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VOLUME LIII, ISSUE 2, Nov. 7, 2014

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Sunset Village of Glenview shows changes on horizon AARON ACH

co-editor-in-chief Glenview’s most affordable area of residence, the Sunset Village, took a hit a couple of years ago; as of May, the numbers released in a report done by the Glenview Announcements indicates that the mobile home park is only carrying about a third of its capacity. In 2008, the Village of Glenview sued Richard Klarchek, CEO of Capital First Realty, Inc., the company that formerly held land ownership of Sunset Village. In a settlement with the village, he promised to spend 3.5 million dollars on construction projects. The suit against Klarchek stemmed from repeated maintenance issues, unsanitary water and increasing rent costs. At the time, Klarchek was in the middle up losing the property after the settlement was suspended in 2010. The settlement was suspended due to the lack of execution regarding

CUTTING CURLS: Scissors in hand, junior Bridget Fogarty (left) prepares to cut off one of science teacher Jennifer Friedmann’s curly locks as Laura Albeker, Science Depart-

ment administrative assistant, looks on in the cafeteria on Friday, Oct. 31. Friedmann allowed anyone who donated to Kocian’s cause to help in the process of shaving her head. Photo by Marley Hambourger

After the Village of Glenview seized the property, many families were evicted or chose to leave because of the mismanagement. According to a previous report done by the Oracle in 2012, over 30 families had to pull students out of Glenview schools by fall 2012. Mike Vilches, president of the Sunset Village residents’ association, attributed the blame for

See Sunset page 2

Clubs fight cancer for Kocian Cure Club, Japanese Club and South’s community collaborate to support science teacher Linda Kocian in her MADISON O’BRIEN

co-editor-in-chief Throughout the last week in October, South’s community came together to fundraise for science teacher Linda Kocian. Kocian was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, near the end of this past summer. Cure Club, Japanese Club, TV

and much of the student body worked together for many fundraising events in order to contribute to Kocian’s medical expenses. According to Deborah Stein, Cure Club sponsor and science teacher, the fundraising events included selling “Fighting Titan Spirit” t-shirts, folding 1,000 paper cranes and shaving science teacher Jennifer Friedmann’s head. Each event -

ing the t-shirts and shaving Friedmann’s head primarily helped raise money, folding the 1,000 cranes was a different type of support. A Japanese legend says that 1,000 cranes will grant a wish, Stein said. The cranes were a way to get all of South involved in showing Kocian that she is in everyone’s thoughts.

See Kocian page 12-13

LONG ROAD AHEAD: With construction projects set to begin by the end of 2014, new management hopes to increase quality of life and aesthetic elements of the Sunset Village. Photo by Marley Hambourger

Waukegan ends union strike after four weeks RACHEL CHMIELINSKI

co-editor-in-chief gan school district 60, only a half hour away, approximately 17,000 students from Kindergarten to High School were out of school while the teachers were on strike. The strike began on Oct. 2 and ended on Oct. 31. salary increases and for the continuation of single coverage health insurance. “The union proposed a 9 per-

STRIKING THE MATCH: of union members voted to pass the new deal. Source: Yadira Sanchez Olson/ Sun-Times Media

news ONWARD HOUSE

opinions TAYLOR SWIFT

features ANNA HOFMOCKEL

a&e ROCK HOUSE

year and 6 percent for the next two years,” Samantha Colombik, special education teachSchool District 60, said. “The district offered a 1 percent raise. The union [did] not expect a 9 percent raise, [it] just [wanted] to meet in the middle.” According to Mike McGue, president of the Lake County Federation of Teachers, asking for a 9 percent raise is not an unreasonable request. “[The district has] gone from

million surplus in roughly four years,” McGue said in a Q&A with the Lake County NewsSun. “That means they’ve banked $10 million every year… and we’re proposing a 9 percent increase. That’s about a $6 to $7 million increase. So, how does that bankrupt a district that has been bankrolling $10 million a year?” Health insurance was also cut from teachers’ contracts.

See Waukegan page 3

sports FOOTBALL

news

Nov. 7, 2014

CLOSE QUARTERS: Living closely with neighbors, some Sunset Village residents must

Photo by Marley Hambourger

VIEW OF THE VILLAGE: Photo by Aaron Ach

Sunset, continued from front First Realty when he said that while the residents made payments to Sunset Village, Capital First Realty had failed to pay the lenders. “With the rent-to-own switch that seemed to have happened under Klarchek’s [management], many families had to move because their house mortgage was never paid to the lenders by [...] Capital First Realty, even though the families had been paying Sunset,” Vilches said. “The removal of these homes and families impacted the entire Sunset Village Community prop-

WARM WELCOMES:

erty values, rent revenues and neighborhood appearance.” Walking around the Sunset Village, the same element of desperation that families experienced but a few years ago wasn’t as apparent. Venturing further into the village, however, the rows upon rows of empty platforms where mobile homes were supposed to be concisely explained the past trauma the Sunset Village has experienced. It also illustrated the importance of change moving forward. In June 2013, October Investment Properties, LLC.–which has since changed its name to Ravinia Communities–acquired the property. David

Sunset Village is located on Waukegan

Photo by Marley Hambourger

rus within its borders, the last of which was reported on Oct. 23. Before the virus’s recent outbreak in and is believed to have originated from the African fruit bat. Data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) ever, according to the WHO, as of Oct.

The threat of

EBOLA Your far-away news source brought closer to home with each issue. KALI CROKE co-news editor

The most recent outbreak began in early August, with the most severe endemics in western African nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. However, in the last month, 17 cases have been reported outside of the originating continent. not airborne. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the only way to contract the disease is through the direct contact with blood or other with infected persons so long as there tient themselves.

Worth, principal of Northbrook-based Ravinia Communities, explained the initial goals the company had for improvements within the Sunest Village. “When we took over management of Sunset Village, our immediate goals were to remedy deferred maintenance and be as responsive as possible to resident concerns,” Worth said. Following the overturning of the land deeds after Kalrchek’s suspension, residents that stayed felt that improved management is necessary if the Sunset Village wished to remain an affordable option, according to Vilches. Worth feels that management has already made a very important change by “open[ing] up the lines of communication which had all but been nonexistent with the old management.” He also believes that the Sunset Village community’s rebuilding process is at least partially reliant on the willingness of the residents to participate actively in that change. “I have been told that starting in November management will start the then the streets,” Vilches said. “Already new houses have gone up and new families have moved in. I hope that the residents will see these improvements and begin to be part of the improvement and rebuilding process.” Increasing management-resident interaction has been an important element of new management from

American medical aid worker in Guinea with Doctors Without Borders. Two of the four were healthcare workers Liberia who passed away a little over a week after his diagnosis. While one of the living patients has been formally d i s c h a rg e d , the other two remain in isolation receiving intensive treatment from hospirus has an average fatality rate of 50%, but the chances of survival are much higher in developed countries with stronger health care systems and advanced treatment abilities. ment or vaccine for the disease, although many health institutions have been working on experimental treatments and vaccines, including the cur-

Worth’s perspective, but right now, the primary focus is on getting construction projects under way. Worth explained the process of revamping the working on other ancillary construction projects throughout the Village, which he expects will be under way by the end of the year. “We quickly engaged consultants to assist us in developing a plan munity’s aging infrastructure,” Worth said. “After the six to nine month period of construction is completed, Sunset will be connected to the Glenview public water system, have a brand new sanitary sewer system and have fully repaved roads throughout the entire community. This lengthy process required coordination with our consultants, negotiating a development agreement with the Village of Glenview and procuring several permits from various Cook County and State of Illinois agencies.” Aside from compensating for previ-

ous faults in management, Worth also said that there are many projects to increase the aesthetics of the residences and surrounding public spaces as well as make other “lifestyle” improvements. Such changes will include complete interior and exterior redesign of new landscaping near the entrance on Waukegan Road and new community mailboxes. Worth promised, however, that these improvements will be made without rises in rent costs, something that Vilches recognizes as critical for Sunset Village’s health as a community. Despite coming improvements, there are still just under 170 homes on site out of an available 352 units (maximum capacity) as of May. This maximum number is down from a

“When we took over management of Sunset Village, our immediate goals were to remedy deferred maintenance and be as responsive as possible to resident concerns.” -David Worth, principal of Ravinia Communities

rently unapproved drug “ZMapp.” ZMapp is still in early stages of testing and has yet to be fully evaluated, according to the CDC. The most effective ways to stop the outbreak in Africa education and control. But control and isolation have been particular points of contention within States, as the possibility of travel restrictions to and from demic areas in AfriSource: Center for Disease Control ca has been discussed. However, President Barack Obama has expressed sentiments against the travel ban, especially because it could discourage American health workers who the endemic abroad. President Obama stated in an interview with Reuters that should states decide to impose such re-

in 2002. Worth realizes the effort that has and will be involved in earning

will return to its status as an affordable option for local families.

strictions, they would “just [be] putting another barrier on someone who’s already doing really important work on our behalf.” The most recent controversy regarding these policies include the quarantine of nurse Kaci Hickox from Maine was forced into isolation after landing in Newark, New Jersey upon returning home from Sierra Leone. Persons in quarantine are expected to remain in isolation for 21 days. Despite the debate on the political cans also are unsure as to how to handle the disease and what it means now borders. According to a Gallup poll published on Oct. 7, approximately one contracting the disease, the same level of worry as reported with the H1N1 viThe CDC, however, reassures that extremely low, and the potential for the disease to reach a crisis level in the er, than the chances of personally contracting it, hopefully dissipating any common worries that the virus will reach home.

news

Nov 5, 2010

Nov. 7, 2014

Waukegan strike, continued from front -

“None of us wanted to strike, but -

READY TO READ: Enjoying a short book, sophomores Vanessa Rubel and Spencer Colbeck read a storybook with a young girl. South has partnered with Onward House since 1974, sending student tutors to schools and collecting cans during the Canned Food Drive. Photo courtesy of James Catizone

Onward House remembers 40 years of service JOHN SCHURER asst. news editor

It is something she wishes that she

After a 40-year partnership with the Onward House tutoring program,

“If my mom had known that there

poses of Onward House so students

The Onward House is a non-for-

Rosa

through Howard Romanek, a former

beginning her

as an Onward House tutor and beportunity

game,

ath-

“The administration and

seasons of their

were not taking us serious-

missed out on

pushing us and the issues

the year to be

strike to demonstrate that we were not going to put up with how we were being mation

has

students

who -

not -

that program, and

Hernan-

the program

ments in regards to the “Despite our disagree-

mentary and

programs, fundraisers and other ways

ing

students who The student tutors do not

through it, and there are two sides of the story, and there are emotions

SMILING SAMBORN: Working hard on math

homework, senior Ben Samborn helps a young boy with his studies. Through Onward House, many South students have helped tutor young children.

thing

The most immediate im-

that -

Photo courtesy of James Catizone

student, but our tutoring

are a part of -

are not as good as they are here [at

understand something or if you are

derstands the dif“There are times when you may not nient about their

As for the future of Onward House,

embarrassing to raise your hand to

WORKING ON(WARD): Fully focused on the home-

work packet in front of them, sophomore Mary Kate Maginot tutors a student with his work. Photo courtesy of James Catizone

Onward

forward, be assured that we -

House -

news

Nov. 7, 2014

Skokie Mourns after Niles North shooting MADISON O’BRIEN co editor-in-chief A fatal shooting in Skokie on Sept. 28 left one Niles North senior dead and one critically injured. The shooting took the life of Maxwell Gadau, a 17-yearold senior at Niles North. The other victim is also a 17-year-old senior, but her name has not been released. With the help of Dr. James Shellard, student activities director, and Student Council, South created two large cards that were mailed to Niles North. “We created two cards and asked people to come in if they wanted to step towards [helping them] deal with that tragedy.” The tragic event really hit home for who knew one of the victims. Senior Tessa Nesis knew the female victim through Solomon Schechter, the middle school that they both attended in Northbrook. According to Nesis, heard about the shooting.

