Huntley HS Voice April 2021

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VOICE

THE

April 2021, Volume 24, Issue 8

Sexual harassment leaves a mark Hewlett wins educator of the year

Taylor Swift reclaims album

CONTENTS NEWS 06 OPINION 10 A&E 15 HUMANS OF HUNTLEY 18 FEATURES 23 SPORTS 32 EDITORIAL 34

featured on

huntleyvoice.com

The student body and administration collaborate to plan memorable events for seniors

The physical education competency assignments teaching calorie counting can be harmful

Tik Tok Trendy Treats Alyssa Borring

“Mortal Kombat” movie opens the door for more gory, action-packed films

Sophmore Ellie Knebl and Junior Sean Kovach appreciate family more through quarantine

With Barbie, you can be anything Holly Urbanczyk

Junior Hillary Omachel receives praise for “The Disappearance of Daniel Hound” performance

Junior Hayden Swim’s ambition surrounding BMX allowed him to travel around the world

V

How administration should be proactive with regard to sexual harassment

THE

EDITORIAL POLICY

OICE

The Art of Eating 2.0 E4 Sydney Laput and Ruhi Gulati

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Ellie Armstrong

Managing Editor Kate Alvarado

Section Editors

Zoe Emerson, Alex Hartleb, Ally Panzloff, Abby Panier, Rayne Zilch

Photo Editor Sarah Baczewski

Marketing Editor Natalie VonderHeide

Staff

Staff Writers

Megan Curry, Sara Gebka, Annaliese Harper, Izzi Kellas, Bailey Lim, Shannon Magura, Zaina Mohammed, Steven Schumacher, Kayla Sweeney, Riy Walker, Melina Wsol, Austin Zenaty

Photographers Syed Hashmi

Adviser

Dennis Brown

Social Media Manager Arianna Joob

THE VOICE is an official student-produced medium of news and information published and produced every three weeks starting in October by Huntley High School News Media Production students (ADDRESS: 13719 Harmony Rd. Huntley, IL 60142). The Voice has been established as a designated public forum for student writers and editors to inform and educate their readers and to discuss issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of The Voice is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

s

BOE incumbent results

news election

Candidates ideas to improve the Huntley community

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By Sara Gebka

esults of Huntley School Board’s election, which had four seats available (communications & community engagement, legislation, buildings & grounds, and finance), have been won by their respected incumbents.

There were four incumbents who were running for the four chairs: Lesli Melendy, who leads the communications and community engagement committee chair, Sean Cratty, who leads the legislative committee chair, secretary Paul A. Troy, and president Anthony R. Quagliano.

The other 6 candidates were newcomers, most of whom were parents who wanted to make a change in the school board: Lauren Murray, Tara Masino, Katherine Policheri, Susan Hochmuch, Dana Dalton-Wiley, and Jennifer Sargent.

Melendy, a mom of three daughters with a background in state and local government, was one of the four incumbents who has been reelected for her involvement in the communications and community engagement committee.

“I ran to be on the school board because I am committed to our school district and feel that the board of education is at the epicenter of creating the vision and direction for the future,” Melendy said. “I bring a unique set of skills with my background in state and local government that benefits the board with respect to legislation that affects education.”

Throughout the course of the pandemic, many parents believe that the

S. Baczewski A sticker was given to each participant who voted. school board has not been successful enough with welcoming students back into school.

Newcomers have made it their goal while campaigning to guarantee that students will be able to go back to in-person schooling safely. One of the campaigns was called “3 Moms 4 Change,” which was created by newcomers Hochmuth, Murray, and Dalton-Wiley.

All three moms campaigned while supporting the same idea; the school board needs new voices, familial voices, that would help improve future decisions regarding students.

Other candidates, like Melendy, took a different approach.

“I believe in running clean campaigns based on my experience and vision and I tried to be open and transparent during the campaign. I had a facebook page where the community could ask questions that I answered. My page was and still is open to all,” Melendy said. “I hosted a virtual town hall where folks could send in questions that I answered on video and I also participated in interviews from the Daily Herald and the Huntley Teachers Union, both of whom endorsed me.”

