The
Bark
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.”
September 29, 2008
The Bark
The Bark Staff Editors-in-Chief Rachel Seminara Meital Caplan
Section Editors Collin Bushing Jordyn L. Boyles Essence Tillery Lydia Wells
Staff Reporters Alex Carr Stephanie Dogan Shayla Francisco Paul Kudowski Katrine Loris Monserrat Martinez Emily Paddock Hayley Pallock Jeshanah Smith Meagan Stephenson 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.
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 Editors-
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Opinions & Editorials Many students believe the imaginary impact of blogging The new generations of people that will one day make the decisions that affect the future have things a little backwards. With all the new technology coming into society, teens are usually the most eager to try out the latest things. Some new things stick around and others don’t. Unfortunately, one thing that stuck hard was blogging. With this generation it seems that the new way to make a difference is to get online and blog about problems and opinions, hoping that with the internet, millions of people will read and agree with what you wrote. The truth is that most blogs don’t get read, and they certainly don’t reach as many people as you think they will. The false perception here is that with the internet, it feels as though the whole world will see your page, read your blog, and think about what you have to say. It kind of makes it feel like you can change
the world with just one MySpace blog. But consider how world wide the web really is. There are so many web pages out there that the chances of some random person stopping on your page are one in a million. So, the chances of making a difference through blogging are very slim. Blogging is like fighting a violent battle without any weapons. You may make a small impact, but you’re doing nothing in the long run. But wait, there is hope for your thoughts and opinions yet. It’s called The Bark. Truly think about it. If you really want people to get behind you on something or you just want people to know that your opinion is different from the masses, how many students will get online and check your blog? Most students and faculty read The Bark. Some community members and other high school students besides the ones at Grant Community High School can get a hold of our
high school newspaper. So, if you seriously want people to know what you wrote and to take your opinion into consideration, send in a letter to the editor. The staff at The Bark will always make room for your letters. There are a lot of changes going on in the world and even here at Grant, so there are plenty of things that you can have opinions on. Plus, if you’re not into the whole world issues thing, some article may appear in The Bark that you disagree with. Write in and say what you dislike. The Bark loves to hear your opinion. The Bark isn’t the editors’ paper; it’s yours, the student body’s. It is up to you to let The Bark staff know what needs to be changed. It’s not like you need to write a three page essay or anything, but if you want thousands of people to read what you have to say instead of just your 10 closest MySpace friends, then The Bark is the best place to start.
Freshman/Senior Free-For-All
Freshmen express how their year is going by so far, while the seniors take a look back to when they first entered high school and how the school has changed.
“I now view the school as a place to have fun and a place to learn. When I was a freshman I thought all I was going to do was goof off. I love being a senior. You are held with much more respect than you are as a freshman. You basically rule the school. A piece of advice I would give to the freshmen is to get involved in high school activities. It enhances your high school experiences so much. Also, keep up on your homework because it is so easy to get behind and your grades will drop. It is so easy to get distracted.
Freshman year is going good so far. I have an advantage over the other freshmen because I was here for math last year. I have made new friends and haven’t gotten lost yet. It’s better than I thought. I thought pennies would be thrown at us, but I have the whole year ahead of me. This is definitely a positive experience.
It is going swell. I thought it would be intimidating, but I was wrong. It’s just like junior high, but bigger. It’s all good.
- Freshman Casey Faul
- Freshman Dylan Clark
- Senior Marissa Kachur
Going to high school, I was very concerned about how challenging the classes would be and how I was going to make new friends. Over the years you realize that the courses are no more challenging than what you can handle, and that everyone loses and makes friends over the years. As a senior, I am a lot less concerned about the social aspects of high school, and much more concerned about my grades, and getting into college.
- Senior Emily Maddock
I came into school with a shy and quiet personality. I really just blew off everything as if it didn’t matter. I procastinated a lot, and I highly regret that. As a senior I have to work harder to get into college, while my friends brag about their classes. I only wish I had worked harder as a freshman. My advice to these new students is to work hard freshman year, slack a bit if you want, and join as many clubs as you can. Enjoy being a freshman, because it all goes by fast.
- Senior Micky Singh What I know now that I didn’t know then was as high school continues, life just gets harder. Being a freshman was easy, like a warm up. You do well, then begin the AP classes and you really start to freak. On the plus side, the older you get in high school, the more authority you get. Suddenly, you own the school, and if you play your cards right you get away with all sorts of shananigans. My advice to the freshmen: don’t screw up your grades. Get the 4.0; being smart is a very good thing. Your life is only going to get harder. Soon you’ll be driving, you’ll need a job, and college will be thrust upon you so fast you won’t know how to react. Get involved. Student council, a sport, a club, don’t go home and play video games all day. Colleges won’t be impressed that you beat Halo in two weeks. Another word of advice: get to know your teachers. Who knew they could be, I don’t know, helpful?!
My freshman year is going great. I was really nervous about going to high school, but I actually like it. I was so nervous about all of the rumors about horrible things (getting stuffed in a locker, forgetting my way to class, someone stealing my books, etc.) I haven’t seen or had any of these experiences.
- Freshman Samantha Smyth My freshman year has been fun so far. It is not exactly what I expected, because this school is so much bigger than my middle school. Otherwise it has been a great experience.
- Freshman Alyssa Fischer My views of high school changed a lot! I never would’ve thought how much drama and peer pressure comes from here. There’s tons of cliques, and people I used to best friends with have become enemies. Freshman, some advice; stay out of the way, and talking loud and screaming to get attention is not cool. You just make a fool of yourself.
- Senior Kerstin Paglini
- Senior Kelly Pearce As a senior, I would say I’ve changed a lot. I’ve definitely grown up and learned to live life to the fullest, and still make mature decisions. As a freshman, I was kind of shy and not nearly as outgoing as I am now. I would tell freshman to do their work, because it’s not that hard, and have as much fun as possible and go to every school event because the years really do fly by. Take chances, make mistakes, and live life.