Photo Dramatization

Dramatization

Students, teachers reflect on block schedule GEORGIA ARVANITIS co-news editor

the block system helped me manage

period to a 90-minute block, and according to sophomore George Gould,

came home later one day after a meet until a couple days later, the reality of what had actually happened, because it was just so hard for me to cope with it.” All were welcome to the prayer service that Solomon Schechter held on Oct. 2. Participants prayed for both victims and wrote notes that were put into a gift basket and sent to the female victim in the hospital. friends and family gathered for a vigil in Skokie, the day after the shooting. Senior Sara Mouayed, a friend of both victims, attended the vigil that Monday night to pay her respects. “The close friends all gathered around the exact spot where [Max] died and said a prayer and cracked a few jokes that Max used to say,” Mouayed Chicago SunTimes, Ryan McTague, Niles North principal, expressed his feelings about the shooting. “This is heartbreaking and tragic news,” McTague said. “Nothing prepares us for the loss of a student, and our entire school community is impacted and saddened by this tragic event.” Although the shooting happened a few weeks ago, it is still important for the South community to reach out in any way they can, Shellard said. young passes, regardless of the circumtimes in these kinds of circumstances portant for all of us to remember that we are one big community and that when we can help somebody else…

Students and teachers alike continue to have differing opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of the block schedule. According to Dawn Hall, instructional supervisor of the Applied Technology Department, the block schedule has given students the chance to take electives that they may not have had time for with the 8-period schedule. “[The block schedule] allows for greater opportunity for students in accessing courses that let them explore their passions or further an area of interest,” Hall said. According to senior Jessica Chepurda, varsity tennis player, the has helped her manage her time and allowed for some time away from studying after practice. all my homework done and more free

block. as much about getting my homework class] for an hour and a half,” Gould day to complete it.” said. According to Jeffrey Rylander, inAccording to senior Andrew Calstructional las, another dis“We have a complete schedule advantage of the supervisor of the Scishift to the block schedule [...] block schedule is ence Departnot having class that changes the needs of stu- every day. Stument, the block scheddents [and] that changes the dents have a day ule allows in between their need for support.” students the practice of skills time to relearned in the -Dawn Hall, instructional previous class supervisor of the Applied formation period, and acand newcording to CalTechnology Department ly acquired las, he tends to skills in a classroom setting. forget much of what happened in “Some of that processing time [...] class. has been able to happen in the class“Memorization is especially difroom,” Rylander said. However, not all students are in night learning it for a homework asfavor of the block schedule. The new signment, but with the block schedschedule has increased the time spent ule, two days is enough to forget it,” in each class from a 50-minute class Callas said.

According to Hall, the disadvanmore or less of a problem than the ones that occurred on the previous schedule, but that they are just different. “We have a complete schedule shift to the block schedule,” Hall said. “That changes the needs of students, [and] that changes the need for support.” actively seeking feedback from students and teachers regarding experiences on the block schedule and is continuously seeking ways in which students can be supported. Additionally, according to Principal Dr. Brian Wegley, Glenbrook North has been tion to the block schedule. preciate their true partnership as ule change],” Wegley said. “They have learned through practice and through experience a ton of lessons through a 15-year period that they openly shared with us.”

South studies parking lot, drives toward improvements SASHA VASSILYEVA staff reporter

lots this summer have not only increased parking spaces for students, currently being resolved by the administration. Currently, there are 530 spaces in the West Parking Lot and 158 spaces in the Conditional Parking Lot. Like many students, senior Megan Noone

us to reach out.” now able to have school parking because of the summer construction. -

do have the freedom to stay at school any of my family.” While the parking additions have

RESPECTFUL RESIDENTS: Mourn-

ing the loss of their peer, Skokie students ers commemorate the tragedy (bottom).

Courtesy of Skokie Suntimes

have noticed an increase in congestion in the lots and adjacent roads Oracle-conducted survey of 160 sophomores, juniors and seniors, 42 percent have noticed this increase in traf-

STUCK AT SOUTH: Photo by Ashley Clark

school.” According to Gary Freund, associate principal of building operations, the school closed the Conditional Parking Lot after school on Oct. 8 to

the year.

West Lot after noticing the change. The administration presented this information to Cook County and the Village of Glenview. “We closed it because we wanted to see the effects of [an overcrowded West Lot] to gain a better understanding of the [congestion] when cars are leaving the premises,” Freund said. As a result, Cook County has

cause they] added a new route of entry for new vehicles,” Kosmidis said. “That caused more congestion issues and less speedier removal from the

Freund explained. “We can get twice as many cars out [of the parking lots] on a single light because [of] that change,”

themselves to school. Senior Billy Kosmidis is one student who recog-

congestion there.” Since the beginning of the year, Kosmidis has noticed improvements in the movement of cars out of the lot and sees the effects of the administrathe Village gets involved it shows the issue has brought a better solution to the congestion.” Like Kosmidis, junior Grace Kilpatrick also parks in the West Lot and has felt the changes since the beginning of the year.

According to Principal Dr. Brian has also been facilitated by paraproing students cross safely. “We have a couple people [standing] in the driving lane, and we also have somebody right outside the door,” Wegley said. Administrators hope that with the added timing on the light and help from paraprofessionals, the to decrease for a smoother exit after school. Like Kilpatrick, Wegley has also noticed that there have already been improvements. students that have] been exiting;

it was more unsafe,” Kilpatrick said. [now],” Wegley said.

editorial

The editorial expresses the opinion of the majority of the editorial board and 5, 2010 notNov necessarily that of the publisher, adviser, school administration or staff.

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION

Students Devoting yourself to something is rewarding, but also time consuming. Students need to balance time commitment of homework, not to mention seeing the occasional friend. One option is for students to focus on just one or two activities, but this requires them to know what they want to do when they are freshmen to the exclusion of trying new things. The other option is to try different things, and hope the sport or activity sponsors quirements. In the midst of student exploration, the Oracle Editorial Board believes that students should give

Photo by Marley Hambourger

Bigger individual role creates smaller footprint on planet

Students, teachers hold key to balanced lifestyle With 80 clubs and organizations, 30 sports teams, the Variety Show, the Glenbrook Musical and honorary societies, Glenbrook South offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore interests and talents. Students have many reasons for getting involved: a desire to explore new interests, pursuing a talent or passion or gathering impressive activities to get into the college of their choice. At GBS, we are very lucky—there is something for everyone. In fact, there can be more than just one thing for everyone. With these opportunities, it is inevitable that time-related conThe Oracle Editorial Board has suggestions for both students and coaches and activity

Nov. 7, 2014

careful thought to the commitment to each activity they decide to take on. Each activity or sport is a time commitment, not just to the activity, but also to the others on the team or in the club. This varies by the type of activity, but it is not something that can be ignored. Mike Noll, head football coach, believes that no matter the sport, varsity sports should be a priority to students. “[In] varsity sports across the board, kids have to be there, it’s ble about that,” Noll said. While senior Alex Williams* agrees that attendance policies can be very strict, he understands why they are necessary. “[Our coach is] concerned about playing football, which is very intense, and sharing [that cult,” Williams said. “We have to be a good football team and play good football, so at the end of the day, [he does] what he needs to do.” The goal of sports and activities is not to join as many as you possibly can; the goals are to explore, grow and develop. Discover what you like to do at South and make full commitments to each of those

things. If you don’t, you are doing a disservice to yourself and your fellow students. Coaches and Activity Sponsors In a school with so many opportunities, students are bound volved in more than one activity. The Oracle Editorial Board believes that coaches and activity sponsors need to provide an environment that allows students to explore other activities and academics. One of the main messages to freshmen as they enter high school is to “leave their

Students should give careful thought to the commitment to each activity they decide to take on.

over the school”to get involvedand that is exactly the message that should be conveyed. High school is the time to discover who you want to be and what your

passions are. The Oracle Editorial Board also understands that many coaches and activity sponsors are understanding of students’ multiple commitments. According to an Oracle-conducted survey of 106 juniors and seniors, 89 percent believe that their coaches and activity sponsors are always or sometimes and time. Marty Sirvatka, Art Department instructional supervisor, believes

in the importance of students exploring activities outside of the Music Department. “It’s a good time in a kid’s life to investigate different things,” Sirvatka said. “I purposefully structure [my rehearsals] not to be after school so that students can be involved in different things.” The goal of student activities and athletics is student development as a whole. This goes well beyond trying to win a game or competition. Senior Nate Turk is involved in many activities and is very familiar with the stress of competing demands. “I think [coaches and activity sponsors] should understand that GBS is a very involved community and a lot of people that are involved in one thing are most likely involved in other things,” Turk said. “So, they should be more understanding with that and more stand that it can come to a point where it is just too much.” Of course, a student cannot be involved in everything that seems interesting, but that, too, is a lesson in making choices. High school is supposed to be a time to learn, experience new things, meet new who we are and what we might want to do in the world. It would be shameful if in this school of ibility limited the opportunity for students to participate in a wide range of activities. *name has been changed

The effort to increase awareness and action around “going green” is not a new one. However, what gets lost in this often political and economic debate is mention of the ability that a building has to reduce its environmental footprint and detriment to the environment. The Oracle Editorial Board suggests each person in the building aid in the efforts to lessen our collective footprint by using some of the strategies below. There have already been steps taken by the administration in order to reduce South’s paper consumption, lessen overall energy usage and incorporate more sustainable energy sources in our energy expenditure. South’s environmental consciousness club, Project Earth, has also aided in efforts to improve practices within the building. 1. Do not put any food in the waste bins in each classroom. These bins are recycling bins and food can contaminate the recyclable materials, thus rendering them non-recyclable items. 2. Lean in to the water fountain before pressing the button. Though small, the amount of water conserved during this “leaning time” does add up. 3. Unplug your power cords after your devices are fully charged. Even though you’re no longer charging it, it still uses energy when it’s plugged into an outlet. 4. Turn off classroom lights when vacating the classroom. 5. Instead of only using plastic packaging and paper bags for lunch, bring a reusable lunch box and try to incorporate more reusable tupperware into your lunch-making routine. 6. Only use one paper towel from the paper hand multiple times. 7. Walk or bike to school if possible. If not, try to carpool with neighbors. 8. Bring a reusable water bottle to school instead of purchasing one in the cafeteria. 9. In order to make the transition to Chromebooks worthwhile from an environmental standpoint, we recommend teachers make a conscious effort to grade online instead of continuing to request that students print materials required to complete assignments. 10. Last but not least, recycle the Oracle after

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 Aaron Ach Rachel Chmielinski Madison O’Brien news editors Kali Croke Georgia Arvanitis opinions editors Claire Fisher Dani Tuchman features editors Calli Haramaras Hailey Hauldren a&e editors Lauren Frias Addie Lyon sports editors Hannah Mason Breck Murphy

illustrations editor Kaitlin Day photos editor Marley Hambourger asst. news Katie Cavender John Schurer asst. opinions Jake Aquino Evan Sawires asst. features Connie Hoekstra Hannah Rauh Alexandra Sharp Anne Marie Yurik asst. a&e Mollie Cramer Elaine Sine

asst. sports Tyler Aki Samantha Casey asst. photos Ashley Clark Jacqueline Dewitt adviser Marshall Harris gbsoracle@gmail.com “The Glenbrook South Oracle” @GBSOracle @gbsoracle

opinions

Nov. 7, 2014

Music proves crucial to personal growth

Politics lost in campaign clashes NISH ASOKAN columnist

JAKE AQUINO asst. opinions editor A friend of mine recently told me that I use too many rap lyrics in normal conversation. I could not disagree with that statement, and I started noticing the ease with which I slip in lyrics or slang into my day-to-day interactions. As a result of my preference towards rap, and the uncountable hours I’ve spent listening to it, the way I talk and my personality as a whole have been affected—but is everyone’s personality affected by their artistic preferences? I believe the answer is yes. We are all products of our environment, morphed by our own tastes and interests, but that is not to say we change completely into people we are not. Musically, I prefer to listen to rap, but I do not walk around school wearing a 36 inch chain and True Religion jeans. enced my life, from who I surround myself with to the concerts I attend. A solid majority of my friends share the same interest in rap with me: Chief Keef (aka the Mozart of our generation), Travis Scott and Gucci Mane, among others, are played at least once every time we hang out. As for concerts, I nearly only attend rap shows; even at Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival, where there are a variety of genres, I found myself seeing more hip-hop artists than artists of different genres. I dislike the rapper Childish Gambino, but I made it a point to see his show rather than another artist. enced by their tastes in music at South: there are kids who dress punk, kids who dress like rappers and of course there are the multitude of band t-shirts. Senior Peter Isaac, an affectionate fan of punk music, has been a fan since he was introduced to The Ramones by his sister. He has been dressing “punk” ever since, evidenced by his Ramones t-shirt, skinny black jeans and military jacket. According to Isaac, punk has helped him in a positive way, getting him through tough times and everyday life. He also come with punk music, including the genre’s tendency to be all “DIY”. “I really like the idea of doing everything yourself; you don’t have to listen or follow any rules. Whatever you like, you just do it,” Isaac said. No matter how you look at it, everybody has their own opinion on the arts and has their own favorites. We are all different human beings, crafted by the zeitgeist of our time and molded by our eccentricities. If we all had the same tastes, there would be no progression of the arts. How we choose to “exude” our artistic preferences in our lives is up to us, but ultimately our originality remains a very important factor as our society moves forward.

