graduating, Hannah works as a social networker and a motivational speaker, according to David. Photos courtesy of Megan Pelos and David Thompson

Q & A with Mike and David Berkson On March 7, Mike Berkson, twin brother of Social Studies Teacher David Berkson, spoke at the freshmen assembly about his life with cerebral palsy and how he maintains a positive attitude in the face of many challenges. Mike travels as a motivational speaker to many different audiences, and both he and David stayed after the assembly for a Q&A with the Oracle.

Q: What are some of your best memories together?

David: "I’ve been able to travel with [Mike] and actually see him on stage. It’s pretty memorable to see him talking to hundreds of people at one time, to see him in his element. It’s pretty cool.”

Mike: "We’ve gone to New York, we’ve gone to Vegas. [David] is always there to help me and he always includes me in whatever he’s doing.”

Q: What impact have has your brother had on you?

David: “From my experience with him, I tend to take other people’s experiences into consideration. I tend to try to learn about them. I try to go into most situations and most interactions with an open mind, and I think because of that, I’ve become a more patient and a more understanding person.”

Mike: “David just showed me that, yeah, I have different issues, but I’m his brother. I’m not his brother that’s in a wheelchair. A lot of people, when they see me, they see the wheelchair first, and he was able to get past that. He just treated me like everybody else and that’s why to this day, he’s my best friend.”

David Berkson

Mike Berkson

do with my life because of her.”

Just like how Annie impacted Kylie’s life, David said Hannah has impacted him. David said watching Hannah made him realize that people should remember that everyone needs friendship. “[Hannah] struggled especially in high school when people would just say ‘hi’ to her in the hallway, and no one really ever wanted to hang out with a kid in the wheelchair,” David said. “That always made her really upset that people would think that they were friends with her just because they say ‘hi’ to her in the hallway. So it’s taught me that [people should] take more time out of their day to hang out with someone that may need it.”

11

features

March 14, 2014

South students reflect on pursuit of unique careers

CALLI HARAMARAS

asst. features editor

Shawn Zachariah - Retirement Home Manager

MADISON O’BRIEN

co-features editor

DRAWING THE DREAM: Paying

close attention, freshman Madeleine Lee sketches an image of a hand. Lee hopes to use her artistic talents as an anime writer or voice actress. Photo courtesy of Dani Tuchman

Madeleine Lee - Voice Actress or Anime Writer From Garfield to “Adventure Time”, freshman Madeleine Lee has always taken interest in comics and animation.

According to Lee, she has wanted to be a voice actress or anime writer since she was young. Voice acting involves reading lines for an animation character while animation writers draw animations or comics, Lee said.

“When I was really young I didn’t really have a lot of friends, so I would turn to cartoons and comics because they would make my day,” Lee said.

“As I kept growing up, [I noticed that] there were a lot of kids that were like that [...], so it would be pretty nice to be the supporter in that.”

In pursuit of careers in comics and animation, Lee has taken multiple steps to further her experience with both animation drawing and voice acting.

According to Lee, she has been working on improving her dialogue and pitch by practicing with a microphone at her house. On top of this, she believes argument and debate have enhanced her speed and clarity to improve her voice acting skills. On the

other hand, Lee is constantly drawing in order to develop and advance her illustrating technique.

Although Lee has been actively working towards her goal of becoming involved in either of these careers, she is unsure of the future and has some concerns.

“I’m not sure where I’m going to start next, but I’m hoping what I have been doing now is helping,” Lee said.

“I am afraid that it is not going to turn out as I have planned. I’m [afraid] I am just going to have to stop it because it is too impossible.”

Despite her concerns and the uncertainty of the future, Lee is excited about the benefits of these careers and is motivated by her supportive family and friends.

“I am looking forward to the entire job, like meeting fans because they look really supportive,” Lee said. “I would love to have some people saying, ‘yeah you can do this, you’re really awesome, I look up to you.’ Being a role model to some people [is something I look forward to].”

Sean Morrison sean@energytees.com 847.770.5541

Six months ago, senior Shawn Zachariah decided to pursue a career that he had never considered before. After beginning his job as a waiter and host at Chestnut Square at The Glen retirement facility over a year ago, Zachariah realized his love for working with senior citizens.

When Zachariah took the job, he had no previous experience working with senior citizens.

However, Zachariah said he took the position because he had been looking for a job.

“At first someone just offered me a job, and I needed a job, and that’s how I fell in love with all the people there,” Zachariah said. “It’s such a nice community, and I found out that I wanted to do something with [senior citizens]. I love the people, and they really do like me too, and I do really get along with them.”

After working there for over a year now, Zachariah has decided to pursue a career in healthcare administration, such as owning a hospital or managing a retirement facility. Although his career plans now are very different from his previous decision to pursue engineering, Zachariah said he’s looking forward to doing something he loves.

“They all seemed to like me, like they consider me their grandkid,” Zachariah said.

In addition to his excitement, Zachariah is concerned about the large responsibility that comes along with running such a large community. However, he feels his passion will outweigh his concerns.

“Every job has a responsibility, but knowing that you have to manage the elderly is a little bit more of a responsibility, and I feel like I’d be responsible for every single person in that building,” Zachariah said. “It’s a little bit scary to think about, but if I enjoy what I do then it wouldn’t really matter.”

Unsure of where he will be going to school next year, Zachariah said he’s deciding between University of Illinois at Chicago or going to Oakton Community College for a year to save money.

According to Zachariah, he will first get his bachelor’s degree in computer or mechanical engineering and then get his prerequisites for health care administration in graduate school. Zachariah has decided to get his bachelor’s degree in engineering as a safe step to be financially secure in case his plans for health care administration fall through.

Zachariah is hopeful for the future and excited to pursue a career in something that he loves to do.

TIMELESS FUN:

Senior Shawn Zachariah serves a sundae to a resident of Chesnut Square at The Glen retirement facility, where he has been working as a waiter since last year. The close connections he has made with the residents has inspired him to puruse a career in healthcare administration.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Zachariah

Keelan Meehan - United Nations Representative Aiming to be a part of the solution to world problems, junior Keelan Meehan wishes to become a representative in the United Nations (UN), an intergovernmental organization that promotes international cooperation. According to Meehan, becoming a member of the UNHRC, a specific refugee council within the UN, is his goal.

Keelan expressed his philosophical views that led him to pursue this career path.

“I feel like there are so many atrocities and so many things going wrong and bad in the world that are infringing on that declaration, but I don’t feel like I can stop that by just protesting, […] so I feel as though I need to take a political approach [by] being a representative of the United Nations and going into politics.”

His passion for Model UN (MUN), a club that works to foster a global perspective by engaging students in competitive discussion on the world’s most prevalent social, political and economic issues, is another reason why Meehan is interested in becoming a UN representative.

Having been interested in drama at the beginning of his freshman year, Meehan became involved in theater and only joined MUN as something to do on the side. After realizing his love for MUN, however, he stopped pursuing theater and immediately became invested in the club, Meehan said.

“I joined Model UN offhandedly, [...] and

MODELING HIS FUTURE:

As one of few students chosen, junior Keelan Meehan speaks to his fellow delegates at the United Nations Headquaters during the closing ceremonies of the high school Model UN national conference in New York this past weekend. Meehan said he hopes to be a member of the UNHRC council group in the UN when he is older. Photo courtesy of Jane Brennan

then I really loved it, not just the debate part of it but just the issues that we were discussing which I really liked,” Meehan said. “It just made me more of a worldly person and gave me a more global perspective.”

As the current MUN vice president, Meehan said that he believes he was able to work his way to this position because of his investment and passion in the club.

“International policy is something I am really passionate about, so it was really easy for me to do well [in Model UN] because if you love something, you’re going to do better at it,” Meehan said.

Meehan said he has begun to take steps toward planning his career and is excited for his future.

“I’d like to go to school for law and then use that as a segue to get into politics and then from there the United Nations,” Meehan said.

“I can be a part of politics, but what I really want is to be a part of something that proliferates peace.”

14

features

March 14, 2014

Students find joy volunteering at Heartland Animal Shelter

HAPPY HILTON: After being abused as a puppy, Hilton, junior Danny Colombo’s dog that he adopted from Heartland Animal Shelter, has found a new and loving home. According to Colombo, Hilton has been a great addition to the family.