While candidates were running against each other to win the seats, they all had one goal in common; to improve schooling for students and to make sure that they’ll be able to go back to in-person schooling.

“We need to address social emotional health for our students and teachers,” Melendy said. “This pandemic has affected all of our community and we need to make sure we are giving our students, community, teachers and staff the tools and help they need to move beyond Covid.”

With the election coming to an end, there’s promise that changes will be made soon enough. Many candidates have their best intentions in mind and willing to move past the pandemic and into the future.

“This election was extremely difficult on our community. There were many upset with how the schools were closed and decisions that were made in the best interest and safety of our students and staff,” Melendy said. “I would like to move beyond the election and hurt feelings and begin to heal our community. We all have the same goal: giving our students the best chance at a successful future.” huntleyvoice.com • 3

news summer

Setting up summer school

Update and plans for summer school during the pandemic

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By Luma Acevedo

ummer school courses are just around the corner. With COVID-19 still in full swing, people are wondering how this will have an effect on the summer school classes.

“The summer school courses this year will be a mixture of what we have had in years past,” dean Tom Kempf said.

Last year all summer school classes were switched to completely online due to quarantine. This made classes a bit more difficult for the students of Huntley High School.

Teachers were harder to communicate with and focusing was hard for students, granted this was the beginning of what would become a worldwide pandemic.

In general people were having a hard time adjusting to this new way of living.

This made things hard for students.

However, it was possible.

Students who take summer school courses by choice tend to be more successful. They get ahead on credits and they are more likely to willingly do the work.

These students are self motivated and eager to keep learning. There are also students who are required to take summer school classes because of a previous grade or a low number of credits.

Since students are completely allowed back in the building at all times, it appears that the summer school programs will be back in person with the safety restrictions required for COVID-19. Despite this, students will still have the option to take blended courses as well as online ones.

4 • the voice april 2021

S. Hashmi Students are preparing for both in person and online summer school.

The sessions will be three weeks long and students are able to miss only a certain number of days. The number of days you can miss is determined by the type of class you wish to be enrolled in.

There are two different sessions you may choose from. There is one session that is taught at the beginning of summer and the other one is later on in the summer.

“The best way to prepare for summer school courses is probably to have a meeting with your counselor and find out what you are getting yourself into,” Kempf said.

Students are expected to spend about four hours a day doing school work, which includes class work and homework. Students are expected to learn a semester’s worth of information in about three weeks.

This may be a lot to ask, but again, students are spending four hours a day on one class, whereas during the normal school year, students would spend around 60 minutes on one class doing classwork and homework.

“Most people consider summer school courses harder. That is because

of the amount of workload and the condensed time frame,” Kempf said. “The easy part of summer school is that you are only focused on one class.”

The summer school classes are just as informative as normal classes. Parents should not be worried about the quality of teaching their children are receiving because students learn the same things they would be learning in normal classes.

However due to the short time frame it is thought that summer school classes are actually harder than others. The workload is heavier and the time frame is shorter.

“Be very careful with your selection.

Think about your whole long term plan and where summer school fits into that plan,” Kempf said.

Summer school is a big commitment.

However, it is well worth it. It saves you the stress of being overwhelmed with so many classes at once. It is also a way to get ahead on credits. If you take a required elective class in the summer, you may be able to take something you are more interested in during the school year.

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news seniors

Latest senior happenings

Administration plans a multitude of events for seniors

haven’t forgotten about our seniors,” Belin said. “That way, we can support our local businesses and they are also supporting our kids by recognizing the work they’ve all done.”

For senior Luke Bucaro, these days

By Kate Alvarado became memorable and something o many, the “high school to look forward to. A personal favorite experience” consists of of his was when Mama Wood, a baker football games, pep rallies, from the community, made cookies for and, of course, Prom. Unthem. fortunately for the Class of 2021, their “They said things like ‘congratulations senior year was thrown a curveball in 2021 seniors’ and were really cute, so the form of COVID-19. being able to walk in and get that was With new regulations enforced to really awesome,” Bucaro said. “They’ve prevent the spread of the virus, many really been trying to get us involved, of these events were no longer possible which is really sweet and makes us feel and promptly canceled. appreciated.”

