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TRIUMPHANT TITANS:

Upon hearing the final count of cans collected during the annual Canned Food Drive, Student Council members scream and shout in their celebration for reaching and exceeding their goal from last year.

The starting goal for the Canned Food Drive was 100,015 cans, but this year’s drive yielded a total of 124,000. The cans were donated to Vital Bridges, Onward House and the Northfield Township Food Pantry.

Photo by Anushka Haldar

South gives back: GIGI CEPEDA staff reporter

Various South clubs and organizations participate in charitable work during the holiday season, running from late November to early January.

“It’s always important to recognize that you have more than other people have,” Principal Lauren Fagel said.

“You can help someone.”

According to an Oracle-conducted survey of 234 people, 52 percent of South students participate in charitable work during the holiday season.

Some of the clubs that participate in charitable work include Hellenic Club, Student Council, Key Club and Stand for Peace.

Students and staff take part in charitable actions to help individuals in and around Glenview community

“I think it’s nice that [during] the kids at our school who really don’t holidays, there’s a whole variety of realize how close poverty is to our things,” Fagel said. “I think sometimes school,” Pouplikollas said. kids can feel pressured, like they’re According to Pouplikollas, Hellenic constantly being asked to give, but I Club organizes Letters to Santa during hope students think [they can] choose the holidays. Through this event, stufrom a lot of these things.” dents from various classes and clubs One of are assigned a “It’s always important to South’s many letter from a recognize that you have charity opporchild who attunities is an tends Rogers Elmore than other people event called ementary School have. You can help someone.” in Rogers Park, Letters to Santa, organized where 95 percent -Principal Lauren Fagel by Lucinda of the students Pouplikollas, Hellive in poverty. lenic Club sponsor.

The South students are then responsi“I think the biggest thing that our ble for providing that child with a gift. kids learn is that there are so many “We are so fortunate that we don’t

realize how fortunate the kids that are attending [South] are,” Pouplikollas said. “I think this kind of makes [the students] take a step back and see that there other kids that just need a pencil, or they need socks.”

According to Pouplikollas, giving a gift to a needy child is a much bigger connection than writing a check.

“I just think [that] to be able to come to a school like ours, and be the recipient of so many wonderful things [...] puts us all in a position, either financially or with our time, to give back,” Fagel said.

The South Student Council recently ran their annual canned food drive,

See CHARITY page 2

Students awarded for excellent performance CASSIDY FORONDA staff reporter

Ten students received the Titan Pride Award on Oct. 28, commending their character during the first quarter of the school year Recipients of the awards, which will be distributed once every quarter, were honored with a recognition breakfast and an exclusive Titan Pride Award t-shirt, according to founders Megan Bargar and Jennifer Korbar. The event was held in the Student Activities Center with about 70 attendants, including the recognized students, their families, teachers, and invited administration. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, catered the event and a pianist was present.

The two founders had wanted to create the award for some time, as their previous schools of employment, Niles North and Lake Zurich, had recognitions as well, according to Korbar and Bargar. With this year being the first breakfast, changes will be made as seen fit. Growth is hoped for and expected, with three more breakfasts planned for this school year.

“I do think we’ll have more nominations [next] time,” Korbar said. “It was such a special event that even after the event, other teachers that hadn’t nominated [students] reached out to [me and Bargar] and told us ‘I really hope we get to be part of this event in the future.’”

Nominations are put forth by teachers that observe commendable Titan Pride in students.

Criteria for the award include doing the right thing when no one is watching, making efforts to support a peer, displaying perseverance through adversity, and always seeking to improve oneself and others, according to the Titan

See RECOGNITION page 3

P.E. Department installs additional weight room LAUREN BENSON & HOPE CARRANE staff reporter

GSA raises awareness for transgender issues KATIE CAVENDER co-news editor

South’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) held its first Transgender Awareness Week during the week of Nov. 16. The club hosted two events including a showing of the documentary Growing Up Trans and a discussion with a speaker from the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.

According to GSA Co-president Jess Melchor, this was the club’s first time holding events relating to transgender issues. Melchor believes that acknowledging transgender issues was important because it is an issue that is not widely discussed.

“This is a topic that I feel like a lot of people don’t really know about, and that’s not really their fault, it’s just because no one really talks about it,” Melchor said. “It may not be prominent in [everyone’s] life, but we just wanted to raise awareness and spread knowledge because there are people that need a ton of help and support.”

Prockovic says that a goal of the awareness week was to allow students to begin to feel comfortable thinking about transgender issues. By giving all students the opportunity to expose themselves to the concept, Prockovic hoped it would begin to foster a more accepting environment.

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CNN RECOGNIZES IVANKOVICH

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“I hope [transgender awareness week participants] felt comfortable asking questions, and even all of us as a community acknowledged what we don’t know, but that we’re open,” Prockovic said.

In addition to attending the awareness week events, Principal Lauren Fagel attended a gender-in-schools workshop along with the admin-

istrative teams from both GBS and GBN. The workshop was led by Jennifer Leininger from Lurie Children’s Hospital and was held on Dec. 2. Fagel hoped that by attending this presentation, she and the other administrators would be able to learn how to provide more support to transgender students.

“I’m excited for that because I

think that from there we can talk as a building leadership team about how we want to provide opportunities for teachers and staff members to talk about listening for certain things, how to respond; what’s okay and what’s not,” Fagel said.

Fagel says that making all students feel comfortable in their school environment is one of her top priorities.

“I feel like we really are lucky to have a lot of student support personnel, so I know that the students we do have who are transgender have had the opportunity to sit with [...] whoever their [support] team is, and we’ve been able to give them what they request,” Fagel said.

Similar to Fagel, Prockovic believes that it is important for the South community to be accepting and accommodating towards students with all types of backgrounds.

According to Prockovic, the real main goal of Transgender Awareness Week was to help students become more accepting of their peers in general.

“As part of GSA, what falls to us is trying to get people [to be] more accepting about gender and sexuality,” Prockovic said. “But there are other SOCIAL TRANS-FORMATION: During a discussion in the library, sophmore Nikki Joseph lis- clubs working hard at this school to provide other pieces of that, where tens intently to the speaker, AJ Jennings, who came to GBS on Nov. 19 to discuss transgender the end goal should be that we’re acawareness in the community. Photo by Sophie Mason cepting of everyone.”

opinions features a&e

MARJORIE PRIME REVIEW

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CONNOR OLEN PROFILE

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BATTLE OF THE BANDS

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In early November, South opened a brandnew weights facility where the wrestling room was previously located.

According to Steve Stanicek, P.E. instructional supervisor, this new weight room is fully functional, and a variety of P.E. classes use it during the day. With the additional equipment and space, he hopes that P.E. classes will be able to focus on building strength more successfully and frequently than they have in the past.

“We wanted to move to more of a strength format for fitness testing [as] we found that one of our biggest weaknesses was strength,” Stanicek said. “We were having a hard time integrating that into our curriculum and figuring out how to do it with just one weight room, with strength and conditioning classes there every period.”

Tom Mietus, head wrestling coach and weight room supervisor, considers the relocation of the weight room to be a huge change.

“Our numbers have slowly built up to the point where we couldn’t fit everyone in the wrestling room anymore,” Mietus said. “We had the freshmen wrestling out on the track, which was less than ideal with practices going on. Now we’re able to all practice together.”

BUILDING STRENGTH:

In gearing up for their spring season, junior Jake Smiley utilizes a new pull-up bar to improve his strength for baseball.

Photo by Dani Tuchman

sports MEN’S SWIMMING

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Dec. 18, 2015

RASPBERRY PI CHALLENGE Engineering students Will Okuno, Nicholas Ermolov, Ahmed Malik and Matthew Moran won awards in the Raspberry Pi Student Challenge hosted by the Illinois IT Learning Exchange at the Illinois Institute of Technology. To participate in this challenge, students submitted proposed projects that they created using the Raspberry Pi miniature computer.

ONWARD HOUSE FUNDRAISES ELEMENT OF SURPRISE: Grinning ear-to-ear, custodian Miguel Irarte receives $500 from Key Club during the winter sports assembly on Dec. 8.

Irarte plans to use the money to benefit a charity in his hometown of Oaxaca, Mexico, where his wife and children still live as he works to support them. Video still courtesy of Dani Tuchman

help the people who depend on the food pantry.”

STAND for Peace (STAND) also involves students school-wide in charitain which students and faculty were en- ble work through an event called Stancouraged to donate food and money dy Canes. Through this event, students which would then go towards the lo- can buy candy canes to deliver to their cal food pantries. According to Kevin friends. Proceeds from this event go toGordon, student body president, all the ward funding the education of Purity, a hard cans from the drive are donated teenage girl in an impoverished area of to Onward House, and the proceeds are Kenya, according to Kate Hegay, Stand distributed between charities such as for Peace board member.

“I think that Standy Canes is just Onward House, Vital Bridges and the such a light-hearted way to raise awareNorthfield Township Food Pantry.

“The first most important thing is, ness and money for such an important obviously, that it is helping families in issue,” Hegay said. “Especially around Chicago and in Glenview,” Gordon said. the holidays, you know, we’re very lucky to live in “So, you’re “At the end of the day, when you a community making a very big impact look back on life [...], you would where not too many people that way. The hope that you made more of need to worry second most important a difference than what you’ve about the necessities and thing is that it done within yourself.” basics. Right creates a sense around this of school com- Josh Koo, Key Club sponsor time, it’s realmunity and caly a great time to tell people about peomaraderie over a common cause.”

According to Gordon, the cans and ple who aren’t as lucky as they are, who money that are brought in through the do have to worry about things like comcanned food drive during the Thanks- ing to [and paying for] school.”

According to Hegay, the success of giving season is vitally important in making sure that everybody who needs Standy Canes comes from its simplicfood gets it. This year, both students ity. Not only do the people who receive candy canes feel appreciated, but with and staff worked to raise 124,000 cans.

“The big business committee, [which each candy cane, money is donated to goes out in the community and asks Purity through a program called Manbusinesses for donations], is important tanya’s hope.

“There are so many more kids like [...] because it gets the community involved,” Gordon said. “So, the school [Purity,] and there are so many kids inand the community work together to volved in the program,” Hegay said. “So

CHARITY, continued from front

Taking a closer look at events that shaped the world.

SATELLITE (TITLE TBD) COMMUNICATION LAUREN FRIAS co-editor-in-chief LAUREN FRIAS co-editor-in-chief

Christmas sale commercials and catchy holiday tunes fill the air, rounding out the overall festive ambiance of the season.

However, few people pay attention to the actual mechanism that contributes to making this circulation of holiday cheer: the communications relay satellite.

On this day in 1958, Project SCORE (Signal Communications

by Orbiting Relay Equipment) launched a satellite into orbit with the intentions of creating a communications relay system in outer space, thus allowing for the first transmitted message from space to Earth. In addition, the United States managed to also send their first fully-functional orbiting mechanism via the American Atlas rocket, the launch vehicle that transported the satellite to space.

Once the orbit of the satellite was successfully achieved, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower broadcasted a world-wide

[our purpose is] just making sure that people are aware of the fact that the situation we’re in is basically the best situation that you can be in. We are one of the very, very few lucky ones.”

According to Hegay, the Standy Canes table will be set up outside the cafeteria during the days before winter break, and the candy canes and messages will be delivered on Dec. 18. According to Fagel, charity is a great way for anyone to get involved.

“I think everyone can find a way to give back to someone, even if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of material things,” Fagel said.

One of these ways is through the Random Acts of Kindness campaign run

by Key Club. According to Josh Koo, Key Club Sponsor, the event was run from Dec. 8 to Dec. 18 this year.

“Between myself and the Key Club board members, we thought, ‘What if we do a campaign where we directly encourage people to do something kind every single day?’” Koo explained.

According to Koo, one way Key Club encouraged these acts of kindness is through challenge cards. These cards stated a selfless task to accomplish and were intended to help guide community members in charitable actions.

“At the end of the day, when you look back on life [...], you would hope that you made more of a difference than what you’ve done within yourself,” Koo said. “And [you would hope] that you’re able to look back and say, ‘I do understand that life is [about] more than me.’

I do understand that I have a human moral obligation to help others.”

Onward House student tutors raised $200 to give to Onward Neighboring House through bake sales. The funds will be used to help the program continue to thrive through the state’s budget impasse.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS CUSTODIANS Advanced TV students Dani Tuchman and Cameron Beach produced a film called “Custodians: The Crew Behind the Clean.” The documentary interviews several GBS custodians about their work. Scan the QR code above to view the video or use this URL: vimeo.com/147211565

CONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL The District 225 school board proposed summer construction projects for 2016. The total cost of these possible projects totals $4.5 million. Some of the potential improvements include physics lab renovations, PLTW classroom renovations, new library furniture and locker room modifications.

message, which he recorded prior peace on Earth and goodwill toto the launch of the Atlas rocket ward men everywhere.” then attached The sucto the system’s cess of Projprocessors. ect SCORE The message was two-fold. goes as folNot only did lows, “This is it solidify the President the potential of the United of the counStates speaktry’s space ing. Through program and the marvels technology at of scientific the time by advance, my m aintain in g voice is comorbit, but also ing to you via placed the U.S. a satellite cirat a technologcling in outer ical par with space.

My the Soviet message is a Union, a goal simple one: widely strived Through this for under the unique means circumstances UP, UP AND AWAY: Strategically planning, I convey to you of the Cold the technicians in charge of the the missile and all manWar. Though bearing the Project SCORE satellite prepared it for launch from Cape Canaveral in 1958. kind, AmerE i s e n h owe r Photo from Wikimedia Commons ica’s wish for described the

BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS District 225 is seeking applicants for its upcoming Board of Education vacancy, resulting from the recent announcement of the pending resignation by Cindy Wilkas.

The newly-appointed member would serve the remainder of the fouryear term, ending in April 2017.

SPEECH TEAM COMPETITION Several speech team members were awarded in individual events at the Mt. Prospect Speech Competition, which was their first of the year. The top finishers were all juniors.

1ST PLACE Poetry - Kimberly Campo 2ND PLACE Poetry - Dahlia Maleh Poetry - Katie Woodrick Impromptu - Anushka Kalra

SIRVATKA AWARDED Marty Sirvatka, choral director and instructional supervisor of the Music Department, was awarded with the Illinois Music Educators Association’s Hoffman Award of Excellence for Music Education. The award will be presented to him at the All State Music Convention in January.

PLTW EARNS CERTIFICATION South received national certification for the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program, joining the 150 schools in the country that are recognized.

mission as peaceful, the underlying implication was to show the nation’s capability to deliver nuclear weapons from outside of the atmosphere.

Though the project harbored phenomenal gravity in the development of extraterrestrial communication, it only served a nominal purpose to the overall objective. The orbit of the satellite was intended to last 20 days, which was ultimately exceeded when the satellite continued to function for another 15 days after the anticipated length of operation.

Though some intentions of the program lie contrary to the good tidings of the season, it is important to recognize and appreciate its significant contribution to the modern ease of communication.

Project SCORE kickstarted the advancement of communication technology, allowing the transfer of electronic season’s greetings at this festive time of year.

news

Dec. 18, 2015

RECOGNITION, continued from front

HUMANE HERO: Humbly accepting his CNN Top 10 Heroes award, GBS alumnus, Dr. Daniel Ivankovich, speaks about his work with the OnePatient Global Health Initiative, his non-profit organization. CNN aired a documentary about Ivankovich on Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of Daniel Ivankovich.

GBS alumnus recognized as CNN hero and perform 10 to 15 surgical procedures a week,” Ivankovich said. “Our practice focuses on patients who [can’t Dr. Daniel Ivankovich, 1981 GBS alum- afford or] simply do not have access to nus, was selected by news network proper health care.”

CNN as a Top 10 Hero of 2015 for his Ivankovich runs three clinics in difwork at orthopedic clinics in Chicago. ferent locations along the south side “For the past 20 years, I’ve been of the city. Patients from all around Ilworking to battle healthcare [inequal- linois visit these clinics, bringing with ity] in some of the most marginalized them a diverse range of health issues communities in [Chicago],” Ivankovich for Ivankovich and his team. said. “Despite the fact that Chicago is a “When patients come to see us, they world-class city, 40 are assessed percent of the peo“In order for the patients medically, evaluple live in poverty.” ated orthopedito heal, there needs to be cally and also Of this 40 percent, many have a process which involves given a behaviorbeen denied care al examination,” mind, body, and spirit.” multiple times by Ivankovich said. mainstream sur“So, not only are - Dr. Daniel Ivankovich, geons because of we looking at GBS Alumnus lack of health intheir [physical surance, Ivankovillness], but we ich explained. Motivated by the pa- [check if] they are depressed [and] how tients that he met while working at the they behave socially.”

Cook County hospital, Ivankovich and According to Ivankovich, many pahis wife, Karla, started their own non- tients suffer from Post Traumatic profit organization called OnePatient Stress Disorder (PTSD), which comes Global Health Initiative. from living in areas with constant “We see about 100 patients a week violence or experiencing a traumatic ANUSHKA KALRA staff reporter

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event.

“In order for the patients to heal, there needs to be a process which involves mind, body and spirit,” Ivankovich said. “We look at the human being sitting before us and attempting to [assess] how the treatment of their bone or tendon can be of maximum benefit.”

However, the patients can be cautious and cynical when it comes to the medical system, due to having been rejected many times by other medical practitioners, Ivankovich explained. To build trust with his patients, Ivankovich works with them to create a path for their improved health.

