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VOLUME LIII, ISSUE 3, Dec. 19, 2014

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‘Tis the season for Key Club’s new kindness campaign

Marks nominated for GRAMMY Educator Award

HOPE CARRANE staff reporter

GRACE SHIN staff reporter

GBS Random Acts of Kindness Campaign, an initiative designed to encourage acts of goodwill throughout the building, running Dec. 8-19.

The campaign’s primary focus lies in the idea of “paying it forward,” engaging in kindhearted acts and using that generosity to spread the spirit of compassion throughout the community. The event’s initial planning began during the summer prior to the 201415 school year in efforts to improve the socio-behavioral climate present at South, according to Social Worker David Hartman. Remedying the social issues turned into a monthly mini-campaign taken on by different clubs, and on the challenge. totally have run with it and are doing it,” Hartman said. “It’s clearly the most planned event we have so far.”

The generosity spurred by the holiday season inspired Josh Koo, Key Club sponsor, to spread the kindness.

He often challenges Key Club members to start a school-wide movement. “[The holidays are] the time where people are most generous,” Koo said.

“Why don’t we use that notion and take it to the next level? Maybe promote a random act of kindness where we are being overly generous. Why don’t we take this and open [it] up to the entire school?”

Stevi Marks, current GBS Variety Show director and retired choral director, has been nominated for the Music Educator Award, becoming a -

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS: Celebrating their volleyball team’s success, Katie Baecklandt starts the transition into basketball season.

The Glenbrook United team is looking to build upon their successes of last year. Photo by John Schurer

“I was shocked when I was in-

Glenbrook United celebrates success JOHN SCHURER

asst. news editor A sporadic thumping reverberates between the solid gymnasium walls before exiting out the main entrance.

The sound of students squealing with delight converges with sneakers squeaking against the sheen surface of the basketball court. Across the way, a game of dodgeball is being played. At the far end of the room, students jump and cheer as they score

#GBSRAK

See RAK page 3

Award website.

The Music Educator Award was founded by The Recording Academy and The GRAMMY Foundation, who presented South with the National GRAMMY Signature School Award in 2008 along with a 10,000 dollar cash reward from sponsors such as Converse and Disney Performing Arts.

This is the second year the Music Educator award is being given and Marks, nominated by South senior Sophia Andricopulos, was announced to be a

match.

Suddenly, students come rushing in from all corners of the gym—pizza is here! After a satisfying meal and po-

lite dinner conversations, the fun and games proceed. Just as the energy of students fade, the eventful evening comes to a close, yet it seems nobody wanted the night to end.

The Glenbrook United Special Olympics Team celebrated on Nov. 21 after all their hard work and dedication to volleyball this season. Head coach Pa’al Joshi believes it was a great way for the team to form enduring relationships that will last the whole season.

“The [concept] of combining engaging [activities] and dinner into one night is wonderful,” Joshi explained.

“It’s great for the team to interact with each other in [such positive ways].”

Assistant coach Megan Williams agrees with Joshi and is looking forward to another basketball season af-

commented. “And then, I got a phone call in September telling me that I was

ter the team’s achievements last year.

“In the past, the team has been ridiculously successful,” Williams said.

“They represent the community very well and it’s really sweet for them to get involved and be recognized for athletics when they normally wouldn’t.”

For some multiple-sport athletes such as senior Hannah Flanagan, basketball is undoubtedly her favorite.

“I really enjoy going to practice,” Flanagan said. “We practice [skills] such as passing, dribbling, shooting and defense.”

As a leader on the team, Flanagan is constantly thinking of strategies and techniques to help her teammates get better at basketball.

you sure you have the right person?’”

This award is given to musical edcontribution to musical education and to those who demonstrate a commitment maintaining music education in schools, according to the Music Educator Award website.

See GBU page 2

See Marks page 2

Radio and broadcasting teacher awarded WGN Teacher of the Month MADISON O’BRIEN co-editor-in-chief He is more than just a teacher, many of his students said. He is a friend, a role model and a mentor. Dan Oswald (Doc), radio and broadcasting teacher, has been teaching at South and working with high school students for the past 11 years.

This November, Doc was nominated by sophomore Dean Herrera and selected to be WGN’s Teacher of the Month.

“You never expect to win anything, especially as a teacher and so when I was told that it was a student nomination, I was very happy because the nominations that come from students are the ones that mean the most… because the students are the one who are directly affected by what you do in the classroom,” Doc said.

WGN came to South to personally award Doc with the title of Teacher of the Month and to present him with a

news CHEM/PHYS

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check for 1,000 dollars. This money will go towards buying school supplies and any other incidental pieces of equipment for the radio studio, Doc said.

As he received the award, many of his students came to watch and congratulate him. According to Doc, all of his students were excited for him.

“They responded very positively, which was nice because that just reinforced for me that the intentions with which the nomination was made… and the sentiments behind that intention are shared by a good number of my students,” Doc said.

One of these students, Station Manager Maggie Ziegler, was not surprised at all upon hearing that Doc had won the Teacher of the Month award.

“He is just such a great guy and so

deserving of [the award],” Ziegler said.

“Whenever you come in [to the radio studio], he will ask ‘How are you?’

And he’s not just making conversation or just asking to be polite, he is honestly and genuinely asking how you are today. It’s just those little things that he does that really prove and emphasize the fact that he is just someone that you can really just go to for anything and that he is more than just a teacher […] for so many students.”

Operations Director Jordan Spalding agrees with Ziegler and could not think of anyone more deserving of the award.

“He is a great teacher, but also the thing about Doc is that he is also just a great mentor,” Spalding said. “I think

“I honestly think the reason people step into the studio in the first place is because of Doc.” -senior Noreen Andersen

opinions SKINNY SHAMING

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that’s why he is so well-deserving of the award because he has helped me through a lot of stuff and I think he has done so with a lot of different students and so those students think very highly of him.”

Both Ziegler and Spalding attributed Doc’s winning of the award to his approachable nature and helpful guidance, but Noreen Andersen, new music director, believes that along with those important traits, Doc’s ability to relate to his students is the main reason why he is so deserving of being named Teacher of the Month.

“When a teacher knows how to relate to their students, their students get comfortable with them, their students love them and their students want them to be known for that, they want them to win awards like [WGN’s],” Andersen said. “They want to let the world know how important that person is in their life… I honestly think the reason people step into the studio in Photo by Madison O’Brien

a&e DANCE SHOW

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Dec. 19, 2014

NEWS BRIEFS KALI CROKE co-news editor ENROLLMENT DECISION: As of Oct. 27, the District 225 Board of Education ruled that GBS and GBN are enrollment numbers without having to change their existing boundaries delineating the placement of students at each school. That being said, South will still have to look into further facility adjustments to propthe coming years.

SAFE DRIVERS: From Dec. 14-19, Skorupa, driver’s education instructor, the initiative aims to promote safe driving habits for all students. day Dec. 17 to Allstate Insurance in Northbrook and an informational booth set up in the hallway on Thursday and Friday.

FOOD DRIVE RECORD: On Nov. 25, Student Council members broke an all-school record for most cans collected during the annual Canned Food Drive. With a previous record of 132,000, the members, along with the help of the student body and Glenview community, reached an Student Council members celebrate their success.

Photo by Marley Hambourger

PENSION LAW: A ruling on Nov. 21 that Illinois’s reformed pension law is unconstitutional, supporting the decision to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. The reformed law has been a source of controversy since its approval last year for reducing retircontributions.

SOUTH ALUM STAR: Arian Moayed, Class of 1998 South graduate and Tony-nominated actor, plays character Hamid movie, Rosewater, a true story about an Iranian-Canadian journalist who was imprisoned and tortured in Iran in 2009. The movie came out in select theaters on Nov. 14.

RISING RANKS: On Nov. 4 the school data site Niche ranked Glenbrook South as number 19 out of 25 top high schools in the nation. According to Business Insider, the website ranked over 100,000 schools from around the country based on academics, faculty, resources, diversity and culture.

Marks, continued from front Each teacher is evaluated based on evidence that they have made a measurable difference in the lives of students, the school and the community. cant and lasting contribution to music education and exemplary work in the “I am very aware that there are thousands of applications that go in [...] and I’m also very aware that the Marks said. “So, I had no real intention, I wasn’t going to go through, I wasn’t going to do it. And Sophia said to me, ‘But, Mrs. Marks you have to do it; that’s why I nominated you!’ And I said, ‘Okay Sophia, I’ll do it, I’ll do it, Andricopulos and Marks became close through the choir and music theory classes Marks taught at South. According to Andricopulos, the greatest way through the music theory classes.

“I’d always played the piano and been involved in music, but I’d never really understood the meaning behind [music theory] and how composers

Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

was different to see [the music world] Although Andricopulos is the student that nominated Marks for the award, she is not the only student Packer has known Marks since she was in eighth grade, through her sister who was a choir student of Marks’. Ever since Packer entered high school, she and Marks became closer in their relationship through the choir, Bel Canto, the jazz ensemble, Scat That!, music theory class and the Variety Show, which Marks will also be directing in 2015.

“She’s been a really big part of my high school career, and in mentoring

Both Andricopulos and Packer agree that one of Marks’ greatest strategies when teaching her students is that she would use multiple ways to explain something in order to accommodate many different types of learners, making it easier for the large group

GBU, continued from front “Everyone has their own weaknesses and strengths, so we try to [balance] them on the [court], and improve them Likewise, Senior Nina Santacrose said the party is both a time to improve her basketball skills and an opportunity to spend time with her teammates.

“I’m really [glad] I joined the team because it [has allowed] me to meet the best

of students to understand the lesson.

“She’s just really helped me when I’d been struggling with understanding concepts and theory, and she’ll literally go out of her way to assist you and understand your learning, like ways so she can adapt to how you

South had a great impact on her both as a teacher and a mentor. She found that the students inspired her to work harder to teach them, and she learned from them as well. said. “In some ways it’s not the most

students, encouraging them to discover new areas in music to expand their ability.

She recommended music theory to Andricopulos and Scat That! to Packer, giving both something new to explore.

“I just think she really pushed me

“I just think she really pushed me to go out of my comfort zone.”

-senior Julia Packer

ones who have talent, but also have a phenomenal work ethic. [...] A student with a lot of talent who doesn’t work very hard, that

them to use their talent in a good way.

And a student who maybe is afraid, doesn’t think that they can measure up,

said. “I auditioned for Scat That! and I had never done jazz in my entire life. I

[...] That’s what it’s about for me, and

According to Marks, the students at

Marks had as much of an impact on

she can play the sports she loves.

