March 2009 Bark

The

Bark

Issue Number VII 3/23/09 285 E. Grand Ave. Fox Lake, IL. 60020

The Voice Of Grant Community High School

INSIDE Feeling the stress of the end of the year rush?

Turn to page 3 for some relaxation techniques The recentlyformed Book Club weighs in on its latest read, Sleeping Freshman Never Lie, on page 4

Looking for Spring Break plans? Turn to page 5 for some fun and fresh ideas

It’s not too late to apply for scholarships! Turn to page 6 for more info on the ones you won’t hear about in the classroom Alex and Paul weigh g in on the teams making their way to the Final Four.

More info on page 7

Grant spring musical will be ‘Totally Awesome’ Grab your leather jackets, leg warmers, and mullets and join the Grant Community High School spring musical cast as they present Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical.

Collin Bushing This musical Op/Ed Editor takes place in typical 80s high school, and is about a nerd boy trying to get the most popular girl in school to fall in love with him. Of course, the boy runs into some controversy.

“This musical is a whole bunch of great 80s songs thrown together to the typical high school plot,” said senior Matthew Peterson.

The cast of this musical is broken up into the high school stereotypical groups, and each group plays their special part in the plot.

The leads of this musical are the leaders of their cliques. For example, the cheerleaders are made up of senior Kelsey Peters, juniors Ashley Foreman, and Maria Brothers, and sophomore Jackie Schupple. The nerds consist of sophomore Mike Claver, junior Brandon Foreman, and freshman Dylan Clark.

The cast has been practicing very hard in order to pull off a plot like this. They practice three times a week for three hours each practice.

Not only does the cast practice, but they all get along when the time is needed, which will make the musical that much better.

Junior Amanda Bradlo said, “They’re like a family; they get along sometimes, they fight sometimes, it just depends on the days and how people are feeling.”

In addition to having to pull off

this plot, the cast has to perform some of the best songs ever made. Some of these songs include Love Shack, Material Girl, Walking on Sunshine, and Man in the Mirror.

These songs are legends, and the cast will have to put on a show that will give these songs the honor they deserve.

The cast gave everyone a sneak peek of their performance in the variety show, when they performed Footloose. That was just an example of the energy and amount of showmanship that will be given during the actual show.

Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical will be performed on April 17, 18, and 19, and then again the following weekend of April 24, 25, 26.

One of the directors of the musical, Ms. Koske, says, “I am very excited about the spring musical this year. I think it will be a huge success! Because the show includes many famous pop and rock hits from the 80’s, it appeals to a large audience. Also, the cast members are singing with lots of energy

and enthusiasm, which will make Grant’s performance even more fun!”

Come out to support the musical on the available dates and don’t forget to brush up on your favorite 80s jams. You won’t be disappointed.

“It’s a very fun musical and the songs we sing, most people will know, so everyone can sing along and enjoy themselves,” said junior Zoey Turner.

Above: The cast of Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical rehearses for opening night on April 17.

Left: Sophomore Robert Sheehan is thrown into the air during one of the cast’s rehearsals of footloose.

Right: Seniors Matt Peterson and Tim Cephus practice their moves during one of the dance rehearsals for the spring musical.

S. Francisco/The Bark

A-Team brings its A-Game to conference meet; wins trophy for Grant Grant Community High School is recognized for many things, such as football, wrestling, and overall academics.

But one thing that people forget about is the Academic Team.

Katie Loris For the first Staff Reporter time in Grant history, the A-team brought home a trophy from their Feb. 18 conference meet.

Mr. Van Alstine, varsity coach, is happy with the way that the team performed this year. “As a team we were really excited to win the school’s first trophy for A-team.

No matter how you look at it, we had a strong conference tournament and that is something to be proud of.”

In the conference meet, the team started out strong by defeating both North Chicago and Round Lake, but came across a minor setback by losing to Lakes. After defeating two out of three teams, they were qualified for the championship match, in which they faced Lakes again.

They defeated Lakes by a landslide, and became the consolation division champions of their conference.

At that particular meet, senior Alex Mascovich stood out, and won a medal for being all conference.

As the season came to a close, the team held a record of 11-12, an almost even amount of wins and losses, but they held up well against some tough teams.

“I feel that our meet at Libertyville was the most difficult because we had to go against Libertyville, Stevenson, and Lake

Forest,” said senior Andrew Noffke.

Others on the team felt the same way. “It was the most difficult because of the level of competition we faced. We lost all three matches, proving that the meet was quite hard,” said senior John Gray.

In preparation for conference, senior Ben Ranes tried to clear his mind for the meet, and focused on getting work done while at practices.

Junior Stephanie Oehrlein felt that the team improved throughout the season, as it does every year. It was all a matter of getting back into “academic team mode” in the beginning of the season, and moving on from there.

The A-Team is extremely proud of its accomplishments, and looks forward to going even farther in the future.

March 23, 2009

The Bark

The Bark Staff Editors-in-Chief Meital Caplan Rachel Seminara Section Editors Collin Bushing Jordyn L. Boyles Lydia Wells Chief Photographer Shayla Francisco Staff Reporters Alex Carr Stephanie Dogan Katie Loris Paul Kudowski Hayley Pallock Emily Paddock Monserrat Martinez Jeshanah Smith Meagan Stephenson Essence Tillery Kingston Warren

Advisor Mr. Beverly

Mission Statement It is the mission of The Bark to give a voice to students and to provide those students a public forum for student expression. The Bark is written with the intention to give students and faculty information fairly and impartially.

We believe that only when a student body is informed can it be happy, safe, and given the freedom it deserves.

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Opinions & Editorials Thinking of faking sick today, think again Ironically enough, one could compare both the current economy and our school attendance records at the moment: both are plummeting, and plummeting fast.

Why? We’ve all done it before: wake up and look at the clock, sneeze and cough a few times for mom, and then scramble back and hide under the covers until noon.

This behavior has become so common for high school students that swarms of students are calling in sick for the most minor of symptoms.

Between sleeping, watching t.v., checking your Myspace, and digging into the Ben & Jerry’s when you’re supposed to be ‘resting’, have you ever stopped to think about how your frequent absences affect your school work?

Taking off when you aren’t even sick—or just want a personal day—will only hurt you in the long run. No amount of Sparknotes or copying off of others can come close to actually learning in a classroom from

a teacher.

Every day at school is an opportunity to learn—a costly one, that is. All in all, taxpayers in Fox Lake are spending pending nearly $5,601 on each student. Compare pare that to how many studentss miss school during the year..

Even without a calculator, thatt number seems big.

Another startling g piece of information is thatt students who are absent 15 5 days on average per year willl miss about a year of learning g before they graduate. Nearly y 100,000 teens miss 20 dayss or more of school per year. This is beginning to look like an epidemic pidemic of massive proportions, a group p of kids who have not received the full fourr years of high school.