“We empower them to realize their potential,” Ivankovich said. “Many of these patients have poor self-esteem. They say, ‘We have always felt like nothing, and you, and Dr. Karla [Ivankovich] make us like something.’”

Despite being deeply involved in his clinic, Daniel makes sure that he spends time with his daughter, South junior Kati Ivankovich. In fact, his work has inspired his daughter to go into the medical field.

“I just feel like he makes a difference,” Kati said. “Sometimes he sits me down

in the mornings, and we talk about local and world issues, and I’m inspired by how much he cares.”

Along with his award, CNN produced a documentary about Daniel which aired Dec. 6.

SUPER SURGEON: Intently focused on

the task at hand, Ivankovich operates on a patient in his clinic. Ivankovich runs three clinics in the Chicago area that aim to provide healthcare to those who cannot normally afford it.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Ivankovich

Pride Breakfast brochure, which was distributed to staff prior to nominations.

“We had to really talk about who was going to be awarded because [the nominations] were really good and powerful,” Bargar said.

Although the school doesn’t prioritize more involved students purposefully, Hernandez says that it is easier to recognize them when their actions aren’t as subtle.

“I think, since they are involved, they are just more easily picked out from crowds,” Hernandez said. “[The award takes] it a step further and allows teachers and staff to nominate students that perhaps aren’t as involved, […] but deserve just as much recognition and praise.”

According to Guidance Counselor Socorro Rogers, who nominated junior Rosa Hernandez-Dominguez, the accolade allows for recognition of students’ intangibles, which conventionally tend to fall under the radar. “[Intangibles] are things you cannot measure, [and] there is no award for, [that],” Rogers said. “There [are] so many qualities [students] have that aren’t measured the way we do here at GBS.” Rogers says that there are so many students at GBS that go unnoticed, although they are doing well for themselves not only in the classroom, but in the choices they make for themselves outside of it.

“The overall goal [of the award] is to be a little more inclusive in who else needs to be recognized that would normally fly under the radar,” Rogers said.

Terry Jozwik, Model UN Supervisor who nominated sophomore Alex Economou, recommended him for the additional work he does towards the club. According to Economou, he spent his summer at Georgetown University honing his debate and research skills.

Jozwik says that when Economou came back with that training, he was ready to help other members.

“I just love the kind of kid that makes that kind of effort and is willing to share his knowledge and information,” Jozwik said. “He’s just so earnest and sincere.”

Economou says that the honor is gratifying in the sense that it rewards students for their character, as opposed to other competitive recognitions.

“This [award is] probably better than [awards received through Model UN] because I didn’t have to debate with someone to get it,” Economou said. “It was just me being recognized for my hard work, which I really enjoy.”

Hindu Temple constructed in Glenview community GRACE SHIN asst. news editor ALEX LADAN staff reporter

The Hanuman Spiritual and Community Center, a Hindu non-profit organization, is currently constructing Glenview’s first Hindu temple on West Lake Ave. According to Sejal Schullo, Desi Club sponsor, the temple is sponsored by a group who is fairly well-off socioeconomically. The organization has invested its time and money into the construction and are looking for it to be a beacon for local Hindus.

“I think having the temple close and [within] walking distance, or at least within the neighborhood, is important to Hindus, because in India that’s definitely how the experience goes,” Schullo said. “There are temples literally everywhere, so, on the way to work, you can just stop by, and a lot of people [in India] do on a daily basis.”

Schullo states that she is looking forward to the completion of the first Hindu temple, since it is being built near GBS. “I can see [the construction of the Hanuman temple] right outside my window, which [is] really cool for me to see something that represents my culture and my religion,” Schullo said.

Schullo says that, today, in the greater go to the one far away, my dad said [we Chicagoland area, there are more Hindu should] just go check out the progress on temples than there used to be. When the new one and say our prayers there she was growing up in Glendale Heights, because the building is already set up.”

According to Schullo and Gerald Fogarthe closest temple was the Hare Krishna Temple in Rogers Park, which she at- ty, Eastern Religions teacher, the Hindu population at South is relatively low. tended.

“The Hare Krishnas are definitely not Despite that, they plan on using the new mainstream Hinduism,” Schullo ex- Hindu temple as a first-hand resource plained. “They’re a little bit more un- for Eastern Religions classes.

“You get to o r t h o d ox , see all the if you will.

“I think that having the tem- rituals and the But it was that Hinthe only ple [close by...] is important to way dus pray [at temple to Hindus, because in India that’s the temple],” find a Hinsaid. du deity in, [...] how the experience goes.” Fogarty “[The temple] and that is - Sejal Schullo, puts everywhere we thing that you went when Desi Club sponsor studied in the I was growclassroom in a ing up.”

Though there are other Hindu temples real framework.”

Junior Anushka Kalra said she is also in the Chicagoland area, this will be the first Hindu temple in Glenview. Senior looking forward to the completion of Nimil Patel, a practicing Hindu, states the temple and the impact she believes that he and his family do not attend it will have on the Glenview community.

“I think [the temple will] bring a lot temple every week, but they do from time to time. However, with a temple more awareness about the diversity of closer to home, it will be more practi- Glenview,” Kalra said. “We have a lot of cal for Patel’s family to visit on a regular churches in Glenview, but I think this is the first Hindu temple that’s going to basis.

“Just last weekend, my brother [came] be built. I think it’s going to be a nice, home from college,” Patel said. “Usu- physical reminder that there are a lot of ally we go to the temple when he comes cultures in Glenview, even though somehome, but since we didn’t have time to times it doesn’t seem like it.”

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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.

Dec. 18, 2015

Seasonal greetings stem from positive intentions The holidays are a time of family, happiness and giving. However, in lieu of the recent Starbucks red cup controversy, the issue of overgeneralized holiday representation becomes apparent. While Starbucks merely removed the snowflakes and ornaments that adorned the cups in previous years, this year’s plain red design brewed debate on whether the cup was a “war on Christmas,” or simply implied that there was more to the holidays than Christmas trees and snowmen.

Contrary to the ambiance of the season, the controversy surrounding the design created an overall impression that people take offense when their holiday is misrepresented or simply unacknowledged. According to an Oracle-conducted survey of 239 students, 69 percent of students believe that other people take offense to inaccurate recognition.

In reality, the same survey revealed that 92 percent of students don’t personally take offense when not properly addressed. Therefore, the Oracle Editorial Board believes that this time of year shouldn’t be so focused on the issue of incorrect greetings, but rather on the good tidings of the season.

Nevertheless, with all of the Christmas hype, from Christmas sales on TV to an entire radio channel dedicated to its music, the greeting of ‘Merry Christmas’ is more widespread than most. According to senior Courtney Morrison, the holiday greeting could be applied to everyone if people understood the intentions behind it.

“In essence, this person is wishing them well,” Morrison said in the survey. “They aren’t saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to offend anyone.”

While the belief that inaccuracy of celebrated holidays causes hostility to an exaggerated extent, it is still important to recognize the 8 percent of students who do take offense.

Therefore, the Oracle Editorial Board suggests that, when giving holiday greetings, people should practice more general greetings of “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings,” in order to respect those that are disgruntled by inaccurate greetings.

However, this compromise is a two-way street. For those receiving the greetings, keep in mind that everything is meant in good spirits, not to blatantly disregard other holidays. While it is apparent that some holidays are not represented as others this season, it does not necessarily imply that it is being prioritized.

As the holidays draw near, remember that this season isn’t meant to overgeneralize and ignore the celebrations of other cultures. During this time, it should be assumed that all intentions mean well, despite lack of political correctness.

Graphic by Ashley Clark

editorial

Illustration by Jini John

Finals after break increases student stress As the bell rings on Dec. 18 at 3:15, students go home to decorated houses. Some start packing to venture off for a long-awaited vacation, while others wait for the arrival of family and friends. Students have enthusiastically begun winter break.

Fast forward to a few days later, a student’s family has arrived in town and are downstairs enjoying quality time and embracing the holiday spirit, whereas the student is upstairs in their room frantically trying to complete semester review work to save their borderline grade.

For students and teachers, winter break is meant for family time, religious events and a mental break from school. However, students face a looming stress over break as finals occur one to two weeks after returning to school.

Thus, the Oracle Editorial Board suggests the administration extends the discussion of making the transition to finals before break for the 2017-2018 school year, this being the year Dr. Michael Riggle, District 225 Superintendent, said would be the target year for such a switch.

Switching to finals before break has been considered by the administration from surveys that were emailed to Glenbrook students. From those surveys, focus groups discussed the topics that were most popular on the surveys, finals before break being one of them. According to Riggle, these focus groups helped the administration to find out why students want to have finals before break in order to ethically make the change.

The Oracle Editorial Board suggests that, if this change is made, the schedule would entail school starting mid-August, finals taking place the week before winter break and the school year ending late May. Following this format would help South’s adjustment, according to Principal Lauren Fagel. Fagel was formerly principal of Mundelein High School, which have always had their finals prior to break.

Though adjusting the school calendar wouldn’t be an easy task, the change would benefit the entire Glenbrook community. According to an unscientific Oracle-conducted survey of 261 South students, 63 percent of students said that they would prefer to have finals

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

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

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

editors-in-chief 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

before winter break.

“I think [finals before break] serves students With mental health of students being a best, and that is the first concern that any school heavily debated topic lately, having finals be- should have when making decisions,” Wallace fore break would allow students time to relax said. “[For schools interested in this change, without being distracted by upcoming school my] advice is to communicate, seek input, lisevents. Social Worker David Hartman empha- ten to the input and adjust where and when sizes the importance of using break in order to possible. Once the decision has been made, the get cognitive rest. schedule soon becomes the new [norm].”

“The more we can design breaks to be real It would be useful to follow a similar schedperiods of cognitive rest...and encourage [in- ule as District 207, being both schools are in the tentional academic pursuits, break’s] going to Central Suburban League (CSL), and thus would be more relaxing [and] more restful,” Hartman help decrease the conflict that could arise with said. sports schedules. Right now, the CSL is split Students receiving better scores on exams is with six schools who have finals before break, also a potential benefit of having finals before while the other six are after break, so revising break, since 40 percent of students indicated the CSL schedule wouldn’t pose to be much of in the same sura challenge. However, vey that they don’t it is important to keep For students and teachers, use winter break in mind that Illinois winter break is meant for to study. Students High School Associahave two weeks out tion (IHSA) games are family time, religious events of school and can permanently set in the and a mental break from often forget the calendar, so practice things that they opportunities for sport, school. had worked on prisuch as tennis and golf, or to break. Once students return from winter would be reduced due to IHSA regulations, acbreak they have a new beginning instead of a cording to Riggle. continuation of the same curriculum after winHowever, for the school to make this change ter break. the school calendar would have to be revised.

However, the Oracle Editorial Board does re- According to Fagel and Riggle, complications alize that this may cause an issue in regards to such as coordinating department event schedThanksgiving break. It could become a trend ules, days off and all-school assemblies would for students to use Thanksgiving break to study arise. for finals, thus making it a more stressful time A large part of the difficulty, as mentioned by rather than a time spent with family. Nonethe- Riggle, is making sure the elementary schools less, the Editorial Board believes that sacrificing are willing and able to adjust their schedules the five days of Thanksgiving break for study- as well, for the purpose of families being able ing is worth it to have winter break stress-free. to have school breaks simultaneously. ElemenThe Oracle Editorial Board suggests that the tary schools currently run on a schedule simiDistrict 225 administration observes the chang- lar to the Glenbrooks. This allows quality time es that District 207 made to allow for finals be- together and easy planning if a family is going fore break. For District 207, this is their first on vacation. year under the new schedule, after using the While the Oracle Editorial Board encourpast two schools years to plan for the change ages the administration to continue the disof finals before winter break. According to Ken cussions to make this change, we understand Wallace, District 207 Superintendent, the ad- and encourage the student body to also underministration spent many years discussing the stand that this process is not an easy one. There change, mainly questioning what was in the would be several factors that will be taken into best interest of the students. consideration, so patience is key in this process.

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

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

opinions

Dec. 18, 2015

5

Fluid self-identity not limited to adolescence

ERICA GELMAN columnist

Illustration by Grace O’Malley

Teen sexuality warrants realistic conversation

LILLY LUDWIG asst. opinions editor

Let’s be real: talking about sex makes you feel uncomfortable. You’re not alone if you giggle in health class or die a little inside when things get steamy in a movie you’re watching with your parents. Fortunately, I’m not afraid to talk about sex, so to quote Salt-N-Pepa, “let’s talk about sex, baby”.

We’ve all seen the advertisement where there is a scantily dressed model selling cars or shampoo or something equally un-sexy. The majority of our media - the songs that we listen to and the TV shows that we watch - is centered around sex.

And according to an article published in the Huffington Post, porn sites get more visitors every month than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined.

But in reality, sex has far less to do with selling shampoo and much more to do with biology. Sex is just a biological necessity; it’s a part of your life if you’re a living creature.

This is a problem because our society floods young people with these ideas about sex while also being too afraid to have real conversations about what sex is and how it should be handled.

For example, according to internetsafety101.org, an organization that promotes safer internet usage for children, the average age that

American kids will begin searching these 11 year olds go to the internet porn is age 11. Eleven, as in, your and learn for themselves what sex is mom probably still made you lunch “really” like. and your favorite animal at the zoo I think health classes at South are was the lion, 11. The scary thing is great. All sophomores are forced to that, according to internetsafety101, learn about dozens of methods for children who are exposed to pornog- safe sex, the proper way to use a conraphy are six times more likely to dom and what a healthy relationship force someone to do a sexual act than looks like. a child who wasn’t exposed.

The problem is that they don’t What? You mean porn gives young learn it until their sophomore year people the wrong idea about sex? of high school, and according to the If instead, these 11-year-olds were stats about porn, a lot of kids begin taught that porn is not an accurate experimenting with their sexuality representation of sex, and encour- before the age of 15. aged to ask as many questions as I know some of you are thinking, possible, the allure of sexual activity “slow down, girl, none of my friends would be taken away. are having sex”. But there is so much But instead, at 11, we are taught more behind sexuality than just dothat sex is bad. ing the action, and a lot of it has to And then at do with our attiUltimately, we live in tudes about sex. the same age, our media and society a society that is both For example, goes on to teach we learn as kids afraid of sex and also to go to the basegirls that sex is a woman’s burden, ment if we hear obsessed with it. something they a tornado siren, have to do because their boyfriends or to call 911 if we see a bad car acwill always want it. Girls are taught cident. However, what do we do if that boys can’t be trusted because we have another type of emergency, they “all want one thing”. They’re such as an unwanted pregnancy? taught that good girls cover up.

All we learn is that if she keeps And from watching their role the baby, her life is over. If she gets models in the media, our boys learn an abortion, she’s a baby killer. Even that if they’re not thinking about sex if she gives the baby up for adoption, at every moment then they’re not she’ll still have stretch marks, and masculine enough. They learn that nobody will ever want to touch her sex is fun, and relationships are bor- again. All of this is interesting, but ing and tedious. They’re taught that not actually helpful for a teenager girls are worthy of chivalry, unless who’s pregnant. she’s showing skin or dancing on a Not to mention that it doesn’t pole, then she’s too “promiscuous” make sense. One decision cannot ruin and worthy of being sexualized. an entire life. Being pregnant in high Beyond these messages, we put school is not the best situation, but sex in the dark closet with drugs and what nobody ever talks about is that alcohol and never talk about it. So teenage moms can still go to college.

They can still get jobs, and they can still have happy lives.

Take Victoria Perez, a girl who, according to an article in the Washington Post, was able to complete high school due to her high school’s daycare center.

Perez went to school, studied for the SAT’s, applied to colleges, and even graduated on the honor role all because her school gave her and her baby a safe space to grow instead of shaming her for her actions.

I’m not arguing that all high schools should offer programs to help teen parents, but I am saying that helping young people who are in this situation does not equal condoning unprotected sex, it just helps the few that need it.

Ultimately, we live in a society that is both afraid of sex and also obsessed with it. I think people should be more open and willing to talk about this totally normal part of life, because talking about it takes all of its power away. And really, we give sex way too much power.

Choosing to talk about sex more often and without such a negative perspective would help young people grow up feeling safer and more supported.

So finally, you can unclench your jaw and relax. If you’re still embarrassed, I think you should ask yourself why. And hopefully, if I did my job right, you might not have to giggle so much the next time you’re in health class.

Nine things to do before 2015 comes to a close

JONATHAN LEE asst. opinions editor

As 2015 comes to an end, there are still many things that you haven’t done. I have listed nine things that I believe are essential to do before 2016. If you follow these nine, I think your year will be legen...wait for it... dary.

1. If you never made a New Year’s resolution, make one. It can be as easy as not having soda for 2½ hours or choosing to run every time you go to Starbucks as part of your exercise routine, even though you probably already do. Just choose something that gives you the feeling of accomplishment.

2. As technology takes up most of

our time and life nowadays , it is important to still feel human. Reading a book allows you to acknowledge that books still exist, and helps you understand that not everything is made by Apple. I recommend The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, but only if you’re into suspenseful plot twists.

This a book you literally don’t want to pick up because it’s so good.

3. Learn a hip and trendy dance.

One day your math teacher might yell, “No class today, dance party!”

You most definitely want to have some sick moves up your sleeve.

Through personal experience, I suggest the “whip” as your go to move and if things get intense take out that “nae nae.” If it gets to bar mitzvah intense though, then make sure you know the salsa.

You’ll thank me later.