“Nina has always enjoyed sports, but with her disability it has been dif-

encourage acceptance of students with disabilities at Loyola. According to Meg, the event built enthusiasm at Loyola for the mentoring of students with special needs and established a sense of pride within the players.

“The coaches have done a really good job not just teaching [players] the sport, but teaching them team-

said. “The Glenbrook United Team offered her a unique opportunity in high school to particiSimilarly, Nina’s sister, Erin Santacrose, a Loyola sophomore, notices Nina’s lively mood while she is playing sports. Erin originally bridged together Loyola and South when she organized a similar party for the team last year. “[This celebration] creates an opportunity to bridge the gap between Loyola students and some students who have more

Santacrose said.

Santacrose has been a part of the Glenbrook United proSUPER SCOOTER: Celebrating his gram for four consecuteam’s successful volleyball season, tive years, and has not Ryan Jennings, Glenbrook Transition only met new friends student, scooters across the gym at along the way, but has Loyola. Photo by John Schurer had the support of her family through it all. Her mother, Meg Santacrose, is grateful that Nina is forAside from bringing the team totunate enough to go to a school where gether, Erin and her mother hope to

o Visit Scan this QR code with a QR reader on your smart phone to view the Niche website!

MARVELOUS MARKS: Waving her arms excitedly, Stevi Marks, retired South choral director and music teacher, directs musicians from

eak! theoracle r b r e .glenb te ov i s b rook2 e ur w

her students as they did on her, according to Andricopulos. They motivated her to work harder in teaching, and she motivated them to pursue new experiences and expand their knowledge of the musical world.

“She introduced me to the idea that I could have a future in music if I really set my mind to it, because I’ve never dricopulos said. “But then, when I was introduced to theory, I realized there was more behind [music], and how tor website revealed that Marks was “While it was a great and unexpected honor to be nominated and be ed to move ahead, and it would have been wonderful to have GBS receive the matching grant which could have provided for scholarships for private commented.

brook Off-Campus and Glenbrook Transition students, a sense of unity has formed between District 225, according to Pearson. The Glenbrook spiration to form an all inclusive team. “[The program] has gone beyond what we ever envi“I am fortunate to say that I have an extended family in

Meg said.

Pearson, District 225 Director of Special Education, believes that the district’s administration has played a role in the team’s successes.

“The [administrative] board has been incredibly supportive of the team and has really embraced it as another one of our athletic teams in the dis-

DARING DODGEBALL: Bryan Nash, Glenbrook Transition student energetically throws a dodgeball at the Glenbrook United end-of-season sports party. Photo by John Schurer

Pearson said.

By connecting GBS, GBN, Glen-

25.or g

team is focused on more than their wins and losses.

He takes pride in his duty to the students.

“We have had our share of successes, but the biggest successes are not winning the gold medals or be-

our families and the relationship build-

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Dec. 19, 2014

RAK, continued from front The actions the campaign encourages by no means have to be large–

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ple get excited enough to use social media as well and spread it to their friends to really report random acts of The hashtag, used on social media

with someone who is alone at lunch or complimenting someone on their more inclusive atmosphere at South, combatting the issues the campaign “If you have the variety of some you’re going to reach more people,” Koo said. “Reaching more people will help that whole concern we have at South, in

CALCULATING & “CHEMPUTING”: Working on complex math problems, sophomores Andrew Patronik and Victor Bienko power through their classwork. This is the last year of Chem/Phys before it switches to the STEM Learning Community. Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

who are being neglected or ignored in terms of the socio-behavioral aspect.”

The campaign’s advertisement has been schoolwide, with with remind-

STEM scheduled to replace Chem/Phys Program KATIE CAVENDER asst. news editor The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Learning Community, an alternative advanced science course to the Chem/ Phys course for freshmen, has produced good results so far this year and is poised to replace Chem/Phys—an men and sophomores—after this year’s conclusion. for freshmen that begins with Chemistry and Physics, rather than Biology.

According to Jeffrey Rylander, Science Department instructional supervisor, the STEM Learning Community is focused on integrating science and engineering classes. For each level of a science course, there is an engineering

class designed to go along with it. “[The ultimate end of] the engineering sequence [is] the engineering design and development course,” they’ve learned in science and in endevelop a solution and actually a prototype of a physical device that is a solution to the real-life problem.”

Physics students in the STEM Learning community are currently learning about sound waves, according to Rylander. In engineering, they have been able to apply what they’ve learned somewhere else, in order to expand their understanding of the topics covered.

“I think that the way we started out with Physics gives us a better application of learning how we can use properties of engineering.”

-freshman Jonah Frese

learned [in physics] and put that into some mathematical representations, controller robots] in engineering and [program them],” Rylander said. “So they’ve understood the physics, but it has an actual application where they’re going to program something.”

Freshman Jonah Frese, a STEM physics as he goes through engineering.

PHYSICS FOCUS: Working diligently,

sophomore Michelle Omega stays on task emerged as the new Chem/Phys of South.

Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

Sydney Siege

Your far-away news source brought closer to home with each issue.

KALI CROKE co-news editor

Sander, a STEM Learning Community student, the class was an appealing option to him because of the new and different learning potential it presented during the year.

“I was very interested in science and engineering and the technology that’s involved with it,” Sander said. “I thought it was a great opportunity for college and all the other career opportunities that we experience in later life.”

There is more than just the engineering component to the engineering and physics pair, according to Thomas Henderson, freshman Physics teacher.

He said it does not matter whether a student becomes an engineer in their future, they will still be able to use what they learned in engineering class.

“Really what we’re trying to create ity,” Henderson said. “A person may become a surgeon, for instance, and as they’re doing their surgery, they will run into a problem. It’s the engineering

with physics gives us a better application of learning how we can use [it related to engineering],” Frese said. “[It provides us with] a better understanding of math and how it’s applied in real-world situations.”

According to freshman William

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Dec. 14, Iranian radicalist Man Haron Monis entered a chocolate cafe in downtown Sydney, Australia with gun in hand.

In what would be a 17-hour hostage standoff, the so-called “Sydney Siege” gunman held 17 captured at Lindt Chocolat Café.

Monis was eventually two—34-year-old cafe manager Tori Johnson and 38-year-old lawyer Katrina Dawson—and left four injured.

Monis, 50, died upon police intervention. Once a Shiite cleric in Iran, in 1996 Monis was granted political asylum in Australia, and since then has faced multiple run-ins with the law.

His past charges include sending offensive letters to deceased Afghanistan veterans, over 40 incidents of sexual as-

and Twitter, will result in a culminating highlight reel of posts from those who witnessed or received random according to Koo. Koo emphasized the fact that posts were to be shared not as a form of self-promotion, but rather a display of the community shared at South.

“How cool would that be, that I received something that was really great but now I see a community of Titans who all felt an impact from s o m e b o d y, ” Koo said. “Not because of what I meant to them, but the fact they were in a situation where they needed someone and somebody thought they could help.”

Despite the campaign being promoted through social media, Steffel

“It’s more about whether or not we see a change in GBS and whether or not our students seem happier and more kind to each other.”

-sophomore Lori Steffel

or ideas for spontaneous acts written aspect of broadcasting the campaign’s underlying message to more students and generating publicity lies in social

the intentions of the initiative. Even especially important, considering that according to Lori Steffel, Key Club board member. for is to educate [students], because nitely to encourage them to use it as well,” Steffel said. “I really hope peo-

to a broader impact throughout the school.

“It’s not really about how many pictures or posts on Instagram or how many tweets there are, it’s more about whether or not we see a change in other,” Steffel said.

it apart, decomposes the problem and engineering [to another situation].”

Sander is enthusiastic about the future of the STEM Learning Program.

He hopes it appeals to the interests of incoming students, just as it appealed to him.

“I’m just really excited for what’s to come with STEM, and what’s to come with all the other grades to sign up for it, since we’re the inaugural class,” Sander said.

sault and accessory to murder of his exwife. He was granted bail and awaited trial for the latter.

Although Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott believed the siege to be an “isolated incident,” according to a detailed recount of the happenings inside the café published

by The Guardian, Monis had declared his presence to be name of the selfproclaimed Islamic State. He also issued three demands, none of which were met: In addition to a live broadcast phone conversation with Prime Minister Abbott, Monis also requested an that he was acting on behalf of the Islamic State and an Islamic State banner

TAKING INITIATIVE: Surrounded by students on all sides, Key Club leaders John Schurer and Lori Steffel publicize the Random Acts of Kindness campaign at the 2014 Winter Sports Assembly. This was one of many ways the movement was promoted.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Krolopp

to hang in exchange for hostages.

But while this blurry moment of terror in Sydney may be the act of just one madman, a fervent lobbyer against the Australian government, its repercussions are clear.

First, Australia’s Muslim community reacted vehemently against notions that this scene was truly representative of the larger Islamic faith and community. According to SBS World News, the online Twitter hashtag #illridewithyou surged online as a movement to help accompany Muslim in public streets.

Second, the Australian government rorism laws for the nation. According

to The New York Times, the new laws include an “offense to advocate terrorism; [banning] Australians from going ing] for the sharing of information” between security and defense. Counterterrorism sweeps were conducted in addition across the country.

Monis’s actions this larger world issue: how to deal with terrorism in the context of the world’s most pressing jihadist group, the Islamic state, without turning democracies into police states. Australia could set a baseline for other nations facing the same threat, but the potential for Western governments to become overbearing is soon to be more prevalent.

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Dec. 19, 2014

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

Content filtering invites student input, potential to change As South has become an increasingly technology-based environment, students and teachers alike have become system, known as Securly, that is used to limit material that is considered inappropriate or irrelevant for educational purposes.

The Oracle’s Editorial Board suggests that the current system in place for students to directly request that certain sites be unblocked––or ‘whitelistThe prioritization system would not be an easy implementation and may require training of staff to be authorized to whitelist sites. However, opportunities for students to be more productive, especially because of increased unstructured time provided by SRT on the block schedule,

especially because many of the problems students run into are in times when there isn’t a teacher to request access on their behalf.

Senior Georgia Kotsinis, for example, has been blocked from accessing certain parts of colleges’ websites during her lunch and after school. approval would come from the library. More importantly, it would fall on students to submit thoughtful requests to only whitelist sites that would truly be

P

and academic success. The more requests that would come in for sites that wouldn’t add to productivity, the more backed up the review system would become for students who may truly need to have a site whitelisted in a more timely fashion.

Not only would this make Se-

The current system in place for students to directly request that certain sites be unblocked [needs to] be made as efficient as possible.

Head Librarian Christi Shaner said that the sort of system the Oracle has proposed already exists for teachers that have been blocked in trying to access content for lesson plans, but a system with the dents.