Missing this much amountt off school h l puts the individual at a great disadvantage in the quest for college, a job, and a life. The fact

that in many places of the world, children and teens cannot even afford the basic materials such as pencils and paper is startling. It doesn’t impoverished parts of doesn t just happen in impov do the world, either; it can happen to the kid next door.

Missing school for reasons sch other than actuall actually being sick is more th than just cheating yourself.

It is also yours selfish, in the face of those who cannot afford an c education. e Overall, it is up to you to decide how to act. The next time you feel tempted to hit snooze and take a day off, re-think how that will affect you in the long run—you might be surprised.

Disrespectful behavior at teachers needs to stop at Grant

Hayley Pallock Staff Reporter

About one hundred years ago if you mouthed off to your teachers, chances are, you’d get a good smackin’. Nowadays, what do you get?

Usually you’ll get to sit in a room silently for a certain length of time.

Which punishment do you think was more

effective?

It recently came to my attention that students have become less respectful than they used to be. When you think about how the times have changed since your parents were teenagers, it’s obvious that students have become less respectful toward authority.

In those times, when school officials physically punished their students, respect was more common from students to authority.

There is a fine line between teachers being the boss of you, and teachers being your buddy. Believe it or not, there are some teachers at Grant that don’t know where that line is.

Teachers at Grant, in my opinion, are generally pretty laid back, and when Grant staff cross the line between friends

and staff, I think it gives students mixed signals on how to behave.

When your authority figures are inconsistent, it’s hard to tell what you can get away with and when. Students don’t know when to stop, and the disrespect usually gets them in the most trouble.

When you’re in a classroom, everyone can tell if the teacher has a favorite.

That student greets their teacher with a high five, maybe a, “what’s up man,” and they laugh like they’ve known each other for years.

But lately, the older we get, the more mature we feel. Teens start to feel as if they’re teachers are their equals, and eventually students treat them like equals.

That old quote, “respect your elders” is usually ignored now. In this day and age, it’s so unbelievably common for kids to treat their elders like their friends.

A lot of students would make the argument that if they are shown respect, they’ll give back respect. Although it is true sometimes, I believe that if students aren’t mature enough, then they don’t have the capacity to follow through with that.

This issue came to my attention when I witnessed something really ridiculous between a lunch lady and a student at Grant.

Two students were sitting on the table tops in the cafeteria, and when the lunch lady politely

asked them to please remove themselves from the tables, they didn’t budge.

When I asked them why they were doing that and not listening, they replied with a disrespectful remark of, “Well, she’s just a lunch lady”.

I was appalled at this answer they gave me, and I couldn’t understand how these kids didn’t understand that this was the staff’s job. They had to respect the staff of the cafeteria that is cleaning up after them. Not to mention they need to respect their classmates, and not sit on the table tops where people eat their lunches.

Another time in the same cafeteria, a boy threw his water bottle on the floor, and when the lunch lady told him to pick it up, he ignored her and laughed. She had to actually leave her position at work just to come ask him to pick it up again.

Only the most ignorant students disrespect their teachers and faculty. You think you know it all? Reality check: your teachers know a lot more about life than you could possibly imagine.

It isn’t too much to ask for to listen to the staff at Grant. Believe it or not, they actually do know what they’re talking about.

It’s just called being a decent person, and obeying the rules. There is a reason that the rules are there, and it’s not that difficult to just listen.

#@%*$@ Submission Policy It is the policy of The Bark to be a student newspaper. We value your opinions and you have a right to express them, especially in the form of writing to this newspaper. If you wish to write to The Bark, you may drop off your signed letter and the disk that it is saved on to Room 262 or Mr. Beverly’s mailbox. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we still need your signature or your letter will not be published.

-The EditorsRespect for teachers is quickly diminishing as students lose their respect for authority figures.

S. Francisco/ The Bark

Op/Ed

March 23, 2009

3

Take your time and relax to the max after a busy, hectic day You know the end of the semester is coming soon and with it semester exams. All the torturous studying is a pain in the neck, right?

Here could be the best way to get rid of that pain and possibly make the Meagan Stephenson studying easier.

There have Staff Reporter been many marketed ways to keep your cool and several methods in de-stressing yourself after a heavy day of work or school. Several of which are ‘guaranteed’ to work on the worst of pains. But do you really need them?

If you could naturally eliminate the pain as well as the cause of it without medication, wouldn’t that be better? There is a way to melt away the pain without unnecessarily putting toxins inside you. This would mean keeping an open mind to things you may not want to believe and breaking away from what you are used to and exploring

a much healthier way of relaxation.

Some of the most common types of relaxing are known as Yoga, massage, and musical therapy. However, there are still some that you may not know quite as well.

You may recognize something called hypnotism. Going through your first session you may experience only a taste of the package deal as to not overwhelm you. Hypnosis, also known as Hypnotherapy, can allow you to escape from typical patterns of response and behavior to achieve greater flexibility and choice. It works by allowing you to relax deeply thus giving you the ability to choose new ways of doing, being, and thinking without being controlled by past experience or the pains of daily life.

There is also Tai Chi (tie-chee) which consists of a noncompetitive, selfpaced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do Tai Chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful approach. While working on the different forms you focus on movement and breathing.

This combination creates a state of relaxation

and calmness. Older adults may especially find Tai Chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints.

Another way to relax is something called Qigong (chee-kong). Although, health professionals, such as complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, doctors and psychotherapists can teach relaxation techniques, you can also learn some on your own. Relaxation techniques usually involve refocusing your attention to something calming and increasing awareness of your body. You may not need to benefit so much right now but it will really help in the long run. Even if you do need the quick help, neither Qigong nor Tai Chi is something you can master in less than a week or even a month. However, if you have the patience this could be the right path for you. Be patient with yourself. Stay motivated to reduce the negative impact of stress on your body and experience a greater sense of calm in your life.

Now, you may think you know the common types of relaxation techniques, but

Junior Courtney Harrelson relaxes with some of her favorite Yoga poses after a long busy day.

Time for students to choose friends based on character, not color Throughout time, race, you can sit with them. Although you have no accepting, sometimes even in their own race. there has always been a idea who they are, you feel that connection more so It’s great to hang out with people inside separation between the races, than if you were to sit with anyone else. your own race, but what’s not okay is when you from one group of people Usually when students are in an separate yourself from every other race. not liking another group or environment where they are the minority, they tend Some people believe that they should feeling like that they were to find students who look just like they do. only talk to people inside their own ethnicity. Others superior just because they My first day of freshman year, I made believe that you can talk to whomever you want to; could be. No matter what the sure I stuck with my own race, and that was it, it’s not considered betraying your race if you hang case has been or is now, at period. out with a certain group of students more so than Jeshanah Smith the end of the day, you have Now looking back on it, I should have you do your own skin color.