4. Arguably the most important and beneficial in this list is to listen and watch

Rebecca Black’s “Friday”. We’ve all seen it, but have you watched it in the last year? It should be a yearly tradition for you to listen to this song and say to yourself, “Wow, what a time to be alive.”

5. Go through your phone and look at all the memories of 2015.

That may be vacation photos, field trips or some super blurry photos of you at ragers. Most importantly, look for any unsettling selfies and delete them, before anyone sees them.

6. Tell your parents you love them.

Nah, scratch that. Maybe someone more important like the worker who’s making your sandwich at Subway. Tell them how you love the way they make that sandwich, and how they’re making time for you. Your time with them is limited, so your parents can wait.

7. Think of a funny New Year’s joke and get ready to post it on all so-

cial media platforms. Here’s some to spark inspiration: The last time I peed was last year. I haven’t showered since last year. I haven’t had a kiss since last year, or 5th grade for that matter. You get my drift? People love these types of tweets and statuses. Just hope that no one beats you to it.

8. Buy a new iPhone charger because you already know that your current one is going to break soon.

9. On a serious note, the last one is the most important thing to do.

Sure, 2015 was a year that felt like 365 days, 52 weeks, and 8765.81 hours or something like that, but you might ask yourself if you’ve done anything worth it this year. For a worth while time follow me on Instagram @JonathanLee27.

The thing about adolescence, according to Erik Erikson, is that everyone struggles to find their identity among all of the roles around them.

The thing about Erik Erikson is that he, like many other psychologists, based his theories on his own life.

The thing about Erik Erikson is that Erik Erikson isn’t even his original name. His identity changed throughout his life as well.

According to Erikson, the goal of adolescence, ultimately, is to find one’s own identity. This seems like a relatively fair and balanced concept, already ascribed in every single health textbook and at least partially ingrained by the struggles of middle and high schoolers. Be unique is the American mantra, the capitalist incentive; be the one and only YOU. In younger years, we are raised to this mentality through the wellknown notion of the “special snowflake”.

On the flipside, however, I would argue that identity is and should be fluid throughout our lives.

Perhaps my opinion is not entirely valid; I am an adolescent, after all, and my identity is perhaps not what it will be within one or two years at all. Maybe I haven’t found it yet. Maybe this is it, and perhaps I just haven’t come to terms with it. After all, things used to be different; I remember being younger and lying in bed, thinking of the yellow concept that is “Me”, and feeling it like a large, amorphous cloud. Who was I? Am I the same person now as I was then?

Many sociologists argue that who you are entirely depends on those around you, and the situation you are in. I notice this in myself, catching myself adopting different manners of speaking depending on who I am talking to, and while this does work, I can’t help but shake the notion that I am a different person in every different situation. On one hand, this is comforting. On the other, this further distorts the notion of identity. No matter how prized this concept is in our society, it seems that it is just a sham.

Perhaps identity only exists when you are alone. Much has been said about the significance of isolation; take the transcendentalists, who argue that one only finds his or her true self away from societal constructs.

This seems true enough, but it doesn’t stop the fact that the second you enter society again, you change once more.

Holding all of these ideas in my palm, I am once again thinking of the concept that is “me”. How can anyone really ever know who they are?

I feel as if the concept of identity is overplayed. With so many options in front of me, I feel as if constricting myself into one box or mannerism limits me from touching any other. I remember back to middle school, where phases such as “scene”, “prep” and “emo” held reign, limiting the fluidity of our identities.

Maybe the end goal of growing up is to slowly come out of these constructions, to peel off these rigid layers and become multifaceted instead of static. It is true enough that with every year that adds on, we grow; I would argue that who we are, intuitively, our identities, grow as well.

Therefore, if the goal of adolescence is to reach a consensus as to who you are, I think I might just pass. I do not want one answer to the question of who I am; I want many, with infinitesimal possibility.

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opinions

Dec. 18, 2015

Commitment to religion not negated by irregular participation at services

CHARLIE YOU columnist

Psychologists originally believed that attachment—a strong emotional connection between two individuals—derived from paternal nourishment. After sufficient contradictory evidence, psychologists from the University of Wisconsin tested this theory by placing infant monkeys in a cage with two artificial mothers: one a bare wire cylinder with a wooden head, and an attached feeding bottle; the other a cylinder with no bottle but covered with foam rubber and wrapped with terry cloth.

Surprisingly, the infant monkeys chose the mother with foam rubber and terry cloth with no bottle. This is similar to how human children cling to their parents when anxious or how they develop an affinity to things that are soft and warm. The relationship between an infant and caregiver fosters a sense of basic trust and familiarity. What happens when this familiarity all of a sudden becomes unfamiliar?

Analogous to a relationship between a mother and child, my relationship with my church gave me a sense of security and comfort. Through my pastor’s eyes, I epitomized what it meant to be a “man of God” through my consistent attendance and commendable leadership. Then in the fall of my junior year of high school, my faith tumbled into a blinding abyss. Overwhelmed by an onslaught of responsibilities, my church life took a back seat, and my faith quickly followed suit.

Humans have an innate tendency to worry about upcoming events. Therefore, we plan ahead. But fate is annoying, cruel and above all, strong. Often times, fate can be much too overwhelming to overcome.

When my solid, God-fearing faith was challenged by secular, worldly influences, I quivered into a state of utter confusion. I never once envisioned a deteriorating love and dedication to the church. I always pictured growing old in the church, expecting my kids to inherit my faith. The more I contemplate this future now, the more squeamish I become, because I realize that this image was something instilled within me by the church, not something I genuinely yearned for.

Maybe I don’t want to pursue a religious career or take my kids to church when I’m older. What if I want to write about Emily, the radiant outcast, and Harry, the fallen heartthrob and their journey to find love, rather than a book on faith, or even let my future kids to pursue a faith (or even none at all) that best suits them, rather than imposing mine on them?

Even though my faith doesn’t entertain the conventional standards of Christianity, I’m still fighting for it. Each student here at South is fighting their own uncertainties.

Freshmen may struggle adjusting to the new academic curriculum and cementing their identities. Sophomores and juniors may stumble balancing their school work and activities. Seniors may grapple with which major and college they’ll choose come May 1.

When faced with the unfamiliar, we’re inevitably going to have to make some difficult decisions. Even if it is just a log bridge, do you cross? Do you turn back? Do you look for alternate routes? South, in light of all these worries, I urge you all to remember one thing. Though we’re much too often faced with directionally adversity, the unfamiliarity in our lives doesn’t have to be a chaotic event. Rather, the chaos that ensues may just be life’s funny way of hinting that a new relationship, new outlook, new life, may just be in our midsts.

Body image requires self-reflection, conscious recognition ple at the lunch tables. I do not look in the mirror before heading out to early bird and think, “I look good,” but I no longer look at myself and fail to see beyond my flaws.

I have learned I cannot blame societal beauty standards for what I see in the mirror. When I looked at myself with disgust in my wide waist and not so toned body, I brushed-off everything else good about myself.

ANNE MARIE YURIK We often look into the mirror and exco-features editor pect our bodies to look like supermodels and everyone we see on TV, but beauty is I’ve been told I’m a generally positive fading. When I’m 80, I’ll have a lot more person. Yet recently my friend told me that worries than my waistline and the number I’m positive about virtually everything ex- on a scale. So, why did I, for so long, spend cept myself. I decided to put her to the test an unreasonable amount of time forming by counting how many times I said degrad- my life around those two things? Focusing ing things about myself. Over one week, I on something temporary makes us forget said and thought around 80. all our other dazzling qualities.

Before writing this article, I never truly If you don’t look in the mirror anymore realized how I viewed myself. Now, I can be- because you feel ashamed or ugly, I just gin to grasp how accepting your body image want to let you know that a mirror doesn’t is as much a personal thing as it is a societal show talent, personality or even beauty. problem. It’s a personal decision to concede According to social worker David Hartto negative comments about yourself or re- man, adolescence is typically a period fute compliments. full of self examination based on what we I never trust the comaround us. So, the I’ve realized that [...] my see pliments my mother or thoughts are generatperception of my own ed in our mind, but the family gives; I always assumed that everybody in beauty has to start with standards are created my family thought I was by the social construct myself... beautiful since we share and media around us. the same bloodline. How“More often than not we have moever, I’ve realized that’s because my per- ments where we struggle with [body imception of my own beauty has to start with age],” Hartman said. “I think that all kids myself and end with constant support from are thinking about their bodies in relation everyone around me. to their peers, and, [...] most kids probably When I was exposed to others who mind- go through times in their lives where they lessly fat-shamed themselves during lunch probably wish they were x, y or z.” by saying, ‘Oh, I’m so fat’ after eating, I It’s important to recognize we are not thought that meant I was ugly. I immedi- the only ones struggling with ourselves; beately questioned myself by thinking, Well, ing mindful of our comments can go a long if they feel that way about themselves, what do way. If we all thought about the impact of they think of me? I wouldn’t eat some of my our words and took two minutes everyfood or eat somewhere else so they wouldn’t day to make someone feel better, the world see me eating. would be a much more positive place; we I still get a little self-conscious whenever could support those who have a difficult I hear someone talk about how they’re eat- time getting through the hyper critical ing so much or how fat they are. Looking part of adolescence. back on those experiences, though, I can see If you find yourself in a rut because you that they were not secretly thinking about think everyone around you believes you me or my weight. They were not looking aren’t pretty enough or feel like you’re not at me hatefully like how I looked at myself. pretty enough, this is me telling you that They were simply doing what I would do ev- you are so gorgeous, and more people than ery morning in the mirror: put themselves you know feel the same way. down.

Even after exercising, dieting and reading other blogs about how to gain self confidence, I still undermine myself like the peo-

Graphic by Jacqueline DeWitt

Failure implicates necessity to evaluate, not digress from progress

LAUREN FRIAS co-editor-in-chief

When I was eight-years-old, I was to play at my first piano recital. At that point, I had only been playing for a few months, and my teacher gave me the freedom to showcase any song of my choosing. Searching my grandma’s house, I found a wrinkled, yellowing piece of sheet music of a song that my late grandfather loved.

Simply looking at the piece made me picture my aunt (the person who inspired me to learn how to play), her fingers elegantly gliding across the keys to play the difficult tune, while my grandfather smiled gratefully in a rocking chair next to the upright piano. That moment I knew I had found the piece for my recital.

However, upon first glance, my piano teacher shut it down, saying that I wouldn’t be able to learn the entire piece by the recital. She said she wouldn’t allow her student to work on a piece that would surely end in fail-

ure, but I was adamant. And I still re- and “grow” into the successful individmember my grandma’s proud face in ual they aspire to be.

As cliché as it may sound, everyone the audience as I stood to accept applause after playing it at the recital. should aspire to be of growth mindset.

Now, this isn’t a story about the lit- Unsuccessful attempts should inspire tle eight-year-old pianist that could. the desire to do better, not wallow in Rather, it’s about resilience and believ- sadness. Twenty years of research coning in yourself in the face of prospec- ducted by Professor Dweck go to show that this theory isn’t just conventiontive failure.

The book Mindset: The New Psychol- ally known, but scientifically proven.

Don’t get me wrong, my life isn’t full ogy of Success by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the power of eight-year-old piano prodigy equivalents of success. of an individual’s Unsuccessful attempts I’ve failed tests, mindset, the belief in whether or not should inspire the desire failed to get poyou will succeed. sitions I’ve felt to do better, not wallow entitled to and, Your personal state of mind lessens or yes, even failed in sadness. to learn piano augments the impact of failure in your life. pieces by the time the recital rolled Fixed mindsets are owned by those around. who sit at the top of the top, unable to Most notably, I experienced failimprove because they believe they are ure when I didn’t get into a universialready the best of the best. Though ty journalism summer workshop this failure is few and far between for them, past year. I felt that my journalistic it’s harder to bounce back. If you did repertoire, which I had been developyour best and it wasn’t good enough, ing for nearly three years, was enough fixed mindset people can’t fathom the to get me in. I worked on my applicafact that life continues. tion for months, gathering an impresGrowth mindset, on the other hand, sive portfolio and editing every aspect takes failure as a starting point, rath- of my application to the best of my er than rock bottom. When faced with ability. failure, growth mindset individuals In spite of my best efforts, I was put seek to develop what they believed to on the waitlist. Not yet directly rejectbe their best to even greater heights ed, I held onto that last string of hope

for two weeks, ultimately reading an email that sealed my fate. The first sentence read, “I’m afraid we will not be able to enroll you in the program this summer.”

I’m not going to lie: I was devastated. That simple 15-word sentence made me lose all faith in my abilities as a journalist. I put so much time, effort and endearment in this program, and being rejected convinced me that I just wasn’t as good as I thought.

Fortunately, I only had this mindset for a short while. As a now self-proclaimed person of the growth mindset, I refused to let this bog me down.

Instead, I developed my journalistic skills. I interned at the Glenview Lantern; I earned a position on a national youth journalism leader board; I even attended another university journalism program that same summer.

Like me, everyone has the ability to change their mindset about failure and learn to embrace it. As Dweck said in her book, “Failure is an opportunity, not a condemnation.” So, take advantage of those low points in your life, because hitting rock bottom merely provided you with the soil you needed to grow.

reviews

Dec. 18, 2015

Best of 2015:

Opinions editor Evan Sawires reviews her top tracks of 2015

EVAN SAWIRES co-opinions editor

radio. “Tear in My Heart” is probably the most well written song on this album; the lyrics are conversational and honest, but later on, there’s that adorable breakdown about potholes and the government. I think that’s what’s so cool about this band in general: their stylized brand of pop/hip hop is catchy and somewhat formulaic, but it’s also super relatable and genuinely likeable.

“Solace” by Earl Sweatshirt The first time I heard this 10-minute track, I was in bed in the dark with headphones in at 1 a.m. I think that’s how this song is meant to be heard. A distinct narrative, “Solace” sounds like sadness but not without some hope.

Earl’s rapping is atypically fuzzy and mumbled. Lyrically, the verse that starts at about 6:30 will mess you up: “Time waits for no man / death waits with cold hands / I’m the youngest old man that you know / If your soul intact, let me know.”

“River” by Ibeyi

PRIME TIME: Emotionally drained, Marjorie (middle, portrayed by Mary Ann Thebus) is confronted by her daughter and son-in-law in the play Marjorie Prime. Playing through Feb. 28 at Writers Theatre, the play tells the story of Marjorie’s worsening dementia. Photo from the Writers Theatre

Marjorie Prime explores unique storytelling more than a way to distort our realities and change our memories, in a way that makes them foreign to us? The idea is as old as Plato’s Cave. Is that not what we do whenever we post a filWhat happens when another individual is responsible for tered image on a social media site, telling an alternate version telling the story of our lives? Marjorie Prime, a new play by Jor- of reality, through technology? dan Harrison at Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe, focuses on this These are interesting questions, ones that will perhaps central question. Immersed in the production, I was riveted by prove prescient as technology increasingly becomes integrated some of the best acting I’ve seen on a Chicago stage. Watching into our lives. Yet instead of examining the questions he poses, these skillful actors, this concept the playwright shifts suddenly, play seemed probing, avant-garde [The play poses] interesting focusing less on technology as it and insightful. Yet when I mulled to today and instead on questions, ones that will perhaps relates over the play itself, I began to feel assertions about the nature of as if the play was nothing more than prove prescient as technology life and death. He chooses more an interesting thought experiment. accessible narratives—daughter Marjorie Prime is about Marjorie increasingly becomes integrated in a mid-life crisis, marital prob(Mary Ann Thebus), an aging widow into our lives. lems and other life stresses—to with dementia living in the near fuget across the alarming message ture. Thebus is heartbreaking and enthralling as Marjorie, and that, without our memories and stories, we are nothing. she convincingly depicts the comedy and tragedy of demenThe remarkable cast tries valiantly to overcome the glaring tia without belittling her character, while always commanding unresolved questions of the play, under the direction of Kimthe stage. berly Senior (one of my own favorite Chicago directors) who As the play begins, Marjorie is provided a “prime”, an ar- gives the actors the freedom to make choices, while still followtificially intelligent robot that exactly resembles her dead ing the natural structure and rhythm of the play. husband at thirty. The “prime” is programmed to tell stories Still, if you asked this play a question it would respond, “I am relayed to him by Marjorie’s daughter, Tess (a moving and un- afraid I don’t have that information.” derstated Kate Fry), and son-in-law as if they are his own. He is to be a source of solace for Marjorie as she slowly loses her memory, often seeming almost human until he responds to an unknown question, “I am afraid I don’t have that information.”

In this imagined future, memory is all that tethers us to ourselves and our loved ones. The set is sterile, white and bare; all is transitory, except for the stories we hold on to. Such a world makes memory particularly vulnerable.

For what happens when someone else is responsible for telling the story of our lives? Are technology and social media JULIETTE OVADIA theatre critic

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I first heard about Ibeyi through the members’ father Angá Díaz, a percussionist known for his collaborations with groups like Afro-Cuban All Stars and Buena Vista Social Club. However, twins Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé are amazing in their own right, as established on “River”. The lyrics are sparse and evoke redemption and rebirth: “Carry away my dead leaves / let me baptize my soul with the help of your waters.” Most remarkable, however, are the instrumentals; although minimal, the incredible beats give this song a sense of fullness typical of the French-Cuban duo.

“Summertime” by Vince Staples Summertime ‘06 was an incredible feat, somehow fitting 20 songs into an hour without feeling overwhelming.