As it stands, students can either email the service desk with requests or ask teachers to submit requests to of having a site whitelisted, the lating to Ryan Bretag, director of instrucalready has an embedded link set up for students to email the service desk to request to have the site reviewed for whitelisting, but few students are aware of this system.

An alternative solution may include making this existing student-to-service

but it would also add to the goals that the technology coordinators PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION have of including students in the dialogue around what kinds of of content that students can explore. sites should be whitelisted.

“I remember one time one of my The volume of research which all friends [and I were] researching breast students are encouraged to do for school and school-related activities cancer for health class and somehow we were not allowed to view certain has increased in recent years given the things, [and] we weren’t allowed to go boom of content available online. This rings true inside the building because to certain pages because of any content of District 225’s choice to adopt the that might have been viewed as bad, although it [wasn’t] bad at all,” junior “1:1 model”—where every students has a device provided by the school— Mia Crespo said.

Crespo isn’t alone in her experience. by using Chromebooks. Considering In an Oracle-conducted survey of 192 this hike in encouraged research and students, 79 percent of students have screentime, there is likely a wider range

Photo by Dani Tuchman

once. Bretag explains that the contentcally. This means that Securly looks for certain kinds of content and certain page structures that have been deemed problematic, and lumps them into certain categories. Knowing this, how can students like Crespo access blocked content to remain productive?

While it isn’t normally the case that students can’t access the content they

need to create a constructive and productive academic sphere, the contentsarial effect of limiting productivity.

Therefore, improving an existing system to make it dependent on students’ thoughtful submissions to have these sites unblocked for their own future dents would allow for a gained undergreater access to material valuable in an academic context.

Austin Paul satirizes latest current Paul parodies politics: Senior events through original cartoon mockery

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

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

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

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

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

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

opinions

Nov 5, 2010

Dec. 19, 2014

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Unrealistic expectations of students linked to cause of sleep deprivation; change needed do you get a night?”, I am slightly disappointed with myself when I answer It’s the sad medical truth, fellow high schoolers: we are expected to achieve at least eight hours of sleep a night, a seemingly impossible endeavDANI TUCHMAN co-opinions editor Other than every single Monday in the school calendar, there is no day I detest more than that of my annual germs in the waiting room and revisiting my very rational fear of loathsome needles are only a few things to de“Mom, you can wait outside the door for this” uncomfortable one-on-one conversation with my pediatrician, I noted the absurdity that comes with being politely reprimanded about my failure to attain the golden 8-10 hours “What’s your social life like?” Can’t

Don’t worry, imaginary authority, I’ll be able to balance before/after school extracurriculars, 3+ hours of homework, an adequate relationship with my family (if I have time), a 20 minute time slot for dinner, an hour for the gym, leisurely activities (good joke, Dani) and remembering to

school performance and school absen-

If a leading administrator is mak-

Scarily enough, there’s another three pages worth of sleep deprivation

me as to why any steps taken to reduce our homework pile and increase our relaxation are yet to make an evident improvement on my sleep regi-

tion that these studies are accepted as Sleep is depicted in my mind as this inexorable necessity that is only awarded to those who manage to stand on two feet through-

Sleep is depicted in my mind as this inexorable necessity that is only awarded to those who manage to stand on two

This exaggeration was brought to you in part by unrealistic expectations imposed upon us by our competitive demically competent students such as

Namely, my bed and pillow are becoming these non-tangible goals at the

Daily North Shore newspaper a recent article was published that questioned to what extent homework actually aids a student in their learning, and whether or not it’s solely a chore to crowd

It was brought my attention that there is now a district-wide homework committee assessing to what extent certain homework loads impact students, and eventually improve the would like to point out to this committee: if this problem is not dealt with soon, our generation of students will continue to suffer underneath the weight of increasing amounts of pressure as we struggle to succeed in our For now, I’m tempted to speak up at my next physical; I would genuyou propose I get this much rest, seeing the constraints my responsibilities pen”, does not bode well for solving

have lives [and] need to have the joyan adolescent medicine specialist at when I’m asked what should otherwise be a simple question in the inter-

North Principal Paul Pyrma noted in

“…A lack of sleep can increase depression, negative physical health, poor

Graphic by Ashley Clark

Positive self-image, self-appreciation of body trumps glorified beauty ideals The song is just one example of how the body positive message is sometimes confused with, “hate on skinny Neither are in the true spirit of what it means to be body positive, and both are just as hurtful as if the comments To further develop these ideas, I

LILLY LUDWIG columnist I was on my way to yoga the other day, getting in my namaste-place, cruising in my Prius and humming to Megan Trainer’s, “All About That Bass,” when I found myself paying attention to the actual lyrics for was completely knocked off my path of selfintention and awareness and instead found

teacher, who explained that there’s no difference between shaming someone for being skinny and shaming someone “[If someone is thin], it doesn’t “It doesn’t mean that [negative comments about their body] don’t affect

To love one’s body means to accept it the way it is.

An oxymoron in itself, the song sports lyrics like, “every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top”, countered by lyrics later in the song like, “boys like a little more booty” and unsettling lyrics so accepted in today’s media is what lead me to believe that

If there was a song being played on the radio claiming that the thing to have is a tiny waist, people would be going does it, while I’ll admit the song has a great chorus and is super catchy, people are singing along and bobbing their ing one body type is better or more The other way body acceptance is warped comes from the idea that being

healthy is second to loving your body, and in my experience, you just can’t have one without the

FAT CHANCE:

Showing obvious sass towards an evidently skinny female, an actor in Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” music video refuses to conform to the “silicone barbie doll” standard projected by the model.

Photo courtesy of Flickr Images

one’s body means to accept it the way it is right then in that momeans to nourish your body and to take care of it in evAt my lunch table the phrase “my way it is” is often used as an excuse to purchase a cookie or skip workenjoying delicious desserts or sitting on things we do because, in moderation, they are a way to show your body you -

edly under the false intention of supporting body acceptance, it takes away the actual meaning of what it means to love your body, which is to nourish and So I invite you to love your body, no matter what it looks like, what you think it looks like, or what others think

ery inch of you is perfect from the bot-

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opinions

Dec. 19, 2014

Racially focused remarks remain casually hurtful

Happiness resides in present moment PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION

JUSTINE KIM guest columnist

Card, Glenbrook South is 67.5 percent white, 17.9 percent Asian, 10.3 percent Hispanic, and 1.2 percent black. Compared to many other high schools in Illinois, South is fairly ethnically diverse. You hopefully rative terms used to insult Asians, thrown around too much at South.

I was harmed by these words when I was younger. If you were to ask 10-year-old Justine Kim what it meant to be Asian, she would look shame for my skin color, culture and myself was a direct result of the insults thrown at me. Seven years later, I feel disgusted not only with kids who made those horrible comments.

I’m glad that we’re past using such words, but even with the large amount of diversity at this hallowed institution, there are still undertones of a color awareness not only in our halls, but within all of Western society.

Obviously, calling someone a

RACHEL CHMIELINSKI co-editor-in-chief High school is a series of milestones and achievements. If we’re not focusing on studying for the next test, we’re looking towards the end of the quarter, the semester, the year or even graduation. As students, we start to put ourselves into a mindset focused solely on achieving goals, and we stop embracing what is more immediately in front of us.

We deprive ourselves of what makes us truly happy, because we have this misconceived idea that if we study hard enough and get the A we need, we’ll be happy. But then there’s the test after that, and the test after that. The list of things to complete never ends.

As a senior, I’ve heard and personally said things along the

We keep depending on external

Photo by Dani Tuchman

success for our happiness, but our With that formula, we can never truly be happy.

According to positive psychologist Shawn Achor, the majority of our happiness is determined by how we process the world, not by the external world itself. So, the way many students, myself included, have been living is the opposite from the way our brain actually works.

Goals are important to push and motivate you, but making them your

sole focus puts you on an impossible pursuit of happiness. If happiness primarily comes from within, raising our happiness level only requires a shift in thinking. This shift can even cause an optimal mindset for achieving our goals, Achor said.

“If you can raise somebody’s level of positivity in the present, then their brain experiences what we now call a happiness advantage, [essentially], your brain [with a positive outlook]

have experienced a far more subtle form of racism. It’s a backhanded compliment that people don’t even realize they’re giving in our day and age. Asians are proving that they are no longer just immigrants or nonEnglish speakers, but are as capable as any other ethnicity.

I am a self-described leader, student and weirdo. I have gone through high school trying to separate myself from the stereotypes that still plague our society. However, in the process of trying to differentiate who I am from the other 1.7 million Koreans in the United States, a statement I constantly hear is, “It’s really awesome that you’re Asian and you do [insert activity

Just be happy right now!

It would be awesome if it were that easy, but for a long time we’ve set ourselves up to think that happiness comes after success. It will take some time to break that habit.

Start out with living in the present. Focus on what you’re doing when you’re doing it. Seems simple,

by Model UN or Comedy Troupe.

Such assumptions are even more ofGraphic by Ashley Clark

The racist undertones imply that because it’s not within my stereotype to perhaps be in comedy, that it’s an I sometimes go along with the jokes made about my facial features, whether it be commentary about the shape of my eyes or the color of my skin, or even when people ask if my uncle is Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. I understand jokes, but hopefully me and other people of a minority race can be complishments instead of our race.

how Mark dumped Carol. No way,

DANA SIM columnist The monotone school bell gives its

smaller of the teenagers struggle to

Kim is involved in a variety of activities at South, including varsity golf, Model UN and student council. However, Kim feels she is her interests. Photo by Dani Tuchman

was grateful for every day. According to Achor, this trains our brain to start looking for the positive in the world before anything else.

After about three weeks, I really started to notice a change in myself.

Throughout this process, I became less and less consumed with success and I’m now focusing more on the tasks at hand, because that is truly all we can do. There is no point in worrying about things we can’t change, so we should try to shift that energy into working on what we can change in the moment.

I know that I sure don’t want to look back on my senior year as crossing days off of my calendar until letters from colleges show up in my mail box.

last time you ate a meal or brushed your teeth without thinking about your to-do list, or even accomplishing a different task at the same time.

I started this process by focusing on brushing my teeth, every single stroke.

Not only did I clean my teeth better, but it was in-

Private to public school adjustment creates social barriers

men unaccustomed to the hallways of GBS are suddenly thrown into their

JUSTINE IT TO WIN IT: Senior Justine

credible to truly just focus on one task.

For those few minutes, there weren’t major tests or regrets from the past; none of that mattered, because it wasn’t happening. It had previously only occurred in my head.