In an attempt to salvage some of Slowly, as relaxed guidelines allowed these traditions, the student body and for more students to come back hybrid, administration have come together to Belin decided it was about time to start create opportunities for seniors to get planning senior events. To get student involved during their final year of high opinion involved in the matter, Belin school. began collaborating with both Student At first, it was difficult for the seniors Council and Raider Nation. to feel enthusiastic about their last year.

“I could sit at my desk and try to think With the first semester mainly being of all the things that in my mind sound on Zoom, their school spirit was not all fun, but in reality aren’t,” Belin said. there.

“This isn’t about me. It’s not my high school experience. If I can give you guys an opportunity to be a part of the plan“They’ve really been ning and the execution of the event and trying to get us involved, feel like ‘man we did that,’ that would which is really sweet and mean so much more to me.”

The first order of business was to figmakes us feel ure out if spectators would be allowed at football games. appreciated.”

According to Belin, they found that Luke Bucaro approximately 200 to 250 people could fit on bleachers while maintaining 6 feet of distance.

Because of this, Principal Marcus Because of this, Belin wanted to Belin and the rest of the administration ensure that seniors got first-dibs on began to plan nice things that could be tickets through the lottery; however, done for seniors on the 21st of every only about 45 out of 700 seniors signed month. These kind gestures ranged up. Students were concerned that not from goodie bags, senior spirit wear, everyone in their friend group would be and deals with local businesses. able to get their hands on a ticket and “We just wanted to do something instead preferred not to go at all. creative to let people know that we

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6 • the voice april 2021

“We started looking for ways to revamp that process because to us, student voice matters,” Belin said. “That was something that I didn’t think about, so we went back to the drawing board to figure things out.”

After this, it was all smooth sailing.

Students from all grades began signing up for the lottery in hopes of tickets.

According to Bucaro, who is on the

“It’s important to give us some sort of memory of a formal event that was meant for upperclassmen.”

Gianna Tatone

football team this year, it really made a difference.

“When I look back, it just feels like Raider Nation times 10 because you’re right there,” Bucaro said.

But as the end of the year approached, there was still one unanswered question; what about Prom?

While many seniors have remained adamant about wanting a Prom, the strict guidelines from our county have remained the same.

“I want to give our seniors everything I possibly can, but I really don’t know how to pull this off,” Belin said.

“The guidance says one thing, and our seniors want another.”

Because of this, events such as Prom and the senior lock-in are just not possible. However, determined to do something to mark this monumental year, senior Gianna Tatone decided to take on the challenge and plan something through Student Council.

Aiming to combine the formal aspect of Prom and the fun socialization done at the senior lock-in, Tatone created

the Senior Soirée. Promising dinner, live entertainment, and a hypnotist show, Tatone is proud of organizing what she believes is a necessary event.

“The Class of 2021 specifically didn’t even get a Prom last year, so we’ve never experienced any type of formal event besides Homecoming,” Tatone said. “It’s important to give us some sort of memory of a formal event that was meant for upperclassmen because, when you’re a freshman, you look forward to that.”

However, Tatone admits it was hard to make difficult decisions due to all of the COVID-19 restrictions. The biggest one; scrapping the traditional dance. Tatone and Belin alike hope students can see past this.

“That’s where I want people to settle,” Belin said. “I want people to be okay with knowing that we have something.”

And luckily, it seems most students, like Bucaro, are just feeling grateful.

Especially those with Prom dresses waiting in their closet.

“We have a lot and we should be thankful and grateful instead of focusing on all of the things we’ve missed out on.”

Marcus Belin

“Even though you can’t dance, it just sounds like a really good time and an excuse to dress up,” Bucaro said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate and say goodbye to high school in a fun way, given how much change we’ve been

news seniors

through.”

With the end of the year coming right around the corner, many are already preparing for life after high school. But before that, it is only fair for everything to come full circle.

“We started it off with the senior sunrise, where a bunch of us met in the parking lot to watch the sunrise,” Bucaro said. “So on our last day, I think we’re going to watch the sunset. It’s a cool way to wrap it up.”