As a freshman, I was terrified of the amount of homework we were expected to receive. As my freshman year continued, I was elated that the work load was not overwhelming. As a senior, most of my classes are smaller and more personalized. I would advise the new freshman class at Grant to challenge themselves by taking more advanced classes. I also advise freshman to try their best their freshman year, because the grades that they get this year will count towards their GPA that they submit to college.
- Senior Cassie Menke
Freshman year is not what I expected. It’s very different but I love it so far. The halls are very crowded but having everyone there makes me safe.
- Freshman Sarah Pyo
When I came into high school, as a freshman, I was more afraid to speak up and way very shy. I didn’t want to talk being a freshman in all. Now, I have a lot of friends, not afraid to speak up, and I don’t mind coming to Grant. It’s not as bad of a school as some people say.
- Senior Harmeet Masuta
- Senior Ashley McCarten My freshman year is going great! But I never expected to be with so many kids. It was hard to get used to my schedule, and my classes at first, but I know it will be a positive, fun year!
- Freshman Ana Zitkus
When I was a freshman I was afraid to speak up, because I didn’t want people to think bad things of me. Now I’m OK with being in this school, and I try to draw attention to myself. As for this year’s freshmen, you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to people, but don’t talk too much because it will start to get annoying.
- Senior JD Paquette
I think going to GCHS is a good experience for me, and other fellow students. Here the teachers are nice. I make new friends each day, and learn new things. Grant is awesome.
- Freshman Luis Juarez
September 29, 2008
Op/Ed
~In Memory of ~ Joe Cardella
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From: Jim Bock, Joey’s Grandpa Joey was always my sidekick growing up. I worked at Amtrak, and when Joey was four I would take him down to the station to see all the trains. We would ride a scooter all around the yard from one side to the other. Joey couldn’t wait to get up on the engines of the trains and blow the horn. On one of the days we went for a ride, Joey was sitting on my lap and he was just amazed at all the gauges, blowing the horn, ringing the bell around the yard; he was the happiest kid I have ever seen. Joey always said: “Papa, when I grow up I’m going to drive one of these trains by myself.” Joey always looked forward to Sunday mornings to go check out the trains with me.
Junior Michelle Gizowski and sophomore Angie Danca wear pins in memory of Joe.
The family of Joe Cardella would like to thank all of you at Grant Community High School for everything you have done to keep Joey’s memory close to our hearts
-Joe Cardella, Christine Kelly, Nicole Cardella I have only known Joe for a couple months but when you talk to someone just about every day it seems like you’ve known that person forever. That is exactly how it was with Joe. I first talked to him when he sent me a message on Facebook: “I am sure you don’t know me but I’m moving to Fox Lake and I’m going to go to Grant. I don’t know anybody so I figured I would try to make some friends.” That’s how exactly the kind of person Joe was; he was so outgoing and had an awesome personality. Ever since then we talked on AIM all the time. He was one of the coolest kids I knew. He was really funny and he had such an awesome personality. He fit right in with our group. Everyone always said he was the new kid that was never new. We all would always joke with his name...like “OH JOE!” or “UH OH JOE!” and he would just laugh. Whenever I’d see Joe in the halls, which was a lot, I would always say so loud so everyone would hear “HI JOE!” just because every time he would smile, laugh and just roll his eyes and shake his head saying “Hi Michelle” right back. I miss Joe so much and it’s really hard going online and not seeing “soxshorty signed on” or being in the halls screaming his name. It’s amazing how we only knew him for a few months and in those few months so many people cared so much about him. That tells you something right there. We all miss him so much and he has all touched our lives some way or another. He will never be forgotten.
-Junior Michelle Gizowski
Grant cheerleaders wear ribbons in remembrance of Joe. From: Jimmy, Joey’s uncle I, as an uncle and godfather, have so many memories of Joey. The first time I babysat him he ended up wetting his pants and well, I guess I wasn’t fast enough. Yep. He got me good. When he was about three we all were at my sister’s house (Auntie Donna) and she had a pet bird. Well, this bird got out of its cage and was flying all over. Finally, it landed on Joey’s shirt. He screamed, jumped, and started to try to get it off him but he ended up pooping his pants. The family memories can go on and on, but through it all Joey was always a wonderful kid.
Several of Joe’s friends made shirts in his memory.
this summer. I started talking to Joe at the beginning of the summer. The first night we hung out was when we were with Justin Cokefair and Erin Horvath. It was so funny because he said he never met any girls who weren’t shy when they met someone for the first time. When he would laugh at our dorkiness, we’d say “Oh Joe!” and from then on I knew this kid would fit in perfectly. It’s as if he was never “the new kid.” It was crazy to talk to someone who you just met, but you’d feel like you’ve known them forever. The special part of mine and Joe’s friendship was that we could tell each other anything. I would never have expected him to open up to me. We told each other things we’ve never told anyone before, whether it was about growing up, our dreams, our pasts, and even the bumps in the road. I always loved going to his house. We would always cook Mac-n-cheese with hot dogs and watch the food channel. I’ll never forget the day Erin and I went to his house. We were all going to tie-dye shirts for fun but instead the three of us ended up talking about our lives and confessing our secrets. Those hours of tears and laughter made that day itself one of the best days of my summer. I also remember one day he just got off the phone with his mom, who lives in Kentucky. He told her about Erin and me and how we were the first girls he met. I finally met his
mom at the wake and I’ll never forget the smile on her face and her eyes filled with tears as she said “So you’re the Robin my Joey liked.” Hearing those words crushed me. But I know seeing his mom and showing her I cared made her happy. It’s hard for everyone to go through a loss. Whether it’s your best friend, a family member, or someone you just met. Joe’s close friends have stuck together since the night of August 24. I don’t think I would be able to handle this on my own without the support of my friends. Just by being with Joe over the summer, he has taught me a lot. I learned to never take things for granted because you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. He also told me to never hold back. If you like someone tell them because if you hold back and wait for the “right time” it might be too late. Love with everything you can give, because every little thing is special. It’s crazy that this has happened. No one knows why bad things happen to good people. I’ll never forget Joe Cardella; he was an amazing kid with a big heart. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. I know he’s watching over me and he always will be. And don’t forget he’s watching over the football team. Erin and I always say the sheet of fog over the field is Joe, and he’s watching over all of us. I love and miss you Joe. May you rest in peace.
