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Summer construction allows for high student enrollment

KNOWING YOUR NGO’s:

Leading an after school meeting, senior Grace Kilpatrick, Model United Nations club president, describes the next activity which includes researching and familiarizing club members with more non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).

The Model United Nations club is one extracurricular activity that maintains a member pool of 30-45 students, according to Terrence Jozwik, club sponsor and social studies instructional supervisor. Photo by Dani Tuchman

LAUREN BENSON staff reporter

This coming summer, GBS will undergo multiple in-school construction projects in order to accommodate larger student enrollment.

The summer construction projects include the conversion of the science/computer lab and the science/technology office into additional general classrooms and the math/computer lab into another physics lab, the expansion of the Project Lead The Way classrooms and makerspace, the relocation of the photos room to the art wingand the addition of private changing rooms to the boys and girls P.E. locker rooms, according to assistant principal Gary Freund. “[The goal] is not to expand the building, but make modifications in the building,” Freund said. “[...]We’ll start [the last day of school], and it will take all summer, [but] before [school is back in session] it will be done.”

The necessity of these changes is apparent, according to Freund, if one looks at the high school’s enrollment projections for the years 2014-15 through 2019-20. Student enrollment in 2014 was 2,895--in 2019 it’s projected to be between 3,185 and 3,227.

Departments reflect on freshman appeals tests GRACE SHIN asst. news editor

As incoming GBS freshman students register for classes, administrators and teachers are reflecting on the process of appeals exams.

Instructional supervisors of the English, World Languages and Math Departments state that the appeals process consists of conversation with the student’s eighth grade teacher and an overall look at the student’s grades and results on standardized tests. According to the three instructional supervisors, the appeals exams are “another piece of data” that allows them to decide whether a student should be moved into a higher level class.

“The extra bit of data is really helpful,” Dr. Thomas Kucharski, English Department instructional supervisor, said. “It kind of provokes another discussion with the student, which is helpful.”

Phil Gartner, Math Department instructional supervisor, states that if a student’s grade on the appeals test is borderline, the department will most likely give the student the benefit of the doubt and allow them to take the higher level class.

“We want to be careful that we’re not setting students up [for a] stressful freshmen year,” Gartner emphasized. “We don’t want them to be stressed in having to work in an inordinate amount of time just to keep their heads above water, so we really want them in an appropriately challenging class.”

Although the tests are an important part of the placement process, the three instructional supervisors and Debbie Cohen, freshmen team leader of the English Department, hold the teacher recommendations above any other piece of information they are given.

See APPEALS page 3

news SPEECH TEAM

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placed South as top school in GBS named number one: Niche nation for extracurricular activities KARINA BENSON, YOON KIM & CHAERIM PARK staff reporters

Niche, an organization that reviews K-12 public schools, recently ranked GBS number one of all public high schools in the nation when it comes to extracurricular activities, which includes clubs, organizations and athletic teams.

Niche.com publishes results for a variety of rankings of schools periodically throughout the year. Information is gathered to determine rankings by compiling data, which is collected and monitored by the

U.S. Department of Education. Ac- ber six [all-around] public school in cording to Jessica Hair, Niche’s mar- Illinois, [and GBS is] the number 32 keting outreach coordinator, the public school in America.” data for ranking the best extracurAccording to Hair, the number of ricular activities come from reviews students involved plays a big role from students and parents in addi- in determining the ranking. Dr. Jim tion to school reShellard, “The ranking is great, ports about items assistant but we’re still not done. We principal such as expenses per student, the want to get to 100 percent.” of student activities, number of sports -Principal Lauren Fagel and the percentsays that age of female and male athletes.

South has 91 clubs and activities, “Right now [GBS has] the best ex- and Athletic Director Steve Rocktracurriculars in the nation; howev- rohr says there are 30 sports, which er, [GBS] also stands out across the helped South earn its number-one board,” Hair said. “[GBS is] the num- spot. However, Shellard and Rock-

See NICHE page 2

Key Club received grant to kickstart social enterprise project MAEVE PLUNKETT staff reporter

Key Club received a $500 grant from the We Day organization, a group that celebrates and promotes service, to start a social entrepreneurship (S.Ent), which is scheduled to begin at the GBS book sale for the 2016-2017 school year.

S.Ent combines elements of service with aspects of business, according to senior Madeline Shechtman, Key Club co-leader.

“It’s different from your regular charity,” Shechtman said.

“Half of it has to be a business while the other half is some type of charity. Think of Toms shoes, that’s our best example; you’re buying a pair of shoes from them, and they give one to someone in Africa.”

Instead of shoes, the group plans to sell school supplies at the GBS

book sale and donate art supplies to inner-city schools. The group made the decision because of their mentorship committee and partnerships with charter schools in the city, according to Senior Leader Katie Coy. “The art department is typically the thing that gets cut when budgets are cut so if we have this at book sale then we get school supplies and they get school supplies,” Coy said.

According to Josh Koo, Key Club sponsor, while the organization will be open to all South students, the leaders will be from Key Club.

“We’ve formed a group of [about] dozen Key club members or so who are really interested,” Koo said.

“They have a heart for business but also have a heart for compassion and helping other people.”

According to Koo, they were approached about the grant because of their past achievements.

PERFECTING THE PLAN: Discussing the upcoming preparations for Key Club’s new social entrepreneurship, Senior Leader Madeline Shechtman strategizes with other members and leaders. Photo by Sean Dolan

“[We Day] was really impressed with what we’ve done up until now so we were constantly having like weekly conference calls,” Koo said.

opinions features a&e DEADPOOL REVIEW

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rohr, along with former Principal Dr. Brian Wegley (who was principal from 2005 to 2015), all agree that, for them, the quality matters just as much, if not more, than the quantity.

“It’s one thing to just have activities, it’s another to have them at the level we have them,” Wegley said.

According to Shellard, the ranking was only an affirmation of the effort put into South’s extracurricular activities, rather than a goal that was to be achieved.

“With all those kind of ranking systems, that’s not what I rest my

CLIMATE CHANGE

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ALEX REMENIUK PROFILE

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“It was really cool to have my student leaders and them constantly talking and planning and brainstorming ideas.”

sports MEN’S SWIMMING

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news

March 11, 2016

Old News

Taking a closer look at events that have shaped the world

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC JOHN SCHURER co-news editor

PANDEMIC PATIENTS: Aiding a patient at

Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., a nurse helps combat the influenza pandemic of 1918. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

On the morning of March 11, 1918, soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas, suffered from high fevers, muscle aches and sore throats. Within days, thousands of American soldiers reported similar symptoms.

Dirty and disorderly army camps around the country had exposed soldiers to diseases. Because of the influenza virus, 20 to 50 million people around the world lay dead a year later.

When American troops travelled across the Atlantic to support the Allies, influenza travelled with them.

The virus sided with neither the Allies nor the Axis powers during World War I. After ravaging throughout Europe, influenza made its way into Asia and Africa by the summer of 1918. Despite the November armistice, influenza continued to cause international chaos. At the time, no effective drugs or vaccines were available, so American citizens wore masks, and public facilities closed down.

Throughout the next century, various other diseases have posed a threat to humankind. Most recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus. After being discovered in Uganda’s Zika forest in 1947, the virus remained in Africa and Asia. It was not until last May that the virus was reported in Brazil. Within the last few weeks, cases of the virus have been reported in Illinois.

Few people are immune to the disease, allowing it to spread rapidly. In tropical regions of the Americas, millions of people have been affected. Some symptoms of the virus include aches, fatigue, fevers, conjunctivitis and rashes. For pregnant women, the Zika virus can have a serious birth defect on the brain of their child. Currently, there is no vaccine for the Zika virus, but efforts to create one have begun.

DECORATING DUO: Attaching a yellow streamer to support posts, juniors Danielle Callas and Bailey Burke lay the finishing touches on a pyramid for GBS’s Turnabout dance, “Night on the Nile”, on March 5. Callas and Burke participate in Girls Letter Club, a club for varsity female athletes, which is one of the many extracurricular activities offered at GBS. Photo by John Schurer

NICHE, continued from front laurels on or what I go to for validation,” Shellard said. “I look at student participation in the school.”

However, according to Clayton Nimz, treasurer of the student body and a leader of Titan Nation, the Niche ranking was a reward that had been specifically worked for in the past year.

“This means the world to us…” Nimz said. “Last year we were eyeing [it], because we came in second… but we’ve been trying really hard to get this, because this is like the equivalent of Model UN winning nationals as it is for Titan Nation to win nationals, in terms of the extracurricular spirit that we have.”

Explaining one of the benefits of extracurricular activities, Shellard points to a study by the National Federation of State High School Associations showing that students involved in extracurricular activities in high school tend to perform better academically. The results also showed that extracurricular activities affect students’ goals after high school, as students aim higher in regard to their future plans.

According to Shellard and Rockrohr, they have seen an increase in grades with students who actively participate in after school activities and sports.

“If you’re involved in something after school, your grades will actually go up,” Rockrohr said. “It teaches you how to divide up your time, prioritize, [and] keeps you focused.”

GRAMMY GUY Dan Chmielinski, 2012 GBS alumnus and senior at The Juilliard School, is touring with Joey Alexander’s trio.

Alexander, 12-year-old Grammy nominee, played at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 15.

STRIVING FOR SERVICE GBS boys lacrosse packed 112 meals with Feed My Starving Children, which will feed 66 malnourished children in El Salvador for a year. They did this as part of a monthly service project campaign to give back to those in need, and they plan on participating in future projects.

“We truly celebrate everything,” WeAccording to Kevin Gordon, student body president, his involvement in ex- gley said. “There is not one way to betracurricular activities helped him im- long; there is not one way to develop your own passion. You should [be] able prove his time management skills.

“My personal experience is that [ex- to get involved in multiple things.”

According to Shellard, despite the tracurricular activities] have helped me,” Gordon said. “There is this old variety of extracurricular options, a joke that if you have something you survey recently done by the school need to get done, give it to the busiest shows that 10 percent of the students at person because they are the ones who South are not involved in any extracurknow how to get things accomplished ricular activities at all. In response to quickly and efficiently… When you have this statistic, Wegley says that there is an hour to do two hours of homework a combination of factors that can deterand you learn how to do that, you re- mine student involvement.

“I honestally learn effi“I think it is more important to ly think it’s ciency, which two I think is valumake sure that everyone has a about things,” Wegable in life and place because [GBS] can feel re- ley said. “One in college and a student’s life after that.” ally big, and you can get dis- isability to inAccording connected really fast.” vest [time] to Nimz, who after school. has been inDr. Jim Shellard, assistant The second volved in six principal of student activities is nobody ex t r a c u r r i c asked; noular activities during his time at GBS, his involvement body tapped them on the shoulder.”

Wegley says that students at South impeded the academic aspect of his high school career but compensated in can make a difference by encouraging other necessary skills that are more im- their peers to get involved in clubs and activities that they enjoy themselves. portant to him than simply a GPA. “[Students should] find the students “It’s a struggle to keep your grades up when you’re involved in a lot of who aren’t engaged and invite them things, but there are other benefits to in because it will make a difference those things,” Nimz said. “It’s lifetime in their life if they have the time and leadership skills; it’s commitment to a chance to do it,” Wegley said.

According to Shellard, the adverteam or the team’s success; it’s getting to know people and developing social tising of different clubs, activities and sports at events such as incoming freshskills.”

Wegley says part of what makes men nights and all-school extracurricSouth’s extracurricular activities stand ular assemblies have played a tremendous part in boosting extracurricular out is its variety.

COLLEGE COMMITTED

PERFECT HARMONY

Seven Titan seniors committed to college athletics on Feb. 7, including McLain Murphy for Lacrosse, Jordan Libman for baseball, Justin Muchado for baseball, Caitlin Morrison for basketball, Sam Salganik for swimming, Sarah McDonagh for lacrosse and Thomas Hagerty for swimming.

On March 16, Amnesty International and the Muslim Students Association (MSA) of GBS are teaming up to address Islamophobia in America.

All students are invited to participate in an interactive tour in the Student Activities Center during their lunch period.

DISTRICT APPOINTEE EARN “A” FREE PIZZA The College Nannies and Tutoring service is offering free pizza to any students who bring in a report card with an “A” to their office. Call (847) 998-5657 for details.

The District 225 Board of Education appointed Dr. Sonia Kim to fill their member vacancy on Feb. 8. She will begin serving immediately after taking her oath. Kim has one child attending the Glenbrooks and two more who will attend in the future.

growth.

“Because of our increased enrollment, to me, I think it is more important to make sure that everyone has a place, because the place can feel really big, and you can get disconnected really fast,” Shellard said.

Agreeing with Shellard, Principal Lauren Fagel believes that the level of extracurricular publicity is enough to achieve GBS’s extracurricular goals.

“Honestly, it’s hard for me to think of [additional ideas for promotion],” Fagel said. “We advertise; we have our website; we announce it; we have video announcements; we have shirts like crazy here; we have food like crazy everywhere.”

However, senior Ann Isaacs has been working on an app, which is now becoming a website, that would also help promote extracurricular activities. According to Isaacs, the website would ask students a series of questions, which would lead them through a ‘decision tree’ and result in a list of possible extracurricular activities that they might be interested in.

“I’d like people to find the right club to join; I’d like people to find a place they feel they belong; I’d like people to find a niche,” Isaacs said. “I think that there’s a lot of pressure to be involved in a lot of things, but if you’re involved in the right things, it can be a lot of fun.”

Fagel looks forward to the possibility of getting every single student involved.

“For me, the ranking is great, but we’re still not done,” Fagel said. “We want to get to 100 percent.” *The Journalistic Writing class contributed to this report.

LOUDER THAN A BOMB GBS Poetry Slam students, along with their adviser Hillary Kane, went to the Louder than a Bomb festival at Columbia College on Saturday, Feb. 27. Students performed alongside schools from all over the Chicagoland area.

HOLOCAUST HISTORY On March 11, Holocaust survivor Aaron Elster will be speaking to U.S. History students about his experiences in Poland during World War II. Elster currently serves as cochairman of the Speaker’s Bureau and Vice President of the Education Center and is one of the founders of the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie.

news

March 11, 2016

Got You Under My Skin.” Sirvatka was recently awarded the Mary Hoffman Award for music education. Photo courtesy of Emily Tu

Sirvatka recognized for music education ALEX LADAN staff reporter

Marty Sirvatka, Music Department instructional supervisor, won the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence in recognition of teaching in music education.

According to music teacher Andrew Toniolo, the teachers of the Music Department came together to write letters of recommendation to nominate Sirvatka for the award. According to Toniolo, band director Greg Wojcik came up with the idea of nominating him. “[Wojcik] was the one who rallied the troops,” Toniolo said. “He spear-headed the whole thing.”

According to the Illinois

MUSICAL MARTY: Playing the piano during a choir rehearsal, choir director Marty Sirvatka leads a group of singers. Sirvatka retires after 35 years of teaching at the end of 2016.

Photo by Jackie Cortopassi

Fitch and Gartner believe the current appeals system is a successful way of measuring student ability.