Photo by Madison O’Brien

South’s fears and phobias SALLY YOU

co-opinions editor

Carabez fosters dogs through Young at Heart Pet Rescue MADISON O’BRIEN

co-features editor

CALLI HARAMARAS

“When I was 7 years old, I was at a park with a boy that I liked. We were sitting on a bench holding hands and everything was great until a bird literally flew into my face. I couldn’t stop screaming because I was so scared, and after that day, I die a little every time I see a bird.”

-senior Sonali Patel

“I really don’t like clowns because when I was about 5, we went to the circus, and they asked for a volunteer to come down and help, and they picked me. When I got down there they let out this midget clown wearing fake blood and a mask that had a knife and he chased me around the arena and I screamed and ran, but he didn’t stop. So I have been afraid of clowns ever since.”

-sophomore Jilly Hebert Photos by Cormac O’Brien and Sally You

Ca ra b to r fH ec

This past week, Hector Carabez, special education teacher, opened his home to his thirty-third foster dog. As a member of the board of directors for Young at Heart Pet Rescue, an organization that rescues senior dogs and cats, Carabez both helps to make decisions for the organization and fosters animals.

According to Carabez, the dogs that Young at Heart rescues have to be over 7 years old and the cats have to be over 3 years old. Having three beagles of his own, he usually fosters beagles but has taken in many different breeds as well, Carabez said.

Around four years ago, Carabez was awarded “foster home of the year” by Young at Heart for fostering five dogs that “came in and went right back out,” he said.

Although the reason Carabez fosters is in order to find these senior dogs a permanent home, he explained how it is still hard to see them go.

“I will usually keep a dog for about two months […] and the ones that you have longer you get used to them and really [like them], and when they get adopted I do feel that sense of loss, but I know that, number one, they have a ‘forever home,’ and that two, I will be able to open my door to another dog for a place to stay,” Carabez said.

Carabez believes that Young at

ez

asst. features editor

sy o

Brill recalls seeing Hilton, her favorite dog, after he was adopted as her favorite memory.

“It was amazing to see how happy Hilton seemed in his ‘forever home’ as we call their new, safe place to live,” Brill said. “It was perfect to see my favorite dog again and see he was doing so well.”

Similar to Brill’s relationship with Hilton, Brown also developed a relationship with one of the dogs that recently was adopted.

“It was a really cuddly dog; a lot of [the dogs] are just in it for the treats and in it for the walking, they aren’t really personal, but this one would always try to [cuddle] with me,” Brown said.

According to Heartland Animal Shelter’s website, their volunteers are helping them to save thousands of unwanted cats and dogs, giving them the opportunity to find loving new homes.

rte

Junior Abby Brown has always loved dogs, but due to her mother’s pet allergy, she has never been able to have one of her own. Finding a way around this, Brown began volunteering at Heartland Animal Shelter located in Northbrook.

According to Brown, she is trained to work with dogs specifically, and her job mostly consists of letting the dogs in and out for walks.

Brown feels the most unique part of the shelter is how the staff and volunteers take care of all of the animals at the shelter.

“The place is a non-for-profit [and non-kill shelter],” Brown said. “Most shelters you bring the dogs [and cats] in and there’s just not enough room. I don’t know how [Heartland] does it, but I’d say most of their dogs and cats are animals that are [...] about to get killed [at other shelters], and Heartland will take them in.”

Junior Alexis Brill, who also volunteered at Heartland finds the number of volunteers at Heartland unique.

“One unique thing about the shelter is that it is mainly volunteerbased,” Brill said. “Volunteers walk the dogs, feed the cats, donate supplies. Everyone is extremely friendly and loves to help out.”

Brill also enjoys how Heartland is a different environment than her everyday routine. “[Volunteering] really is a time when I can take my

mind off everything going on in my life and see the animals who are so excited to see me when I come to walk them,” Brill said.

Similar to Brill, Brown especially likes how the environment differs from school.

“My favorite part is how relaxed the atmosphere is,” Brown said. “[I’m] so used to school, and it being all kids and teenagers, and then you walk in there and it’s all animals.”

Junior Danny Colombo, who adopted his dog from Heartland, feels that Heartland’s shelter is run very well compared to other shelters. He also likes the environment the animals are in.

“As a dog shelter can be, it’s pretty happy,” Colombo said. “They keep [the dogs] on a tight leash and there’s a big outdoor space so they have a lot of room.”

He especially likes how his dog Hilton was treated the two and a half years he was there before being adopted. “[The volunteers] loved him,” Colombo said. “He was a rockstar. He has his own Facebook page, [and] we take him back [to the shelter] every other week to take a bath [and visit].”

to co u

staff reporter

Ph o

CONNIE HOEKSTRA

Heart Pet Rescue is unique because people looking to adopt one of the organization’s animals can talk to the animal’s foster parent and get a feel for their personality before actually adopting them.

Currently, Young at Heart Pet Rescue has around 32 foster homes and is in the process of building a permanent facility in Woodstock, Ill. Looking further into the future, Carabez hopes to hold a pet food drive at South. Many of the dogs in Young at Heart foster homes come from people who leave their animals on the streets because they can no longer afford to take care of them, Carabez said. The food gathered from the drive would be donated to a pet food pantry and distributed to anyone struggling to feed his or her pet.

After adopting three senior dogs of his own, Carabez hopes South students will consider doing the same with their families.

“If you or your family is interested in adopting or wants to get a dog, or even a cat, think about adopting a senior dog,” Carabez said. “There is a great advantage to that. Puppies are as cute as can be, but […] they are unpredictable […] and definitely need more attention. A senior dog just wants someone who is going to show it love.”

“I’ve always been afraid of falling from high places since I was really little and went to the top of a lighthouse and there was no rail. When I’m in high places, I feel like I need to be close to something stable and away from edges.”

-sophomore Clayton Nimz

“I don’t know why I am afraid of spiders – I just always have been. When I see one I just get annoyed that I have to deal with it, and I stop whatever I’m doing to kill it. I can’t leave it alone.”

-senior Donnie McNeil

features

March 14, 2014

15

Matei excels despite physical limitations, looks forward to future VICTORIA SUNKEL

staff reporter For most South students, walking is an everyday task often taken for granted. For junior Anda Matei, it’s an ability she is grateful to have since she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, (MD), a genetic condition that slowly weakens and deteriorates muscle tissue.

According to Matei, she had no idea about her MD until she was 8 years old.

She said that a loss in her ability to run, increased tiredness and stomach pains were all signs of the disorder, but the actual diagnosis occurred after an unrelated hospital trip.

“I had a [...] fever, and my mom had to bring me to the emergency room, and that’s where they ran a bunch of tests to see what was wrong with me, but the fever had nothing to do with it.

When they were running all these tests, they saw I had MD,” Matei said.

Despite the diagnosis, Matei remains grateful to have a form of MD

which affects only her arms and legs.

“I have limb-girdle [MD] which is the mildest case. There are some that are much worse, kids who die by the age of 25 because their heart fails,” Matei said.

Yet Matei said that the disorder still affects her physical abilities and makes her dependent on others.

“It’s hard for me to move on my own,” Matei said.

“I do need help putting on my shoes, for example, or someone cooking for me, or driving is another thing. I don’t think I’m capable of living on my own yet.”

According to Kara

*NAME: Anda Matei *GRADE: Junior *FAVORITE ANIMAL: Tiger *FAVORITE SONG: “All for you” by Lana Del Ray *FAVORITE MOVIE: “The Notebook” *FAVORITE STORE: Pacsun *FAVORITE THING TO DO: Shop

Bolf, special education teacher and Matei’s case worker, Matei combats her physical weaknesses with mental stamina.

“She knows herself very well,” Bolf said. “She knows her limitations, and she knows what she’s able to do, and as long as she’s able to do something she works hard to do it.”

Despite her physical setbacks, Bolf claims Matei is treated no differently by the school and works hard to complete all physical activities.

“She doesn’t take a regular PE class but she gets her exercises in and she’s not exempt from doing things,” Bolf said.

Another aspect of Matei’s life that requires mental stamina is explaining her disorder to fellow students.

According to Matei, in sixth grade she faced a particularly difficult situation with a fellow student who mocked her disorder.

“When I was in sixth grade, this one kid would imitate the way I walked as a joke because he didn’t understand,” Matei said. “One of the teachers saw him and [...] asked me, ‘Do you want me to tell him what you have?’ and I was like ‘Yeah sure, you can tell him’ and then he kind of understood, like he PHoto by Wyatt Richter thought I was just walk-

ing like this because I felt like it.”

Despite this instance, Matei considers most students’ reactions to her disorder as positive.