The second thing that I tried was

high school.

Once the class is located, the high schoolers gather together in their cliques to reunite with friends lost to summer days. Most would strut into the class with some background knowledge of their classmates. John knows that Jake, the smart kid, will be in his history class and that Kate, the best singer from middle school, will be in his biology class.

They then break into their loud conversations.

Or at least to the freshman in the corner, it seems loud.

It was quite a culture shock for her.

She didn’t know Hannah, Mark, Matthew or anyone else. To the freshmen from Attea or Springman, she was a stranger.

I was that stranger.

From kindergarten to eighth grade, I attended Christian Heritage

Academy, a small school that totaled about 400 students. It was a private institution that called for expensive tuition and was grounded in Protestant teachings.

However, as time wore on the feelings of social disconnect that had overwhelmed me faded. I came to realize that despite the required theology classes and dress code, Christian Heritage Academy wasn’t that different from public schools.

For one, the students were still your typical middle-schoolers. We were and found ourselves excited at the releases of the Harry Potter movies.

Just like other middle schoolers, I wanted to excel in different areas.

I wanted to make new friends, learn to drive a car and complain about the ager. in the halls of GBS. The little girl that now writing for an award-winning newspaper.

Today, I am a Titan from Glenbrook South. Instead of being pushed away, I bring myself as close as I can to my public school student identity. Keep in mind the possibility of kids that are coming to South from private schools feeling isolated and different, and try to include them. Because in reality, we’re not all that different from the rest.

features

Nov 5, 2010

Dec. 19, 2014

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Peace Corps provides option for students who desire career in service SINEAD HENEGHAN staff reporter In this season of giving, some South students are planning their lives around the idea of giving back and helping others as a future career. Juniors Tori Brown, Tori Lothian and Grace Poulos each want their journey to a career in service to start with the popular international organization known as the Peace Corps.

Although the holiday season may be short, Brown, Lothian and Poulos are planning to extend the season of giving throughout the year with their service.

“Service is helping anyone in any way,” Brown said. “Even doing the little things on a daily basis is also service, because you’re helping the other person and making their life a little easier to live.”

Although the three girls are planning to do service work in the future, they are currently partaking in the many service opportunities that South offers. Poulos is on the board of Key Club while also being a part of Interact with Lothian.

Poulos said, “I love being surrounded by people who have the same passions as me, who really see the value of helping others and don’t just laugh off other people’s poverty or other people’s struggles.”

As well as being involved through S o u t h , Brown and Lothian have participated in mission trips through their church. According to Lothian, she and Brown attended a mission trip in Tennessee two summers ago and another service trip last sum-

mer to Kansas.

Brown said, “In Kansas, we went to a halfup their backyard that was in awful shape. We cleaned it up and made the yard and the house overall a better place to live in.”

All three girls have plans to attend college and major in areas that would further expand their opportunities in helping others, and they intend to further their interests by joining the Peace Corps when they are out of college.

“I would love to do at least one twoyear session through the Peace Corps,” Lothian said. “I love helping other people, and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my

GIVING GALSON: Participating in the Peace Corps from 2000-2002 in the South American country of Suriname, Kerry Galson, GBN Acad-

emy teacher, spent her time volunteering in numerous ways. From teaching kids English (top left) to joining the daily wash ritual (bottom left), Galson learned a lot about another culture (right) while also tackling the village’s needs. Multiple South students who are already involved with service at South aim to join the Peace Corps in their future. Photos courtesy of Kerry Galson

is when I am my happiest, and that’s when I feel the most comfortable [with] myself.”

One person who has already pursued the Peace Corps is Kerry Galson, GBN Academy teacher, who went through the program in her late twenties. According to Galson, she had wanted to join the Peace Corps since her sophomore year in high school.

“Once the Peace Corps representatives showed up at my high school during my senior year, I knew [it] was something I wanted to pursue.”

“I love being surrounded by people who have the same passions as me, who really see the value of helping others [...]”

-junior Grace Poulos

Galson served in Suriname, a country in South America. There were a lot of prejudices amongst the people, which naturally led to a divide between two ethnic groups, called the Hindustani and the Maroons. Galson taught the Maroons English and helped bring the community together.

“A moment I’ll never forget is when the school I was teaching at was canceled for the day, because there was an anaconda in the classroom [due to] the annual spring rainy season,” Galson said.

According to Galson, she realized how grateful she was for the simple things that she often took for granted, such as having access to a fridge or not having to walk half an hour to wash her clothes and dishes.

“It really opened my eyes to the dif-

ferent aspects of life outside American culture,” Galson said.

Brown, Lothian and Poulos plan on serving for the rest of their lives, even after the Peace Corps. According to Brown, she wants to team up with Engineers Without Borders, a non-profit organization, to help make healthy drinking water and basic water sanitation accessible to all people around the world.

“It’s important that we, as a whole world, go out and make sure that people are healthy and have safe water, because we have so much safe water [in Glenview] and we take that so much for granted,” Brown said.

Lothian has a different approach to her career. Lothian wants to be a high school social worker after the Peace Corps.

“High school has been one of the most amazing times of my life, but also one of the most stressful,” Lothian said.

“People were there to help me through it and I want to be someone who’s there to help other people.”

Unlike Lothian and Brown, Poulos wants to remain part of the Peace Corps. According to Poulos, once she is done with her service trip, she wants to move up the ladder of the organization. She wants to eventually manage a country and be part of the planning of the organization.

“Everyone who wants to be in the Peace Corps knows exactly what they want to do,” Poulous said. “You’re out in a foreign country for two years by yourself for the sole reason of helping others survive. It shows true dedication.”

CAUGHT UP IN THE NET:

Examination of policies of content filter, students and faculty express opinions TORI BROWN staff reporter Oracleconducted survey of 200 students, 11.5 percent believe that GBS should be able to block certain sites, 36.5 percent believe they shouldn’t and 52.5 percent say it depends.

According to Ryan Bretag, the director of instructional technology at South, South’s content ical restrictions such as inappropriate, explicit, or non-educational material.

Bretag explained that if a website you need is blocked and the website is cleared by your teachtechnology department will be willing to unblock it for you.

Senior Sarah Nwia conveyed what she felt were common feelings of students toward the

rather than material that is legally available to people under the ages of 18,” Nwia said.

Certain sites and social media that are blocked on Chromebooks may be available for student use by going on personal devices, or by not accessing the school’s Wi-Fi network. they wanted to access while at school, that they are currently prohibited from viewing. One of these students, senior Nate Turk, expressed his

desire to access certain websites.

“GBS should block inappropriate sites, but it doesn’t make sense to block Facebook when Twitter and Instagram aren’t blocked,” Turk said.

“Social media is often used for school use. Many clubs and classes I’m in have Facebook groups and Instagrams so there is no [good] reason Facebook is blocked.”

Bretag touched on the topic of Facebook, saying they have not had a serious conversation about opening Facebook since late 2010 to early 2011. According to Bretag, at that point the students did not want Facebook unblocked.

“When Dr. Riggle and myself were sitting in a room and having this conversation at Glenbrook North and the students across the board pushed back and said ‘No, no, no, no,’ we were like, ‘Wow,’” Bretag said.

“There wasn’t even a divide at that point.”

According to Bretag, the main concern from faculty and staff is ‘What does Facebook bring to the table that other tools do not already have?’

However, he believes it is time for another con-

versation concerning the opening of Facebook.

More importantly, he wants students to have the opportunity to grow.

Students who believe that GBS should be able to block sites voiced their opinions as well. Sophoacceptable and necessary.

“The Chromebooks are for educational purposes, and there’s too much inappropriate content on the web,” Yang said.

Junior Patrick Tener agrees with Yang and believes the school has the right to restrict certain sites from students.

“They should be able to block sites in order to keep students paying attention,” Tener said. “Also, since it is private property and they pay for the Wi-Fi, they have the right to.”

Social Worker David Hartman also expressed his concern for students’ safety on the Internet.

“We want to be really careful to send a message [about the internet] as globally and individually as possible,” Hartman said. “One of the ways we can globally send the message that the Internet is

“It’s not that we are sitting here saying ‘We don’t trust you.’ [...]

This is something that legislatively we have to address[...].”

-Ryan Bretag, director of instructional technology

Hartman said he understands the desire for

students to use social media sites such as Facebook, but he expressed the possible negative impact is too risky.

“Facebook is a really heinous place for some kids,” Hartman said. “The number of kids that get bullied via social media is horrible. If it was easy to get to Facebook from the school, my worry is that kids would be tempted when they get angry get bigger.”

Hartman added that there is validity in the argument that social media can be a coping skill that is taken out of reach while students are at school. ter], but maybe in that negative consequence there is an opportunity for growth,” Hartman said.

Bretag explains the school’s reasoning for im“There is a requirement by the government [to we are sitting here saying ‘We don’t trust you,’ or ‘We don’t respect you.’ This is something that legislatively we have to address, it’s not an option.”

Bretag stresses that the technology department takes feedback, and will unblock sites students are using for academic purpose, as long as it is cleared by the teacher.

“We do everything possible to give [the students] the access [they] need,” Bretag said. “We do trust [them] and we want to make sure that [they] aren’t leaving us with a world that was so restrictive that [they] couldn’t grow academically and socially.”

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features

Dec. 19, 2014

Building passions piece by piece: South students expand collections HANNAH BUCHBAND staff reporter -

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features

Nov 5, 2010

Dec. 19, 2014

9

FOREVER YOUNG (LIFE): (Top photo) Sporting the Young Life sign, juniors (left to right) Julia Bellair, Casey Kleeman and Kate Maki enjoy Fall Weekend, a weekend long club sponsored event. (Upper Right photo) Sophomore Natalie Mid-

daugh hugs fellow club member, sophomore Colleen McPeek, after getting her face splattered in purple powder. (Lower right photo) Hopping over the attendees of Fall Weekend, junior Sean Dolan takes part in one of the many activities. Fall Weekend was held by Young Life in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Photos courtesy of Young Life Glenbrook South Facebook page

Young Life provides support, faith in an understanding environment MADELINE RUOS staff reporter Many students have experienced it: a case of the Mondays.

Whether it’s the dark circles under eyes that make people doze off in class, the growing amount of homework that seemingly never ends or the pajamas that are donned in pure exhaustion from the weekend before, Mondays are inevitable. But for members of Young Life Club, every other Monday night at 8:08 p.m., the ultimate “party with a purpose” has just begun. ally. With over 1.7 million kids involved, what Young Life members are occasionally doing in Glenview is also happening in Kenya, China or even Italy. Although the club is Christian based, according to Heather Gibbs, GBS Young Life leader, it is open to anyone. Monday meetings are reserved for fun games, dance parties and enjoying music. and they were playing this game where a girl had to make a PB&J sandwich with her feet, and then a boy had to eat it off her feet, and they made me do it,” Gibbs described. “So I walked

summer camp as one of the memorable things he’s had.