“I feel very good about our process,” “[We] try to focus on the recommen- Gartner said. “[...] We’ve been [using dations of the teachers,” Cohen ex- this process] for a long time. It is time plained. “You know, any struggles that intensive on behalf of the school and as they’ve noticed the student is having, well as the students—having to come in any special services that a student al- and take [the] tests—but overall, I think ready received from the middle school, it works. I think students and families and what [they] think [the student] appreciate the chance to take an apmight need as they transition into high peals.” school. So to me that information and According to Danita Fitch, World Lanthose meetings are significant and one guages Department instructional superof the most important things.” visor, the department has just added a Principal Lauren Fagel acknowledges speaking portion into the appeals exam. that the instructional supervisors want “I added a couple of other components what is best for the students, but says to the assessment [...] because I want to that she finds difficulties with the cur- have more information rather than less rent process philosophically. information,” Fitch said. “I think that “I kind of struggle with having to this time around I had more students prove and reprove yourself to be put [that I bumped] up into honors than into a particular what I’ve had in class, but I’m rethe past. [...] I tried spectful of the fact to look at more that this is the things and I think way it’s been,” Fathat was helpful as gel confessed. well.”

Freshman SongThe English Dehee Back appartment has depealed for Honors cided to explore English and was ways to improve not accepted, but the appeals prolater contacted cess by looking at Kucharski with the performance her eighth grade of students that English teacher’s passed the apencouragement, peals exams or asking to be that moved into moved into the a different class Honors class. Back during the year. also believes that Kucharski’s arrival the appeals exams prompted the reare not the best finement of the way for departEnglish appeals ments to measure process. student knowl“We’re thinkedge and potential ing about designaccurately. ing a study, and “I personally felt we haven’t really [that the appeals] decided what the didn’t really test parameters of that you on anything,” Illustration by Grace O’Malley study will be yet, Back said. “You but any student don’t really know your knowledge whose appealed—or [had] some quesbased off a test. It’s a matter of are you tions about the placement—[we will] a good guesser or are you good at stan- come up with a way to track [them], dardized testing?” [and this will] help our decision-making Kucharski agrees with Back that stan- [of placement for] those kids,” Cohen dardized tests do not effectively mea- said. sure student ability.

Cohen compares the year’s reflection “Whenever you have a situation where to gathering research for a story. you’re trying to measure something “You see what you find, and you act with a single test, that’s a problem, based on these findings,” Cohen said. you don’t want to do that,” Kucharski “[...] There’s not a lot of intention other stated. “So, I absolutely agree with the than just wanting to make sure that kids about that. [The test is] just used as we’re doing the very best job that we a practical measure when we’ve already can placing students [in classes that are had the conversation with the teacher, an] appropriate level of challenge for [and] seen the kid in class.” them where they feel challenged [but] Contrary to Fagel, Kucharski and Back, also productive, happy and safe.”

APPEALS, continued from front

SPOTLIGHT ON SIRVATKA: Entertaining the audience of the 2015 GBS Variety Show, choral director Marty Sirvatka sings Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve

Music Education Association (ILMEA), the nominee was required to have been an ILMEA member in good standing, must have taught for 10 years and be a current educator in the state of Illinois.

“The award was given to me because I was nominated by my colleagues, the people [at South] who work at the school and know me,” Sirvatka said.

“They must have seen something in me that showed my dedication and my love and passion for [teaching].”

Sirvatka teaches freshman Girls Glee Club, AP Music Theory Two and Three and Master Singers. He also instructs numerous extracurricular groups, including Nine, Solace and Chambers. According to senior Ethan Larson, Sirvatka’s Girls Glee teaching assistant, he puts in effort to form a relationship with each of his students.

“There’s

only five guys in [Music Theory Three], and it’s just us,” Larson said. “He’s really gotten to know us [personally] and know us musically. Within a group, he’s very hands on and one on one with you.”

According to Toniolo, he had Sirvatka as his student teacher before he began teaching at South. Toniolo sees Sirvatka as a colleague and a mentor.

“I knew that he was highly sought after and that he was very, very good at what he did,” Toniolo said. “To not want to learn more from him and watch him do his thing would be very irresponsible.”

When Sirvatka was a student studying music education at the University of Illinois, Sirvatka had Mary Hoffman as a teacher in college. According to him, winning her award meant he was giving back to her.

“She was very inspirational to me as a music educator,” Sirvatka said.

After 35 years of teaching, 22 of them at South, Sirvatka will retire at the end of this year. Toniolo says Sirvatka’s contribution to the Music Department has set the precedence for excellence.

“It’s very bittersweet that we get to celebrate everything that he’s done for the school and say goodbye to him at the same time,” Toniolo said.

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Speech team qualifies for regionals, Patel for state LAUREN BENSON staff reporter

Speech team members competed in all 14 events at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional Tournament on Feb. 6 at Warren Township High School, according to Nancy Schultz, new team head coach.

Seniors Maya Patel, Helene Paulson, Becky Pavichinskiy, Abby Roberts and Luana Dumitrache; juniors Spencer Colbeck, James Neuson, Dahlia Maleh and Jidapia Thia and sophomore Kayla Kraft came in the top four in their events to qualify for the sectional tournament at Downers Grove High School on Feb. 13.

Events at speech competitions are diverse, ranging from humorous interpretation, to prose reading, radio speaking, original comedy and informative speaking, according to Paulson. Typically, speakers talk for eight minutes per event. Paulson qualified for sectionals in dramatic interpretation and humorous duet acting with Neuson.

“I was in regionals and sectionals, and I got into final rounds for sectionals, so it meant that I was closer to [qualifying for] state, but I didn’t get [into] the top three at sectionals,” Paulson said.

Four others advanced to the sectional finals including Roberts, Patel, Neuson

and Kraft. Patel was awarded third place in her event and qualified for the state tournament at the Peoria Civic Center on Feb. 19-20. Patel’s event was humorous interpretation. “[Humorous interpretation is] essentially when you take a script, and you play every single character from the script yourself,” Patel said. “You change voices, you change your stance and you give each different personality its quirks.”

Patel’s advancement to state this year was exciting for the entire team, according to Paulson. Last year, there were no state qualifiers, and only one person made it to finals at sectionals.

This year, five people made it to finals.

“Our speech team this year has done incredibly well,” Paulson said. “We [also] got more team trophies than expected; last year, we didn’t get any team trophies throughout the season. [...] I think we’ve just grown as a team more.”

Patel left for state on Feb. 18 with some teammates and Schultz. Patel spoke for two rounds, one on each day, and ended up ranking eighth in state.

“Every single round at state was like a final round,” Patel said. “[...] I remember both of the rounds I had were jampacked [and] it was just an amazing feeling to be able to perform for that many

PROFICIENT PATEL: Practicing a speech after school, senior Maya Patel emphasizes her point with hand gestures. Of all the GBS Speech Team members, Patel was the only one to advance to the State tournament, which was held in Peoria on Feb. 19-20. Photo by Sophie Mason

people. Even if I wasn’t in the top 10, I still would have been perfectly okay with just going to state to experience it [...], so finding out that I even got eighth was like, ‘What? Are you sure? Are you serious?’ I was completely surprised by it, [...] but to know that I’m right up

there with all these amazing, talented, hard-working people is an awesome feeling in itself.”

South hosted National Qualifiers on March 6. Patel and Neuson qualified for Nationals at this competition for their dramatic duo performance. Nationals

will be held in June in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will feature both speech and debate competitions.

“I’ve never done [something as big as Nationals] before, and it’s a big opportunity, so [I’m excited] to run with it and see where it goes,” Neuson said.

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news

March 11, 2016

New Illinois law increases young voting pool CASSIDY FORONDA staff reporter

The passage of a law that amended prior Illinois voting requirements makes it possible for 17-year-olds to vote in the state’s primary elections on March 15, as long as they are 18 by the general election in November.

The law, which first went into effect Jan. 1, 2014, applies to the primary elections, which are the first wave of elections during the political season where one candidate from each major party is chosen to move on to the next phase of elections. The law aims to expand how many young people vote, according to David Kane, AP Government and Politics: United States teacher. The opportunity for early voting habits and registration allows for students to get excited about their first time voting.

The current state of political involvement at South is low, according to Kane.

Though some students involve themselves in clubs that tie into political ideology, such as STAND, Model UN and debate, the majority of students don’t often think about elections and political issues.

“GBS keeps [students] busy, and you don’t think about politics often until you’re a little bit older,” Kane said.

“You’re not thinking about [...] international order, or social security issues, or what’s going on in Syria.”

Additionally, Carole Weber, member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan group committed to political education and voting encour-

agement, said that setting up a longstanding habit of voting begins in high school. The school environment is beneficial specifically because of its added emphasis on civic participation with social studies classes, in-school registration events and teachers. “[Classes, teachers and groups such as LWV] are so dedicated to getting kids out to vote and letting them know that this is serious business and they have a chance to participate in it,” Weber said.

On Feb. 5, AP Government students and the LWV registered 89 new voters at GBS, according to Kane. In addition to announcements and flyers around the school, AP Government students spread the word. Weber is enthusiastic about this result, saying that those youngest on the spectrum of voters will be impacted most by this election’s outcome. “[Seventeen-year-olds] have more stake in this than anyone,” Weber said.

“It’s [the students’] future, and [the students] have got the longest future of all the voters, so I hope they all come out if they legally can.”

Though the law only affects 17-yearolds that are eligible to vote in November, students who will not be, such as Max Shapiro, president of the newlycreated Young Democrats Club, still find value in politics. Shapiro said, though he’s not able to actually cast a ballot, the discussions he engages in are valuable. “[Not being able to vote in primary or general elections] certainly [isn’t] stopping me from being an active voice [in politics],” Shapiro said. “Just because I don’t get to vote doesn’t mean that I

LATE-NIGHT LEARNING: While snacking and socializing, students seeking to be politically informed watch CNN coverage of “Super Tuesday,”

the first round of presidential primary elections. The event, held in the SAC, was hosted by Young Democrats Club on March 1. Photo by Sean Dolan

can’t talk to people about what they’re going to do about their vote.”

Senior Abby Roberts, who took AP Government in the fall, considers herself to be involved in politics, and will vote in her first presidential election this year. While some people form opinions based on surface ideas or one-time encounters with politicians, she sees the value in being informed, especially with the increased responsibility that

comes with age.

“I no longer am going to be able to depend on my parents to let me know what’s going on,” Roberts said. “It’s very important to have a voice in the choices that are being made for you, especially [when we vote] representatives to make decisions on our behalf, and I would like to be thoroughly informed about those representatives.”

According to Kane, voting is the easi-

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est way for citizens to participate in government and promote the Democratic process. He believes it is necessary for citizens to be represented in their country’s government.

“Democracy is fragile - you take it for granted and it can go away,” Kane said.

“Countries have had democracies and no longer have it because people stop getting involved. And the easiest of all things to do is vote.”

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editorial

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

Presidential election requires thoughtful discourse With the presidential election season in fullswing and the Illinois primary on March 15, it is extremely common to see political commentaries on your newsfeeds and candidate signs posted in your neighbor’s lawns. During this time, it is easy to become complacent about your political views and disregard the differing opinions of opposing parties and candidates. However, it is equally important that all voters, including the majority of this graduating class, consider the viewpoints of all presidential candidates and news sources in order to cast the most educated vote possible.

Media outlets such as The Drudge Report and Fox News Channel are notably conservative conduits for political information, while The New York Times and MSNBC are pegged as the liberal equivalents.

Whether students strongly side with one political party or straddle both groups, the Oracle Editorial Board, along with David Kane, AP Government teacher, emphasize the importance of considering both Democratic and GOP opinions before participating in political discourse and voting in the elections.

“If you only ever hear information from sides that only support your position, you can never question if that’s the right position,” Kane added. “It’s a hard skill to sit there and read something you don’t agree with, but it does make you think, ‘Am I infallible? Could I be wrong on this?’

If there’s only one right idea then we would have solved all of these problems.”

Kane also stresses the reality of the political paradox: although there are two parties campaigning against each other to acquire partial control of the American government, in the end, the two sections maintain the common goal of bettering our nation. This idea extends into the political discussions of students and adult voters alike; there is no one right or wrong answer when it comes to solving America’s issues. Rather, these solutions are implemented by way of collaboration and compromise, and political discourse must follow the same bipartisan pattern.

“The thing I stress to my kids is that, in your heart of hearts, do you truly believe, put in ‘blank,’ the opposite party wants America to do worse?”

Kane said. “I don’t think many people think that if you’re a hardcore Republican or Democrat that you really want America to fail. Republicans think Democrats fail. Democrats think Republicans fail.

We all think ‘How do you get to success?’ But that doesn’t make one person evil or bad or a bigot or a racist or a

communist. Simply, you have a vision of how we can get to the goal, which is a better America for everyone, and the other [party] has a competing interest.”

Moreover, partaking in legislative discussions is a key strategy for broadening political opinions. It is crucial, though, that if students decide to contribute to these dialogues, they are going in with their self-formed beliefs and not just rehashing relevant media rhetoric. If students want to participate in these discussions but don’t know where to gather information from, websites such as The Skimm and BuzzFeed News break down political commentaries in a relatively understandable, although partially biased, format.

As far as our school is concerned, the Oracle Editorial Board suggests that South implements political focus groups--another opportunity for students to learn more about national issues and policies. These focus groups could be mediated by a qualified teacher and would be a way to encourage healthy discussions between students who have dissimilar beliefs. Similar to the already existing Politics Club, these focus groups would address one issue at a time and could be held during lunch blocks.

Junior Max Shapiro, founder of South’s newly formed Young Democrats club, feels that it is necessary to brings students into the world of politics in a conversational group setting. Even though Shapiro will be unable to vote in the upcoming election, he acknowledges the necessity to remain informed and maintain educated political opinions. That being said, Shapiro’s focus in the club is to spark a political interest in students so that they ultimately cast the best vote possible.

“One of the most important issues with young people is that there’s a low-voter turnout,” Shapiro started. “I think that this is because none of them are that interested in politics. Young Democrats Club offers an opportunity for young people, who either love politics or don’t know much about them, to get involved in politics and to help them make decisions about who to vote for.”

In addition, Clayton Nimz, senior class board member, believes that this form of face-to-face political engagement is a necessary replacement for the online alternative. With these focus groups, a mediator can encourage students to support their opinions if they lack proper evidence. This prevents students from hiding behind a computer screen where they can opt out of political discussions the second they feel intellectually overridden.

“I think [students posting their political opinion online] is very hurtful,” Nimz said. “[People think] that degrading [these candidates] by saying a funny oneliner seems harmless, but it ends up derailing what politics are all about.”

In dealing with the upcoming elections in March and November, the Oracle Editorial Board highly recommends that those who are eligible register to vote. Not only is voting a civic duty in accordance with our nation’s democracy, but, unlike past presidential

Photo courtesy of the American Federation of Government Employees

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.

Graphic by Jacqueline DeWitt

primaries, Illinois has the potential to decide the presidential nominations for both parties. In the past, by the time the primary election occurred in Illinois, the nominees were already determined.

More-or-less, your vote will matter.

Being a part of the nationally recognized debate program at South, senior Michael Callahan has acquired firsthand experience with political research and eventual discourse. As someone who is going to vote in the upcoming election, Callahan underlines the importance of being an active citizen in our nation’s democracy, because, ultimately, our votes do instigate government revisions.