“I’ve been asked a lot of questions like, ‘Oh did you hurt your back, did you hurt your legs?’ I think [people] just don’t understand,” Matei said. “If I wasn’t like this and someone else had it I’d probably ask the same questions because I wouldn’t know.”

One thing Matei wants people to know is that even though she has some physical limitations, they do not affect her mentally in any way.

“Mentally I’m there, I’m at the same level as [everyone else],” Matei said.

Bolf agrees that Matei’s mental abilities are not an issue and believes Matei takes great pride in her school work.

“She’s in classes that she would be in whether she had a disability or not,” Bolf said.

According to Bolf, the Matei’s schedule for these classes is strategically planned by location.

“We try to schedule some classes a little bit closer together for her so she might not have to walk as far,” Bolf said.

Walking distances may soon not be an issue for Matei if her plans for treatment work out. Matei said scientists have found a possible cure for her disorder.

“They’re working on this thing called Exon Skipping which is a treatment,” Matei said. “It skips all the ge-

netic errors caused by muscular dystrophy and it tries to match it with a different code in the DNA.” Matei said that she has already begun the process and may be receiving a full treatment soon. “[The doctors] already found something, and they injected it into my little sample [of skin] that they took, and they saw one injection that was working very well.

They have injected it into other kids, but it’s not yet approved by the FDA so my mom wants to wait until it’s approved, and then I’ll get it done,” Matei said.

With a treatment in the works, Matei is thinking towards her future and is getting excited for college.

“I was maybe thinking about [majoring in] psychology or going into real estate because my mom has her own company, maybe I could take that over,” Matei said.

Bolf believes that Matei’s confidence will provide her with the ability to succeed in any future plans.

“She’s very strong and stands up for herself and let’s people know what she needs and when, so if there was ever a time when she didn’t have what she needed she would just let [someone] know,” Bolf said.

Matei plans to use this attitude to carry out her future goals for a life without MD. “I always wanted to live in Florida or Miami, that’s my dream,” Matei said.

“[Matei] knows her limitations and she knows what she’s able to do, and as long as she’s able to do something she works hard to do it.”

-Kara Bolf, special education teacher

Male students reveal body image insecurities, address common misconceptions HAILEY HAULDREN

asst. features editor For most teenagers, coping with insecurities is no foreign concept. However, according to an Oracle-conducted survey, some South students believe that there is a false assumption when it comes to body insecurities: that they only occur in women.

An Oracle-conducted survey revealed that of the 339 South students surveyed, 61 percent believe that only females experience body image issues.

However, a male-only survey stated that more than half of the 105 males surveyed have experienced insecurities about their bodies.

South social worker David Hartman described that while children typically look towards their parents for guidance, teenagers usually turn outward to their peers and the media to shape their personalities and desired appearances.

Hartman believes that this external force can develop into body image problems due to the artificial representations in the media of what men and women are supposed to look like.

However, Hartman said that due to the fact that women and their bodies are more openly criticized in society, the insecurities that men feel sometimes go unnoticed. “[Our society] objectifies women and girls much more [than guys],” Hartman said. “It’s different for men.

We don’t really objectify them in the same way that we do girls.”

While they may not get equal attention, some South males have said they experience body image insecurities.

For junior Chris Fuchs, wrestling is a factor that brings on concerns about his body and his body image. Fuchs stated that the pressures to make his weight class consume him during season.

“Wrestling is definitely something that has caused a lot of problems with my weight,” Fuchs said. ”[During season], all I’m thinking about whenever I put food or water into my body is how the scale is going to go up.”

Fuchs said that he also believes that many people do not realize that males feel the same urge that many females do to have the “perfect body.”

“People don’t realize that a lot of guys feel the same pressures [that girls do] to be strong and to have the “perfect body” in society, but not everyone can be that way,” Fuchs said.

Fuchs described the media interpretation of the “perfect male” as a man who is toned, strong and muscularly built.

Junior Aaron Kahn agrees with the stereotype described and admits that he doesn’t believe he fits it.

This feeling ultimately led Kahn to enroll in the Weights Training class at South, where he says he is trying to become stronger to improve his appearance and his health.

“I want to be at the same level of

“People don’t realize that a lot of guys feel the same pressures [that girls do] to have the ‘perfect body’ in society.”

-junior Chris Fuchs

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION [my male peers],” Kahn said. “I don’t want to be the weakest one in every room or the scrawniest because that’s kind of awkward.”

Like Kahn, junior Aaron Ach recognizes that men, in addition to women, suffer from pressures to have a “perfect” body. Ach feels that the reason that some people don’t realize that men experience body image issues too is because men tend to be less vocal about them.

“I think every guy feels pressured [to look a certain way] at some point, especially if he looks in the mirror and

Graphic by Wyatt Richter

sees that he has smaller arms than he wants or he doesn’t have the six pack that he sees on the cover of People Magazine,” Ach said. “Guys are just much more inward about it.”

Fuchs said he agrees that males tend to be more reserved about their bodies, attributing the lack of vocalization from males about their insecurities to the belief that concealing one’s feelings inside is the more manly thing to do.

“A lot of guys feel that speaking out about things like [their bodies] is a very feminine thing to do,” Fuchs

said. “Guys don’t talk about that sort of thing, and it is a stigma.”

For Ach, acceptance is the key to overcoming the stereotypes and insecurities thrust upon both males and females in society.

“Body images are constantly evolving as I think they should, but I’m hoping that [society] will end up getting to the point where we’re much more accepting of different people and different builds and different physical appearances,” Ach said. “We just need to look past the way somebody appears.”

16

features

March 14. 2014

RAISING THEIR VOICES: Gathered in the cathedral of Techny Tower, GBS and GBN choirs perform for their family and friends in the audience. The choirs, under the direction of Stevi Marks, South choral director, performed Battle Hymn of the Republic, in which the audience was asked to sing alongside the choirs. Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

Glenbrook choirs amplify vocals in Techny Towers “[The music is] not popular,” Sirvatka said. “It’s leco-a&e editor asst. a&e editor gitimate, recognized-aroundthe-world as good choral literature. We think it’s some LILLY LUDWIG of the best literature out staff reporter there.”

According to Sirvatka, the Singing at a cathedral in Europe is no small combining of choirs to make a experience. But according to Martin Sirvatka, injoint concert can result in long structional supervisor of the Music Department, decision-making processes; students involved in choir at South don’t need to however, ultimately it’s bentravel quite so far to have that opportunity. eficial to both performers and The Techny Festival of Music is an annual conaudience members. cert that showcases the talent of all choirs from “It’s an opportunity to both South and North. The concert, taking place combine campuses and make this year on March 9, is held at Techny Towers, a large festival choir,” Sirvatwhich offers singers the unique experience of ka said. “Instead of competing singing in a building designed to amplify a choir. with Glenbrook North, we get “Just singing in the chapel is like [...] singing to collaborate.” in one of the cathedrals in Europe,” Sirvatka said.

According to Hannah MaMarley Hambourger, junior Master Singers son, sophomore Premier member, the rivalry between GBN and GBS may exist, but she found it interesting that the two school choirs could work together to perform.

“We have the rivalry with GBN, so it was fun to get together with them,” Mason said. “I don’t know how [their choir department] PREMIER IN THEIR PRIME: Up in the balcony, the Premier choir looks worked in comparison down at their music in preparation for their performance in Techny Towers. to GBS, but it’s interest- The choir did not memorize their music for the concert and was able to pering how we all came to- form the concert with music folders in hand. Photo by Jackie Cortopassi gether for a common in“Singing with such talented vocalists and interest in music.” strumentalists from GBS and GBN is a unique exHowever, the collaboration doesn’t end perience that I never really appreciated until this there. Aaron Kaplan, assistant orchestra diyear,” Fisher said. “What’s even cooler is being rector, explained how the Sinfonietta, the able to work with a new conductor each year and top orchestra made up of roughly 30 stugain a greater perspective on the musical world dents from both North and South, accomoutside South.” panies singers at the concert for the songs.

Hambourger agreed that this year’s perfor“For as long as Techny’s been going on, mance at Techny prompted a greater appreciation they’ve always included the Sinfonietta in for the Techny Festival. the festival,” Kaplan said. “It’s collabora“I think this year was different, being an uption not only between both departments perclassman and being in Masters [Singers],” but also both schools.”