Despite the circumstances surrounding this less than ideal senior year, Belin hopes everyone can try to see the silver lining.

“We have a lot and we should be thankful and grateful instead of focusing on all of the things we’ve missed out on,” Belin said. “If we do that, then life just continues to pass us by and we’re never happy.”

Raider Nation during a football game.

S. Laput

S. Laput huntleyvoice.com • 7

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news special services

Technology opens new doors Special service meetings offers new teaching ideas

T

By Abby Panier

he slides of the Google presentation flip past as Sandra Smith, Assistive Technology Facilitator, orates examples of modern adaptations that serve as her introduction to Google’s Read&Write.

“Have you ever spoken into your phone instead of texting? Have you ever clicked on Gmail’s autocomplete? Have you ever taken the elevator instead of the stairs?” Smith said.

On April 7, Smith and the district’s Family Liaison, Jill Shadel, held two special services meetings to offer a crash course on Read&Write for Google Chrome.

Although this is the first time the meetings have been opened to the whole district, Smith and Shadel have been instructing Read&Write for over a year.

A few weeks before the world stopped in March, 2020, Smith began training teachers in the new program to help improve tech skills for the classroom.

“There used to be a game called ‘Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?’ and I use those kinds of ideas because students are way smarter than we are sometimes,” Smith said.

After the teachers, coaches, and aides were successfully equipped, Smith managed to get her presentation in most of the schools. Despite the program being geared toward students, it helps to have the parents educated in Read&Write as well.

“That’s a big goal for [Shadel and me] together: showing that you’re not alone,” Smith said. “It literally takes a village to raise a child and we are your village. We will help you.”

It has taken a while to get there,

though. In the late 20th century, the push for equality in education was not helpful to all students. Some needed more help that was specific to their needs; every student learns in unique ways.

So equity was introduced, and those students who required additional services were given them.

However, in the last decade, education has looked at a different angle in terms of accessibility.

According to Smith, adding accommodation after accommodation is unnecessary when you can just take away the barricade.

“The biggest thing about Assistive Technology is breaking down the barriers so everyone can access the general education curriculum successfully,” Smith said.

Google’s Read&Write has assisted greatly with providing easier access to tools that help students not only work on homework assignments, but with presenting as well.

Get stage-fright when presenting in front of peers? Use the read-aloud feature that helps with preparing for presentations, projects, and speeches.

Individuals are able to listen back and hear where they make mistakes.

Essay getting repetitive? It can be frustrating when ideas refuse to be transferred into writing. Activate the Talk&Type feature and the essay practically writes itself.

“If you’re a [student] who has amazing ideas but it’s hard to get started or hard to get it down on paper, then the ability to sit here and talk freely is brilliant for a lot of people,” Smith said. “They’re not stopping to think about how do I spell that word or does that make sense.”

Like the name discloses, Read&Write also offers valuable adaptations for readers struggling with an English passage, science article, or history research.

Click “Simplify Page” and all the

CC BY 2.0 extraneous tidbits like advertisements, videos, and other distractions conveniently disappear. Even the article can be simplified in varying degrees with key ideas underlined and Screen Mask covering up all but the sentence(s) readers want.

Accompanied by dozens of voices and numerous languages, the read-aloud option is the star of Read&Write. The rate of speed can be changed and important information repeated.

“It’s going to shorten down the time I’m spending reading a text because I’m going to be able to listen to that, instead of having to focus on reading it,” junior Logan Evans said. “It also helps me gain information better, not only just shortening the text, [because] I’m obtaining the information that I need easier.”

By highlighting words, any unknown vocab is added to a list, automatically creating a google document with a table containing the highlighted vocab, definitions, symbols, and any student notes.

The program has opened up accessibility in a whole new way, introducing students to tools that are similar to the ones offered on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness.

Humans naturally gravitate toward what is easier or more convenient for them, like an escalator or automatic sliding doors. Read&Write for Google Chrome is already installed on all of the district’s student Chromebooks. All students need to do is open it. huntleyvoice.com • 9

opinion physical education

Calorie counting concerns Teaching calorie counting is worrying

stopping obesity levels from rising, but the prob-lem lies on the other side.