Staff Reporter your people and you stick made more of an effort. Even though it was a whole That’s the problem in today’s society. If together no matter what. new experience and environment for me, it was you do hang out with a group of people who are Or is there more to the problem than unfair on my behalf that I secluded myself to all not in the same race as you are, it seems like you meets the eye? the possibilities of meeting new students. It’s just are acting like them or favoring them more. Then Is it because of the fear of feeling like the way it is for some students. Not everyone is you’re considered one of them, even though you you don’t belong? Or maybe look nothing like them. you just feel better when Whatever the case you’re around people who look might be, we are all people like you and understand where at the end of the day, and you’re coming from. Whatever we shouldn’t just go around it may be, the question is, Why separating ourselves from do students feel the need to other races just because we hang out with people in their feel like we are choosing own race? them over our own. If that Although there was the case, the world would certainly are exceptions, it be really messed up. Overall, always seem like the strongest the only person that you are relationships students have hurting is yourself. So, if you within the student population have problems with other are the ones who are in their races beside yourself, maybe race. This doesn’t just happen you should go talk to someone in schools either; it can happen about your problems. Or if just about anywhere. you’re just shy or you don’t Think about this: feel comfortable, you should you’re the new guy/girl at go out despite your comfort school, you’re nervous, shy, level and expand your friend and quiet since you don’t circle. Sit with someone new know anybody. You go to the at lunch or hang out with cafeteria for lunch and you someone new before the first don’t know where to sit. You hour. I promise you won’t be see a group of students who disappointed. are of the same race as you are.

Automatically you think, that S. Francisco/ The Bark because they’re in the same Some teens feel the need to separate themselves according to race rather than interests.

how much do you really know? Sure you have your I-Pod or MP3 player and you have your musical therapy, but relaxation goes a little deeper than that. We all listen to music in order to have something to relate to and the message in the music can sometimes give us that. Music therapists often use music to help people with mental illnesses, such as major depression or eating disorders. Harsher sounds in some music can trigger the aggressive emotions and even alter your brain waves. Listening to the wrong kind of music can really mess up a potentially good day. Just think of it this way: how you start your morning out is how it will be for the rest of the day. Music can help us feel understood, or it can cause feelings of sadness; it all depends on the tone of it that we give our minds to process.

Relaxation is a big part of our lives in order to keep us going strong and healthy through this hectic world we live in. It all just depends on what path we choose to obtain that relaxed state. Taking a little time out of our daily lives to relax is just an important variable of the equation of our lives.

S. Francisco/ The Bark

Seniors!

We know it’s early, but it’s time to turn in your baby pictures for the May Senior Section.

Bring your baby pictures to Room 262 by May 4th.

March 23, 2009

Features

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Features Is there a place for recess in... high school?

Recess: the word conjures up memories of games of tag, playgrounds, and swing sets; a thirty-minute reprieve from the daily grind of grade school.

The first thing you probably don’t think of is high school.

Lydia Wells But yes, it’s true. Someday Features Editor soon high schools might adopt this new addition to the schedule.

Although the idea of recess for high school students might seem comical, research has shown that periods of activity other than learning throughout the school day can help students by providing them with unstructured time.

Simply put, this gives your battered brain a break.

However, recess in high school wouldn’t be the recess of your childhood. Games of tag would be replaced with either longer gym and lunch periods, or a break in between classes when students could eat, listen to music, talk, or nap.

Contemporary research has shown that prolonged periods of learning without recess or other unstructured activity time can negatively affect schoolwork, skill-building and even test scores in first graders.

She states that even 15 or 20 minutes can help students. While younger children learn such things as conflict resolution and social skills on the playground, recess in high school would give students an opportunity to sit back and relax.

help,” says senior KaF o r tie Walleck. “[Having instance, many a break during the day] Asian schools would give [students] allow children time to prepare themin school a 10selves mentally for the minute break afnext class period.” ter 40 to 50 minEven utes of learning. more, unstructured activOn average, ity time could help fight Asian high not only sleepiness, but school students short attention spans, as rank the highwell. est in terms of M s . test scores out Balanag, English teachof all minority er, says that “once the groups. sensory needs of chilA n dren are fulfilled, they other positive are able to pay more ataspect to these tention. All people have free periods a need for activity before would be the exthey can pay attention— tra time to catch even honors students. some zzz’s.

No one is exclusive.”

After all, sleep She lets students interdeprivation is act with manipulativea common octype toys, such as stress currence for balls. Believe it or not, frazzled teens. spinning also helps solve Falling asleep by third period Swinging could be a possible activity, S. Francisco/ the inner-ear sensitivity equilibrium. could be cured for students like senior Reece Kuhart, The Bark “There will alby giving teens if recess was allowed in high schools. ways be issues related to more time for student attention, and my classes are no differrelaxing.

“Most high school students don’t get ent,” says Mr. Schmidt, English teacher. “A lonenough sleep at night and having a break would ger lunch with the opportunity to use the court-

kingston’s korner: Movies and actors honored at Oscars If you still lives on. in life all add up in the end. put a clown, a robot, Next up: just when you thought Jamal, the main character, didn’t and a street rat in a you were too grown up to like animation, cheat, wasn’t lucky, and he was not a geroom together, what do Wall-E comes along and makes you say nius. He was in the right place you get? You get 2008’s “Hmmmm, I really enjoyed that.” at the right time. I was best supporting ing actor, Wall-E is a film that you could enjoy once told good things the film of thee year, and at any age. The story flows together come to those who the best animation mation film and Wall-E was the robot that held it wait, and I can honKingston Warren of the year. together. His cute little robot eyes estly believe that Staff Reporter Hands ds down, a n d rusted advice if you’re Heath Ledger er aced it working hard and as The Joker in The Dark Knight, ght, a film you’re not sitting about the beloved Batman and his is advenaround waiting. tures in saving the city he loves. ves. The If you’re out Dark Knight and Ledger’s character, acter, a there on the clown who wants nothing moree than grind fighting Gotham City to burn and to make for something, Batman remove his infamous mask, ask, no matter what will be a movie that audiences ces it is--a girl, a will talk about for many years tto o job, or just to come. be the best-His garish laugh and d you do your part his ability to bring the audiand everything else ence into his world was somewill fall into place. thing of horrid magnificence.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you Ledger, who died tragically body was haven’t lived. The music is something of a drug overdose Jan. 22, www.adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/ something you that really helps mold you to your seat.

2008, was awarded a post- animatedfilms/wall-e/flash_site.html could look past be- Moreover, the directing, acting, and stohumous award for his part in cause his oil-fueled ryline top everything else off.