The midterm elections occurred again this November and despite the fact that they are often overlooked, they are important and relevant. These elections are the ones that hit closer to home. For us here in Illinois it decides our governorship and who represents each district. The gubernatorial race was between incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn and Republican candidate Bruce Rauner. I’m sure many of you saw their back and forth commercials. Quinn released one commercial depicting himself as a regular guy mowing the lawn and Rauner responded with a commercial with Mike Ditka sponsoring him. commercial battles as they happen, but it seems that somewhere in all the showmanship we’ve lost sight of what is important: the politics. To explain this, let us focus on one The Rauner campaign argued that under Quinn, funding for schools dropped by half a billion dollars. In return, Quinn argued that it actually Both aren’t necessarily wrong either. This debate, like many, is over technicalities rather than policy. In lus for education in Illinois increased Quinn pushed less for education funding. Instead, Quinn pushed funding to address the teacher penconsidered education funding).

Neither candidate wanted to tell the whole story, but rather present one that shines the light in their favor. This is the reality of politics today. debate a week ago also supported this position, as we saw each of them unleash a fury of criticisms towards the other candidate. All the while they both managed to skirt discussing the important issues. Transitioning to an even more local level, we have the district ten race between the incumbent Democratic representative Brad Schneider and the former representative and Republican Robert Dold. These two have quite a bit of history between them, and if we wanted to make politics sound interesting, we might even call it a rivalry. Schneider won his looking to take his seat back. The real irony is that these two are to attack each other. For instance, both are pro-choice and have similar stances regarding foreign policy. Dold is a bit of an outlier in the

Republican party; he supports extensions for unemployment insurance, a bill that was passed by the Democratic controlled Senate. Somehow this point of potential common ground between Dold and Schneider became the opening for an attack from the Dold campaign. Dold released a commercial that criticized Schneider for voting along party lines and listening to party leaders while praising himself for being an independent.

It goes to show you once again that the actual politics seem to matter less and less while the presentation and perception matter more, a big fault of our political system today.

Judgement of vegetarians deserves second thought

LILLY LUDWIG columnist At my house, family dinners are far from normal between my sister, a gluten and lactose-free vegetarian, and myself, a non-processed vegetarian experimenting with veganism. When I tell people this, they usually respond in one of two ways: enlightening me on how vegetarians don’t actually save animals, or attacking my body’s protein needs. In a world where the tea-tox is a normal part of a conversation and kale salads are not uncommon, I

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION

think it’s funny that people still try to persuade me that choosing to not eat meat is a bad thing. After all, no one cared about my protein intake before I became a vegetarian. It’s wrong to criticize lifestyle choices that do no harm. Besides the misconception that vegetarians and vegans eat nothing but grass, there are other, more hurtful stigmas that get pinned on people just for choosing a diet that’s different from the norm. The one I found the most hurtful, personally, was when a family friend assumed I was suffering from an eating disorder when I began my journey into a vegan diet. The fact that people believe my personal lifestyle change means I have an eating disor-

der is not only offensive to people affected by these diseases, it’s also disrespectful to vegan ideals. Another tedious misconception I hear is that all vegetarians are Priusdriving-yoga-loving hippies. Sure, I drive my Prius with pride, practice yoga religiously and frequently wear headbands, but it’s not fair to assign this identity to everyone based on their diet choice. Many people choose not to eat meat because they want to lose weight, don’t like the taste or simply are disturbed by the thought of the death of an animal. Another comment I hear a lot is when people tell me they’re surprised to hear I’m a vegetarian. When I ask why, they usually respond with, “Oh, you know, because vegetarians are always really annoying.” While insulting, this is somewhat understandable. There are several vegetarian slogans that imply people who eat meat are mean or don’t care about animals. This bothers me because it makes it sound like all vegetarians assume meatPhoto by Ashley Clark eaters don’t

Mutual respect between people that live different lifestyles [is important].

think about what they put in their body, and that’s just not true. So yes, there are “animal extremists” who believe all meat-eaters are bad people, but like any movement, you can’t pin one assumption to an entire group of people. To answer some of the other frequently asked questions I get as a vegetarian, I eat a wonderful variety of products derived from plants; all necessary nutrients can be found in products made from plants (this is because humans evolved from apes, who are vegetarians); the concept of supply and demand proves that the less demand for meat, the less aniwe can still be friends if you eat meat. I know this can’t speak for eveveryone with an “extreme” diet is dedicated to it for their own reasons. But it’s still important for there to be a mutual respect between people that live different lifestyles. So, if you are a meat-eater, I encourage you to save the veg hate. If you see someone taking a veggie burger over one made of meat, maybe ask them why they got into living a meat-free life instead of interrogating them about their protein intake. If you are a vegetarian or eat any type of limited diet, remember to always keep an open mind if someone is giving you a hard time about what you choose to eat. And, as always, keep on rockin’ the kale salad.

opinions

Nov 5, 2010

Nov. 7, 2014

Homophobic slurs harm school environment

AARON ACH co-editor-in-chief There are few students inside the walls of South who haven’t overheard a conversation along the lines of, “Dude, I know! He’s such a faggot!” or one that went along the lines of, “Her mile time was real fast; I told you she was a dyke.” Well, from the perspective of being a gay student, I hope that if anyone is at all shocked by seeing these slurs in print that they will gain new perspective about the high school experience. As I saunter past these conversations, there is a very real tension: I’m emotionally stopped in my tracks in situations like these, but I also want nothing more than to run away from the prejudice. I often pondered the question of whether their language would change if they knew about me. Invisible hadn’t really been a word I had used to describe myself before, but that was exactly the feeling I had in these sort of situations. I tell myself that it isn’t entirely their fault for using such pejorative words. It’s not like they knew I o r another closeted person nearby was lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). The reality is, people don’t censor themselves unless a gay, lesbian or bisexual person is “out.” The onus is not on members of the LGB community to make their

Part of this comes from beginning to acknowledge the ‘elephant in the room,’ so to speak, of sexuality in the classroom. Just as it is considered wrong to ignore religious prejudice, gender discrimination or racism, the same should be true of stereotypes and stigma around sexuality. If we are as far along ideologically as we say we are in terms of acceptance, then it is important, for teachers especially, to transition away from heteroing that assumes heterosexuality among students. Throughout our high school experience, we learn about a wide range of social issues, past and present, in social studies and history classes—social issues we may be able to relate to. We learn about books, the important people in them and the way their lives are shaped by the way their personalities interact with those around them— just like our narratives are shaped by those around us. We learn about the body, relationships and mental health—all topics which we consider and implement on a daily basis. In essence, we are shaped by the experiences we have and how we are taught, putting the school in a position of power to either support students by acknowledging and discussing sensitive topics in the classroom or to

By now I’m notorious among my friends (and perhaps most of my grade) as the resident feminist. While this is a label that would make most cower in shame and embarrassment, I’ve worked hard to get here. For a good deal of my teenage years, I hastily denied this scarlet letter. Feminist: such an ambiguous word that marked me as a man-hating, socialist cult member eager to point out any instance of patriarchy

have described thus far. On the other hand, we can’t think about the fabric of South as being as tightly woven as some consider it to be already, until the culture we have established stops forcing the closet door shut, causing students to retreat further inside it. I shouldn’t have to out myself in order to convey the following message: every student deserves a right to an education and school environment that doesn’t invalidate an entire aspect of their person. I am so fortunate to feel accepted after I shared part of myself. There is so much more of that to be had for students who live their lives in a seemingly perpetual and dark tunnel. It will take the conscious help of everyone, no matter who you are or who you prefer, to make this happen.

Gap year provides students opportunity to mature

DANNY FOOKSON columnist Attention, South students. I have something that can save your future. I know, what you just read probably sounded like one of those annoying infomercials urging you, high school teenagers, to buy Life Alert. It’s useless. But I’m not selling you anything; I’m just pitching an idea— an idea that can save your future. Don’t go to college—right away, that is. That’s an idea that every one of you high school students should think about seriously. Face it. We are heading towards the biggest choice most of us will make in life thus far: what college to go to. But what if we’re skipping an question is whether or not we even decide to attend a university right after high school at all? Answering the last question seems simple. College Counselor

Anne LePage recently said at a senior assembly, that 96% of South students go on to attend a university after their senior year. If virtually everyone from South goes to college after their senior year, I don’t want to be the virtual none. Honestly, I looked down upon the kids who didn’t belong to a college when they graduated, until I heard one girl’s story. Daniela Vargas, South graduate of 2014, decided that going straight to college was not for her. She is currently working while taking a gap year to explore her options. “Right now, I’m looking into different universities and I’m going to apply in the next couple months,” Vargas said.

vealed to me was that a gap year can be advantageous. A college degree is more and more desired to have on a resume, but a gap year gives the opportunity to consider more thoroughly where to get that degree. Vargas also opened my eyes to a successful gap year when she said, “I’m stuck working for the year, but it’s pretty good. I’m making a little money, gaining that experience of living on my own before going to college.” If you feel too uncomfortable with moving away to college without the experience of serious independence, take a gap year. Get a job. Rely on yourself and not your parents. Learn to do your laundry. And

Courtesy of Flickr Images

Feminism applies universally, not just radically KALI CROKE co-news editor

The reality is, people don’t censor themselves unless a gay, them. lesbian, or bisexual to ignore South is by no means the only school at fault person is ‘out.’ for any of the behavior I

thoughts accordingly. Rather, the responsibility falls upon everybody involved in students’ high school experiences—students, teachers, parents and other adults—to come to terms with the fact that we don’t know everything about one another. Pejorative language that is so widely used prevents the South and wider Glenview/ Northbrook communities from becoming what they can be: accepting and appreciative of differences that can increase understanding instead of causing rifts. However, there is a much more institutionalized dimension to the misuse of language than just students’ experiences in the hallways. I have been in the gym locker room when students yell homophobic slurs, having no reservations about who might hear it. I have never seen staff, who would have to be plugging their ears not to hear such remarks, address the students’ misbehavior in public. While they may pull the student aside, this misses the point of conveying a message to a larger group that this sort of behavior won’t be tolerated. While this is just my experience, I imagine it is true for other students. This is not a criticism of any one person or department in particular; the same thing is true of other teachers I have had. There can and should be a better job done of making sure students understand the gravity of the language they use.

when you join those incoming freshwill be one big step ahead of them (granted you actually learn to do your laundry). With a gap year, you can also take a few courses at a local college and learn what college classes are really like. A big fear that I have about going to college is that I won’t be ready for the amount of schooling I will have to do. Taking a few classes during my gap year can knock out that fear, as well as a few gen-eds. While I initially thought that Vargas was at a disadvantage when it came to college, I soon realized that she has an edge over her peers. Not only does she get the opportunity to adapt to college more smoothly than kids that went straight to college, but she also has an outstanding background that will give her a unique voice. And a unique voice is something that every college is looking for. That being said, most of you will still decide to attend a university right after high school—I expect that. But taking a gap year should not continue to be a stigma in our community. Make sure your choice for your future is right for you.

But what I’ve learned through high school is that everyone is a feminist. As long as you believe that all humans, regardless of gender, should be given the same rights and opportunities, let me deliver the news: you are a feminist. nism” as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” In an Oracle-conducted survey of 158 students, 38 percent of students responded “no” when asked if they are feminists, withage jumped to 89 percent identifying with nition. I think what makes the term feminism so scary for teenagers is that it implies a subscription to radicalism and activism as well, instead of an inherent belief. But in the same way that not every Christian is a missionary, not every feminist is an extremist. The stigma around feminism needs to stop. By rejecting feminism, we take a step backward in terms of social progress; I know it is scary to agree to this label, but if everyone accepted that the movement for gender equality is the movement of feminism, would it be as hard to admit that maybe you are a feminist? If we keep collectively denying that the feminist movement is something everyone should be a part of, then women and men will continue to function socially, economically and politically at different levels. I know you’re probably wondering why this should mean anything to the average person. Even more likely, you’re probably thinking that this is just another feminist rant to roll your eyes at and move on from. Well I hate to break it to you, but this is not a “feminist rant.” It’s my personal manifesto. Already you have pigeonholed and categorized the preconceived notion of the word into a space in your mind where you will give it no further thought. But it is because of you, and the rest of the world that will also roll their eyes at feminists, that I have worked hard to be one. I am a feminist because I am tired of my friends – be they male, female, gay, straight – being held to certain impossible standards because of who they are. I am tired of the fact that when I enter the workforce I will get paid 30 cents less for every dollar my male counterpart makes. I am tired of the eye rolls, the scoffs, the ignorance and the fear. But ultimately, I am tired of the reality that just because I believe all of these things and have chosen to collectivize them into an accurate label of “feminist”, that that somehow makes me sexist, overly opinionated and radical. I believe that men and women should be treated equally throughout all facets of society. Don’t you?

reviews

Nov. 7, 2014

1989 pleasantly reinvents Swift’s musical style CLAIRE FISHER co-opinions editor

One of my favorite songs from the

Taylor Swift has once again proved that she isn’t leaving the spotlight any time soon. On Oct.