According to therecoveryvillage. com, among adolescent girls, eating

By Annaliese Harper disorders are the third most common chronic health condition. ue to quarantine, many When you are struggling, the quesphysical education classes have been forced to adopt tion “Do I want to eat this?” means written assignments even if something different than “Should I eat they were not blended. One particular salad or soup?”

“Part of their eating disorder is countassignment seemed troublesome: coming calories and doing that for an aspetency 5 aimed to teach nutrition, but signment is just going to promote their some students felt the PE department eating disorder,” Masseth said. “I know went about it in the wrong way. that a lot of the teachers wouldn’t “[For] the initial section of calorie make you do it if you told them, but counting with everything you ate that day, I found myself scared to eat how I [the students] are not going to want to normally would,” said Lauren Masseth, tell you.”

One student, who wished to remain a junior taking Recreational Sports. anonymous due to the sensitive nature “I ate all of my meals, but I don’t of the situation, agreed with the stateeven think it was accurate for anyone ment. because I think that everyone was “Going through and putting that in stressed about how they’re going to and ending up way under calories and eat. The only thing that I thought was being told ‘You’re losing weight’ when actually useful was when they talked I’m not - I’m still gaining weight - it about how ‘you use calories for just makes me sit there and wonder ‘Am I existing’ and you need calories just to doing enough? Should I eat less?’ It’s breathe.”

Although the lesson was important, a really dangerous spiral to start going down,” they said. the message could easily be misinterThis student mentioned that while preted. That is not to say that this was they may have struggled, they were done out of a place of malice. Jennifer able to get help from family and friends.

Heuck, head of the physical education Some students may not have the supdepartment, hopes to teach students lessons that will help them later in life. port system available to them and may fall victim.

“It’s a lot easier to eat than it is to Just like students are not required to exercise some times, [especially] if you disclose details of disabilities to their put those terms into the perspective of teachers, students should not need to ‘Do I want to eat this?’” Heuck said. feel like they have to tell their teachers Many Americans suffer from obesity about other disorders. The teachers are and teaching kids nutritional value understanding and willing to help any early on is a good foundation to students that need it, but if a student

D

Annaliese Harper is a second year staff writer for The Voice. She has purple hair and green eyes. Annaliese likes to do art projects and write in her free time.

10 • the voice april 2021

S. Gebka

either does not realize they need help or are uncomfortable asking for help they might not be able to receive the help they need.

“By no means was this meant to be stressful. It was just to open up the eyes and see that there are choices we make and the choices are there and [that] there are better choices,” Heuck said.

While both groups agree on the message, the methods are debated.

“It’s important to know how to eat healthy and what your body needs because there are a lot of people that don’t eat at all and you need calories to function: you need calories to breathe and digest, so that’s important to know,” Masseth said. “Making someone count everything that they ate in a day was not the way to go. Even counting one meal would be better than everything in a day. It doesn’t have to get that personal to get educational.”

Counting all the calories a person eats in one day is not only personal, but dangerous to certain people. While the exercise may have had good intentions, it could lead to unhealthy outcomes.

opinion COVID-19

COVID-19 affecting sports Should students be allowed to go to their school sport games during COVID-19?

M

By Austin Zenaty

any students and parents enjoy going to the Huntley High School football games. However, due to COVID-19, Huntley decided to cut off the amount of spectators.

Some students may want to come back to see the Huntley High School’s sports games again, and many other students do not want to risk getting the virus.

Some students believe that the consequences outweigh the benefits.

“I do not think it is worth the risk to go to see any sport games this year,” junior Abigail Goraj said.

Other students are scared to go to larger crowds because there is a risk of spreading COVID-19.

On the other hand, some other students agree to go to the sports games because they want to get out of the house and support their school.

“I do think that everyone in school experiences the sports games. This year could be someone’s first year or maybe their last year at [HHS],” junior Teagan Thompson said. “We need to [allow] more students into the games, but we need to be distancing ourselves.”

Some people are way more skeptical about going to larger crowds Many others do not care as much about getting COVID-19 and just want to go support their school.