The Dark Knight. To me, he deserved this heart wanted nothing more than to make This movie came out of left field, award for his outstanding performance that his crush Eve happy. It received the award but it took home eight of ten Oscars. This for best animation, and I couldn’t have says a lot, indeed. However, words aren’t chosen the Oscar to go to anyone else. enough to sum up Slumdog Millionaire.

Last of all was Slumdog Million- If you haven’t seen it yet your eyes will aire winning best film of the year: pow- thank you afterwards. erful, outstanding, and unforgettable.

The Oscars was a very enterYou would think a kid with noth- taining night, to say the least. The year of ing but his wits could never last on a game 2008 had movies, actors, and roles that show, let alone win. This film shows a we will never forget. Let’s hope 2009 will hustler doing whatever it takes to survive. be even better.

It shows family members b e i n g there for one another during tough t i m e s and how the little things you learn and encounter www.thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/dvdsite www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire

yards, for example, could help with attention problems.”

Although many believe that high school kids just need a break, others feel that it would cause unneeded problems.

The main issue with recess would be supervision. Also, deciding how kids would use the free time to their best advantage would also be a problem to consider.

“I do not believe recess is good for high school or junior high students because most people choose to sit around and talk to their friends, and a lot of the boys get into fights,” says Ms. Krocza, math teacher.

Some teachers don’t see any advantages in reviving recess, which was left behind once students reached ninth grade.

“Simply having an open campus would most likely create more problems than it would solve,” says Schmidt.

Furthermore, schools are strained enough with a jam-packed schedule. With grades and scores on such tests as the ACT being extremely important, many believe that recess would be an unnecessary addition eating away at the precious time left.

All in all, Krocza believes that “lack of concentration in class is due to many other factors besides lack of unstructured play, [such as] lack of sleep, lack of knowledge, and lack of caring.”

For now high schools are sticking with a more demanding schedule and leaving recess to the kiddies.

Book Club reviews their latest read Freaks and bullies, ridicule and romance, homework and home havoc…

Starting high school is never easy.

Seniors take your lunch money, girls you’ve known forever are beautiful and unattainable, and you can never get enough sleep.

Could there be a worse time for Scott’s mother to announce she’s pregnant?

Scott decides high school would be a lot less overwhelming if it came with a survival manual, so he begins to write down tips for his new sibling. Meanwhile, he’s trying his best to capture the attention of Julia, the www.davidlubar.com freshman goddess. In the process, Scott manages to become involved in nearly everything, from auditioning for the school play, to running for student council, to writing sports columns for the school paper.

While he tries to find his place in the confusing world of high school, win Julia’s heart, and keep his sanity, Scott will be recording all the details for his sibling’s- and your- enjoyment.

What they said...

“A funny, heartwarming book about a regular freshman kid who lives through regular freshman events and who does regular freshman things. Well, maybe not so regular…”

Freshman Ana Zitkus “This relaxing and easily understood book that helps you take a break from your rough school day and think about how bad Scott has it.”

Freshman Delanie Olsen “Quick, easy read. It’s perfect for scaring eighth graders away from high school.”

Freshman Morgan Carlson “All in all, an entertaining but predictable read that is assured to provoke laughter, but not much thought.”

Senior Ben Ranes “This comical, easy going read will have students remember their first few days of being a freshman.”

Freshman Samantha Smyth

March 23, 2009

5

Features

Spring into some new fashion trends this year Oversized Accessories Accessories can make or break any outfit, and for this upcoming season, the way to make your outfit is oversized Emily Paddock necklaces.

Staff Reporter They add a little something extra to any ensemble. They are an easy way to add color and flare, which is a necessity for this upcoming season.

Aviator Glasses Stylish, chic, classy, and trendy: must I say anymore?

These glasses are the way to go when it comes to those bright, sunny days on the way.

They look great on both guys and girls, as well as with any outfit.

From Ralph Lauren to Gucci, Prada, or Louis Vuitton, they are everywhere, making them the ultimate accessory to have.

Dresses From maxi dresses to t-shirt dresses, to those fabulous “bohemian chic” styles, this summer they are all a must.

They are an easy way to look fabulously stylish, with comfort and ease. They are great for all body types, and can be both dressed up or down for whatever the occasion entails.

Graphic Tees Graphic tees are a great way to express personal style without going overboard. They are a spring essential for both girls and guys.

The range they come in is also astounding: patterned, silk-screened, etc.

These tees can be found anywhere from Pac Sun to Express to Forever 21. They are the perfect thing to add to a pair of jeans for a casual, yet stylish, outfit.

Gladiator Sandals Not only are these shoes comfortable, but they are also incredibly chic. They add a touch of class to any outfit.

There are dressy styles, casual styles, and those for every occasion in between. Jeweled versions can be the focal point of an outfit, while simple Grecian styles are an easy way to complete a look.

Dark Denim There are always some things that never go out of style. Dark denim is one of those things. Great for both guys and girls, it’s not ony a spring essential, but a wardrobe necessity.

From a night on the town to a day in school, dark denim can be worn for just about any occasion.

It’s are a simple way to make an outfit chic and stylish with minimal effort.

Fashion

Don’ts

Plaid Bermuda Shorts If you are heading out for a picnic these shorts are perfect because they can also serve as a table cloth.

However, if that’s not the case, then you are in some serious trouble. There are many other casual ways to dress for the spring time, such as a cuffed short or a flirty skirt. But the mix-match pant is definitely done.

Dirty Flip-Flops Flip flops are a must for both spring and summer. They are comfy, cute, and casual.

However, when they are dirty enough to spread deadly diseases they become a don’t.

So let’s try and keep our flip flops clean and sanitized for the well-being of everyone around us.

Short, Short, SHORT, Go Green Bags Environmental awareness has definitely Shorts gotten a boost in the past couple years. Although it is Shorts are a must for both the spring and summer. Unfortunately, hotter weather equals more skin, and when shorts become so short that pockets start creeping out, they have just crossed the line into vulgar territory. So keep it classy, and purchase longer shorts.

great to be environmentally cautious, the need to parade around and advertise that you are in fact saving the earth has gone a little too far.

From Coach to Kohls, there are many bags that can do the same job as your “Keen on green” sack, but in a more stylish and put together way.

Make this spring break a fun-filled week to remember that time again!

of

I t ’ s year

Wa r m weather is almost here, but we still have to get through the harsh transition between spring and Stephanie Dogan summer. It’s that time Staff Reporter when the weather can be unpredictable, but a week off of school is always exhilarating.

Where we live, I wouldn’t anticipate having a whopping 90 degree day, or expect to go swimming and get a killer tan, but you can always fake it.