Hambourger said. “It’s more enjoyable, you know According to Claire Fisher, member of people a lot better and I think you just appreciate Master Singers, each year a different guest the music a lot more. You don’t find it as boring as conductor directs Techny. The guest conCHARMING CHAMBERS: Dressed in formal attire, South Chambers members sing with their music before them. Joined by when you were a freshman or a sophomore. You ductor chooses the music and conducts all members of the GBN choirs, the group performed at the heart of the chapel at Techny Towers. Photo by Jackie Cortopassi really find it more beautiful.” the groups that are singing.

SHEA ANTHONY

LAUREN FRIAS

and Chambers member, noted that the beauty of Techny Towers sets it apart from the other venues in which the choirs has performed.

“It’s so pretty!” Hambourger said. “It’s very different from the other choir concerts. It’s more serious, it feels more professional because you’re not at school. There’s so many different instrumentalists there that they bring in to [perform] with us, so it’s taken more seriously.”

Aside from atmosphere, Hambourger also noted that the acoustics of Techny Towers was much different than at South.

“It’s a lot different,” Hambourger said. “The acoustics in there are amazing. It’s a lot different than singing in the auditorium. The sound is indescribable. It’s so cool to hear.”

Sirvatka explained that a guest conductor is invited to conduct the concert as a way to give singers a chance to work with conductors beyond the high school scope. Sirvatka added that the concert, which is a tradition at South and North, has a distinct, high caliber music selection.

features

March 14, 2014

17

Immigrant parents keep culture alive thousands of miles away HANNAH RAUH & ANNE MARIE YURIK

staff reporters Many South students get to experience the best of both worlds, balancing American life with the culture of another country. These are students at South who experience two different cultures due to their parents’ background as immigrants into the United States.

One of these students is sophomore Christina Kim. She moved with her family from Korea to the U.S. when she was six years old, but according to Kim, her parents still keep her and her brother immersed in Korean culture.

“At home I speak Korean and we usually eat Korean food […] and [I watch] Korean TV shows with my family,” Kim said. “I guess that’s [my parents’] way of keeping the culture alive.”

According to Kim, her mom’s English is not perfect, and this can lead to confusing mishaps and hilarious blunders.

“My brother is not as good at Korean as I am because he came [to the United States] when he was four, so he forgot a lot of the language,” Kim said. “My mom sometimes has to talk to him in English to get him to understand what she’s trying to say, and we just laugh at her grammar. It’s so funny.”

Through growing up in America while also learning Korea culture from her parents, Kim believes that she is able to compare and contrast the two different countries and their cultural differences.

“It gets kind of confusing at times because, you know, different ideals, different culture and [different] society,” Kim said.

“At home you might have to act like a different way than at school. [For example,] in America you obviously don’t have to bow to people when you see them in the street, but in Korea it’s expected.”

Similar to Kim, senior Bojana Galic, whose parents are from Serbia, has had some of the same

issues with her different culture interfering with the American culture, according to Galic.

“In Europe people are very critical and outward about [how someone looks],” Galic said.

According to Galic, not only has the change been apparent, but she has made that mistake several times to her American-rooted friends.

“One time, I remember a friend of mine got a new hair cut... so I told her, ‘Oh my gosh your hair cut got really screwed up!’ and she got so sad,” Galic said.

Despite the differences in culture between the United States and Serbia, according to Galic, she has found a way to navigate through the cultural variation and into a more balanced cultural life.

“Awareness and really sensing the situation is a huge, huge part of being a first generation American of immigrant parents,” Galic said. “Being able to distinguish these different situations, interpreting the situation and how you can best get to whatever the goal is in that situation.”

Senior Johanna Dezil also has parents who were born in another country. When her parents moved from Haiti to the U.S., Dezil said they had a few incidents with getting used to living in a new country.

“When my parents came to America and saw a lot of raccoons, they were afraid of them because in Haiti they are symbolic to voodoo and evil,” Dezil said.

According to senior Mariya Yoshovska, whose family immigrated from Bulgaria seven years ago, her parents were also confused about new things in America. But for Yoshovska’s parents, the most confusing part was the American language.

“When we came to America, technically I was the only one in my family who knew how to speak English really well,” Yoshovska said. “I [had] to work with my dad on his job resume and help my mom with talking to the neighbors [...] basic translations.”

According to Yoshovska, her time as a translator was short-lived. Before long, her parents learned how to speak English and she was no longer the English speaker in the family.

“My parents are not the type of [people] to sit down and just let [not speaking English] go and

“It gets kind of confusing at times because, you know, different ideals, different culture and [different] society.”

-sophomore Christina Kim

CULTURE CLASH: Outside of a building in Korea, Christina Kim’s father stands as a child, surrounded by his

grandmother, his nanny and his great-grandmother (left to right). According to Kim, she and her family moved to the United States when she was 6, and her parents have tried to keep the Korean culture alive in their home ever since. Photo courtesy of Christina Kim

just allow [my translating] to continue,” Yoshovska said. “[Now] their grammar is great. Their pronunciation is just as good.”

Throughout the years of balancing the new cultures, according to Yoshovska, she has tried to

find a common ground between the two.

“I have tried to find the best of both worlds where you can assimilate what you’ve learned in each so that you don’t lose [either culture],” Yoshovska said.

LGBTQ community comments on Facebook’s 50 new gender options JULIA JACOBS

co-editor in chief Facebook isn’t only for males and females anymore- it’s for transgender, pansexual and androgynous people as well as 47 other gender options that the social media site added on Feb. 13. Facebook expanded the gender choices available to users in the info section of their profiles along with a third pronoun choice: the neutral “they”.

“It gives people time to understand who you are before you talk to them in person about it,” said Emily Leonard, president of Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). “It’s important to identify yourself as a human being to everybody before they can make fun of you for what you might be.”

Although 52 gender options seems like a lot, even that number won’t cover the intricacies of how people want to be identified, Leonard said.

According to Leonard, many of the members of GSA are uneducated on the nuances of the gender terminology that users can now identify with on Facebook. Next year, the group intends on dedicating a month to educating the South community about LGBTQ terms.

Sophomore John Smith* identifies as Transgender FtM, meaning that the sex he was born with was female, but he has transitioned into the male gender. When he turns 16, Smith hopes to be able to purchase hormone treatment, which his parents say he has to purchase with his own money. After he turns 18, Smith will look into sex reassignment surgery.

Smith asked to not be named because he said that when people know he’s transgender, the way they interact with him changes.

They tend to flub over pronouns when speaking with him and treat him more “fragilely.” On surveys and standardized tests that ask for gender, he feels just as ostracized.

“It just makes you uncomfortable when you have to answer the male or female question,” Smith said. “When I was transitioning, I would take surveys and stuff, [...] and for a while I didn’t really know how to answer because I was stuck in between. Eventually, I just started switching off, but I wasn’t really comfortable with answering either one at that point.”

Smith said that an education course at South might help clear the confusion over gender terminology. More than once, Smith has been called a transvestite, a term for a person who dresses up like the opposite sex for pleasure or entertainment, which Smith said is offensive to those who are transitioning their entire identity.

In Psych of Living, an elective course taught

by Kelli McDonald, the extent of the lesson on the ‘T’ in LGBTQ is a definition of the term “transgender” in a Powerpoint entitled “Understanding and Supporting GLBT Adolescents.” McDonald said that the material in this particular Powerpoint comes from a Master’s course she took in 2010, but as new terms are introduced into the societal vernacular, she is willing to amend the content of her course.

“We know lesbian, we know gay, we know transgender, we know bisexual, other than that, I would pretty much cut it off there,” McDonald said.

McDonald believes in filling her curriculum,

especially the LGBTQ unit, with guest speakers who are more expert than her in the field. That’s why on Feb. 28, Erschel DeLeon, the director of Youth Pride at the LINKS reproductive health clinic in Northfield, along with a panel of students including Leonard, spoke to the Psych of Living class about LGBTQ issues.

DeLeon said that although she has been working with transgender people for 20 years, she is still constantly refreshing her knowledge-based with new terminology.

“It’s not in any of the books,” DeLeon said.

“It’s definitely something that an educator has to add on to their curriculum.”

Smith said that one of the most important efforts cisgender people (those who identify with the gender that they are born with) can make is to use the right pronoun when referring to each transgender person. There are people like Smith who were born with female anatomy who prefer to be called “he,” people who were born with male anatomy who prefer to be called “she” and gender non-binary people who might prefer to be called “they,” Smith said.

“Basically, you just call someone whatever pronoun they want you to call them,” Smith said. “It can get a bit confusing, but it’s respectful to try.”

Smith said.

