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‘EDUCATION IS OUR RIGHT’

FIRED UP: Leading a chant for fellow marchers, sisters Tamia Ellis, fourth grade, and Desiree Lopez, sixth grade, participate in the West Side branch of the Chicago Teachers Union’s three-day march. Current students at Lief Ericson Academy, Ellis and Lopez will be relocated to Sumner Elementary School if the Chicago Board of Education votes to close 54 schools on May 22. Photo by Wyatt Richter

CTU organizes three-day march against school closings Julia Jacobs & Camille (CJ) Park

co-editors in chief The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) executed a three-day march in protest of the proposed closings of 54 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) May 18-20.

Teachers, parents, students and community members gathered to tour 29 of the elementary schools slated for closure in an attempt to affect the Board of Education’s deciding vote May 22.

According to CPS, they are experienc-

ing a $1 billion deficit fueled by an underutilization of schools; while they support facilities with a capacity for 511,000 students, there is a student population of 403,000, a CPS press release reported.

According to CPS Space Utilization Standards, for a school to be at maximum capacity, there must be at least 30 students per classroom.

Jen Johnson, teacher at Lincoln Park High School and marcher, believes that the utilization system is flawed because it fails to take into account the situations

at each school, targeting schools on the South and West Side that have already experienced massive school closings.

“They need to study the system and make up a master plan before they do major actions like this,” Johnson said.

“There are other things that could be done, other revenues that can be found.”

A common example of situations this utilization formula does not take into account is special education, according to

See CPS page 3

senior editor After the conclusion of the 12-week district technology pilot, the Board of Education is hearing a case for the implementation of a wider pilot during the 2013-2014 school year, according to David Jakes, South’s technology supervisor.

Jakes said the Board will make a final decision in the next few weeks.

The proposed pilot involves all freshmen and sophomore students receiving ChromeBooks for the duration of the school year, as the recent pilot found that the ChromeBook was a more effective learning tool than the Nexus 7 tablet,

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Jakes said. The eventual goal, according to Jakes, is that all students in the district will have their own device, creating an atmosphere referred to as “one-to-one,” as each person has the same device in his or her hand.

“What I hope is that we move forward, we start with freshmen and sophomores, get devices into the hands of kids and grow the program over time as we understand more about how those devices impact teaching and learning,” Jakes said.

Jakes said that a team of four district employees has recently presented at two Board meetings regarding the pilot they want to host next year. The team includes Jakes; Ryan Bretag, Jakes’ counterpart at

North; Dr. Kim Ptak, district director of operations and purchasing; and Marcus Thimm, district chief technology officer.

According to Jakes, a final decision about the pilot will be made definitely before the end of the school year, but the Board of Education has a variety of questions about the team’s proposal.

“They ask questions about why freshmen and sophomores [are included] and not juniors and seniors,” Jakes said. “The sequence of events, the way in which it’s rolled out, is something they are concerned about and how we progress in the future with that.”

See TECH PILOT page 2

OPINIONS SENIORS FEATURES

REVISITED

In Issue 1, The Oracle explored the issues surrounding the conditions of the mobile park Sunset Village. Eight months later, The Oracle checks up on the situation.

Camille Park

co-editor in chief

Proposed technology pilot provides all underclassmen with device Kathryn Jaslikowski

SUNSET VILLAGE

Zoë Shancer

senior editor Glenview’s mobile home park, Sunset Village, will be operating under a new owner, October Investment Properties, LLC. According to Chris Iosello, Sunset Village resident, the conditions of the park have been untenable for the past decade.

“The water’s still polluted, the streetlights are still out and the roads are still a mess,” Iosello said. “More houses have been removed that were sold at auctions.”

In order to control the severe conditions, Sunset Village residents attempted to make a cooperative purchase of the

See SUNSET page 3

A&E

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news

May 24, 2013

Nomination rewards Wojcik for ‘Golden’ teaching career Georgia Arvanitis

staff reporter Band Director Greg Wojcik was nominated to receive the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes teachers who excel in making the classroom a strong learning environment for students.

According to a District 225 newsletter, the finalists were selected from 510 nominations and 215 applications. Wojcik made it to the top 32 finalists but did not make it to the top 10. According to Wojcik it was still an honor to be in the top 32.

“I was nominated by somebody in the profession that thinks that I am an exceptional teacher,” Wojcik said. “I was [one of] the last 32 people and they pick 10 out of those and unfortunately I was not [chosen].”

According to Gloria Harper, Chief Program Officer, the Golden Apple Award recognizes teachers who contribute to building a stronger and educated society.

“Golden Apple selects teachers who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession,” Harper said.

Many of Wojcik’s students agree that he fits these criteria. According to senior Tom Moscinski, a trumpet player who had Wojcik as a teacher for all four years of high school, Wojcik’s experience with music and teaching are a valuable asset to the classroom.

“He knows everything there is, all aspects of music,” Moscinski said. “He knows when to be a teacher, he knows when to be a friend and he knows when to be a mentor.”

According to junior Bridget Nelson, flute player, Wojcik is a very inspiring teacher who wants the best for his students and always has fun with the class.

“Wojcik is very motivating and creates

COMMENDABLE CONDUCTOR: Rehearsing with his Symphonic Winds class, Band Director Greg Wojcik prepares the band for their performance in the Memorial Day parade. As one of 32 finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, Wojcik was observed teaching by the Golden Apple’s selection committee, according to a District 225 newsletter. Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

a fun and challenging environment in his class,” Nelson said.

Wojcik gets to work with Aaron Wojcik, his son and assistant band director, on a daily basis. According to Aaron, his father is a true inspiration.

“He is the perfect balance [between] educator and musician, which I think is one of the main aspects [of what] inspires the students here,” Aaron said.

TECH PILOT, continued from front

According to Jakes, the team decided to implement the pilot for freshmen and sophomores because they are the students most likely to have had prior experience with devices in the classroom.

“Mostly all of our feeder districts are one-to-one, so […] we don’t want to have kids have the devices in middle school and then come here and have nothing and have less of an experience,” Jakes said.

Principal Dr. Brian Wegley said that he is confident the Board will pass the pilot.

He stressed the importance of having a one-to-one setting established in school for two reasons.

“One, it levels the playing field, and we will no longer have some of our financially challenged families without the op-

portunity to utilize the Internet and utilize technology to further their learning,” Wegley said. “Two, [...] I think the concept of what we can do inside a classroom, of what we can do educationally, with the tool in everybody’s hands, that is really going to be a positive experience.”

Wegley acknowledged that although the pilot will be extremely beneficial, it will take a lot of preparation in terms of student and staff development and ease with the devices.

“It’s impossible to become ubiquitous users in a one-to-one environment without professional development, so there needs to be a solid transition plan, which is what our administration and our board will be talking about in the next few

According to Jeffrey Yordy, horticulture teacher and former Golden Apple Nominee, the recognition by those outside of South makes teachers feel appreciated.

Yordy congratulated Wojcik on his nomination.

“I’m so proud of [Wojcik],” Yordy said.

“He’s done so much great here for so long.”

Wojcik has taught at South for 31 years

and currently teaches all Concert Bands and Marching Band. According to Moscinski, Wojcik has made the band what it is today.

“The band plays at a lot of school related events, whether it be basketball or football games, school assemblies or parades,” Moscinski said. “[Wojcik] really likes to get the band involved and brings out the essence of what South spirit is.”

months,” Wegley said.

According to Jakes, the teachers that were part of the 12-week pilot will have a large impact in training the faculty for wider pilots. Kim Kiraly, consumer science teacher, was one of the participating teachers and said that she saw a major improvement in engagement as a result of her Child Development 261 class utilizing the devices.

“I think it really opened up a chance for students to be able to shine in moments when they were able to figure something out that we were still learning as teachers,” Kiraly said. “It kind of created this sense of a learning community, which was a really strong place for students to feel empowered and to feel like they had

a voice and that they could contribute to a class and a program.”

The question is not if the district will go one-to-one but when it will, according to Kiraly. Kiraly said she hopes that the shift is sooner rather than later so that students are adequately prepared for a world becoming more and more dependent on technology.

“When you go to college or go on to whatever training you’re going to get after high school, you need to be given skills to really know how to academically and safely be a digital citizen,” Kiraly said. “I think [that] those are skills that we [need] to make prepared, 21st-century, global citizens out of our students, and we need to be making one-to-one a reality.”

Pilot perspectives: students participating in this year’s technology pilot share experiences Maeve Hanrahan

Shawn Kurian

Senior in Child Development and Media Collage

Senior in AP Chemistry

“Even though I had [the pilot] technically for Chemistry, I used it a lot in other classes [...] With the tablet, I actually did not use it that much for my classes, I used it mostly for fun. [...] The ChromeBook is a lot more versatile. I used it a lot more during classes [and] lunch too because it’s easier to work with to [work] online [or] with documents.”

“The ChromeBook is really good and I think it’s awesome to have a device for kids who can’t afford their own devices. I personally don’t have my own laptop so it was really helpful to have [a device] so I can work on my assignments and stuff [and] I don’t have to come to school early.”

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May 24, 2013

CPS, continued from front

SUNSET, continued from front

Maggie Servais, special education teacher at Bethune Elementary School.

According to Servais, the legal limit for a special education room is 18 students with two paraprofessionals; however, special education rooms are still accountable for 30 students.

On May 15, CPS parents filed a class action lawsuit in federal court, challenging the school closures based on violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Civil Rights Act, according to the CTU. The parents argue that the closings will discriminate against African-American students, disproportionately affecting 23 percent of the African-American student population.

Bethune Elementary, located on MESSAGE BEARER: Marching in a rally against the impending closing of 54 Chicago schools, fourth grader Chicago’s West side, is 98.4 percent AfAlayna Barba carries a sign to reinforce the movement’s message. Although Barba’s school, Saint Turibius, is rican-American and is on the schoolnot scheduled to be closed, Barba and her family chose to demonstrate support for the movement on Sunclosing list. According to CPS, the avday. Photo by Wyatt Richter erage increase in walking distance from their home to their school building the twins, Chicago Mayor Rahm Eman- Sumner Elementary. will be less than two blocks. Post-closure, uel visited their school back in 2008 and Emanuel asserted that consolidating Bethune will be used as a bus stop for stu- later sent them a letter promising that he schools is the best option for students, dents to be shuttled 12 blocks to Gregory wouldn’t shut down Bethune. and that schools will receive the resources Elementary, according to Servais.

“I just feel like, if you came to our they need in order to thrive and succeed.

One of parents’ biggest concerns school and met the kids to see how good “Make no mistake, we have a challengis transporting their children to new we’re progressing, [...] why would you ing road ahead, but we will not shy away schools; students who cannot afford a bus close down schools that you know [are] from a challenge that will better our stuwill walk a route that is not through resi- doing good?” Dion said. “You’re just van- dents’ chances to reach their full potendential streets, but freeways, abandoned dalizing everybody’s education.” tial,” Emanuel said. lots and gang territory. CPS responded to CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett reconOn May 20, marchers like the Ellisthese concerns by stationing firefighters ciles the concerns about safe passage, dis- es joined in a mass rally at Daley Plaza, along the routes for the first three weeks crimination and flawed determinations of just five floors below Emanuel’s office, of the closures in addition to funneling $8 underutilization with a guarantee of im- having earlier delivered petitions with million into Safe Passage, a program in proved quality of education. over 10,000 signatures to City Hall. Afwhich parent volunteers stand on street “By consolidating these schools, we can ter speeches, chants and songs, the crowd corners in the effort to protect child com- focus on successfully transitioning every streamed out of the plaza to encircle City muters. For Charice Patterson, mother of child into a better performing school close Hall with enough demonstrators to link a Bethune student, this promise of protec- to their current school,” Byrd-Bennett arms around the entire structure. tion is not sufficient. said in a press release. “Each welcoming In her speech, CTU President Karen “My son, he’s not going to go to Greg- school will have the things that parents, Lewis rallied for the formation of an electory because I don’t like the area down teachers and CPS agree students need, ed Board of Education, voting Emanuel there,” Patterson said. “It’s bad-–there’s such as a library with new books and dig- out of office and extending movement fighting and there are drugs all over the ital materials, air conditioning, computer that would not end with the closure of the school. My boy’s not going there anyway. and science technology upgrades, coun- 54 schools, an issue that was voted on afThat’s not an option for him.” seling and social work support.” ter The Oracle went to press.

Dion and Dionta Grayson, Bethune Crystal Ellis’ biggest concern is uproot“And no matter what happens on eighth graders, recognize that Gregory ing her three daughters from Lief Ericson Wednesday, it is not over,” Lewis said. is ranked higher as a “Level One” aca- Academy, a magnet school in which she “And I want to tell you one more thing: demic school, while Bethune is a “Level says her children are thriving academi- never, ever let somebody else define you Three” school, yet still don’t understand cally and socially. Crystal’s fourth grader by a number, by a name, by a color, by a how the district can close their school af- Tamia fears a new cycle of bullying and sign, by a school closing. We define ourter the turnaround in 2008. According to a loss of friends at the receiving school selves. We are a success.”

park; however, they were unable to buy the property.

Rising rent costs have forced many families out of the village. This uncertainty and instability of housing worries junior Sydney Iosello, daughter of Chris, who is still unsure if she’ll be able to continue her schooling at South.