1989 -

lationships that she can enjoy at the

“SHAKE IT OFF” LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE: All of the

physical copies of 1989 come with 13 Polaroid pictures of Swift, complete with handwritten lyrics. There are 5 different sets of 13 photos available, and the album cover is a Polaroid photo. Photo from Creative Commons

said that she hasn’t really two years, according to Rolling Stone. -

channels Lana Del Ray. The Source: Big Machine Label Group

and attractive. rival in the pop world. 1989 shows little artistic growth. Despite Swift’s characteristically simity is really what propels her career. Even when the dramatic, teenage love songs

Red have helped her score a hit song with their mainstream pop style, there’s something lost from -

dio fan and a lot of solid content for the avid Swift listener.

cramming in of lyrics and her less than perfect

Gone Girl delivers thrilling plot, witty undertones DANI TUCHMAN co-opinions editor

present day events were seamless, a wise tech-

elevating the psychological drama to a well-dereason in long, chaotic scenes.

than it can chew, not only from the overpriced the atwell. This was Gone Girl’s immediate predicament cern that this was Director David Fincher’s ading attention with its two sections: the Prisoners-

is constantly confronted with the reality of a perherself.

Gone Girl managed

disappearance from their -

wandering attention.

Wolf of Wall Street, Gone Girl

ond half.

clinging to the desire of wantwas ever gripping the theater chair, it had a direct Yet, the entire casting of these

intense orchestration. -

Upon calling the police to report her disappeari

deavor that was Gone Girl -

Source: www.gonegirlmovie.com

features

Nov. 7, 2014

Presence of “rape culture” on college campuses calls for reflection, conversation CALLI HARAMARAS & HAILEY HAULDREN co-features editors

On the evening of Oct. 30, 2010, 18 year-old Jessica Stevens* was a freshman attending college in Milwaukee when she was allegedly raped by four members of her school’s basketball team, one even being her good friend. Although she pressed legal charges, the case was dropped and the only punishment sentenced to the perpetrators was writing a paper. After being invited by a friend on the basketball team named Sam* to what she thought was a house party, Stevens and four girlfriends went to Sam’s apartment. However, there were only seven other people at the apartment — six basketball players and one college recruit. Once she arrived, Sam kept asking Stevens to speak with him in another room. said yes, and followed Sam to a room where he restrained and sexually assaulted her. Once Sam Stevens was taken into another room by three oth-

and found Stevens slumped in a chair with her pants undone and one of the boys standing over her. Years later, Stevens continues to feel the emotional effects of such a traumatic event. Refusing tion, Stevens has chosen to speak out against sexual violence and the “rape culture” in which our society lives. “Rape culture” is a term that was coined by feminists in the United States in the 1970s, according to Women Against Violence Against Women. The phrase was designed to show the ways in which society blamed victims of sexual assault and normalized male sexual violence. Health clinics like Angles (formerly known as outlets that allow the victims of sexual assault to speak up and receive help. Despite this increase in resources and education about “rape culture” since the term’s inception, Angles counselor Janice Liten feels sexual assault cases are just as prevalent now.

more [cases of] sexual assault at the clinic,” Liten

here a long time.” One of the most debated segments of the “rape culture” umbrella is the relative prevalence of rape and other sexual assault violence on college campuses. With a decrease in parental supervision and an increase in the presence of illegal substances and unfamiliar situations, many college students and campuses across the United States have been experiencing the effects of a “rape culvided people along the lines of who is responsible for the rape, as well as how colleges and universities should punish the students responsible for sexual violence and rape. ABC News reported that Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is currently under investigation following a reported sexual battery case on Oct. 10 at one of their annual events. Leah Francis, a student of Stanford’s class of 2014, drew attention to Stanford’s sexual assault policies after claiming Stanford did little to punish a fellow student who sexually assaulted her in January, according to The Stanford Daily. reports that three basketball players for the University of Oregon were allowed to play in the NCAA March Madness tournament despite being accused of participating in a gang rape that took place the night of March 9. David Hartman, South social worker, recognized college as a vulnerable place for students, especially when it comes to rape and sexual abuse. Hartman said the combination of drugs, the prevalence of casual hookups and the freedom from parental supervision all come together and spell trouble for many college students. “All those things come together in a ‘perfect storm’ to create situations where people take advantage of the situations and other people,” Hartman said. Unfortunately for the people involved in these situations, the blame is often misplaced on the vic-

think that responsibility has always fallen on the [victim],” Liten said. “People tell [victims] ‘Don’t walk alone at night’ and ‘Don’t get too drunk,’ and yes those are important things for your safety, but it [does not make it] your fault.” Liten explains that often times victims are stereotyped as being “slutty” or as “craving attention,” justifying why they have fallen victim strong distinction between the two. “Maybe you wanted some attention, but you didn’t ask to be raped,” Liten said. “You can look at so many [victims], who did not want to come forth about [their sexual abuse] because they knew they would be looked at like, ‘What part did you play in this? Were you drunk? Did you lead them on? Did you start something then break it off?’ So it has always come down to responsibility and blaming, and that

“Maybe you wanted some attention, but you didn’t ask to be raped. You can look at so many [victims] who did not want to come forth about [their sexual abuse] because they knew they would be looked at like ‘What part did you play in this?’” -Angles counselor Janice Liten

change.” Unfortunately, Stevens can relate to the feeling of being blamed for her sexual assault. According to Stevens, the comments people were making made her question her role in her rape. ally tough to not let some of the things people say get to you. There is this online discussion forum about university. When the media got wind of my cussions on my decision to report. People would

have done differently.” fault, Liten stresses the importance that both male and female sexual abuse victims take advantage of clinics like Angles in order to get tested, treated and receive counseling to properly heal. According to Liten, the resources available at Angles for men are not commonly taken advantage of. She attributes this fact to the lack of conversation and

another American is sexually assaulted. .

acceptance of male rape cases. “For women, most of them will probably know another woman who has been assaulted in some way, but a guy may not know of another guy who has been assaulted,” Liten said. “So it may lead to acceptance of [male sexual abuse] because of this lack of awareness.” According to Liten, the most important thing to be done in order to reverse the “rape culture” is to educate the public about rape and sexual abuse. Awareness on the topic, Liten said, is what can help prevent more cases from occurring. “The biggest thing is to keep talking and making people aware and having conversations about [rape],” Liten said. “[Rape] is not a women’s problem.” rape and sexual abuse, Stevens says society as a whole needs to stop blaming victims and start working to help them, not hurt them. “We need to stop blaming and shaming victims,” Stevens said. “No one asks to be raped. The backlash and revictimization that results from beanyone would ask to be raped or lie about being raped.” The conversations inspired by Stevens and other victims across the country have gotten the recently adopted the “Yes Means Yes” law that scious decision” from both parties before engaging in sexual activity, according to www.usatoday. com. According to the California state Senate’s sponsor, the bill was created with the targeted sexual assault allegations. Similarly, President Obama launched a camother things, the campaign aims to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported, according to www. itsonus.org. Part of raising awareness is knowing the locations of the centers as well as the knowledge that they exist within the community. Three local centers dedicated to counseling and caring for sex-

of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.

features

Nov. 7, 2014

Kilpatrick’s schedule inspires club creation, helps balance passions IVY ZHOU & HOPE CARRANE staff reporters Senior Kara Kilpatrick knows what it’s like to have a lot on her plate. Between her involvement in the Academy, dance, being a Peer Group Leader and youth group leader, work, multiple clubs and choir, Kilpatrick’s life is a balancing act. Appropriately, Kilpatrick is also the proprietor of South’s newest club, Buoy, which seeks to relieve some of the stress students face on an everyday basis. According to Kilpatrick, mental wellness and personal stress are both issues very close to her heart. Recognizing the stress in her own life and the lives of her peers, she was inspired to start Buoy. “I know what it’s like to be stressed, and I know how stressed everyone around me is, so I wanted to do something to help them,” Kilpatrick commented. Activities that she has led in Buoy have included a time capsule activity, watching movies like The Parent Trap for the cinema theme of homecoming and participating in yoga and guided meditation. However, Kilpatrick isn’t the only one who sees the potential in Buoy. According to the Academy teacher Matthew Whipple, the organization of Buoy not only shines a light on the plights faced by many other students, but also Kilpatrick’s kind spirit. “The emphasis of her new club, the Buoy club, shows her to be someone who has an important sense of challenges that are faced by high school students,” Whipple explained. “Her organizing this club and wanting to help other students meet the demands says something about what her chartive ways to make the lives of students better.” In addition to her leadership through Buoy, Kilpatrick also shines in areas like dance and choir, according to junior Bridget Fogarty. Fogarty dances in the same dance company as Kilpatrick and thinks her strong leadership makes her a role model. “She’s so good [at dancing] and she’s also a really good choreographer,” Fogarty explained. “It’s funny because she doesn’t do dancing really at school, but she’s got this whole other side [of her] where she got a ton of choreography awards, and she got into a choreography showcase.” During Kilpatrick’s junior year, she displayed her passion for dance by choreographing a routine for South’s annual Variety Show. According to Kilpatrick, former choir director Stevie Marks was an incredible support system for her as a dancer. had was Mrs. Marks,” Kilpatrick said. “In last

MOMENTS OF MEDITATION: In a period of blissful relaxation, senior Kara Kilpatrick (center) leads South Buoy Club members in a peaceful exercise. Advocating a less stressful life, Kilpatrick and Buoy Club strive towards a state of personal well-being throughout the “ups and downs” of their week. Photo by Katelyn Luckey

year’s Variety Show, I had my own act. I choreographed my own dance and she was the one who was my guide [...] She worked with me on my act, she always seemed to believe in me, and really pushed for my act to be in the show.” In addition to Kilpatrick being a competitive leader. According to Benjamin Widner, peer group teacher, Kilpatrick is a natural for the job.

cause of her kindness, but also a Peer Group Leader needs to be very conscientious and care about the people around them,” Widner explained. As for Kilpatrick’s future, she said that she is interested in attending a school that values the wellbeing of their students, not just their academic achievements. Kilpatrick added that she would be up for starting a similar program to Buoy at

the college she attends if they don’t already have one. She also has high hopes for the club’s future at South. “I’m looking at prolonging Buoy and making sure that it sticks around because I think the purpose is pretty important,” Kilpatrick said. “So, hopefully, I’ll be passing it along to some of my younger friends because I don’t want it to end with me.”

Students learn to appreciate two different religions in one Family School are with a non-Jewish partner. According to Patt, interfaith school. Therefore, the demand for programs such as the Family School has increased. “There were no interfaith schools,” Patt said. “There are two schools in the Chicagoland area, the Union School and then the Family School.” A handful of GBS students have attended the Family School. Sophomore Sarah Patt, a current member of the Family School, described the curriculum taught there. “We meet two Sundays a month, and each class is taught by a different set of parents each week,” Sarah said. Each grade has its own lesson, Sarah went on to say. Besides learning about the religions, the upper level classes also learn about the problems and ethical issues surrounding both religions. Senior Marley Hambourger, former student of the Family School, explained how the school had a major impact on her life.

minor in religious studies in college. “Family school has taught me that my truth is not the only truth,” Hambourger said. However, not everyone agrees with the intentions of the Family School. According to Sarah, some individuals expressed their displeasure with the dual faith aspect. of the Family School. A fellow classmate in her World Religions class began to question Sarah about her dual faith and did not seem to understand how it could work, Patricia said. “[That classmate] grew up in an environment where both parents were the same religion, and he thought, ‘How can you [practice both religions]?” Patricia said. Adults also expressed complaints about the program, according to Sarah. “People would come up to [our] parents and say, ‘You can’t do that,’ or, ‘Your kids are going to grow up confused’,” Sarah said. Yet, the point of the program is not to confuse kids, but let them form their own opinions as adults, Sarah explained. As the Family School aims to provide a religiously integrated society, GBS has multiple religious clubs and observes religious holidays. In a recent survey by the Oracle, 150 out of 159 students reported that GBS is accommodating to their own religion and the religion of others. The Family School, and other programs alike, aim to provide students with the choice to decide what they believe in and to respect other faiths. “When you talk to the graduates of the school, they are not confused,” Patricia said. “Our kids are interfaith ambassadors. Our kids are more tolerant.”