“One of the themes that people in debate talk about is a term called ‘civic engagement,’ which is the idea that if people don’t participate in democracy or vote, then nothing changes whatsoever,” Callahan noted. “So even if you’re one person voting, it’s still important to do your part and participate in democracy, even though it’s not about that one, single vote.”

While those who will not be 18 by Nov. 8 are unable to vote in this particular election, the Oracle Editorial Board feels that students need to remain educated from a historical literacy standpoint and pay attention to the current political cycles. Callahan also acknowledges the necessity to be a politically-aware citizen, even if certain students are too young to vote. “[Even if you aren’t voting], I think it’s important to understand how things have led up to the point that they are at [at the time of the next presidential election],” Callahan added. “For example, I wouldn’t know the legacy of Bush and Obama in terms of the 2008 financial crisis and the invasion of Iraq if I wasn’t up to date on

politics, and that would affect how I see candidates today. So, even if you’re not able to vote in [this] next election, I think you should still stay up to date, because when you do become old enough to vote, the things that are important now will still be affecting the election then.”

According to the 2015 U.S. Census data, voter turnout in the United States is among the lowest in the developed world. Only 50 percent of people ages 18-29 are registered voters, according to an article in the Huffington Post. The statistics for South are similar; according to an Oracle-conducted survey of 128 eligible students, only 47 percent are registered. While this number is surprisingly low, the Oracle Editorial Board strongly suggests that South voters are represented as well as they can be at the poll booths. Because, according to the same article, young voters turned out in droves to help propel Barack Obama to the presidency in 2008. You have the potential to be the deciding factor in this election as well.

FIGHT TO THE ELECT: Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders (left) and Donald Trump (right) speak at their respective rallies. Trump’s and Sanders’ policies have demonstrated the exceptionally wide range of viewpoints in this year’s race.

editors-in-chief Lauren Frias Hannah Mason Dani Tuchman news editors Katie Cavender John Schurer opinions editors Evan Sawires Elaine Sine features editors Alexandra Sharp Anne Marie Yurik a&e editors Mollie Cramer Hannah Rauh

sports editors Georgia Arvanitis Samantha Casey photos editors Ashley Clark Jacqueline DeWitt asst. news Grace Shin Sasha Vassilyeva asst. opinions Jonathan Lee Lilly Ludwig asst. features Leah Dunne Maddy Ruos Gracie Sands Olivia Sotirichos

Photo from Matt A.J.

asst. a&e Nick Moran Hwa Oh asst. sports Sophie Hensley Cassidy Jackson asst. photos Sophie Mason adviser Marshall Harris gbsoracle@gmail.com “The Glenbrook South Oracle”

@GBSOracle @gbsoracle

6

opinions

March 11, 2016

Standardized testing provides alternative outlook on qualifications

DANA SIM columnist

It’s an abomination that is whispered with pain and fear throughout the nation. From midnight scares to morning breakdowns, it’s a monstrosity.

It’s called standardized testing.

Advanced Placement exams, Terranova, ACT, SAT and so many more.

But I’m here to tell you that standardized testing is not all bad. Yes, I know. It’s stressful, hard, unforgiving and annoying, but there is more of a benefit to these exams than harm.

First of all, let’s imagine a world without them.

In terms of academic measurement, the only tool useable would be regular grades. From low F’s to high A’s, a letter would measure every student.

For some, that would be amazing! What if you have a super lenient teacher that gives you an A just for showing up to class? Then, woo-hoo!

But let’s imagine a kid who hates his teacher, and his teacher hates him. It would be so much harder for him to land a B than a D. He may be academically accomplished and clever, but because of one bad teacher, the kid goes from an excellent student to a failure.

Is that really fair?

Standardized testing allows students to avoid such a situation. It’s a chance for kids who don’t excel in participation and in-class work to demonstrate their academic strength and integrity. One shy kid could be failing an English class for their lack of participation but will ace the English section of the ACT. For some people, a quiet test is a better show of intelligence than a large group project.

Secondly, without standardized testing, how exactly are we to know the levels of advancement in a topic? An honors class at South might equate to a regular class at Stevenson. With standardized testing, we can at least normalize the standards.

To you, that might not seem as important, but imagine you head off to college geared with AP classes but not the exam. Colleges see you have taken an AP class and allow you to waive that Chemistry entrance class and go straight to Advanced Chemistry 2. But you show up and find out you’re incredibly underprepared for such a class.

AP exams would prevent such disasters. They are a way to determine if you’re ready for a certain college class, not to bypass them.

Lastly, standardized testing provides clarity.

Without a doubt, one topic can have thousands of different subjects, questions and answers, and a teacher must decide what to fit in. While a teacher is knowledgeable, he or she may not know what exactly to include or exclude in their course.

AP tests at least provides some sense of conformity. In other words, I’m not learning something that will never apply to my life. At the least, I’m gaining a skillset that will apply to my future major or career. This kind of standardized testing streamlines learning to what a student needs.

However, standardized testing has its faults.

For one, it’s not a true measurement of a person’s intelligence. Different people have different aptitudes, and the ACT and SAT fail to test that. Many claim standardized testing caters to only one kind of student: the ones with photographic memories and excellent writing skills. In short, the ones who can take a test well.

But going back to my first point, without standardized testing, we would be judged solely by our teachers, not by our testing performance. For students who lack the participating aspect yet possess the testing perspective, they benefit from standardized testing.

Currently, colleges and workplaces look at both aspects: a student’s testing results and their GPA. Different people benefit from different forms of intelligence.

As such, a standardized test actually does mea-

TAKING ACT-ION: Focusing their attention, a GBS ACT prep class learns test-taking strategies. These classes enable students to perform better on the ACT, providing a more complete picture of their academic abilities. Photo by Rachel Nwia

sure the intelligence of a student, but only one type of student. Grades, extracurriculars and reommendations can speak for the other types of students. Having both aspects is crucial so that both parties can benefit.

So yes, standardized testing may not be fun, but that’s just because we never experienced a world without them.

Spending time alone creates opportunities for self-improvement

EVAN SAWIRES co-opinions editor

This year, I’ve found myself avoiding studying with more passion than ever before. When I’m at home, the prospect of sitting at a table mere feet from my bed when I could be napping is just too unappealing to consider.

My solution has been to make the trek to my favorite Dunkin Donuts, where I can enjoy a reasonably-priced iced coffee while actually getting things done! It’s funny to think that the only reason I didn’t do it in the past was that I didn’t want

to go alone. a math test the next day. I’m going to go see the Before senior year, I would have been morti- pop art exhibitions at the Museum of Contempofied at the prospect of going anywhere without a rary Art next time I’m free, even if that day doesn’t friend. The idea of going to a concert or a museum work for my whole posse. It’s offered me a much would have been uncomfortable enough, and grab- stronger sense of freedom and spontaneity than bing dinner would’ve been downright terrifying.

I’ve ever had before.

Sooner or later, you’ll have to spend time This year, though, some natural shifts have occurred among alone. Differing However, I’ve found myself feeling more schedules and my friends, and I’ve gradually liberated than lonely...[spending time more varied sobecome a more cial circles will alone] has offered me a much stronger ensure that you self-possessed person on my sense of freedom and spontaneity than won’t always have friends own. This comI’ve ever had before. bination has led around, and it’s me to naturally important to be spend more time alone, and it’s probably one of the able to be comfortable in those situations. In the most important skills I’ve had to develop. short term, there’ll probably come a day where Although I’m a pretty introverted person, you’ll have an hour to get dinner before work, and aloneness and loneliness are closely related. How- no one will be around. You should be able to run ever, I’ve found myself feeling more liberated than to Noodles & Company for some pesto cavatappi lonely; I can go see my favorite band play on a without feeling self-conscious.

Thursday regardless of whether my friends have Of course, I still love my friends. I see them a few

times a week, and I’m definitely a better person because of them. Regardless, the moment of quiet that comes with not having someone to talk to is just as valuable as the opportunities I would’ve missed if I’d refused to go alone. It’s comforting to know that I’m okay in my own presence and that I don’t need other people around me to feel at ease and capable.

Even though I value my friends, we’re different people with different schedules and varied interests. That means that the majority of my Dunkin Donuts study sessions will probably be solo. The ones that aren’t will be great, but the ones that are will be just as productive and useful. That works for me.

opinions

March 11, 2016

7

Controversial material requires reasonable reaction

LILLY LUDWIG asst. opinions editor

Earlier in February, a misogynist blogger named Daryush Valizadeh published an article on his blog, “Return of Kings”, detailing why he thinks rape on public property should be legal. He had planned an international meetup day for “Return of Kings” readers on Feb. 6, only to later cancel the meetup after he received numerous violent threats, according to an ABC News article.

Oh, so people who are against violence chose to demonstrate that by... threatening violence.

I was disappointed with this news. Not because I agree with Valizadeh’s beliefs, but because opposers of his message chose to combat his intolerance with even more intolerance. Actions that come from a place of hate in the name of peace are not the same as simply spreading peace.

Unfortunately, I was not surprised by the reaction of Valizadeh haters. I found this situation to mirror the “Great Cecil the Lion Controversy” of 2015, when a treasured lion was hunted illegally by an American trophy hunter, Walter Palmer, according to an article written for CBS. Palmer’s house was vandalized, his business was damaged and he and his family received numerous death threats after he killed the lion.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and propose that cyberbullying people whose values go against yours is still—get this—cyberbullying. You can’t just threaten to kill someone’s family because you disagree with what they believe, even if that belief is something as shocking to you as legal rape. I’m no history buff, but from what I’ve observed, telling people “what you believe is wrong” has never

really worked out in the past.

The problem is that our media allows us to put people into boxes. Guys like Valizadeh and Palmer are the “bad guys” and that’s that. Their names become tarnished, forever known as that “pro rape loser” and that “psycho lion killer”. We forget that even the people we don’t like are, oh yeah, people too.

What our media fails to realize is that the people we attack are only faces of an ideology, not the ideology itself. Attacking Valizadeh will not end misogyny, and attacking Palmer will not end trophy hunting. It just won’t.

I feel as though people have begun to expect immediate reparations for things like ideas and lifestyles, things that can not be immediately undone or corrected. This generation has forgotten that forgiveness is not most powerful after an apology but rather when there is no apology at all. We have forgotten that loving the people who have offended you is powerful, that peace is powerful. how do you do this when your entire lifestyle has A family friend of mine mentioned that she been degraded, questioned and disrespected? was at a peace march downtown, and the people Put yourself in the position of the person who marching were shouting “the Chicago police are believes in the ideology you disagree with. Though the KKK dressed in blue”. Sounds peaceful. My it may seem wrong to you, that person probably question is, why not just call that march what it is, can explain to you why they believe what they bea protest, instead of using peace, the name of a sa- lieve. cred value, to cover up hate and anger?

I took the liberty of doing this in response to Peace is not angry. Peace is not mean. Peace the “Return of Kings” scandal. I had seen posts does not threaten or shout or yell or scream or on Facebook urging young women to “Be safe!” come from a place of ha“Don’t go out We have forgotten that loving and tred. Peace is peace. It is alone!” on the day forgiveness, understand- the people who have offended of the reader meeting and compassion. up. These posts were you is powerful.

When you hear a clearly made out of shocking story of intolerance in the news, you fear, for anyone with access to the internet could can’t choose how it makes you feel. However, go to Valizadeh’s blog and see that women walking you can choose how to react. You have a choice, along the street were not in danger. in that moment, to spread even more intolerance “I knew from an early age that rape was bad, as in a world already full of it, or, you can choose to was all forms of violence, not just against women spread a little peace. If given a choice to spread all but men as well,” Valizadeh says on his blog. “If the commodities in the world, why would you not rape becomes legal under my proposal, a girl will choose peace? protect her body in the same manner that she proI think that when we are confronted with ideas tects her purse and smartphone. If rape becomes that seem offensive, the best way to handle those legal, a girl will not enter an impaired state of feelings is to remain reasonable and respectful. But mind where she can’t resist being dragged off to

a bedroom with a man who she is unsure of—she’ll scream, yell, or kick at his attempt while bystanders are still around.”

Obviously I still disagree with his argument; however, a quick skim of his article eliminates the fear that on Feb. 6 all of womankind was at risk for being brutally and legally raped.

Okay, but what are you supposed to do if you understand the person’s viewpoint and still think their ideology needs to be altered? Write a letter.

Host a debate. Participate in a protest where the signs read exclamations of peace instead of exclamations of anger. Find a way to express your side in a positive way. Any and all of these actions are more powerful than sending death threats via the internet. Peaceful words are powerful.

Maybe I’m a dreamer, but I will always believe that peace is more powerful than hate. I think that civil rights activist AJ Muste summed up this belief well when he said, “There is no way to peace­— peace is the way”.

‘I love you’ deserves honesty, maturity before making declaration

ELAINE SINE co-opinions editor

“Babe, I love you so much!”

“Yeah, babe, me too. I’ll love you forever and we’ll never break up.”

Two months later, they break up.

Okay, so this is an exaggeration of what I perceive as a “young love” scenario, but I’ve seen so many versions of this kind of encounter that it’s not entirely far-off. Whether you’re an adult, teenager, preteen, baby, you all have most likely witnessed or experienced a few naïve “I love you”s in the past.

Personally, saying “I love you”—or even “I like you”—to a significant other or potential love interest can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable in the initial stages of a relationship.

Do you know what I said when someone has said either to me in the first months—or, in one case, first few hours—I was involved with them?

“Thank you.”

At these moments, I had always wanted to tear my mouth off my face and lock it in my heart so I could forever escape the way-too-early professions of love. It’s cringeworthy that I say this, I know, but what am I supposed to say? Do I reciprocate their words even though I’m not sure of my feelings for them yet, and even though I feel uncomfortable enough of the prospect that they want me to say it to them back?

From personal experience, I know many people who have been in a similar situation as mine. Some felt pressured to say it back, which is a vital danger to one’s relationship because you don’t want to pressure your partner to do anything, including fake their love.

However, they said the words, later admitted they didn’t even believe in it, but are still in said relationship. I never can wrap my mind around the idea of starting relationship with a false sense of

Meanwhile, 55 said that they didn’t regret it. Howwhat kind of feelings you’re getting into. ever, 44 are currently still in a relationship, most likely One of the reasons that I personally feel unwith the same person to whom they’ve said “I love you” . comfortable with saying “I love you” romantically But enough from a kid’s perspective of love. is that I think I’m just a kid. I’m only in high school; Another Oracle survey collected responses from is it possible for me to know what love is yet? teachers on their thoughts about high school stuSure, I say “I love you” to friends or acquaindents who believe they’re in love. tances as a joke and sometimes as an expression of One teacher said he believes high school stuadmiration. Due to this habit, I’ve always had the dents are too young to be in love because their perception that kids throw around the L-word too brain development isn’t fully developed, thus “not easily, thus thinking that romantic “I love yous” advanced enough” and “just beginning to be able mean nothing. to think abstractly”. Also, he partially credits this In fact, I’ve seen students who vow that they inability to students’ inexperience. Therefore, he are “the one” for them but end up dating somebelieves the age range one else right after, and I’ve always found When you find the one, “I love from 25 to 27 when “brain development is nearly that to be ridiculous you” is going to be one of the complete” and “you’ve and incredibly uncomfortable. most savory sentences you’ll had some relationships”.