Although DeLeon estimates that the size of the transgender community in most high schools is less than 1 percent, she sees it growing each year as more and more transgender students come to the Youth Pride program. Most of those young people are not explicitly transgender but identify as gender-queer or gender-neutral, which both mean that the person does not adhere to traditional gender norms, DeLeon said.

Smith identifies as simply “male” on Facebook and doesn’t intend to change that despite the introduction of the new gender options; however, he believes that it’s essential to give people those options. Smith said that it’s difficult for people whose gender mindset is different than their sex mindset, so it’s important that they are represented in the social media world. *Name has been changed

18

a&e

March 14, 2014

Students pen personal pieces, receive awards for work

Six South students were honored regionally in the the Scholastic Writing Awards for excellence in writing. The Scholastic Writing Awards give teens in grades seven through 12 the opportunity to earn scholarships or have their short stories and poems published or exhibited, according to their website, artandwriting.org.

KATIE CAVENDER

staff reporter

photo courtesy of Becky Holt

photo by Dani Tuchman

BRANDON NAKASHIMA

Junior Brandon Nakashima wrote six pieces of poetry and two

BECKY HOLT

South graduate Becky Holt wrote two poems for the contest and

photo by Wyatt Richter

CAROLYN KELLY

With more experience behind her, senior Carolyn Kelly believed

short stories for the contest this year. All of them were honored, each one receiving a silver key regionally.

ended up winning a silver key. Her pieces were inspired by a spoken word poetry band and important events in her own life.

that she had a better sense of what to submit for the Scholastic Writing Awards.

said. “Last year I made it to nationals, and they select you [to have] famous writers read your stuff.”

that really influenced our lives,” Holt said.

According to Holt, the poem of hers that won focused on her

Kelly won a regional silver for her portfolio this year.

“It was a really great feeling to start off the day with, knowing that

According to Nakashima, he was more satisfied with his success last year because he sent in fewer pieces but got a higher award.

“I was disappointed because last year I did better,” Nakashima

Despite this setback, Nakashima said he is looking forward to next year because he can submit his senior portfolio.

“The other one I wrote, the one I actually like a bit better because it’s much more personal, it was actually an English assignment where we were supposed to write an essay about five things

upbringing, her past relationships and the literature that has influenced her throughout her life.

photo by Wyatt Richter

ERICA GELMAN

photo by Marley Hambourger

YEOMIN KIM

“This year, I could be a little more selective in what I sent, and I could make a portfolio, which is what you usually do when you’re a senior,” Kelly said.

all the hard work I put into it, writing and editing and putting it all together to send to the competition, had paid off,” Kelly said.

photo courtesy of Mariya Yoshovska

MARIYA YOSHOVSKA

Sophomore Erica Gelman won a gold key in the regional contest for two poems she submitted together. According to Gelman, both poems addressed themes such as the decay of relationships,

For senior Yeomin Kim, the contest was the first time she submited to a competition. Her two pieces won silver in their categories.

Senior Mariya Yoshovska submitted a piece in an effort to earn a scholarship. She said that she was making every effort she could in order to help pay for college.

awarded nationally for the pieces. The national placing decisions will be announced March 17.

“I was looking more for just an honorable mention, probably,” Kim said. “It was a fun experience.”

Awakening Essay.” According to Yoshovska, she felt really lucky to win the award because it’s a huge part of Illinois.

although not necessarily in a romantic sense.

“When I write my poems, they seem more personal to me so I don’t think that they would be relatable to others, but I guess they were,” Gelman said.

Because Gelman won gold for her poems, she is qualified to be

“I did it more for the experience of competing in a writing [competition] because I’ve never done that sort of thing before,” Kim said.

Although she came back with two awards, Kim did not expect her writing submissions to be so successful.

info gathered by Shea Anthony graphic by Cormac O’Brien

“My piece was about my second grade sister,” Yoshovska said.

“I wrote it about when she first started first grade and how I felt really sentimental. I just felt really sad because I realized that when I’m in college she’ll still be going through middle school.”

Yoshovska received an honorary mention for her piece “The

a&e

March 14, 2014

19

Vocal ensemble exposes students to studio environment LAUREN FRIAS

asst. a&e editor Several high school students gather around to sing under the direction of Gary Fry, the director of Midwest Young Artist’s (MYA) choral program. After their routine vocal exercises, the group prepares to sing their music, not for a live audience, but instead into the microphones set up in Fry’s home studio.

The group, known as VX Studio Vocal Ensemble (VX), helps students understand the necessary skills and procedures in a recording studio. VX is named after the abbreviation for ‘vocals’ used in the studio environment, according to Fry. “This is the third year the group has been in existence,” Fry said.

“We’re really centered [around] doing recordings. We do lots of short recording projects to help kids display their musicianship. We really try to teach the students to concentrate on coming in and reading their parts and being able to sight-read their parts, [which is] very important if you’re trying to make a living as a recording vocalist.”

Although vocal experience is not a necessary prerequisite for the group, an audition for the group is mandatory. According to David Sucher, junior VX member, the audition process included a short interview with Fry and a performance of excerpts of two songs from different genres.

Once in the group, however, Jewoo Kim, sophomore VX member, did notice that VX posed challenges, including the difficulties that come along with using microphones to record rather than amplify sound.

“Sometimes a difficulty [that I face] is the blend of the mics,” Kim said. “Because sometimes one voice group might be a little bit louder than the others, and you might have to rerecord over and over again until it sounds alright.”

Despite its difficulties, VX does work to the students’ advantage. According to Sucher, the experience of recording in a professional environment as well as practice with differ-

ent musical concepts benefit him.

“I have learned the professional ideas and ways to act in a recording setting, along with many musical concepts and tricks,” Sucher said. “I think that this will help [me] know what to expect if I ever have to record professionally [in the future].”

In the long run, Kim does believe that the experience will be quite beneficial to her because of her aspiration to incorporate music in her future career.

“If I ever want to have a job [in] recording or [doing] a voice-over [...], I guess the experience is helpful [because it teaches me] to be able to sightread fast enough and pick up music and know a part right then and right there,” Kim said.

With experience in the live performance area of singing and little exposure in the area of recording music, Kim said that there is quite a noticeable difference between the two. “ [ R e c o rd ing] is much faster than singing live,” Kim said. “In choir, you go over this one small part over and over again over a span of days [to get it prepared for a performance]. In [VX], you learn it, record it and then you’re done.”

With these differences in mind, Michael Kirby, freshman VX member, prefers performing live over recording in a studio.

“I would rather perform live because it’s a better test on your skill,” Kirby said. “It’s also more fun to do. But recording also does help [improve] my live performance as well.”

Despite their main focus on the recording side of music, the group performed at a concert on March 5, which was funded by Mesirow Financial. According to Fry, the group recorded a commercial track as a gift to show their appreciation for the company.

Overall, Christina Kim, sophomore VX member, feels that VX is a good experience that all artists should partake in. She encourages other South students to take part in VX or programs like it.

“I think that more GBS students should be involved in programs like VX,” Christina said. “I think that a recording experience like this is very important for new budding artists and musicians and we have many of those at GBS.”

“I think that a recording experience like this is important for new budding artists and musicians, and we have so many of those at GBS.” -sophomore Christina Kim

LIVE IN STUDIO: In the home studio of Gary Fry, VX Studio Vocal Ensemble (VX) director, sophomore Jewoo Kim and junior Julia Packer stand behind a microphone to record their part of the song “Let it Go,” a track from the animated Disney film, Frozen. The VX members completed multiple takes of the recording to make sure each part was received perfectly to keep as a reference for their live practices. Photo by Lauren Frias

We are not your mother’s gynecologist.

Come see us for confidential, affordable women’s health care, designed just for you.

847.441.6191 info@linksyouth.org 1779 Maple St in Northfield www.linksyouth.org

20

sports

March 14, 2014

Freshmen lead gymnastics to state, main contributers to record season “[I knew] on the first day of tryouts.