- Senior Robin Rasmussen
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September 29, 2008
Features
Features Debate over drinking age fueled by...college officials? Underage drinking among high school and college students is as abundant as the alcohol itself. So it sounds almost like a dream come true to many teenagers that normally stuffy and conservative college Lydia Wells officials have been fighting Features Editor to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. You’re probably thinking, “Did I hear that right?” Yes, it’s true. Officials from schools such as Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State are among nearly 100 college administrators to raise the question over the legal drinking age of 21, stemming from issues occurring on-and-off campus. Former Middlebury College President John McCardell spurred this new round of debates when he spoke out about the ineffectiveness of the law and the amount of college drinking. McCardell believes that the current law fosters dangerous binge drinking, especially among underage high school and college students. Therefore, he began gathering support from college administrators to challenge the current drinking age in hopes of lowering it to 18. He named his crusade the “Amethyst Initiative”; in ancient Greece, amethyst was alleged to hold off intoxication. The United States is one of only four developed nations that has a drinking age as high as 21. This was established in 1984 when Congress passed the Minimum Drinking Age Act, which limits a state’s federal funding for highways if it sets the drinking age lower than 21. Several Grant Community High School students disagree with this piece of legislation, as well as the current law. “I believe that the drinking age should be lowered in order to remove (or at least suppress) societal and peer pressures that often cause people to drink,” says junior Stephanie Oehrlein. “If the drinking age is lowered, then those people who drink just for the sake of breaking the law would no longer have the same law to break.” Oehrlein proves a great point; there are obviously many arguments that lowering the drinking age would be beneficial. First of all, if 18-year-olds are allowed to fight in a war, serve on a jury, and vote, then
why can they not take a sip of beer? Junior Krystin Kantenwein says, “The majority of teenagers drink now. Then when they go to college it’s basically all they do. Being 18 is a big responsibility and I think if that’s when we are expected to grow up, then it’s a privilege that should be given.” The age factor seems to be the main issue. “At 18, people should be mature enough to make serious decisions about drinking,” says Oehrlein. Kantenwein also adds that “if we can smoke at 18 then why not drink? Also, [18] is when we become adults and make our own choices for our lives.” Secondly, underage drinking is common because of the “forbidden fruit” aspect. Recently there has been a shift from beer to hard liquor, and kids are now drinking secretly and dangerously behind closed doors. If alcohol is out in the open, then the allure is gone, as is the desire to binge drink. “Less teenagers would be tempted to drink in high school because they know as soon as they get out they can,” says Kantenwein. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, though, for McCardell and his crusade. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched its own campaign, in which it has accused college administrators for not wanting to expend time, money, and energy on cracking down harder on underage drinkers on college campuses. An anonymous Grant senior agrees, and says, “Pretty much everyone I know drinks and I only know two people who can do so legally.” Junior Kimmy Wodrich believes that lowering the drinking age will cause more harm than good. “I don’t think there is a logical enough reason [to lower the drinking age].The younger you are, the less responsible you are, and being drunk doesn’t help.” Many wonder if the amount of alcohol-related accidents would increase with the lower drinking age. Even now, motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause for teenage deaths. In addition, medical research has shown that people who begin drinking earlier in life are more at risk for developing a dependency on alcohol at an earlier age. Alcohol can also lead to long-lasting damage, including liver damage, heart disease, and diabetes. Death
From the Secretary of State
Random Facts... Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.
Slugs have 4 noses.
In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.
can also occur, regardless of the age at which you drink. T h e anonymous senior says, “The brain is not done developing until the age of 20, on average. The drinking age should remain the same because some people’s brains aren’t done developing until then. Permanent damage can be done if you drink underage.” Junior Mike Yerushalmi also believes that lowering the drinking age would be harmful to growing teens. “I think it should be left the way it is. Teens are still growing and alcohol can do harm to their bodies. [Plus], teens are immature and alcohol will just make it worst.” Oehrlein has seen firsthand what could happen Lowering the drinking age would bring more and more bottles like these into if the drinking age teens lives. was lowered. She says, “When my mom was a teenager growing up in Poland, debated until there is solid proof saying the idea her parents made their own beer right at home. is good or bad. This is because what happens in They had all the necessary equipment, and response to the drinking age involves a lot of there always turned out to be plenty of alcohol chance. It is possible for things to go very well to drink. My mom drank the homemade beer or very badly.” often, but it never got out of hand. Now, as an Yerushalmi thinks that whatever adult, she is perfectly successful. age the law is set at, “It will never be resolved “Lowering the drinking age will not because teens find ways to get around laws.” turn our nation’s teenagers into a bunch of alcoholics,” says Oehrlein. “[However], the issue of lowering the drinking age will always be
Press release from the office of Jessie White
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There are more than 50,000 earthquakes throughout the world every year.
Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the mornings.
1,525,000,000 miles of telephone wire are strung across the U.S.
In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.
In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.
In Philadelphia, you can’t put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.
85,000,000 tons of papers are used each year in the U.S.
Secretary of State Jesse White reaffirmed today his opposition to raising the driving age in Illinois. Earlier today the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced it supports raising the driving age nationwide to 17 or 18. White emphasized the answer to reducing teen fatal crashes lies not with raising the driving age, but rather on working to better prepare young, novice drivers, regardless of their age, and increasing parental involvement. “This is why my office initiated a new teen driver safety law, effective January 1, 2008, that gives Illinois one of the strongest graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs in the nation,” said White. “The new law better prepares teen drivers by tripling the length of the permit phase, increasing parental involvement, limiting in-car distractions, and strengthening penalties.” The early results of the new law are encouraging. In the first seven months since the law took effect, teen crash fatalities have declined by 47 percent. This has resulted in 44 fewer teen deaths on Illinois roads in 2008 when compared to the first seven months in 2007. “This law is working as intended,” said White. “Teen lives are being saved.” To further bolster the impact of the new law, White’s office has developed a GDL Parent-Teen Driving Guidebook to help parents observe and instruct their teen drivers during the nine-month permit phase. The 32-page guidebook offers parents a blueprint to follow when accompanying their teens as they log the required 50 hours of practice driving. The guidebooks, which also contain a voluntary parent and teen contract, are being provided to those parents that have teens enrolled in driver education class. For more information on the guidebook, please visit www. cyberdriveillinois.com. In addition, White’s office initiated another key law effective this year that allows parents of teens under age 18 to view their teen’s driving record free online at www.cyberdriveillinois. com. “By giving parents access to these driving records, we are helping them stay even more involved in their teenagers’ driving patterns as they proceed through the GDL program,” said White. “Parental involvement is a key component to any successful GDL program.”