“It has really defined the way I look at the world, and I’ve met some incredible people through [the school].” -senior Marley Hambourger

FAMILY’S FAITH: Deep in conversation, Father Tom Hurley and Rabbi Chava Bahle celebrate senior Marley

Hambourger’s Bat Mitzvah. With the Family School’s dual religious system, Hambourger celebrates this milestone with both her rabbi and her priest. Photo courtesy of Marley Hambourger

TORI BROWN & ANUSHKA KALRA staff reporters Convey. Explore. Instill. These are the principles that the Family School, a Glenview based religious education program, have upheld for the past 20 years, according to their website. Operating since 1993, the Family School has provided re-

ligious services for families who associate themselves with both Judaism and Catholicism. “As [Catholic-Jewish] parents began to have children, they were looking for a [religious] school [for] their kids to go [to] that didn’t say, ‘Our way is better’,” Patricia Patt, director of the Family School, said. According to the Pew Research Center, since 2000, over 58 percent of marriages among Jews

world, and I’ve met some incredible people through [the school],” Hambourger said. Hambourger remembers her Bat Mitzvah as a unique day in her life because her Catholic priest, Tom Hurley, attended as well as spoke. “He spoke a lot about the similarities between the religions and what the ceremony meant, which was really interesting for all of the people who attended,” Hambourger said. “I think it was [...] eye-opening and showed everyone that there are more similarities than people might want to think.” Hambourger believes the Family School has shaped her personality and even moved her to

features

Nov 5, 2010

Nov. 7, 2014

MAN IN THE MURAL: Posing next to his mural at Granger Middle School in Aurora (left), Etters smiles with the roaring “Grizzly”, the school’s mascot. Members of Etters’ break dancing crew stand in front of a mural painted by Etters in his basePhotos courtesy of Timm Etters

Etters uses art to overcome struggles, paints murals at South CONNIE HOEKSTRA asst. features editor

Spray paint gun in hand and hip-hop music playing behind him, Timm Etters can be seen in the SAC at South painting a mural, one of nearly 300 murals he has painted at schools all over Illinois. Etters was originally hired by South in 2005 to paint the mural in the Titan Dome and is currently working on two more. According to Etters, Dr. Jim Shellard, student activities director, saw one of his murals at Lake Park High School and then contacted him to offer him a job at South. In addition to the mural he completed in 2005, Etters recently

tive direction. However, Etters said this was not always clear. According to Etters, he grew up quicker than most kids due to his life at home. With a dad who abused alcohol, Etters ended up in charge of his family more often than not. Etters remembered the moment where he was catapulted into adulthood. “The turning point for me is when my mom told my dad she wanted a divorce, and he said ‘absolutely not,’” Etters said. “He pulled a gun on [my mom and I] and that was a big turning point. He was drunk, he didn’t know any better. I was the one who talked him down. I was twelve.” Etters said he experienced many instances similar to this one, but he did not let it negatively impact his future After having his childhood cut short by such traumatic events, Etters decided what he wanted to do with his life at a young age, to be an artist. However, the career path he chose had some rough patches

“Some of my best paintings came from [my depression], the struggle definitely fed the inspiration.” -muralist Timm Etters

the Student Activities Center and one outside of the Dean’s Ofspiration for painting murals comes from the students and the idea that the mural is leaving a visual legacy for the future generations of South. “The primary inspiration for me has always been the people I am painting for,” Etters said. “The obvious being the administrators who hire me, but more importantly is the students. When it’s all said and done, there will always be students in the presence of the murals.” Due to the current success of his mural company, Etters feels that his life is going in a posi-

“Third grade was when I decided I wanted to be an artist, but it was also when I found out I was colorblind,” Etters said. “I was devastated when I found out. My art teacher said, ‘Don’t worry about color, just focus on your drawing skills. Paper and pencil. That’s it.’” Etters continued to practice his artistic skills until he was introduced to the music style of hiphop his sophomore year of high school. According to Etters, hip-hop changed his artistic style as well

as the rest of his life. “[Hip-hop] gave me a direction,” Etters said. “Hip-hop was designed to eliminate gang activity in the streets. If you were going to battle, instead of having a gang war with guns and knives [you would have a competition to see] who was Hip-hop inspired Etters to create his own ti all over their hometown. According to Etters, bridge every few weeks, each with a positive message. While painting a mural on the bridge dedicated to Vietnam veterans his junior year of high school, Etters was caught by the police. According to Etters, getting caught was a positive experience for him in a sense. set up was to paint a mural in my high school, which is what started my career as a mural painter,” Etters said. Soon after Etters received his community service, he received more news. However, this news was life-changing. “My junior year I was diagnosed with testicular cancer,” Etters said. “I was stage four when they found it. Life got real serious real fast.” After enduring eight different surgeries after his diagnosis, Etters will be celebrating his 30th anniversary of his remission this March. His break-dancing crew will celebrate this “cancerversary” with him. Etter has called his diagnosis his “blessing-in-disguise” because it allowed him to realize the importance of art in his life. According to Etters, while recovering from his started to shape his future. One particular in-

stance that occurred was when a song came on during his recovery, and it inspired him to really start his career as an artist. “I was listening to the lyrics of [“Beat Street”] in the hospital during my recovery,” Etters said. “Our main DJ in our [break-dancing] crew made a mix for me. I was listening to the lyrics and it inspired me to start a company [to sell my murals] called ‘Gyroglyphics.’” However, Gyroglyphics did not last long, according to Etters, and he changed the name of his company to Timm Etters Studio, inc. This is still the name of his business to date. After high school, Etters continued in the mural painting business but encountered many struggles. However, like always, Etters used art to help his personal recovery. “During the ‘90s I was suicidal,” Etters said. me why. It was a disaster. Some of my best paintnitely fed the inspiration.” According to Etters, the people in his life helped him during his struggle to overcome his depression. “I have been blessed with some of the most amazing people in my life to just push me and guide me to be my best,” Etters said. Etters wishes he could have gotten closer with the student body of South, but due to recent health issues has been unable to be here as much as he would like. He enjoys sharing his story with students and tries to do so as much as possible, he said. “I do career days, and I talk to students about my life as an artist and about the struggles and hard times [I have been through] to keep doing what I love to do,” Etters said.

features

Nov. 7, 2014

Men’s Health Awareness With the month of November typically comes a few things: falling leaves, Sunday football and men with mustaches. According to us.movember.com, The Movember Foundation aims at encouraging men to grow mustaches during the month of November in attempt to spark awareness and raise funds for men’s health programs. Focusing mainly on programs related to testicular cancer, prostate cancer and men’s mental health issues, The Movember Foundation has raised a total of $559 million for over 800 programs in 21 countries to date. To participate in Movember, the Movember Foundation created the following rules for its participants: 1) All Mo Bros must register at Movember.com and start on November 1st with a clean shaven face 2) For the entire month of November, all Mo Bros must grow and groom a mustache 3) No faking it - no beards, no goatees, and no fake mustaches 4) Each Mo Bro must use his mustache to create conversation and raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health issues 5) Each Mo Bro must conduct himself as a gentleman. 6) If women, called Mo Sistas, would like to participate, they must follow the same rules established for the Mo Bros. However, Mo Sistas are not required to grow a mustache. To date, 4 million mustaches have been grown worldwide. For more information on The Movember Foundation and how to get involved, visit movember.com.

SLICING AND DICING: At work in South’s foods kitchen, senior Anna Hofmockel practices her culinary skills by carefully cutting apples for one of her many recipes. Hofmockel has found cooking to be one of her outlets for stress. Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

Hofmockel cooks past worries, savors result CLAIRE FISHER co-opinions editor HANNAH RAUH asst. features editor While some students have known since day one what they want to be when they grow up, others need a little more time and have to do a true calling. Despite her individual, academic and emotional struggles, senior Anna Hofmockel has found her passion in the culinary arts and secured herself a spot in the 2015 incoming college class of the Culinary School of America (CSA). Hofmockel began her high school career as a member of the 30-student Glenbrook Academy of International Studies, a four-year program for advanced students that teaches English, history and a foreign language. She had a “shining example” of achievement in her brother, who was a member of the Glenbrook Academy and is two years older than Hofmockel. Consequently, Hofmockel entered high school with the desire and self-created pressure to achieve academically. “I was going to take all honors classes, I was going to be in the Academy, I was going to be a rockstar [and] I was going to be involved,” Hofmockel said. “I wanted to try to do a lot more than just school work, [...] and that’s hard to do.” Hofmockel’s comprehensive vision for high school was complicated by an anxiety disorder she developed during eighth grade. As the lead in the school musical, she started having panic attacks every time before she went on stage. She missed a month of school while learning to cope with her anxiety. Hofmockel began high school and made it through her freshman year with reduced anxiety. However, she added more activities to her full academic schedule during her sophomore year and “stretched [her]self too thin.” “By January, I was unable to function,” Hofmockel said. “I couldn’t go to class, I couldn’t do homework at home. I just fell apart, and from there [anxiety has] been a much bigger part of my life than I had ever expected it to be.” As a result, she left the Academy. With extra space in her schedule, she decided to take a Culinary

Culinary class even though the normal prerequisite classes are Foods 1 and Foods 2. “I talked with her counselor, [because] she had a huge desire to be in Culinary. So, we went ahead and advanced her,” McDonald said. “She’s such a hard worker, which is sometimes hard to come by in the culinary classrooms.” Hofmockel’s determination led her to compete in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America fondant cake decorating competition last year, despite her class being only two weeks in, which made it impossible to learn everything she would need to know for the competition. “[She] basically self taught everything that she learned [for the competition],” McDonald said. “She watched YouTube videos.” Her skills as a chef extend to in-classroom competitions as well, according to McDonald, who held a Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives tournament. “[Hofmockel] and her partner decided to

future. Although she had always been “really into cooking and baking,” it wasn’t until the middle of her junior year when she realized she could “turn [her] passion for food into a career.” “I’d [...] gotten my drive back and I said, ‘I want to go to the best culinary school in the world,’” Hofmockel said. “Everything since then was, ‘I have to get into the [CSA]. The CSA is where I belong. Anthony Bourdain went there, Grant Achatz went there and all these really famous and successful chefs.’ I want to be like them.” Hofmockel’s dream became a reality when she was admitted into the CSA on Sept. 25. “The assistant director of admissions called me [...] and he told me that he had just put my acceptance letter in the mail, and I started crying because I was so overwhelmed with the idea that I did it,” Hofmockel explained. “After all this, I

“After all this, I finished what I had set out for, and I reached what I wanted to reach.” -senior Anna Hofmockel

“[That was] something I thought could never be done within the 50-minute class period, and they pulled it off and it was fantastic, and they won the competition. It was something that even I didn’t think was achievable within the time frame that we had. They did a great job.” Hofmockel’s love for culinary shows, according to McDonald, because of her dedication to all culinary aspects such as dish washing and other forms of cleaning, which she embraces. “[Hofmockel] likes every aspect of [culinary],” McDonald said. “She works hard in every single aspect.” McDonald recognizes the tendency of students to try and change themselves in order to be more like siblings who went before them. However, she is glad that Hofmockel went her own way instead of following in her brother’s foot-

I wanted to reach. For someone who is anxious about the future all the time, to know ‘It’s ok. You can breathe. You’re in,’ was an amazing feeling.” According to McDonald, she was convinced Hofmockel would be admitted to the CSA even though Hofmockel was not certain about the result of her pending admission . “She’s a great student,” McDonald said. “I just 100 percent think that if she wants to achieve something, [Hofmockel’s] pretty much a go getter, she’ll get it.” For the past two months, Hofmockel has worked as an assistant to the pastry chef at Three al baking experience. According to Hofmockel, she makes pies, decorates cupcakes, glazes fresh baked tea breads and much more at the bakery and loves the freedom she is given to test her skills. She plans to get her bachelor’s degree from the CSA in Baking and Pastry Management, which entails two years of hands-on baking and pastry experience and two years of the business aspect of the culinary arts. Despite the obstacles in her path in regards to

her style. “It’s nice that someone as young as [Hofmockel] has decided to really just tune into her passion and what she wants to do and not what people think she should do,” McDonald said. teacher, Kelli McDonald, realized Hofmockel turned the shift in Hofmockel’s her academic passion and incourse into an cluded her in opportunity EASY AS PIE: Fresh out of oven, jack o’lantern-shaped pies baked by the Careers in Hofmockel make a tasty Halloween treat. Photo courtesy of Anna Hofmockel

Hofmockel has developed a future she is excited about. She is enthusiastic to embark on her upcoming journey. She encourages other students to consider the possibilities for their future as well. “It’s not always the best idea to dive straight into school and have no idea what you want to do,” Hofmockel said. “You’ve got to think about it for a second and think, ‘If I could do anything in the world, what would I do after high school?’ I know that’s not possible for everybody but it’s something to consider, because in the end it’s all about what you make of your life.”

features

Nov 5, 2010

Nov. 7, 2014

THEN AND NOW: to Pat, she was always very nervous while Mike was in Vietnam, but she was consistently proud of what he was doing for his country. Photos courtesy of Pat Siegert