One quick glance and that’s it, [they were] on,” Gale said. “It didn’t take It’s rare to have three any serious review of their skills when freshmen on one varsiI saw what they could do. First time up ty team, but this year’s on the equipment they were varsity.” girls gymnastics team Freshman Hannah Hartley startwelcomed freshmen ed gymnastics when her mom signed Hannah Hartley, Juher up for classes as a kid. Hartley’s lia Stadler and Kamother did gymnastics throughout tie Wahl. All three high school and college and wanted to get girls have been Hartley started early. She was one of the doing gymnasthree freshmen this year on the varsity gymtics since around nastics team. Bethe ages of 3 and ing a freshman on 4 years old. Acthe varsity team, cording to Hartley explained, h e a d wasn’t bad because coach through her early Steve years of gymnasGale, tics she he heard of endthe freshmen beed up fore the season knowstarted. Around ing a few of the upperclassmen already the beginning of from practicing with them. It also helped that they the year, he was all spent a lot of time together doing extra, out- of told by their club -school activities. team coaches that he “It’s kind of intimidating. It was helpful knowwould be happy to ing some of the [upperclassmen] and also other see them perform. He freshmen,” Hartley said. liked what he saw. He Her transition onto the team proved not to be wasn’t sure whether or a problem as she continued her season. Accordnot they would make ing to Hartley, her best meet was at conference, the varsity team until where she placed first in vault, beam, floor and the first day of tryouts all- around. She’s not quite sure, however, what where he saw, right away, her gymnastics career will lead to. a great amount of talent in “I think it would be fun to do [gymnastics] in all three of the girls, Gale college,” Hartley said. “I don’t know if I’d be able said. to, but it’s always a cool idea to think about.”

Julia Stadler, who did Dream Gymnastic’s Preteam program, a level of advanced gymnastics where the gymnists practice at a advanced level but don’t compete, started when her mom signed WAHL IN: In the middle of practicing on the bar, freshman Katie Wahl her up when she was 4 focuses on her technique. Wahl is one of the three freshmen to make the years old. According to varsity team. Photo by Marley Hambourger Stadler, when she performed at State last year KATIE MAHER

staff reporter

through the Gymnastics Shop, a club gymnastics team located in Mount Prospect, she got off to a rough start. By the end of the meet she reached her full potential and then qualified for regionals for vault and floor. Being a freshman and playing on the varsity team this year, Stadler said that her transition onto the team wasn’t too bad. “[The transition was] different... but everyone on the team was really welcoming and really nice, and we became close really fast,” Stadler said.

Another freshman on the team, Katie Wahl, first did gymnastics at age 3. According to Wahl, she competed through Pre-team starting at age 7. At her first few meets for Pre-team, she performed at level six, which was the second level she competed at. According to Wahl, she did poorly and got hurt performing. Wahl said that, although she was sick the week before the competition, she still performed, and ultimately learned that gymnasts need to be able to overcome the bad meets.

“I realized, once I did [get a bad score], that it does go up and it goes down and I just have to deal with it,” Wahl said.

Wahl proved she could bounce back, however, when she competed at Level Seven State in seventh grade.

There, she received her best all- around and won bars and according to Wahl, this keeps her motivated when performing an event. With her high school ca-

“[I knew] on the first day of tryouts. One quick glance and that’s it, [they were] on.”

-head coach Steve Gale

Logo by Kali Croke

The Oracle’s monthly Q&A with a South alumnus who participates in college athletics

Molly McDonagh, a 2013 South graduate, is currently playing basketball for the United States Military Academy Prep school.

BRECK MURPHY

co-sports editor

What piece of advice would you give to South athletes?

To just enjoy it! It goes by so fast and it’s over before you know it. So just have no regrets, and always leave your everything on the court.

What has been your favorite memory from this season?

My favorite memory from this season was when we went to Navy and swept them! We beat them in girls basketball, boys basketball and wrestling.

When did you first become interested in playing basketball?

I’ve played basketball since I can remember. My whole family plays it, so it was just something we all did growing up, and I just fell in love with it. I just was not ready to give it up after high school.

Photo courtsey of Molly McDonagh

How did South sports prepare you for your college career?

South sports have prepared me for college by teaching me the importance of detecting and developing my leadership skills.

Both have been extremely helpful here at school.

reer going so well, she’s still not sure if she would be able to continue the sport in college.

“I’ve struggled with a lot of injuries, so I’m not sure if my body can hold up because gymnastics is pretty hard on your body,” Wahl said.

According to Gale, the three freshmen performed well at every meet of the year, giving it their all. They demonstrated skill that varsity level players should have, Gale said.

STICK IT STADLER: While performing her floor routine, freshman Julia Stadler poses on the floor.

Stadler went to State last year with the Gymnastics Shop, her club team, qualifying for vault and floor.

Photo courtesy of Julia Stadler

HIGH SCHOOL

MATH

Homework Resource Center

Contact us n today to lear ur o ut o more ab ion ss se r. h FREE, 1l o ho sc for high ! lp e math h

Algebra 1 & 2 Plane & Analytic Geometry Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Calculus Our High School Math Homework Resource Center provides a place where high school students of all levels drop in to work on their math homework while having access to our Mathnasium instructors for assistance.

High School Math Homework Resource Center is open: 7:00pm–8:00pm, Monday–Thursday

Do you have any additional comments?

I love the program here; I have an awesome coach and such amazing teammates.

My coach is really preparing us for next year and has invested so much time into us. He really cares, and it is very evident in the way he coaches.

Mathnasium of The Glen In the Glen Town Center 2650 Valor Drive, Glenview, IL 60026

(847) 998–0900

theglen@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/theglen

sports

March 14, 2014

Human rights and the Olympics: what’s after Sochi?

Sports Opinion RACHEL CHMIELINSKI

co -sports editor The immediate association with “Sochi” is unfortunately not the Olympic Games but instead Russia’s human-rights-crushing antigay law, exactly what the Olympic Games shouldn’t be about. The Olympics should be a time of unity and healthy competition, not a time for the news media to focus on LGBTQ oppression, which wouldn’t have been the case had Sochi never been chosen.

It’s useless to argue now that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should’ve done something to fight for the rights of all of the athletes and those in attendance at the Games, but it’s more important to look towards the future.

What is the next step? Everything begins with the IOC and what they ask of the host cities. Hosting the Olympics is a privilege, not a right, which means the IOC is in complete control of which city they would like the Olympics to be held.

Agreements between host cities and the IOC should include a separate clause specifically protecting human rights and requiring that no law would infringe on that protection be put in place before the Games.

Sochi, along with the Berlin games of 1936, won’t go down in history for the athletics but for the oppression. With human rights assured from the beginning, we can assure the Olympic rings will never be stained again.

South students participate in synchronized skating outside school CLAIRE FISHER

co-opinions editor It’s that time of the year again when the ice melts and the world thaws into spring.

Although friends and family might be finished with awkwardly skating around Millennium Park during the holiday season, some South students still attend long practices to perfect programs in which they skate synchronized on a team of 18 girls, ages 13-18.

Although she began skating individually at age 4, junior Alexis Brill joined Chicago Jazz, an organization of synchronized skating teams, in seventh grade. She now skates on the junior team, the highest level the organization offers.

“I joined synchronized skating because I felt that it was a better fit for me,” Brill said.

“I like being part of a team […] and now I’m at the hardest level [in Chicago Jazz], and I love it.”

According to Brill, the junior team practices three to four times a week, with fivehour practices on the weekends and threehour practices on weekdays. Brill says that her teammates motivate her to push through extensive practices.

“We all have each other’s backs,” Brill

said. “It can be really tiring, but we’re all going through it together.”

All the practices lead up to the competitions the junior team attends each year; they compete at either five or six competitions depending on how well they do during the season. Freshman Melissa Trujillo, who is also on the team, recognizes the quick pace at which her team prepares for competitions.

“The [week before a competition,] our coach makes us do our programs over and over again, barely letting us have a water break,” Trujillo said. “But it’s worth it.”

The team has competed in multiple competitions outside of the country, including its first international competition in Switzerland two years ago.

According to Brill, a favorite memory from her synchronized skating career was winning her first gold medal with the team in Switzerland against 12 other teams.

Although the team puts long hours into getting comfortable with and perfecting their skating routine to prepare for these competitions, that doesn’t mean they don’t get nervous.

Freshman Amanda Angulo, re-

cently traveled with the team to Switzerland, said that the team has a ritual way to get rid of nerves before performing.

“In the locker room right before we compete, we all get into a really big circle and to get rid of our nerves. We all scream as loud as we can,” Angulo said.

However, getting rid of nerves does not guarantee a perfect skate as a team. Plus, there sometimes are injuries.

“It’s very scary because you’re so close to all the other skaters all the time, and we have blades on our feet that are very sharp,” Brill said. “I’ve been kicked pretty badly and I have scars all over my legs because of it. But that’s not the worst that can happen.

It’s just a little blood.”

Despite injuries and time-consuming practices, Brill couldn’t imagine her life without skating. “[It’s hard to put so much time into skating,] but then I remember moments like when I won in Switzerland or other times when I have a really great practice and I think that I could never live without skating because it’s just who I am,” Brill said.