September 29, 2008
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Features
Beijing Olympics: recent controversy over famed games On Aug. 8, 2008, all of America watched in awe as the city of Beijing, China, put on what was arguably the most spectacular display of fireworks in recent history. But were they real? At the same Jordyn L. Boyles ceremony, a sweet, little News Editor Chinese girl poured her heart and soul into singing the country’s national anthem. But did we really see the correct singer? A few days later, the superior gymnasts of the Chinese female team competed against the best of the best, and impressed a stadium full of spectators with their top-notch performances. But were these girls technically allowed to compete? This year’s summer Olympics, however exciting and jubilant, were a disappointment to some when news reports of what really happened during the Twenty-Ninth Olympiad reached the airwaves. The firework spectacle that was performed during the Opening Ceremonies was not completely authentic. The only real fireworks were those shot off around the stadium where the event was being held. The ones seen around the city, however, were fake. The main element to the show was
Mr. Talbot
a series of 29 footsteps, one footstep for each time the Games have been held in the history of the Olympics. The sequences were about one second apart, and each of them were computer generated. They looked so real, however, that those who were viewing the event first hand didn’t realize that they weren’t watching a live performance. The explanation given by event planners was that it would’ve been too difficult to produce the show in real time. They also said that, due to the smog that rests over the Beijing skyline, the quality would’ve been poor for those watching the fireworks from their television sets. “I thought the fireworks were pretty cool, even if some of them were computer generated,” says senior Jamie Harms. “It’s not as cool as the real thing, but it still took creativity and work to give the viewers a little extra entertainment.” In a further attempt to create ‘the perfect Olympic Games,’ officials made another startling decision: to have two young singers perform during the Opening Ceremonies. The catch: the audience would see only one of them. Chinese officials believed that the singer, a seven-year-old girl, was simply ‘too ugly’ to be seen by the many spectators around the world. They decided to keep her voice, and
Ms. Hoehne
cast another young girl with better looks to give the actual performance while lip-synching over the original singer. This now-famous switcheroo is considered by some to be cruel and demeaning. “I think it is terrible that they robbed the ‘real’ little girl of this amazing opportunity,” says Ms. Koske, choir director. “To lip-synch over someone else’s voice and pass it off as your own is wrong. Vocal performance is an art, and lip-synching over someone’s performance is basically stealing.” Koske does not agree with the justifications given by the Chinese government. “If you are lucky enough to have a talent as amazing as that little girl, your performance will outshine your physical appearance,” she says. The most shocking story came during the women’s gymnastics competition, when the age of the girls on the Chinese team came into question. According to the rules that govern the Olympic Games, all participants must turn 16 years old during the calendar year in which the games are held. The main and most generally accepted form of proof is an international passport. According to Olympic officials, each Chinese gymnast had the correct date on her passport and was given the green light to
Mr. Wodzien
participate. The size of the gymnasts, however, became a large source of question from the media and spectators, fueling the fire on the age controversy. The coach of the Chinese gymnastics team maintains that the size of the girls can be attributed simply to their race, for those of Asian descent are typically built smaller than those of American or European descent. “I watch all of the gymnastics because I’m very into it,” says senior Ashley McCarten. “I think the Chinese gymnasts were about 14; their bodies weren’t at the appropriate stage to be 16.” McCarten doesn’t condone the supposed actions taken by the Chinese government. “If it’s breaking the rules it’s not worth it,” she says. “Why can’t they just practice for a few more years and get even better, and then come back to attempt to take the gold again?” This summer’s Olympic Games provided ample entertainment and newsworthy stories. From artificial fireworks and lipsynching toddlers to underage gymnasts and fake passports, these events definitely provided the media with a field-day frenzy. What will the 2012 Games in London bring? We will have to watch.
Ms. Savage
1. Where did you attend college?
1. Where did you attend college?
1. What do you like about Grant?
1. Where did you attend college?
Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL.
Benedictine University in Lisle.
The students here are amazing. They are well behaved, smart, and fun to teach.
Western Illinois University...GO LEATHERNECKS!
2. Is this the first place you have taught at?
2. What do you like about Grant?
2. What do you like about Grant? I like the school pride around here. 3. What subject do you teach? Why this subject?
2. What do you like about Grant? The small school setting and the friendly faculty members. 3. What subject do you teach? Why this subject?
4. What do you like to do after school hours?
I teach English; I chose this subject because I enjoy finding the deeper meaning in literature, and wish to impart life skills on my students. I've also always enjoyed grammar, and try to make it enjoyable for students.
Watch the Cubs, play/coach baseball, hang out with my family.
4. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
5. Is this the first place you have taught at?
I have always enjoyed working with kids, and I had many teachers here at Grant who made a difference in my life.
Math. I really enjoyed solving problems, and I like math.
Yes 6. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I like teaching and interacting with teenagers.
Other new teachers this year...
Mr. Catanzaro-Math Mr. Duffy-Math Mr. Gibbs-English Ms. Hatfield-Business Education Ms. Kern-Special Education Ms. Pipikios-FCS Mr. Serbin-English Mr. Wagrowski-Social Worker
Mr. Lukemeyer-Full Time Substitute
Mr. Ogryzek-Full Time Substitute
5. What do you like to do after school hours?
I taught at Hoffman Estates High School and Glenbard West High School.