It’s dark, with Vince’s conversational lyrics and thin vocals matched by slow, flowing beats. “Summertime” is a moment of brightness, with dissonant and vaguely melodic guitar chords and Vince rapping/singing an almost love song: “Hold my hand; let me take you to the land / Where the ocean and the sands are meeting...Open up your heart / If we don’t love then we fall apart.” It’s not happy, really, but it acknowledges a potential for happiness where there had been none before.

“Tear in My Heart” by Twenty One Pilots

“Just Sayin/I Tried” by The Internet The Internet’s latest album Ego Death was most striking in its departure from the style of their previous albums. Purple Naked Ladies and Feel Good were crazy good in with their sultriness and lyrical lag, while lead singer/writer/producer Syd tha Kyd’s writing reaches new, brighter heights in Ego Death. As a resolution to a breakup, Syd’s lyrics in “Just Sayin’/I Tried” are taunting and intimate.

“Maghawir” by Mashrou’ Leila Lebanese indie band Mashrou’ Leila is known for their political jams, with music focusing on social justice, religion, and political freedom. Their newest album, Ibn El Leil, is no exception.

Written satirically in a timeline format, “Maghawir” tackles gun violence in light of two recent Beirut shootings.

The melody is percussive, electronic and danceable, creating what must be a deliberate contrast between lyrics and melody.

“Blood” by Algiers As a band and as an album, Algiers is based in their ideology. Their Tumblr presents influences ranging from Angela Davis to Public Enemy, both of whom are present in their art and lyrics. Sonically, their fusion of punk and gospel is unmatched. The heavy, cavernous production perfectly matches lead singer Franklin James Fisher’s intense vocals and complex lyrics. “Blood” is a particularly brilliant track, with a tambourine-and-clap beat placed under straight-up poetry. As a person and a musician, I learned a lot from this album and this song especially.

I don’t know how 21P did it, but somehow I’m still not tired of “Stressed Out” or “Tear in My Heart” despite hearing them every time I turn on my car Photo of Vince Staples from Flickr Creative Commons

‘New Verse News’ unveils artistic potential in world events, inspires global investment ELAINE SINE co-opinions editor

Ignorance is one of the worst characteristics a person can have. When neglecting the national and global information that saturates the social media platforms and the world around you, it’s harder to build credibility or be taken seriously on your stances about issues and controversies if you don’t know the full story. If you don’t do the research, you shouldn’t do the talking.

Whether it’s due to disinterest or the inability of knowing where to look, many people don’t try to actively seek information about the world and therefore make the efforts of penetrating the bubble of disregard in which they dwell. Even when Google is right in front of them, the ability to understand still necessitates conscious self-motivation.

As someone who tries to understand as much as she can by watching documentaries and selfresearching articles, I know I still have so much more to learn and explore in my pursuit of different news outlets. I’ve even advanced my search by mixing my passion for poetry to uncover different aspects of the news.

After the Beirut and Paris attacks, I went on a quest to find poetry regarding these tragedies. I

had read through The New York Times, went onto TIME and scrolled down the endless number of Google results to really obtain a sense of what was happening, but I still felt the need to find an approach with which I was emotionally familiar so that I could identify the “what else?” tugging at my brain. I had a need to fill in the gaps of the things the articles excluded. Poetry has always been the crutch that has progressed my ability to understand. Thus, in my search, I finally discovered “The New Verse News”.

“The New Verse News” is a blog that exhibits poetry of contemporary events and currently discussed issues with a “politically progressive” standpoint, according to the website. Poets submit their work, and The New Verse News updates its site daily with one or more of the collected pieces.

Even by scrolling through the first few poems, viewers can really grasp different perspectives. It is an outlook not only into the events and issues being discussed throughout the world, but also into the perspective of people. It humanizes the headlines that many people scroll past on Facebook or BuzzFeed in favor of other pop culture posts.

F.I. Goldhaber’s “Shared Grieving” accentuated the discomforting fact of people’s narrow minded attention on terrorist attacks against white people while they lack knowledge of similar attacks against people of other races. Even this 10-line, two-stanza poem uncovered more about the many attacks in Yemen, Lebanon and Syria than the other media outlets or people’s Facebooks have promoted about these events. The haunting impact of the Goldhaber’s words reverberated from my eyes to my skin as the chill of the truth seeped into me.

I will admit that I changed my profile picture to the French flag filter before recognizing that I previously failed to give the same attention to other countries who have suffered the same or even greater extent of violence in their countries, but that’s why I’m making the effort to learn as much as I can.

When I found the New Verse News, the poetry site not only gave me more insight about the news I was looking for, but it also gave me a more in depth understanding about the suffering of the Syrian refugees and made me aware of the Central American Minors Program and its ineffectiveness,

something no one talked about despite being a national program. This illumination of facts and their accompanying emotional impact only emphasizes that just because you don’t hear about different things doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Utilizing your interests to learn more about the world not only motivates you to become a more active participant in the world, but allows you to become further immersed into your passion.

It’s a great way for people--especially those interested in poetry--to really evaluate the personal and intimate side of current events. Although you would still have to do some research on the topics you’re reading when reading The New Verse News, it’s at least an introduction: a glimpse into perspective. That’s definitely better than nothing.

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features

Dec. 18, 2015

Students savor cultural cuisines ILLUSTRATION HERE - leah get on this as well

Illustration by Jini John

South examines logistics of later start implement activities that allow students to get up and move around, especially now with blocks.

“I do believe that it’s important to try to get people up and With eyelids trembling, junior Lori Steffel explained how about, or give them opportunities to stretch their legs,” Cohen she unknowingly dawdled into a mortifying situation last year said. when she encountered the terrified eyes of two boys. According Shellard stated that a later arrival time is not in South’s near to Steffel, after attempting to combat her morning exhaustion future, and how a change in arrival time would cause potenwhile strolling down the halls of South, she became acquainted tial complications with students’ transportation by bus in the with an embarassing situation to which her sleep-deprivation morning and after school, as the buses work with alternate led her. schools.

“I was walking down the hallway when I turned to go into the “The buses are kind of driving the system at this point,” Shelbathroom, [and] then I realized I was half asleep and had just lard explained. “All those buses have to be coordinated not only walked into the boys’ bathroom,” Steffel said. with us; we don’t own our own buses.”

Many studies have communicated that incidents similar to According to Shellard, moving South’s start time to 10 a.m.

Steffel’s are a result of students’ inability to properly function would result in a 5 p.m. release time, creating further schedulat an early hour during which school begins. According to the ing obstacles, not only with buses, but extracurriculars as well.

American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents who don’t receive “I have an invested interest in maintaining that after-school enough sleep suffer from mental health issues, which can alter vibrancy, and I would be very concerned about starting an acproductivity during school. tivities program at 5 o’clock,” Shellard said, “I think our numDespite this South’s arrival time will bers would drop off significantly,” “If I wake up anytime Junior Audrey Brown echoed Shellard’s previremain, according to Dr. Jim Shellard, Student Activities Director. concern, explaining how starting school at its earlier than [8 o’clock], ous “[School starting later] hasn’t been current time allows her to be home at a reasonin discussion for five years because of I’m really not at my able hour to complete her homework. the other outside factors that weigh ”[A later arrival time] would affect my entire maximum potential in schedule, into that,” Shellard revealed. because sports would go later, activities Regardless, Steffel expressed how terms of how I func- and clubs would go later and it would affect me South’s arrival time has negatively going home to do my homework,” Brown said. tion.” impacted her school performance in According to Shellard, a later start would jeopschool and her interactions with othardize some athletic programs. Principal Fagel re- junior Lori Steffel ers. iterated the potential conflict a later arrival time “If I wake up anytime earlier than would impose upon after school athletics.

[8 o’clock], I’m really not at my maximum potential in terms of “If [a] school ends at four, and [the] kids can’t get to a shared how I function, how I interact with other students, how I pro- contest with another school until 4:45, that would be potentialcess information; it’s all stagnated by not having enough sleep,” ly [inconvenience] other schools,” Fagel mentioned. “And they Steffel said. might say, ‘We don’t want to schedule to play you, because we Sophomore Zach Adams shared a mutual sentiment to Stef- don’t want to do our game that late’.” fel. According to Adams, the early arrival time has made a notiFagel explained that requiring students to stay at school for a ciable, negative effect upon his academic involvement. longer time could also have an influence on their families, mak“I would be zoned out in my first block class, and then that ing some younger siblings unable to attend later events. would reflect in my grades as well, because there were certain “[A later arrival time] could impact families,” Fagel stated. classes where [the average would] be a distinctly lower grade “If they’re going to come see their child’s basketball game, and percentage than all the other classes,” Adams said. it starts at 8:30, versus 7:00, or 6:00, that could impact the famAdams expressed the benefits of waking up later, and how if ily life.” a new start time was implemented he would enjoy coming to Amidst the trade-offs associated with having an early arrival school more. He says having the opportunity to sleep in chang- time, Cohen explained how she believes that the current start es his outlook on attending school, causing him to have a better time serves as exposure to how the outside world functions. attitude as a result of an adequate amount of sleep.

“When you go out into the working world, you’re probably “The times I do sleep in, I definitely feel more refreshed, [...] not going to start at 10:30,” Cohen said. “We want to give [stuand [I] actually want to go to school,” Adams explained. dents] the best chance to be successful. But I do also believe that Similarly to Adams and Steffel, English teacher Debbie Co- school and school schedules are not divorced from the reality of hen acknowledged the repercussions an early arrival time posi- working life outside of that.” tions on students. According to Cohen, she’s noticed weariness Despite the factors that overshadow the benefits of starting amongst students in her classes in the earlier hours of the day. school later, Shellard acknowledges that the morning is not an “Earlier this year, there was a student [...] sitting bolt up- easy or ideal time for students in classes at school. He recalls a right, and her head was waving back and forth, because she was time when he witnessed fatigued South students in the early literally passing out while the class was going on,” Cohen said. morning.

“To me, that’s not a kid who is trying to be bad, defiant or isn’t “I came in one morning, and it was around this time of the interested. [...] She was trying to stay awake, but her body was year actually,” Shellard described. “It was Canned Food Drive just betraying her.” time, and I came into my office. [...] I sat down at my desk, and Cohen explained how from her perspective as a teacher , I’m like, ‘Ugh!’ I looked under my desk, and there was a student she tends to notice when students are zoning out, and tries to asleep under my desk.”

ABBY GRANT staff reporter

said. “They don’t really eat a lot of foods from their culture but because I eat [Malaysian] food all the time, I’m A steaming plate of crispy, trian- more open to my culture so I’m more gular fried samosas has just been put aware of what I’m a part of.” in front of you at your friend’s house.

In addition to a culture’s unique Even though it might not be what you cuisine, differentiations can occur are used to, would you eat this new, when a cultures cuisines mix. Accordforeign food? For students at South, ing to freshman Mari Fujiki, Amerisuch a situation may occur due to the can culture has influenced Japanese culturally diverse student body. In food. Fujiki explained how her travan unscientific Oracle-conducted sur- els to Japan two years ago allowed her vey, 94 percent of students said that to notice the influence that Amerithey are generally willing to try new can culture has had on the country, foreign foods. According to Karin Da- and the different variations that exvis, chef and instructor for Kendall ist based off of the same country’s auCollege, food represents and reflects thentic food. much of a culture.

“I think [American culture] has a “I can never learn enough about positive effect because Japan is trying [cultural foods],” Davis said. “I don’t to involve a lot more American food think anyone can ever learn enough in their culture,” Fujiki said. “I think about [cultural foods], because I think it’s a good thing because [Japan is] beit’s through foods that people can re- coming more international.” ally learn a lot of diversity about each Many students at South, such as other.” senior Kiran Merchant, regularly In some countries and religions cook cultural foods at home. Meraround the world, it is common for chant explained how she feels that people to eat by the guidelines of a cooking Pakistani foods brings her dietary restriction. For example, ju- closer to her background, and Pakinior Max Shapiro said one guideline stani cultural experiences. Accordin the Jewish religion is keeping ko- ing to Merchant, she makes dhokla, a sher, though a large amount of practi- food eaten in Pakistan made from rice tioners choose not to. and chickpeas.

“I feel like a lot of the times, [be“The first time I made [dhokla] I ing kosher] is very representative of made a lot of mistakes,” Merchant my Jewish identity and is what distin- said.“My mom has her own cookguishes me from that she “I feel like a lot of the times book other people,” has made with [being kosher] is very rep- all her recipes Shapiro said.

Freshman resentative of my Jewish that she has Hailee Bilimocreated over identity and is what dis- time , so I kind ria also follows specific dietary tinguishes me from other of used [the guidelines due cookbook] as people.” to her ties with guidance.”

Indian culture - junior Max Shapiro For some and religion. According to Bilimoria, students, eating culturally or relia large amount of the Indian popula- giously-related foods also has an emotion is vegetarian, such as Jainists, a tional aspect. Shapiro explained how type of Indian religion. eating foods related to Judaism makes “My mom is Jain and my dad is Zo- him recall memories of his family roastrian,” Bilimoria said. “[Jainism that have gathered to celebrate variand Zoroastrianism] both have differ- ous religious holidays, such as Passent viewpoints on what you can and over. According to Shapiro, Passover can’t eat. [On] my mom’s side, the re- is a Jewish holiday in which families ligion says you can’t eat any meat nor congregate together and hold a small can you eat a ton of other stuff, but seder where they eat and have a short we only follow the meat part because religious service. it’s the major part. In Zoroastrianism, “One of the things I best rememyou can eat whatever.” ber was hearing my grandfather sing In addition to religious cuisine, cul- songs in Yiddish back when I was a littural cuisines are also a major aspect tle boy and just being so inspired by in food, according to freshman Farah him at these events to become a betMohammed-Rafee. He explained how ter Jew,” Shapiro said. he personally has a strong connection According to Bilimoria, her being with Malaysian food and eats it regu- both a vegetarian and someone who larly. According to Mohammed-Rafee, eats Indian food has helped her gain a he eats roti canai often for breakfast. different view and perspective on culRoti canai, which is similar to a crepe, tures differing from her own. can be eaten with different types of “If you’re on one side of a team, curries, which are significant to Ma- you’re going to think that your team laysia. is better than the other but if you’re “Some people are part of a cul- using a different perspective I guess ture, but they don’t really delve into it sort of puts things in a different [their culture],” Mohammed-Rafee light,” Bilimoria said.

ELIZA SCHLOSS staff reporter

Graphic by Ashley Clark

features

Dec. 18, 2015

9

ADDRESSING ADDICTION: Presenting to a group, PJ Newberg, an alcohol and drug counselor from the surrounding community, speaks at the Northbrook YMCA in November during a heroin education forum. Newberg, the mother of a recovering addict, has dedicated her life to educating students and families about the drug’s detrimental effects on an individual, and has been speaking at a variety of events in the community for many years. Photo courtesy of PJ Newberg

Heroin: the underground narcotic of the North Shore Heroin use in the United States has increased by 63 percent in the past 11 years, according to an article published by Time.

To some, the problem may seem distant, maybe even irrelevant. However, to other members of the community— including South students—heroin addiction hits close to home as friends and family members are impacted by the drug.

Newberg will never lose hope for her daughter and believes that, one day, she will be able to escape from the clutches of heroin.

“I’ve seen too many people die,” Newberg said.

“I can’t even describe what my daughter has gone through. Five and a half years later, she has been in 15 treatment centers. She’s been in jail. She’s lived on the street. She’s my only family, my only child, and it just kills me to watch her struggle. It’s just a horrible drug, and she’s still fighting it. She’ll do well for a while, but I’ll never lose hope for her.”

According to McMahon, he has not been able to maintain a close relationship with his friend due to the destructive nature of heroin. Although he has been struggling to regain control of his life, McMahon believes that his friend is now clean and on the road to recovery.

“He was clean for a while and it’s been a while since I talked to him because we went separate ways,” McMahon said. “[The] last time I talked to him was a couple months ago, and he was clean. I think that’s a miracle, because it’s so difficult, opiates especially. They’re so much more severe than most drugs because they’re harder to get away from.”

Both McMahon and Kruger have experienced the life-altering effects heroin can have on an individual, so they urge others to look inside themselves, admit they have a problem and seek help. If not conquered early on, assistance may be needed, which then may be the only way to overcome an addiction to a drug as insidious as heroin.

“I think the most important thing for someone struggling with this problem is to be honest with yourself and really focus on what you want,” Kruger said. “Also, be realistic, because it’s really hard, especially with heroin. It’s not like cigarettes; after a certain amount of time, you need assistance, [and] that’s okay. It doesn’t mean the person is weak, but sometimes you need to get help and stick with it.” *name has been changed

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Courtesy of intheknowzone.com

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Chicago has had the number one highest heroin problem in the country for the past 15 years, and the numbers keep growing, according to PJ Newberg, alcohol and drug counselor. Outside of the city, the suburbs constantly struggle with drug problems, and the North Shore has more recently become a victim of the drug according to Newberg, the mother of Paula Nixon, a recovering heroin addict that graduated from South. Newberg has witnessed many lives being lost to heroin addiction, but believes the problem is still hidden within our community.

“I equate this drug with the devil, because it basically steals your soul, your family, your ambition,” Newberg said. “Anything positive in your life, it takes away. The North Shore continues to want to hide the problem, and it’s especially [prevalent in] Glenview.”

Although it may not always be openly talked about, the issue is more present than ever, according to junior Kenny McMahon. Having watched his best friend suffer through a heroin addiction, McMahon is very knowledgeable about the drug and understands how dangerous it can be.