“I worked at a Young Life camp for a whole month [last summer], and there were 80 people on the crew, so I made like 80 new friends,” Moen said. “Just being able to serve with them and alongside them and grow deeper in our faith together in that place is something I will never forget.”

According to Angie Nelson, Pep Club sponsor, the club is a place where her children, who are members of Young Life, and all others can feel connected to everyone around them no matter who they are or what circumstances they face. Like Moen, she remembers many memorable times during Young Life events.

“Hannah, my senior, on a Young Life 7 to 7 event, called me at like 3 a.m. and said she had broken her ankle, but she didn’t even want to come home, and she had Devin Maki carry her around,” Nelson said.

Hannah is also a junior leader for Young Life. Hannah started in Young Life her freshman year, and the change to become a form of leadership was a natural transition.

“Since [I started Young Life] I’ve been really involved and it’s one of my favorite things that I do now,” Hannah said. “So, when the opportunity came up to become a junior leader I couldn’t deny it. I want to be a Young Life leader when I go to college, so I thought it would be a great beginning to get involved in the leadership parts early on. Also, I’m a peer group leader and at Young Life I, sometimes, get to lead freshmen in discussion so leading is just something I like to do.”

Also remembering the event, Hannah recalls how she hadn’t originally known her ankle was broken until later that night. However, she chose to continue despite her injury.

“There were four hours until the event was over, so I thought [I] could stick it out,” Hannah said. “And the leaders and my friends carried me around on and off the bus and if I wanted to go somewhere.”

Between all the events Young Life offers, Hannah’s favorite memory with the club’s members was a camp held at a Frontier ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado.

“The camp was in the mountains, so it was so different than Glenview and at night the stars were unreal,” Hannah said. “So it was just totally different than the environment I was used to.

Also, camp was just a week packed with things I don’t do on an everyday basis: climb a mountain, horseback ride, ride a mechanical bull.”

Another event that makes it to the top of Hannah’s club experiences is the three-day Fall Weekend, which was held this year at the Lake Geneva Youth camp, and took place from Nov. 14 - 16.

“[Young Life] has given me an opportunity to go deeper into my faith and live it out in a realistic high school setting.”

-senior AJ Moen

was like, ‘What am I doing?’ Then all of a sudden, I’m spreading jelly and peanut butter onto bread with my feet and then a boy is eating it.”

Young Life holds Campaigners every Wednesday night, which are centered around reading and discussing the Gospel. In addition, at the end of every club meeting, a short passage from the Bible is read and connected to club members’ daily lives. Topics could range from Adam, Eve and the serpent, to a man that had leprosy who was miraculously cured by Jesus.

“Two weeks ago we listened to a song by 21 Pilots and talked about it, and we kind of talked about what they were trying to say in the song,” Gibbs said. “And then we read a story from the Bible that related to it and kind of talked about […] how it relates to not only this song, but how it relates to life in high school.”

According to senior AJ Moen, the importance of being in Young Life stands out above anything else. The message of the club itself is what really matters to its members. “[Young Life] has given me an opportunity to go deeper into my faith and live it out in a realistic high school setting,” Moen said. “In high school, it is really easy to put a mask on and be someone who you are not, and I think Young Life has given me for who I am.”

According to sophomore Natalie Middaugh, many people who go to Young Life form strong relationships and bonds with their fellow club members. They praise the ability to connect on a higher level with others that are dealing with the same troubles as them.

“You meet new people who, in general, have the same problems and know what you are going through,” Middaugh said.

According to Moen, in addition to Monday and Wednesday meetings, Young Life also has some yearly events. Members can

mid-November during Fall Weekend for three days and participate in a moving lock-in on a Coach bus from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in February. Moen recalls his experience working at a Young Life

“It’s three days of really fun activities and even though it’s short I’ve met so many cool people from surrounding areas like New Trier and Glenbrook North and farther places like Hinsdale and Naperville. It just brings everyone together and it’s so fun.”

The positive experiences that Young Life members have are extremely important, according to Gibbs. They gain more adults who truly care about them who they feel like they can talk to, and a safe place to ask hard questions about faith. All of these factors contribute to the over arching message of Young Life.

“I think there a lot of high school students who are looking for somewhere to be loved and don’t realize that they are already loved,” Gibbs said. “You are loved by the God who created you, regardless of who you are or what you do.”

For more information regarding Young Life and their upcoming meetings, use the QR code below

To read this QR code go to the app store and search QR code reader

12

features

Dec. 19, 2014

Each issue the Oracle will feature the commemorative theme of the month.

December:

Buzz of the Holiday Season The Oracle

HOLIDAY CHEER: Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

THE SEASON FOR GIVING: OLIVIA SOTIRCHOS & SASHA VASSILYEVA staff reporters

The holiday season, typically commencing with the post-Thanksgiving food coma and ending only when the very last glass from the New Year’s day gathering has been returned to the back of the cabinet, is traditionally known as the time for people to give back to those who are less fortunate. This tradition certainly does not fall short when glancing at the community surrounding South.

For the past 15 years, Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook has run their annual Holiday Gift Program. This program, according to www.youthservices-gn.org, is largely successful due to donations of students and clubs at South and North.

According to Karen Paszkiewicz, head of the program, volunteers are given a child’s wish list and asked to purchase the necessities - such as boots, underwear and coats as well as a fun gift that was requested. Paszkiewicz vouches for the importance of these necessities to recipients.

“It’s a shame to hear that a child doesn’t have boots or a coat, because if they don’t have boots, they can’t go out to recess,” Paszkiewicz said. “The children are

The Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook host an annual holiday gift drive for families in need. Through this program, South students join in the spirit of giving.

giving back to the community.

“Not everyone can afford these things, and we are so privileged to be able to get as many gifts as we do and have the lives we do,” Whetstone said. “It’s just so important to make sure we share with other people.”

Cohen, who attests to the fact that she has wanted to get involved with the program for years, decided to extend the opportunity to her entire English class on a complete whim. According to Cohen, she decided to ask the students if they wanted to participate as they were gathered around the door, ready to dart out of the room as soon as the bell sounded.

“I kind of just shouted, ‘Hey, do you want to sponsor a kid?’, and these students who were getting ready to leave the room, not really paying attention, stopped what they were doing, and all enthusiastically shouted ‘YEAH!’,” Cohen said. “I just thought it was the coolest thing that there is such a genuine interest in helping.

I didn’t have to do anything more than that.

That’s all it took.”

After all the gifts have been collected and vices hosts a wrapping party.

“We have different groups that come and wrap [the presents],” Paszkiewicz said. “There [are] quite a few groups from GBS, local schools, girl scout [troops], boy scout troops [and] church groups [who] come and do wrapping parties.”

According to Paszkiewicz, South’s Key Club, Interact Club and Unidos have participated in the wrapping parties that Youth Services host. Additionally, Interact Sponsor Mark Gallagher said Interact has been doing the gift wrapping event for at least 12 years. According to Gallagher, students really enjoy this event, and it gives them a chance to relax from school work and be with friends while giving back to the community.

“I think what we’re hoping is that [students will] catch the bug,” Gallagher said. “Once you

“It feels good to help other people and it’s important to give back, not just at this time [of the year], but at all times.”

-Interact Sponsor Mark Gallagher

out that when they are in need of boots or a coat, they receive [these items]. Then, they can still go out for recess and be like their other classmates and peers.”

Many of South’s service clubs, such as Interact Club and Key Club, as well as individuals, choose to participate in the program yearly. Junior Katie Coy, member of Key Club’s student board, has worked actively with the program for the past three years. According to Coy, her motivation for being involved in the program has shifted over time. points for Key Club,” Coy said. “Then, I realized it’s a really cool idea, because to wake up and not have anything under your Christmas tree is upsetting.”

Coy is not alone in her enthusiasm surrounding the spread of holiday cheer. Sophomore Jack Whetstone is participating in the program alongside his entire English class - an idea spearheaded by his teacher, Deborah Cohen. Whetstone, like Coy, realizes the power of

good about yourself. It feels good to help other people and it’s important to give back, not just at this time, but at all times. So, it’s really what we hope [students get from the program].”

Key Club has also participated in the wrapping parties. According to Josh Koo, Key Club sponsor, students that participate in the gift wrapping events really enjoy themselves every

community.

“We remind [Key Club members] that these [presents] are for kids that otherwise would not get gifts during the holidays,” Koo said. “It really inspires the kids to be more positive and more genuinely grateful for what they have.”

Coy has participated in the wrapping parties with Key Club for the past three years. According to Coy, they play music and serve holiday treats, such as cookies and hot chocolate, while people from the community wrap all the donated presents.

“It’s just amazing to see all these things that [the kids] want,” Coy said. “Some just want hats and gloves and coats, and that’s something that I take for granted.”

The wrapping party is just evidence of the many different ways people can get involved in the program based on interest. Cohen sees all these different ways to get involved and tries to adjust the program in a way where every single individual in her classroom can be active.

“I’ve tried to give people different ways of being involved,” Cohen said. “If [a student] can give a dollar, give a dollar, if [a student wants] to go shopping and spend the money, that’s another way of being involved that maybe doesn’t cost anything, or the wrapping aspect. There are other ways to help rather than just giving money.”

With the Holiday Gift Program and spirit of the season in mind, Coy eagerly chats about the gift wrapping party she has attended for the past few years as program. According to Coy, she feels programs like this and encourages her peers to give this holiday season.

“Give as much as you can,” Coy advised. “Keep an open mind that there are people that need it.”

and then another -

Photo by Hailey Hauldren

really fun.” - Senior Brooklyn Cohen

- Junior

Photo by Hailey Hauldren

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Photo by Jacqueline Dewitt

and try to buy the funniest orna-

Photo by Hailey Hauldren

reviews

Nov 5, 2010

Dec. 19, 2014

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Reviewers capture, reflect on essence of newly released films

Birdman toys with cognitive twists: Keaton’s Film immortalizes Stephen Hawking: romance, character haunted by his past in comedy, drama drama, life combined in biographical movie DANNY FOOKSON columnist

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BIRDMAN BEWITCHES: Captured in the

act, Michael Keaton plays the main character Riggan Thomson in the new movie Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Birdman can be seen at local theaters.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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HOPEFUL HAWKING: With only two years to live, Stephen Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) loses control of his body while playing a game of croquet.