I like the dedicated staff of GCHS. People are friendly and willing to assist you. The size of Grant is nice too!
3. What subject do you teach? Why this subject?
3. What subject do you teach? Why this subject?
I teach English. When I was in high school I read John Updike’s A & P and fell in love with the English language.
I teach social studies. I love history because of the stories that are involved. It was my favorite subject in grade and high school.
4. What do you like to do after school hours? I coach freshman football, lift weights, and hope to start a lacrosse club someday. 5. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I love working with people.
I am the Head Cheerleading Coach, so we have practices or games everyday after school.
6. Where did you attend college?
7. You may add anything else that you want students to know.
7. You may add anything else that you want students to know.
I graduated from Grant in 2003.
I am very excited to be here at Grant High School. I also have a twin brother who teaches at Palatine High School.
Illinois State University
Grant’s New Teachers
4. Why did you decide to become a teacher? When I attended Grant as a student, I had Mr. Taubery and Mr. Oeffling for social studies classes. They both made class interesting and I was influenced by their passion for the subject. I thought there must be something to the teaching profession if so many people love doing it. 6. What do you like to do after school hours? (This really wouldn’t be after school, but...) I LOVE traveling. I enjoy going into Chicago on the weekends. The city has so much to offer. If I had more money, I would definitely travel outside of the United States more often. But if I had to say after school, I enjoy going to Grant sporting events and activities.
September 29, 2008
News
6
More News New Skyward program creates mixed feelings among students and staff A new program is being introduced to Grant Community High School that has the ability to dramatically change students’ lives. Its name is Skyward. It will now be Meital Caplan taking the place of the old Editor-in-Chief program “Grademaster/ School Master” because of how easy it is to utilize and the higher benefits it brings. This new grading program will make the information that was previously only available in report cards accessible anywhere at any time. With it, parents will now have complete access to their child’s record with a simple click of the mouse. The school hopes to have this feature ready to go by next semester. Parents will be able to see if their child has ditched class, check their current grade, and even see how their child did on last week’s math test that their child chose not to study for. “I think [this program] is good for the parents, but bad news for the students,” says senior Joe Girten. Other students, such as senior Hugo Sancen, have even more than doubtful thoughts over Skyward. “Personally, I think this is another example of technology invading privacy. High school is a time to grow independent and handle your business; not a time for your mom to check on your grades daily.” Many students would agree with the feeling of dread due to the program. No longer will they be able to blow off homework knowing that they will not get in trouble for it until report cards are released. Now, parents will have the information to take action whenever grades start to slip. “Students should have a chance to take small mistakes and fix them by the time report cards come home,” says Girten. “[Skyward] will lead to more groundings and more unhappy and frantic students.” One thing can be certain, this new program can be expected to extract very different reactions from the students. “Some students may find themselves checking their grades obsessively,” says Ms. Sagritalo, English teacher. “But I think this will only apply to a few. It is hoped that students will understand their grades better and make wiser choices regarding studying and doing homework.” Ms. Richards, science teacher and also one of the teachers who were deeply
involved with the Skyward program, also has her own predictions of the students’ responses. “I believe that students with nothing to hide will respond favorably to this program. However, I believe that students who run home to get their mail before their parents find it will have a much harder time keeping the truth from them.” Students like junior Peter Laubenstein are already planning on using this program to their advantage. “There have been many times in the past where I have had a borderline grade that I didn’t know about that I could have easily raised if I had known. [Skyward] can help everyone get better grades.” Of course, there are students that will not feel the impact of Skyward on their lives. “I don’t care [about Skyward],” says senior Vince Azzano. “I don’t need to hide anything from my parents.” Teachers and faculty have begun to see the introduction of this program as a great addition to the school. “I have already found Skyward to be beneficial,” says Sagritalo. “I can e-mail parents to remind them when their student needs to take tests after being absent and eventually students and parents will be able to check grades online.” The coming of this program seems to be something that many teachers are looking foward to. “All I know is that this is the best thing to happen to me since the Patriots drafted Tom Brady from Michigan,” says Mr. Van Alstine, Social Studies teacher. Even the faculty members working behind the scenes are eager to see an improvement in efficiency. “I work within the office and my hope is that through using this software much of what we had done on paper will begin to be done online,” says Rose Jones, School Master. “This will allow for quicker processing of student information.” Robert Jung, a Skyward representative, vouches that the program will have positive results for everyone involved. “Skyward regularly receives feedback from students and parents about the Family/Student Access program. Students and parents both see the benefits of being able to view assignment and test grades before they get the papers back from their teachers. They also like the ability to view the bus schedule, class schedule, and daily assignments from any computer with internet access.” Whether students like it or not, Skyward will be in full affect and available to
Ms. Sagritalo logs on to the new Skyward program from her classroom computer.