“Worse comes to worse, I’ll have to transfer,” Sydney said. “That kind of interferes [with] my college choices.”

Chris described the unaltered conditions of the mobile home community from the last eight months.

“It’s not getting any better and it’s not getting any worse,” Chris said. “All the [Village of Glenview] officials have known about the situation here, in some cases, like with the bad water, for over a decade. They haven’t done much of really anything.”

According to Mike Vilches, president of the Sunset Village Residents’ Association, the future owner of the park, October Investment Properties, indicated that they are willing to ameliorate the conditions of the community.

“The ball’s in the court of the new owners,” Vilches said. “They have said at our meetings that they see Sunset Village being one of the best parks in the country. We’re there to help, to facilitate the new building of Sunset Village into something better.”

Chris explained the difference between Sunset Village and other, more prosperous communities in Glenview.

“If financial things that were happening to us were happening in a more affluent neighborhood, it would be frontpage news on every paper,” Chris said.

“Poor people really don’t have a voice, they don’t have the ability to hire a legal counsel, [or] to meet with the press very often.”

Vilches, although unaware of what exactly the future entails, stressed the strong sense of community among Sunset Village.

“We are part of the Glenview community,” Vilches said. “We’ve never seen ourselves apart from Glenview and we just hope that people will continue to support us in the coming years because sometimes we’re uncertain as to what’s really going to happen.”

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May 24, 2013

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

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

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

editors in chief Julia Jacobs Camille (CJ) Park

news editor Carolyn Kelly

opinions editor Sally You

features editors

Elisa Kim Madison O’Brien

a&e editor

Shea Anthony

sports editor

Rachel Chmielinski

web editors

Mary Friedman Ben Kraus

illustrations editor Ellen Takagi

photos editor Wyatt Richter

asst. web

Kelsey Pogue Madeleine Salah

senior editors

Maddie Abrams John Adkisson Tammy Craven Sarah Jaleel Kathryn Jaslikowski Rachel Mann Bailey Monte Emma Sailer Faith Savaiano Zoë Shancer Ethan Spalding

adviser

Marshall Harris

Letters to the Editor We would love to hear from you! Write a letter to the editor at gbsoracle@gmail.com.

The editorial board reserves the right to edit letters, being careful not to alter intent.

Signed letters may be published anonymously with the consent of the letter writer, the adviser, and the editors in chief.

The editorial expresses the opinion of the majority of the editorial board and not necessarily that of the publisher, adviser, school administration or staff.

editorial

Students should be proactive about cafeteria needs Among the 2,747 students at South this school year, 567 receive lunch free or at a reduced price. That means that unless they want to pay money out-of-pocket, 21 percent of the student body must purchase the Value Meal for lunch every day.

The Oracle Editorial Board wants to inform free and reduced students that Quest Food Services is willing to be flexible in order to serve their best interests. In order to take advantage of this flexibility, however, students must be willing to approach Quest employees to discuss improving their situations.

For those who are unaware, the Value Meals are situated in the northwest corner of the cafeteria in between the sandwich sub-station and French fries. Each day, the Value Meal offers three choices for lunch: a sandwich, a hot entrée, or a salad complete with a choice of juice or milk.

According to William Cadman, regional director of Quest Food Services, any free or reduced student can get 8 oz. of the salad bar or a bowl of pasta if their situation demands it.

The Oracle Editorial Board commends Cadman, and Quest by extension, for making this an option. If free or reduced students face difficulty with eating the Value Meal every day for any reason, they should know that they should approach Susan Chait (pictured above right), Cadman’s administrative assistant, or Alfredo Saucedo (pictured below right), South’s kitchen supervisor, to discuss their situation and try to find a solution.

To some free and reduced students, including freshman Danielle De Los Santos, the Value Meal is simply not enough to keep her going through the day. According to De Los Santos, the free meals she received at Springman Middle School even trumped the ones at South. “[My parents] get mad at me because I always ask for money because I don’t like the Value Meal,” De Los Santos said.

Senior Meagan Fayman, like De Los Santos, must pay money out-of-pocket to buy water because the Value Meal program only offers milk and juice. Fayman has received free meals almost every day during her four years at South and believes that if she had known she could make arrangements with Quest’s FRIENDLY FACES: For Susan Chait, administrative assistant (top), and Kitchen Superviser Alfredo Saucedo staff to get salad or pasta, she would have. (bottom), South students are at the top of their priority list. According to Cadman, if a student with financial The current Value Meal system is a vast im- or dietary restrictions feels that Quest Food Services can do something to improve their situations, Chait and provement compared to the system that exist- Saucedo are the first people they should talk to. Photos by Wyatt Richter (top) and Julia Jacobs (bottom) ed prior to the 2008-2009 school year, according to Assistant Principal Gary Freund. Before the recession hit and Quest. If there is a demand for foods such as soy milk, gluten-free the demand for Value Meals rose, free and reduced students had bread or veggie burgers, Quest is willing to supply it. only one choice for lunch: a hot entrée. Prior to the implementation For sophomore Martina Dragoytchev, the biggest challenge is of the ‘food court’ style cafeteria, those students had to stand in a knowing whether the cafeteria food, especially the Chinese and separate line from the rest, making it difficult for them to keep the Mexican options, have peanuts or dairy. On days when she forgets fact that they received financial assistance private. to pack her lunch and doesn’t feel like continuing the monotony of a Considering that it is a part of Quest’s contract to provide the Val- deli sandwich every day, she skips lunch altogether. The Oracle Ediue Meals to free and reduced students free of charge, the expansion torial Board believes one solution to this problem would be to put a of the Value Meals program demonstrates Quest’s willingness to put sign on display that reads “nut-free” or “dairy-free” to allow stustudents’ well being above the business’s best interests. dents with allergies to feel secure with their choices.

Past efforts have shown that Cadman is genuine when he urges Dragoytchev knows that if Quest supplied soy milk, she would students like De Los Santos and Fayman to approach his staff with choose it often and believes that her friends with other food allertheir concerns. The Oracle Editorial Board wants all free or reduced gies such as gluten intolerance would purchase substitutes as well. students to know that Cadman is open to making accommodations “We could put gluten-free bread in the deli, but if the kids who for students but, ultimately, the ball is in their court. need it don’t come up and ask about it, it’s going to sit there and Cadman recalls a time when he granted an athlete’s request to get rot,” Cadman said. “It’s a business too, so I have to, again, put the two Value Meal entrees because his athletic schedule necessitated onus back on the kids.” more sustenance. The process is simple: each day, the student would The Oracle Editorial Board sees great potential in a group of active go to the same cashier who knew about his arrangement. students voicing the needs of a larger group of free and reduced stu“The way we look at it- and this is honest to God’s truth- I look at dents as well as students with dietary restrictions. If you would like the kids here like they’re my kids,” Cadman said. “If [a] kid [comes] to be one such student, do not hesitate to e-mail The Oracle at gbinto the cafeteria and they want something special, we’re supposed soracle@gmail.com or Cadman at wcadman@glenbrook225.org. Reto take care of them.” member that complaints are futile when they are not coupled with Along that same vein, students with food allergies should under- action; with Quest doing all it can to do what’s best for students, stand that they, too, have the power to make accommodations with students must do the same for themselves.

opinions

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May 24, 2013

Letter to my freshman self: learning to accept imperfection

has all been so worth it.

At just 14, you are so fortunate to have such a meaningful relationship in your near future, but don’t skip the weird ones that happen in between. That phase in your life is crucial.

Meeting Peter and your devotion to The Oracle help you learn that there are other things in life that are important besides your GPA. You decide that Bailey Monte walking around angry and paralyzed by stress senior editor just isn’t for you. You take a class for regular credit; you accept a “C” in math.

You study for the ACT and finally realize that Dear Bailey, a 35 just isn’t going to happen. And that is okay.

You are heading into your freshman year and I’m pret- Because I’ll let you in on a little secret—your ty sure you think that you’ve got it all figured out. I’m wildest college dreams come true. You exhere to tell you—you don’t. Everyone who told you that perience incredible success without a 5.0 and a freakishly high ACT you would blink and high school would be score. over was right, but I’ll tell you something No matter how But do you know what they failed to mention: you have no idea independent you do have? Balance. You how much can change in four short years. find happiness and learn to You are so serious. You are so caught up and mature you devote your energy to what in perfection and desperately afraid of failyou are truly passionate ure. Anything short of a 5.0 GPA is unac- feel, sometimes ceptable in your mind. you are forced to about.

Despite being a know-itYou’re enrolled in all honors and Chemall freshman, one thing that Phys. You won’t listen to those who are tell- confront things you are right about is that ing you not to do that to yourself and you’ll that are out of high school never becomes regret it later, but I promise it all works out. your “thing.” You will never Your epiphany about what it means to be your control. be one of those people who de“perfect” is spurred by an unlikely event.

Toward the end of your sophomore year, despite your scribe it as the greatest years of their lives.

You really, really, struggle at times. You have to frustration and desperation to escape high school, you deal with some problems that seem unfair to you. fall madly in love.

Before meeting Peter, you had written off any and Sophomore year, clenched by sadness and anger, all possibilities of dating somebody worthwhile in high you stop being friends with your two best friends. school. And perhaps you were justified in your cynicism You are almost completely alone.

And then, someone offers you help and, for the after your various experiences of either being used and hurt, or bored to death by the boys you knew; your feel- first time in your life, you accept it. You succumb to the possibility that no matter how independent and ings were understandable.

He manages to surpass your greatest expectations and mature you feel—sometimes you are forced to conhelps you realize that you don’t have to settle. He teaches front things that are out of your control.

Eventually, the parties that so many live for in you to love, but more importantly, to love yourself. It has been a long journey, with plenty of ups and downs, but it high school no longer interest you. Your relation-

ship helps you realize that there are better ways to spend your time than getting drunk in someone’s basement. Peter helps you to grow up and find true happiness.

On a lighter note, you stop wearing those stupid fringe boots and short shorts that practically show your butt cheeks to school. Luna, your now-12-year-old dog, is still alive and well despite your neurotic calculations that she would be dead by now. You no longer hate your parents (most days). Your baby siblings have all grown up so quickly; it is so sad, while simultaneously being so, so, amazing.

The people you think you’ll always be friends with will change. Eventually you find your way back to friends who you really love and appreciate, friends who support you and who you can confide in.

Another important lesson comes when you discover the dangers of depending on somebody else for your happiness. You learn the importance of remaining independent within a relationship and you learn that being alone isn’t something to fear.

You navigate high school on your own terms; you play by your own rules. You stop worrying about pleasing those around you.

You now accept yourself for who you are and you make no apologies for being that person.

All of this is only possible if you try your best to seize every opportunity presented to you and work on becoming a better version of yourself every single day, so I encourage you to do so.

Smile, you have so much to look forward to in life.

Bailey Rose FROSH FACED: Oblivious to the years ahead of her, 14 yearold Bailey Monte poses for her mother on the first day of freshman year. Monte’s goals and expectations changed significantly during her time as a South student. Photo courtesy of Bailey Monte

Abercrombie & Fitch displays lack of respect for individuality

Chris Callahan

columnist Imagine this: you apply for work at the Dairy Bar down

by Glenview Road. You do fine in the interview and get hired. Two days in, you’re fired and told that you’re “too ugly to work here.”

Pretty far-fetched, right? Not so fast. In the past few years, there have been several allegations of discrimination in hiring against the clothing brand Hollister and its parent company Abercrombie and Fitch.

Take the example of Jennifer Lu, a UC Irvine student who claimed that she and several other Asian-Americans were fired from Abercrombie because of their ethnicity.

If you don’t believe it, take it from one of South’s own.

Junior Shea Anthony recently interviewed for a job at Hollister, and even before the interview her recruitment was about her looks, not her experience.

“I felt really pressured to look good because when the girl who recruited me messaged me on Facebook, she was like, ‘My manager told me to tell my attractive friends to apply to Hollister, and I showed my boss your picture and he said you were perfect for it,’” Anthony said.

It’s all about the “look policy.” An article in the Guardian describes how Hollister stores require that all employees “represent Abercrombie & Fitch with natural, classic American style, consistent with the company’s brand” and “look great while exhibiting individuality.”

The problem with this policy lies in the question: who gets to decide what looks “great”? Whether a woman is ALL-AMERICAN ARMY: Provoking controversy over Abercrombie’s beauty standards on employment and marketing, CEO Mike Jeffries asserts that only “attractive” individuals deserve to wear their clothing. proprcopy.com (left) and blogs.citypages.com (right)

Asian or white doesn’t matter to me, and I’m sure plenty of other people share my views. Why should Abercrombie managers decide what looks “great” and what “exhibits individuality”?

Regarding looks, workers like Anthony should not be recruited for Abercrombie; absolutely no one is in control of how a Hollister manager judges employees’ appearance, and they should not be denied a job because of it.

But Hollister and Abercrombie’s problems don’t stop there. I’m sure many of you have noticed the recent proliferation of articles about Hollister and Abercrombie refusing to carry women’s clothes in XL or XXL sizes.

Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries recently described how “we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong.”

I don’t think I’m the only one that gagged at this comment. Abercrombie’s clothing sizes have the same problems as their hiring policies. Why should Jeffries get to determine whether a woman is “cool” or “attractive”?