Source: theotherjournal.com

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Dec. 19, 2014

DILIGENT DANCERS: On Friday, Dec.12, Orchesis (left) performs a contemporary style dance with a group of nine girls at the 24th annual Dance Show. The dance was choreographed by sophomore Yael Sheinseld and junior Julia Sonnenfeld, to a song called, “Your Song.” With their hands in the air, another Orchesis group (right) performs a contemporary dance to the song “Breathe Again.” Photos by Marley Hambourger

Dance Show features variety of choreography, cultural music GRACIE SANDS & KIERSTEN TERESI staff reporters It is not every day that South gets the opportunity to see Orchesis, Poms, De La Cru and Latino Heat perform together on the same stage. All four groups were set to perform in the annual dance show, on Friday, Dec. 12. This year’s theme was Allegro, which included a variety of musical and dance styles due to the diversity of the groups performing.

Senior Erika Szafranski, De la Cru captain, loved having the opportunity to perform in a show with the other dance groups. She especially looked forward to seeing Orchesis perform because they are the host of the show, and she knows how hard they worked to make the dance show possible.

“You get to see more of a diverse group because our school is so used to seeing only De La Cru and Poms, and now you get to see Orchesis and everything they’ve worked for, because this is their main show, and they put a lot of work into it,” Szafranski said. “I like working with them and seeing what they come up with in their different dances.”

Poms Captain Dani

Levenson encouraged people to come out and support the dance show, because it showcased a variety of different styles. She hoped that the various types of dances would provide the audience with an amazing show.

“If you like to watch dance, it would be a good show to go to,” Levenson said. “It’s a lot of different types of dance. So it’s interesting, because it’s more of a variety.”

Levenson believes that the lack of pressure that was present in the performance made for a much-needed change in pace for the team. Instead of competing against the same teams that they are used to, they could relax and support the other dancers.

“Usually we’re competing against the same people all the time, so it’s nice to have a change and see other people dance,” Levenson said.

Patricia Moulakelis, coach of De la Cru, hoped that the audience would become involved in the performances on a deeper level. Her goal was that the audience would leave the performance with a different perspective of what De La Cru is all about.

“Dance show is not to get the crowd going; it’s to get the crowd involved in the music and in their dancing,” Moulakelis said.

Latino Heat, De La Cru, Poms and Orchesis each feature their

others.

“The audience can expect a variety of dances from Bollywood to a Polish dance,” Orchesis Captain Jessie Wax said. “There is some ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and tap. We are lucky to be able to share the show with Varsity and JV poms, De La Cru, and Latino Heat.”

Although the Dance Show was a success, certies. According to Brian Shaoul, Latino Heat director, Latino Heat initially had some trouble with their professional choreographer. ty was just not being able to

“Dance show is not to get the crowd going; it’s to get the crowd involved in the music and in their dancing.”

-Patricia Moulakelis, Coach of De la Cru

choreographer,” Shaoul said. “My two leaders actually did the choreography, as they did in previous years. We were just anticipating to have a professional choreographer this year.”

Junior Maya Patel, Orchesis member, recalled her years in the dance shows and the different themes and music that are featured in the show from year to year.

“I love it, because it brings a different aspect to the show and to South.” Patel said. “The dance show altogether [featured] hip-hop, tap, jazz, lyrical, ethnic, ballet contemporary and more. You can expect all types of dancing from all the groups participating. Each year, there is a dif-

ferent theme, accompanied by new music numbers and songs.”

Of all the weeks leading up to the show, tech week is the best part of the show, according to Pagether in preparation for the day of performance.

Orchesis Coach Bonnie Lasky shared what makes the dance show, and Orchesis, so special.

“Orchesis is like a family,” Lasky said. “The girls have really bonded and depended on each other.”

According to Lasky, for Orchesis and the whole dance show in general, the collaboration between all of the groups is fantastic.

“It makes the show the Variety Show of Dance,” Lasky said. “The audience loves all the different dance forms.”

Wax shares what she loves the most about participating in dance show and what she looked forward to most prior to the performance.

“My passion is performing and dance, and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a part of it,” Wax said. “For years, South has put on their annual winter dance show, captivating the audience with groups showcasing their talents through all different sorts of dances. It looks like this year will not be any different.”

styles that are unlike the

DANCING QUEEN:

PERFECT POINT: Freshman

Alexandra Anderson dances in a duet with her older sister, Regina Anderson, in the Orchesis show.

The Andersons choreographed their dance themselves and performed the contemporary style dance towards the middle of the dance show.

ARCHED ANDERSON: Bent back in an arched lunge, senior Regina Anderson dances with passion and grace. Her performance was to the song “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra.

Senior Lydia Lutz dances Bollywood.

According to Senior Jessie Wax, this particular dance is hard to learn, tiring, and takes a lot of practice. Senior Amy Kuply choreographed this dance to the song “Aadungada Yennai Suthi.”

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Sammy Gruenberg defies his Unique artist:Senior color blindness, produces exemplary art MEGAN SHEQILADZE staff reporter From cartoonists to tattoo artists, color is a crucial component and affects many artistic decisions. If these decisions are made correctly, an eye-catching piece of art can be made.

Art is a large aspect of senior Sammy Gruenberg’s life, but certain colors are absent. Even though Gruenberg is color blind, he creates pieces that are praised by many people. “[Over] the summer we had to do this piece for AP art and I did wine bottles,” Gruenberg said. “It’s my least favorite painting, and everyone in class thought it was one of my best pieces. [That] amazed me because I hated it and thought all of the colors were really wrong. It just turned out better than I thought.”

According to Gruenberg, his art career started freshman year when he saw the various opportunities at GBS. was good at [art],

it made me [strive] to do it more,” Gruenberg said. “I really like seeing the end result of my projects.”

Stephanie Fuja, Gruenberg’s art teacher, recognized his passion in the beginning. in was an acrylic painting of pancakes,” Fuja said. “I was very impressed with his painting. I knew he was color blind and the fact that he could see accurate values and paint them really well was super impressive to me. [That] was when I knew he had a natural gift and talent to create art.”

The road to this had its challenges, many of which Gruenberg has overcome. His sister, Hannah Gruenberg, amongst other peers, helped him overcome these challenges.

“I would help him with his paintings and help him know which colors to blend,” Hannah said.

According to Sammy, not knowing what colors he is using can cause some insecurities, especially in painting. He tends to work with black and white paintings and drawings.

Nonetheless, Sammy says that he isn’t afraid to use color. ”[My color blindness is] a struggle when I’m at home and having to paint by myself,” Gruenberg said. It’s not something bigger struggle. Now, I got past it and I see it as more of a unique trait in myself.”

Although Gruenberg has come to accept this characteristic, there are still times where he is unsure of his art.

However, he points out that the people around him have held an important role in encouraging him.

“He always knew how to draw with pencil, but that was black and white,” Fuja said. “So when he had to paint or draw in color, that really made him nervous and unsure of himself at his ‘own eyes’ and go with it! He did and the results were outstanding!”

Gruenberg hopes to continue to follow his creative passion into college and major in industrial design.

SKETCHES BY SAMMY: blindness affects his preference of art, making him lean more towards black and white sketches over color paintings. Photo by Marley Hambourger

IMEA Festival showcases South’s musically talented NICK MORAN staff reporter Every year, a select group of South students practice for a chance to take part in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) Festival on Nov. 8 and 22. A handful of South’s musicians, all dedicated to participate in the festival, try out to represent the school with grand performances throughout est notes that students from the area have to offer. nization consisting of music educators from across the state. The organization sponsors state wide activities to promote music. Known by many South students through their symphonic and jazz band festivals held in November, IMEA has high level of musical talent. Many students, such as Jack Kelly, a sophomore band student, recognizes honor to make it into the bands.

“IMEA is the district band and all of the best players from the districts and the state make it into the band,” Kelly said. “It’s a pretty cool title to have, to say you made it into IMEA.” There are nine districts in which students are chosen to participate in the festival. Each district hosts their own District Festival in which students work with a guest conductor for a performance.

is especially renowned in District 7, the region in which South and other high schools are placed.

According to Aaron Wojcik, assistant band director, District 7 is one of the most competitive districts in Illinois. more band student, said students will keep on trying to obtain an honored spot in the bands and better themselves.

“For people who strive to be the best, like people who are committed to band and other applied arts, like singing and string instruments, I think it means a lot for them because they strive to be better,” Noh said.

According to Wojcik, students prepare in numerous ways, ranging from individual practice and checkins with directors. Much of the practice would be on music pieces, both technical and lyrical, all major and minor scales, as well as sight reading sheet music. Students who pass auditions perform and practice for music festivals hosted by IMEA. The festivals are performed by musicians who were chosen through an audition process by playing for IMEA judges. Senior Marissa Takaki, a threetime member of IMEA, remembers practicing her bassoon sophomore year after making the symphonic

time.

“My sophomore year, I was third chair [in the IMEA Festival band] and that was a lot of fun,” Takaki said. “You go on a Saturday from 8 in the morning until 5 or 6 and you have a few hours of rehearsal in the morning, then lunch, then another hour or two of rehearsal and then you have a concert.”

Wojcik says that after district festivals, students can further progress to allstate performances, based on a rating given to them during the district level concerts. Takaki and a handful of other students across Illinois were selected to perform at the all-state level for the Illinois Music Education Conference, which is planned to take place in January of 2015.

Takaki was one of six students at South to try out and make an IMEA band. This year, Takaki for bassoon, junior Marc Turenne for clarinet and junior Cassandra band; junior Matt Grinde for trumpet and senior Matt Baeckelandt for saxophone were placed in jazz band; and Erik Tomasic

BRASS BOYS: Instruments in hand, junior Matt Grinde and senior Erik Tomasic display their musical talent. Both Grinde and Tomasic performed at the Illinois Music Education Association (IMEA) Festival on Nov. 8 and 22, Grinde on trumpet and Tomasic on tuba in addition to the trombone. Photo by Katelyn Luckey

was placed in both for trombone and tuba, according to Wojcik.

Tomasic was the only student from South to be accepted into both bands, playing tuba for symphonic band and trombone for jazz band.

“It sort of represents all of the hard work I put in because you’re being acknowledged as a really good player and among the best in this area,” Tomasic said. “It’s also really fun to play with other people who are equally as talented.”

According to Tomasic, it took three auditions until he managed to join IMEA his semaking IMEA this year, Tomasic auditions in years past, thinking that one wrong note could separate him from acceptance.

“I would say to not be as nervous as you think you should be because that just makes the situation worse and you’ll make more and prepare your piece as well.”