South staff members’ relationship shaped by the Vietnam War CAROLINE BERG staff reporter With Veterans Day around the corner, it can be hard for South students to understand the horrors and intricacies of war. For Vietnam veteran wife, Pat Siegert, member of the Student Services Department, the Vietnam War brought the harsh realities of war to life. ate student at the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), Mike pulled a low draft number and was drafted into the Vietnam War on July 10, 1969, according to Pat. Mike was not excited about being drafted into Vietnam, but he realized that he would have to try and do the best that he could, given the situation, he said. Kentucky, which, according to Pat, was a relief because she thought her husband wouldn’t actually mas time, they got some unsettling news that he was on levy to go to Vietnam, leaving Pat frantic and uncertain. “When he went I think the hardest part for me was not knowing where he was going to be assigned,” Pat said. “And unfortunately, at that time there were no such things as cell phones or anything, so it was weeks before I actually knew where he was.” For Mike, there was also uncertainty when it came to training and traveling to Vietnam, because unlike wars in the past, most soldiers had to do this alone. “Vietnam was a very different war,” Mike said. “In World War II, people would go from a geographic area, let’s say Illinois, and they would go down to say Biloxi, Mississippi and train as a geographical group. And they would get on a ship and go to Europe and go to the group. They would would come back as a group. Vietnam was really different because you went to Vietnam totally as an individual.”

at, [but] luckily [I] didn’t get hit.” According to the Siegerts, one of the perks of Mike’s job in the army was that he was able to go to Tokyo to supervise the publications for the magazine. Pat was able to go to Tokyo and have an exciting visit with her husband, and both of them were able to take a break from the war. However, saying goodbye after the trip was the hardest part. “We spent three wonderful weeks in Tokyo,” Pat said. “It was a great experience for us. But, I didn’t know when I was going to see him again. Saying goodbye to him, that was

curred after the war. morning was hard to adjust to. “The average age of the soldier in World War Even though Pat, at times, was confused about II was probably [around] 24, 26,” Mike said. “The the war, she still had a great amount of pride for average age in Vietnam was 19, and of course, her husband. when you’re 19 you haven’t grown up as much “I was still very proud that he was there,” Pat and it [caused] said. “When you have someone that you love enmore reason for tirely support our country in any way that he can, problems. So, it [gives you] an enormous sense of pride. I think that’s some of the reason why there ple who did lose somebody [in the war].” were some draMike also had an extreme sense of accomplishmatic issues, [like] ment after coming back from Vietnam with two PTSD.” Bronze Star Medals. He remains involved in the After an emomilitary when it comes to raising money and suptional day of port for veterans, including assisting the Ameriwatching her siscan Legion in Glenview and helping fundraise ter getting marfor the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in ried in the same place she had her wedding recepAccording to Mike, it is important to celebrate tion with Mike, Veterans Day and remember those who have Pat spent the night passed in war. with her sister “Most people have an uncle or an aunt or a of looked at him and talking about the cousin or a brother or a grandfather or someone thought, ‘Will this be things she would that was injured or died in a war,” Mike said. “Of LETTERS TO PAT: Multiple letters were written by the the last time that I see do for her hus- course we would all like to never see another war, couple to each other during the Vietnam War to keep in touch you?’” band once he got but we really want to honor those people who while separated. Pat and Mike keep the letters to remind themThe couple did in back from war. have died in war or who have been injured and selves of a time when they weren’t together, but their love still fact see each other “We were go- serve and support them.” thrived. Photo courtesy of Pat Siegert again, and this time ing to get Al Hirt, After 46 years of marriage, Pat and Mike still it was in Hawaii after [a trumpeter], to have all of the letters they wrote back and forth Mike was granted vacation for four days during come up from New Orleans and John Davidson to each other. was going to come and sing,” Pat said. “It was just “Every so often if we have a little disagreecouple decided to talk about burial plans, if Mike kind of fun to think about that day.” ment, suddenly one of those letters will appear were to pass in the war. on the kitchen counter,” Pat said. “Just as a lit“I said to him, ‘Would you not want to be that her dog, that kept her company while Mike tle reminder of [...] what we went through many buried with your comrades?’” Pat said. “But he was gone, had suspiciously gone downstairs and years ago [and how we struggled] with a situation comes from a very small farm town in Illinois and was waiting at the front door. where we didn’t know what the outcome was goI think for sentimental reasons he wanted to be “I got up and walked downstairs and as I did ing to be.” buried next to his parents, so that’s what I would the doorbell rang,” Pat said. “And have done. But, forI looked at the clock in the kitchen tunately that didn’t and I thought, ‘Six in the morning, happen.” who is ringing the doorbell?’ So I Luckily for Pat walked over and I pushed the curand Mike, they were tain aside a little bit to see who it able to keep in touch was… and it was my husband. I through writing lethad to push it aside again to make ters. According to sure I was seeing the right thing.” Pat, she wrote one Mike had gotten an early out. every day. Although Instead of calling Pat in advance, the letters brought Mike decided it would be best to love and reassurance surprise her and not worry her to the couple, it also left Pat feeling disoriented with a call. The surprise did in when it came to the war in Vietnam. fact make a scene at Pat’s parents’ “You wanted to support your country, yet it house. was not a cause that so many people believed in,” “You can imagine what kind of Pat said. “Especially when you get letters from scene it was,” Pat said. “There’s your loved ones telling you ‘We really don’t know my dad, who didn’t have his teeth why we’re here,’ ‘We don’t know what we’re in [...] and I was not exactly beauAnd you read that and think, ‘Well why are they gown. But my mother got her act there?’” together and made a wonderful Although Mike was an editor of a magazine breakfast.” and was not often in the war zone, he was still a Although it was great to be witness to the many horrors of war. According to home, it was hard for Mike to Pat, Mike fought in the trenches in Vietnam and make the transition from Vietfound his roommate dead after he committed suinam to Glenview in such a short COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS: As the war went on, Mike kept this cide. amount of time. According to calendar in his pocket and crossed off the date as each day passed. The calIn addition, the soldiers’ ages were different Mike, going from being shot at on endar helped him keep track of his time in Vietnam, while also reminding for the Vietnam War. According to Mike, this inhim of how long until he could return to his wife. Photo courtesy of Pat Siegert creased the chances of emotional issues that oc- doorstep in Glenview on a Sunday

“When you have someone that you love entirely support our country in any way that he can, it [gives you] an enormous sense of pride.” -Pat Siegert Student Services Department

the whereabouts of her husband and found out that he was stationed at a Green Beret camp in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Pat and Mike had different feelings regarding Mike’s stationing in the war. was going to learn how to jump out of helicopters and [that] kind of thing, which I wasn’t too thrilled about,” Pat said. Because of Mike’s major in photography, he became a combat photographer for the Green Beret’s from base to base taking pictures. He then became the editor of the Green Beret magazine, but his job was still dangerous, according to Mike. never knew where you were going to be,” Mike said. “Sometimes it was dangerous. I did get shot

features

Nov. 7, 2014

With new age, comes new choices: ALEXANDRA SHARP asst features editor From choosing a homecoming theme to the President of the United States, voting has been a system practiced for hundreds of years. As South seniors begin to turn 18, the idea of exercising this right becomes a reality. However, the choice whether or not to vote is not the same for all South students. The Nov. 4 general election covStates Senator to more local positions such as County Clerk. According to Dave Kane, AP Government teacher, the choices students make in the upcoming election will have a strong impact on their futures. “The people that you’re voting for today are going to have a huge impact on your life,

whether you realize it or not,” Kane said. “[If students are] voting on something like social security, that’s going to affect [students] more than me, because [students will] be the [ones] paying for it.” The choice to exercise voting rights is something that Jane Brennan, student body president, believes in fully. to advocate on behalf of their beliefs is something people should take advantage of, according to Brennan. It’s this action that she feels might make people happier with the choices made in Washington, DC. “I think everybody should register if they are able to, and everybody should [have] a say in politics,” Brennan said. “I don’t think you should be able to complain about the political environment if you are uneducated and didn’t utilize the power

you had to control it.”

For senior Kelly Hanson, taking part in politics by voting is an essential thing to do. She believes that students should participate in the upcoming election. For Hanson, being able to vote makes her feel that she now has the ability to make a change where she could not before. “[Voting is] about knowing that I’m contributing something to [...] society that you couldn’t do if you were younger,” Hanson said. State Representative Laura Fine, who ran for reelection, agrees with

As South Students turn 18, they choose whether or not to exercise their right to vote.

Hanson on the belief that voting is one of the most important parts of the political system. According to Fine, the right to vote shouldn’t be something taken for granted. “Voting is a right,” Fine said. “It’s a responsibility and it’s also [...] a privilege. We need to take advantage of that and be proud to take advantage of it. [...] We need to exercise what is our right and our duty.” Nevertheless, not every South student chose to exercise their voting rights. Kane recognizes that some students technically eligible to vote may have chosen not to due to being

“[Voting is] about knowing that I’m contributing something to [...] society that you couldn’t do if you were younger.” -senior Kelly Hanson

uninformed of the election or forgetting

to register in general. However, one of the main reasons for low voter registration percentages at South this year might be due to age, according to Kane. “This voter registration, we didn’t have a huge turn out, because it’s early in the year,” Kane said. “A lot of seniors are still only 17. You know, if we could have done the same voter’s registration four months from now, I think we would have had a huge turn out because of the birthdays.” Although being underage is one reason for not registering, this ineligibility did not apply to senior Ruxi Griza. Even though Griza is 18 years old, she felt that she shouldn’t vote due to her “lack of knowledge” on the candidates. “It came up to Oct. 6 and I realized [...] it was almost too late ,” Griza said. “For me, I didn’t think I’d have the time to research all of the people I was voting for, because I didn’t want to go vote just based on what name sounds cool. I didn’t want to vote if I didn’t know what I was voting for.” For students who are choosing to vote, Kane has some advice. “No candidate is going to match all of your views,” Kane said. “The only person to do that is if [you] decide to run yourself. So instead of focusing much on what party they’re in, it’s ‘Do they most important?’ and to me I would say that’s the person you should be voting for or donating your time to.”

a&e

Nov 5, 2010

ROCKIN’ AT THE ROCK HOUSE: At the Rock House Café, performers Will Tilson (front) and Jason Paul (behind) play guitar and drums. The Rock House Café welcomes all different local performers to play for their customers. Rock House Cafe instagram

Rock House Café blends concerts, coffee LAUREN FRIAS co-a&e editor “50 percent school, 50 percent café, 100 percent original.” That is what sets apart the Rock House Café from other mainstream coffee houses, according to the Rock House’s website. It’s a music venue that serves café foods and beverages while creating a relaxed, musical ambiance. With one location in Wilmette, another Rock House is set to open in Glenview in November. Tyne Lowe, a barista at the Rock House in Wilmette, believes that the owners work towards keeping an enjoyable atmosphere for both customers and staff. “It’s actually really fun, and I enjoy it a lot,” Lowe said. “It’s nice to be in an environment where the owners and the managers are all really passionate about [what they do]. They’re really driven to produce the best product possible and to improve as we go. So, it’s nice to feel like we’re all on the same team.” With a stage for local acts to perform, junior Sarah Hill believes that the Rock House provides an intimate atmosphere for both performers and audience members alike. “The [Rock House] is small enough that the performers can easily interact with you,” Hill said. “The lights and overall ambiance just gets you in the mood to cozy up with a cup of coffee and listen to some good music.” Rock House, an accidental stop that she made on her way home from another restaurant. “I was out to lunch with my mom and a friend at Gilson’s restaurant a couple store fronts down from the Rock House a few summers ago,” Hill said. “While we were leaving, we just heard music playing and followed it. I was I saw it. There was a guy playing the

standup bass and a guy on the acoustic guitar practicing for their show later.” Lowe says that the Rock House has an ambiance that appeals to any customer. “[The atmosphere] is laid back but still very professional,” Lowe said. “[The theme is] rock and roll [...] It’s a nice place to be if you’re younger and if one who looks particularly out of place here.” From a performer’s standpoint, junior Tina James appreciates that the Rock House doesn’t discriminate against music genres, despite the implications in its name. “They have everything from country to rock to pop to blues,” James said. “You name it, they play it. [...] [For] anyone who wants to play and get their voice out or their songs out, it’s the perfect place to go. They accept everyone.” James commented that they’ve become a unique venue in the North shore area by allowing local artists to perform. “The fact that I got to perform there [became memorable] for me just because of the crowd reactions,” James said. “It was cool to play my stuff and show everyone who I am and get to see the crowd’s reactions up close and personal.” According to Hill, it’s a very inviting and fun café. It goes above and beyond to try to entertain and be different. “Their tip jars are always two different mugs that have two bands/artists that you can vote for, which in itself is fun and makes you want to tip. You

want to contribute, to put your opinion out into the scene, “Hill said. “They even have toys and candy in the back corner. Like, what kind of coffee place has candy? It’s awesome!” Overall, James said that the Rock House doesn’t win its appeal because of its inclusion of music alone, but the atmosphere it has and, of course, the coffee. “[The best feature about the Rock House is] the coffee,” James said. “[...] and also the atmosphere and what the place looks like [is] family-friendly, [and it] appeals to teenagers as well. It’s an awesome place to hang and chill and listen to music, it’s also a [great] place to go to study. It’s not too big or too small. It’s made for a really cool vibe that you don’t really see anywhere else.” The Rock House is also a music school. It offers a variety of instrumental lessons ranging from guitars to keyboard. It all adds to the atmosphere of the café and, according to the Rock House’s website, their student performances are “the back bone of the program.” “Music was meant to be played; not [just] read,” the Rock House’s website says. “That’s the guiding principle that drives our technique. You will learn your instrument through the songs you like. Our goal is to take you from beginner to the stage as quickly as possible, because we believe that’s what it’s all about.” The Rock House hosts events as well. Some upcoming events are “Family Fun Night” tonight and “Open Mic Night” on November 20.