But even more than that, Abercrombie assumes that

people who wear extra-large clothing aren’t attractive and don’t belong. This is a disgusting, overt form of discrimination against even the slightly overweight.

What are teenage girls supposed to think when they’re told by a major clothing brand that they’re “not cool enough” to wear their clothes because of their body size?

But of course, Abercrombie still provides men’s clothing in XL and XXL, probably so bulked-up athletes can still wear their clothes.

Male athletes are worth it, but teenage girls aren’t? Especially when 17 percent of children aged 2 through 19 are considered overweight or obese. Abercrombie’s policies are flat-out absurd.

My proposal is that you and I boycott Abercrombie and Hollister stores. I know this is pretty drastic, but what matters more? The brand name on your clothes, or discrimination against “unattractive” women and salespeople who don’t “exhibit individuality”?

Twenty years ago, people might have chosen the clothes, but things have changed, and our society has come a long way since then. There is no place for this kind of discrimination.

“A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong.”

-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries

6

reviews

May 24, 2013

the great gatsby impresses on the big screen Emma Sailer senior editor

The only thing more elaborate than the life of Jay Gatsby is Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of it on the big screen.

Earlier this month, The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic 1925 novel, was released in theaters worldwide.

As every upperclassmen in this school knows, The Great Gatsby is the story of Nick Carraway’s (Tobey Maguire) summer on Long Island living next to Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a mysterious WWI veteran who lives a high-class life. We soon learn that Gatsby has been in love with Nick’s cousin Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) since a relationship they shared one summer prior to the war. It’s a tale of old love and new love, old money and new money and most importantly “the orgastic future” and how to achieve the unattainable.

I was surprised by how flawlessly the movie followed the novel. The film has been portrayed as a very artsy adaptation, so I assumed some plot would be twisted to accommodate Luhrmann’s vision.

The film also focused on telling the story from Nick’s point of view, emphasizing the effect that Gatsby and the ignorant rich had on him as he spirals into a deep

“You want anything, you just ask for it, old sport.”

-Jay Gatsby

alcohol-fueled depression after his summer with them.

There is no ignoring the symbolism and hidden meaning by Fitzgerald’s incredible work in the film.

Luhrmann did a great job of representing every symbol and theme from the “green light” to the the role of women in the ‘20s.

The film, however, has received mixed reviews thus far. The key to enjoying the movie is remembering that you are seeing a Luhrmann adaptation of the novel.

Like his other notable works, Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge, the film tells the story with a certain flair.

Of course in the film, Gatsby’s parties include girls in flapper dresses and bob cuts, but they’re dancing to dubstep, not ‘20s-era jazz.

Standing on its own, the soundtrack looks more like a playlist that your average teenager would really enjoy, featuring artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce and Florence and the Machine. It was great music, but after seeing Gatsby in a three-piece suit driving a Duesenberg Model J, I was always a little surprised to hear rap in the background. The music tended to fit the scene but it always felt a little out of place.

Putting aside the unconventional way the story is told at times, my only problem with the film was the cinematography. The camera would whip from one angle to another very quickly, or it would switch between

“That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

-Daisy Buchanan

two, back and forth.

For example, in the scene when we first meet Daisy and her brute of a husband Tom (Joel Edgerton) when Nick goes to their house for dinner, the camera switches back and forth from an aerial shot, to an eye-level shot and back and forth again. The attempt at being “artsy” was completely lost because I was beginning to get a headache.

Despite its flaws, the acting and scenery made up for anything too over-the-top. With an all-star cast it’s no surprise that the acting was top-notch. I even enjoyed Maguire’s performance whom I usually find irritating as an actor. The film is also very visually pleasing (think bright and shimmery) which entranced me in the love story.

Overall, I felt the film was a surprisingly enjoyable modern adaptation. Compared to Romeo and Juliet (which I couldn’t get through the first few times), this Luhrmann adaptation fairly represented the story as a whole, not just the love story.

“I’m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.”

-Nick Carraway

media.theweek.com, static.guim.co.uk, slate.com

Vampire Weekend’s new album retains original style, adds fresh vibe Will Gould

music critic Vampire Weekend has been making waves with their indie-pop sound since forming in 2006 after meeting at Columbia University in New York City. Their first two records, Vampire Weekend, released in 2008; and Contra, released in 2009, both were certified gold, and 2013’s Modern Vampires of the City is primed to do the same.

When musical artists establish themselves within a certain niche, it always causes trouble when they go to release new music. They are left with two choices: stick to their tried and true sound and be criticized for “recycling material,” or change things up and have fans bemoan them for “losing touch with their roots.”

Thankfully, Vampire Weekend has managed to toe that line, bringing a fresh new perspective to their trademarked, happy guitar-pop.

This balance between new and old is showcased in the first song, “Obvious Bicycle.” While this song is distinctly Vampire Weekend, as ethnic percussion and dissonant backing vocals abound, there is undoubtedly a new tone.

This song take things slow, and lead singer Ezra Koenig wails in a tearful falsetto every time the chorus comes around. The final piano progression suggests a faucet running dry as the song stumbles to a halt, and leaves the listener feeling as though they should be shuffling their feet and staring at the ground.

Listening to the lyrics on Modern Vampires of the City, it is again clear that Vampire Weekend has put the incessant cheerfulness on a leash. The song “Finger Back” begins each and every verse with the fairly gruesome mantra: “Bend the finger back/Snap/Break

your hip, break your toe/Break it ‘til your left hand’s straight.” While this seems gross enough on its own, the last bridge is simply the word “blood” repeated some 16 times.

While this sort of gratuitous sadness and gore may be seen as a corny attempt at depth by some other band, make no mistake: Vampire Weekend has succeeded in creating a few melancholy songs that are actually not boring or trite.

Of course, “Obvious Bicycle” and “Finger Back” fall into this category, but make sure to give “Don’t Lie” and the single “Ya Hey” a spin if you are bummed out, or want to be bummed out.

On the other hand, don’t listen to “Ya Hey.” It gets its name from the backing vocal on the chorus, a loop of someone saying, you guessed it, “ya hey” over and

over again, but put through so many digital filters that it is pitched up to a mouse-like squeak. It will drive you crazy.

Optimists, fear not. Vampire Weekend has not completely abandoned their happy-go-lucky demeanor.

“Diane Young,” a clever play on the words “dying young,” will have you smiling and tapping your feet within seconds. A YOLO anthem, this trippy trap-infused rock anthem is sure to be heard blaring from every car window.

Graphic by Evan Richter

7

May 24, 2013

seniors

Senior superlatives, according to The Oracle Editorial Board: MOST LIKELY TO...

Get married

Maeve Hanrahan and Joey Harrington

Form a boy band

Jeff Collins, Will Gould, Mitch Veytsel, Anthony Ivankovich

Julio Santos-de Soto

Be late to graduation

Isaac Jarava

8

May 24, 2013

Be Fraternity & Sorority pledge class presidents Maddie Abrams & Jack Washburn

seniors

Grace Pittner

Have eight kids

Rachel Tiedmann

Be Mr. Mom

Return to South as a faculty member

Morgan Nolan, Hannah Gruenberg, Molly Campobasso, Maggie Cunningham, Maria Giannetos, and Jenna Appel (Left to Right)

David Colston

OF THE NORTH SHORE | SEASON 13

seniors

May 24, 2013

Go commando at Become a member graduation of the GPD

Av Kahane

9

Mary Friedman Nick Loggarakis

Be the subject of T-Swift’s next album

Funniest...

Middle school couple

addicted2jonas

dramaqun1121

gottaloveusher7

Middle school screennames

Carly Sands, Emily Mitchell & Melanie McNulty

Sebastian Bobrowski & Emma Sailer

10

seniors

May 24, 2013

. . . k c a b g n ki

Loo

Photo by Evan Richter

I would tell younger students...

My biggest accomplishment in high school...

“Hopefully I will be teaching a high school special education class” - Taylor Sharwell

“I wouldn’t tell them anything. I think its really important to make your own mistakes and learn from them” - Erika Fridenbergs

“Getting Ms. Brown to say hello to me in the morning. It took that beautiful lady three years to come around.” - Chris Jenkins

“Working for Danny Moore” - Corey Levin

“‘Haha, you’re still in high school...’” - Alex Krueger

“Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout” - Andrew Peterson

The person who had the most influence on me in high school was...because...

“Señora Wright! Because of her inspiration I’ll be going to Romania this summer to help with a children’s camp, visit orphanages, and travel through the country! If it wasn’t for her crazy stories and encouragement I wouldn’t be who I am today” - Claudia Vanciu

“I got involved in things too late. I joined speech my senior year, got involved in the Drama Department my junior year. I feel like I missed out on a lot by not putting myself out there sooner“ - Megan Clarke “Not having the courage to speak my mind until this year. There were people who bullied others while I passively watched” - Gabby Gottfried

I’ll miss...when I’m away next year.

“The cafeteria cookies” - Carolyn Nash “Having my own bathroom” - Alex Piechowicz “Getting the GBS student discount at Chop it Up” - Julia Balling

MICHAEL MAGINOT

ANNIE ENGELS

freshman senior

Most changed:

“Mrs. Rogers. During high school, I was forced to face many emotional obstacles. She helped me get through them in a peaceful manner. I could talk to her about anything - both school and family/friends related [issues]. She knows everything about me, and that made it easier for her to give me the best advice to face difficult situations” - AnnMarie Chengazhacherril

My biggest regret is...

“Being a three sport athlete for all four years of high school” - Katie Dwyer

My favorite memory from the last four years of high school...

“Being able to see everybody in their college T-Shirt [on May Day] and being able to see how happy they were to be able to continue their path to further their education“ - Justin Ruderman “During student council, I had to use Shellard’s laptop to print something out, so I sat in his chair to access his computer. Suddenly I felt something grab my leg from under his desk, causing me to scream at the top of my lungs. Lo and behold, there was another student council member with a pillow and a blanket--sleeping under Shellard’s desk” - Noor Abdulmassih

MICHAEL JOBSKI

“In a serious relationship, out of grad school, and working for a bank” - Ben Ach

KORRI HERSHENHOUSE

In 10 years I will be...

seniors

11

May 24, 2013

Illinois Colleges

University of Illinois Chicago Eastern Illinois Oakton Community College Georgene Acquaah University Ashley Abbatiello Northwestern University Francesca Hebert Victor Balan Sebastian Bobrowski Mack Blajda Korri Hershenhouse University of Illinois Andrea Cabrera James Chang Jovan Kangrga Urbana-Champaign Kieran Conaghan Yeana Cho Leah Perri Jordyn Altit Eric Deloya Sun A Choi Jordan Scherer Kim Bernstein Meagan Fayman Vince Elackattu Illinois Institute Josh Schwartz-Dodek Aadil Bhatti Zlatina Georgieva Vimal Gunasekaran Kaitlyn Young of Technology Amar Bhojwani Richard Herrera Rafal Czeszejko-Sochacki Roohi Hussain Konrad Zieba Amanda Blackman Sal Huerta Peter Ingallinera Tristan Penepacker Justin Busiel Sam Johnson Tim Joo Daniel Choi Nick Klein Jin Hyeok Lim Caeli Cleary Bart Krupa Alex Kajcic Chloe Coletta Bryan Kyeon Se Hee Kang Maggie Condon Farhad Ladhani Chansol Kim Kendall College Illinois State University Natalka Fydyshyn Eman Lakhani Henry Kim Elyse Uzee Amani Abu-Hashim Aaron Gamalinda Jason Lee Joan Kim Sophia Almeroth Paul Genchanok Molly Levy Simon Kim Kate Bechtold Hannah Gruenberg Rosie Lord Wanger Kim Tommy Cahill Joe Hagerty Bijan Mansoorieh Yeon Woo Kim Tom Hampton Miguel Marban Emma Cashman Taso Kokkinias Nigel Howard Michael McCarthy Emily Dermer Simone Kolodezh Mike Jang Tushig Nyamsuren Maggie Dietrich University of Illinois- Molly Komal Mark Jeong Michael Sikorski Nik Halkias Alex Krueger Springfield Justin Joseph Cody Slivka Cassidy Harman Michelle Mathew Nick Barberis Matt Kaiser Dominic Spagnoli Nitasha Merchant Craig Heilwagen Kyle Klapacz Stella Stamatakis Danny Mulae Zach Libman James Koh Anna Stoikov Eric Nam Joey Milling Betty Krasnik Clint Summerfelt Christina Naum Alex Moon Keilyn Kuramitsu Claudia Torres Dragomir Mara Pollard Shawn Kurian Jill Trygg Oreshkov Taylor Sharwell Mahak Lalani Karyna Tsybulyak Roderick Pahati Concordia University Northern Illinois Kaylee Sherman Brandon Loebbaka Estefania Urbano Chan Park University Andrea Kerwin Jack Specht Alison Mah Yazmin Vega Sean Bastanipour Opin Patel Heather Tidwell Matt Miller Emily Weiss Vika Petlakh Madeline Moore Sara Whiting Tyler Schatz Dimitra Mourikes Ariella Zakutinsky Robert Sirianni Trace Powers Nanwa Zaya Empire Peter Skowronski Joseph Rajchwald Petar Zumbulev Beauty School Eva Tumanova Elmhurst College Evan Richter Illiana Zuniga Vit Voznyuk Elizabeth Nunez Tim Kirby Michelle Rolf Ryan Wong Madeleine Salah Adrian Zdanowski Julio Santos-De Soto Loyola University Chicago Sam Selby NoorAbdulmassih Matt Siegel Marylu Chirayil Ilana Slutsky Dominican University Daria Dlouchy Rima Soni Gabriella Patano Universal Technical European Massage Dmitriy Kalin Marques Thompson DePaul University Yesenia Rodriguez Institute Therapy School Stephanie Kaszuba Niki Wells Elpidio Del Rio Matthew Bahena Erika Barrios Mary Kladis Peter Westerfield Cain Sifuentes Julia Balling Klaudia Kukulka Min Yang Ev Swenson Murray Campbell Dan Lydon Eleanore Yoon Elizabeth Nellamattathil Meghan Freeman Northeastern Illinois Maria Giannetos Grant Paterakos University Sophie Hartler Stephanie Vinieratos Mirna Bazi Greenville College Maddie Hauser Christine Whelpley Gabbie Hill Isaac Jarava Annie Yuan Allie Kahan DeVry University Mary Yurik Nicole Karwowski Billy Ariuntsetseg Anton Zoretic Kevin Kuncheria Maddy Manzella North Central College Columbia College Chicago Mackenzie Morgan Szymon Flieger Jameson Brenner Lauren Mrowiec Nick Loggarakis Kris Hansen Cecilia Nunez Western Illinois Candace Dimpfl Griffin Raccuglia University Danielle Finnegan University of Chicago Mia Rizzo Paula Cordell Raina Payne Tim Hofmockel Kristina Tomasic Will McCane Isana Pogosov Dina Peck Dahee Will Rosemary McDonald Bradley University Elizabeth Woo Meghan Dragman