Therefore, if you want to go swimming and you can’t take a trip to an exotic place you can always go to a hotel for an indoor pool. Throw on some sunless tan-

ner and you’re in the clear. The thrill and excitement does seem dull and boring, but who wants to stay home all week? Our high school is not a reality show, so I don’t expect a group of friends to go to Cabo, San Lucas for the week, but we could only hope.

However, recently the U.S. State Department and universities around the country have been warning college students about not going to such hotspots as Mexico.

They are not saying “don’t go,” but are alerting students to be careful.

More than 100,000 high school and college students travel to Mexico over spring break each year. In fact, most universities are urging their students to not join in these spring break activities, after such events as the Natalie Holloway disappearance.

Holloway disappeared in May of 2005 on a graduation trip to Aruba. Her case made headlines around the world,

and to this day no one has ever solved the crime. This event has made teens and their parents more aware of being safe when traveling overseas.

However, if Mexico or some exotic island isn’t in your future itinerary, I also suggest making your own vacation away from home, at home.

Throw a get-together with some friends; give it a theme, get decorations, get the appropriate foods, even costumes.

This is a great idea with definite potential, and a lot cheaper than a ticket to paradise.

Although you don’t get the full effect of the scenery, you get a little dose to erase those cold and dreary winter memories.

Lastly, you could also do something out of the ordinary.

Go sky diving; that’s something that will be remembered, and the adrenaline rush will keep you going for a lifetime. Yes, this is pretty extreme, but who says you can’t live your life to the fullest

in just one week?

We live very close to one of the biggest cities, which has a lot to offer us.

If you’re into art, check out a gallery.

Even going to check out your favorite team start off its season of baseball is a great idea.

If you have the option and equipment, go camping with a group of friends.

This is a great way to do something exciting and cheap. You also bond with friends or family. If you’re not the camping type of person you might want to resort to pitching a tent in your living room.

There are many things you can do for spring break; it’s just up to you to make it exciting and eventful.

No matter what your plans for spring break will be, make sure it will leave you with some unforgettable memories, and always be safe.

March 23, 2009

News

6

More News ‘Off-the-wall’ scholarships provide opportunities for students While looking down at the ground, senior Ryan Donohue wishes he had more time.

Donohue did just okay in school and he didn’t do any extracurricular activities. It Essence Tillery wasn’t until senior year Sports Editor that Donohue finally found his calling and began his scholarship and college search. However, he has no credentials to even think he could qualify for the majority of scholarships.

“I wish I looked harder and did better in school. I didn’t find anything I was interested in until senior year. It sucks, I have to [work a lot harder] now,” Donohue said.

While the road for Donohue and other students like him may seem a little dark, there is hope. Scholarships are available to

people that don’t have those awesome school merits, aren’t likely candidates for financial aid scholarships, for those individuals who don’t play a sport, or for people who have good credentials, but just haven’t been lucky, off-the-wall scholarships.

Unlike conventional scholarships that involve reading a dry novel or submitting an essay of how you’ve ‘impacted your community,’ offthe-wall scholarships give money to people for the oddest things, so while on the stressful and mostly unrewarding scholarship hunt, there are scholarships available that go beyond the mundane and the dry.

For those Grant Community High School students who have a passion for the creative written word, the “L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest” offers a grand prize pool of $4000 to aspiring writers. Submit a previously unpublished short story or novelette (fewer than 17,000 words) of science fiction or fantasy to enter.

There are numerous scholarships online and in the guidance office.

S. Francisco/ The Bark

Contestants can enter once each quarter, and the deadline for this quarter is March 31. Entries can be submitted either by hard copy or e-mail.

Not all Grant students have boundless limits of creativity, however. Artsy students like senior Nicole Crawford ended up “getting the runaround” and that ended up discouraging her and her creative muse. For those Grant students out there whose creative muses have gone on strike, here’s hope: The “Just Show Up” scholarship is available to high school juniors and seniors.

To get the $1000 prize, submit a 300-500 word typewritten essay about why faithful school attendance is important. Be sure to include your attendance print out for the current year. The deadline is April 13.

For the whimsical Grant few who hate putting pen to paper, never fear. The Duck brand “Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest” is available.

All you have to do is this: Buy or rent that expensive prom attire, cozy up to your beautiful date, and take a picture of yourself and your prom date stuck together with duct tape. Along with the photo, submit each individual’s name that appears in the photo, addresses, telephone numbers, ages, grade level, and the closest major city to this town.

Also make sure that the release form is signed.

Don’t forget to include the name, address, and phone number for the high school, or wherever the actual prom was held and the date it was held.

Grand prize is $5000 and the deadline for this scholarship is Jun. 6.

There is always the chance that these scholarships may also reject you, but do not be discouraged from actually applying. As senior Gunther Rosentreter describes, “All the good scholarships seem to hide like a mouse in your basement. You have to coax it out with a piece of cheese.”

Be the cheese.

Abusive relationship makes headlines and brings issue forward In early February, relationships admitting to it.”

While most maintain that abusive the people of America were Other students, however, do not think relationships are more common among adults, shocked as they witnessed that abusive relationships among teens are quite studies show that the dynamics for both age the shattering of what was as common as this new study portrays them to be. groups remain the same. believed to be a fairy tale “I don’t think they’re that common,” Most students can agree that the effects relationship. says freshman Elaine Maddock. “I’ve only heard of abusive relationships can carry over well into News of a verbal of two abusive relationships in why whole life, the adult years. altercation which later one of them being Rihanna and Chris Brown.” “[Abusive relationships] may make a Jordyn L. Boyles turned into assault between Senior Nick Allen-Stewart agrees. “I huge impact on someone’s life,” says sophomore News Editor singers Chris Brown and don’t believe that abusive relationships among Iliana Sanchez. “It may really traumatize someone, Rihanna hit airwaves almost immediately after it teens are as common as the studies show,” he says. especially at a young age.” happened and, while the stories vary slightly by “But there is no doubt that they happen.”

The most common types of abuse are minor detail, the basic content remains the same.

Perhaps one of the reasons that abusive verbal and mental, but in some cases the abuse Rihanna was allegedly physically assaulted by relationships go ‘unnoticed’ is because there are may turn physical or even sexual.

Brown after a verbal disagreement took a violent not enough people who pay attention to them.

“Striking, choking, forced sexual turn.

“I have been in numerous abusive conduct, and other actions meant to inflict pain I According to reports, Rihanna suffered relationships and know others who have as well,” have found to be common physical abuses,” says multiple contusions to the face and head, as well says an anonymous Grant student. “I think people the anonymous Grant student. as other injuries to the arms and legs. Pictures deny the existence of abusive relationships because Students at Grant believe that there can released after the incident show her with swollen those involved are not only young, but often deny be many reasons for abuse to occur. These reasons eyes and a bleeding lip. it themselves.” include insecurity, low self-esteem, and fear of the What is more shocking than this abuser. incident is the news that this country is full of “I think that some people believe they other ‘Chris Browns’ and ‘Rihannas.’ can’t get anyone better, so they stay with that Recent studies show that one out of person who abuses them,” says Sanchez. every 10 teen relationships is abusive.