“The lights and overall ambiance just gets you in the mood to cozy up with a cup of coffee and listen to some good music.” -junior Sarah Hill

AESTHETIC ATMOSPHERE: The Rock

House Café is a vintage and relaxed music venue. The guitars hanging on the wall (top left) add to the musical theme of the café and advertise their music store. The coffee beans are freshly roasted, and the coffee can come in artistic foam designs (bottom left). The café serves pastries, sandwiches, and coffee that customers can enjoy in their seating area (right). Rock House Cafe instagram

Nov. 7, 2014

a&e

Nov. 7, 2014

South screams for Halloween On Oct. 31, the a&e editors hosted the fourth annual Oracle costume contest, where South students expressed their individuality by dressing up in costumes ranging from creative to creepy. The editors would like to recognize the best of them below. LAUREN FRIAS & ADDIE LYON co-a&e editors

MOLLIE CRAMER & ELAINE SINE asst. a&e editors

Photos by Marley Hambourger

Cutest Couple

Most Wanted Party Guests

Maddie Murphy and Ethan Larson Holding Hands Emoji

Hannah Nelson and Sydney Kozloski Piñatas

Most Violent Kaitlyn O’Brien and Olivia Eigel Lifeguard and Shark

Catie Weinman and Kaily Bruch “Cereal” Killers

a&e

Nov 5, 2010

Most Playful

Nov. 7, 2014

Most Masculine Katie Wells and Reshma Rajan Average Boys

Johnny Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gara and AJ Moen Frat Stars

Maggie Ziegler and Connie Hoekstra Buzz and Woody

Dynamic Duos

Polar Opposites

Carley Mahoney and Tessa Nesis Daphne and Velma

John Betsoleiman and Mason Nogavich The Blues Brothers

Nina Santacrose Biker Chick

Frankie Crist Sleeping Beauty

Disney Takeover Cat Frey Elsa from Frozen

Grace McCune Ariel from Little Mermaid Julia Peck Olaf from Frozen

a&e

Nov. 7, 2014

Pageant participants discuss process, experience, misconceptions

ADDIE LYON co a&e editor

Many can relate to the stress of homecoming day––curls, makeup, dresses, nails and the list continues. Seniors Kara Sherman and Christina Piron relate these feelings to a typical morning at a beauty pageant. Over Labor Day weekend, both participated in what Piron refers to as the ‘Super Bowl’ of pageants, Miss Teen IL USA, which took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Skokie. beauty pageants as a sophomore when she competed in the National Amerias a young girl. “[My family and I] went up to the Wisconsin Dells one time and we went to this hotel and they just happened to be hosting a pageant there,” Piron said. “So I literally made my whole family go with me and sit in the back and just watch the whole thing. Ever since then I wanted to do pageants.” Piron was able to convince her parents to watch the pageant in Wisconsin Dells. Although, her parents said they initially were very opposed to the idea of her pursuing this interest, Piron said. “My parents did not want me to [participate in pageants] at all,” Piron said. “I had apparently been getting open call letters for years about pageants but my mom would just throw them out and not tell me. About a year ago, my mom came up to me and said, ‘I don’t think you’ll be interested but this has been coming to you for years.’ She showed it to me and I was like, ‘Of course I want to do it!’” Sherman decided to enter Miss Teen IL USA after receiving the invitation in the mail. Her main passion is for modeling, but instead, she decided to try this pageant at a time when she wasn’t getting any bookings. “I would usually ignore these, but since I was getting no bookings, I said, ‘You know what? I’m just going to go

for it anyways and maybe I can give that whole world a try,’” Sherman said. “In the beginning it was kind of a little bit of a joke. We were kind of just in this ‘yolo’ mode. I said, ‘Why not?’ ‘Who cares?’ The only bad thing was that my dad was kind of not happy with how expensive it was.” According to Piron, participating in pageants is the most expensive hobby someone could have. However, Piron shared that the whole idea of these high costs is for the girls to go out to companies and businesses and talk to people and have them sponsor you. Piron had an easy solution to this process; her father was able to sponsor her with his chocolate shop, Belgian Chocolatier Piron. Along with the process

nonstop rehearsals all day. There really wasn’t that much time to do hair and makeup right before competition so you really had to get the majority of it done in the morning that early. So you would see girls coming down with coffee, their hair all up in buns, curlers and caps.” According to Piron, after signing up, each girl is assigned a roommate

sponsor, Piron shares that there are numerous other steps that go into preparing for a pageant. “You obviously have to get French manicure and pedicure,” Piron said. “You have to get a spray tan done a couple days before because under stage lights you can’t be just plain white. You have to practice with your stage makeup. I have to contour my face and everything. Contour is using the makeup to bring out the shadows and highlights in your face. You can basically resculpt your face.” Although the process of getting

weekend. Although they are on their own for most of the experience, the pageant girls bond easily. “We really never got to see our parents or families at all but they would go watch,” Piron said. “It was fun because we got to meet all these girls, instead of just being with our families the whole time. We became like a sisterhood, almost like a sorority. It was almost like big sister little sister dynamic between the girls who were experienced and the newbies. In my category we had college girls all the way down to 15-year-olds and we just all bonded.” One might assume that pageant girls aim to beat their opponents in competitions. However, Sherman learned that it’s not about beating others out year after year; it’s about beating yourself and improving with yourself each year. “It was not at all what I was expecting; it was a lot better,” Sherman said.

became even harder with the lack of time the girls were given to get ready each day. According to Sherman, they were given only 30 minutes to an hour to get ready. “We had to be somewhere 5-6 in the morning, so we had to be up before that,” Sherman said. “We were packed pretty much the whole day. There were

the typical cut throat girls who act really fake. Once I got to know them they were genuinely the sweetest and most ambitious girls I had ever met. I was expecting it to be kind of petty. It was completely the opposite, these girls are so sweet.” Piron states that many people not only have misconceptions about the

“What I realized is that you can make any girl pretty, makeup can do that or hair styling can do that, but [what] it comes down to is really that personality.” -senior Kara Sherman

type of girls who are involved in pageants, but likewise the motives behind the reason why they do pageants. “We do pageants because they increase and teach us poise and how to conduct ourselves in professional conversations, which are skills that will be needed for our careers,” Piron said. “You would be surprised just how many pageant girls are actually very self conscious of themselves and what they look like and competing in pageants makes them feel beautiful even if only for a moment. Personally, that is why I do pageants.” Sherman had made the same initial assumption about the girls who were involved in pageants. She realized that judges don’t only look at looks. They are mostly focused on general character, or who lays beneath the beauty each girl presents. “I thought it was going to just be girls who care about looks,” Sherman said. “What I realized is that you can make any girl pretty. Makeup can do that or hair styling can do that, but [what] it comes down to is really that personality. It’s how they interview, how they can converse with people, and how they conduct themselves. Take away all that makeup, the jewels and the glitz, and you have really sweet genuine girls.”

GLAMOROUS GALS: Senior Kara Sherman (left) struts the stage at the Miss Teen IL USA pageant as Miss Glenview. SePhotos courtesy of Kara Sherman and Christina Piron

a&e

Nov 5, 2010

Nov. 7, 2014

“Final Fantasy” tackles new broadcasting tactic ELAINE SINE asst. a&e editor Armed with headphones, microphones, and a camera live streaming every word and movement, seniors Tyler Aki, Danny Castelli, Jackson Kinsley and Michael Mainzer transcend the traditional boundaries of high school radio with “Final Fantasy”, a fantasy football show not only broadcasted on the radio, but also on High School Cube, an online sports network which streams live high school events. For the last two years, Aki hosted his show, “Final Fantasy”, with cohosts Castelli, Kinsley and Mainzer. They broadcasted their analytical, humorous discussions about fantasy football and other sports-related news on the GBS radio station, WGBK, according to Mainzer. However, Aki became inspired by ESPN’s sports-talk radio show “Mike and Mike” to recreate “Final Fantasy” into a regularly televised radio show, an unconventional feature for high school radio broadcasting, according to Aki. “ESPN’s morning talk show, ‘Mike and Mike’, is not only on the radio but it’s also televised, so [I] wanted to take that twist and bring it into my show,” Aki said. “This is something that this school has never done before, so hopefully it’ll pioneer something.” When Aki presented his idea of sley and Mainzer liked the concept and were excited to help implement it. Radio Adviser Dr. Daniel Oswald was especially thrilled of this opportunity for his students to legitimize their broadcasting careers. “I was proud and excited,” Oswald casting where they’re taking the things they learned in class and applying them in a more real-world way: going tacting people involved in those stories [and] getting them to come on the program. This is exactly what I was looking for, a self-directed effort to improve ing colors.” With Oswald’s approval and the students’ efforts, the televised version of “Final Fantasy” debuted Saturday, Oct. 18. Because the hosts had only broadcasted their voices before and ing the show, Castelli was concerned about how they would act while they

RULING THE RADIO: In the midst of their show, seniors Tyler Aki (front right) and Danny Castelli (front left), along with sophomore interns Doug Wattley (back right) and Jack Phillips (back left), smile as they joke around on “Final Fantasy”. Not only was their show broadcasted on the GBS radio station, WGBK, but also on High School Cube, a high Photo by Katelyn Luckey

“On the radio, obviously no one can see you, so I would try to make them slip up [just for fun]: make weird faces at them, wave at them [and] do stuff like that,” Castelli said. “Now anything like that… I remember Tyler said to Doc [Oswald] that as soon as... the camera started rolling, we instantly started acting more mature.” Mainzer, also unaccustomed to beactions added to what they were saying. “It provides the viewer with the ability to see,” Mainzer said. “If we make a deal or a bet like, ‘this player is going to beat your player’, they can actually see us handshake, which is kind

of cool. It’s different because we have to look more professional, but it’s also nice that they can see what we’re doing while we’re talking.” Cube, they not only made bets, but also discussed topics ranging from previous football games, to their favorite players. They provided their listeners and viewers with a lot of information, but they incorporated humor and disagreed with each other to keep their show interesting, according to Mainzer. Kinsley, believing that disagreements are important in retaining the interest of their audience, instigated many of them. “I’m kind of the bad guy on the show,” Kinsley said. “I disagree with the [other co-hosts] very vehemently on purpose. I remember after our

we agree too much on things. No one wants to watch four people agree on everything [...] Fantasy football is a competition about competition. They want people on the air talking smack, so that’s kind of my role.” In their endeavors to improve their show, they also were able to interview Matthew Berry, ESPN fantasy sports analyst, whom Aki met in New York. “[Berry] had a book signing while I was in New York,” Aki said. “I thought, ‘I listen to his podcast all the time [and] I love watching him on TV’, so I wanted to meet him. I asked him, ‘I have a fantasy football radio show. Could you come on it?’ He gave me his email, [...] and we made it work for Saturday.” Although ESPN does not usually sanction their representatives to make

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appearances on other productions, ESPN allowed the students to interview Berry for Final Fantasy, according to Castelli. because it was just a small show,” Castelli said. “It’s not like some NBC or CBS competitor. It was just some high school scrubs trying to get through.” According to Castelli, the televised debut of “Final Fantasy” was a success and received positive responses from Oswald and students in the advanced radio classes. Castelli feels that he and his co-hosts have great chemistry together, and their improvements to the show worked out well. “Obviously [the show] can always be better, but right now I think our show is the best it’s ever been,” Castelli said.