Majors

53

103

134

39

32

Journalism

Nursing

Education Biology

Engineering/Computer Science

Undecided Business

Class of 2013’s Most Popular Majors:

21 20

Most Unique Majors:

cello performance

musical theatre

flight operations

Arabic ic ce d e an m m g co or tin f ri r pe & w

fisheries & wildlife

optical physics

game design

Tricoci University Yamilet Valdez

Illinois Wesleyan University Tina Brkovic Sean Garvey Nana Kwame Ingram Michael Jobski Liza Kizhakkekuttu Adam Wax

North Park University Southern Illinois University Erika Eiesland Ethan Boner Reshma Thomas Parkland College Scott Dahnert Ruby Thomas Teigan Flaws Stephen Lee Kevin McDermott Elli Lichtenberger Brendan Petty Sophia Ramos Harper College Yu Jin Jung Anthony Lopez Steven Mohr Isabella Wasilewski

Augustana College Victoria Lason Lauren Marchetto

Lake Forest College Peter Angelopoulos Ellie Duerst Matt Hoshaw Susan Kim Ann Hee Kong Justin Roh

12 CLASS OF 2013 - CLASS OF 2013 - CLASS OF 2013 - CLAS

University of Wisconsin - Stout Michael Piron

Montana State University Ed Dettloff Kevin Morrison

University of Washington - Seattle Thomas Neuman Emma Sailer

Saint Mary’s University Madison Gately

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Sarah Grieve

Macalester University Hannah Mira Friedland Sean Lawrence

Chapman University Melissa Bastanipour

University of Colorado - Boulder John Hudson Allison Stanek Patrick Walsh

University of Utah Cameron Fleck

Brigham Young University Adam Hettinger

California State University - Long Beach Joe Shim

Colorado State University Kendall Fort Lewis Krautsack College Molly Quinn

University of California Los Angeles Bailey Monte Ben Wolch

University of Iowa Dani Anderson Rachel Blachman Karen Cohen Celia Cutler Kimberly Durkin Isabel Flores Nick Gabuzzi Mollie Hickey Paul Masini Bob Meyer

Drake University Alyson Kruger Maura Scott

Kirkwood Community College Megan Clarke

Texas A&M University Paul Park

Rice University Jeremy Vollen

University of Arizona Matthew Durkin Heather Kuhn Marie Truska

Lawrence University Shidan Giua Olivia Rowe

University of Denver Paul Kusnierek

University of Kansas Matt Igleski

University of Southern California Rachael Kim Ben Kraus Yoojin Seol Kaitlin Sontag

University of Wisconsin - Platteville John Gunther

University of Minnesota Gabby Barnas Jennifer Butz Chris Jenkins Jillian Metzler

Creighton University AnnMarie Chengazhacherril Ricky Lenz Elizabeth Quinones

Pepperdine University Grace Abiera

Northern Arizona State Arizona University University Brian Tristano Ally Wojick

University of Northern Colorado Sarah Feaster

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Alyssa Strapko

University of Texas - Austin Wyatt Jason Jack Stillman Texas Christian University Lauren Tu Kathryn Jaslikowski Andrew Peterson

University of Missouri - Columbia

Nicole Alper

Zach Baker

Anne Margaret Boswell

Danny Correa

Terry Cullen

Brandon Degand

Chandler Farrell

Erika Fridenbergs

Joey Harrington

Hannah Herrmann

Taylor Janisch

Chelsea Jerominski

Chloe Karavidas

Claudia Magloire

Drake Maleh

Kevin Mathein

Emily Mitchell

Rosie Marie Nash

Carly Sands

Danielle Thoelecke

Shayne Turpin

Grace Ridge

Iowa State University Meeso Kim Becca Kittler Reid McMahon Muhammad Shabbir Mitchell Veytsel Austin Zimmer

Saint Louis University Brittany Balzano Conor Heneghan Seena Kurian Charley Saram Tima Tito

For a list of Illinois colleges and a list of majors, turn to page 11.

St. Louis College of Pharmacy Lauren Choi Sammy Rhee Anson Vadukumcherry Justin Vadukumcherry

Petrina Zieske

Tulane University Molly Cunningham Hannah Pellouchoud

University of Mississippi Maeve Hanrahan

University of Alabama Madeline Abrams Colleen Coleman Audrey Crowder Annie Engels Morgan Nolan Greta Stadler Spring Hill College Kiva Talty

CLASS OF 2013: LET’S ‘13OUNCE!

Editors’ Note: States are organized by geographic region with the color of their outline, and their sizes are based off the number of students attending college in each state. Names on the map represent only those seniors who sumitted their surveys on time and legibly.

Congratulations, friends!

- Sarah Jaleel & Kathryn Jaslikowski The Oracle Editors in Chief, 2012-2013

13

SS OF 2013 - CLASS OF 2013 - CLASS OF 2013 - CLASS OF Northern Michigan University Shannon Fuchs Beatrice PeBenito Matt Stavins

t

Carthage College Abraham Pineda

Michigan Technological University Vincent Case Paige Hanson Jordan Mynes

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Jimmy Binder

Nicole Celewicz Josh Dein Mary Friedman Katie Jennings Clara Jeon Colleen Kennedy Michelle Locascio Brandon Lucari Rachel Mann Sam Milota Meg Nash Nirali Patel Shivam Patel Alex Piechowicz Anastasia Savelyeva Ethan Spalding Rachel Tiedmann

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Tammy Craven Joe Rauh Katie Vanderveen

Calvin College Michael Yep Western Michigan University Justine Guziak Ferris State University Joe Rodriguez Madonna Hope College University Emilio Isasi Catherine Becky Naal Ledden Therese Snow

Marquette University Emily Andrew Matt Angel Luke Baeckelandt Michelle Bastanipour Timothy Cho Katie Dwyer Jessie Kerndt Gennah Lascota Grace Lee Deena Michael Tom Moscinski Annika Synnestvedt Akash Vipani Natalie Wall Ryan Warner

Indiana University - Bloomington Josh Arenson Will Barnard Trevor Brown Molly Campobasso Eric Davis Nicolle De Roeck Malcolm Engel Meghan Guinane Carolyn Igleski Sam Koloms Corey Levin Mike Maginot Paul McMahon

Melanie McNulty Valparaiso Stephanie Mitchell University Julie Nadig April Cronin Mackenzie O’Brien Danielle Desmond Neil Patel Grace Ludwig Michael Potter Rachel Reid Justin Ruderman Jake Sklena Olivia Stern Ellen Takagi Jack Washburn Ben Wittenstein Indiana State University Loren Makoroff

Butler University Alec Wilkas

DePauw University Max Cohen Jeff Collins Taylor Grace Pittner University Hana Feiter

Saint Mary’s College Jenna Appel Rachel Kim Purdue University Maggie Cunningham Austin Dickholtz Nicole Haddad Lin Koop Kendrick Lau Tanya Marinovska

Georgia Institute of Technology Chris Altonji

University of Georgia Olivia Smoliga

University of Hartford John Desmond

Michigan State University Marissa Mondlock Emma Neely Caroline Serritella Brooke Thomas

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design University of Wisconsin Chris Franczyk - Whitewater Carolyn Nash University of Wisconsin Melissa Ohr - Madison

Ball State University Matt McAley Tim Reusche

Miami University John Adkisson Matt Brown Owen Cole David Colston William Gould

Johnson & Wales University Jacob Suter

University of South Carolina Greer Heinzen Demetri Kotsinis

Colby College Ben Ach

U.S. Naval Academy Dan Weathers

Suffolk Northeastern University University Toni Pragov Tufts Ben University Harvard Thompson Cam Irwin University Declan Garvey Brown University Steven Kim

Princeton University Isabelle Uhl

University of Rochester Eric Kwasniewski Colgate University Erin Mincer Fordham University Kendall Cordes

Syracuse University Mitchell Riehm New York University Rensselaer Doug Chan Polytechnic Pace University Katie Iida Pratt Institute Josh Will Kozloski Max Sendor Olivia Kane Jacobson Lindsey Oldshue West Point Molly McDonagh

John Carroll University Shane Meehan University of Cincinnati SoYoon Park Mason Urban The Ohio State University Ryan Hauldren Kate Sanders

University of Dayton Lauren Clare Maggie Engels Kaitlin Samuels

Ohio Wesleyan University Bowling Green State University Anne Edwards Andrew Bennett Columbus College of Art & Design Ha Na Chang

College of William and Mary Gillian Giudice Faith Savaiano

Gettysburg College Josh Gasbarra Drexel University Evan Sucher

Villanova University Ellen Hirsch Mollie McMahon

University of Pennsylvania Greg Abbott Austin Bream

Sweet Briar College Cayla Dupuis Washington and Lee University Will Lyon

Bucknell University Allie Sonneborn

University of Delaware Courtney Zsitek

American University Casey Chiappetta Sarah Jaleel Alison Pigott The George Washington University Katharine Battaglia Matt Ishkhan Konstantine Kosmidis

University of Kentucky TJ Berg Kristina Ellis Alani Podgorski

Belmont University Mike Carroll Vanderbilt University Gabby Gottfried Katherine Loiselle Arthur Binstein Lee University Matthew Park Claudia Zoë Shancer Vanciu

Anderson University Parker Fretwell Rachel Mitchell

Johns Hopkins University Phoebe Hebson

Trinity College Caroline Collins

Wake Forest University Dan Moore Bobby Shaw

Flagler College Av Kahane

University of Miami Trey Dahiya Florida Atlantic University Mike Sadowski Florida State University Alyssa Policarpio

GOING ABROAD

ALTERNATE PLANS

IN THE SERVICE

University of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom - Holly Dunworth-Miller

Moving to Florida to be with her father, get her own place and start working - Stacy Lebedev

Enlisting in the United States Army - Austin Sweet

Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel - Molly Markshtien

Transition program in Pennsylvania - Kayla Buss

Enlisting in the United States Navy - Rob Erlich

Joining the Israeli Army and then attending an Israeli university - Tomer Danino

Taking a gap year being a nanny and volunteering - Olivia Bellair

Vounteering in Ecuador, China, India and South Africa before attending Trinity College - Erika Grad

Getting a job to save up for a place to live and go to college - Robert Powell

Joining the United States Military Corps - Omar Alcocer

14

seniors

May 24, 2013

High school friends decide to room together in college Emily Mitchell

staff reporter

The Oracle asked the following questions to future college roommates: 1. Why did you decide to room together?

2. What are you both majoring in?

3. Do you plan on participating in the same ac-

tivities next year?

4. Who is more likely to stay in their room all day?

NICOLE CELEWICZ & NIRALI PATEL (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

relax, so I’m going to say me for this one.

5. I’m not that messy. I don’t think Nirali is either, but I’m going to have to say her. I think we’ll keep our room clean, though!

6. I’m definitely a homebody [...] so definitely me.

7. I stay up pretty late [...] but Nirali has definitely stayed up later than me some nights. It was impressive. So she wins this one!

8. Probably me. I like to have snacks around while I’m doing my work!

9. Nirali and I are going to be so bad at waking up on time since we both stay up late doing homework.

It’s definitely hard to say who would win this one.

10. I would guess Nirali!

Nicole’s Answers: 1. I think we both just thought it would be convenient and interesting! For me at least, it was nice to know that I would have an idea of who I was going to be living with for the next year.