Chiero agrees, noting that insecurity While there is not a set definition plays a big role in the attachment of one for what constitutes an abusive relationship, person in the relationship to the other. or ‘dating violence,’ the American Bar “Many people are too insecure or afraid Association has set somewhat of a standard to to be alone,” she says. “Teens too often rely follow when asking such questions. According on attention from the opposite sex to feel to this standard, dating violence is a pattern of good about themselves, so when faced with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by one an abusive relationship, they suffer through it partner over the other in order to gain power. and convince themselves that it is acceptable The abuse usually starts slowly, because the other person ‘loves’ them.” with verbal criticisms or demands placed on Other reasons might include one partner by the other. Over time, the abuse vulnerability. becomes more and more violent, eventually “From my experiences, people often resulting in physical injury and emotional find themselves in abusive relationships dependence. because that is what they are used to,” says Some students at Grant Community the anonymous student. “When someone is High School are not surprised to learn of these abused as a child, they are much more likely new statistics. to continue into abusive relationships as they “I unfortunately would not be get older because it is all they know. surprised if this [study] is true because I have “People with low self-esteem also seen some seriously unhealthy relationships stay in abusive relationships because they out there,” says senior Caitlin Chiero. “Abuse don’t believe they deserve better. Another isn’t limited to physical [violence]. Couples time teens find themselves in abusive who argue all the time and play mind games relationships is when the other person isn’t with each other are just as abusive.” abusive to begin with, and then the abused Senior Shannon Weitzman agrees, holds out hope that they will change.” but also notes that many of these types of According to recent reports, Rihanna has relationships go unnoticed because “you This staged photo accurately depicts the S. Francisco/ forgiven Brown for his violent indiscretions, The Bark never really see students who are in abusive realistic effects of abusive relationships and the two are back together. on teens

Grant’s ‘Nerd Club’ makes its mark at sectionals

G r a n t Community High School has created its own ‘Nerd Club,’ and the members competed in the World Wide Youth and Science Engineering competition (WYSE), and are now going to Collin Bushing sectionals.

Op/Ed Editor The sponsor of the team, Mr. Werner, says, “WYSE is a competition in which schools compete in seven different subject areas which are Physics, Chemistry, Math, English, Biology, Computer Science, and Engineering Graphics. A select number of students are recommended by fellow teachers to the WYSE team based on their performance in these subjects. Schools compete against each other to try and get the highest test scores.

At the competition each student takes two 40 minute tests in the subject area we feel they excel in. When the test results are in, schools can advance as well as individuals.”

The WYSE competition is a competition that Grant has participated in, and has excelled at. The team placed fourth overall, and has six students going to sectionals.

Werner says, “[Seniors] Kate Cloonan and Kate Schlaman placed in English. [Seniors] Ben Ranes and Alex Maskevich placed in Computer Science and [senior] Matt Peterson placed in Engineering Graphics. [Junior] Stephanie Oehrlein was the top tester overall for Grant.” Those students went to the Sectional Tournament March 13. Cloonan was the only one who will be going down to state on April 6.

NHS begins new spring project G r a n t Community High School’s National Honor Society members will soon begin volunteer work at Paradise Park, an assisted living community in Fox Lake.

Kingston Warren This is just one of the Staff Reporter many projects that the NHS has done this year, and the students hope this will be another wonderful experience.

“I feel like it would be a sweet opportunity for NHS members to help out our community also it’s a fabulous way to benefit us and the residents at Paradise Park all at the same time,” says senior Anna Presnikov, the Paradise Park committee leader.

Mr. Free, NHS advisor, believes that this gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons. “[This] is our members’ way of supporting the community and to lend a helping hand where needed,” he says.

“Community service can bring people in touch with one another of different backgrounds, ages, abilities, ethnicities, and education levels. They can learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values. This helps to make them better citizens.”

In addition to the Paradisee Park committee, the NHS also sponsors the PopTop collection n drive at Grant, t, and works with th other community ity organizations such h as the Fox Lake Rotary tary Club and Chamber er of Commerce.

March 23, 2009

Sports

7

Alex and Paul Boys and girls track begin promising seasons give you a fix of March Madness March Madness is one of the most exciting times for a sports fan during the year.

People are glued to their television sets and computers as they watch the action unfold.

March Madness is a term used for the NCAA basketball tournament that began on March 18. There are 65 teams that are involved, and a team must win six games in a row to win the national championship. Unlike other sports, it is one loss elimination, so that means if a team loses then it is out of the tournament. The format is very simple, yet it causes the most excitement of any post season tournament in sports.

Some may ask, why this is the most thrilling time during the sports year?

Well, what continuously attracts viewers is the underdog factor. Teams people have never heard of can upset a championship contender at any moment. With numerous games the first weekend of the tournament, there are many possibilities for upsets and surprising victories.

Without a doubt, there is always magic in the air as 65 teams battle on the court to achieve their one goal: a national championship. Now here are some teams to look out for in this year’s tournament: Oklahoma Sooners- Oklahoma is one of the best teams in the NCAA right now. The team’s all-around offense and drive to overpower teams with their ‘presence in the paint’ [being able to dominate within 10 feet of the basket] is their biggest strength. Having Blake Griffin on the team, who is in the running for National player of the Year, doesn’t hurt either. However, Griffin is also the team’s biggest weakness. The Sooners can’t seem to win without Griffin, and Griffin needs to come back 100% or it will have some trouble getting deep into the tournament.

North Carolina Tar Heels- The Tar Heels are led by the 2008 National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. The high octane Tar Heels are the 2nd highest scoring team in the country and once again lead the nation in rebounding.

They are well balanced with all of their starters averaging over 10 points per game. The team’s only downfall this season has been on the defensive side of the ball. They have come out flat on defense in their losses and sometimes they rely on trying to outscore the opposition, which could bounce them out of the tournament.

Connecticut Huskies- The Uconn Huskies are steamrolling into the tournament with a 27-4 record. However, the team has struggled ever since Jerome Dyson got injured, who is, in our opinion, Connecticut’s best perimeter defender.

The inside presence of Hasheem Thabeet, who is 2nd in the nation in blocking, has been carrying the defensive load ever since. It still has a good chance of making a run for the national championship, but the loss of Dyson may be too much for the Huskies to handle.