J. Boyles/The Bark
Change in lunch prices burning holes in students’ wallets
M. Caplan/The Bark Senior Ryan Thorsen forks over big bucks for his lunch meal in the senior cafeteria. After a long, hard day of son. “Pop was $1.50 and the other drinks school doubled with the grueling tasks of work, were $1.00,” says senior Brett Yamauchi, who senior Jen Dunham has used to attend Stevenson. “[The main line grown hungry. To rectify lunch] was about $2.00, ice cream was $1.00, the problem, she tries to get and the pizza and burgers were about $1.50 to a simple, low-cost meal at $3.00 for a custom sandwich.” Yamauchi also says that he never took Wendy’s: a chicken sanda lunch from home and felt that the prices were wich combo and Frosty. Essence Tillery However, Dunham discov- quite reasonable when he attended Stevenson. Sports Editor Times haven’t changed for Stevenson ers that what seems to be a small meal can amount to like they have at Grant. The main line lunch is more than she bargained for: about eight dol- still $1.85. Stevenson aside, Grant is on the same lars. Dunham is sorely displeased as the rise in food prices continues to burn a hole in her wal- page with other schools, such as RichmondBurton High School and Round Lake High let. Dunham isn’t the only person who has School. Richmond-Burton’s main line lunch to deal with the rising food prices. The singeing holes in our own wallets will continue to grow is the same price as ours and their lunches are like Dunham’s as the rise in food prices hit the also very similar. For example, they have sub sandwiches, fruit, salad, and hotdogs, available halls of Grant Community High School. Lunches ranging from the main line daily. In addition to their daily food, they also lunch to the salad lunch have increased between have a school sandwich just like we do, like the five and 12 1/2 percent. The main line lunch, Rocket Burger with bacon as opposed to our which used to be $2.00, is now $2.25, the pizza McGrant, and favorites like the chicken patty. Round Lake, on the other hand, does lunch used to be $2.85 and is now $3.00, and the full salad lunch, which includes fruit and have a slightly cheaper main line lunch than we milk, is now $3.40 instead of $3.25. Other lunch do at $2.10, but like Richmond-Burton, they get changes include both the hamburger and hotdog the same amount of food as Grant. In any event, the onset of the price lunches, up from $2.35 to $2.60. But these are just some of the things changes here cause Grant students, like senior that have changed. All lunches have gone up Matt Peterson, to adjust their budgets accordand, with the exception of some of the A La ingly. Even though the price changes don’t Carte items, everything else has gone up as affect Peterson’s budget, the monthly lunch alwell. “I work constantly and my paycheck lowance that he is allotted isn’t enough to allow is gone in a week,” said senior Breanna Bala, him to buy as much food as before. “The main line lunch isn’t bad, but who, like Dunham, knows the pains of price change. “From high gas prices to the lunch all the little things like chips and stuff is outra[prices], I can’t afford it. Not a lot of [other] geously pricy. My mom gives me $50 a month people can afford it either. They need to lower and now I can’t buy as much,” says Peterson. The “little things” that Peterson rethe prices.” Those who don’t have jobs feel it even fers to are the A La Carte items, which include worse. Junior Jerod Ramsey feels that “eating snacks and anything else that you buy that isn’t lunch one day here costs just as much as buying included in a meal. Some of the A La Carte items have gone up by ten cents; the soup is now the stuff to make my lunch for one week.” Ms. Braun, food service director, $1.60 instead of $1.50. But the good news is, knows that the changes in the lunch prices are however, that some of the drinks, the ice cream, draining more out of students’ wallets. How- and potato chips haven’t changed in price. Whether we, the students of Grant, ever, she says that the rising costs of food force like it or not, the price changes are here to stay them to raise the prices. “We compared our prices to oth- at this particular time. The question of whether er schools and it’s still a good a good buy at or not the prices will change again can only be answered with time. $2.25,” Braun says. But not when compared to Steven-
September 29, 2008
Sports
7
New, young blood keeps the winning torch alive for cross country Grant Community High School’s gifted cross country runners blaze around the track again this year with some fresh, new talent and steadfast perspective. Last year’s girls cross country season ended with Essence Tillery an amazing division record Sports Editor of 5-1 and an overall record of 6-2. Likewise, the boys scored 4-4 overall and 3-3 in their division. When the year ended, however, the Bulldogs had to say goodbye to key player: Heather Ruetsche. The boys had to say goodbye to three athletes: Derek Hall, Jose Flores, and Brad Williams. While those players will certainly be missed, there are some new players here to keep the winning torch alive in their absence. The boys cross country team now has sophomore Ryan Mamerow, junior Robert McDonough, and junior Chris Oliver while the girls get senior Gina Cellucci, and juniors Sarah Reid and Audrey Carrothers. Although the new talent definitely spices things up on the cross country team, the existing players haven’t lost their flavor either. The existing players are always striving to improve their game like sophomore Jay Wisniewski, who’s in the midst of his second year on the Grant cross country team. Wisniewski hopes to improve his time for his six mile run and at least make it to sectionals. To make sure that happens, Wisniewski puts himself through what he describes as “torture.” “On Sundays, I run for distance and usually it’s ten to fifteen miles,” says Wisniewski. “Usually, I run the ten to fifteen miles [in] under two hours.” Wisniewski isn’t the only player on the cross country team who does extra practice. Before the season even started, senior Alyssa Pasiewicz ran about 300 miles over the course of the summer. However, just because the cross country runners do their own training, it doesn’t mean that the coach takes it easy on them. Wisniewski states that easy days for cross
country runners are days when they run ten miles. As for the harder days, the cross country runners have to run six 1200s, which are three laps around the track done six times as fast as they can. Mr. Durlak, cross country coach, also has the runners run hills in addition to doing short recoveries which are meant to build up the running base. All of the grueling exercises that both they and Durlak put in place are, of course, training for upcoming meets, which has the cross country team abuzz with excitement. “I’m really excited to just start the season,” said senior Lance Littleton. “I want to see how much better I am from last year since I’ve been running almost every day over the summer. Everyday I give it my all in practice for one simple reason: I want to get faster.” Likewise, junior Titus Lotz gives his very best in practice and runs with his teammates who push him to do his very best. The tenacity and Grant’s boy cross country runners limber up for the dedication that both of Grant’s cross laborious race ahead. country teams share catapulted them to their wonderful performance at all didn’t run at the Lake County Invite got a of their meets so far, including the Lake County chance to get their feet wet at the Grant Quad Invite on Sept. 3. meet on Sept. 4. Grant finished behind two teams in Grant ran against Harvard High th their division. The girls placed 7 and the boys School, Richmond-Burton High School, and th placed 9 . Both boys and girls had to face 16 Round Lake High School during a downpour. other teams, so even though the competition But rain or shine, rough weather was not a was fierce, the Bulldogs did well. deterrent for quality performance. The girls Highlights of the meet include cross country team placed 2nd at the meet, and Mamerow running 16:30 for his first race, which while the boys did place 4th, they still ran well. was something he wasn’t expecting. Despite Another very important meet Mamerow’s time, he was still three places away happened on Sept. 6 where the Bulldogs had to from getting a medal. However, that fact does run what sophomore Vianca Bermeo describes not discourage him, and Mamerow remains as “one of the hardest courses we run at this cheerful and describes the meet as “exciting.” year.” But Mamerow aside, all of the boys The Crystal Lake South Invite was cross country runners are ahead of their times a tough race for cross country runners of all from this point last year. levels. The boys runners placed 16th out of the The cross country runners haven’t 20 schools that were there, and the girls cross stopped moving from there. Everyone who
R. Seminara/The Bark
country runners placed 8th out of the 19 schools that were there. “The course was very tough and challenging but we took 8th. Personally, it was challenging because of the hills. I really plan to improve,” said senior Gina Holzman. All of the training, both physical and mental, that the runners went through and will go through, can only get them so far. There are no plays for cross country, so the ultimate strategy for victory is, according to Durlak, “to take things one meet at a time and perform to the best of our ability.” No one can ask for more than that.