COVID-19 has impacted many school activities for the year, causing sports and clubs to be canceled.

The COVID-19 vaccination has finally

S. Gebka come out and many people are out getting it right now. Some people think that it is important to get vaccinated, and some people not so much.

Some students agreed to get vaccinated, but other people are refusing.

“I do think it is important to get vaccinated,” Goraj said. “It is probably a much safer way, and many people will feel more comfortable to go if people get vaccinated.”

The vaccination is not 100% effective, but it can help to reduce symptoms compared with those who do not get it.

Some people think it depends on who has received the vaccine.

“I think it depends on getting the vaccine. I think if there are smaller groups of people then no,” junior Lauren Raupp said. “If there are larger groups of people then I would say so.”

However, students who do not feel comfortable getting vaccinated due to other reasons should be allowed to go,

but they should have to certain restrictions compared with the others that did get vaccinated.

When it comes to the vaccine, it should be optional to get into sports games because that is a huge debate between people. Some people do not think it is beneficial, and others think it is good. (Not to be political).

The school sport games should continue to make you wear masks.

Masks are helping to stop the spread of COVID. “I strongly believe that we should wear masks, but not the players because it will be hard for them to breath when they are playing,” Thompson said. “[That] does not mean they can not get sick though.”

This current school year has been a hard year for many of us, but the safe attendance of games can still keep spirits up.

Austin Zenaty is a first year staffer. He’s had four hip surgeries over the course of his life. In his free time, Austin likes to go shopping, be outside, write, and paint. Check out his blog on our website. huntleyvoice.com • 11

a&e law and order

Long-awaited TV special Law and Order’s 10year reunion finally happens

I

By Melina Wsol n New York City, the most dangerous criminals are hunted down and prosecuted by the criminal justice system. And with that, the eighth and newest installment of Dick Wolf’s Law and Order spin-offs begins.

Available to watch for free on Peacock, the two-hour crossover event aired Thursday, April 1, after the season 22, episode 9 Special Victims Unit episode, “Return of the Prodigal Son.” After Christopher Meloni revealed in May 2011 that he would not be returning to Wolf Entertainment’s long-running franchise, Law and Order’s favorite problematic cop was written out the show completely. The on-screen explanation being that Elliot Stabler was taking an administrative leave after brutally shooting a young woman who opened fire in the SVU squad room.

Ever since Stabler’s sudden exit, fans have been waiting for the day when Meloni’s character would be written back into the show. However, Stabler’s return to the franchise might not be the one you would expect.

The crossover centers around the Stabler family, who have returned to New York after living in Italy to surprise his old partner, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), at a banquet in her honor. In typical Law and Order fashion, tragedy strikes, when a car bomb meant for Stabler goes off while his wife, Kathy, is in the car.

The ‘Return of the Prodigal Son’ starts with Benson arriving at the scene to find out this case is a little closer to home when she discovers Kathy is the victim.

Stabler then rushes to the scene,

12 • the voice april 2021

Courtesy of CC BY-NC 2.0 hardly 3 minutes into the episode, and the 10-year reunion happens. Their eyes meet, and for the rest of the episode, they avoid talking about their past right up until Kathy dies in the hospital, where they make up afterward.

This episode, compared to the rest of season 22, was mainly just a filler where Stabler and Benson share awkward eye contact the entire time. This served as a prelude to the premiere of Organized Crime.

“This new series is dark, gritty, modern, and something akin to a Martin Scorsese gangster film.”

As an absolute fanatic of the show who has seen all 20 seasons of the original “Law and Order,” 22 seasons of SVU, owns all seven seasons of ”Homicide: Life on the Street” on VHS, and purchased Peacock Premium solely for the purpose of watching “Law and Order: Trial by Jury,” this new spin off is nothing like anything Dick Wolf has created before.

This new series is dark, gritty, modern, and something akin to a Martin Scorsese gangster film. Although it is supposed to be a crime drama, it feels much more like a crime thriller when

you are watching it.

In its premiere episode, “Law and Order: Organized Crime” centers around Stabler finding out the murderer of his wife is also trying to kill him. He gets his job back in the police force as a member of a new specialized task force dedicated to eradicating organized crime.