While looking back on IMEA, members experience of performing with IMEA, espenal year of IMEA, and are looking forward to performing professionally in the future.

“Having an ensemble prepare concertready music in one day is nice because it’s like a different experience,” Takaki said. “It’s what you have to do professionally… and it’s always fun to learn things about yourself and the thing you’re playing.”

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Battle of the Bands displays students’ original style -

JOHN PARK staff reporter

A drummer strikes the last cymbal while a gui-

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the same guitar teacher -

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FEELIN’ THE MUSIC: Jamming at Battle of the Bands, lead singer Taz Johnson and bassist Joey Leggetino perform -

with their band, Belmont. Belmont was one of the runner-up bands at the Battle of the Bands event, hosted by Interact club. Photo by Ashley Clark

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really all my

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STRUMMING THE CHORDS: Rocking the guitar, junior Joey Sewall performed at Battle of the Bands. Sewall played with his bands Grilled Cheese Murder Scene, Bad Reputation and PsychoActive at the event. Photo by Ashley Clark

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sports

Nov 5, 2010

Dec. 19, 2014

Sports opinion

17

Gymnastics looks to build on last year’s strong finish GABBI COZZONE staff writer Last season, the GBS Girls Gymnastics team appeared

Fantasy sports: it’s a game for everyone TYLER AKI asst. sports editor Before every football season, Quinn Kilgore and his group of college friends meet up in Omaha, Nebraska to do their annual fantasy draft. Except each year, there is new addition to the league: an embarrassing four by four inch tattoo gracing the thigh of the loser as chosen by the winner of the league. The tattoos have ranged anywhere from a rainbow face.

As crazy as all of this sounds, their league has gained national fame through features in the New York Times bestseller, Fantasy Life, as well as a spot in their own ESPN NFL Countdown commercial.

However, fantasy sports was not always in the mainstream. They used to carry the “nerd” stigma, only for the fans deeply invested into the numbers and statistics of the game. According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, over the past 20 years, the number of fantasy users in America and Canada has risen 1400 percent.

Fantasy sports’ sudden jump into the mainstream can be greatly attributed to the people who play them. One such example is Matthew Berry, ESPN’s Senior Fantasy Analyst.

As a former screenwriter, Berry realized the Hollywood life was not for him and turned his childhood passion into a living. Berry, who of 12 (a fantasy baseball league, which he is

still a part of to this day), wrote the aforementioned New York Times bestseller and became a SportsCenter and NFL Countdown.

Berry’s book reminisces on the most absurd stories that he has heard, or been a part of, over the years of playing fantasy sports and his journey to ESPN. His appearances at countless book signings, The League on FXX, Late Night with Seth Meyers and his own shows (06010 Fantasy Focus podcast and Fantasy Football Now) have drawn the crowds to participate in the “game for sports geeks.”

In the modern era of technology, playing fantasy sports has become so simple. There are a multitude of sites that offer a platform for fantasy sports with a computer tracking your scores as opposed to the old fashioned, “grab your newspaper and calculator and look up the stats on Tuesday morning method.”

For those who fear their rookie status will hinder them against the savvy veterans, don’t be afraid. The amount of information out there is endless. From yearly draft cheat sheets to talk shows, such as WGBK’s very own Final Fantasy, there are plenty of resources out there to help guide you in the right direction, and to

I encourage every sports fan to give fantasy sports a try. It’s a great way to prolong friendships past high school as well as provide a nice distraction from life’s rigors. By being an armchair general manager, you are in complete control of your roster and can blame no one but yourself for drafting Montee Ball over DeMarco Murray.

Fantasy sports also help ease the pain of your favorite team’s struggles.

You may own Jay Cutler, who is a statistically good quarterback, but you can sleep easy at night knowing that you’re not paying him $22.5 million to produce below average results in the standings.

For those of you who already play fantasy football, good luck in your playoff run. Hopefully I don’t see Justin Bieber on your thigh next week.

You may own Jay Cutler, who is a statistically good quarterback, but you can sleep easy at night knowing that you’re not paying him $22.5 million to produce below average results in the standings.

hopefully advance farther than sectionals, according to head coach Steve Gale. brook North invite with a score of 139.3, beating CSL rival, New Trier.

According to senior captain Kaci Castino her favorite accomplishment of the season so far was bringing home the championship trophy from the GBN Invite.

“New Trier is a big rival of ours so it was extremely rewarding as a team to outscore them,” Castino said.

The team also won their meet versus Evanston with a total of 140 points. So far, the girls are undefeated and hope to keep it that way, according to Castino.

Last season, sophomore Hannah Hartley won the alltended last year’s state meet. “[They are] more rounded gymnasts, so I feel like they are going to bring a higher skill level to all of us and they are going to push us more,” Hartley said.

According to Gale the team will start off without HartHartley is the team’s top-all around gymnast, and she is currently working on her bars routine.

“We are going to be down a tad with that, but I would like to beat everyone,” Gale said. “I would hope we would come out on top and perform well.”

This season, the team features two freshmen, Bebe Haramaras and Kiley Kruger. The team is also led by Castino, according to Hartley.

FLYING FLIPS: Julia Stadler performs her routine on the balance beam at a home meet against Glenbrook North on Dec. 5.

Photo by Sophia Mason

PE expands options, equipment under new block schedule HANNAH MASON co-sports editor In the 2014-2015 school year, the Physical Education (PE) Department has expanded their resources with the addition of a spin room, Total Resistance eXercise (TRX) workout bands and an ice skating unit, associated with the Glenview Ice Rink.

According to Kay Sopocy, assistant athletic director, talk of these additions began among the department a year and a half ago when it was announced that South would be switching to a block schedule.

“[The PE department] did a lot of discussion about facilities and how we were going to best utilize them so that we give students more of a broad view of PE since we have them for a longer period of time,” Sopocy said.

Sopocy also added that the addition of a spin room had been on the department’s “wish list” for a while. According to junior Katelyn Luckey, a student in the PE leader class, she had never used a spin bike, but thoroughly enjoyed the exercise and experience.

“The fun aspect of it is when, for example, Mrs. Sopocy [plays] a video that [is] to the tempo of how fast we should be going on our bikes,” Luck-

ey said. “I think it is a good idea to incorporate the

spin room and TRX bands] was to give another

then the music that goes along with it.”

A spin bike is different from a regular bike seen tensity varies throughout the workout, according to Instructional Supervisor Steve Stanicek. On a regular bike a person’s heart rate increases, but then stays constant. On a spin bike, rather, the heart rate is constantly jumping, Stanicek says.

The PE Department also invested in TRX bands. According to trxtraining.com, the TRX bands offer a full-body workout and are used to further develop the core and muscle strength. According to Luckey, she believes the bands are ef-

the block we weren’t going to play basketball for ninety minutes. We knew that we were going to we didn’t have enough stations to accommodate what we wanted to do.” lum includes a three day ice skating unit, at the Glenview Ice Rink. If this unit proceeds well, it might be something other classes are able to incorporate into their curriculum. According to junior Casey Kleeman, a student in the PE leader class, she enjoyed the experience and the diversity it brought to the class.

“It’s so fun to get out of the school and also to [push] people outside their comfort zones,” Kleeman said.

According to junior E.J. Reynolds, another student in the PE Leaders class, he enjoyed the fact that it was an opportunity for stuure skating or hockey to have a chance to skate.

“I think it’s great that everyone can come out and work on their skating,” Reynolds said. “Most kids don’t have an outlet to skate; so, it’s nice to have that [here].”

According to Sopocy, the PE Department is constantly working at improving the program and will continue to ask more essential questions about what is still needed for the curriculum at the beginning of second semester.

“Most kids don’t have an outlet to skate, so it’s nice to have that [here].”

-junior E.J. Reynolds

CENTER ICE: Holding hands at the center of the ice rink, junior PE leaders pose for a photo after a class during their ice skating unit. The new unit was added to the curriculum due to the block scheduling and spanned for three days.

Photo courtesty of Emily Weiss

based on her own experience.

“We honestly haven’t used [the TRX bands] that much, to the point that we [don’t] know takes we made before, but we are looking forward to using new techniques,” Luckey said.

In the times that Luckey’s class has used the bands, she says they did exercises with the bands, such as using them to practice push-ups and pull ups. However, the bands can be used for a variety of exercise.

“I thought it was unique and better than being on the ground and doing your classical push-up,” Luckey said.

According to Stanicek, the purpose of the additions dealt with the idea of PE classes spending half of the block on an activity and the other half “What we wanted to accomplish [with the

is what we are about,” Sopocy said. “We should as enjoying activities that are lifelong. I think the newer things that we haven’t had before have enponent more interesting for students at the very least.”

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sports

Dec. 19, 2014

SOARING SALOMON: Photo by Marley Hambourger

Swim and dive predicted to continue last year’s successful streak SAM CASEY asst. sports editor The men’s swimming and diving team has experienced early success by winning both of their invites. The team beat GBN in a dual meet, 115-68.

Head coach Keith MacDonald said he has high ex“We hope to win just about all of our dual

50 yard freestyle in 20.96 seconds, which was two hundredths of a second faster than his fourth said. “I did not have the strongest of state meets last year, so it’s good to be back at it.”

According to both Salomon and MacDonald, they agree that this year’s team has more depth than last year’s team, despite graduating

beaten New Trier. They are a very deep team, “Last year’s team are equal if not better than theirs.”

According to MacDonald, some of the team’s stars include state returners, seniors Jon Salomon and Aaron Ach, junior Sam Salganik and sophomore Sam Iida.

At the Arrowhead dual meet, Salomon swam the

place last year at state and is hoping to do better this year. According to Ach, he is planning to acdives in his routine and by being more relaxed at practices.

“Even though last year was a bit of a grace period for me as a junior,who

“New Trier is a very deep team, [which] presents a problem for us, but our stars are equal if not better than theirs.”

-head coach Keith MacDonald

which was pretty impressive, but we believe that we are just as good, Donald said.

On the diving side of the team, Ach came in seventh

there is much more of an expectation for me to perform well under pressure all the time, and that obviously includes the state meet,” Ach said. “Bearing that in mind, it is equally

have more fun and freedom during practice to try new things.”

According to Ach, he is thankful to be part of a team that has so much depth. He is also grateful that the swimmers include the divers as one big team.

“It is amazing for me to feel included in the swimmers’ culture, because it is a really tight-knit group,” Ach said. “They get up and train harder in the mornings and harder after school than In the GBN dual meet, South won 10 out of the 12 events. At the Spartan Sprint Classic invite, the ald is happy with the team’s progress so far, but his main goal is for the men to try their hardest at practices so they can be in shape for the end of the season. well,” MacDonald said. “We could do better in getting a little worn down from the practices and getting sick, and it’s just been unfortunate so far that our practices haven’t been better.”