“It’s scary to see a substance that people can put off as harmless and fun; it just completely takes over,” McMahon said. “It’s a scary thought to see something just grab control of someone else’s life, and you can’t get away from it any time soon. Eighty percent of heroin addicts relapse, and you’re seeing it more and more around here. He was a very good friend of mine, and seeing him struggle with it, not only the physical withdrawal symptoms- the headaches the fevers, the nauseahe wasn’t himself. He was always fatigued, and the psychosis, the depression, the suicide attempts, even though I’m not the one going through it, it’s still tough to watch someone you care about going through that and trying to harm themselves all

because of this drug that was offered to him at a cult experience, Kruger believes that it has made party.” her a stronger person today.

Having endured seeing her own daughter strug“[My brother] has always had some struggles gle with an addiction to heroin, Newberg has been with addictions and drug issues, but I think it was deeply affected by the devastation the drug causes so weird for me, because it was always obvious and has devoted her life to educating others and when there was a problem, but for a long time it raising much-needed awareness within the schools wasn’t talked about because I was so young,” Kruof the community and surrounding areas. ger said. “As I got older, it became more apparent.

“My whole goal is just to talk about it and get Now, I am 18 and around all that, so it’s way easier the message out there,” Newfor me to detect warning “I equate this drug berg said. “Kids are the ones signs of not only heroin, that need to hear this. Parents, but dealing with all kinds with the devil betoo, but kids needs to learn of drugs. I can tell if somecause it basically steals one is on [drugs] because about the drug. In Illinois and around the country, there is I have had so many differyour soul, your famno drug education about herent experiences that have ily, your ambition.” oin in schools. That’s a serious given me a different backproblem if they don’t know -PJ Newberg, alcohol ground.” not to do it or they don’t know Because heroin took and drug counselor anything about the drug.” control of her brother’s McMahon believes that in life, Kruger often felt disthe North Shore area as a whole, many people get tant from him and noticed negative changes in so caught up with their own reputations and self- their relationship whenever he was using heroin. image that they are unable to admit when they Kruger explained how he did have a problem but have a problem. He notes that parents often con- has always looked up to her brother regardless and tribute to the issue because they turn their backs still remains close to him to this day. to problems within their own children that are “Up until a few years ago, [his addiction] has right in front of them. never really stopped,” Kruger said. “The weird “People are afraid to get help because they thing is that it kind of became normal. If there was think they will get looked at a certain way,” Mc- [a problem], I wasn’t really surprised, because I Mahon said. “People in the North Shore, especial- had just become accustomed to it. I guess I did look ly parents, are afraid of their reputations and let at my brother differently. He’s my older brother, so their egos get in the way, because other people I definitely looked up to him in a lot of ways. We’re might see them as poor parents. I think that’s a se- so close, but I feel like his addiction with multiple rious problem, that people are so selfish as to put drugs including heroin took a toll on our relationtheir egos ahead of the nature of their children.” ship. During the time that he was at his worst, we Senior Michelle Kruger* grew up witnessing the also were.” harmful effects heroin has on the addict and evAlong with Kruger’s older brother, Newberg eryone that surrounds them. Having a brother that continues to watch her daughter suffer with her grew up with a heroin problem, Kruger explained addiction to this day. Nixon’s life has been conCourtesyby of intheknowzone.com how she was forced to watch him struggle and deal trolled heroin since high school, and she has with his addiction. Although this was a very diffi- been unable to find stability throughout it all.

Gr ap

GRACIE SANDS asst. features editor

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Planned Parenthood, an organization providing health care aid and information, leaves South students and staff debating the service’s ethics

Planned Parenthood Funding Report

However, some believe that federal funding for Planned Parenthood is intrinsic to the solidification of women’s equality in modern America. Kinsella offers a historical perspective in that Planned Parenthood “makes up” for a lot of the fundamental inequalities between men and women in the US that existed before the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and the establishment of Planned Parenthood.

“A woman who was seeking birth control in any format, [...] in a legal sense, had few options before the 1960s [...] and Planned Parenthood became that safe space where a woman could talk about family planning and have control over her reproductive rights,” Kinsella noted.

According to plannedparenthood. org, 84 percent of Planned Parenthood healthcare clients in the U.S. are age 20 and older. With this statistic in mind, the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood may seem rather distant or irrelevant to high schoolers.

However, individuals, such as Batrich, recognize that Planned Parenthood services apply to more than just people seeking reproductive and sexual health care aid.

“I think [Planned Parenthood] is important because it’s considered to be a safe place where no one gets judged,” Batrich said. “It could be for an emergency [consultation] or a routine checkup, but I feel it is [especially] important for teenagers, especially because reproductive health and awareness becomes very apparent in these adolescent ages.”

Even though opinions about Planned Parenthood vary, many feel that it’s importance lies in the inherent message of equality at the organization’s roots. Kinsella addresses this idea by noting that Planned Parenthood, at its origin, was a product of the evolution of women’s equality.

“Planned Parenthood was born in a moment when feminists were calling for a recognition that the personal is political,” Kinsella said. “The experiences women had regarding healthcare in the past influenced feminists in the 1960s to focus on reproductive rights and to connect such rights with political, social and economic equality.”

Illustration by Alex Solecki

pared to everything they provide for their patients,” Batrich said.

“If a woman wants to have an abortion, then she goes there to get it, but I don’t think that the hatred should fall on the doctor or the practice.”

This “unfavorable slander” is most likely the result of what plannedparenthood.org refers to as the “common-sense poliOLIVIA SOTIRCHOS & MADDY RUOS cies” regarding “sexual and reproductive health and rights” that asst. features editors are “under attack like never before.” Ryan Kinsella, Social Studies teacher and Feminism Club sponsor, discusses the logic behind In the wake of the Nov. 27 attack on a Planned Parenthood clin- many pro-Planned Parenthood arguments. ic in Colorado Springs, many members of the Glenview commu“If we see [Planned Parenthood] as a healthcare provider innity are taking the time to reflect on the recent controversy sur- stead of an abortion clinic, that’s going to change the way we feel rounding the funding and purpose of Planned Parenthood. about it, and there would be less of a stigma and less shame in goJunior Sarah Patt recognizes the significance of the attack in ing there,” Kinsella said. “So many young women in this country regards to the future of the non-for-profit organization. A self- rely on Planned Parenthood for more than just abortive services.” proclaimed supporter of Planned Parenthood, Patt hopes that the Sixty-six percent of the surveyed group indicated that the govtragedy will aid in bringing certain aspects of the organization ernment should not defund Planned Parenthood, according to to the forefront and allow people to establish opinions that are an unofficial questionnaire on debate.org, while the remaining rooted in logistics rather than in misconceptions.

34 percent indicated that the government should defund Planned “The fact that people who are Parenthood. supposedly ‘pro-life’ are so willIn response to the governing to take the lives of innocent “If we see [Planned Parenthood] ment controversy over federal people absolutely disgusts me,” as a healthcare provider instead of funding of Planned Parenthood, Patt said.

South students expressed opinSimilar to Patt, senior Mary an abortion clinic, that’s going to ions on both sides of the arguBatrich identifies as a support- change the way we feel about it, ment. Senior Aswin Manoj is er of Planned Parenthood. She against the use of federal funds also feels that the shooting was and there would be less of a stigto support Planned Parenthood detrimental to the values the ma and less shame in going there.” because of his strong pro-life organization has worked to es- Ryan Kinsella, Social Studies teacher views. tablish.

“Abortion is a hotly debated “I find [the shooting] comissue, and even though contempletely uncalled for,” Batrich said. “Planned Parenthood’s whole porary medical and legal terms may not view unborn children campaign is centered around the patient and making them feel as humans, there is still guilt associated with terminating what safe and comfortable in their facility. This event really broke what would become a fully developed baby if left to live,” Manoj said. they’ve been trying to build up for almost a century.” “[Because] I strongly hate abortion, I do not support Planned ParA non-scientific Oracle-conducted survey of 289 South students enthood in any way.” asked if the statement that the majority of Planned Parenthood Contrary to Manoj’s belief, senior Samantha Levi believes that services strictly deal with abortion is true or false; 52 percent of Planned Parenthood should continue to receive funding from the students answered that the satement is true or that they didn’t government. She brings up the notion that Planned Parenthood know. On the contrary, Planned Parenthood’s official website, is often times the only available choice regarding health care for plannedparenthood.org, states that only 3 percent of all Planned many Americans that can’t afford other options.

Parenthood health services are abortion services.

“Because [Planned Parenthood] is a non-profit organization, Batrich feels that Planned Parenthood has acquired a nega- funding is one of the main ways for Planned Parenthood to keep tive stigma due to the fact that many people wrongly assume the their services affordable and accessible for lower-income pamajority of the services the organization provides are related to trons,” Levi said. abortion.

As reported by plannedparenthood.org, one in “All the unfavorable slander does not come close five women in the United States has visited a to doing [Planned Parenthood] justice comPlanned Parenthood health center at least once in her lifetime, cementing the institution’s importance as a pillar of reproductive health care.

With the knowledge of these statistics about the types of services Planned Parenthood provides, Manoj still believes that the organization needs to be defunded because its societal value is of little importance.

“Even though the majority of Planned Parenthood services do not have to do with abortions, the very fact that it conducts abortions is enough to not support it,” Manoj said.

伀渀攀 椀渀 昀椀瘀攀 眀 漀洀攀渀 椀 瘀椀猀椀琀攀搀 渀 琀栀攀 唀 愀 倀氀愀渀 ⸀匀⸀ 栀愀猀 渀 挀攀渀琀攀

爀 愀琀 氀攀愀 攀搀 倀愀爀攀渀琀 栀 猀琀 漀渀挀 攀 椀渀 栀攀 漀漀搀 爀 氀椀昀攀⸀ Graphics by Jacqueline DeWitt, Ashley Clark and Sophie Mason

Info from https://www.plannedparenthood.org

PLANNED PROTESTS: (Above) Rallying his fellow students at a Planned Parenthood parade, Jonathan Butler, University of Missouri student, declares his beliefs in front of the crowd. Numerous

gatherings like this one have erupted around the country. (Below top left) Gathering to support their common cause against Planned Parenthood, the American Life League and Stop Planned Parenthood organizations protest outside of a prospective location of a Planned Parenthood clinic on Aug. 22 in Washington, D.C. (Below bottom left) American Life League members stand in demonstration to protest against the funding of Planned Parenthood. (Below right) Joining with her fellow Planned Parenthood supporters, a woman holds up a sign that says, “I heart Planned Parenthood.” (Below right) Photos courtesy of Creative Commons

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10

Planned Parenthood, an organization providing health care aid and information, leaves South students and staff debating the service’s ethics

Planned Parenthood Funding Report

However, some believe that federal funding for Planned Parenthood is intrinsic to the solidification of women’s equality in modern America. Kinsella offers a historical perspective in that Planned Parenthood “makes up” for a lot of the fundamental inequalities between men and women in the US that existed before the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and the establishment of Planned Parenthood.

“A woman who was seeking birth control in any format, [...] in a legal sense, had few options before the 1960s [...] and Planned Parenthood became that safe space where a woman could talk about family planning and have control over her reproductive rights,” Kinsella noted.

According to plannedparenthood. org, 84 percent of Planned Parenthood healthcare clients in the U.S. are age 20 and older. With this statistic in mind, the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood may seem rather distant or irrelevant to high schoolers.

However, individuals, such as Batrich, recognize that Planned Parenthood services apply to more than just people seeking reproductive and sexual health care aid.

“I think [Planned Parenthood] is important because it’s considered to be a safe place where no one gets judged,” Batrich said. “It could be for an emergency [consultation] or a routine checkup, but I feel it is [especially] important for teenagers, especially because reproductive health and awareness becomes very apparent in these adolescent ages.”

Even though opinions about Planned Parenthood vary, many feel that it’s importance lies in the inherent message of equality at the organization’s roots. Kinsella addresses this idea by noting that Planned Parenthood, at its origin, was a product of the evolution of women’s equality.

“Planned Parenthood was born in a moment when feminists were calling for a recognition that the personal is political,” Kinsella said. “The experiences women had regarding healthcare in the past influenced feminists in the 1960s to focus on reproductive rights and to connect such rights with political, social and economic equality.”

Illustration by Alex Solecki

pared to everything they provide for their patients,” Batrich said.

“If a woman wants to have an abortion, then she goes there to get it, but I don’t think that the hatred should fall on the doctor or the practice.”

This “unfavorable slander” is most likely the result of what plannedparenthood.org refers to as the “common-sense poliOLIVIA SOTIRCHOS & MADDY RUOS cies” regarding “sexual and reproductive health and rights” that asst. features editors are “under attack like never before.” Ryan Kinsella, Social Studies teacher and Feminism Club sponsor, discusses the logic behind In the wake of the Nov. 27 attack on a Planned Parenthood clin- many pro-Planned Parenthood arguments. ic in Colorado Springs, many members of the Glenview commu“If we see [Planned Parenthood] as a healthcare provider innity are taking the time to reflect on the recent controversy sur- stead of an abortion clinic, that’s going to change the way we feel rounding the funding and purpose of Planned Parenthood. about it, and there would be less of a stigma and less shame in goJunior Sarah Patt recognizes the significance of the attack in ing there,” Kinsella said. “So many young women in this country regards to the future of the non-for-profit organization. A self- rely on Planned Parenthood for more than just abortive services.” proclaimed supporter of Planned Parenthood, Patt hopes that the Sixty-six percent of the surveyed group indicated that the govtragedy will aid in bringing certain aspects of the organization ernment should not defund Planned Parenthood, according to to the forefront and allow people to establish opinions that are an unofficial questionnaire on debate.org, while the remaining rooted in logistics rather than in misconceptions.

34 percent indicated that the government should defund Planned “The fact that people who are Parenthood. supposedly ‘pro-life’ are so willIn response to the governing to take the lives of innocent “If we see [Planned Parenthood] ment controversy over federal people absolutely disgusts me,” as a healthcare provider instead of funding of Planned Parenthood, Patt said.

South students expressed opinSimilar to Patt, senior Mary an abortion clinic, that’s going to ions on both sides of the arguBatrich identifies as a support- change the way we feel about it, ment. Senior Aswin Manoj is er of Planned Parenthood. She against the use of federal funds also feels that the shooting was and there would be less of a stigto support Planned Parenthood detrimental to the values the ma and less shame in going there.” because of his strong pro-life organization has worked to es- Ryan Kinsella, Social Studies teacher views. tablish.

“Abortion is a hotly debated “I find [the shooting] comissue, and even though contempletely uncalled for,” Batrich said. “Planned Parenthood’s whole porary medical and legal terms may not view unborn children campaign is centered around the patient and making them feel as humans, there is still guilt associated with terminating what safe and comfortable in their facility. This event really broke what would become a fully developed baby if left to live,” Manoj said. they’ve been trying to build up for almost a century.” “[Because] I strongly hate abortion, I do not support Planned ParA non-scientific Oracle-conducted survey of 289 South students enthood in any way.” asked if the statement that the majority of Planned Parenthood Contrary to Manoj’s belief, senior Samantha Levi believes that services strictly deal with abortion is true or false; 52 percent of Planned Parenthood should continue to receive funding from the students answered that the satement is true or that they didn’t government. She brings up the notion that Planned Parenthood know. On the contrary, Planned Parenthood’s official website, is often times the only available choice regarding health care for plannedparenthood.org, states that only 3 percent of all Planned many Americans that can’t afford other options.

Parenthood health services are abortion services.

“Because [Planned Parenthood] is a non-profit organization, Batrich feels that Planned Parenthood has acquired a nega- funding is one of the main ways for Planned Parenthood to keep tive stigma due to the fact that many people wrongly assume the their services affordable and accessible for lower-income pamajority of the services the organization provides are related to trons,” Levi said. abortion.

As reported by plannedparenthood.org, one in “All the unfavorable slander does not come close five women in the United States has visited a to doing [Planned Parenthood] justice comPlanned Parenthood health center at least once in her lifetime, cementing the institution’s importance as a pillar of reproductive health care.

With the knowledge of these statistics about the types of services Planned Parenthood provides, Manoj still believes that the organization needs to be defunded because its societal value is of little importance.

“Even though the majority of Planned Parenthood services do not have to do with abortions, the very fact that it conducts abortions is enough to not support it,” Manoj said.

伀渀攀 椀渀 昀椀瘀攀 眀 漀洀攀渀 椀 瘀椀猀椀琀攀搀 渀 琀栀攀 唀 愀 倀氀愀渀 ⸀匀⸀ 栀愀猀 渀 挀攀渀琀攀

爀 愀琀 氀攀愀 攀搀 倀愀爀攀渀琀 栀 猀琀 漀渀挀 攀 椀渀 栀攀 漀漀搀 爀 氀椀昀攀⸀ Graphics by Jacqueline DeWitt, Ashley Clark and Sophie Mason

Info from https://www.plannedparenthood.org

PLANNED PROTESTS: (Above) Rallying his fellow students at a Planned Parenthood parade, Jonathan Butler, University of Missouri student, declares his beliefs in front of the crowd. Numerous

gatherings like this one have erupted around the country. (Below top left) Gathering to support their common cause against Planned Parenthood, the American Life League and Stop Planned Parenthood organizations protest outside of a prospective location of a Planned Parenthood clinic on Aug. 22 in Washington, D.C. (Below bottom left) American Life League members stand in demonstration to protest against the funding of Planned Parenthood. (Below right) Joining with her fellow Planned Parenthood supporters, a woman holds up a sign that says, “I heart Planned Parenthood.” (Below right) Photos courtesy of Creative Commons

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Olen documents acting with Aspergers shame because he is so awesome.”