2. I’m most likely majoring in Chemistry and then going on to Pharmacy.

3. I’m definitely willing to try a bunch of activities, but I don’t think Nirali and I will end up participating in all the same activities.

4. I love to sleep in and

Nicole JACK WASHBURN & ERIC DAVIS (Indiana University) Eric’s Answers: 1. We’ve known each other since we were one [...], ”started from the bottom.”

2. Jack is business, and I am exploratory.

3. Yes, I think so, unless Jack sells out.

4. Me. Jack’s already

Jack

Nirali into the Kelley School of Business.

5. Jack. His mom does everything for him.

6. Jack because he’s a momma’s boy.

7. Me. I go hard all night long.

8. Food will be shared evenly.

9. Jack definitely.

10. We’re coming home at the same time. We’re pretty much the two-man wolf pack.

Eric

5. Who will be the messiest?

6. Who will be most homesick?

7. Who will spend the latest nights studying?

TREVOR BROWN & MIKE MAGINOT (Indiana University) Trevor’s Answers: 1. We just thought it would be fun to room with each other since we were such good friends already.

2. Trevor - business; Mike - undecided.

3. We will probably rush together and we might play some intramurals.

4. Neither of us will be in our room all day. We will always be out doing

8. Who will hoard the most food?

9. Who will regularly oversleep and miss class?

10. Who will come home the latest?

stuff.

5. I am way messier than Mike is. My side of the room is probably going to be pretty dirty.

6. My guess is Mike will be more homesick than me because his family is much bigger than mine.

7. I think I will be up later studying.

The all nighter is very common for me.

8. We are going to share our food pretty equally; I don’t think either of us will hoard it.

9. Mike is probably more likely to sleep through his classes. I don’t sleep very late.

10. We both stay out really late, so who knows.

Trevor

Mike

ANNE MARGARET BOSWELL Anne & CHANDLER FARRELL (University of Missouri)

Margaret

Anne Margaret’s Answers: 1. I think our personalities mesh really well with each other. We always have a great time together, and we just thought we would be good roommates.

2. Chandler’s majoring in journalism, and I will be majoring in business 3. I think we might rush together.

I’m still deciding if I want to. We will go out together, get food and climb the rock-climbing wall together.

4. I think we’ll both mostly be out, but I think we will both have our days where we don’t feel like moving.

5. We’re both pretty clean, but I will probably throw stuff around more often.

6. I think we’ll both have our days where we get really homesick. I would say Chandler though, especially because she has a younger brother back home.

7. We will both try to change our habits and help each other study.

8. I will for sure.

9. I would say myself. It’s something I’m going to have to work on.

10. We will come back at similar times since we will probably be going out together.

Chandler Photos by Evan Richter

seniors

15

May 24, 2013

Athletes take their talents to Division I programs John Adkisson & Ethan Spalding

senior editors

Ben Wittenstein

staff reporter

Molly McDonagh

Sarah Grieve

Photo by John Adkisson

Photo by Peter Montesantos

April Cronin

Ally Wojick

Photo courtesy of Mark Mulert

Photo courtesy of the Sun Times

Konrad Zieba Kaylee Sherman

Photo courtesy of the Glenview Lantern

Photo courtesy of the Kaylee Sherman

Olivia Smoliga

Photo by Dan Chmielinski

Kaylee Sherman

Cheerleading - Illinois State University

Konrad Zieba

Tennis - Northwestern University

Accomplishments: Varsity cheerleader for four years, Captain (2013), All-Conference (2011, 2012)

Accomplishments: Top ranked tennis player in Illinois before being disqualified from IHSA competition for competing in a non-sponsored tournament.

Leader: Led Titans to fifth place finish at State this past season.

Acclimated: Top-ranked recruit from the class of 2013 inw Illinois and ranked 14th nationally by tennisrecruiting.net.

Sarah Grieve

Molly McDonagh

Swimming - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Basketball - West Point

What she expects to be different: “More personalized motivation. Instead of having someone to tell me to go practice, I’ll have to make myself go.”

Olivia Smoliga

Swimming - University of Georgia

Accomplishments: National High School Record Holder, 100 yard backstroke and 50 yard freestyle; Illinois high school record holder, 100 yard freestyle; American record holder, 50 meter backstroke (short course); 6-time individual state champion; 2012 World Champion, 100 meter backstroke (short course).

Accomplishments: All-Conference (2012, 2013), Captain (2013).

Committment: McDonagh will be entering the military during her time at West Point.

Smoliga’s Goals “I hope that I’m able to represent UGA at NCAAs whether it be in a relay or individually [as a freshman]. Hopefully an Olympic journey is in the future.”

April Cronin

Soccer - Valparaiso University

Accomplishments: Record for most goals in a single playoff game (4), All-Conference (2011, 2012), Captain (2013), second in GBS history in goals and points, and fifth in assists.

Ally Wojick

Soccer - Northern Arizona University

Preparation: Wojick has a fiveday-a-week workout plan for the summer in preparation for the fall season. Additionally, Wojick leaves July 7 for preseason training.

Smoliga as a Dawg Event (Yards) 50 Freestyle

Smoliga’s PR :21.99

:21.63

100 Freestyle

:47.89

:47.24

100 Backstroke

:51.43

:52.24

UGA Record

16

features

May 24, 2013

South commemorates retiring teachers, faculty The Oracle would like to honor South teachers and faculty members who are retiring at the end of this year after long years of service for South and the community.

The Oracle highlights nine staff members for their dedication and work.

Sally You

co-opinions editor

Cynthia Franz Grace Brunzell

staff reporter After 14 years of teaching English at South, and 13 years teaching at North prior to that, Deborah Middleton has decided to retire. Middleton said teaching has been a very important part of her life, and it has shaped her identity.

“I don’t think that I would be able to talk to someone very long and not have it come up [quickly] that I’m a teacher here,” Middleton said. “I’ve been here so long that it’s part of my life.”

Middleton said the students are her favorite part

Cynthia Franz, secretary of the Music Department, will be retiring at the end of the 2012-2013 school year after 19 years of dedicated work at South.

Though her position has no direct connection to students, Franz’s involvement in the Variety Show, choir concerts, and field trips made by the Music Department helped her connect with students.

“I discovered that I really like working with teenagers,” Franz said. “Teenagers are the best age ever because they’re grown up on the outside, but still children on the inside. They will tell you for the most part exactly what they think and how they feel, and I love that.” among the many aspects she enjoyed at South.

“There are always those students who make an impact on you, and not just kids that are exceptionally smart, just kids in some different ways touch you, and kids will always stand out to me,” Middleton said.

Besides the students, Middleton enjoyed the atmosphere of being a teacher at South.

“I will miss being in an environment where everything is very active and changing all the time,” Middleton said.

According to Middleton, her life after retirement will be more slow-paced, but not for long.

“For a while, I’m not going to do anything,” Middleton said. “I’m really going to enjoy sleeping in. I’m going to travel a little bit. I’m not good at sitting still. It’s time to do something different.”

According to Franz, she will not only miss the opportunity to work with talented students, but also the faculty members at South.

“The people in this school are so fortunate right now to have Marty Sirvatka, Stevi Marks, the orchestra and band directors, Rich Winship and Jim Shellard,” Franz said.

“We have the most amazing people who are all in one place at one time, and the school is, for the most part, really [supportive of] what [the Music Department does].”

With retirement approaching right around the corner, Franz plans on picking up her life from where she left off prior to her career at South by catching up with her friends and family. She will actively participate in the Northbrook Community Choir, spend time playing the flute and take painting classes at the Botanic Garden.

“I will miss being in an environment where everything is very active and changing all the time.”

-English teacher Deborah Middleton

Deborah Middleton

Ariana Nufio

staff reporter

David Hill Madison O’Brien

co-features editor Lorraine Kroll, Executive Secretary in the Student Activities Office, has worked for District 225 for 32 years.

Kroll will be retiring at the end of the school year and has mixed feelings about it.

“I just love being here,” Kroll said. “It [has been] a really long time [that I’ve been at South] though, so when I don’t have to get up at 5:30 in the morning on Mondays, it’s going to be really strange.”

According to Kroll, many things have changed since she first began at South in 1981.

“When I first started, everything was a lot different,” Kroll said. “We didn’t have computers, we had typewriters.”

From paper and pencil to Mac computers, Kroll explained how she has lived through many changes throughout her experience at South. One of her favorite memories from her past 32 years was participating in

After 33 years of teaching, David Hill from the Applied Technology Department is ready for a change from his role in South.

Hill has been involved in a variety of activities at South. He taught 11 different classes, and has done committee work, Peer Group, and a lot of work with club and activity sponsors.

One project accomplished in his woodworking class was South’s very own gazebo, located in the courtyard.

“The students were working on it, competing to see how fast they could do the work or the quality of the work,” Hill said. “I always liked that, where kids would challenge themselves to do the best that they could.”

According to Hill, the people he met, especially the teachers’ act in South’s Variety Show multiple times.

According to Kroll, she has few plans for the time after her retirement.

“I just want to take it easy for a little while,” Kroll said. “One of my friends and I, we want to go to Europe […] because this is probably the last chance I am going to get. I belong to American Coaster Enthusiasts, […] and every once in a while the Coaster Enthusiasts will go to Europe and I’d love to do that also.”

Besides traveling and taking it easy, Kroll is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

“I have nine grandchildren and I am going to be a great grandmother in August,” Kroll said.

Looking back on her time spent at South, Kroll has many positive things to say.

“Just being here at the school and being here with the students has been awesome,” Kroll said. “Everybody is nice. [Also,] I have thoroughly enjoyed working for [Jim Shellard]. He has been an awesome boss and I’ll miss everybody when I am gone.”

through extracurricular activities, have made his career a happy one.

“I think I’ve established my relationships and a fair number of friends and colleagues around the building through activities that were not directly related to my job,” Hill said.

According to Hill, South is an outstanding school for various reasons.

“The thing that I think is most valuable in the school is the staff, the students, and the relationships that we create with each other,” Hill said.

Despite the fact that Hill is retiring from his job as a teacher, he is still going to be doing plenty of service work. He will also be involved in many activities such as photography, traveling, and improving his guitar and piano playing. “[My wife and I are] not really going to so much retire; we’re just going to change our focus,” Hill said.

Lorraine Kroll

features

17

May 24, 2013

members for years of dedication to community Elisa Kim

co-features editor After working as Executive Assistant to the Associate Principal of Student Services and Guidance for 18 years and working in Student Activities for seven years before that, Lorna Johnson is retiring at the end of this year.

According to Johnson, her main job at the Guidance Department was to manage the office work and to help students and counselors. She claims that her experiences in student activities and in guidance differed.

“In student activities, it was a happy place,” Johnson said. “There was prom. There was homecoming. There was student council. [...] In guidance, [I] saw the other side [like] the hardship of not getting into the college, […] the grade that you didn’t get. You see the other side of the

student body. I just love being with the kids. It’s going to be missed.”

With all the different interactions she got to experience with different students and people in the building, she said her experience at South has been a rewarding one.

“There’s just so many things that I do on a daily basis that everyday is different,” Johnson said. “I loved coming here for the last 25 years. I’ve [also] loved the students.”

After her retirement, Johnson is planning on taking the summer off. Once her husband retires, she said she wants to do some traveling with him as well, but before she does that, she has a special plan for this fall.

“My oldest granddaughter is a special needs person,” Johnson said. “I’m going to work at her school, in the CPS district, and work in the Special Education Department and help out there. That’s one of the things I want to do.”

Camille (CJ) Park

co-editor in chief

Lois Wolfson

Lois Wolfson, administrative assistant of the Science Department, is retiring after 10 years at South. Wolfson began her journey at South as a parent volunteer for the Guidance Department, then applied to be a receptionist there.

“I was on the Parent’s Association […] and then I was lucky enough that when I learned of an opening in the Guidance Department, I applied and I started in the Guidance Department as a receptionist there,” Wolfson said.

After four years as a receptionist, Wolfson switched to an assistant scheduler for the Guidance Department, then to an administrative assistant for the Science Department. “[When] I was an assistant scheduler […] I didn’t have as much contact with the students as I did when I was a recep-

Grace Brunzell

staff reporter ESL Coordinator Karen LeBlanc decided to retire after 21 years of working at South. According to LeBlanc, she enjoys her current teaching spot and values the time with her students.

“Students have shared their experiences with me,” LeBlanc explained. “I feel like I have grown not only as a teacher, but as a person because I’ve been so enriched by the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues and our team, and amazing students who inspire me everyday.”

As the ESL Coordinator LeBlanc has the opportunity to work and interact with foreign students who come to South. According to LeBlanc, this experience is something she greatly treasures.

“I love greeting and helping the new kids,” LeBlanc

co-features editor Plant operator Michael Calucci is retiring at the end of the school year after 31 years at South.

According to Calucci, his main job includes supervising the two assistant plant operators and the 40 people in his department. He also conducts the construction projects, oversees the building’s daily operations, and takes care of the maintenance and custodians.

“It’s been a really fun 31 years,” Calucci said. “We’ve done three or four major additions since I’ve been here [including] the field house, lyceum, and the swimming pool. It’s been a fun 31 years. It’s going by fast.”