On the other hand, anI don’t mean to say taste in your lifetime. other teacher responded that I don’t believe that she believes students students can’t be in can be in love and are not too young; she believes love. I know students that have been dating for a it’s appropriate to properly recognize romantic year, or even their entire high school career, who love for another around high school. can share something as incredibly precious as a roThis teacher said, “I think high school students mantic understanding of each other. are definitely old enough to experience strong roStill, do I think young adults have a tendency mantic feelings for someone else and maintain a to not know how or when to say “I love you”? Yes. relationship [with] that person… Sometimes, high Do I think they can be a bit naïve about who they school relationships are immature, but I do think claim to love because they say it too fast? 100 perthey are the type of love that is possible for people cent. at that age.”

In a unscientific Oracle survey of 208 students, A common theme that arose when people were 110 have been in a relationship at some point. Of asked whether students can be in love is that it dethose 110, 16 expressed doubt that it was or admitpends on the maturity of the couple. We students ted they thought it wasn’t an appropriate time to have been stereotyped, by others and ourselves: all say “I love you”.

Illustration by Jini John

young people don’t know what love is and are too rash because we’re immature.

However, we can’t all be boxed into such a rigid and seemingly conclusive result. Although teenagers are typically immature in their knowledge of a lot of things when it comes to love, let’s get rid of the preconception that we are downright wrong in our feelings.

Thus, it is a necessity that we teenagers evaluate our words before popping them out of our mouths.

As one teacher declared in the survey of when it is the appropriate age to say “I love you”, “Whenever someone is in control of their emotions—not controlled by them.”

I still consider that if someone says “I love you” when it’s too early, it’s a huge red flag for the relationship. It shows a level of immaturity, and it’s definitely bound for Rome—you’re destined for a downfall. Goodness, look at Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother, for instance. He said “I love you” to Robin right after the first date, didn’t spend a lifetime of love with her after dating and breaking up and, when the series finale closed with them as a couple again, everyone thought it was a godforsaken atrocity of an ending.

Love who you want to love. I am in no way saying you can’t. However, recognize that we are still young, so when you finally acknowledge the heartbeat quickening with the thought of your significant other and the rising anticipation of their smile before you see them as love, take a moment to yourself first before announcing it carelessly.

Don’t worry if you think you don’t love someone or love him or her yet, but make sure you don’t feel pressured to say it back when they say it to you. Believe me, I know how awkward it is, but let your feelings develop first. Your partner should be able to understand you’re not ready to say it yet and would probably desire the authenticity of the words. If they don’t, they don’t deserve you.

When you find the one, “I love you” is going to be one of the most savory sentences you’ll taste in your lifetime. But before you say them, for the love of the universe, please. Wait. And. Double. Check.

Your. Feelings.

8

reviews

March 11, 2016

Deadpool intrigues mature audiences LAUREN FRIAS co-editor-in-chief

Reeling in a massive $135 million in sales just during opening weekend, a new Marvel movie broke the box office in early February. Contrary to the expected goody-goody atmosphere of your average Marvel movie, the film puts a darker—albeit more hilarious—twist on acts of heroism, romance and the mandatory Stan Lee cameo. Marvel’s Deadpool definitely delivers, bringing the comic book character to life in his own movie (contrary to his lackluster debut in X-Men Origins:Wolverine).

Ex-Special Forces Member Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) works as a shady mercenary, doing good deeds for the right price. When Wilson falls in love with local callgirl Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin), the pair enjoy a whirlwind, though somewhat lewd, romance. To their dismay, Wilson falls victim to late-stage cancer, which had spread to his liver, lungs, prostate and brain at the point of diagnosis.

Reluctant to have Vanessa see him in such a state of helplessness, Wilson agrees to undergo an experimental procedure, which he is told will cure his cancer by “unlocking dormant mutant abilities.” Overseeing Wilson’s procedure is Ajax, aka Francis (Ed Skrein), a former patient responsible for creating superhuman abilities. After repeated failed attempts, Ajax resorted to desperate measures, leaving Wilson hideously disfigured in the process. Ashamed of his mutilated appearance, Wilson makes it his mission to find Ajax in the hopes of restoring his former good looks.

As Hollywood begins to digress from the ways of formulaic superhero origin stories, Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese differentiate the film from its other superhero counterparts with self-deprecating humor and genre-satire, preventing the “Regenerating Degenerate” from falling under standard origin movie tropes. Not only that, but the ideal casting of Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson drew out a better image of the sarcastic superhero. Reynolds’ already brash behavior made him more fit for this role versus any of his previous, namely Green Lantern back in 2011.

Granted Deadpool’s inclination for breaking the fourth wall in the comics, Wernick and Reese were heavily reliant on pop-culture references and lazy gimmicks to characterize the two-dimensional redspandex-clad devil in the film, which served to be the main source of hilarity, pinning the movie almost as a comedy. Nonetheless, even the foulmouthed anti-hero conveys a surprisingly emotional story amidst violent conduct and profanity, making it an adaptation that can be enjoyed with your significant other or just a group of friends.

However, among all those trivial jokes and cracks at a comedic approach comes a weaker attempt at developing a story. With a majority of the dialogue focused on getting a laugh rather than an opinion, the plot stood at a standstill. Not to assume that the movie didn’t follow a plot, but even in that respect, the uninspired storyline wasn’t anything more than conflict and resolution.

Really, the only thing that set it apart from your average two-hour superhero movie was the mature humor.

Deadpool embraces its R-rating to an audacious extent, with Wilson’s penchant for vulgar speech and behavior. But the off-color language and behavior set the movie apart from its PG-13 superhero film counterparts, serving as an opportunity for an older audience to relish in the Marvel antihero’s obscenity.

Of course, the film doesn’t cater to all tastes, especially the sensitive viewers who expected Marvel and Fox to tone down the indecent cheekiness of our favorite red-spandex-clad hero (next to Spider-Man, of course). Honing in on the premise of the character itself, Tim Miller produced a Deadpool adaptation that, at the very least, gives audiences a glimpse into the life of the crude, but lovable, Merc with a Mouth.

Photo from 20th Century Fox

CREW CONSULTING: Talking with a crew member before shooting, Clary (Katherine McNamara) holds the fate of her best friend in her hands. She relies on love interest Jace (Dominic Sherwood) for guidance in making tough decisions. Photo from Freeform Studios

Shadowhunters disappoints with cliché development HANNAH MASON co-editor-in-chief

As of late, it almost seems like every TV show, movie or book has followed the same formula: a random teenager is living a ‘normal’ life, then something goes wrong and they are suddenly thrown into a fantasy world. This world usually includes a villain trying to take over the world, some sidekicks and a love triangle.

The new TV show, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, doesn’t stray from this mold. Based on theThe Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare, the series was adapted into a TV show which premiered this past January on the TV network Freeform, previously known as ABC Family.

The storyline begins with Clary Fray (Katherine McNamara) celebrating her eighteenth birthday. Clary and her best friend Simon (Alberto Rosende), who is also in love with her, go to an all-age night club. It is there that Clary first encounters Jace Wayland (Dominic Sherwood), Alec Lightwood (Matthew Daddario) and Isabel Lightwood (Emeraude Toubia). With an appearance unlike anything she has ever seen before, Clary is drawn to the group and follows them as they are on a mission to kill a demon, yet she is unaware of what they are.

After witnessing the killing of the demon, Clary flees from the club shocked.

The next day, Jace somehow manages to find Clary and tries to convince her to come with him to the Institute because Clary is not human. Shocker. However, they are interrupted when Clary receives a frantic call from her mother. Clary races home to find a destroyed home and her mother missing. After fainting, Jace comes to the rescue and brings her back to the Institute.

As a fan anticipating this series premier for a while, when Jan. 12 arrived, I was disappointed to say the least. Now that the show is about halfway through its thirteen episode season, I can finally

say why the show didn’t achieve all the hype it was given: Clary and Jace weren’t cast right, and the show is going through what I call “first season blues.”

I think Sherwood is great...just not as great as Jace. He is a young actor with tons of potential in his career, but he isn’t Jace. Jace needs to be cold and masculine, but at the same time he also needs to be vulnerable and give the audience moments in which we see clarity and emotion in him. For God’s sake, Jace saw his dad murdered when he was just a kid, he needs more edge than Sherwood is giving him. Clary is suppose to change him, but Sherwood’s interpretation makes it as though nothing really needs to be changed.

Part of the problem with Sherwood’s performance is due to the inadequate casting of Clary. The two lack the essential chemistry needed and thus their flirting comes off as fake. As the lead of this show, I expected McNamara to be the strongest actor and embody the character Clary. Yet she overplays her emotions. Maybe it’s because the only line she ever has is “I’ll do anything to save my mother.” I mean, wouldn’t any of us do anything to save a loved one?

The thing is I expected more from this show due to the previous screen time it has seen. In 2013 it was adapted into a movie titled The Mortal Instrument: City of Bones. A second movie was being planned, but was cancelled due to the low success the first movie had in theaters and the idea of a TV show was suggested.

This movie, though, was everything I imagined the Shadowhunter world to

be and more. Jace was played perfectly

by Jamie Campbell Bower, who shared amazing chemistry with Clary who was portrayed by Lily Collins. Though it does have its flaws, it never got a second movie to try and improve them.

The TV show does have some great traits though. The supporting cast of Simon, Isabel and Alec, as well as the relationship known to fans as Malec (Alec Lightwood and Magnus Bane, played by Harry Shum Jr.) both carry this show.

From cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, it is obvious that this cast is close and actually like each other. So it makes sense that the best scenes tend to be when Clary, Jace, Alec, Simon and Isabel are together, rather than when they are acting alone or separate from the group.

For Freeform as a network trying to reestablish themselves, taking on this show was a big leap. For that, I applaud them for stepping outside shows like Pretty Little Liars,The Fosters and Baby Daddy which made ABC Family a well-watched network. Along with different casting decisions, the graphics and creativity need to be improved for Shadowhunters to be truly successful. This isn’t like any of the other shows they have produced, so if it gets renewed, I suggest this show gets some much deserved tender love and care.

Spring Awakening pushes boundaries through moving storyline, striking arrangements JULIETTE OVADIA theatre critic

When information is made uncomfortable or unspeakable, or is hidden or silenced by parents afraid of what it could mean for their children, does that information not explode?

Steven Sater, creator of Spring Awakening, a rock musical that just showed at the Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, is principally concerned with this type of explosion and its shattering aftermath.

In this brilliant and necessary musical, information—about sexual and mental health, the mess and trial of being a teenager—is not dangerous.

Rather, it is lifesaving.

In Sater’s musical, the danger is not in providing information to teenagers, but in restricting their access, or worse, in being too fearful to speak directly to teenagers about sex, about mental health and about the resources available for teenagers in need.

The musical begins in nineteenth-century Germany, and focuses on the intersecting lives of teenagers attempting to navigate the difficulties of adolescence in an intensely constricted world. The protagonist, Wendla (Anna Blanchard) is a young

teenager who expresses her confusion about the kitchen sink), but it is imperative that teenagers world she is entering in the haunting song “Mama attend this musical anyway, because these are isWho Bore Me.” With a mother unable or unwilling sues with which we are already grappling. By tellto explain to her the realities of romantic relation- ing the stories of these young people, Sater argues ships, she feels she is left unprepared for the adult that you have to expose teenagers, educate us and world and “bad” in her growing sexuality. communicate with us. You cannot shelter us from The play then moves to a male perspective the reality of the world, because, in Sater’s words on adolescence, focusing on Melchior (Patrick in that first song, we are left with “no way to hanRooney, impassioned) dle things.” and Moritz (Ben BarkThis Marriott proer), best friends and duction hews closely rebellious young men to the Broadway prodisillusioned with the duction in choreoginability to be heard raphy and presentain their society. These tion of the music. The intersecting relationsongs are truly brilships—Wendla and Melliant, as the score is a chior’s romance, Moricombination of rock tz’s struggle with his and musical theater. father—form the center The arrangements are of the play and ground striking, with simple, the musical in human stark, and direct lyrics. relationships.

Sater has said in the TROUBLED TUNES: Wendla (Anna Blanchard, left), Melchior Be warned, there is (Patrick Rooney, center) and Moritz (Ben Barker, right) perform past that his goal for a lot of adult content the last song, “The Song of Purple Summer.” Photo courtesy of the the lyrics was not to (Sater throws in the Marriott Theater Lincolnshire. forward the plot, but to

capture emotions: what it feels like to be a teenager, how language and music can only try to reach at the volatile feelings of adolescence. It is adults’ responsibility, Sater asserts, to teach and ready their children for the world we live in. Teenagers can take responsibility for our actions only if we understand what we are doing. And with hope, with the information necessary to make choices, we’ll choose right.

And so I believe that Spring Awakening should be required viewing for parents and teenagers. Spring Awakening reminds us that we are not alone, and reminds parents and guardians that adolescence can be difficult, but trusted adult support can make the passage much easier. I know the musical has provoked a conversation with my own parents, so to teenagers: go with an adult who is important to you.

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CAKE, PLEASE: Celebrating Aubree’s first birthday in May of 2013, Kelly Schaeffer, mother and former South student, and her daughter eat cake with friends and family in a local Kentucky park. Since Aubree was born, Schaeffer has continued on to work towards a college degree but urges teens to abstain from sex because of the challenges derived from juggling high school and a child. Photos courtesy of Kelly Schaeffer

Teenage pregnancy faces judgment, proves challenging ANNE MARIE YURIK

Source: dosomething.org Illustration by Grace O’Malley Graphic by Jacqueline DeWitt

co-features editor

One week. It was one week ago that a period was late. To everyone else, this week had typical trials and tribulations, everyone except the girl who now has a potential pregnancy on her hands.

Overwhelmed at the possibilities, potential judgments and choices, she carries the burden of her decisions.

According to social worker David Hartman, because adolescence is a time of feeling watched and different from everybody else, a teenager who chooses to not abort her fetus opens herself up to possible judgment by the community.

“If you’re pregnant and people know, that’s about as different as it [...] gets in our community,” Hartman said. “I think it’s this idea that people are talking about [you] and being overwhelmed, [...] and I think there’s all sorts of judgments on how you make a decision, so people who get an abortion who don’t tell anybody don’t open themselves up to the judgment.”

Kelly Schaeffer, former South student who became pregnant during the summer before her sophomore year, was not using contraceptives at the time of her conception. Although she considered adoption, abortion was not an option. Additionally, she admits that she did not immediately know she was pregnant.

“I kind of just pushed it off thinking, ‘Oh well, I’m really not,’” Schaeffer said. “And I waited a month until I started to tell my dad [...] it’s actually happening. I’m really having a baby.”

However, many girls take steps to prevent pregnancy and the effects of pregnancy, which include weight gain and changes to skin, hair and nails, according to Mary Setter, a nurse at Midwest Center for Women’s Health Care. “[In order to prevent pregnancy, teens] can speak to their physician about starting birth control,” Setter said.

“They can obviously abstain from sex; they can be educated on the use of condoms, things like that. We have plenty of birth control options, and I think the girls are pretty good about coming in and, you know, talking about those options with a doctor.”