According to Connor, he has sometimes been told that his Asperger’s When senior Connor Olen steps out hinders himself from establishing a onto the auditorium stage in front of strong connection with his co-stars the bright lights and eager crowd, he and audience, preventing him from is transformed. He is no longer Connor being cast in plays and musicals. In Olen, but rather ‘Cheever’ in South’s addition to struggling with acting, production of “The Crucible” or ‘The Asperger’s inhibits the social skills of those who have it.

Auditioner’ in “The Good Doctor.” “[Connor] could read before he According to Olen, acting is a medium that allows him to show the day- was three years old and started readto-day Connor and become a part of ing chapter books before he started something greater than himself. How- kindergarten,” Mary said. “He’s super ever, off the stage, Olen is an ordinary smart. When you’re smart and you do senior at South with one minor differ- things that other kids can’t do, you kind of get [discriminated against]. ence: he has Asperger’s syndrome. “[I was diagnosed with Asperger’s] When you have a hard time making when I was 11 years old,” Olen said. “It friends, all of a sudden it’s an island.”

According to Connor, this exwas my parents that figured it out. I didn’t even know the word, but I didn’t act feeling of being left out gave him mind having a weakness as long as the idea to raise awareness about the there were people to take care of me. harsh reality of dealing with Asperger’s by making a documentary film.

Then I knew I would be okay.”

“It occurred to me that I was being According to Olen’s mother, Mary Olen, acting has been a part of Con- discriminated against,” Connor said. nor’s life since the age of six and con- “It [also] occurred to me [that] there tinues to be a huge aspect of his life [may be] others with the same problem.” today.

According to Connor, the title of his “[As] his parents, we just wanted docum ent ary, him to have a chance “We can be creThe Artistic Specto act; we didn’t care if he was the star of the ative; we can think trum, was selected with a little play or just a particiof things that a lot inspiration, parpant,” Mary said.

According to Mary, of people would not ticularly from a scene in the Connor undoubtednormally think of.” movie Rain Man. ly impacts the people the movaround him through - senior Connor Olen ie, “In Dustin Hoffhis insight, considerman [plays a ation for others and intelligence. One such person that man who] is autistic and somebody Connor has impacted is junior Dahlia asks him if he is artistic,” Connor said.

Maleh, whom he met through the Dra- “I remember thinking that [was pretty accurate] because people on the autisma Department at South. “[Connor has] impacted my life be- tic spectrum tend to have brains that yond words can explain,” Maleh said. work differently and struggle with “He claims he’s an introvert and some- things that a lot of people find simtimes is, but in reality he’s an extro- ple. But also, we can be creative; we vert. He needs to shine, but he puts can think of things that a lot of people a blanket over himself almost to stop would not normally think of.”

For the last several months, Con[himself] from shining, and it’s such a

LILY SANDS & HANNAH BUCHBAND staff reporters

䐀䤀夀 䠀漀氀椀搀愀礀 䐀攀挀漀爀愀琀椀漀渀 䔀搀椀琀椀漀渀 HANNAH MASON co-editor in chief

OLEN ON-SET: Playing the role of ‘The Auditioner’ in South’s winter play, “The Good Doctor,”

senior Connor Olen prepares for the performance and awaits his time on the stage. Olen believes that acting is a way he can truly express himself and be a part of something bigger.

Photo by Sophie Mason

nor has been crafting his documentary, which includes interviews with other autistic kids and specialists from doctors to acting coaches. Transportation around the country to interview his subjects is provided by Connor’s mother and father, both of whom have experience in directing and producing.

“We wanted to support our kids, [especially] when Connor was feeling really down,” Mary said. “We just wanted Connor to do something positive [...] and help other kids on the spectrum, too, because he knows how isolating it can feel.”

Connor’s outlook on the potential of the documentary has led him to dream about the possibilities of its success within the film industry. According to Connor, he hopes to share it at film festivals, schools and even have it up for an Oscar nomination.

“I know how the Oscar game is played and what it takes to be nominated,” Connor said. “I know there is the category of best documentary, and I think that if we work hard and campaign right, we have a chance to be nominated. If that happened, it would be huge. Imagine a student at [South] getting an Oscar nomination.”

According to Connor, he hopes to attend Flashpoint Academy in Chicago to pursue his passion for directing.

Otherwise, he intends to go wherever the road takes him. No matter where he ends up, Maleh believes Connor’s future will be very bright and full of endless opportunities.

“I see him going so far,” Maleh explained. “Whether it be in acting, I don’t know, [as long as he’s] connecting with human beings. He’s going to be a star no matter what he does. I see him [surrounded] by great people.”

Financial inequality leads to new view of holidays

GIFT OF GIVING: Freshman Jennifer Vargas receives a gift from Glenview Youth Services, an organization that has provided financial assistance to her and her family during the holiday season for many years. Photo by Ashley Clark

LEAH DUNNE staff reporter

Throughout South’s diverse student body, holiday experiences differ from person-to-person. With the holidays also comes both gift giving and receiving. However, some families in the South community lack the financial means necessary to enjoy this part of the season the way other people do, calling for aid from other members of the community.

For freshman Jennifer Vargas and her family, their holidays do not revolve around extravagant gifts, but rather spending time with one another. According to Vargas, her family has been receiving gifts from Glenview Youth Services for quite some time, and although she recently found out that her family had been receiving this financial assistance, she explained that it has not changed her perception of

her family’s holiday experience.

“I remember a couple of weeks ago my mom told us to write a list of what we wanted [for Christmas],” Vargas said. “[My mom] took me to Youth Services, and she had our wish list, which contained what each of my family members wanted. I kind of already knew we were [receiving financial aid] because, when I was younger, we would always get toys, and now we usually just get clothes and shoes…[My family and I] are very grateful.”

With programs such as gift wrapping from Youth Services, aid to recipients like Vargas and her family also becomes very possible. According to sophomore Alexandria Shaw, holiday wrapping with Youth Services was an event she decided to participate in during her freshman year with Key Club.

“I went to [holiday wrapping] with

a bunch of friends, and it was really assistance growing up prior to attendfun because we got to actually wrap ing South. Heath explained that in the the presents for kids that otherwise past she had struggled with her fammay not be receiving any [presents] ily’s financial situation in comparison that year,” Shaw said. “It felt good to to her peers, so they use the holiday be able to give back to so many people; season to bond instead of sharing gifts.

“I remember two years ago when there were tons and tons of presents to was in eighth be wrapped.. [The “I feel like I was help- Igrade, Uggs were holidays] aren’t all ing out [others] by do- the new thing, about receiving. I think it’s imporing the wrapping, and and all my friends would say, ‘Oh, I tant to give back to I have been in [the re- got Ugg boots and others, too.”

Similar to Varcipient’s] shoes at one a 200 dollar gift and a new gas, sophomore point, so I know how card, game set’, and Anna Widner* has they feel too.” they would just received finankeep [adding to] cial aid through - sophomore their list,” Heath holiday wrapAnna Widner* said. “It was hard ping with Youth when my friends would always show Services in past years. Widner exme pictures of their presents and wear plained how growing up, her family new clothes. They were so excited.” was not as financially stable as they However, Heath now explains how are now, so they would receive the her perspective has changed drastigifts through the organization. cally, and for Christmas, she no lon“[Youth Services] brought so ger has a desire to receive materialismuch joy to my family and I because we all thought we weren’t going to tic items. Heath noted how she enjoys not actually receiving tangible gifts, get Christmas presents that year,” but rather receiving through her exWidner said. “To know that we got periences she shares with friends and [presents] through volunteers and family throughout the holiday season. schools, we just felt so blessed. I did “I don’t have that feeling I had holiday wrapping last year, and it when I was in middle school about just made me think, ‘They did this for me when I was younger.’ I felt gifts or really see the meaning in presents,” Heath said. “I have nothing on like I was helping out [others] by domy Christmas list; I’m just excited to ing the wrapping, and I have been in [the recipients’] shoes at one spend time [with my family]...We all know that we are each other’s best point, so I know how they feel.”

Sophomore Jessica Heath* shares friends and since we are family, we the same sentiments as the Vargas and can always trust each other, especially Widner families regarding the holi- during the holidays.” days, as she has also received financial *names have been changed

Beside the religious aspect that is associated with some holiday events this season, there is also the gift-giving tradition. However, it can be difficult to provide gifts for everyone without losing your entire wallet in December. That being said, I searched through Pinterest and found a few affordable DIY gifts for the people in your life.

Ornaments In the past few weeks, I’ve seen the ornament copied, except using cookie dough ingredients. I recommend that you use a mason jar instead. Though I haven’t created this yet, I can imagine that it would be extraordinarily difficult to try and funnel the supplies into it. The mason jar would allow more ingredients, without the mess.

Candy Wreaths The wreath-like shape makes it a perfect holiday gift. This gift could be adjusted seasonally. Make this gift by going to a craft store and buying circular styrofoam. To attach the candy, staple the wrappers onto the styrofoam.

Mason Jars They are the best thing to have this holiday season: Mason jars. You can tailor them to specific people.

This gift is customizable to match the personality of your friend, because that is more personal and thoughtful than a gift card will ever be.

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons

features

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Dec. 18, 2015

Explicit material distorts reality, influences minors someone’s future.

“I find that when people watch that stuff, it’s just because they’re curious, and through ANNE MARIE YURIK that curiosity, they find out what they like, but co-features editor I don’t think that [determines] what people Eyes fixed on the glowing LEDs of a computer are definitely going to do in the future,” Clark screen, pictures, posts and comments blur away said. “I don’t think that causes sex addictions as the mouse scrolls farther into updated status- or causes people to do things [they wouldn’t es. Just as one’s eyes glaze over from the famil- normally do.]”

The unfamiliarity of sexually-explicit coniarity of it all, a picture of a half-naked woman is displayed across the screen. The image did not re- tent that used to exist in adolescents has quire searching, and it is present in minors’ social greatly diminished. According to social worker David Hartman, this is due to widespread media more than some may realize.

As social media changes itself to become a larg- availability via the internet and the influx of er part of a teenager’s life, explicit content is con- communication outlets such as social media stantly present, many times suggested for adults and television that make sexually explicit conabove the age of 18. In today’s society, sexually- tent much more available for minors.

“There’s a natural curiosity about sexual acexplicit material can be consumed via radio, television and other social media, according to junior tivity [...] that is good for us as humans to naviCady Sommer. She believes that its prevalence gate, and that curiosity could be about somecauses adolescents to not think twice about what thing other than sex too,” Hartman said.

Similarly, Sommer does not feel the need to they are hearing, seeing or watching with regards search or watch to explicit content.

“There’s a natural curiosity about sexually-explic“It’s so ingrained in it material besociety now that it’s like sexual activity [...] that is good cause she finds that I don’t really think twice for us as humans to navigate, the material does not when it happens,” Sommer said. “Like I know and that curiosity could be about portray the truth.

She believes that it back in the 1900s [...], something other than sex too.” is overdone and does it was so taboo to talk not demonstrate re- social worker David Hartman about anything having ality. to do with sex, but now “I just don’t, personally, find it attractive,” Sompeople are so open about discussing it and actually hearing it on the radio and seeing it on TV, so mer said. “I’m not going to go on Pornhub and I feel like [that change] made it so we’re not really search for it. [...] If I come across it in a TV show, more comfortable with it, but in a way, it’s more I’m not going to make a huge effort and be like, ‘Oh my god, it’s porn! I can’t watch this!’ And turn it nonchalant.”

According to senior Deborah Clark*, because off, but, you know, if it happens, it happens.”

The effect of explicit material on a developing sexually-explicit material is extremely prevalent in society, it’s hard to always avoid the material. adolescent’s brain can also be problematic, accordHaving intentionally viewed explicit content be- ing to Hartman, because it can cause their minds fore, Clark believes this material does not define to perceive what they are seeing on social media JOHN SCHURER co-news editor

Illustration by Grace O’Malley

to be common practice. According to a study completed in the Kaiser Family Foundation, 76 percent of teens stated that non-marital sex is more common because of the constant exposure to normalized explicit content on television and movies.

“I’ll use the word traumatizing, which is more than I really think is true, but it can be traumatizing [for] a kid to see certain things,” Hartman said. “And you never know what you’re going to see, it can be semi-abusive; there can be fetishes, there can be all sorts of things that, for consenting adults, maybe are fine. But it’s a small segment of the population. You have no idea; if you’re looking at that as a 12-year-old on the internet, that’s a small, tiny little segment of the population.”

For students who decide to watch explicit material, Hartman urges them to understand that their experiences have the potential to be totally differ-

ent from what they are watching. He also strongly suggests that as soon as someone has questions or views explicit content, they talk to someone that they trust.

“I think, if you’re watching it, don’t presume that it’s either A: normal, or B: anything similar to any [...] sexual activity that you’ll ever have in your life; maybe it will be, but maybe it won’t be too,” Hartman said. “I would say if you’re seeing that or if you have questions, talk to people you know. I’m always [available], talk to your parents if you’re seeing it or looking at it or concerned or questioning. I think sometimes with porn, we don’t even tell our friends that we’ve seen it. So again, I think anything that happens in a vacuum is potential-

ly problematic.”

*name has been changed

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This ‘n That Coffee House brings mellow performances JOSIE SCHNEIDER staff reporter

This ‘n That Coffee House is an event that transforms the small South choir room into a chill, coffee house ambiance. It’s an event hosted for the second time by GBS vocal jazz group, Scat That. The event took place on Nov. 19. It welcomed all performers into an acoustic atmosphere, according to Andrew Toniolo, one of This ‘n That’s sponsors.

This ‘n That was originally created when Toniolo and Martin Sirvatka, both teachers in South’s Music Department, realized Scat That lacked performances for themselves until the Variety Show, according to Toniolo. However, it was soon made clear that a concert with only performances from Scat That would result in a very short show. Therefore, different acts were then recruited to audition, which then allowed all students to participate, according to Toniolo.

Junior Grace Cepeda, who performed at This ‘n That, has been in choir since she was a freshman and said this event is very different than other performances.

“It was originally intended for people who aren’t in extracurricular groups, for people who really don’t get a chance to shine,” Cepeda said.

“Because sometimes in the choir department, it’s easy for the same people to get solo, after solo, after solo.”

Junior Adna Mujovic, who has been involved with the Coffee House for both years, agrees with Cepeda.

“I know there can be a lot of exclusion in our school because we have so much talent and it’s hard to cover every single person,” Mujovic said. “So having that one more opportunity throughout the school year, where I get to hear people I don’t normally hear, makes me feel very grateful.”

This ‘n That is a mix between an open-mic night and a variety show, according to Sirvatka.

“It’s similar [to the Variety Show] in that they come up with their own acts and they rehearse themselves until the

GIRLS ‘N SYNC: Singing the song “Mind Over Matter,” sophomores Katharine Springer, Claire Valenziano and Lily Reighard participate in the This ‘n That Coffee House. The event allowed students, who normally don’t get many chances to perform, to sing in a casual environment in the choir room. Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

very end [of their rehearsal time],” Sirvatka said. “It’s smaller in scope, a little more intimate, a little more coffee house-like.”

However, unlike the V-Show, This ‘n That is solely acoustic and soft spoken music, according to Cepeda.

She adds that the show is a very laidback environment, which differentiates it from other performances.

“It’s definitely not a heavy, hard, rock concert or anything because it is more of a coffee house vibe,” Cepeda said. “So if you like acoustic music or if you like more soft-spoken, more kind of down to earth music [you would enjoy the show].”

Also, unlike the V-Show, This ’n That is a smaller experience altogether, according to Cepeda.

“Here, it’s not as much of a production,” Cepeda said.

“Students are given a lot more freedom. So, [Sirvatka] kind of just let’s us do what we want with a song.”

The show itself takes place in the choir room, where baked goods and coffee are offered, according to Sirvatka. He describes the room resembling a small coffee house, with round tables and electronic candles. According to Mujovic, the atmosphere is the best part.

“My favorite part of the event is how they transform the choir room,” Mujovic said. “They add different colored lights and

THE SPOTLIGHT MOMENT:

Sitting on a classic coffeehouse stool, senior Maddie Baxter performed “I’m Through with Love” for an audience of about 50 people at This ‘n That Coffee House.

This was Baxter’s first time performing at the This ‘n That Coffee House, but she has been involved in South’s choir department for four years. Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

dim everything else and have little cess] for the [opportunity] for them snacks, and I just love the environ- to be successful,” Sirvatka said. “It ment it gives.” might not be perfectly polished, but This ‘n That is described as a very we see potential and then we kind of inviting atmosphere, according to coach them and [help them] grow Cepeda. She explains how, as a per- through the process.” former, she feels less pressure than Toniolo explains how the individshe might in a larger show, such as ual or group of students prepares an the V-show. Mualmost-perfect jovic agreed and “It is more of a coffee act, then parsaid that it’s a takes in an auhouse vibe. So if you dition, which more fun environment. like acoustic music or is followed by “It’s a great opsesif you like more soft- asioncoaching portunity,” Mujowith either spoken, more kind of Toniolo or Sirvic said. “It’s also really low-key, so down to earth music vatka, which is there isn’t high a technique also [you would enjoy the used in the Vpressure in terms of performing. It’s Show. show].” not really formal “We try to -junior Grace Cepeda help them beif you’re thinking of attending. It’s a come more convery chill environment.” fident in their performance aspect,” Sirvatka agrees with Cepeda and Toniolo said. “We aren’t looking for Mujovic, adding how the intimacy of people who have constantly perthe room adds to the overall experi- formed since they were five, we are ence. looking for the people who are iffy “It’s just a great opportunity to about the whole thing.” sing and to perform in a safe enviToniolo’s advice is that this event ronment,” Sirvatka said. “But it’s should be viewed as an experience. just really cool because the audience “You’ve got nothing to lose,” Tois kind of close, you can see them. In niolo said. “It’s only going to help some ways it’s a little scarier than on you. It’s for the nervous people. It’s a stage, because you can actually see for the people who are on the fence. the people you’re singing for.”