Duke Blue Devils- Mike Kryzyzewski’s Blue Devils is having a satisfactory season this year with a 25-6 record. Probably the purest shooting team in the nation, Duke looks to take over teams with their perimeter shooting, and presence in the paint. Also with the new addition of Elliot Williams, the Blue Devils will be a strong competitor in the tournament. Williams is a athletic guard that can take over on offense on any given night, making him an additional threat to anyone going against the Blue Devils.

Pittsburgh Panthers- Right now the Panthers are ranked third in the nation with a 28-4 record. This school has not had much NCAA tournament experience, but that’s not always a bad thing considering that March Madness is all about surprises and upsets.

Whether it’s their prolific offense or just youthful exuberance, look for Pittsburgh to make a run for that national championship.

Illinois Illini- Finally who can forget about our hometown heroes, the Illini. Illinois, while ranked low at 25th in the nation at the moment, is one of the sleeper teams in the tournament. While lacking good offensive numbers, the Illini make up for it with a suffocating defense that held opponents to just 56.3 points per game this season.

Now it’s time to sit back and relax as the tournament unfolds. Soon, 64 teams will be eliminated from the tournament, and only one will be cutting down the nets in Detroit.

Alex Carr Staff Reporter

The winter sports are now finished, and it is now time to focus attention to Grant Community High School’s track teams.

It’s a new season and both the boys and girls track teams are looking forward to a successful

[we] could do some damage this year,” says

year.

junior Peter Laubenstein.

The unique thing about track is that there are many diverse events, and that means practices are different for each

S o m e experienced seniors graduated from last year’s team, but Mr. Rous, boys head coach, feels the runners this year will be able to pick up right where they left off from the previous season.

“We did lose a few talented seniors, but we have a lot of talent returning,” says Rous.

“Athletes graduate every year and replacing them is part of coaching. Last year’s seniors will be missed but we have other athletes that are ready to step in and take up the slack.”

The girls track team is looking to continue the success they had from last season.

One way to do that is to capitalize on the things it does best.

“Our strengths are mid-distance relays, hurdles, distance, and short sprints,” says Ms. Randall, girls head coach.

The boys team is also excited to start the season and it is ready to take down the competition.

“We [have] a very strong team and

junior O’ Neyd Bermeo.

One aspect about the boys team that sets it apart from others is that the runners can have a good time and still be serious about what they are trying to accomplish.

“We get along like mashed potatoes and gravy. Everyone is there to run and we all have fun doing it,” says

progresses,” says Randall.

Both teams got off to promising starts and one can expect them to do damage in the North Suburban Conference. The girls team will be at Carthage college Fri. March 27 while the boys will be there the next day.

person on the team.

“Coach Cramer has the throwers and they train different from everyone else,” says Rous. “We alternate hard days and speed days to give our legs a rest. During the indoor season, we work specialties (hurdling, vaulting, jumping, block starts) on Wednesday mornings when we have gym space.”

The way the Lady Bulldogs prepare is identical to the boys team.

“Practices vary by day. We alternate running, strength training, and event-specific practices,” says Randall.

Another thing that both teams have in common is the great chemistry between athletes.

Seniors Gunther Rosentreter and Bran- S. Francisco/ “We all get along great and the don Bushing chat and warm up for the The Bark team should grow stronger as the year track season

Girls soccer season starts with high expectations It is that time of year again and Grant Community High School’s girls soccer program is kicking it back into gear. This season is being much anticipated by both coaches and players.

“I expect to win a few more games than last year and have an awesome time,” said sophomore Rebecca White.

Mr. Kennedy, head coach, also has high hopes for the girls and is expecting a new look on the varsity level after graduating eight seniors last year.

“My ideal players would be someone Monserrat Martinez who is dedicated to the game year round,” he Staff Reporter said. “That means they should be playing on a club team in the off season where they are doing a lot of traveling to different tournaments.”

Kennedy and returning athletes agree that year round players are what the program is lacking, and that it is one of the causes for the poor records.

“This season I’m expecting that a lot of people are going to be stepping it up to pick up the slack from last year,” said senior Becca Sage.

White is still very optimistic of the upcoming season stating that she is “looking forward for rematches against the teams we lost to last year.”

There is no doubt that the girls will be working hard and improve this season just like in any other season.

“Our main focus should be giving our best effort every day. That includes putting forth the best effort in the class room and then on the soccer field,” said Kennedy.

The coaches are always looking for Senior Sarah Scurto goes through a S. Francisco/ those specific girls who not only have couple drills to warm up for the season. The Bark

skill, but know how to use it. Encouraging teammates and being devoted to the game are qualities that are just as important as any special abilities the players may have.

“The coaches are looking for dedicated, hard working, skilled players with good attitudes,” said Mr. Burnet, assistant coach. “They also are looking for those players that really want to get better in order to win.”

Since the varsity team graduated eight seniors, a lot of people are curious to see how the new team will come together.

“We lost a lot of good players from last year, so it will be interesting to see how our team works itself out [position wise],” said Sage.

Despite the missing players from last season, there are still high expectations for the new team.

“I think the varsity team can do well if they are dedicated and willing to work hard,” said Burnet. “If they are willing to do what is taught to them and be dedicated to the team and getting better, I think they’ll be able to keep games close and be very competitive this season.”

All in all, this year’s girls soccer season will be one to look forward to. With the new additions to the varsity team that will be made and the hard work of the returning players, there is no doubt that this season will be successful.

Boys tennis prepares to uphold high reputation The boys tennis team still has until April until its first match, but don’t expect to find any of these athletes slacking off. The team has built a proud reputation that it will need to work hard to maintain.

Meital Caplan “We’ve lost Editor-in-Chief a lot of starting varsity players from last year and we seem to have many new guys coming out,” says senior Brice Lundman.

“Hopefully this year we will be able to play competitively and keep up the level of tennis we’ve had over the past couple seasons.”

The loss of the graduates not only is a disadvantage due to the loss of talent, but because of the loss of fellow teammates on the court as well. This can hold back the team in the beginning of the season as it finds ways to adjust.

“My playing doubles from last year has gotten a lot better,” says senior Steven Sheets.

“I’m going to have to find a new partner though.”

Even with obvious obstacles already in the team’s way, there is nothing holding the players back from finding ways to contribute to the team.

“I plan to play my hardest and make sure to be proven wrong when the team takes the freshmen aren’t messing around,” says Sheets. on its first match April 1 against Warren.

Unity will be a great aspect on how successful the team becomes.

“As a group we have to focus and make most of our practices,” says Lundman. “What you make of practice is reflected during your match.”

The returning players are walking into the season with both high expectations and a variety of learned skills.

“As the years go on, your game improves in different aspects of the game,” says Lundman. “Perhaps the most valuable way to develop your game, however, is to remember the basics. Don’t go for a million dollar shot when a dime will do.”