Junior Becca Green* had pregnancy scares while she was taking birth con-

trol; she originally began to take it in order to reg- who become pregnant attend school for as long as ulate her period. Nonetheless, when she encoun- they deem fit, and are then provided with hometered a pregnancy scare, she did not think of the bound instruction. After delivery, the individual possibilities because she was not worried that she will receive homebound instruction for six weeks was pregnant. before having to recertify their medical statement “I feel like nothing happens to me ever,” Green by a physician. said. “I’ve never had a serious illness. I’ve never reAccording to Schaeffer, she attended school unally broken a bone, like nothing ever happens to til the birth of her baby girl, Aubree, in May 2012, me, so I was kind of just like, ‘Oh if I just forget and never needed homebound instruction. This about [the pregnancy scare], it’s not a big deal be- was because she was able to take finals early in cause nothing has ever happened to me.’” order to maintain high grades, stay on track for Despite engaging in sexual activity before be- her future and receive support from other faculty coming pregnant, according to Schaeffer, she members. thought pregnancy was not “All of my teachers something that could happen “[Pregnancy] made me helped me because I wasn’t to her, but once she became to go back right away realize what can actually able pregnant, it changed her perafter I had her, [and] there happen because I was so wasn’t that much time spective. “[Pregnancy] made me renaive when it came to the left [in the school year],” alize what can actually hapSchaeffer said. “They acwhole situation, like I real- cepted to let me take my pen because I was so naive when it came to the whole ly didn’t know what I was finals before I left, so I situation, like I really didn’t could still finish with good doing.” know what I was doing [...],” [grades]. [...] So they were -Kelly Schaeffer, Schaeffer said. “It didn’t very accepting over it.” hit me until it actually hapAccording to dosomeformer South student pened.” thing.org, nearly 50 percent According to Schaeffer, her of all girls who become peers treated her differently once she returned to pregnant during high school do not graduate, but school after summer break. Many more students Schaeffer continued on to receive higher educabegan coming up to her, asking about her preg- tion at Murray State University after moving to nancy and who the baby’s father was. According to Kentucky in 2012 in order to be able to provide for Schaeffer, they seemed more interested in gossip Aubree. than supporting her. “[Aubree inspired me to go to college] because “I remember craving certain foods,” Schaeffer my parents never went to college, so I wanted said. “I remember everyday going straight to the to make something of myself,” Schaeffer said. “I cafeteria and getting the pasta. And then every- mean, I’m not in [college] now; I’m taking a break one acted like I was some sort of special person to work and pay off loans, but I plan on going back and wanted to be my friend all of the sudden to see [because] I want to be able to have a career and be what was going on and be all in my business, acting able to support her.” like they really cared.”

Despite her love of Aubree and the positive inHartman acknowledges that some do judge oth- fluence Aubree has had on her life, according to ers based on their own beliefs. Nonetheless, he beSchaeffer, she urges teens lieves that people should refrain to abstain from sex due from using their knowlto the extra responsibiliedge to denounce ties placed on teens once any controthey become pregnant.

Nationally, 3 out of versial deci“Pretty much as ev10 girls will get sions. eryone says: wait,” “I think Schaeffer said. “It’s a lot pregnant before age 20 there’s so much we harder to follow your goals, can do culturally if and you have another rewe just are friendlier and sponsibility to think of. You less judgmental of each othcan’t just go hang out with your er, and less gossipy,” Hartman friends when you want to anysaid. “So what can we do? Don’t put more on the weekends. You have to stay home and our judgments on top of somebody else’s change diapers and feed your kid and make sure experience and pretend that we would know what they’re given a bath and in bed by a certain time, should be done.” while you still have your homework. And it’s your The school policy on the matter, according to responsibility to do [so].”

Principal Lauren Fagel, which is also located in the handbook in section one, says that young women *name has been changed

12

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March 11, 2016

marching for the movement: Over 40,000 people gathered in New York City in September 2014 to rally and protest for climate justice, making it the largest action on climate in history. The march was successful in changing the notion that climate does not affect our lives personally, a misconception that many South students are attemtping to eliminate through increased discussion and awareness. Photo courtesy of Shadia Fayne Wood | Survival Media Agency

Climate change sparks discussion among South students Climate change is an ongoing problem within our country, and it is possibly more present now than ever. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century, a significant change that will have a great impact on the world we live in. Many South students have started the discussion about combating climate change and measures they can take to aid the environment.

and her peers’ efforts. change on the local and global communities.

“People have to start taking measures and questioning the way “I think that GBS already has a great introduction to climate change,” Augustynowicz said. “[...] Another way to educate students they live to make a difference,” Chiappetta said. “[…] On a very basic In light of recent headlines involving environmental issues and would be to show them the effects of climate change on their own level, we’re causing [environmental issues] with our actions everyreform, some South students have taken the initiative to learn more lives and community. Having students measure temperatures over day.”

According to Chiappetta, involvement in Project Earth teaches about climate change and take part in the world-wide discussion sur- the years, and watch as the mean rises, would be a tangible effect [on students to care about the immediate impact they have on climate students’ understanding of the environment].” rounding the matter.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one change. She explains that the club partners with the Village NatuAt South, the percentage of students who claim they are informed on the issue is lower than some might expect. In fact, based on an such way to effectively teach students about the impact of climate ral Resource Commission and is involved with Eagle Scout projects, unscientific Oracle-conducted survey of 284 students, only 24 percent change is by using their Climate “It’s important for GBS students to Chicago River Clean-up Day and Arbor Day, to name a few. Aside from all the events said they are “well informed about climate change and follow the is- Change Emission Calculator Kit (Climate CHECK). This tool, according be a part of this process, to be cogni- Project Earth participates in, Chiappetta sue closely”.

Junior Max Shapiro finds himself to be increasingly passionate to EPA’s website, is designed to help zant of how the world around them explains that experiencing the impact of climate change is inevitable amongst about the issue of climate change, spending time gathering related students “estimate their school’s information. According to Shapiro, students should not hesitate to greenhouse gas emissions and iden- is being changed by human actions, younger people.

“We’re beyond the point of prevention, tify ways to mitigate their school’s and to work towards a more sustainget involved with climate change action. and now we just need to live with the ef“One of the most important things to do is [...] to be following cur- climate impact,” and is a practical able path.” fects [of climate change],” Chiappetta said. rent events,” Shapiro said. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric resource that South students can - freshman Gabriel Augustynowicz “People are starting to feel it and starting utilize (see QR code below).

Administration (NOAA) just reported that 2015 was the warmest year to raise the issue.”

A student who has taken on record, [but] people are ignoring this, and they are just passing Students who aim to get involved with climate change on a broadit off as a normal cycle, which is a problem because we are going to the initiative to actively raise awareness regarding climate change is senior Jordan Chiappetta, co-president of Project Earth Club at er scale can join groups such as 350, an organization dedicated to start seeing the effects [of climate change] soon.”

South. One of the reasons why she has been involved with Project “building a global grassroots climate movement that can hold leaders Similar to Shapiro, freshman Earth for the past four years is her motivation to accountable to the realities of science and the principles of justice,” Gabriel Augustynowicz besee local change in the community as a according to the organization’s website, 350.org. lieves that climate change 350 has a local branch, Chicago350, in direct result of her affects everyone. He enwhich students can engage in a variety of courages students not to projects that are specific to the Chicagobe “passive bystanders” land area. Examples of volunteer opwhen it comes to takportunities include attending monthly

ing action to combat 渀 椀 氀礀 meetings, planning marches to mobilize climate change. Also, 愀氀 匀攀愀 氀攀瘀攀氀 攀砀瀀攀挀琀ⴀ 挀椀 攀 support against the fossil fuel industry and he believes every per瀀 猀 攀搀 琀漀 爀椀猀攀 ㄀ 琀漀 㐀 Ⰰ 攀 渀最 showing films regarding climate change at son should be aware of the 琀椀漀渀 瀀爀椀 昀攀攀琀 戀礀 琀栀攀 攀渀搀 猀 愀 locations around the community. 琀 渀搀 global community they are 椀 瀀 漀昀 琀栀攀 挀攀渀琀甀爀礀 挀椀 攀爀 愀 䄀椀爀 愀渀搀 眀愀琀攀爀 Shapiro echoes Chicago350’s notion that 攀 contributing to environmen爀 琀 瀀 椀渀 焀甀愀氀椀琀礀 it is the responsibility of younger people to recog 椀渀 攀 眀 tally. 攀 猀 栀 瀀爀漀樀攀挀琀攀搀 琀漀 nize and work towards the betterment of the envi攀愀 琀 “It’s important for GBS 挀爀

渀 椀琀栀 䤀 渀 眀 爀猀攀 ronment. He stresses the impending consequences of 眀漀 students to be a part of this 爀椀猀椀渀最 climate change and urges other young people not to process, to be cognizant of neglect environmental issues any longer. 琀攀洀瀀攀爀愀琀甀爀攀猀 how the world around them “Over the is being changed by human next 50 years, actions, and to work towards 䐀爀漀甀最栀琀猀 攀砀瀀攀挀琀攀搀 琀漀 you’re going a more sustainable path,” Au戀攀挀漀洀攀 洀漀爀攀 昀爀攀焀甀攀渀琀Ⰰ to see actu gustynowicz said. 猀 愀û攀挀琀椀渀最 椀洀瀀漀爀琀愀渀琀 琀椀漀渀攀瘀攀氀 al real- world 愀 Like Augustynowicz, Shapiro 氀 眀愀琀攀爀 猀漀甀爀挀攀猀 甀 漀瀀 愀 氀 comagrees that South students should 䰀愀挀欀 漀昀 搀攀瘀攀氀漀瀀ⴀ 愀氀 瀀搀 戀礀 猀攀 漀爀攀 搀 ingeffects 琀 猀 愀 from global 洀 洀攀渀琀 愀渀搀 瀀甀戀氀椀挀 be engaged in climate change action, 漀

攀 渀 䌀 琀攀渀 猀椀渀最 攀猀 愀 栀攀愀氀琀栀 爀攀猀漀甀爀挀攀猀 warming,” Shapiro but feels that communication with 栀爀攀椀愀猀攀Ⰰ 挀愀甀甀爀爀椀挀愀渀 攀猀 琀 挀愀甀猀攀 挀栀愀氀氀攀渀最攀猀 said.

“You’re going young people is absent, which can lend itself 最 爀 栀 猀攀 爀洀 猀甀爀 椀渀 爀攀猀瀀漀渀搀椀渀最 琀漀 渀 to see the seas start to to a growing lack of awareness. 攀 琀 漀 椀渀 猀琀 挀氀椀洀愀琀攀 挀栀愀渀最攀 rise, heat waves, stron“I haven’t really seen a lot of activity in terms of eduger hurricanes, discating younger people on this issue, and I think that’s a eases spreading. big problem,” Shapiro said. “There is an Earth Day, which is a good Scan the QR code above to be taken to epa.

This is an issue gov which contains the Climate Change thing, but it’s just not where we need to be.”

Source: epa.gov Emissions Calculator (CHECK). To scan that we’re going Further elaborating on Shapiro’s call for an increase of education Graphic by Ashley Clark the QR code, go to the App Store, search to have to start pertaining to the environment, Augustynowicz adds realistic suggesQR reader, and download. dealing with.” tions for increasing student understanding of the effects of climate

OLIVIA SOTIRCHOS & MADDY RUOS asst. features editors

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Students find support in grief counseling group HANNAH BUCHBAND staff reporter

The cycle of life is inevitable; it happens naturally, often it ends without warning or precaution taken beforehand. This is the case for many students at South who have suffered the loss of a close family member in their lifetimes. An experience such as this can be traumatic for anyone, much less a student already under the pressures of high school. This is where Social Worker David Hartman and his grief counseling group comes into play.

According to Hartman, when he first came to South in 2007, there were not many support groups for students facing common problems. As a result, he became a part of several social groups, one being the grief counseling group he started with Counselor Erika Pederson.

“I believe that the best learning happens peer to peer,” Hartman said. “I don’t think I can support a student the same way that a group of kids can support that student if they’ve all had similar experiences. So, getting a group of kids together who have all experienced that level of grief and loss is super powerful.”

Senior Kyle Hagan, whose father died of a heart attack when Hagan was in seventh grade, has been attending the group meetings every week since he found out about the program.

“Usually during the meetings it’s more fo- with her aunt. According to Wilson, the group cused around one or two of the students who are helped her find a support system when her friends having a bad day or a bad week,” Hagan said. “It’s couldn’t understand what she was going through. a place where students will go to vent, and then “I had friends [in Kansas City] who had gone the other kids will give them [emotional] support.” through similar things, but my friends here have Hagan trusts the supportive nature and con- their parents,” Wilson said. “So it’s just nice to fidentiality of the group as a whole, which he be- know that there are other people here too that lieves provides for a very honest environment. He have gone through similar things.” also feels as if the group members try to make the Hartman believes that he has the best job in environment as inclusive for other members as the world by getting to work with kids. He espethey can. cially under“I think it’s a very welcom“Losing someone you love is stands what ing atmosphere,” Hagan said. “I the students really hard, so Mr. Hartman in the grief don’t feel uncomfortable saying anything that’s really stupid or has always been someone I group are gosomething really serious about ing through, myself. I know there are kids in can go to talk about things, because he lost the group who are a little more and he always makes me feel his daughter in shy, but I don’t think that’s from 2015. the effect that the group has on better.” “ T h e re ’ s them. [...] It’s more of their persomething to -junior Emily Stevens* sonality. [...] I like to go and try to be said, for me, make it as much of a warm place that [the grief as I possibly can.” counseling group] is one of my favorite things to Sophomore Katherine Wilson*, who lost both do every week,” Hartman said. “For kids that have of her parents within three months of each oth- to deal with something so awful, to be able to get er, moved from Kansas City to Glenview to live them in a room and laugh and cry with them is

Illustration by Jini John

amazing. As a social worker, my job is never done.”

Wilson also acknowledges that the informality of the group is what makes it so comforting and effective for students. She said that for the most part, it’s just a time to update each other on how their weeks have been going, with regards to their own personal grieving processes.

“It’s a very free-flowing group, we just check in and [talk about] whatever we want to talk about,” Wilson said. “It’s never structured and we [don’t] have [specific] things to do, it’s just like 45 minutes to relax.”

Junior Emily Stevens*, whose mother died of a heart complication while she was in high school, acknowledges Hartman for being an integral part in her grieving process, in addition to the grieving processes of many other students.

“Losing someone you love is really hard, so Mr. Hartman has always been someone I can go to talk to about things, and he always makes me feel better,” Stevens said. “He gives advice with how to make the best of the situation and learn from when I’m sad, [and] how to deal with things. Even outside of group, I can go to Mr. Hartman any time of the day when I’m feeling sad and he’s always there for me.”

Stevens also credits the group itself for pro-

viding a safe space for South students to collectively grieve. According to Stevens, the group works to foster a healthy grieving process with all of the students there that are going through similar processes, and thus allows them to connect on a deeper level with each other.

“Since high school is very stressful, having people to talk to [at school] is really beneficial, because when you’re grieving, your friends help you but they don’t really know what it feels like to lose someone you love,” Stevens said. “Having people that have been through the same experiences as you is really comforting.”

According to Hartman, he believes there is something very valuable to be learned from the hardships of loss, and hopes that the students in the group have become stronger because of the battles they’ve faced.