This month’s article was focused on the boys. Check out next month’s article which will focus on the girls.
Golf players work to climb back up after a rocky start of the season A sport that doesn’t seem to get the recognition that is well deserved is Grant Community High School’s own golf team. While they have not started out as they would have liked, they are climbing their way back up. In a game versus Lakes Meital Caplan on Sept. 15, the team was Editor-in-Chief narrowly deafeated 175 to 185. Still early in the season, the team feels that they are not currently living up to their expectations. “I’ve had a slow start but I expect to
step it up,” says senior Nick Guenther. While the team agrees that it could be “doing better”, it still sets itself up with high expectations to reach before the end of the season. “Some kids would like to go to sectionals,” says senior Daniel Tromotola. Mr. Eiduke, head coach, has his own hopes for the season. “Hopefully, we will be able to focus on the challenges at hand, stay focused and work on taking one shot at a time. If we can do those three things, then we will make progress and have a fun season.” While the team lost many key players such as Adam Ticker, Kurt Ray, and Justin
Helmich, it is also adding several new players and having a lot of returning players such as Guenther, Tromotola, and senior Dan Rowlen. Unlike others on the team, Sophomore John Schenning does not think that age disables the team in any way. “We are all younger but we have potential.” While the boys have tough teams such as Stevenson and Lakes to look forward to playing, the real challenge seems to be in themselves. “[We need to be] playing smart and playing consistent,” says Schenning. While awareness of the team seems to be small in the student body, the team believes they deserve more credit.
“People don’t think we’re athletic but most of us are two to three sport athletes,” says Schenning. In fact, golf has a way of standing out from the usual sports. “It is a five plus hour competition and if one loses focus for one second then your day could go downhill dramatically,” says Eiduke. All in all, once it is given a chance, golf is a sport that everyone can enjoy. “It’s a great game you can play all your life,” says sophomore Sean Thandupurakal. Anyone can go show support to the golf team on Oct. 1 as they play against several teams in the North Suburban Conference at Warren.
Volleyball team hopes to improve as the season goes on For the Lady Bulldogs varsity volleyball team, the beginning of the school year also marks the beginning of a promising season. “We are a very young team who is working hard Jordyn L. to improve every week,” Boyles says Ms. Thompson, varsity News Editor volleyball coach. “This team has great potential and should be exciting to watch as they develop and become more and more competitive as the season goes on.” The players are equally enthusiastic about this season. “We’re a great team and we get along great,” says senior Jessica Nusbaum. Senior Janine Fiordirosa also has high expectations. “I expect us to have more wins this year than last year.” This year’s season commenced with a tryout session that consisted of four days. During these four days, the girls were put to the test as their physical endurance and
Coach Thompson has set a high bar for the girls this year. “[She] is very strict about playing this year,” says Fiordirosa. “If you don’t do well at practice you won’t play in games.” Thompson hopes to see weekly improvements not only at practice but in matches as well, and she expects the girls to be competitive and aggressive in every match. One of the most important elements to making this season a good one is teamwork, and the Lady Bulldogs
competitive skills were challenged. “ [ T h e y ] went through numerous skills, drills and scrimmage play each day to show us their skill level,” says Thompson. Practices began immediately after tryouts. “We have spent hours fine-tuning our basic skills, learning new defenses and are now focusing on improvements for our offense,” says Thompson. All the practice paid off as senior Janine Fiordirosa hit off a good serve during the game against Marengo.
J. Boyles/ The Bark
are confident in their abilities. “We’ve got great passers, awesome setters, and big hitters,” says Nusbaum. “Not to mention our great coaches!” Fiordirosa is equally confident in this year’s team. “We finally have good back row players and some hitters who can put the ball down.” Leadership is another key factor that will play a role in this season’s success. “The seniors have to show strong leadership at practice and matches,” says Thompson. She is relying on their fine-tuned skills and past varsity experience to help the younger girls on the team. As for the outlook for this season, Fiordirosa is remaining positive. “[Our goal is to] never give up or quit. It’s one thing if we lose because a team is better, but it’s another when we lose because we didn’t play up to our potential.” In a game against Johnsburg on Sept. 15, the Bulldogs might have been defeated, but the players stepped up to make it a close game. The final scores were 18-25, 25-21, and 19-25. Come support the team as they play Libertyville on Oct. 1.