Unfortunately, Stabler is forced to work as an underling to Sergeant Ayanna Bell, played by Danielle Moné Truitt, and learns that the police department he left is not the same he came back to.

Through operating outside the task force and breaking the law along the way, his clues lead him to Manfredi Sinatra (Chazz Palminteri), a prominent mob boss who was recently paroled and had bad business with Stabler in Puglia, Italy.

Sinatra leads Stabler to his son, Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott), a prominent ‘legitimate businessman’ as the killer of his wife. However, before Stabler can meet with him, Wheatley kills his own father, and is thrust back into the criminal underworld he had been avoiding for so long.

With this epic and exciting set up to a new show, it will undoubtedly lead fans yearning for more. Law and Order: Organized Crime is currently available for free on the Peacock app and NBC website. New episodes air Thursdays at 9 p.m.

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a&e marvel

Iconic duo comes to Disney+

“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” shines new light on beloved characters

E

By Izzi Kellas

arlier in March Disney+ released the “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” a six episode show following the events after the “Endgame.” The show follows James Barnes, known as the Winter Soldier and played by Sebestian Stan, who does a great job playing the Bucky Barnes we all know.

The show also stars Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon and played

by Anthony Mackie, who brings alive the struggles of a new responsibility of taking up the shield.

In this new series it is important that you watch the previous movies from Marvel to get a true understanding of what is happening. In this show we get to see some faces of the past of both villains and heroes.

In addition to Wilson struggling with the responsibilities of the shield we also meet a new character brought to life by Wyatt Russel: the new Captain America.

He shows that the pressures of becoming a new hero and symbol are not as easy to handle. He also shows that a symbol can change in an instant if it is taken into the wrong hands.

The show follows the fears and anxieties of the fallen heroes and their struggle to keep up with the new times.

The show started off following each character separately, though they are brought together by a new threat to the world.

With comedy and angst this new pair brings the action that we have been missing from these last few months.

The first episode is slow paced in order to bring in the fans and give a more 14 • the voice april 2021

Courtesy of Disney personal side of the two characters and how the “blip” changed society as a whole. But as the story moves along, the action starts to pick up and we get to see the characters we really know.

The series brings a different kind of perspective to the villains and brings a question of how society can change and if it is better or worse for the world.

It is introduced to the audience that the new villain is Karli Morgenthau, played by Erin Kellyman, who is not as popular as Stan or Mackie, but has been in “Les Misérables” and the Star War universe.

Kellyman plays a young immigrant woman who is fighting for the rights of immigrants that had been affected by the events of the “blip.” It also shows the struggle of wanting a better life for those who had lived through the “blip”, but how it is also hurting those same people.

It shows the dangers of the “blip” and how the drastic changes in numbers can effectively ruin someone else’s chances of living somewhere safe.

It brings a question to why can we not just help the refugees of the world: why do they always get left behind?

The show also focuses on the strug-

gles of being a black man in America, though it may be subtle at times. It can be sensed through the tense situations that Wilson is put in because of the color of his skin.

We get to see Wilson’s family side and how he has dealt with the overwhelming amount of bias he has faced because of the color of his skin.

We also get to see a new side of Barnes who is struggling with his mental illness and coming to terms with what he did in his past.

With the help of Wilson he is able to see that the Winter Soldier will always be a part of him, but it does not have to determine his whole life.

Overall, I would give this series a 8/10 because I felt that six episodes was not enough for the series to go into serious depth.

Some parts of the story felt forced on how quickly some feelings were resolved. But of course I loved the new perspective and new sides of Wilson and Barnes.

I also loved the action that was provided and the dynamic and the chemistry that Mackie and Stan have always had.

a&e movie

Kicking the ‘kompetition’

“Mortal Kombat” proves to continue it’s franchise with this thrilling movie

G

By Bailey Lim

ory, high action-packed fighting scenes known widely for the amount of violence.

These are featured in the new “Mortal Kombat” movie.

The franchise is a series of video games that have the same theme of gory fighting. Simon McQuoid introduces the aspect of the story’s theme in a movie released on April 16.