21

Must See Home Games:

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Highland Park March 18, 5 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs. Hinsdale South March 20, 4:45 p.m.

Women’s Softball vs.

Hersey March 29, 4:45 p.m.

Men’s Water Polo vs. Maine West March 18, 6 p.m.

Badminton vs. Glenbrook North March 17, 4:30 p.m.

Women’s Track CSL Conference March 20, 4:30 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse vs. Deerfield March 19, 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Water Polo vs. Maine East March 19, 6 p.m.

Baseball vs. Leyden March 20, 4:30 p.m.

PINK ON WEDNESDAY: In a synchronized formation, the Chicago Jazz synchonize skate team practices a routine. South students Alexis Brill (pink), freshman Melissa Trujillo and freshman Amanda Angulo are members of the highest team Chicago Jazz offers. Photo by Wyatt Richter

Men’s Gymastics vs. Niles West March 20, 6 p.m.

Photos by Wyatt Richter

22

March 14, 2014

Spring Sports Preview: A Key Players: Colleen Lynch and Maureen Anderson Young Guns: Tina James

NICK CAMPOBASSO, HALEY DAVIS, CASSIDY JACKSON, KATIE WIBERG

staff reporters

Ba

Ending last season with third place in conference, head badminton coach Teresa Kimura hopes to continue the team’s success by helpKey Players: Rema Abu-Hashim, Sammi Wykurz, Rachel Spector, Maring some of the girls qualify for state. In addition, Kimura plans garet Schneider on getting the team to finish in the top three for conference.

To achieve these goals she hopes to improve on the players mental strength, footwork and court knowledge. According Women’s water polo is in for a or injured and work their best to to Kimura, their biggest competitors are Deerfield, New tough season with six seniors accomplish their goals. The team Trier, Maine West and Maine South. graduated and senior goalie Elea- wishes to win their beginning nor Fogarty out with a concussion. tournament and win their SectionDefensive whole set Rema Abu- al games. Last year, the Titans won Hashim thinks this year will be a their first Sectional game in quite challenging one. The players have a while in GBS history. The team to focus on filling the shoes of the wishes to get past their second key players who are graduated Sectional game this year.

on int

dm

Key Players: Jordan Davis, Katie Rossmann, Amanda Strapko, Megan Steil, Yassy Gilliana Young Guns: Annie Stavins, Corinne Arcos According to head coach Kay Sopocy, this year’s softball team should have a greatly improved record from last year’s and should be energetic and excited to play the sport. With many returning players, the team has gained more knowledge of the sport and should be able to apply that knowledge on the field. The team hopes to win Conference this year and

W

om

make it to Regional Finals. After losing three graduated seniors, the team is hoping to fill their shoes. Sopocy wants the team to play up to their full potential, unlike last year when she was disappointed with the team’s end record.

Senior third baseman Yassy Gilliana believes this team is much stronger and will go far this year.

en’

sW

ate

rP

olo

Softball Key Players: Mario Tursi, Cody Carroll, Tommy O’Hara, Conor McCarthy Under the Radar: Rob Milota, Micheal Lenckos, David Thompson, Paul Jones Young Guns: Fitz Stadler, Ben Samborn, Connor Pauly, Jordy Libman After a successful season last spring, the baseball team looks to continue their success with new head coach Steve Stanicek. According to Stanicek, the team has high expectations coming into this year and predicts it to be one of the top teams in the conference and is predicting to make a run in the state tournament. The team has worked very hard over the off-season, including starting the first winter program in

many years. Their goal in the offseason was to strengthen their chemistry as a team. According to Stanicek, the baseball team has many returning seniors including Mario Tursi, Connor McCarthy and Cody Carroll who recently signed with Division I college teams. The team kicks off their 2014 campaign on March 20 against Leyden and looks forward to future success throughout the program.

ll

a Baseb

se s o

Key Players: Anthony Lebryk, Pawel Rafalko, Wesley Blodig, Jake Carr Under the Radar: Casey Berg, Ben Wiberg, Alex Alwan Young Guns: Alex Freidinger, Pat Braczko After taking fourth in state last year, the varsity men’s volleyball team hopes to play in the sectional championship this year, according to head coach Tim Monahan. This year’s team has five returning starters and has great chemistry, which

all

n’s

mores, including McLain Murphy and EJ Reynolds, who are expected to be gamechangers. According to Leipert, their main goal is to play as a team as well as be a contender for conference. The team looks to continue to push themselves toward future success.

Me

The men’s lacrosse team looks for new leadership this year with a very young team. The 2014 lacrosse team has introduced a new head coach Dan Leipert. According to Leipert, the team has worked extremely hard in the offseason and have established themselves as a hard-working program. The team has a few sopho-

M

Vol

Key Players: EJ Reynolds, Will Reynolds, McLain Murphy, Jackson Irwin Under the Radar: Patrick Mihelic , Danny Jordan, Chris Clifford Young Guns: Paul Sohn, Nate Stadler, Luke Howland

leyb

’s n e

cr a L

Be the sixth man...

Come out and support spring’s varsity teams this year!

Visit The Oracle’s web-site for times & locations of games.

could potentially be one of their biggest strengths. The team’s main setter graduated with the class of 2013 leaving them on a quest to find a new one. The Titans have their first match against Vernon Hills on April 10.

look ahead at Titan Sports

2014 EDITION

Key Players: Jake Nelson, Seamus Heneghan, Brant Boczek Under the Radar: Ryan Landgren, Davis Hianik, Danny Dragman Young guns: Tommy Hagerty, Jordan Spalding

Key Players: David O’Gara, Charlie Castelli, Luke Pilliod, David Harris, Sean Alexander, Omar Duran Under the Radar: Peter Wassmann and Isaiah Briggs Young Guns: Mike Genelly

Men’s track and field is returning from a great season last year, according to head coach Kurt Hasenstein. Even though they lost three key players, Hasenstein doesn’t see the team at too much of a disadvantage. The team aims to place in the top three at conference as they have in the past three years, taking second each year. The team also took a first place victory for the eighth year in a row at the Fenton Invitational. According to senior David Harris, the biggest competitor for the men’s track and

field team appears to be Evanston. Harris thinks the team can beat Evanston if they improve field events and begin to rely on multiple players rather than one. Harris also believes the team’s strength lies in the sprint relays. They have a handful of returning state qualifiers with valuable experience.

an

dF

iel d

Men’s Water Polo

The men’s water polo team looks to win conference this year under senior leadership after a 6-1 record in 2013. According to head coach David Lieberman, the team’s main goal is to make it to sectionals and eventually to state. Their team consists of key seniors Jake Nelson, Seamus Heneghan and Brant Boczek. According to Lieberman, they are going to have to face difficult team in games this year including Loyola and New Trier. The team first hits the water in competition on March 15.

23

Me n’s

Tr

ack

Key Players: Riley Theriault, Jake Owczarek, Verlord Laguatan, Jeremy Fine, Cris Barraza, Evan Dallas, Jovany Salinas Under the Radar: Harte Haffner, Jesse Tuten, Patrick Tener, John Hennely Young Guns: Patrick Tener, Jacob Fine

ics t s na

m

y s’ G

n

Me

After losing nine seniors to the graduating class of 2013, the varsity men's gymnastics team looks to capitalize on their work ethic and goal setting to enhance their team this year, according to head coach Brandon Tucker. While they were 10th in state last year, they did not qualify for the state meet. Working

osse Women’s Lacr Wo

men

’s Tr

ack

and

hard in practice is one of the necessary goals to accomplish in order to qualify this year Tucker said. The team's biggest competition this season is Glenbrook North due to the rivalry and naturally competitive spirit between the Titans and Spartans, according to Tucker.

Key Players: Kelly Ward, Calie Nowak, Jane Brennan, Autumn Koh, Olivia Eigel, Evi Gountanis Under the Radar: Carly Weinman, Maggie Ziegler Young Guns: Lindsey Karsh and Sarah McDonagh Going into the upcoming season, the women's lacrosse team will be without some key players including Bethany Mitchell, Noreen Anderson, Caroline Collins and Morgan Nolan, due to some injuries and graduates. According to head coach Annie Lesch, the girls varsity team is looking to make it to State. Lesch believes there are a

Fiel

d

lot of returning players who will be able to accomplish this overall goal.