“I think that there’s something to be said about not belittling or patronizing these people,” Hartman said. “They’ve experienced extreme loss in their lives, but we shouldn’t pity them. These are incredibly brave, resilient and resourceful young people that have had to deal with something most of us don’t and have done admirably.” *names have been changed

French classes extend reach to Togo, broaden geographic outreach ELIZA SCHLOSS staff reporter

Halfway across the world in remote West Africa, Togolese students are receiving the work of South students. French classes, led by Matthew Bertke and Catherine Klahn, recently created projects and wrote letters which were sent to students in Togo.

The West African country of Togo is a Frenchspeaking nation. According to Bertke, focusing on this region provides a way for his students to expand their knowledge and skills of the French language.

“I studied abroad in Burkina Faso which is just to the north of Togo,” Bertke said. “I know that there are tons of Peace Corps volunteers in West Africa, and so I wanted my students to get to know the West African French-speaking world. I [also] wanted to give my students an audience for their French by using their French outside of the classroom for a purpose.”

The project started when Bertke was on the Peace Corps website and came across the opportunity to connect with Brian Palmer, a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Togo. After an email exchange, Palmer suggested creating brochures on American national parks since he had just opened an environmental club at a Togolese school he helps at, according to sophomore Michelle Barsukov.

“The Togolese people already know their own geography but this would be a way to teach them about the geography of the U.S. and also because they speak French, we would write these brochures in French,” Barsukov said.

Some French classes taught by Bertke and Klahn have created brochures talking about the differences between national parks in the United States and ecological zones in West Africa. Sophomore Kayt Ribordy, an Honors French Three student who participated in the project, explained that the brochures were created to send to the Togolese students. Each brochure covered one national park and discussed different aspects of the park.

“Our group got the Rocky Mountain National Park,” Ribordy said. “We had six different sections and they each had a different topic. For mine, I did the plants that were found there, someone else did animals [...] and someone else did climate and geography.”

After the brochures were completed, students presented their findings to the class. According to Barsukov, the presentations were designed to compare North American geography with that of West Africa.

“My group did the Yellowstone National Park,

and so we presented [to the class] on the Great Rift Valley, which has geysers and hot springs and things like that,” Barsukov said.

According to Barsukov, the presentations broke stereotypes about the continent of Africa as a whole.

“It kind of put the world into perspective to show [that] we are not quite as unique as we think we are,” Barsukov said. “In a way that’s good because we can connect with people that we never thought we’d be able to [connect with].”

Bertke echoes Barsukov’s statement about stereotypes, and feels that ending of some of these stereotypes has been his greatest takeaway from the project.

“With the brochures, [I liked] watching my students have a conversation about stereotypes that were broken without any real direct instruction. All of these stereotypes [of Africa were] formed based on what the media gives us. [Changing] our thinking about [Africa] was the most interesting thing for me.”

Bertke also explains that breaking those steGraphic by reotypes has Jacqueline DeWitt

a big impact on uniting the global community and increasing student exposure to the world.

“We are all human beings and we all live in this planet,” Bertke said. “We all have big stereotypes about what we believe a small community in West Africa might look like. I can only go so far as a teacher in front of the classroom. To give them real-life examples that will break the stereotypes of elephants running everywhere, poverty and no education will give them a bigger global picture [of West Africa].”

According to Bertke, there is a big difference in infrastructure and development between West Africa and the United States. Due to the fact that West Africa is less developed than the U.S., Bertke predicts it will be a lengthy process to deliver, read and respond to letters. He feels this has the possibility to inhibit the communication process between the students.

“Glenbrook South [runs] much faster,” Bertke said. “We are a high pressure, high performing school. Most small towns in West Africa run with a much slower pace of life, which is something I found to be true when I lived there.”

According to Ribordy, the project has a purpose, because both students at South and students in Togo are benefitting from it. While the project is breaking stereotypes for students at South, at the same time it is also increasing Northern American geographical exposure for the students in Togo.

“It’s a useful project,” Ribordy said. “These brochures weren’t going to sit in the back of a teacher’s desk somewhere. They were going to Togo [...] to help these kids learn about different geography in North America. It felt like we were actually making a difference.”

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Photo by Alexandra Sharp

Q&A with Samuel Jaffe A brief question and answer with freshman Samuel Jaffe, who has recently been named one of the world’s brightest students by Johns Hopkins University.

BRIGHT BUILDING: Piecing together the finishing touches for their vex robots, sophomore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students (from left to right) Colb Uhlemann, Andrew Waldherr, Brian O’Connor, Savera Zulfqar, Jarrett Prchal and Abby Grant work together to finish their projects. The students

utilized their team building skills, building technique, and coding to assemble the robots. Photo by Sophie Mason

Applied arts offer viable experiences, career insight my teacher’s gym actually,” Santos-DeSoto informed. “He asked me to help the owner out by kind of rendering the space.”

According to Santos-DeSoto, she is considIt’s 3A lunch when a silhouette appears at the end of the applied arts hallway, followed ering studying interior architecture or interiby the noise of rolling wheels. As the figure or design after graduation, as a result of CAD approaches the end of the hallway, a strong classes.

“I feel like [the applied arts classes] have scent of spray paint and wood diffuses about the air. The silhouette evolves into recogniz- prepared me so much,” Santos-DeSoto said. able sophomore Colb Uhlemann, who had “I’ve talked to a lot of colleges because I’m a senior, and they have said that some of the been testing out a new longboard.

According to Uhlemann, he is enrolled in work that the teachers are teaching us right an applied arts course at South with an inter- now is stuff that you end up learning in colest of pursuing a Science, Technology, Engi- lege.”

According to Uhlemann, the PLTW introneering or Math (STEM) related career, specifduction to ically involving engineering.

Uhlemann explained that the “No matter what career you go Engineering Project Lead The Way (PLTW) into, you’re going to have to and PLTW nciples Principles of Engineering solve problems at some point. Pofr iEngineercourse he is taking has provided him resources to pur- The big picture [of these classes] ing classes sue a small outside of school is [to learn] how to solve prob- have served as preparalongboarding-manufacturing tion in purcompany, Invent Longboard lems.” suit of an Co., pertaining to his engi- -PLTW Teacher Michael Sinde engineering neering intrigue.

“Having the [environment to build at career. Uhlemann explained how field trips, school] is a great tool, because it allowed my such as attending the International Manufacfriend and I to follow our interest and to start turing Technology Show in downtown Chicabuilding longboards,” Uhlemann said. “We go with his PLTW class, have exposed him to used the tools in the makerspace and our pre- engineering. “[Field trips] get us out into the world to vious knowledge to kind of develop this longsee, yes, we can take these classes and start board company.”

Agreeing with Uhlemann, senior Paola San- learning about our fields, but then once we actos-DeSoto, a former Computer Animated De- tually go out and see them in action, it makes sign (CAD) and Woodworking student, echoed a big difference,” Uhlemann said. “And that is Uhlemann’s sentiments regarding opportuni- kind of inspirational to see where we can actuties provided to her as a result of her applied ally be some day.”

Uhlemann explained how he encountered arts classes.

“I am doing a project for Ignite Gym; it’s topics within the engineering curriculum that

ABBY GRANT staff reporter

SUPER SKATEBOARDS: Above are two longboards produced by sophomore Colb Uhlemann’s longboarding business, Invent Longboard Co. Established in 2015, Invent Longboard Co. both constructs and refurbishes longboards.

Photos courtesy of Colb Uhlemann

he believes will be beneficial toward his pursuit of an engineering career.

“I feel taking these classes has allowed me to learn more about the field I’m going into, and start to specialize with,” Uhlemann said.

According to senior Matt Grinde, the applied arts teachers demonstrate constant support to students. Grinde expressed how he believes that PLTW Teacher Michael Sinde has assisted students greatly with opportunities both in and outside of the classroom related to engineering.

“Mr. Sinde does a great job of getting students opportunities,” Grinde said. “He has a lot of connections. He really cares about students. He’ll [stay] here late at night to help kids, even if it’s for something so small, he’ll be here any time.”

Grinde plans on studying engineering at University of Wisconsin Madison this upcoming fall. Grinde expressed the significance of encouraging teachers in the Applied Arts Department, and the impact that it made on his pursuit in the engineering field.

“When you have teachers like [Sinde]who care so much about their students, it makes the [PLTW] program great,” Grinde said.

Freshmen Nicholas Ermlov explained that he wishes to study computer science in college, as expressed

by Grinde. According to Ermlov, Sinde has introduced engineering opportunities outside of school such as Raspberry Pi, a credit-card sized computer used for electronic Graphic by Jacqueline DeWitt and computing purposes in the STEM learning field and classroom. “[STEM students] all went in two separate groups to IIT [Illinois Institute of Technology] as a challenge for Raspberry Pi, and we both won,” Ermlov said. “They got $400 and two Raspberry Pis, and we got $300 and one Raspberry Pi. We also got funding for our projects [all from] Sinde; [he] found us this opportunity.”

According to Sinde, the applied arts classes teach students more concepts than only engineering techniques. Sinde believes that STEM related applied arts classes also serve as a course in which students are able to develop problem solving skills.

“The big thing is, you’re learning how to problem solve,” Sinde expressed. “No matter what career you go into, you’re going to have to solve problems at some point. The big picture [of these classes] is [to learn] how to solve problems.”

ALEXANDRA SHARP co-features editor

With over 30,000 students competing from 60 plus nations around the world, it’s nearly impossible for most people to make themselves stand out. However, for freshman Samuel Jaffe, he proved his intellect after scoring in one of the highest percentiles in John Hopkins University’s talent search, sponsored by the Center for Talented Youth. According to Jaffe, he earned the title of,“one of the brightest students in the world” during eighth grade, when he was home schooled.

Q: What made you enter into this contest and were you nervous at all?

Jaffe: Well, my mom decided that it might be a good idea to see if I can take the test to see how [well] I did, because she knows that I am good at spatial stuff. [...] I took the test at [...] a private testing center. [...] It was in Evanston. It’s kind of weird going somewhere other than [GBS] to take a test so I was kind of a little nervous, but not really. Once I started [taking the test], their questions weren’t super hard for me, [so] I wasn’t very nervous.

Q: Do you [like to] tell people that you’re one of the smartest kids in the world?

Jaffe: No not really. I’m not a big person to brag about stuff. I mean, it’s definitely an interesting conversation topic, but it’s not something [where] I [would] come up to someone that I didn’t know and I say ‘I won this award’, but I do talk about it.

Q: Does having this award add any extra pressure on you academically or just in general?

Jaffe: I wouldn’t say so. [...] I mean, maybe a little bit. [People have] expectations unconsciously. It’s not something that would significantly increase the bar or something like that, [so] I’d say the expectations are not a whole lot different. [...]

Personally, it hasn’t changed the way I would go about doing [school work].”

Q: What was it like when you found out you won the award?

Jaffe: I wasn’t really expecting it, so I was very surprised. It was definitely exciting, because we got to go fly down to Baltimore for the ceremony, and [the ceremony] was a great experience. [Having this award is] definitely something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

To read more about Jaffe, scan the QR code above. To scan the QR code, go to the appstore, search QR code reader and download.

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Remeniuk uses scholarship to pursue passion for pottery

March 11, 2016

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AAKASH BHOJWANI & JOHN PARK staff reporters

According to senior Alex Remeniuk, he took his first ceramics class at South thinking it would be an easy course. Little did he know that his first class would send him on a journey filled with challenges and improvement that would define ceramics as a lifelong passion.

Through the help of the William H. Schreiner Memorial Arts Scholarship, Remeniuk was able to further pursue his passion at pottery classes in New Mexico last summer.

Last year, Remeniuk was encouraged by Kurt Webb, South ceramics teacher, to apply for the scholarship.

According to Remeniuk, the scholarship awards funds to someone who is devoted to the arts at South. Dr. Schreiner was the principal of South for 26 years and acCOILING TO THE TOP: Using stoneware clay to create a coil pot, senior Alex Remeniuk works on a piece of pottery he hopes to finish in time for the AP Art Show. Remeniuk was able to further his passion for pottery through winning South’s William H. Schreiner Memorial cording to Webb, he had very Arts Scholarship, which brought him to New Mexico for a pottery class. Photo by Ashley Clark high expectations for art students and encouraged them “I found this one style of pottery [called] Or- that [are] interesting [and] difficult,” Santos-De to achieve those expectations.

“When [the scholarship] is offered to stu- tiz, which is from Chihuahua, Mexico,” Remeni- Soto said. “ He has a lot of patience which is dents or when students apply to that and get uk said. “[...] I’ve tried to recreate it a little bit, something I admire. He can [work] for hours on that, it’s kind of carrying on that tradition of and that’s been my motive ever since the end of one single piece or even days and weeks on one single piece just perfecting it to the point where those expectations that Dr. Schreiner had for junior year until now.”

According to Remeniuk, Mata Ortiz is a he feels it’s ready. His overall building and conthe school and for the students here,” Webb southwestern form of decorative pottery. Webb struction skills are incredible. I don’t think I said.

By winning the scholarship, Remeniuk was explains that Remeniuk sets high aspirations for have seen any of his projects break or anything given the funds to go to New Mexico to take the himself and attempted to enter a professional because they are so well built. They last a long Lucy Lewis Pottery Class at the Taos Art School art show. Although he was rejected, he did not time and they are very light which is something let that discourage him or change his interest in that is very hard to do.” this past summer.

When he first started off, Remeniuk thought “There were only eight or nine people in this Mata Ortiz.

“It became a goal for him to make work good that pottery would be an easy class, but he soon class, and I was the youngest there,” Remeniuk said. “It was a bunch of older people, teachers, enough that he could not only impress high realized the difficulty of it. In his ceramics class, he learned what just people [who] wanted to try something new.” school students, [but that he could] imRemeniuk did not decide to keep his experi“It became a goal for him to make makes the art so professional intriguing for ences from New Mexico to himself. Remeniuk press work good enough that he could both the artist says he created a book capturing his experienc- artists, and that’s a not only impress high school stu- and audience. es from the trip for Webb because he was the big, big difference,” “If you get one one who inspired him to apply for the scholar- Webb said. dents, [but that he could] impress thing Although both wrong, you ship. professional artists, and that’s a can just end up “After I came back from New Mexico, as a gift Webb and Remeniuk with a disaster,” around the holidays, I made Mr. Webb [...] a pho- understand that Rebig, big difference.”

Remeniuk said. “I to book from Apple [Photos],” Remeniuk said. meniuk is not yet a -Ceramics Teacher Kurt Webb professional, Webb think that’s really “It had pictures from [...] my trip, so he could believes that as a high intriguing to me. relive it through that.”

Webb says that receiving this book was an school student, Remeniuk is doing “exceptional You have to do things right in that class. Once incredible honor. He was very delighted to see work” and exhibits a unique internal motivation you do it, things can come out extraordinary.”

According to Webb, one of Remeniuk’s best how much Remeniuk had matured as an artist that pushes him to work harder.

“He buys clays that I don’t have here,” Webb qualities as a ceramic artist is how he handles and a person through the experience.