Over winter break the swim team is going on a training trip in Iowa. Their next meet will be at Evanston on Dec. 19.

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

HANNAH MASON sports editor

What are your goals for this season?

[I would like] to make it back to state

If you could do another sport besides gymnastics, what would it be?

What is something not many people know about you?

I have sock OCD and my socks always have Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

I always have to eat pasta the night before the meet and I always warm up the same What has been your favorite memory from this season so far?

My favorite memory so far was beating GBN and getting our highest score of the What is your favorite part about gymnastics?

My favorite part about gymnastics is [being able to do] things that [most] people

sports

Dec. 19, 2014

Basketball discovers depth in younger team

19

MUST SEE HOME GAMES:

CAROLYN KUHN staff reporter After losing nine seniors from last year’s roster, the Titan men’s nior captain Sean McDonagh.

Men’s Swim & Dive vs. Evanston Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m.

George Mavrakis, this year’s team returning junior.

“We’re going to be a lot young-

just means we’re going to have to ly smaller than last year’s team, containing only 12 players, com-

Photo by Hannah Bilimoria

Daniel says that practices are more intense because there is less wait-

Women’s Basketball vs. Taft Jan. 10, 2:30 p.m.

“Lately we’ve been working tals of the game so that we can son.”

JIMMY BUCKETS: Jumping high against a GBN basketball player on Dec. 5, junior Jimmy Martinelli (#33)

gains possession of the ball for the Titans. Martinelli went on to score the basket that tied the game, and seconds later, senior Chase Daniel scored the game winning three point shot (63-60). Photo by Ashley Clark ter than this team, so let’s go out

when Martinelli hit the three pi-

way we are playing,’” Mavrakis

“There are some players on our Daniel hit the game winning shot.

To see Daniel’s buzzer beater -

chance to win.”

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game-winning play, he wasn’t

Photo by Ashley Clark

ership.

McDonagh says another aspect -

ly well together so far, but we still

Daniel, last year there were cliques for this year is to come together as one team. The team will also look

-

Gymnastics vs. Maine South Jan. 12, 7:00 p.m.

game came together the way they game for the boys was against Glenbrook North on Dec. 5. Ma-

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McDonaghs actively participate in basketball, other GBS athletics SOPHIE HENSLEY staff reporter

-

season... Sean caught three touchseason to compete against the top high schools in Illinois for GBS basketball.

he set the tone for us offensively

-

Photo by Sophie Mason

her.” notably attribute their success to

school,

the

McDonaghs

have

free throws together.

“Everyone plays in my family;

Steven Weissenstein, women’s var-

spring.

The McDonaghs plan to compete at the college level after high school. However, Sean is current-

- crosse at

the court.

San Diego State University in nia.

success, because Lesch personally Like Sarah, Sean gives a coach for pushing him to hit the weight room in the fall for football training

when one of our starters got hurt. while that player was recuperating. I remember one game in a

basketball in the winter.

from quarterback to tight get a lot stronger,” Sean -

SIBLING LOVE: Off the court (right), siblings senior Sean and junior Sarah McDonagh show off their close bond. Sean and Sarah embace tightly in a picture (left) from their childhood.

Photo by Ashley Clark (right) and photo courtesy Sarah McDonagh (left)

tage, being stronger than the other players I play against.”

Their mother, Mary Lou ment of Sean on the foot“I try to go to as many

Men’s Basketball vs. New Trier Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m.

sity basketball coach.

Wrestling vs. Russ Erb tournament Jan. 19, 3:30 p.m. & Jan. 20, 9:00 a.m.

one of his best characteristics as an athlete. He just loves to compete.”

bring home a win.

Photo by Ashley Clark

20

sports

Dec. 19, 2014

FIGHT TO FINISH: During their game against Highland Park, freshman Lizzie Shaw (left) dribbles past a Giants defender, senior Madison Kane and junior Sydney Dehorn (upper right) struggle to gain possesion of the ball and junior Caitlin Morrison (lower right) looks for an open player while fending off her opponent. The Titans beat Highland Park twice, once on Nov. 19 and again on Dec. 2, with scores of 69-23 and 59-39. Photos by Ashley Clark

Women’s Basketball remains undefeated JONATHAN LEE staff reporter After going 13-15 last season, including an 0-5 showing in their Thanksgiving tournament, South’s Women’s Varsity basketball team has shown much more determination for success this year, according to Coach Steve Weissenstein.

The team is currently 9-0, including a victorious run at the Mundelein Thanksgiving Tournament. The team picked up wins against Highland Park, Glenbrook North and Maine South, all of which were won by 10 or more points, according to Weissenstein.

Beginning the season with new players and starters, the chemistry was not the best, according to sophomore Carrie Weinman, starting point guard. But with a few games played together they have grown to

DUNKIN’ DONAGH: Bringing

the ball up the court, junior Sarah McDonagh looks to set up the offense against Highland Park. This is McDonagh’s second year as a starting player on varsity.

Photo by Ashley Clark

be able to communicate much better, according to senior captain Ashley Oldshue.

“I think our biggest success has been working as a team, and I think last year everyone was kind of nervous, being new to varsity and not knowing each other that well,” Oldshue said.

Another factor that has led to the team’s success has been the help from their assistant coach, Scott Nemecek, who has brought in new plays and ideas to the court, according to junior Sarah McDonagh.

“I think Nemecek has been a great addition to our team,” McDonagh said. “A lot of his plays that he’s brought to the court Although Weissenstein believes the team has gotten off to a great start this season, he believes much work is still needed.

“We can cut down on our turnovers; I think we had 16 turnovers against Maine South,” Weissenstein said. “There are some times defensively we don’t communicate enough. We kind of predicate our defense on switching a lot of screens. Sometimes we don’t talk, and someone is open because we didn’t switch the screen properly. So we can clean up some of those mistakes, which I think will make us better.”

Weissenstein believes that wins and losses take care of themselves, as long as the team

concentrates on what they’re doing. For all the games so far, every player has been able concentrate and play to contribute to the undefeated record.

In the second game of the season, against rival Glenbrook North, every player was able to score in the 81-33 victory, according to Weissenstein.

Playing against a rival school, McDonagh believes that it was an important turning point in the season.

“I think although the GBN game was, [not lot better,” McDonagh said.

Alongside their GBN victory, the Titans defeated Evanston on Dec. 12, with a score of 56-45.

“It wasn’t our best game, but we still pulled it out,” senior Catie Weinman said. “The other team was very physical, but we kept our cool.”

Improving as the season goes on, a lot of the players have been able to contribute immensely on and off the bench, according to Weissenstein. “[Senior guard] Madison Kane has done a great job coming off the bench, [senior forward] Caroline Caspers comes off the bench, she was our leading scorer against Glenbrook North,” Weissenstein said. “[Freshman guard] Lizzy Shaw has done a great job coming off the bench.” cording to Weissenstein, but he still has hopes for the girls in the upcoming games and knows that

they’re working their hardest.

McDonagh believes that the team’s next games are crucial to their future success.

“Improving as a team [is important] and also we really want to beat [...] our rivals like New Trier,” McDonagh said.

On Dec. 16, the Titans defeated the 70-31.

The team will participate in the Wheaton North Holiday Tournament on Dec. 22, 23, 26, and 27.

This story went to press before the game versus Waukegan last night.

REFUSE TO LOSE: Going up for a layup, senior Caroline Caspers scores two of her 10 points against the Giants. The Titans are currently averaging 57.9 points per game.

Photo by Ashley Clark

Hockey loses to GBN, hopeful for upcoming rematch HANNAH MASON & BRECK MURPHY co-sports editors Despite losing to GBN on Nov. 26, 6-2, senior captain Ryan Buckingham believes that the rivalry face-off didn’t show the men’s hockey team’s true potential for this season.

“A lot of things went into that game,” Buckingham said. “I think it was nerves for some of the new guys. I think having all of the fans there, it’s a great experience, but [it] adds a different element to the game.”

While Buckingham said that having fans there is enjoyable, he is grateful for the appropriate behavior, considering the game’s annual presence was in danger.

“This year’s game was important, because the Park Center was considering eliminating that game because of concerns about [inappropriate] behavior,” Buckingham said. “This year, the fans did a great job behaving themselves, so I think there will continue to be North vs. South games every year.

Buckingham, along with the rest of the team, looks forward to playing GBN again on Dec. 20.

Buckingham also says that the men have beaten teams that have beaten GBN, such as Providence Catholic and Waubonsie Valley. These games, amongst others, contributed to their current record of 14-9.

Aside from their loss to GBN, the team was more successful against the Loyola Gold team,

with [each other], so you really get to know [one another]. We just become more of a unit.”

According to senior captain DK Arenson, the team is built upon the foundation created by junior goalkeeper Matt Grinde. Although the team has Grinde as a strength, they struggle with maintaining their defense, according to senior Johnny Savino.

Conversely, Buckingham believes a strength the team has this season is the depth of experience through returning varsity members. The 12

GRINDE’S GRIND: As a Stevenson player winds up for a shot, junior goalkeeper Matt Grinde focuses on the save. Although he saved this shot, the Titans fell to Stevenson 4-2. Photo by Marley Hambourger

winning 3-1 on Nov. 20. According to senior Mike en them in three years.

“We just skated really hard that game and kept up with them,” Montemurro said. “We constantly pressured the puck.”

The men also played Providence Catholic on Sept. 13, winning 3-2. Providence is currently ranked second in the state, behind New Trier

Green.

Despite their past win and best efforts, the team then lost to Providence in a tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan over the weekend of Dec. 5.

In that same tournament, the men came in third place out of 12 competitive teams, according to Buckingham.

“It just helps to play teams from other areas and play other competition,” Buckingham said.

“Also, to bond as a team. You spend the weekend

successful play, due to their familiarity with each other on the ice, Buckingham adds.

“I think last year we were a good team,” Buckingham said.“ This year we just worked off of that solid base, and we’ve improved off of that to become even better. So, hopefully this is the year.”

Along with the experienced players, Coach Jim Philbin is celebrating his 20th year as head coach of the program.

On Dec. 12, the team played Barrington and won 5-2. According to Arenson, the game was succesful as a result of Philbin switching up the lines right before the start of the game.

“I think it reminded everyone that playing time is earned, and [it] got everyone playing a lot harder every shift.”

Along with this change, Savino believes that in the win.

The men next hit the ice on Dec. 20 with their anticipated re-match against GBN.