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Issue Number I 9/29/08 285 E. Grand Ave. Fox Lake, IL. 60020
The Voice Of Grant Community High School
Inside this issue... Students pay respects to Joe Cardella in a special tribute on page 3.
Wondering about the new teachers at Grant Community High School? Turn to page 5 to read all about them.
Are the new lunch prices leaving your wallet empty? Turn to page 6 to read about other students in the same boat.
Construction begins; new facilities soon to be completed The new school part entails demolishing the old 1930s wing Anderson. “The additions will eventually allow year began with students where the art classes are located. It will be these teachers to have their own space.” When all of the construction is done, coming to school to replaced with a two story wing that will have be greeted by dozers, a new art studio, family and consumer science Grant will be able to serve 2,400 students. There excavators, and mounds areas, and other classrooms. It is hoped that this will be more classrooms and labs that will be of dirt where fields used to construction will be completed by the 2010- better-equipped to serve the students. The new field house will also be a be. These were the signs of 2011 school year. huge benefi t to Grant. The current gym holds productivity in the pursuit “I feel kind of sad [about the 1930s Rachel of a better school. wing], but in 50 years [the new wing] will be 1,100 people, while the new field house will Seminara After Grant the historical 2009 wing,” said freshman Erin hold 2,600 spectators. It will also have three Editor-in-Chief basketball and volleyball courts and a five lane Community High Beskow. School passed a $38.5 million building bond Some, like Beskow, are sad to see the indoor track. Dr. Benedetti, Superintendent, said, referendum, the building company, IHC, was historical 1930s wing go, but know it’s all for “I suspect our facilities will compare with any hired to oversee the projects. The company also the best. managed Grant’s construction projects in 2001 “There are many teachers this high school in Lake County when finished.” and 2005. year who do not have their own rooms,” said Construction began on June 19 with the breaking of the ground on the east side of the library. There are two phases of construction. The first phase is building the new wing of science labs on the east side of the building, and building the new field house near the football field. This part of the construction is scheduled to be finished for the 20092010 school year. “The science labs are about the same as the current labs. They have more windows than current rooms. They have the sinks located along the side of the wall instead of at the end of the lab counters, so the counters have a little more room to work,” said Mr. Anderson, science teacher. The new classrooms are great for the teachers, but how do the students feel about these changes? “Honestly, [it won’t affect me] much. The field house will just make the track an option year round for gym,” said sophomore Taylor Abrahamson. The second phase of the Phase one of construction began on the east side of the library. The new field house is R. Seminara/ construction will start in 2009. This also under construction on the west side of the school. The Bark
Homecoming promises a night of fun and memories The Bulldogs kick off another football season. Get the full story on page 8.
Meet this year’s Cross Country team and see how they’re doing compared to last year. Page 7.
Dancing, meeting new friends, hanging out with old ones, and having a great time is what this year’s Homecoming is all about. Senior Kelsey Peters says, “[Homecoming] is something everyone can Collin Bushing look forward to.” Op/Ed Editor Homecoming is the event of the year. It will be on Oct. 11. The theme for all of the festivities this year is a Retro Homecoming, having each class represent a different decade. Junior Samantha Yost says, “I like to dance!” The Homecoming dance is the biggest part of the week. This dance will take place on October 11 from 8p.m. to 11p.m. It is the only formal dance that all of the grades are invited to. Junior Sarah Mirocha says, “I love Homecoming. I love shopping for a dress, hanging out with friends, and decorating.” Looking nice for the Homecoming dance is important, because tons of photos are always taken. Homecoming offers a professional photo to be taken, with a decorated background. This photo can be taken with a friend or a date. Students are also allowed to bring their cameras, and take photos with whomever they want.
Senior Deborah Storm says, “It’s my senior year, and my last Homecoming. It has to be fun.” The Homecoming Dance is always a bundle of great times, and is always filled with great memories that will be remembered forever. For all of those students who aren’t really into dances, Homecoming offers different events. There will surely be an event that every student can participate in. The football game is something that everyone can enjoy. Storm says, “We are going to win [the game] without a doubt.” This year, Grant will be playing the Wauconda Bulldogs. This game is held in the afternoon on Oct. 11, before the dance. Before the football game, there is the Homecoming Parade that will take place in the morning. Peters says, “The Parade is a great way to kick off Homecoming Day.” The parade consists of a bunch of different local businesses, school clubs, and athletic teams, such as Environmental Club, Dance Team, Student Council, Volleyball, Cheerleading, and Flags. There is also a competition between the classes to see who can build the best float, which is built after school during the week before the parade. The week leading up to Homecoming
is very important, because it is Spirit Week. Spirit Week is a time for the students and faculty to show off their school spirit. Junior Stephanie Oehrlein says, “Spirit Week is such a big part of Homecoming; there is no way I wouldn’t participate in it. It’s always fun to see what students vote on for the theme for each day of Spirit Week.” The themes for each day are chosen by the Student Council. These themes give students and faculty a chance to dress up and have fun everyday leading up to Homecoming day. Peters says, “I am so excited. It’s the best week of the year.” The students and faculty at Grant can all share in this excitement. It shows that Grant has school spirit, and gets everyone pumped up and excited for all the activities that will be occurring at the end of that week. Overall, Homecoming is a very important week for Grant. It promises to be fun times and great memories. Oehrlein says, “I definitely am excited for Homecoming, especially because the last two I’ve been to were so much fun. Friends always make the dance memorable, and it’s cool that there’s food in the cafeteria to eat. I’m sure our football team won’t disappoint us. When I think about it, float building is totally my favorite.”