The people who love to sing music The show is limited to a maxi- at home, or by themselves, or with mum of 90 minutes, and was divided a brother or sister, but might be just into sections, according to Toniolo. [...] slightly nervous about singing He explains how in each section, in front of a room full of a hundred there was an introduction, followed people. That’s exactly what this is by four acts. for.”

“Scat That [...] kind of hosts it,” Sirvatka commented that the Sirvatka said. “So they come out and great thing about this event is the sing a number, [and] they introduce ability it gives him to invite new stuparticular numbers. Then, after the dents into the choir department. whole thing is over, Scat That comes “There were several people [who back out on stage and sings two performed] that we had never seen numbers themselves.” before, and now we’re going to see Being in choir is unnecessary in if they’d be interested in joining our terms of performing or attending choir department,” Sirvatka said. the show, according to Sirvatka. He “[The performers] are really talentacknowledges that this is beneficial ed and creative although they didn’t for the choir department in terms of have a lot of experience performfinding talent not yet a part of choir ing, and we had to teach them about and possibly recruiting said talent. that. They were still really talented “We look [in the auditioning pro- kids.”

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Battle of the Bands unveils new talents, supports charity on stage prior to the occasion. Sanchez says junior Sammy Cowhey, the band’s bass guitarist, motivated him to perform.

Battle of the Bands, hosted by Interact Club “[Cowhey] was pushing for [me to play] the enon Dec. 4, raised over $700 for Saint Philip’s meal tire time,” Sanchez said. “I started off [telling Cowkitchens. The annual event provided an opportu- hey], ‘I don’t know man; I’m really nervous,’ but nity for South students to rock out to music per- I’m really glad I [performed].” formed by their peers.

Like Sanchez, junior Jack Whetstone sang on According to Interact Treasurer Jake Bertog, stage for the first time at Battle of the Bands. AcInteract runs the ins and outs of the battle and cording to Whetstone, he did not intend to perseveral other tasks needed in order for it to run form, but at the event, sophomore Will Okuno smoothly. asked Whetstone and two others to sing “Car Ra“[For] pretty much all of the [other] events that dio” by Twenty One Pilots while he played the keywe participate in, we are working with another or- board. ganization that provides most of the utilities that “I wanted to be able to say, ‘I went up on stage we need for the event,” Bertog said. “This event and I [performed],’” Whetstone said. is special because the leaders need to put in a lot Senior Eli Joseph had prior experience performmore work to reserve the cafeteria, get all the mi- ing in Battle of the Bands. This year he played guicrophones [...] and contact [performers] to make tar for four acts: Zeitgeist, Paisley, Hometown Risure that they are all coming. It’s, overall, a pretty vals and Rage Against the Machine. big event for us to run because we need to do it According to Joseph, he feeds off of the energy from the ground up.” that the audience gives out when performing.

According to Interact President Sydney De“When people cheer for you and root for you Horn, one thing that makes the battle enjoyable to play, it gets [you] really pumped [and] really is that the students discovenergized,” Joseph said. “I er something new about “When people cheer for like playing and having the their peers and are able to crowd respond.” you and root for you to During his act covering discover new sides of their friends.

Against the Machine’s play, it gets [you] really Rage “I think what makes this “Bulls on Parade,” Joseph pumped [and] really en- was faced with an obstacle event special is that there are a lot of people in this that threatened the perforergized.” school that you might not mance. However, despite the know are musically talent- Senior Eli Joseph sudden falter, he was able to ed, and I think that [Battle recover. of the Bands] is a really great opportunity to see “I took my slide and started banging it against their talents,” DeHorn said. my guitar, and then the string snapped,” Joseph One band that took the stage was Hometown said. “I thought it was really cool, but then I was Rivals. Junior Alec Sanchez, the band’s vocalist, like, ‘Oh, how am I going to finish the song?’ But says that this was his first time performing at Bat- we pulled through.” tle of the Bands and that he had never performed Senior Bridget Fogarty performed with the AAKASH BHOJWANI staff reporter

STRUMMIN’ SEWALL: Performing “Cigarettes and Saints” by The Wonder Years, senior Joey Sewall starts off singing slowly before powerfully breaking out into pop-punk. Sewall took the stage with his bands Psycho Active, The Fricks and Rage Against the Machine. Photo by Rachel Nwia

band Bilbo’s Last Song. The band took the stage for the closing act and performed “Closing Time” by Semisonic.

Fogarty says that she admires how Interact was able to unite the school for a good cause.

“I think it’s really cool that so many people come together to hear all the talent that we have at South and [that] we are able to come together through Interact,” Fogarty said. “I think it’s great to have a good time for a good cause.”

After all the bands performed, those in attendance voted on a winner from the battle. Band X, consisting of freshman Jack Sundstrom, bass gui-

tarist; sophomore Jack Quinones, lead guitarist; freshman Amil Dravid, drummer; and senior Adam Ley, keyboardist, won first place for their perfomance of Rush’s “YYZ.” Both Sundstrom and Quinones express that they did not expect to win because three members of their band are underclassmen, but they were happy with the outcome. “[Battle of the Bands] was really fun for me because I don’t really get that many opportunities to perform,” Quinones said. “It was really unexpected for [our band] to win, so that was just really a pleasant surprise.”

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Student rappers express themselves through music mixtape last year, receiving positive feedback and having people enjoy his music, he felt validated as a rapper. Despite what may happen after high While many high school students are awake school, rap will always be a passion and a hobby until the early hours of the morning completing for McCann. homework, projects, studying or surfing the inter“Some people think that [rap] makes you apnet, some students are writing and recording their pear as a bigger person than you are [...], but rap own rap music. For senior Connor McCann, rap is music lets me be someone I’m not, but at the same one of the most popular forms of music right now, time, be who I am the most,” McCann said. and South students can test their creativity by creAccording to senior *Nick Park who has both ating their own beats and lyrics. produced for other rappers and rapped himself, Rap music is about relating to others and giving rapping is an issue about image. According to Park, the people a voice, according to McCann. Any genre the people who are the best at rapping are the ones of music can serve as an escape for people, but rap who rap just to make music. A number of South specifically gives people an outlet and something students who rap do it for popularity or to fit in, to look forward which takes away from to, McCann extrue meaning and “I feel like by using music, we the plains. Accordroots of rap music, Park can express ourselves. You can explained. ing to junior Kenny Mathew, rap really troubles me impact someone’s life with mu- that“Itcertain helps people get types of art new ideas and be sic and I thought, ‘I want to do are valued more than creative. others, in this society that with my music.’” “[I began rapspecifically,” Park said. ping because] I Rap plays a specif-junior Kenny Mathew just wanted to ic position in different talk about stuff,” societies and cultures, Mathew said. “I felt like, [for] my whole life, I according to Park. Although people in poverty couldn’t do [anything] about stuff that was going were oppressed, they found a voice and an outlet on in the world. I feel like [by] using music we can through rap music, Park explained. express ourselves. You can impact someone’s life “Those people didn’t have a voice,” Park said. with music and I thought, ‘I want to do that with “This was back in about the ‘60s, and people still my music.’” oppress them today. That outlet is permanently inAccording to McCann, there is more to rap than fused with rap because that’s the big idea: [that] what most people think. Giving less fortunate peo- those people’s ideas are finally being heard. It’s a ple a voice is one of the most rewarding aspects of story of the individuals rising up.” being a rapper, McCann explained.

Rappers try to use their artistic talents to help “[Rap] gives these kids, and everybody else, others recognize all forms of art equally, according a voice that nobody would be listening to if they to Park. What keeps others from appreciating it is couldn’t make music,” McCann said. “Nobody re- that they don’t view it as a form of art. ally cares about what the kid who is growing up in “I created a poster for [another student’s Stupoverty has to say until he makes people listen to dent Council campaign] in Photoshop, and I posted him, and I think that’s what it really does. It makes it on Facebook and it got about 90 likes or so, it got people listen to the people you never would have immense popularity,” Park said. “A day later, [a difotherwise listened to.” ferent student] contacted me and [asked for help According to McCann, after releasing his first creating a rap for their campaign]. So we recorded

EMMA MORRIS staff reporter

it and put it up [and we got] instant hate [and] in- ways [giving] people the power, giving people new stant backlash. And it just lends insight into how ideas, giving people ways to express themselves,” backwards that is that some people think that rap Mathew said. is inferior to any other type of art.”

Rapping can also bring students closer to their According to Park, the main idea of all forms of friends and other people who support them, acart is to express oneself, and rap is just one form of cording to Mathew. The constant support from creativity. Everyone has a passion or a hobby, and it peers, who at the same time push him out of his is a disservice to others to look down on anything comfort zone, have helped him reach this point. that brings another person joy or is a form of self- McCann agrees with this sentiment, explaining expression, Park explained. how his friends encourage his passion.

Rappers receive a lot of disdain and are judged “My friends definitely support me,” McCann in modern day society, according to McCann. Peo- said. “A lot of people used to make fun of me and ple who rap deserve as much credit and positive they used to say, ‘You’re never going anywhere recognition as any other artists McCann explained. with this’. I think I’ve done a good job hopefully of “I think people should, before they start to hate proving them wrong.” on somebody for rapping, realize that [rappers] *names have been changed are pursuing their dreams and while you may not like that yourself, this is life to some people,” McCann said. “Before you are quick to judge them, think about what their position is, think about how they’ve grown up, how they’ve lived, and just think before you judge. You’re going to be regretting it one day if you’re real quick to judge these kids.”

Mathew explains how the power of rap, and music as a whole, inspires people and is something everyone can relate to. He explains how his own rap lyrics are mainly about society and things people can relate to, whether it is a common struggle people have shared, or good times people have celebrated together.

MAGIC MIXTAPE: Under the rap name of Yung CZ (formerly known as C-Zure), se“Rap can empower nior Connor McCann published his mixtape, A Statement, on SoundCloud May 16.

McCann and other rappers at South rap as a creative outlet and to connect with the people, like music, any people and world around them, according to McCann. Photo courtesy of Connor McCann kind of music, it’s just al-

Affordable fashion inspiration for the holiday, winter season HANNAH MASON co-editor-in-chief

My next outfit is definitely my favorite. It consists of a beige turtleneck sweater and pleather leggings, both from Nordstrom. The sweater, which is extremely comfy, cost me about $28 and the price is the same for the leggings. I’ve been trying for the past couple years to find some kind of pleather clothing, but haven’t found anything that worked until now. To finish the outfit, I bought this adorable maroon winter hat from Garage for $20. Regarding shoes, I think it can vary based on your style. I would opt for my black and gold boots. For me, this is the perfect outfit for when I’m hanging out in the city with friends during winter break.

Photos by Sophie Mason

My first outfit is perfect for a holiday party. It’s a deep green dress, to match the holiday theme colors, with black tights and topped with a multi-colored blanket scarf. It was a reasonably cheap outfit with the dress costing about $15 from Forever 21 and the scarf about $25 from Von Maur. I’m really happy about my scarf purchase because it’s something I’ve wanted for a while and it can be worn in so many different ways. For shoes, I plan on wearing my high-heeled black boots. They’ll be good when walking through the snow, and they also match the outfit perfectly.

They can be found at Target for about $30.

My last outfit can fit for really any occasion, whether it be holiday gift shopping, hanging out with friends or going out for a special event. It consists of a long-sleeved maroon shirt topped with a furry cream vest. I plan to wear jeans with it and my Sorel snow boots. The vest is from Von Maur and cost about $40, the long sleeve was about $10 from Forever 21, the jeans are by Viggos from Nordstrom and cost about $60, and the boats cost $100. It’s casual, yet it can also be dressed up. While it seems like this outfit costs a large sum, I think with savvy shopping the same clothing can be found at cheaper prices elsewhere.

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DE LA WHO: Dropping with the beat, De La Cru dances center stage for this year’s Dance Show, Spark. Led by seniors Grace Yang and Madeline Sprowls, De La Cru performs modern hip-hop stlyes of dance, oftentimes in combination with other styles from their male dancers, who did not perform in the Dance Show. Photo by Jacqueline DeWitt

Annual Dance Show sparkles in spotlight JOHN PARK & MEGAN SHEQILADZE staff reporters

The December Dance Show is an event where ballet meets hip-hop and Latin culture. This year’s show, Spark, which is hosted by Orchesis, and included De La Cru, Latino Heat and Poms.

For Orchesis, the Dance Show is the only performance they are involved in. Orchesis is a no-cut club that focuses on various styles of dance. Performances range from a big group performance to small groups. Preparation for the show starts on the second week of school.

As the show grows closer, the rehearsals get longer, according to Katharine Springer, sophomore De La Cru member. Rehearsal times are different for each group and vary based on how close the show date is.

“Days of dress rehearsals, I’ll be at school until probably 9-9:30ish,” Springer said. “It can be stressful if you don’t organize your school work, but I like the feeling of being busy if it means that our team will be able to have a good performance.”

Putting on a good show and their love for dance is what makes all the work worth it. Amanda Angulo, junior Orchesis member, appreciates the Dance Show because it gives the group a chance to perform in front of

others. nificance because it was one of many “Performing is always a fun expe- shows the team would dance in. rience. Just knowing that there are “For Orchesis, [Dance Show] is people watching you and enjoying the main thing,” Schwartz-Dodek something that you are good at is a said. “There’s a lot more numbers great feeling and it makes me feel re- and that’s what you’ve been preparally happy,” Angulo said. ing for. With Poms, you’d dance then According to Angulo, for her, stage do something else, but for Orchesis, fright is practically nonexistent. Al- that’s our big moment.” though nervous, she tries to have a Before Spark makes its debut, all good time on stage with her fellow of the dancers participate in a group performers. tradition backstage. According to “Everything becomes automatic... junior Katie MacQuarrie, the dancI just like to emers all unite to “Dancing is a form of ex- get excited and brace that moment of being pression. Everyone who’s thank their suon stage with danced will tell you that.” pervisors. all those lights “We each re-Leah Schwartz-Dodek on you and enceive a Dove joy the feeling of chocolate, and dancing. That’s when it becomes fun,” most of us keep the quote inside the Angulo said. rapper by the rose we all receive,” Senior Leah Schwartz-Dodek, one MacQuarrie said. “The captains presof the Orchesis captains, says that ent our two amazing supervisors, Ms. her passion for dancing allows her to Lasky and Ms. Cain, with gifts and relieve stress. then we do the Hokey-Pokey to get “Dancing is a form of expression,” excited before the show begins.”

Schwartz-Dodek said. “Everyone who Senior CJ Castro joined Latino dances will tell you that. Obvious- Heat, who also participated in the ly school is hard and there’s a lot of Dance Show, last year, and shared a stress from outside things. Then you passion he has for dancing. His ingo to dance, and that’s all you do. You volvement in Latino Heat is both a forget about whatever is happening. creative and cultural outlet for him.

It’s just a good way to escape the real “I think that what is motivating world.” me now is the rush I get when I’m on Schwartz-Dodek also notes that stage,” Castro said. “I had a lot of fun the Dance Show holds special signifi- performing in Dance Show as well as cance in the eyes of Orchesis. When V-Show and other events last year as she performed in the dance show for well as made great friends.”

Poms her freshman year, SchwartzLatino Heat is a traditional LatDodek recalled, there was less sig- in dance troupe. This year, Latino

Heat performed a new style of dance known as the Cumbia, a Colombian dance chosen by the two captains, seniors Gisell Montesinos and Luis Alonso. The group also got an updated wardrobe to pair with their new dance, according to Alonso.

“This year, Dr. Shellard came over to our section after school, and took out his computer and said, ‘You guys can pick any wardrobe because I really like the new dance that you guys are doing, Cumbia,’” Alonso said.

Unlike the other dance groups, Latino Heat strictly dances in pairs. The group focuses on a Latin style of traditional ballroom dancing, filling the stage with pairs of dancers.

“It’s a lot of pressure because it’s really hard to get seven couples to get timing right, but once we have it, it looks just beautiful,” Alonso said.

Montesinos hopes that the dance show will be a step toward their ultimate goal of making the V-show.

“There are a lot of new members this year,” Montesinos said. “So at dance show, we’re just trying to make sure everyone gets this, [that they] get the timing, and they have fun overall.”

Brian Shaoul, Latino Heat sponsor, said that another goal that the group has is to expose Latin culture to the community. “[Spark] offers an opportunity for the school and the community to experience traditional dancing and it allows the students to display their Latino pride as far as expressing themselves artistically,” Shaoul said.

SHINE AND SWAY: Reaching towards the lights, varsity members of Poms fill the stage and dance in unison, staring in one of Pom’s two performances (Left). Posing in pairs, couples from Latino Heat perform their Colombian dance, the Cumbia, in their newly updated wardrobe (Right). The groups both starred in the Dance Show on Dec 11. Photos by Jacqueline DeWitt

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BEAMING BALANCERS: Mid-cartwheel, sophomore Chloe Nourbash performs her beam routine at the Titan Quad (left). Focusing on keeping her blalance, sophomore Ellie Barberies holds the splits during her beam routine. The girls have a current record of 4-1 and look to perform well in conference. Photos by Ashley Clark

Women’s gymnastics looks to better record after losing gymnasts KATHRYN SULLIVAN staff reporter CASSIDY JACKSON asst. sports editor

The varsity women’s gymnastics team has kicked off the 2015-2016 season with a record of 4-1.