She also hopes they will become a true team on and off the field, knowing each other and communicating on the field, and will be the hardest working team. Every year, the Titans have won Sectionals and Regionals and this year they hope to make it to state.

en

’s T

en M s ni

occer en’s S

Wom

Key Players: Anastasia Athas, Jamie Studenroth, Shannon Carroll, Sarah Swierczek, Jazzia Ubeid, Olivia Maj, Michelle Dume, Christina Piron, Emily Wyland Young Guns: Kasia Krosniak, Amelia Papajohn, Mary Basurick, Rose O’Grady, Courtney Day, Katelyn Luckey, Angely John, Caroline Bickel, Kayla Reid

Key Players: Kaily Bruch, Taylor Fuderer, Nicole Sroubek Young Gun: Olivia Peters Building off of last year’s success at the Glenbrook Cup and earning the team’s first CSL South Division title (fifth overall), the women’s soccer team intends to win the Glenbrook Cup again, as well as the CSL South division title. Head coach Seong Ha hopes to get his team to the quarterfinals, if not further, in the Pepsi Showdown.

With the season well underway, the varsity women’s track team is working hard to send as many runners as possible to the state meet, according to head coach Fred Kocian. They only sent one runner last season and some came close to qualifying, but they are

Key Players: Michael Baddeloo, Daniel Schwartz Under the Radar: Jake Janecek Heading into the 2014 season, the men’s tennis team relies on their work ethic to carry them through this season, senior Daniel Schwartz said.

According to Schwartz, while their work ethic is excellent, they are working to improve team chemistry and encour-

aging each other to keep a positive attitude throughout matches. While New Trier is always a big competitor, the team is also facing tough competition against GBN. Schwartz believes they can beat them with their experienced team.

hoping to improve and increase that number this season. While the team’s biggest strength is their spirit, according to senior captain Anastasia Athas, their biggest weakness is the length of the season since track is a winter and spring sport.

sports 24 Men’s swimming finishes fifth in state March 14, 2014

TYLER AKI

staff reporter The Titan’s men’s swim team wrapped up their 2013-14 season by taking fifth place in state.

Their finish was an improvement from their 18th place finish from the previous year.

The Titans’ championship season took a tumultuous turn, according to freshman Sam Iida, when head coach Keith MacDonald had to leave the team due to a detached retina.

MacDonald, who was replaced by assistant coach David Lieberman, was unable to attend the sectional and state meets.

“Just knowing [Coach MacDonald] wouldn’t be there had [an] effect on us,” Iida said. “[The team] didn’t really have the mental aspect of him being there and watching us...That was a little hard. The seniors really stepped it up.”

Lieberman said that the immediate impact of a coaching change may have had a little bit of an effect on the team, but the overall transition was smooth.

“I think a couple guys were nervous a little bit at first,” Lieberman said. “I told them right away, ‘I’m not changing anything, I’m in constant contact with Coach MacDonald.’ I think the seniors took real ownership of what was happening at that point too. They really took control of the team.”

According to Iida, the transition from MacDonald to Lieberman was smooth due to the amount of time that the two coaches have been coaching together.

“[Lieberman] knows how the practices work,” Iida said.

“He has gone to the state meet with [MacDonald] for quite a few [years]. Really nothing [has] changed.”

After overcoming the adversity of an unexpected coaching change, the Titans were able to compete in the state meet on Feb. 28 and March 1. According to senior captain Jake Nelson, the team was able to finish right where they wanted to.

“Our goal for the season was to get in the top five, hopefully [come in the top three], but all the other teams swam great, so we couldn’t squeeze into the top three for a trophy,” Nelson said. “We swam pretty [well].

Some people had bad swims, but others had great swims, so they counteracted each other, so we were able to do just what we wanted to do.”

The Titans finished their season with a record of 7-1 in dual meets with their single loss coming from the meet against New Trier. Junior Jon Salomon believes the team had a very successful season and had plenty of highlights.

“Getting fifth in state was one of the highest we have gotten in a couple years,” Salomon said. “The Evanston invite getting second, that was a pretty big thing. Then there was some individual success, [senior] Kevin Benson getting a top six and a top 12 in his events and then Sam Iida, really young, but he got top six in the 500, and that was really big for him.”

Nelson also said that this season had its fair share of

highlights. The captain believing that their team’s consistent strength throughout the season allowed them to be successful.

“To start the season off at our first dual meet at Arrowhead [High School in Wisconsin], we [squeaked] out the win because it came down to the last relay,” Nelson said. “Just keeping a good streak and holding our own with New Trier [was] a good thing. I think that was pretty key to show how strong we were going to be at the end of the year.”

The Titans, however, did have some low points in their season, even at the state meet, according to Salomon.

“At the state meet, some of us, including me, didn’t do that great, and we just kept pushing through and tried to turn the meet around and gain more momentum,” Salomon said. “A lot of us had some individual goals of making top 12 or top six or getting a certain place, and some of those were achieved, but some of them weren’t, so that was a little disappointing.”

Next season, the Titans will be losing three important seniors with the departure of captains Nelson, Benson and Seamus Heneghan, according to Salomon. However, Salomon believes that the team will be able to pick up right where they left off.

“Obviously, we’re going tohave three really big seniors leaving,” Salomon said. “We’re still going to have one of the most experienced state teams returning so hopefully we do really well next year.”

MAKING WAVES: Racing to reach the finish line, senior captain Seamus Heneghan (center) swims freestlye stroke in the Titan Relays event hosted at South on Jan. 18. The relay team consisted of Heneghan, senior Jake Nelson, sophomore Sam Salganik and freshman Sam Iida. The Titans as a team placed first out of eight teams at this meet. Photo courtesy of Robert Landgren

Women’s gymnastics ends season with undefeated record JUSTINE KIM

staff reporter The women’s gymnastics team ended their season undefeated with one tie against New Trier High School. The Titans sent freshman Hannah Hartley to IHSA State on Feb. 21 and 22 as the sole representative of the team.

The Titan gymnasts were undefeated in dual meets, and their training was tested with a dual meet against rival New Trier. According to senior captain Alison Tye, the team was nervous because of their high chances of winning, but the meet ultimately ended in a tie. “[The meet] showed [our team] that the hard work we put in is going to pay off in the long run, and it forced us to work even harder because the next time we saw New Trier we really wanted to prove that we were the better team,” Tye said.

As the only state qualifier from the Titan gymnasts, Hartley believes that State was something that the entire team was able to experience with her.

“The road to State was very stressful because I didn’t know what to expect, but being there with my team made everything [more] fun and [easy],” Hartley said.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of [my teammates], and [they’ve] been beside me the whole way.”

The Titans won meet after meet at the start of the season and were working towards going to IHSA Sectionals and State as a team. According to Tye, with limited spots and a talented roster, everyone was working at BALANCING BROWDER: Practicing her beam rou100 percent to make it tine, senior Amanda Browder focuses on the next stunt. to State.

Browder led the team along with co-captain senior Alison “[The team] was Tye for the 2014 season. Photo by Marley Hambourger [pushed] to work even

harder this season because not everyone would necessarily compete in what they wanted to or what they thought they were good at,” Tye said. “[This season] really forced us to learn new skills and work on our technique in order to keep our spots on each event.”

According to Coach Steve Gale, having a group of young gymnasts really rounded out the team and added a depth to the gymnastics program that had been absent in the past few years.

“The three freshmen [especially] really helped round out the depth on the equipment,” Gale said. “[They] still need more experience and will become more solid.”

This season’s roster was primarily made up of returning seniors Amanda Browder, Tye and Hartley as well as freshmen Katie Wahl and Julia Stadler. With such a wide range of ages on the varsity level, Tye and Hartley focused on bringing together the team on and off the mats.

“It was a good experience for all of the upperclassmen [to incorporate the freshmen into team] because we needed to be a team to compete the way we competed,” Tye said. “We did a lot of team bonding that was the highlight of my gymnastics season.”

As a result of the success of the 2014 women’s gymnastic season, Gale believes the girls will come in next year even more competitive and hungry to become more aggressive and better athletes.

“You can measure success in any number of ways in a high school sport, [such as] wins and losses, and the kids all worked hard,” Gale said.

“They pushed each other, and I’m very proud of what they did.”

“You can measure success in any number of ways in a high school sport, [such as] wins and losses, and the kids all worked hard.

They pushed each other, and I’m very proud of what they did.”

-head coach Steve Gale

BACK IN ACTION: Finishing a flip flop during her beam routine, junior Kaci Castino sticks the landing and flips into her next move. This is Castino’s third year on the varsity team, and she mainly competes in floor routines. Photo by Marley Hambourger