The different abilities that each player gets throughout a season must be constantly practiced to be truly handy.

“Due to the cold weather, hitting has been minimal,” says Lundman.

“But for the past month or so we have been conditioning and weight lifting.”

Others, such as Sheets, have maintained a way to practice technique. “I’ve been playing tennis every Sunday with my dad,” he says. Sophomore Nathan Kovarik pre- S. Francisco/ Whatever reservations one might pares to hit the ball across the net The Bark have towards the team, they can expect and earn points during practice.

March 23, 2009

8

The Bark

Sports Wrestling triumphs at state Qualifying and competing at the State competition is nothing new for the Grant Community High School varsity wrestling team, and the team did not fail to meet all the high expectations.

The team first sent five wrestlers to the Individual State tournament Feb. 21: junior Chaz Alex at 125, senior Roque Bustos at 130, junior Jason Montemayor at 135, junior Lee Munster at 171, and junior Carl Williams at 285. While all of the wrestlers performed to the best of their abilities, the top Dawg that went on to win a State title was none other than Munster.

Boys Basketball

Now earning the title for his second year, Munster recalls having feelings of “excitement and satisfaction” when he was pronounced the winner.

The work was not finished after the tournament as the wrestlers kept practicing for the Team State tournament Feb. 28.

While the wrestlers worked hard against the challenging Minooka Community High School, in the end Minooka found a way to triumph over the Bulldogs.

Highlights of the competition included senior Tyler Becker defeating an All-State wrestler and senior

Jacob

Brown’s intense match.

Although the team did not walk away with a State title, being part of the “Elite Eight” is still a great accomplishment.

Overall, Mr. Geist, head coach, feels that the season had several ups and downs but was pleased with the team.

“We competed to the best of our ability,” says Geist. “We have 15 juniors on the varsity team and if they work hard they should be competitive again next year.” Junior Lee Munster works hard to earn his state title.

Guest Photographer/ The Bark

Winter Sports MVPs Girls Basketball

Gilbert Sheehan How does it feel to receive the MVP award?

“Great, it’s the best thing I’ve ever gotten. I feel excited and ecstatic.”

Highlight of the season: “I dunked on Round Lake. It was the first time I’ve ever dunked.”

College plans Concordia or Aurora

CJ Hill

How did it feel to recieve the MVP award?

“Happy, I felt honored to receive this award” Do you think you’ve earned this title?

“Yes, I’ve tried to be a leader” Highlight of season: “I got a technical foul against North Chicago” College plans: I don’t plan on playing basketball in college

Cheerleading Jessica Mamerow

Bowling Brianna Brugioni How did it feel to receive the MVP award?

“I felt very touched to hear all the kind words Ms. Miller said about me.”

Do you feel that you earned this title?

“Yes I feel I earned it because I contributed my sportsmanship, leadership, and friendship qualities to the team.”

What does this title mean to you?

“This title means that I worked very hard during the season and it paid off.”

Wrestling

How does it feel to receive the MVP award?

“Amazing, it’s such an accomplishment and I’ve never gotten an award like this.”

Highlight of season: “Winning the Prairie Division.”

College plans: Cheerleading at Whitewater.

Lee Munster & Tyler Becker

Baseball looks for redemption

How does it feel to receive the MVP award?

Munster: “Good, but shocked it wasn’t given to only seniors.”

What does this title mean to you?

Becker: “It is an honor to be named MVP of the team because the history of people who earned this award is phenomenal.”

College plans: Munster: Wrestling at Northwestern.

Becker: I’m not sure where yet. North Central, NIU, SIUE, or Whitewater.

Softball swinging for the fences G r a n t Community High School softball has not always been a “must see” sport, but that might change this season. The varsity team has many talented girls moving up onto the team, Katie Loris and a lot is expected from Staff Reporter them.

“I think we will do well this season because all of our players are dedicated and are ready to begin the season,” said junior Christine Wilson.

Junior Brianna Brugioni also has a positive outlook on this year’s season.

“I feel the season will start out rough, but once we’ve gelled I think we’ll be a pretty decent team,” said Brugioni.

Brugioni could not have had a closer prediction about having a difficult start as she dislocated her kneecap in the beginning of the season. She will now have to go through physical therapy for six to eight weeks until she has full range of motion again.

This has been a considerable blow to the team considering that it only had two

pitchers to begin with including Brugioni. Even so, Brugioni feels that the team will be able to bounce back.

“I believe in them,” she said. “There might be a few rough spots at first but they’re strong enough to handle it.”

While the injury affects the team as a whole, it is still looking to have a good win to loss ratio.

The season isn’t going to be easy, and the girls will really have to work hard in order to come out on top. The team feels as if Antioch will be their toughest opponent, and is training hard in efforts to win that game.

Wilson feels as if their biggest challenge will be the fact that the team as a whole is younger than usual.

Nonetheless, Mr. Benes, assistant varsity coach, says that any victory over the Lake Division would be a quality win for the team.

He is also hoping that they can win the division and advance in the playoffs this year.

The GCHS softball team will be practicing and playing hard all season, and is definitely becoming a sport to follow.

The 2009 Grant challenges to focus on this year, many players Community High School also have individual goals for themselves. varsity baseball season “A personal challenge I will be facing this is coming in with a bang. year is trying to get a starting spot because we The new season started on have so many good players this year,” says March 18, and the team junior Ron Kucharski. looks forward to making To meet these challenges, players will this season a great one. have to put in the time and training at practice The team to eliminate weaknesses. At the moment the Paul Kudowski finished in second to last biggest aspect of the practice is timing.

Staff Reporter place in the North Suburban “This is the first time in a long time that we Conference Prairie Division last season have the time to take the time to work on timing with a 5-15 overall record and a 1-6 divisional at the plate,” says Mr. Mizwicki, head coach. record, but with some new additions to the team It looks like things are just starting to heat this year, the team is confident it can move up up on the baseball diamond, and things should in the standings and come out with wins against be very interesting once the season officially some of the established teams in the division. begins.

“Antioch and Lakes will be good games, they are big rivals in the conference,” says junior Jerremy Wiker.

With many of last year’s seniors like Kyle Stroup and Gerik Wallsten lost to graduation, the team will have a new look this year with many new faces coming up from JV. Even so, this year’s team looks to be the best one yet.

“I think we will be fine, we were young last year and I think we have guys who will step up this year,” says Wiker.

The Bulldogs will play many good teams this year like Stevenson High School and defending state champion Prairie Ridge High School. However, the team seems to be ready for anything that is thrown at it.

“We are looking to take on the teams in our division like Antioch, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, and Lakes,” Senior Ryan Thorsen works hard to S. Francisco/ says senior Brad Baron. impress his coach, Mr. Durlak.

The Bark While there are many team