Despite the loss of past state qualifiers Hannah Hartley and Julia Stadler the team is committed to advancing through conference, sectionals and eventually state, according to junior Katie Wahl. Wahl points out the women’s weaknesses that are in the team’s way.

“We would love to have [Hartley and Stadler], but I think we can focus on ourselves to improve,” Wahl said. “Our strength is that everyone has their own personal strengths that compliment each other. Our weakness is that we are not deep, so we are vulnerable if something goes wrong or if someone gets hurt. We will just be another team out there ready to fight.”

Vulnerability to injury is evidenced

by Wahl’s concussion at the Dec. 8 Evanston meet. Wahl hit her head on bars, putting her out for weeks.

“We knew that if someone got hurt, we would need to find people that are in junior varsity and freshman/ sophomore to come up,” Wahl said.

As a consequence of low depth and Wahl’s injury, head coach Stephen Gale and the team lean heavily on top scorers, specifically seniors.

“I put a lot of stock in senior leadership on the team,” Gale said. “[They] have a big responsibility to carry on the traditions of the girls’ program.”

The Titan Quad Meet win against Vernon Hills and Wheeling kicked off the season. This meet was a symbol of the reunited team, according to senior Ella Voss.

Despite the win, Wahl comments that the meet revealed areas of needed improvement, but she personally avenged previous mistakes.

“We were shaky, so it showed what we have to improve,” Wahl said. “[But on my] bar routine, on club I didn’t do [well], so I was able to redeem myself.”

The girls then got a win against rival GBN, on Dec. 3. Sophomore Bebe Haramaras sees it as being a good meet for the team.

Wahl adds that the girls’ positive mind-set walking in benefitted them and pinpoints the win being due to determination.

“We went in with the mindset that we have to focus on our routines,” Wahl said. “You have no control over what the other team does.

Our drive sticks out. ” According to Wahl, the next win at Evanston was disastrous and the one goal was to survive.

“I got my concussion that meet and Bebe was sick, so we wanted to just get through it,” Wahl said.

The win was verified through Haramaras stepping up at the end, despite her sickness.

“I was sick and when [Wahl] got hurt, my coach was going to pull someone up from JV, but I volunteered to do it to make sure we got enough points to win,” Haramaras said.

As a result of Wahl’s injury, the team took 5th at the GBN invite.

Last year, the team took 1st.

“Last season all six of us were ready to go,” Wahl said. “A combo of not having depth and me being out, made trying to put up extra scores hard. New Trier was the team to watch.”

BEBE ON THE BAR: Preparing for her dismount, sophomore Bebe Haramaras completes a full swing, called a Giant, as part of her bar routine. Bebe’s average score on the bar is a 7.48 and a 33.90 all around.

Photos by Ashley Clark

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GEORGIA ARVANITIS co-sports editor

During her fourth year on the varsity cheerleadering team, Emily Weiss, senior captain and all conference athlete, hopes the team will advance to state for the first time.

Ballin’ Boys: Looking for an opening , Junior Matt Genacopolous (#23) makes a move in front of a defender (left). Senior captain Jimmy Martinelli (#33) jumps to shoot a three in front of New Trier defender (right). The Titans aim to place top three in conference. Photos by Sophie Mason

Titans look to fix inconsistency for conference CASSIDY JACKSON asst. sports editor

The men’s basketball team walked into the 2015-16 season with two goals: place top three in conference and go to the regional championship, according to senior captain Jimmy Martinelli.

With five games played and a record of _, Head coach Ben Widner identifies the inconsistency as an obstacle.

“We’re trying to prove everything to ourselves, because we’ve been inconsistent,” Widner said.

“We have to stay positive, because [you can’t] give up, you’ve got to keep going and not let those losses hold you back.”

In contrast, senior Daniel Jenkins points to the team’s strength, experience.

“Last year we were a young team with four seniors, so it was a progress year,” Jenkins said. “Now we have four returning starters and nine seniors, so team composition should help.

Seniors show the amount of team experience.”

According to Jenkins, team experience wasn’t shown in the first two losses of the season to Lake Forest and Benet. In the Lake Forest game, the boy’s

struggled to maintain a lead, ac- a few seconds left that [St. Ignacording to Jenkins. The Benet tius] could have shot but they loss was understandable due to missed,” Giannakopoulos said.

Benet’s strength.

“It felt good to be the one that “Lake Forest was a good game got the win especially because up until the fourth quarter, then of the loss we had the day before we just let up on defense and against Lake Forest.” we weren’t able to get a lot of Moving on in the season, the points,” Jenkins said. “Benet was boys beat New Trier on Nov. 28 sort of a fluke; they’re one of the in a final score of 64-45. GBS utibest teams we’ve ever played and lized New Trier’s strength of agprobably will play all year.” gressiveness as their weakness, The team beat St. Ignatius says Martinelli. by one “We took p o i n t “After we beat New Trier we their agw i t h wanted to keeep the ball rolling, gressiveness an end but we couldn’t.” and used score of it against 5 9 - 5 8 . -Junior Matt Giannakopoulos them,” MarAccordtinelli said. ing to Martinelli, the win was “They were trying to attack big for the team and the winning the hoop while we were getting shot by junior Matt Giannako- steals and a bunch of turnovers..” poulos is what sticks out to him.

Widner explains that the New “St. Ignasius was ranked as Trier game served as an example 18th in the state,” Martinel- of what the team could achieve if li said. “Matt made a layup, got work and consistency were comfouled, and made a free throw, so bined behind a specific goal. we won by one point. We want to “That was a huge game for us,” win by more, but if it takes that Widner said. “We set goals before to win then it’s fine by me.” the game and we accomplished Giannakopoulos reflects on all of them. It showed that if we the winning free throw and the set goals and stay focused we can excitement associated with it. be a really good team.”

“After I hit the free throw it Right after the New Trier win, was exciting but there were still the boys took a loss to rival GBN

with the end scoreboard reading 47-51. Junior George Arvanitis points to team motivation and the energy as being the primary reason of the loss.

“They came out a lot stronger than us, and they looked like they wanted to win...They tried harder, hustled, we just didn’t try for it,” Arvanitis said.

Giannakopoulos said the loss was hard to accept, since the boys wanted to keep the winning roll going after beating New Trier.

“That was a hard loss to take because we definitely should have won,” Giannakopoulos said.

“After we beat New Trier, we just wanted to keep that ball rolling, [but] we couldn’t.”

The team then lost to New Trier on Dec. 8 with the score reading 40-49. Widner acknowledges the loss as being another hard one to accept and points out the factors that played into the loss.

“They will always be a good team but we have to be able to bounce back,” Widner said. “Our biggest thing was we weren’t able to handle the ball, we got thirty turnovers. An issue for us, is their team size allows them to cover more ground offensively and be a better rebounding team.”

Men’s Hockey fights to overcome team inexperience GEORGIA ARVANITIS co-sports editor

The men’s varsity hockey team took a fall to Glenbrook North on Nov. 25, making their record 14-9.

According to Matt Grinde, Senior Captain and goalie, it’s been a struggle for the team to transition this season due to the loss of 13 seniors.

“We’re young, so we’ve got a lot of maturing [to do] as hockey players...when it comes to being mentally prepared for games,” Grinde said. “Sometimes we’re more ready than others; we have to learn to be constantly ready.”

Junior captain Joey Emme adds that team

inexperience is holding the team back from season success.

“As a team we’re all there together, we’re focused but...we just don’t really have the skills that GBN does,” Emme said.

“We’re a younger team...so I mean it’s harder when we’re physically not as good.

We’re mentally there but physically we’re not as good.”

With that said, the men lost to New Trier early in the season, but Grinde thought that the team played well. Also, Grinde believes the game shows team has improved.

“Although we didn’t win, we had a good showing against New Trier,” Grinde said.

“We’ve lost 10-2 to New Trier [in the past] and [now] we lost 1-2, so

there’s a difference in the mental focus within the team on that certain day.”

In addition to the New Trier game, the team played well against Glenbrook North on Nov. 25, according to senior defenseman Luke Howland. Although they were shutout with an ending score of 3-0, the team started the game with positive energy.

“Before the game, all the alumni from previous years [talked] to us in the locker room which [helped] get us focused and energized,” Howland said. “During the game, after the first couple of shifts, the nerves started to go away and we started to focus on playing the game a lot more by working hard and scoring goals.”

Emme points out the Ice, Ice Baby: Focusing on the puck, positive influence the junior Luke Pagano keeps an eye on the GBN big turnout provided puck in order to score against GBN on Nov. 25. Pagano hopes to finish the season for the team at the game. with a conference win. Photo by Ashley Clark “The second period was

definitely the best because we were near their net [so] our fans are right there next to us,” Emme said. “Whenever we had shots on net the fans are right there to back us up even if we didn’t score. It’s always exhilarating to play in that game because everyone’s there and hockey games don’t get as many fans usually, so [in] that game especially everyone wants to show off everything they have.”

Looking into upcoming conference, Emme attests that the team needs to improve in order stand a chance in the second round of conference and points out their difficult schedule.

“I hope we go all the way of course but our team is just younger and I think next year will be a better year for us,” Emme said. “The top teams are typically New Trier, GBN, and Loyola and in the past years we have beaten all of them. It’s very capable. We just really need to pull together as a team.”

Courtesy of Emily Weiss

What is your favorite part of cheerleading?

“I love that our team gets so close. We’re together so often we become a family. We’re always there for each other.”

What advice would you give to other GBS athletes?

“Just to continuously work hard and to not compare yourself to athletes around you.”

What were your goals this season?

“To score the highest in GBS history. Hopefully that score will get us to IHSA state for the first time. Also, to give each performance our all and be proud of everything we do.”

What was your favorite memory this season?

“My favorite memory is probably the pep rally performance. It’s always my favorite one and this year was the best. Everyone’s so into it and having a lot of fun. There’s really nothing else like it.”

What is one thing you can’t live without? “[I can’t live without] my family.”

Do you have any pregame rituals?

“Before we compete I kind of dstance myself and like to sit where it’s quiet. It helps me relax and calm my nerves.”

If you won the lottery what would you buy first?

“I would probably put it towards college, so I don’t need to worry about that later in life.

I would also give some of it to my parents.”

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BALL IS LIFE: Mid shot, senior captain Caitlin Morrison (left), makes a free throw after being fouled by a Prospect High School defender on Dec. 12. Looking past a defender, junior Carie Weinman (middle), prepares to make an overhead pass to an open teammate on the inside. Going into the air for a layup, Morrison (right), scores a basket against Prospect. Both Morrison and Weinman are returning starters. The Titans beat Prospect High School by a score of 50-39. Photos by Jacqueline DeWitt

Women’s basketball looks to improve on their success SAMANTHA CASEY co-sports editor

Starting off their season with an 9-2 record, the women’s basketball team looks to further improve on their game play, according to head coach Steve Weissenstein.

The team won the Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament by winning five games against Carmel (68-47), Grant (39-25), Highland Park (75-37), Mundelein (44-30) and Grayslake North (68-50). Senior captains Caitlin Morrison, Sarah McDonagh and junior Carie Weinman were voted onto the All-Tournament team by the coaches of the opposing teams according to Weissenstein. According to McDonagh, it was a great way to start their season, as it brought the team together.

“We came out really strong and [...] we all played as a team and everyone was really unselfish,” McDonagh said. “It was [also] really nice being voted to the all tournament [team]; it was a really big honor.”

In addition to the Mundelein Tournament, the Titans beat GBN 66-28 on Dec. 4. According to Morrison, the team was successful because they played with an aggressive defense and a smart offense.

“We passed the ball really well and played really aggressive defense,” Morrison said. “On offense we were making smart decisions and we

weren’t forcing any shots or passes that were not there. We [also] scored almost every time down on offense, so that helped us.”

Weissenstein also attributed the win to the team’s defense and ball sharing.

“It is always fun playing Glenbrook North; I thought we played really well,” Weissenstein said. “We played great defense, and we shared the ball real well. We had a lot of people score. Everyone got to play a lot, and when everyone gets to play it is just makes it a lot of fun.”

On Dec. 8, the Titans fell to New Trier by a score of 34-55. According to Weissenstein, the team’s inability to score on offense and New Trier’s 15 three-point shots contributed to the loss.

“The thing with New Trier is they have a girl that is 6’3,” Weissenstein said. “So you have to pick your poison; either let the big girl get the ball inside and make easy shots, or you are going to hope they shoot a lot of three [pointers] and don’t shoot well.

That is what we did, but unfortu-

nately they shot well.”

According to Weissenstein, the Titan’s had a chance to cut the lead down to four points or even win, as there was an eight point differential for the majority of the game. Weissenstein also wants the team to learn from their mistakes and beat the Trevians when they play New Trier again at home on Jan. 22.

According to Morrison, the Titan’s did not come out as strong against New Trier as they have been for most of the season.

“Our offense wasn’t there for us,” Morrison said. “The first half we [scored] 15 points and we usually average about 40 points [in the first half].”

The Titans also fell to Maine South (52-43) on Dec. 11 and expected a win because they had beat the Hawks the last four times they played, according to Morrison. According to McDonagh, it was hard to play against Maine South because the team had just lost Sydney Dehorn,

former senior captain and starter, and were not used to the adjusted lineup. However, McDonagh looks forward to playing Maine South again because she believes they are the better team and that they can beat the Hawks.

“We did not have a good first half, and part of that is because we had a new lineup and it’s always an adjustment when you are playing with new people, but it didn’t take us that long to figure it out,” McDonagh said. “We played really well in the second half, and although our shooting was off, we cut the difference to three [points], but it was too late.”

McDonagh believes that if the team works hard, they will be able to adjust to the new lineup and hopefully do well in playoffs. According to Weissenstein, the team needs to improve on their defense and containing dribblers. Weissenstein hopes to see improvement in each game and practice until they are the best they can be at the end of the season.

The Titans play in the Wheaton North Holiday Tournament on Dec. 21-24 and 26. Last year, the Titans came in second and a couple years ago they won the tournament, according to Weissenstein, so they hope to win the Tournament again this year.

“We have a very good team and when we do the things we are supposed to do, we can beat anybody, so our goal is to go to Wheaton and win the tournament,” Weissenstein said.

Men’s swimming starts off season with undefeated record SOPHIE HENSLEY asst. sports editor

The men’s swimming and diving team is confident in earning their fifth state trophy this year, despite the fact that they lost several state champions, according to head coach Keith MacDonald.

“We’re a very similar [and] strong team,” MacDonald said. “We lost a state champion in the sprint freestyle, so that affects our sprinting a little bit and that’s a big loss. We lost John Salomon, who was a state champion in the fiftyfree and then we also lost Aaron Ach who was one of the top divers in the state [ …] but overall, we’re really strong.”

According to MacDonald, the team placed first out of six teams in the Deerfield relays on Dec. 4.

“We broke a couple meet records which is always fun and it was the first time that [we swam in Deerfield’s new pool] so they didn’t have any pool records,” MacDonald said. “Every time we dove in, it seemed like we set a pool record because we were winning a lot of races.”

Furthermore, the men swam in the Niles West Invite and placed first out of six teams the day after Deerfield on Dec. 5. “[The Niles West Invite] was not a great meet,” MacDonald said. “We still won, but the competition wasn’t that great and we didn’t really perform all that great [either].”

BOYS ARE BACK: Going into the wall on his third length for a turn, senior Peter Dales swims his 100 yard backstroke with a time of 59.65 seconds on Dec. 11. Dales placed fifth behind other GBS swimmers, sophomore Nick Shectman and junior Thomas Kosack, who placed third and fourth. The Titans beat the Spartans 102-84 and won the Spartan Invite on Dec. 12. Photo by Ashley Clark

Sam Iida, junior state champion, also acknowledges their performance and competition at the Niles West Invite.

“The invite was an easy win, but [we like] a higher competition level,” Iida said. “We won by about eighty points, winning almost all events.

[Our] relays did alright, but one got disqualified.

Overall we could have done better, but we were all tired and pretty worn out from the week.”

Besides their winning record so far this season, the Titans have to face their toughest competitors after winter break: New Trier.

“New trier is always very tough,” MacDonald said. “We beat them at the state meet the last

couple of years and that’s quite an accomplishment because they’re very talented. However, dual meet wise, they have more depth than us, so it’s difficult for us to stay with them in a dual meet.”

Senior captain Sam Salganik notes that even though the Titans lose to New Trier in dual meets, that ultimately what happens in the championship is what matters.

“I think this year [is] going to be a very close meet with New Trier,” Salganik said. “We have a lot of great swimmers and by the time the meet [comes we’re well] into our training, so it’s always a close meet. We try not to focus too much on the dual meets against them and focus more on the championship meets in the end of the season. The past two years we have placed above them at state, so that’s our goal this year again.”

Similar to Salganik, senior captain Tommy Hagerty is optimistic that the team will go far this season in regards to their dual meets and State.

“As a team, we hope to get our fifth state trophy in ten years, which is top three,” Hagerty said.

The Titan’s next meet is at Evanston High School on Jan. 1, according to MacDonald.

“We’ll have the Evanston invitational which is almost like a mini state meet and that’s right after winter break,” MacDonald said. “It has a lot of the best teams in the state in it, so we’re looking forward to doing well in that.”