Calucci said he would miss the staff members that he

Photos by Jacqueline DeWitt

Karen LeBlanc

Deborah Robinett, Physical Education teacher, is retiring at the end of this school year after 32 years at South. “[Working at South] has been a constant as far as offering me the opportunity to grow as a teacher and teach new things,” Robinett said. “Every few years we have been able to do something new, even in P.E., which has allowed me to grow and learn as both a teacher and a person; plus, the students have always been enthusiastic and respectful about the things that we do, so it has been an exciting place to work.”

According to Robinett, there are certain things she will sincerely miss and never forget about working at South, such as establishing friendships with her colleagues.

“I will miss my colleagues, my students, [and] the

routine,” Robinett said. “[South] is a very warm place to teach in. I will miss the whole routine of it because I have come to love working in this warm environment.”

As much as she learned from teaching at South, she hopes students have learned from her.

“My goal with my classes has always been to get my students to be active, to learn to like the activities that we do, or to get more fit by doing the activities,” Robinett said. “So I hope that all the students I have had have better appreciation for physical activity if they didn’t have it [prior to being in a gym class], and have enjoyed being in my class; that they felt I was fair, being glad that I pushed them [...] and, from a fitness standpoint, encouraged them to do more.”

After retirement, Robinett intends to spend more time with her friends and family and doing the things she loves to do such as traveling, kayaking, and biking.

worked with over the years. He especially showed respect and gratitude for the people in his department.

“I’ve been lucky to have some wonderful people work for me,” Calucci said. “I’ll miss the people.”

Calucci also spoke of the relationships that he built with faculty members.

“There’s a lot of communication to the building that people don’t realize really happens,” Calucci said. “[South faculty members] have also been overall just wonderful. It’s a great place.”

As he reflected on his experience with the students at South, Calucci emphasized for students the importance

of enjoying their years at South.

“The most important thing is for the students to realize what they have here and to have fun while they’re here,” Calucci said. “As a matter of fact, most of my decisions are always based on what’s best for the students and the students have never let me down.”

After retirement, Calucci plans on taking the whole summer off, then deciding whether to stay in retirement or to find another occupation. “[My wife and I] do a lot of motorcycling, so we’ll continue to do motorcycling,” Calucci said. “For a while, we’ll go wherever we feel like we’re going.”

staff reporter

Elisa Kim

tionist, so I really was not so happy doing that because I really just love to be with the kids,” Wolfson said. “[The Science Department] needed a new administrative assistant so I applied for that.”

Wolfson plans to volunteer at Oakton Community College, teaching English and literacy, and she is also interested in volunteering at the Northfield Food Pantry. “[Oakton and Northfield] are places that have become dear to me through working at [South],” Wolfson said.

Wolfson described her relationship with South as very personal, especially because she is a resident of Glenview.

“I take everything that happens here very personally and I just want the best for [South],” Wolfson said. “It’s a really special place.”

Furthermore, Wolfson plans to travel and spend time with family and friends.

said. “[I also love] the opportunity to get to know students who have very different experiences. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from them and I hope they have enjoyed learning from me.”

Not only have LeBlanc and her students learned from each other, but she has learned more about herself throughout her many years of teaching.

“I can challenge myself to move out of my comfort zone,” LeBlanc said. “I had worked with my department and I was able to branch out and work with so many other departments. [...] I feel like I have just grown in the professional opportunities that I have had and I’ve loved.”

As for retirement, LeBlanc is looking forward to it, but she will miss coming to school every day.

“I’m very excited that I can wake up without a to-do list,” LeBlanc said. “There is so much that is exciting and meaningful here to me that I will miss tremendously.”

Julianne Arnold

Deborah Robinett

Lorna Johnson

“It’s been a really fun 31 years. [...] It’s going by fast.”

- Michael Calucci

18

features

May 24, 2013

South dancers express passion through diverse styles of dance Lauren Benson

staff reporter Whether to relieve stress, compete, let go, or hold on, many South students find dance to be the outlet.

“I like the release of emotion that you get through dance, especially contemporary and modern, [. . .] and it’s so much fun getting to meet other people who dance,” junior Erika Petersen said.

Petersen has been dancing ever since her parents signed her up for ballet class 14 years ago. Another long-time dancer, junior Rosalie Mahler was introduced to dance in a similar way.

In fifth grade, Mahler started pointe dancing, and throughout the past five years, she’s started modern, contemporary and jazz dancing.

According to junior Bojana Galic, who does Serbian dancing, her parents were born in Serbia but moved to America. In an effort to hold on to their culture, Galic’s parents signed her up for Serbian dance classes when she was five.

“I really like the [Ser- bian] language and culture and just being able to hold onto my culture,” Galic said.

Other South dancers such as junior Annelise Potter, an Irish dancer, compete all over the country. Potter dances at the Mullane Healy Godley Academy which, according to Potter, attends numerous competitions, including the world championships over spring break.

“My main goal throughout my dancing career has been to compete for solos at the world championships and to get recall, which means to place in the top half,” Potter said.

Potter has been dancing since she was six. Looking back at the years, she explained how one of her

greatest achievements was reaching the highest competition level her dance academy has to offer. She also earned the title as a national placeholder, as well as a midwest region placeholder. Despite these accomplishments, Potter has her doubts about her future career.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to compete in college,” Potter said. “The competition is really hard, it’s a lot of practice and I definitely want to stay around dancing for the rest of my life and maybe get a teaching certificate, [...] but I don’t know if I’d pursue a career in it.”

Another style of dance prevalent at South is Greek dancing. Juniors Katerina Economou, Anastasia Mourikes, Mariell Demertzis, Konstantina Chaniotakis, Stavroula Therios and freshman Pamela Haralampopoulos are all part of a Greek dance organization called The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore society.

“We are a part of a group called Nea Genia, which translates to New Generation, which is a dance group comprised of high school students from all around the Chicagoland area,” Economou said.

According to Therios, the group participates in numerous competitions, including a nation-wide competition several years ago where they won second place.

Sophomore Tessa Nesis also participates in competitive dancing. Nesis is involved in ballet, jazz, modern and pointe; however, she claimed that she is now concentrating less on competing and more on her technique.

“Dance is my passion - it makes my day amazing,” Nesis said. “It just makes me so happy that I can express myself in such a

“Dance is my passion - it makes my day amazing.”

-Junior Tessa Nesis

different way.”

Nesis dances every day, and has set high goals for herself.

“My aspirations are to be a professional dancer when I’m older because dance just makes me feel great, like I can conquer the world, and I love it,” Nesis said.

Junior Julia Jacobs may not be planning on becoming a professional dancer, but she claimed that she’ll probably minor in it in college.

According to Jacobs, she has been dancing practically from the moment she was able to walk.

“I was a colicky baby - I would cry a lot,” Jacobs said. “And [my mother] would dance with me and I would stop crying, so she accredits [my love of dance] to herself. But I watch home videos [and] I was always dancing. It’s just what I like to do - it makes me happy.”

Sophomore Jex Philip, a hip hop dancer, also particularly appreciates the freedom of dance. Philip doesn’t attend a dance academy or any official groups. One of the only places he has ever performed outside his church was at South’s variety show with his brother.

“I like free-styling the most, just because you get the music on and just dance to it like there’s nothing to it [. . .] whereas when you choreograph a dance, you have to memorize it, and it takes time,” Philip said.

Senior Melanie McNulty, a hip hop, contemporary, and jazz dancer, as well as member of De La Cru has been dancing since the age of three.

According to McNulty, her greatest accomplishment is the growth of her choreography skills since freshman year, an achievement she accredits to being in De La Cru. As for the future, McNulty plans on becoming more flexible as a dancer and she hopes to minor in dance in college.

Freshman Julianne Arnold has not laid out specific plans for the future. She does know, however, that because of the way she feels when she dances, she wants to continue with it for a long time.

“I like being in the moment, and I think, for me, that dance is one of the biggest ways to let go [and] feel kind of free,” Arnold said.

Last year, in eighth grade, Arnold did a training program for dancers at the Joffrey Ballet which was three and a half hours every day after school. Arnold admits to no longer having the time for something of that level of intensity. Instead, she now attends Foster dance studio in Evanston and practices three to six times a week.

“I want to continue with dance and just see how far I can take it,” Arnold said. “I want to do it for the rest of my life, because I love the freedom it gives me.”

“I like being in the moment, and I think, for me, that dance is one of the biggest ways to let go [and] feel kind of free.”

-Freshman Julianne Arnold

Pho

Name: Melanie McNulty

tos

Grade: Senior Type of Dance: Hip

yatt

by W r hte

Ric

Hop/Contemporary/ Jazz

Name:

Bojana Galic

Grade: Junior Type of Dance:

Serbian Dancing

Name:

Katerina Economou

Grade: Junior Type of Dance: Greek Dancing

Name: Rosalie

Mahler

Grade: Junior Type of Dance: Modern/Jazz/ Contemporary/Ballet

features

19

May 24, 2013

Past homeschooling experiences affect students’ view of high school Victoria Sunkel

staff reporter The traffic of boisterous school hallways filled with fellow students and administrators is something many South students find completely normal; however, for several students, this was not always their idea of a typical school day.

For most previously homeschooled students at South, the job of teaching often fell to their parents, according to freshman Katelyn Luckey, homeschooled from kindergarten to fourth grade. Although she claims Illinois has loose laws about parents educating their own children, many parents have education degrees of their own.

“My mom [taught me],” Luckey said. “She was actually a teacher and she tutored kids after school so she could teach us during the day. My mom loved teaching kids at the public school and she thought, ‘Why can’t I do this for my own kids?’”

According to South graduate Charlie Day, homeschooled from first to eighth grade, a popular reason for parents choosing to educate their own children is to give them personalization in their schooling.

“When I was homeschooled, I got to learn a lot more about what I was interested in,” Day said.

“I didn’t have set classes. I got to learn at my own pace; so if I understood something right away I could move on.”

This personalization was caused by a much more flexible schedule, according to Luckey. The day-to-day plan was more relaxed, allowing students to wake up later and take breaks when needed.

“There was freedom, but there was still learning going on at the same time,” Luckey said.

Junior Kevin Benson, homeschooled from first to eighth grade, agrees that homeschooling lacks the structure of a schedule that would be found at South. “[Homeschooling] varied a lot more than high school does,” Benson said. “Typically I would start working anytime from eight to nine. It’s tough to put a time on when I would finish because it’s more of like a list of tasks I would have to complete, but it was anywhere from one to five.”

This type of scheduling caused Kevin’s mother, Catherine Benson, many problems. According to Catherine, there was never enough time in the day, or even the school year, to accomplish everything that they wanted to.

“There was always a general rule of thumb in

the homeschooling community: write down what you think you’re going to do for the year and then divide it in half because that’s more realistic,” Catherine said.

According to Kevin and Luckey, they were not always alone when doing their schoolwork. Often times they would meet with a group of local homeschooled kids and learn together or go on day trips.

“We went [to the Shedd Aquarium] with this homeschool group that consisted of homeschooled families in the area,” Luckey said. “I got to learn with these other kids who were exactly like me.”

Kevin explained how he met kids his own age through community sports. These extracurricular activities made the transition into normal schooling much easier, according to Kevin.

“Coming into South, I thought I would be really socially isolated, not know what to do and get lost a lot [but] I really didn’t have that many problems [...] because I knew a lot of kids through sports, [...] and that was nice

and it helped me get adjusted,” Kevin said.

According to Luckey, she believes there is a stigma behind the idea of homeschooling.

“I feel that everyone thinks that homeschoolers are really weird and socially awkward and they think that they do really weird projects and live on farms or something,” Luckey said. “For me though, that wasn’t the case.”

Despite these feelings, Luckey and Kevin claim they are grateful for the transition that they’ve made into day school.

“There’s just so much to do at South that it really helped me get adjusted,” Kevin said. “I was just taken aback by the amount of resources South has for a high school.”

Although the Bensons now enjoy life at South, Catherine claims her family is still thankful for the decision they made to homeschool.

“They were some of the best years of our lives and I’m really, really glad we did it when we did,” Catherine said.

Dramatization by Wyatt Richter

Students reminisce about previously attended festivals, plan for the upcoming summer Marlye Jerva

staff reporter

Lollapalooza: Aug. 2-4 in Grant Park, Chicago.

According to senior Erin Mincer, she loved every part of this three-day concert. “Part of the fun of Lolla is figuring out the line up before you go and listening to those bands, because its a great way to be exposed to new music,” Mincer said.

COUNRTY THUNDER: July 18-21 in Twin Lakes, Wis-

consin. Freshmen Emily Abrams and Grace Moran both enjoyed the crazy atmosphere of this concert.

WaveFRONT MUSIC FESTIVAL: July 5-7 Montrose Beach, Chicago. According to senior Emilio Isasi, this concert is different than other festivals because of its location. “The first thing I did when I got there was take off my shoes,” Isasi said. “So you could sit in the sand and then you would feel the sand vibrate.”

North Coast: Aug. 30-Sep. 3 in Union Park, Chicago.

Junior Christine Vierra went to North Coast her sophomore year and fell in love with the festival.“The beats and the atmosphere of the people surrounding you for the sets were all amazing,” Vierra said.

SPRING AWAKENINg: June 14-16 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Senior Emilio Isasi attended this concert last year and loved the music. “There were literally all kinds of people there and it was just so cool to jam with all those different people,” Isasi said.