September 29, 2008
8
Sports This year’s Grant Community High School’s football team has worked hard, fought through injuries, and has dealt with a loss of a fellow teammate. None of this, however, is going to stop them from making the Collin Bushing playoffs for the second year Op/Ed Editor in a row. “We definitely will make the playoffs this year,” said Mr. Rous, head football coach. Some of the players also think that the team will make it to the playoffs. “I expect to win the conference and make the playoffs again,” said junior Joe Wydra. This year’s team has a lot of strong aspects. Some of the players are really standing out, which is going to help the team achieve Rous’s goal of making it to the playoffs. “[Seniors] Mike Zielinski and John King have been dominating on the defensive line, and [senior] Javier Velasquez has been all over the field in the defensive secondary,” said Rous. Some of the players on the team think that some more of their fellow teammates are standing out. “[Senior] Tommy Bychowski is the best player in the country,” said senior Brandon Bushing. Other players on the team agree that
The Bark
Injuries and loss can’t stop Grant’s football team
The Bulldogs fight with all of their might to win the scrimmage during a football game. some of their teammates are standing out. “[Senior] Garret Olsen’s blocking ability is far superior to any wing back in the history of this institution,” said senior Gunther Rosentreter. Although the team has star players, they also have to deal with their set-backs. For example, the injury of a team player could cause some serious problems. “The Grant football family has already suffered a devastating injury when [senior] Kevin Savage was lost for the year with a torn ACL in his right knee,” said Rous. “Without Kevin on the field, our team is missing something. He
J. Boyles/The Bark
is a special player and replacing him has been tough. Hopefully we can compensate for his leadership and athleticism that will be missed on both offense and defense.” This injury could affect Grant’s chance of making the playoffs, but the members of team have faith in one another to win. “I really don’t see a team in the country that could stop us. We’re animals, we play on a higher level, and we live to a higher standard,” said Rosentreter. In addition to faith, the team has unity. The team has grown into brothers, which
will surely help their goal to make the playoffs. “Our team has bonded tightly over the past few months. We are a brotherhood of men, men with one common goal,” said Bushing. Faith and unity could take this year’s team far, but the team will need more. Every member on the team will have to do their part if they want to make it to the playoffs. “Everybody on our team contributes to the team dynamic. Everyone is responsible for a victory, from the starters to the scout players,” said Rous. This year’s team has done all of this, and has put it to good work on Aug. 29, when they won their first game against Johnsburg. The final score was 20 to 10. Bychowski and junior Danny Hourihan scored the touchdowns, and Bushing got two interceptions. All of these aspects were put to good work once again on Sept 5. The Bulldogs beat the Grayslake Rams, with a final score of 42 to 28. Once more Bychowski scored two touchdowns, Hourihan scored one touchdown, and junior Justin Cokefair scored three touchdowns. Cokefair played a great game as quarter-back, assisting Bychowski in one of his touchdowns. In their Sept. 13 game, the Bulldogs again walked out victorious beating the North Chicago Warhawks 7-6. The team needs more than just great players, it needs a great fans. “We had great fan support last year at all of our games, including away games. I would like to see our student body to continue that support this season. Go Dogs!” said Rous.
Tennis team remains inspired despite rough start Soccer team’s determination stays high Hitting off the season (literally) with a score of 0-5 to Mundelein wasn’t exactly the game plan for the Grant Community High School’s girls varsity tennis team. However, this opening game has not brought down the Bulldogs’ spirit. Lydia Wells Features Editor “There are many returning players and I think that they will greatly contribute to our team’s skill level,” says junior Catharine Nicpon, who is remaining positive. “I expect many wins in both matches and tournaments.” Nicpon may be right, for the team has been practicing during the summer and after school in preparation for their matches. “During the summer there were camps available and actual practice started about a week before school,” says junior Jessica Atchison. At practice, the girls work up a sweat on the courts and are “fine tuning all of our skills and practicing communication,” says Nicpon. The girls started off their season playing McHenry on Aug. 25, and then Huntley on Aug. 27 where they also suffered a defeat. Their current record is 1-6 but Mr. Sheets, varsity coach, states that they are
“slowly improving.” With their optimistic outlook, they are destined to turn the scores around. Although the season is just beginning, the team already has high hopes and goals. Atchison is focusing on beating individual teams that pose a challenge to the Grant team. “I really hope that varsity does well during the Spirit of the Northwest Tournament, but we have a lot of practicing to do if we want to beat teams like Lake Forest,” she says. Even though the Grant team has started off on a shaky start, Atchison says they have something special. “I think our strongest area is simply the fact that we don’t give up,” says Atchison. “Even if we’re down by five matches, we still try to turn it around.” Sheets also believes that the girls will succeed through their hard work and perseverance. “Working with the team and watching them improve each time they leave a match and end the practice [is my favorite part]. I love being able to see that from the outside.” It appears that whatever the other teams ‘serve up’, the Grant girls varsity tennis team will hit it out of the court.
Mr. Sheets, girls tennis coach, gives the girls some pointers before sending them back onto the court
M.Caplan/ The Bark
while overcoming obstacles this season “The team is the most important,” says Mr. Rivette, varsity coach. “Everyone is needed and contributes to success and failure.” While the team has a lot going for it, the age of the players may turn out to be a disadvantage that the team will have to overcome. “This year’s team is somewhat younger and inexperienced, but athletic,” says Rivette. “So, depending on how fast they gel, we could become successful early or learn from mistakes.” Age is not the only complication that the team will have to prevail over. “The biggest obstacles the team will overcome are injuries and losses,” says junior Franceler France. Team morale also seems to need improvement in certain cases. “Everybody needs to stop being negative and start “Considering becoming a good team,” that [the season] says senior Adrian has just begun, Trujillo. “It’s up to us, it’s an uphill but we need confidence battle from to become better.” here,” says Even with senior Sean the minor challenges, Jasiak. “I’m M.Caplan/ this team has proven excited though.” Sophomore Christian Medrano The Bark works to fend off players from itself different from past Grayslake North. teams. Feelings of “These players make fast enthusiasm can be felt by everyone on the improvements,” says Trujillo. “An example is team as each player tries to accomplish their France. He couldn’t finish the fitness test before; individual and team objectives. “[I want to] get on the wall,” says now he’s helping me out. We just need everyone to have that commitment.” Jasiak. Naturally, the team will have to play Whether trying to improve their personal sport or just trying to improve their and defeat several strong teams including long accuracy, the team comes together for a common time rivals. “Lake Zurich has a strong team every goal. “We would like to advance in the year,” says junior Shane Hunter. While the season has not had the best playoffs,” says sophomore Christian Medrano. start, the team is confident that they will come What makes this team unique from others is that the players don’t think about together to end the season victorious. themselves standing out specifically, but rather the team playing as one. Grant Community High School’s varsity boys soccer team is off to a rocky start with a record of 1-7 but are more determined than ever to come back and have a successful season. “We got off to an OK start Meital Caplan but we have been working Editor-in-Chief really hard in practice,” says junior Darrin Schrimpf. The start of this season has taught the team to put past games behind them and to concentrate on the upcoming ones. The season is still fresh and there are countless opportunities to come out on top.