“It was really extraordinary to get that from said. “He goes to art stores and buys them, and the challenges that come along with the art. him,” Webb said. “He dedicated the book to me he’ll talk about how incredible the material is. Webb explains that all potters, including Remewhich was an incredible honor, and [on] the first That’s pretty exciting, and truly that’s kind of niuk, encounter several failures, such as pieces page, he wrote me a letter [...] talking about how on a high level. That’s more of what professional blowing up when they are fired. But that does not bring down Remeniuk’s motivation or conthat experience really had a big impact on him.” artists think about.”

Senior Paola Santos-De Soto is Remeniuk’s fidence.

Remeniuk’s passion for ceramics was first “He knows that [challenges are] a part of rediscovered during his sophomore year when he classmate in ceramics. According to her, Remetook his first ceramics course at South. After ex- niuk’s unique style and work ethic contribute ally what makes the achievement even more perimenting with various different types of pot- to the intrigue and quality of all the pieces that special,” Webb said. “When you’ve gone on this long journey, and it’s not a straight journey--it’s tery for one year, Remeniuk found a style that he’s worked on.

“It’s ridiculous how he comes up with designs a winding, meandering kind of journey--he’s he would stick with. willing to accept that. And that’s pretty rare for a student. Most students are used to having success in everything they do.”

Santos-De Soto explains that Remeniuk does not just pursue his passion during school hours.

She says that he works on pieces at home as well, and his passion for ceramics is easily noticeable to everyone he interacts with. “[Ceramics] is something he works on in and outside of school,” Santos-De Soto said. “He is always coming in and out of school with a box [...] filled with stuff that he does at home. He will spend days on projects just to make [them] perfect. [Ceramics] is a hobby that he absolutely loves; he is very passionate about it.”

Remeniuk says that pottery has developed into a passion that he will continue to pursue throughout his life. But according to him, this was only possible through his involvement in the GBS Art Department.

“The past couple years in South, I’ve been thinking about how I can get more involved [here],” Remeniuk said. “I played soccer in the fall this year [...] but the GBS Art Department [is] COOL CLAY: The platter (left) was made by Remeniuk as a result of his inspiration of Mata Ortiz pottery. The my home here at South. That’s where I go to in snake coil pot (right) was made by rolling coils and then building up the pot while shaping the snake. These are just the mornings, during class, after school. It’s a a few of the pieces that Remeniuk has made while pursuing his passion for pottery. Photos courtesy of Alex Remeniuk second home for me here at South.”

Photo by John Schurer

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Band, choir pay tribute to Pearl Harbor with trip to Hawaii are just plain fun, according to According to the itinerary, upon the group’s arYep. rival in Hawaii, the students will be welcomed with “[Previous school trips] a “fresh flower lei greeting.” seemed more like a vacation “There’s this hula dance thing [the band direcsince everyone was with their tors] do every time [they visit Hawaii],” Josaiah friends,” Yep said. “Everyone was said. “[The band directors] show us Hawaii, which super hyped all the time, which is really cool, and the band directors get really into it. I have pictures from past years where they’re was really cool.”

Yep says that the band will wearing their hula skirts and dancing around.”

For Lothian, there is a lot to expect with this vahave clinics in Hawaii to improve their performance. She cation and even more to be excited about.

“I am looking forward to doing something I love explains that they are similar to little workshops, where someone in a beautiful setting,” Lothian said. “I truly believe helps them to polish their music. I am my happiest when I’m on the beach, so I am “Most places we go, we try to excited to de-stress from all the realities of senior get something in there so that year and just enjoy the company of the awesome it’s a learning experience for ev- people around me.” eryone,” Yep said. “It’s a lot betAlthough the trip is expected to be very fun, ter if you go and learn something Wojcik describes a long preparation process, exwhile you’re there.” plaining that this trip will not be all pleasure as his Due to Choir Director Mar- main focus is the students’ safety and enjoyment. tin Sirvatka retiring this year, “We have the GBSIL (GBS Instrumental League) this year will be the first time behind us, which is the parent organization, and that members of the choir have they’re very, very helpful,” Wojcik said. “[Preparthe option to travel with band ing for this trip is] very time-consuming. You have VACATION PREPARATION: Rehearsing various pieces of music, sophomore Erin Kirby and senior Marc Turenne play the clarinet to help the on one of their trips, according to put the schedules together, you have to figure band determine which to perform in Hawaii. The band holds special rehearsals in order to prepare for their performance. Photo by Rachel Nwia to Wojcik. Senior Tori Lothian, out who’s going on the trip, you have to get the choir member, explains that be- music prepared, [and] you have to make sure evcause choir students are accom- erybody’s safe, [which is why] we have a nurse er with the band, said, “It’s going to be a time of JOSIE SCHNEIDER staff reporter commemoration for everyone and just remember- panying band members on this trip, she is looking coming with us.”

The rules and regulations are explained to the ing what happened there, and [showing] respect forward to have that time to connect with them.

“I am really excited that we get to go on this students, according to Wojcik. But students have One hundred and eighty-seven band and choir for others who were a part of it.” never lost sight of the The students will be staying in the Pacific Beach trip with the band,” Lomembers will be traveling to Hawaii for spring purpose of the trip. break starting on March 28, according to Greg Hotel, across the street from Waikiki Beach, ac- thian said. “Marching “I have never sent Wojcik, band director and a supervisor of the trip. cording to Wojcik. He explains, apart from the mu- band is such an awe䐀攀猀琀椀渀愀琀椀漀渀 䠀椀最栀氀椀最栀琀猀 anybody home [for bad The students will perform concerts to memorialize sical itinerary which includes four concerts, the some activity because it behavior], and I’m very students will be snorkeling, shopping, spending is an inside and outside the bombing of Pearl Harbor. proud of that,” Wojcik “The purpose of the trip this year [is that it’s] down time at the beach and hiking on mountains of school commitment. said. “Our kids are the [...] It is harder for the the 75th anniversary of the beginning of World like Diamond Head. best kids in the world.”

Josaiah said, “I am most excited for the nice entire choir to become War II, and it’s the anniversary of the bombing of Lothian says that the Pearl Harbor,” Wojcik said. “So we’re going there weather, the peaceful days and just being able to as close as the band is location of the concert for a commemoration of the day, and we’re going play [our music] in a different environment. We’re because for most peoadds to the importance always playing in a building or marching outside. ple, choir only meets evto play a concert at Pearl Harbor.” ery Blue day. Therefore, of their performance.

The main concert will take place in the middle It’ll be nice to just be on the sand, just relaxing.”

Graphic by Nick Moran “We are singing at Though this trip is school-sponsored and school I am looking forward to of the park with memorials surrounding Pearl Harbor, where the band will be playing strictly patri- rules still apply, to students like senior Lauren Yep, spending time with all of the choir kids who are Pearl Harbor which should be an incredibly powfour-year participant of South’s band, these trips going, because we rarely get to sing together out- erful performance, so I am definitely looking forotic music, according to Wojcik. ward to that,” Lothian said.

Sophomore Mira-Cler Josaiah, first time travel- do not seem like a homework assignment. Instead side of a school setting.”

Affordable fashion tips help to embody, showcase fresh spring style HANNAH MASON co-editor-in-chief

Spring is waking up to birds chirping, breathing in that amazing scent outside that would only mean spring.

While spring time is largely a time to embrace pastel colors, I also encourage the use of olive, grey and maroon in your wardrobe.

This next outfit is probably the epitome of spring. I was recently introduced to Old Navy jeans, and there is probably no converting me back. My most recent buy was my pair of white washed jeans, which are essential for spring.

From Nordstrom, I found a black halter-top blouse with a light pink and yellow floral design. I matched this outfit with a rose gold watch and light pink earrings. In terms of shoes, I chose my black wedged boots from Target. Personally, this is an outfit I can see myself wearing on Mother’s Day. My family usually does a brunch, so this is a fancy, yet comfortable, option for that occasion.

Photos by Georgia Arvanitis

My first outfit features my favorite new coat, a green army jacket from Nordstrom. I paired it with my classic black ripped jeans and a grey frocket t-shirt, both also from Nordstrom. In terms of accessories, I suggest going with things that are either a silver or dark silver. If you haven’t already heard, Charming Charlie is probably the best place to get any kind of accessories at a super affordable price. This outfit can come off a little more edgy, so I suggest combat boots in order to click the outfit into place. I found that this outfit is perfect to wear when going out with friends for an informal dinner or hanging out on a Friday night.

The feature item of my last outfit is simply a black floral dress from Garage. Like I’ve mentioned, in spring you can really never have too much floral. This dress will work with scandal wedges from Target and my brown sweater from Forever 21. The simplicity of this outfit is perfect because you can dress it up with accessories to make it your own.

I’d most likely go with earrings and some kind of bracelet. A necklace and a floral dress can be a bit much together, and can be displeasing to the eye. Usually, I have to go shopping around for a dress for Easter Sunday, but luckily, I found this dress early and have one less thing to worry about!

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South finalists’ art featured at IHSAE art exhibit that?’ They said how big of a deal it was and how much of an honor it was.”

The IHSAE show has a bigger range of categoIt features 93 high schools, over 500 art pieces ries it showcases than most art shows. Categories submitted and five GBS finalists. This year is the that can be submitted to are three-dimensional, first year South participated in the Illinois High drawing, painting, photography, graphic design School Art Exhibition (IHSAE), and five South stuand time arts. Having a variety of categories aldents displayed their work at the exhibit at the lows students from different art classes to particiZhou B Art Center on March 6. pate in the exhibition.

South art teachers submitted 25 piec“Most shows and competitions only es, of which, five students’ pieces involve the 2D [arts]: painting, drawwere chosen. These students ing,” Thia said. “I like it because and their work include seniors I’m a 3D artist. My 2D art is awJini John for painting, Taylor ful; therefore, I can participate Raschillo for photography, in this show.”

Appy Wielgus for drawing, Choosing which pieces to Grace Yang for painting submit was difficult, accordand junior Jidapa Thia for ing to Art teacher Stephanie 3D art.

Fuja. The art teachers decid“Judging by the quality ed to evenly submit to each of the work we saw, the pocategory. Each teacher chose tential for scholarships being pieces for the subject they offered, the prizes awarded teach. and the prestige of being se“It’s always hard [to choose lected from such a large pool pieces] for any show, esof high caliber work all conpecially one as tributed to our decision [to big as this,” participate in the Fuja said. show],” Pho“We look tography at which teacher of our Amie Elstudents liott said. are creArt ating the students best level and teachwork both ers at technicalSouth have ly and connot attendc e p t u a l l y. ed the show Every work in the past. varies; what Before submight be the mitting to the best work show, the fiin a painting nalists did not isn’t the best have previous work in a metal knowledge piece.” about the IHSAE Every piece subexhibit. mitted is a previous “I have a couassignment that the ple friends who are art students have in AP art, and I took a submitted for class. screenshot [of the email Submitted pieces letting me know I was a ranged in differfinalist] and sent it to ent level classes them, and [I] asked what SKIN AND SKYLINE: Bearing the New York City skyline, freshand guidelines it was,” Raschillo said. man Kirsten Sully models in senior Tayor Raschillo’s IHSAEfollowed.

“They [said], ‘Oh my god. featured photograph. The photo mixes her model and a picture Senior Jini Are you kidding? You got from her trip to New York City. Photo courtesy of Taylor Raschillo John said, “The

MEGAN SHEQILADZE staff reporter

way the [AP art class] works is that you have to pick an idea or a theme that you’re going to be focusing your artwork on. My theme was the mix of Indian and American culture. I’ll combine my own experiences with my heritage and the culture I experience here in America. The piece I did was a dancer, and she was putting on the bells that go on her ankles and had on traditional [Indian] clothes.”

Personal experiences are reflected among many of the art pieces. John and Raschillo both used their identity as inspiration for their work.

“I used a picture I took of New York, which is where I want to go to college,” Raschillo said. “That was definitely a huge inspiration to me. It was a younger girl, for me, that represents me. She’s looking down, looking at her future. That was a huge representation of me and what I desire for the future. I thought it was really cool that was the piece that got chosen.”

Yang also shared her personal life in her artwork, but instead of having her culteral identity be her inspiration, she uses events that her family is going through.

“This piece itself is a painting of my dad resting in bed at the emergency room,” Yang said. “ It’s a scene I am so familiar with because my dad is constantly in and out of the hospital or emergency room. My dad is also aware of my concentration and the fact that I am a finalist in the IHSAE. He will be attending the awards reception with me, and I am so grateful for that.”

The IHSAE aims to provide students with the opportunity to present their work in a professional environment and recognize student for their artistic accomplishments, according to their website.

“Not going to lie, knowing that my art piece is going to be showcased in a professional art center in Chicago is a really exciting feeling,” Thia said.

Participants are looking forward to seeing the exhibition for the first time, according to Fuja. South plans to participate in the IHSAE again next year.

Elliott said, “We are thrilled to be involved and are very proud of all of our students for the great habits they have developed and the fantastic work they create.”

BLENDED BRUSHSTROKES: Lacing up bells to a dancer, senior Jini

John’s painting features her American and Indian heritage. Laying in a hospital bed, senior Grace Yang’s original painting was inspired by her father’s time in the hospital. Both paintings were featured in the IHSAE art exhibit. Photos courtesy of Jini John and Grace Yang

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March 11, 2016 Men’s Volleyball: Key Players: Alex Freidinger, Patrick Braczko Under the Radar: Emmett Garvey, Matt Skweres, Jack Sullivan 2015 Record and Finish: 23-14, Regional Championship The men’s volleyball team looks to gain a conference title, and compete for the sectional championship, according to Head Coach Tim Monahan. The Titans have a solid base to build upon this season from senior setter Alex Freidinger, according to Monahan. Freidinger is a three-year starter who knows the system and runs the offense, according to Monahan. The Titans also have returning seniors Patrick Braczko, Matt Skweres, Emmett Garvey and Chris Tiedmann. There are returning juniors who have worked hard in the off-season such as Teddy Gregory and Jack Sullivan, according to Monahan. The Titans start their season on April 5 against Vernon Hills.

Women’s Lacrosse: Key Players: Sarah McDonagh, Lindsey Karsh, Sophie Hensley Under the Radar: Perri Stewart, Macy McPhillamy 2015 Record and Finish: 19-5, fourth in State The 2016 women’s lacrosse team hopes to start off the season as a strong and competitive team, according to Head Coach Annie Lesch. Lesch hopes that, early on in the season, the team will establish themselves as a better and stronger team against other competitors. The team really hopes to keep up the tradition of qualifying for State, because South has qualified the past two years, according to Lesch. There are 13 returning varsity players that have a lot of potential and great technique that may lead the team to State, Lesch said. One key player is junior Lindsey Karsh, who played on varsity as a freshman and helped lead the team to victories, according to Lesch.

Photo by Ashley Clark

Photo by Ashley Clark

Men’s Water Polo: Key Players: Peter Dales, Tommy Hagerty, Brian Johnson Under the Radar: Jack Wells, Brendan Chang, Tucker Nienhaus 2015 Record and Finish: 21-6-2, Sectional Semi-Final The men’s water polo team looks to build on last season’s success, compete for a conference title and a place in the state tournament, according to Head Coach David Lieberman. The Titans have many returning players such as goalie Brian Johnson, senior Peter Dales, senior Tommy Hagerty and sophomore Brendan Chang. According to Lieberman, The Titans have the majority of their offense returning, and the majority of goalscorers are returning. Lieberman also adds that the returning players are hard working, enthusiastic and aggressive. The Titans have the majority of their offense returning this year; however, their defense is their biggest concern, according to Lieberman. The boys kick off their season on March 12 at the Conant Invite.

Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

SPRING SPOrts PREVIEW 2016 GEORGIA ARVANITIS, SOPHIE HENSLEY, HENRY SCHLIEZER, SUSIE YOU co-sports editor, asst. sports editor & staff reporters

Photo by Ashley Clark

Men’s Track and Field: Key Players: Gavin Cernek, Kevin Halloran, Jimmy Lustig, Patrick Doumitt Under the Radar: Jack Kelly 2015 Record and Finish: No dual meet record, fourth in Conference The 2016 men’s track has been working hard indoors in order to be successful in the spring, according to Head Coach Kurt Hasenstein. The team this year is relatively young. However, the 14 returning seniors lead the team very well, according to Hasenstein.

“We returned a lot of quality seniors this year, kids who scored for us in a varsity level, but not too many of them were at the high level,” Hasenstein said.

Besides the makeup of the 2016 team, the Titans won the Fenton Invitational for the tenth year in a row on Feb. 27, winning nine out of 17 events.

“It’s not as tough a meet as the CSL meet, but it’s a nice season opener,” Hasenstein said.

Photo by Marley Hambourger

Women’s Soccer: Key Players: Olivia Peters, Lily Sands, Anne Brennan Under the Radar: Makayla Stadler, Libbie Vanderveen 2015 Record and Finish: 16-5-3, Regional Championship Head Coach Seong Bong Ha looks to reach his five major goals for the women’s varsity soccer team this season. The Titans have won the last five of six Glenbrook Cup titles and look to acquire another this season, according to Ha. Ha also looks to win the West Chicago Wildcat Invitational, as this is the first season the Titans will be playing in that tournament. According to Ha, the team is a strong contender for the CSL South title, which is another goal for the season. Key players Olivia Peters, Lily Sands and Anne Brennan have acquired 82 goals, 39 assists and 223 points collectively. Getting to the IHSA Sectionals has been a goal since they last won the title in 2013.

“If [we] play together as a team, believe, score, defend, going to the state with this team is, without question, [in] the realm of possibilities,” Ha said.

Photo by Rachel Nwia

Men’s Tennis: Key Players: Rohan Gupta, Sebastian Desroberts, Bryce McClanahan Under the Radar: Jacob Adas 2015 Record and Finish: 10-9, fourth in Sectionals According to Bryce McClanahan, junior singles player, the 2016 men’s tennis team aspires to do well this year, especially under the leadership of national award-winning coach, Larry Faulkner.

“The season ahead is looking good; we have a strong team from what I can see so far, and we have the potential to [play] really well,” McClanahan said. “There are some strong newcomers, and everyone’s been working hard off season and seems to have significantly improved from last season.”

The first time the boys hit the courts will be on April 2, according to McClanahan.

“Our first match is a tournament in Rolling Meadows, where we’ve done well in the past,” McClanahan said. “Our team is looking good, so hopefully we can win.”

Baseball: Key Players: Jordan Libman, Cameron Pauly Under the Radar: K.K. Kopley, Andrew Kazmerick 2015 Record and Finish: 22-12, first round of Sectionals Varsity baseball looks to overcome shortcomings, and compete for a conference title, according to Head Coach Steve Stanicek. To get the conference title goal, the team will need help from the younger, more inexperienced players, especially in pitching, according to Stanicek. Stanicek said the team have many returning players such as senior Jordan Libman, who was an all -conference player last season, senior Billy Logarakis, senior Justin Machado and junior Cameron Pauly. The Titans also get back underrated contributors such as senior K.K. Kopley and senior Andrew Kazmerick. The boys kick off the season against Leyden on March 17.

Badminton: Key Players: Tina James, Jane Oh Under the Radar: Nina Tojo 2015 Record and Finish: 5-3, fourth in Conference Head Coach Terri Kimura has high hopes for the upcoming season as many key players and seniors are returning for the 2016 badminton season. The team is expecting to take top three in conference and sectionals and place well individually at state, according to Kimura.

This season’s captains Tina James and Hannah Rauh are expected to carry the team far in the 2016 season. Kimura expects that multiple seniors will participate in state since James and senior Jane Oh are returning State qualifiers. The badminton team is working hard to ensure that they will have an even more successful season this year by working hard in practices and working on technique improvement, according to Kimura.

Photo by Ashley Clark

Photo by Ashley Clark

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Women’s Track and Field: Key Players: Maddy Eenigenburg, Emily Noone, Amelia Papajohn Under the Radar: Lexi Roberts, Bailey Smith, Waltz Peterson 2015 Record and Finish: No dual meet record, eighth in Sectionals The women’s track Head Coach Fred Kocian looks forward to competing in Conference. According to Kocian, their biggest victory so far was at the John Davis Relays because they beat New Trier.

“At the [John Davis] meet, [New Trier] set five meet records and [...] five school records,” Kocian said. “Even though they won more events than we did, we ended up beating them.”

The Titans beat the Trevians by a score of 123-121. The Titan’s went from a 70-person team last year to over 100 this season, so Kocian believes the girls will do well at conference on March 17.

Photo by Sophie Mason

A glance AT UPCOMING TITAN ATHLETICS

Photo byAnushka Haldar

Men’s Lacrosse: Key Players: Luke Howland, Nate Stadler Under the Radar: Alex Ferrone, Andrew Marziani 2015 Record and Finish: 8-8, first round of playoffs According to two-time captain and senior McLain Murphy, the 2016 men’s lacrosse team believes they will make it further in playoffs than they have in the last decade.

Murphy believes that with Will Jeffrey, new Head Coach, the lacrosse program improve.

“I think the whole vibe of the program has changed,” Murphy said. “We talked about [...] holding each and every guy accountable and making sure each kid [...] isn’t falling behind on lifts and stick skills.”

As a team, the Titan’s goal is to place in the top 10 in the state, according to Murphy.

Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

Women’s Water Polo: Key Players: Kelly Klish, Carolyn Levi, Nicole Lopatinsky, Madeline McMillin Under the Radar: Kayleigh Markulis, Bella del-Muro, Kacey Leone 2015 Record and Finish: 8-19, first round of Sectionals The women’s varsity water polo team looks to improve last year’s record and team skill, according to Head Coach Michael Stancik.

“I’m looking to work on team play instead of focusing so much on individuals,” Stancik said.

According to senior captain Carolyn Levi, the team is looking to beat GBN and go far in conference. Stancik would like to instill fundamentals to build the program early.

Photo by Ashley Clark

Men’s Gymnastics: Key Players: Jacob Fine, Patrick Tener Under the Radar: Lucas Pauker 2015 Record and Finish: 6-2, second in Conference The men’s gymnastics team is hoping for success as three state-qualifiers are returning for the 2016 season. The qualifiers include senior Patrick Tener, junior Jacob Fine and sophomore Lucas Pauker. Due to the strong senior base, the team expects to establish a strong season. Head coach Brandon Tucker expects the team to improve every week and eventually score as high as last year. Tucker is unaware of the incoming freshman’s skills. However, he knows that the season will be a good one with the large amount of returning players.

Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

Softball: Key Players: Lisa Gebien, Alyssa Carasotti, Natalie Hayes, Casey Coletta Under the Radar: Michaela Berg 2015 Record and Finish: 14-19, fourth in conference In her last season as Head Coach, Kay Sopocy is expecting to have a successful season led by five returning seniors. Seniors include Casey Coletta, Lisa Gibien, Natalie Hayes, Alyssa Carasotti and Casey Kleeman.

According to Sopocy, the main goal is for each player to improve as the season progresses. Sopocy is anticipating a big group of freshmen who possess the technique that will improve the program. The team has been working hard in open gyms during the off-season to prepare for the season, according to Sopocy.

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sports

March 11, 2016

Grinde selected for Blackhawks all-star line-up GEORGIA ARVANITIS co-sports editor

Senior goalie Matt Grinde was selected to be a part of the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association (CBBA) all-star team on March 7.

The CBBA allows players to receive $7,500 annually over the course of four years. Candidates are determined from a variety of characteristics that the CBBA defines. Traits such as talent, leadership and hard work are specifically outlined by the organization. The process begins after all applications are submitted, and the selection committee from the CBBA reviews all applicants.

Once all of the forms are gathered from each applicant, a selection committee from the CBBA will review all of the candidates and then select the three recipients. According to Grinde, his coach, Jim Philbin, informed him that he would be receiving an e-mail but didn’t tell him what it was for. Grinde said he was completely surprised once he found out what he had received.

“I was pretty shocked because I had no idea that this [even existed],” Grinde said. “My coach actually texted me and said, ‘Let me know when you get an email.’ He didn’t even tell me what was going on. I was in school the next day and my dad texted me that he had gotten an email from the Blackhawk Alumni Association, so it was a pretty big surprise.”

Grinde has been goalie for the GBS varsity hockey team for three seasons, and this year he continued as a captain.

“It’s pretty cool, [and] I worked pretty hard during high school,” Grinde said. “[The scholarship requires] both dedication and leadership on and off the ice. I was a captain this year, and I had a good season personally. I think I am the only goalie in the state who is a captain as well, so that’s something that was a pretty big factor in me getting this. It’s a really big honor, and I’m just really happy to have been noticed.”

Grinde attended the Blackhawk Alumni Association banquet on Monday, March 8. According to Grinde, current and former Blackhawks players attended the ceremony.

“The All-Star team was introduced at the beginning of the ceremony, and then the alumni gave out awards to Hawks player of the year,” Grinde said.

Before the banquet, Grinde went to the United Center to meet the other members of the allstar team. Six men and six women are selected; each team with three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie.

“We went to [the United Center], and the Blackhawks had their morning skate before they got onto their charter plane to go to D e t r o i t ,” Grinde said.

“We got to meet Marian Hossa because he was injured, so he wasn’t going on the roadtrip.”

HOSS THE BOSS:

Posing next to three time Stanley Cup champion Marian Hossa, Matt Grinde smiles for a picture. Photo

courtesy of Matt Grinde

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DON’T MESS WITH MORRISON: Running past two Trinity defenders, Senior Captain Caitlin Morrison shoots a left-handed layup, scoring two points for the Titans on Feb. 20. The women lost by a total score of 39-23, but overall had a memorable season, according to Head Coach Steve Weissenstein. Photos by Ashley Clark

Women’s basketball defeats New Trier, Loyola GEORGIA ARVANITIS co-sports editor

Having played many memorable games, the varsity women’s basketball team finished their season with a record of 256, according to Head Coach Steve Weissenstein.

“We just wanted to be as good as we could be,” Weissenstein said. “We beat Loyola in the regional final at Loyola, and then we knocked off arguably one of the best teams in the state which is New Trier. So, to win those kinds of things made it a really special year.”

The Titans beat New Trier and Loyola with a score of 48-40 and 43-33, respectively. According to Weissenstein those were the most memorable games this season. Weissenstein believes that the team worked and played hard this season and hopes that they will improve even more next season.

“If just a few are committed we’re going to be good, but to be great, we have to have a lot of commitment from a lot of people,” Weissenstein said. “Our

conference is a bear; there are no cupcakes! We have the potential to be very, very good next year.”

Senior Captain Sarah McDonagh agrees that defeating New Trier was a huge accomplishment. McDonagh guarded senior Jeanie Boehm, New Trier center, who will be attending Harvard University to play basketball in the fall.

“The New Trier [game] was one of the best games I have ever been a part of,” McDonagh said. “New Trier went into that game thinking that they already won. Before the game coach said that we had nothing to lose. ” The women defeated Loyola in the regional finals on Feb. 20. According to McDonagh, neither the Titans nor the Ramblers played well the first quarter of the game.

“The energy was great and it was so fun to win regionals with my team,” McDonagh said. “In

the first quarter neither team played very well. When that quarter ended, [Coach] told us that those were first quarter jitters, and that they were done. So we went out into the second, and went to work. ” According to Weissenstein, the Titans had a special season, and the seniors will be greatly missed. Senior Captain Caitlin Morrison completed her high school basketball career with over 1,000 points.

“Caitlin has just gotten better and better every year,” Weissenstein said. “The t h i n g about her is she can score inside and outside.

[She is] a great leader and great rebounder.”

McDonagh was another forward

who added to the team play and dynamic. According to Weissenstein, McDonagh provided leadership and skill to the team.

“What [Sarah] did for our team - her leadership, her rebounding, her defense, her communication on the court - the intangibles she added to our team were really special,” Weissenstein said.

This season was McDonagh’s last season of basketball. She will be continuing her lacrosse career in college at San Diego State University.

“I will miss the intensity of the game, but most of all, I will miss my team,” McDonagh said. “[Coach Weissenstein] is one of the kindest, happiest and funniest people that I know. He pushed me every day and always had something that I could work on. He cares for all of us so much, and I’m so thankful for the things that he taught me not only in basketball, but in life as well.”

BLOCKIN’ WEINMAN: Junior Carie Weinman looks to pass and blocks a defender against New Trier on Feb. 27. The Titans beat New trier by a final score of 48-40. Photos by Ashley

Men’s swim & dive sends 10 to state meet CASSIDY JACKSON asst. sports editor

The men’s swimming and diving team closed off the 2015-16 season with a 10th place finish at the IHSA state meet. The team took a step back from last year’s third-place finish.

Individual results include junior Sam Iida’s second place swim in the 500- yard free, with a time of 4:28.34.

Iida also snatched second place in the 200- yard individual medley, with a time of 1:48.33. Senior Tommy Hagerty took fourth place in the 500-yard free, with a time of 4:33.91. Lastly, senior diver Patrick Tener got ninth place overall.

According to senior Tommy Hagerty, the boys stepped into the state meet with one goal: to place in the top five.

“Anything that went wrong extremely affected our final score,” Hagerty

said. “[Iida] got second in his [career],” Iida said. “Colton Paul- expectations served as a humtwo events. If he got first like we son (Notre Dame High School) bling experience.

“It was humbling to everythought, that would have signif- beat me by a second or so.”

MacDonald believes Iida’s body because all of my teamicantly brought us up. [If I got] third instead of fourth like I was second place finish was far from mates, and coaches thought I aiming for, [that] would have put a disappointment due to his per- was going to win and I didn’t,” sonal improvement. Iida addi- Iida said. “It just shows that staus higher.”

Head Coach Keith MacDonald tionally acknowledges that his tistics don’t matter when you’re adds that the 400-yard free re- failure to meet the team’s high swimming.” lay’s 10th place finish was a setback as well.

“Top five was one of our goals,” MacDonald said. “We would have had to do everything perfectly, but [the] high expectations for that relay weren’t accomplished. If there was one disappointment in the meet, that would have been it.”

Iida was the 500-free state champion last season, so walking into this season he felt a lot of pressure to get first place again. According to Iida, he was able to stay positive.

“The 200 [individual medley] CELEBRATING SAM: Raising his arms in victory, junior Sam Iida placed second in the was probably the best race I’ve 500 yard freestyle and in the 200 yard individual medley. Iida is proud of his improvehad in all [of my] high school ment, according to Head Coach Keith MacDonald. Courtesy of Visual Image Photography