20

features

May 24, 2013

NEWLY WEDS: Recently married, sophomore Zain Al-Khalil’s mother dances with her groom as an Arab band plays for them (Right). Surrounded by traditional food, junior Veena Hamill’s cousin is married by an Indian priest (Left). Lastly, bridesmaids circle around Spanish teacher Lindsey Camacho’s friend performing a Jewish wedding tradition (Middle). Photo courtesy of Veena Hamill, Zain Al-Khalil and Lindsey Camacho

Students and teachers recall unique weddings of friends and family Victoria Sunkel

staff reporter The clack of the white horse’s hooves on pavement is impossible to hear over the cheers from the crowd in front of the museum. The man atop the horse, dressed in traditional Indian formal wear, maneuvers through a pathway of family and friends, followed on foot by a woman wearing a red dress covered in gems and jewels.

This is how junior Veena Hamill described the entrance scene at her cousin’s Indian wedding last fall in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hamill is not the only one with an impressionable memory of a wedding she attended. As wedding season approaches and busy couples plan for their special day, South students and faculty reflect on memorable past weddings and anticipate the celebrations to come.

Senior Deena Michael celebrated publicly in July 2011 when her family was invited to a family wedding featured on TLC’s Four Weddings. According to Michael, the Chicago ceremony included many traditions typical of Assyrian weddings, such as cultural line dancing. Michael even received her own moment of fame as she showed the other television brides how to properly dance.

“The camera follows the brides everywhere, so I was able to have my moment on TV and it was a little bit awkward at first because the light was so bright and I didn’t

know what to do, but then I just let it go and kept dancing,” Michael said.

Spanish teacher Lindsey Camacho also attended a unique wedding of a college friend in the Cape Town area of South Africa. According to Camacho, not only did the couple have family living in the area, but they also decided on this location as a compromise since other family members live extremely far.

“If they did [the wedding] in England it would be really hard for the Australian family to get there and if they did it in Australia it would be really far for the English family so I guess they thought Africa was kind of in-between everybody,” Camacho said.

According to Camacho, the couple was able to combine South American culture and Jewish traditions. “[The groom] broke a glass after they said the vows which is a Jewish tradition,” Camacho said. “[The bride] also had a ribbon and walked around him seven times, which is another Jewish wedding [tradition].”

Camacho claimed they were lucky to have such great weather at the outdoor wedding, held outside a popular restaurant. Junior Brent Mitchell did not have good luck with the weather at his aunt’s outdoor civil union last summer. Mitchell claims although it did rain for a while, the weather did not ruin the celebratory atmosphere.

“It was just a ceremony about being together and celebrating their relationship,” Mitchell said.

One interesting way in which the couple chose to celebrate was their food choice. Mitchell explained that while

“In the ceremony, the bride and the groom wear [...] a headpiece and it’s connected by lace and it represents the union between [them].”

-Junior Arianna Saltorous

the family was dancing together, the servers brought around a late night snack which surprised some guests.

“When it got late and everyone was dancing and having fun, the servers walked out with trays of McDonalds cheeseburgers which caught everybody off-guard,” Mitchell said. “It was just a really cool snack to have because you know everybody’s into a cheeseburger.”

Food was also an important aspect at the Arabic wedding of sophomore Zain Al-Khalil’s mother, held in her homeland of Jordan. According to Al-Khalil, traditional foods like tabbouleh and hummus contributed to the culture of the celebration as well as traditional music. AlKhalil claimed one of her most memorable moments of the day was the Arabic band.

“Before we entered the restaurant, the band had followed us from the church and they were in traditional wear and they had bagpipes,” Al-Khalil said. “They would play outside the restaurant while we all danced and that was really cool to experience.”

Junior Arianna Saltouros anticipates the Greek wedding of her cousin, scheduled for the summer of 2014.

According to Saltouros, she will be a bridesmaid in the wedding and there will be many symbolic traditions.

“In the ceremony the bride and the groom wear [...] a headpiece and it’s connected by lace and it represents the union between [them],” Saltouros said. “At the end the priest switches [the lace pieces] and he pronounces them husband and wife.”

Saltouros explained how she is highly anticipating the upcoming ceremony.

“I’m really happy for him,” Saltouros said. “It’s awesome he’s getting to be married to the person he loves, they’re perfect for each other.”

Students decide to travel abroad, make a difference before attending college Calli Haramaras

staff reporter While the majority of the graduating seniors are preparing for college by finding roommates, buying school supplies and furnishing their dorms, seniors Molly Markshtien and Erika Grad are preparing for something very different: a gap year program, miles away.

Markshtien and Grad are part of the small fraction of seniors who will not be attending college next year.

Markshtien will be doing a gap year program in Israel, studying one semester at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the other semester living in a youth village doing community service. “[I’m looking forward to] learning more about myself, finding the true me and making memories of a lifetime,” Markshtien said.

Like Markshtien, Grad is also taking a gap year. Part of a group called “Thinking Beyond Borders”, Grad will travel the world for eight months doing community service work.

According to Grad, amongst her community service will be teaching English at a rural school in China, providing in-home care for people suffering from HIV/AIDS in South Africa and helping with deforestation in Ecuador.

“I’m looking forward to spending eight months exploring the world and doing what I love,” Grad said. “I know that this trip will provide me with a greater understanding of the world and its many cultures.”

Although both Markshtien and Grad will be attending college in the fall of 2014, they decided to put it off for different reasons. Markshtien, who will be attending Eckerd College after her gap year, decided to jump at this rare opportunity and feels her experience at college won’t be any different.

“Opportunities like this don’t come up often,” Markshtien said.

Grad decided to defer her admission to Trinity College because she wanted to take a year off before committing to four more years of school,

as well as to do service work abroad.

“I needed a break and I thought a gap year was the perfect fit for me, since I love traveling and helping people in need,” Grad said.

Despite the uniqueness of taking a gap year, both students felt their families were very supportive with their decisions.

According to Markshtien, taking a gap year had been something she had been interested in since eighth grade, which her family encouraged by helping out in any way possible.

For Grad, her parents were also very receptive to the idea of taking a year off for travel, understanding Grad’s passion to see the world. According to Grad, her parents always encouraged her independence and pushed her to pursue her individual interests.

With the excitement of looking forward to next year, Markshtien highly recommends taking a year off.

“If you want to do something that will benefit you and influence your life, then do it, run with it,” Markshtien said. “Taking a year before going to college [...] will help you learn more about the real world and the people in it.”

a&e

21

May 24, 2013

South seniors pursue the arts in college, beyond Sally You

co-opinions editor

Shea Anthony

Lauren Durning

Sarah Jaleel

co-a&e editor

assistant web editor

senior editor

Melanie McNulty COLLEGE ATTENDING: Indiana University MAJOR/MINOR: double majoring in theatre and dramatic arts with a minor in dance SOUTH INVOLVEMENT: Choir, V-show, Solace, Chambers, De la Cru, Theater FUTURE GOALS: McNulty hopes to pursue a career in a big city, performing on stage or filming.

Kris Hansen COLLEGE ATTENDING: Columbia College of Chicago MAJOR/MINOR: majoring in the Contemporary Urban Popular Music Program SOUTH INVOLVEMENT: Choir, Nine, Zaramela, Scat That FUTURE GOALS: Hansen would like to be discovered and become a successful traveling musician.

Katherine Loiselle

COLLEGE ATTENDING: Belmont University MAJOR/MINOR: majoring in commercial music perfor mance with a focus in music business SOUTH INVOLVEMENT: V-show, Scat That, Solace, Chambers, Model UN, Glenbrook Musicals, Master singers, IMEA FUTURE GOALS: Loiselle aims to continue moving forward and hopes to reach people through her music and performing. She also hopes to alleviate suffering and improve people’s quality of life.

Jameson Brenner

COLLEGE ATTENDING: Columbia College of Chicago MAJOR/MINOR: majoring in the Contemporary Urban Popular Music Program SOUTH INVOLVEMENT: V-show, Jazz Band, Gutiarist at Choir Concerts FUTURE GOALS: Brenner wants to be able to continue to create music for the sake of creating. He wants to be able to do what he loves while simulatenously supporting himself. illustrations by Nimisha Perumpel

Stevi Marks conducts her last musical; reflects on career Dana Sim

staff reporter

The most important thing is to know the world is much bigger than just these walls here at Glenbrook South.

-Stevi Marks

watch the kids on the field [enough]…Those sorts of things are my regrets.”

Jonathan Kim, a 2012 graduate of South, has worked closely with Marks through his involvement in Scat That!, according to Kim. “She really showed me that music, performing and the arts are things that bring people together better than anything else,” Kim said. “She always created an environment in which music and performing went hand-in-hand with community and love, and that is what made my time in the GBS Music Department one of the best times of my life.”

Arian Moayed, a 1998 graduate of South, is currently a director and producer for a theater in New York. He credits Marks for getting him excited and inspired for theater and entertainment.

“Mrs. Marks’ ability to manage that many differPhoto by Wyatt Richter

Choir Director Stevi Marks made her mark while directing West Side Story, her final musical at South. Marks is expected to retire at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

Stevi Marks first came to South in 1993 as an Act Director for the Variety Show.

In 1995, she became the overall director for the Variety Show. In 2002, she was hired as the full-time Choral Director.

Today, on top of directing the Variety Show and choir, she directs the Glenbrook Musicals; however, 2013 will be her last year as director of the Glenbrook Musical.

“I’ve done some incredible things not because of me but because I’m moved by what my colleagues do and expect,” Marks said.

Senior Noor Abdulmassih has worked with Marks as the assistant director for the 2011 and 2013 Glenbrook Musicals.

“She’s left a legacy here at South,” Abdulmassih said. “You could easily see that Mrs. Marks loves Glenbrook South and she’ll do anything for the school.”

Marks has worked closely with Martin Sirvatka, head of the Music Department, for the past 20 years, according to Sirvatka.

“I don’t think I’ve known anyone that works harder than she does and that inspires me,” Sirvatka said.

Marks also teaches several music classes at South and takes away a lot from her students.

“I’m going to really miss seeing my students,” Marks said.

“But I will also miss the drive, the energy, [and] the passion for learning and always achieving such a high level.”

Abdulmassih has been deeply impacted by the things Marks has done.

“Words cannot really describe what Mrs. Marks has done for me,” Abdulmassih said.

“She not only directed me vocally and musically but also on a personal level. She connects to all her students on a personal level.”

Marks’ big impact on the Music Department is a result of the large amount of time she dedicates to it. This has hindered her involvement in other sectors of South, a regret of Marks’s.

“I like to go to my student’s sporting matches, but how am I supposed to do that if I have rehearsal every day after school?”

Marks said. “I can’t support my colleagues or

ent entities and really work on making the best show for the night was more than influential,” Moayed said.

Marks expressed her love for South, using her local high school as a basis for comparison.

“The big thing for me is how much I love Glenbrook South,” Marks said. “I went to Deerfield High School. My kids went to Deerfield High School, we still live in Deerfield. I love Deerfield but I’ve never felt about a school the way I feel about [South]. It’s part of who I am, and I know I will miss [the musical] greatly.”

Marks hopes to leave all of her students with a sense of independence as muscians as well as the knowledge that they are a part of something bigger. She challenges her students to think globally in order to benefit the world.

“To me, the most important thing is to know the world is much bigger than just these walls here at Glenbrook South,” Marks said. “What I hope [the students] learn in my class is to be a good citizen of that world and that means we think outside ourselves.”

Marks plans to direct the 2015 Variety Show as her last involvement here at South.

“Whatever your passion is, follow it,” Marks said. “Carpe diem.”

22

a&e

May 24, 2013

Actress Emily Bergl visits South, gives words of wisdom Kali Croke

co a&e editor This past April, students got a glimpse of fame with the arrival of South alumnus and Hollywood star Emily Bergl. Bergl is well known for her television roles on Desperate Housewives, Gilmore Girls and Men in Trees, as well as her horror movie role in The Rage: Carrie 2. During her visit, she conducted a theater workshop to talk about her career as a professional actress, performed parts of her upcoming cabaret show and critiqued studentperformed monologues and musical numbers.

According to James Shellard, vice president of student activities, Bergl played harp, competed on the speech team, and performed in VShow, musical and plays while at South.

“I was one of the speech coaches while Bergl was on the speech team,” Shellard said. “I remember Bergl being a very focused young lady with amazing acting and speech abilities. There was an energy about her when she performed where you said, ‘Wow! She has something special!’”

After her years at South, Bergl attended Grinnell College, where she graduated with bachelor degrees in both English and Theater with desires to continue in show business.

Mark Ferguson, TV director and Bergl’s former speech coach, was, and still is, very close with Bergl. He also remembers her commitment to many activities and challenges during high school as being very influential for her desired vocation.

“We gave her Shakespeare, we gave her musical theater, straight theater and we gave CANDID ON CAMERA: Hollywood star and GBS

alum Emily Bergl talks to James Shellard in South’s choir room about her career. A large crowd of bystanders and South students sat in as Bergl went through her path to success and her goals for the future. Photo by Wy-

att Richter

her speech team,” Ferguson said. “She knew that she wanted to be an actress and knew that by getting involved in all of these activities that would only shape her and guide her to the career she’s in now.”