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sports

Nov. 7, 2014

NCAA needs to pay up for student revenue OPINION

MONEY MANZIEL: autographs. Source: Creative Commons

TYLER AKI asst. sports editor This past spring, college basketball experienced arguably its strangest championship game as Shabazz Napier and the seventh seeded Connecticut Huskies defeated the eighth seeded Kentucky Wildcats. Napier took the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award; however, his play in the tournament was not the only thing that warranted headlines. Days before the championship game, in a postpractice interview, Napier revealed something that captured the attention of the sports world: “I don’t feel student-athletes should get hundreds

enough to support themselves. Many argue that these players, if they stay in college all four years, already receive hundreds of thousands of dollars through scholarships. But what some fail to realize is that, if it were still possible, some of these athletes would like to take the “LeBron James Route” and skip college altogether tract straight out of high school. excludes any shirts using Manziel’s famed nickThe stars of college sports are restricted bename “Johnny Football” or the use of his jersey cause leagues like the NFL and NBA now require number on a shirt. their players to attend college before entering their amateur drafts. If these nuscule in comparison to “I don’t feel student-ath- players suffer career-endthe 72 million dollars made ing injuries in college, the letes should get hundreds of NCAA is potentially costing by the school, the arrival of Manziel caused an increase millions of dollars that thousands of dollars, but […] them of 9 million dollars in revethey could be making while there’s hungry nights and I’m playing professionally. nue for the school and propelled it to 14th on Forbes newly developed trend not able to eat and I still got forANBA list of Most Valuable College prospects to elude to play up to my capabilities.” the “college route” is to play Football teams, after being left out of the top 20 the prefor a year where -Former UConn point guard overseas vious year. Don’t these aththe players can earn money, letes deserve to see some of sign endorsement deals and Shabazz Napier negotiate insurance poliIf college athletes were to be paid, this would cies to protect their future earnings in the event obviously require some kind of split. In 2013, the of an injury. One of these players to skip college University of Texas athletics generated 165.7 milis 2014’s number two overall high school proslion dollars in revenue. Of that, the football team, pect, Emmanuel Mudiay, who committed to play despite not performing to standards, brought in at Southern Methodist University. However, Mu139 million dollars of the 165.7 million dollars, ap- diay reconsidered his decision and dropped his proximately 84 percent of the athletic revenue. basketball scholarship at SMU to play for China’s By this logic, a football player should be makGuangdong Tigers, while earning 1.2 million doling a hefty amount more than a volleyball player. lars for his services, and signed an endorsement Schools should be proportionally distributing the deal with Under Armour. money based on how much each sport brings in. The universities that provide their athletes with ation, why are these athletes required to attend so much, such as practice facilites and special tutors, are entitled to a hefty amount of the revenue tinue to produce star athletes, the NCAA is going because without their assitance, student athletes to have to start feeding these kids their “greens.” would not be able to perform to their potential. On the contrary, these kids are not asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of these kids just need enough to support themselves with basic necessities like food and deserve to have When you walk on the streets and see someone sporting a Texas A&M football jersey with the number two gracing the front and back, the immediate association is with former star quarterback, Johnny Manziel, despite the fact that the name “Manziel” is omitted from the jersey. Last year, according to ESPN, Texas A&M jerseys accu-

of thousands of dollars, but […] there’s hungry nights, and I’m not able to eat and I still got to play up to my capabilities,” Napier said. The poverty of these athletes was exposed as a real conathletes should be paid has come back under the national spotlight. The NCAA acted promptly to Napier’s plea and instituted a meal plan for athletes, both scholarship and walk-ons, which grants them unlimited meals and snacks as a part of their participation in college athletics. While this is a nice supplement to help out those athletes who may lack some of the basic necessities, star college athletes are gold mines for universities, and, by rule, the players are prohibited from seeing a dime of

Logo by Ashley Clark

The Oracle’s monthly Q & A with an athlete that was nominated by the sports editors and voted on by South students.

Finishing off her third year of varsity swimming, junior Connie Chrones hopes

SAM CASEY asst. sports editor Photo by Hanna Bilimoria

What are your goals for the season?

have the State experience from last year, it won’t be as overwhelming. My goals for my breaststroke are to beat last year’s time, as well as going a personal best in my freestyle legs in the relays.

What is something many people don’t know about you? I play the piano. It’s nothing big, but it’s something that I have been [doing] since have annual recitals. It’s a special ability that I have slowly but surely grown to love.

If you won the lottery, what would your

then buying my drink.

If you could play any other sport besides swimming, what would it be and why? I would probably want to [play] volleyball. I used to play volleyball while I was younger, [and I] balanced both swimming and volleyball. But since they are both fall sports, I wasn’t able to try out freshman year. It’s seems like a good team with good people.

What is your favorite part about swimming? The fact that it’s 100 percent you. Swimming is the one thing that helps me get away from the outside problems and only focus on myself and the sport. When you’re it peaceful. I can’t imagine my life without swimming, because it has become who I am and I’m proud of it.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? Listening to my pump up song “Wake Me Up” [by Avici] and bouncing up and down. It sounds silly, but it’s a swimmer thing. Stretching of course and then splashing water on myself before I’m on the blocks. What advice would you give to other GBS athletes? Enjoy the team that you are a part of. GBS is a special school with amazing opportunity you have to improve your skill at your sport. Every practice, every game, every meet, every time the coaches talk to you; it’s all helping you to get better so don’t take it for granted.

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sports

Nov. 7, 2014

Must See Home Games:

ANNIE ACES: Reaching for her toss, senior captain Annie Emme looks to follow through on her serve. This is Emme’s fourth year as an All-Conference player and second year as an All-State player. Photo by Ashley Clark

Emme closes out successful South career TYLER AKI asst. sports editor

“Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” These words uttered by former North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball coach, Jim Valvano, echoed to athletes of all sports and served as a motivating message. One such athlete’s “never-quit” attitude will bring them to the University of Minnesota, next fall. Taking her talents to Minneapolis next school year, is All-State senior tennis player Annie Emme. According to her father, Rob, this message is a lesson that he has instilled in Annie as well as the rest of her siblings. “What we have stressed in our household is battling through adversity,” Rob said. “I have been very proud of her having [fought through] a strained stomach muscle and a strained and she’s just a warrior on the court.” picked up the racquet at age four but was introduced to a lot of sports as a kid. One of the many sports was baseball, where she was often the only girl on the team. She credits the sport for

helping her develop as a tennis player. She eventually stuck with tennis due to her skill as well as

“My uncle is a pro at the Glenview Tennis Club, and I would always go and hit with him,” Annie said. “My dad played [at South] and they were always big on tennis, and I decided that I wanted to go with a sport pretty far.” Annie believes that one of her biggest influences during her high school career was former South tennis player Caroline Ryba, who went on to play at the University of Minnesota, and will be reunited with Annie next fall as teammates for the Golden Gophers. According to Annie, she has known Ryba throughout her tennis career and credits Ryba with helping to bridge the gap from middle school to high school. “Coming into high school, it was awesome knowing [Ryba],”

Annie said. “She taught me so much, because we are totally opposites and our games are totally different.” One of her most memorable moments was facing off against Ryba in the sectional match last year, Annie said. The match lasted three sets and was eventually won by Annie, propelling her to her third state meet in three years. “We were the only ones on the court, and it was dead silent,” Annie said. “The team didn’t know what to do, because they didn’t know to cheer for a certain person so they kind of cheered whenever someone hit a really good shot.” This year, Annie came in 12th in the state series for singles. Although she expected a bet-

“Right away I saw that she was really good and she has proven that she is even better than I thought she was.” -Coach Stephanie Mats

obstacle to overcome when she came down with a high fever the second day of the tournament. Despite this, she never had any doubt that she was going to

school tennis career. “I was going to play no matter what,” Annie said. “I didn’t even think about not playing. I just look back on all the four years and I saw that I had a pretty good four years and I tried not to dwell on the negatives.” Last January, Annie made a verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota. She admits that the decision was tough and mostly based her choice off of the quality of the coaching staff there, but she is also looking forward to some of the bonuses that come with the Minneapolis atmosphere. Stephanie Mats, varsity ten-

Day in and day out of the GBS golf season, sophomore Charlie Nikitas may be found out on the course, hitting little white balls with focus and grit. From his involvement on the varsity team, to his self-taught golf career, Nikitas has been recognized as a top athlete. His passion for the game has led to success in his high school career, winning conference as an individual and playing in the State tournament as an underclassman. According to Nikitas, he played in the number one spot for the varsity team for much of the season, despite a rough start at tryouts. He helped the team to a 10-2 record and three tour-

and accomplished some of the things that [it] accomplished,” sophomore teammate Kevin Paek said. Nikitas individually won the conference tournament at the Glencoe Golf Club, with a score of 70, two under the 72 stroke par. In addition, the GBS men won the conference match as a team, ousting rival New Trier with a cumulative score of 301. “[Winning conference] was probably the biggest win we’ve had as a team, and we beat New Trier, which was awesome,” Nikitas said. Nikitas also advanced to the state tournament this year, after shooting a 77 at sectionals to qualify. It was a crucially close round to make the cut, according to Nikitas. “I was on the 18th hole, and I was six over at that point,” Nikitas said. “I knew that six over would give me a pretty good chance to get to state, and seven over would [make it] tough to get in. I had a 10-foot putt on the last hole to shoot 77, six over,

“I think without Charlie, [the team] wouldn’t be where [it was] and accomplished some of the things that [it] accomplished today.” -sophomore Kevin Paek

invitational of the year, at Rolling Green Country Club. Several real leader for the team. “I think without Charlie, [the team] wouldn’t be where [it was]

and I ended up making that putt which was decisive in [making the cut].” According to Coach Jeff Paek, Nikitas is a great player because of his reliability to come through with a good score for the team. His clutch performances throughout the season kept the South boys in the game and moving forward. “To have that bankable, reliable score, on a consistent basis, is huge for not only the performance of the team, but just the psyche of the team,” Jeff said. Not only does Nikitas strive for success in play, but also for consideration for everything about the game. Jeff recognizes his admirable approach to the game. “The right way, in terms of golf, is a respect you show for the game, a respect

Photo by Ashley Clark

Men’s Basketball vs. Niles West December 9, 7:00 p.m.

Wrestling vs. Niles West December 5, 6:00 p.m.

Photo by Marley Hambourger

to Annie’s very successful high school tennis career. In Mats’ limited time with her, Annie exceeded any expectations Mats had of her. “I [expected] her to be really strong [in the state series],” Mats said. “I just [wanted] her to have a really great last hurrah for her senior year. Right away, I saw that she was really good and she has proven that she is even better than I thought she was in the beginning.”

Nikitas leads team to conference tournament win HANNAH BUCHBAND & JONATHAN LEE staff reporters

Women’s Gymnastics vs. GBN December 4, 5:30 p.m.

you show for the opponent, a respect you show for the coaches, and a respect you show for the course,” Jeff said. “And in all of a class and a dignity that players who get it demonstrate.” His father, Danny Nikitas, also admires the poise with which Charlie plays the game. According to Danny, Charlie exhibits exceptional sportsmanship, even in the toughest and most defeating of situations. “I don’t know if you’ll played with or watched Charlie play that didn’t appreciate the fact that he’s hoping that even the guys he’s playing against do well,” Danny said. “Win or lose, he wants everybody to be happy and successful. Pretty admirable, I think.”

CHIPPIN’ CHARLIE:

Preparing to hit the ball with his wedge, sophomore Charlie Nikitas focuses on his approach. Nikitas placed tournament as an individual. Photo by Anushka Haldar

Men’s Swimming vs. Warren November 10, 9:30 a.m. Photo by Ashley Clark

Women’s Basketball vs. Highland Park December 2, 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Swimming & Diving CSL Invite November 8, 9:00 a.m. Photo by Hanna Bilimoria

sports

Nov. 7, 2014

Libertyville defeats Titans at Sectionals BRECK MURPHY co-sports editor

Titans fall to New Trier FUMBLED FANTASIES: Mourning the end of their season, the Titan’s football team gathered at the thirty yard line to unite as a team. The Trevians defeated GBS 24-14 on Nov. 1. Photo by Marley Hambourger

HANNAH MASON co-sports editor SAM CASEY asst. sports editor

“I wanted to win the game obviously, but I think we did everything we could do.” -senior Sean McDonagh

”

Swimming hopeful for success at State meet JOE LEE & SOPHIE HENSLEY staff reporters

“We’ve been practicing a lot of racing and working on not getting touched out in the end.” -senior Kelly Cordes

ON GUARD: Blocking an attack from an Evanston player, seniors Shannon Carrol and Catie Weinman protect the Titan’s court. The Titans beat Evanston on Oct. 22 and currently have a record of 30-8. Photo by Ashley Clark

MAKING WAVES: Perfecting her freestyle stroke, senior Katie Wells holds state records in the 200 and 400 yard freestyle relays. The Titans placed second in the Titan Relay meet on Oct. 18. Photo by Hanna Bilamoria