Ferguson also reflected on her many successes at South. Bergl was a strong participator in South’s theater and Speech programs and showed a strong affinity for the arts.

“Glenbrook South traditionally has had really strong programs in speech and theater, and Bergl took advantage of those offerings when she was in high school,” Ferguson said.

After college, Bergl received a role in a show in New York City then debued in “The Rage: Carrie 2”.

Bergl excelled in theater during high school.

It was Bergl’s exceptional devotion to her passion that largely guided her current career.

“Acting and singing were things that I always just wanted to do more than anything,” Bergl said. “I just naturally prioritized it in my life. When you’re looking

for what you want to do, just notice not only what you like to do but [what you] make time for.”

Although she had many strong roles on both TV and the stage, she struggled during high school. Like many teenagers today, self- confidence was a challenge for Bergl.

“I had such amazing opportunities at South and so much support,” Bergl said. “I hear now that I was kind of the star of the theater, but it never really felt like it at the time because I was also filled with a lot of self-doubt.”

Despite these feelings, Bergl is now an inspiration for many students interested in taking a similar career path.

Sophomore Julia Packer had the opportunity to sing in front of Bergl during the workshop.

Packer was greatly inspired by Bergl’s determination and shares her same goals.

“She showed that if you have motivation you can really achieve anything,” Packer said. “You just have to put yourself out there and you should be doing what you love to do for your career. She helped secure my thoughts on wanting to have a career in a performance area.”

While Packer anticipates starting her theater career in the near future, Bergl does not plan on ending hers any time soon.

“In the future I see myself never retiring and playing fabulous old lady parts on stage and singing in night clubs,” Bergl said. “I hope to die on stage, preferably on a laugh.”

Bergl also hopes that students are inspired by her experiences and can take away lessons of perseverance and determination.

“I would like people to learn from my story that sometimes when people tell you can’t do something you need to ignore them or use it as a fire under your feet,” Bergl said.

When you’re looking for what you want to do [in life], just notice not only what you like to do but [what you] make time for.

- Emily Bergl

Bergl’s career highlights:

graphic by Wyatt Richter

Graphic by Wyatt Richter

23 sports South’s top athletes stay on ‘track’ May 24, 2013

Hannah Mason

Photos by Wyatt Richter

asst. sports editor

Malcolm Engel His freshman and sophomore years, senior Malcolm Engel was running on the winter track and field team to prepare for baseball in the spring.

When spring of his junior year came, Engel decided to join the spring track and field team, and that year he made the All State relay team. Engel said that he plans on continuing track and field at Indiana University next year as well.

According to Engel, what he likes about track compared to other sports is that it challenges a person mentally.

“You have to rely 100 percent on yourself,” Engel said. “It is a team sport, but it is mostly based on the person who is running.”

Engel is also involved in the music department at South, specifically Nine and Drumline. According to Engel, he is constantly rushing around to get to different places, and has to prioritize his time wisely.

According to coach Kurt Hasenstien.

Engel is very responsible when it comes to communicating with him on important dates.

“Three weeks ago he said that [on] the

David O’Gara day of the sectional track meet he also has some solos in the spring choir concert,” Hasenstein said. “Most kids don’t look that far ahead. He was able to tell me and also coordinate with the choir department so that he could do both.”

According to Engel, his best experience was going to the state meet last season, and seeing all the competition from around Illinois.

“It meant representing my school and myself,” Engel said.

“Also, seeing what level I’m at with the sport.”

During his first full season of track, Engel made the All-State relay team. According to Hasenstein, he believes the biggest success Engel has had all season was giving the team a huge lead at the All-State meet.

“The particular leg of the relay he ran last year was very impressive,” Hasenstein said. “It gave us a pretty big lead in our heat to help get us to the finals.”

According to Hasenstein, Engel has a very laid-back personality, but is always working hard during practice.

“You wouldn’t know he is as competitive as he is just having a conversation with him,” Hasenstein said. “But when he gets on the track he is one of those kids who wants win.”

For junior David O’Gara, having many of his friends on the track and field team has made his experience on the team more memorable.

“I have the best teammates,” O’Gara said. “We all know each other, and it is a lot of fun.”

According to senior Malcolm Engel, the team refers to O’Gara by his nickname, “Dog”, because of his first initial and the first two letters of his last name.

“I love having that nickname,” O’Gara said. “It was given to me my freshman year by one of the seniors and ever since to everybody on the team I am ‘Dog.’” According to coach Kurt Hasenstein, O’Gara not only keeps track of times for most of his teammates, but has knowledge of runners from other schools and their statistics as well.

“He is totally engrossed in the whole sport,” Hasenstein said.

“We have had to monitor that sometimes, because he worries a little too much about what other people are doing. This past season he

has gotten away from that and it has made him a better competitor.”

O’Gara is also involved in cross country in the fall, and has made all-conference for cross country during his sophomore and junior years.

“He has set a lot of lower level records [in cross country],”Hasenstein said. “I think the next step for him would be to challenge some of our varsity records and go to State for that.”

According to O’Gara, he has learned that he has to work hard in track to be successful.

“In order to be the best runner you can be, you have to go all the way into it, and you can’t go halfway,” O’Gara said.

Hasenstein says O’Gara is a leader by example, and is someone who would speak up at a team meeting.

“He is a good motivator,” Hasenstein said. “Sometimes [if] a kid doesn’t have a good race, David is always one to put his arm around a teammate. He finds something positive in every situation.”

Luke Pilliod After injuring his left hamstring during a relay event in the indoor season, junior Luke Pilliod is now recovered and working his way back into the spring track and field season, according to coach Kurt Hasenstein.

Hasenstein is working slowly to get Pilliod back on the track, but he has to be especially careful that Pilliod doesn’t reinjure his leg. While Hasenstein said the process is sometimes hard for Pilliod, he said it is more important to have Pilliod running in the important meets that lead to State.

“I’m not good at staying uninjured, so when I am healthy I am able to run my best,” Pilliod said.

As a freshman, Pill i o d was in Hasenstein’s gym class, and after running hurdles one day for the track and field unit, Hasenstein asked Pilliod to try out for the team. According to Pilliod, he wasn’t too keen on trying out, but Hasenstein was able to convince him to join the team.

“[Pilliod] was such a competitive kid in everything we did [in gym class],” Hasenstein said. “He is one of those kids who hates to lose. He has had to temper that a little because sometimes the frustration gets in his way.”

According to Pilliod, his favorite aspect of track is seeing the hard work pay off in his times improving.

“You know if you work hard, you will get results, and I have seen that,” Pilliod said.

According to Pilliod, his best experience has been going to t h e state meet last year, and it m a d e him think of the sport in a better way.

“I was running in front of a ton of people and it was pretty scary for me,” Pilliod said. “But it made track that much cooler to be able to run at the state meet.”

Pilliod’s main event is the hurdles. According to Hasenstein, Pilliod’s times have dropped, but there is always room for improvement.

“You can always get better at your technique,” Hasenstein said. “[His times will keep dropping] if he continues to do the things he did in the off season.”

sports 24 Team chemistry leads baseball to success May 24, 2013

Rachel Chmielinski

co-sports editor Standing first place in conference, the South baseball team heads into sectionals next week. The Oracle went to print before the team competed in regionals, on May 23.

Head coach David Lindley believes that the team’s cohesiveness is a huge factor in their 21-5 record. According to Lindley, it takes more than just talent to build a successful team, and the South baseball team has assets in addition to their talent.

“You win with people, and we [have] good people,” Lindley said.

Along with team chemistry, Lindley feels that pitching has also been a large factor in their success.

“We have hit the ball well, no doubt about it, and our pitching has been very good,” Lindley said. “For the most part, we make the opposition earn it. We don’t walk people and when we don’t give away that free stuff, it’s hard for the opposition.”

This season the team has really proved to be a power hitting team, according to Lindley.

“I have historically been an aggressive, pressure kind of guy,” Lindley said. “We [have a good hitting team], so we haven’t even scratched the surface of doing as much stealing, bunting, [and] things like that, which we may need before the season is out.”

According to senior Sam Selby, hitting became an unexpected strength as a result of hard work in the off-season.

“We worked a lot on our hitting in the off-season because we weren’t sure if that was going to be one of our strong suits,” Selby said. “I think that’s actually turned into one of our strengths.”

According to Lindley, the Titans faced tough opponents early on, playing Oak Park River Forest, the defending state champions March 28. The Titans defeated them 14-3, and also beat Barrington 5-2. “[Those wins] gave us the confidence, and we’ve carried that on,” Lindley said. “We are sitting on top of the South division, and that again is a credit to the team.

There is not an easy opponent.”

Another key game of the season was against Loyola, according to Selby.

“The first inning we [went] down 5-0,” Selby said. “We knew that it was a long game, and it was only one in-

ning. We held through and actually pulled out a 9-7 win against them.”

While Lindley is happy with the success the Titans have had so far, he knows that they can still improve.

“You can learn sometimes instead of just riding high all the time,” Lindley said. “You can say, ‘Well, we’ve got a way to go yet.’ You have to move on with today and tomorrow.”

Lindley believes that all of their success was a total team effort, as opposed to just a few key players.

“I really mean it when I say that our entire roster has contributed, or else we wouldn’t be where we are,” Lindley said.

“I knew we had some talented tools with the juniors and the seniors.

We actually have more talent than we can get on the field at one time.”

Selby echoes the full team effort put into every game.

“I wouldn’t say that we have one THE MCMAHON: Part of a strong pitching staff, senior Paul McMahon pitches a game against or two guys that extremely stand Maine East. The Titans took a victory over Maine East 10-5 on May 11. Photo by Wyatt Richter out and make the biggest difference,” Selby said. “Any given day, I feel that anybody put in our lin“Some guys think you get to the tournament and it’s up can do something and really make an impact on our a different animal,” Lindley said. “It’s the same as one game.” of those games we played in the month of March.[...] If One of the biggest challenges Lindley sees with such a we have the right approach, we’ve got a chance with our talented team is to stay unified. Lindley feels this is some- pitching and defense and hitting to have a respectable thing they have accomplished thus far, but he always sees tournament. We just have to make sure we are thinking room for improvement heading into sectionals. correctly.”

Women’s soccer ends season as regional champions

throughout the season.

“If a team has bad communication, they don’t perform to the After coming back from a 0-1 best of their ability,” Nash said. goal deficit to Palatine in the early “At least one person throughout first half, South’s women’s soccer the whole game is talking.” team won the state regional finals The team next played Buffalo 2-1 last Friday, May 17. The team Grove on Tuesday May 21. Bufthen ended their season losing falo Grove is currently ranked the setional semi finals to Buffalo third in state.

Grove on May 21.

“I [felt] that the pressure is on “To go down 1-0 in a regional fithem, and we are the underdog,” nal with high expectations for us, Ha said. “I love that roll because we could’ve easily panicked and we have played it so well.” folded, but the girls just kept on According to Ha, Buffalo barreling through,” Coach Seong Grove is their biggest non-conHa said. ference rivalry.

According to senior captain The Lady Titans fell to BuffaCarolyn Nash, the team’s chemislo Grove two years ago in a pentry is what contributed to the sucalty kick off. However, last year, ces.

South beat them in the sectional “Our team dynamics are amazfinals. ing,” Nash said. “We are such a This year, Buffalo Grove was close-knit team and when sometheir final rival. South lost to one is struggling with their play, Buffalo Grove 1-3 in the sectional VICTORY: After winning regionals, the women’s soccer team poses for a celebratory photo. The team finished with an overall we back each other up. Every time 20-1-4 record. Photo courtesy of Dale Sailer semi finals. someone makes a great play every“I’ve told the girls many times, one has some positive feedback.” cording to Ha. Unsung hero Lindsey Oldshue stepped in ‘who cares about numbers?’” Ha said. “It’s not the numAlong with team chemistry, Ha attributes their success at center mid to help. bers or the coaching, it’s the effort in between the lines to their winning of 50/50 balls.

“Oldshue stepped up and did an amazing job in the for 80 minutes.”

“We didn’t want Palatine to set the tone by winning second half in the middle, and our defense did a great job The success earlier in the season resulted in winning the ball first, we wanted to do that,” Ha said. the conference title for the first time ever in history. Acminimizing their chances after they scored,” Bruch said.

The girls were down 0-1 up until Nash assisted seDespite their success in the regional finals, the girls be- cording to Bruch, it was their immediate goal entering nior April Cronin, resulting in a tied score. Sophomore lieve their biggest successes yet were their games against the season.

Tami Erlich then assisted the second goal to Cronin, who conference rival GBN, according to Bruch.

“I think it was a huge advantage for us to have 14 rescored in the 26th minute of the game.

“The whole team came together in order to get the turning players because coming into the season we were “[Tami] beat everyone with her speed to win the Re- win,” Nash said. “Playing [North] is always a difficult already accustomed to each other’s playing styles and algional title,” sophomore Kaily Bruch said. ready had great chemistry from last year,” Bruch said. “I game since everyone knows everyone.”

In order to keep their lead, the team had to play According to Nash, the team’s success derived would definitely credit our success to our awesome sesolid defense against Palatine’s strong midfield, ac- from continuously communicating on and off the field nior leadership.”

Breck Murphy

co-sports editor