The movie starts off with a mind-blowing backstory that will give insight to some people who have not heard of the video game trilogy beforehand. This sets up the sequence for a war and a reason for the actions in the universe, giving a why to all the fighting.

Many reasons being revenge, greed, protection, or just self-defense.

Whether it is controlling fire, forging ice, firing lightning, etc, the movie will always be special on how uncensored the fight sequences are.

The main plot of the franchise is the protection or destruction of realms.

The main three realms, Earthrealm, Outworld, and Netherrealm, are in a constant loop of tournaments fit for the purpose of conquering another. Warriors are chosen by each of the realms’ representatives and are picked to fight in said tournament for the protection of their realm.

On to the backstory of “Mortal Kombat.” The tournament was made by the Elder Gods, beings above life and all-powerful, to give Earthrealm a chance to prove their strength and to protect their realm from being invaded

by Outworld or Netherrealm. Earthrealm’s protector, Lord Raiden, chooses

CC0 1.0 his combatants wisely since he knows the realm’s fate is in his hands.

The protagonists are the focus of the storyline, those being the fighters of Earthrealm. The fighters are familiar franchise characters such as Sonya Blade, Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Raiden. There are also plenty of returning antagonists such as Shang Tsung, Kano, and Mileena. Although the main protagonist is a newly introduced character, a MMA fighter named Cole Young.

The film was an action-packed, thrilling, combat-filled, mastery of person versus person that fans will crave more of. The franchise has inspired the aspect of the special abilities that make the characters so exciting to watch.

The story of the movie follows an alternative sequence of the tournament that started the war between Outworld and Earthrealm. The main antagonist, Shang Tsung, builds together his Outworld warriors to fight for the triumph over Earthrealm.

On the other hand, Raiden, the protector of Earthrealm, gathers the fighters Lui Kang, Kung Lao, Jax, Sonya Blade, and Cole Young.

Of course there is the signature

rivalry in the franchise: Sub-Zero and Scorpion, the wielders of ice and fire.

As every Mortal Kombat show, movie, or game had the terrifying risen warrior, Hanzo Hasashi, known as Scorpion, always facing in combat the murderous ice forger, Bi-Han, known as Sub-Zero.

The cryomancer Sub-Zero and the fire-breathing Scorpion, along with the thunder god Raiden and Outworld’s representative, Shang Tsung are some characters present. There are other enemies from both sides too such as the Greedy Kano and the Special Forces lead by Sonya Blade.

The film perfectly fits the rebellious and unpredictable behavior the Earthrealm warriors present and also describes the cold, disheartening, and terrifying Outworld candidates.

The film ends with a great setup for a continued sequel that can potentially introduce many more possibilities that fans are in store for.

There are still plenty of major characters that have yet to be introduced that can create great plots. Director McQuoid did an astounding job beginning the story of “Mortal Kombat” in theaters and has left room for potential sequels to arrive. huntleyvoice • 15

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a&e music

Swift’s fearless repossession Album “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” reintroduces her classic 2008 songs

A

By Ellie Armstrong sepia-filtered album cover once again features Taylor Swift’s side profile and tossed hair. Loyal Swiftie fans will notice something different about her outfit, though; a loose-fitting blouse has replaced the white halter-top she wore on the original cover 13 years ago.

It is the shirt Romeo wore in her iconic “Love Story” music video. While a bit cheesy, the message is clear: she has become the heroine of her own story.

“I used to be a damsel in distress,” Swift sings in “Today was a Fairytale.”

After a strenuous legal battle with music producer Scooter Braun, Swift re-released her breakthrough second album on April 9. The new album, entitled “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” is the first of her masters or original copyrighted recording to be redone and includes all songs from the 2008 album with six bonus tracks cut from the old tracklist and left in Swift’s writing vault.

One of the best songs ‘From the Vault’ is “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” which is rumored to have been written about singer Joe Jonas. The song is refreshingly bitter for her country stage, with clever lyrics and a less romantic message as Swift’s mindset shifts from hating that he is unfazed by the breakup to her realizing her selfworth and moving on. Nowadays, it hints at her frustration with the legal dispute over her work with the line: “Mr. Insincere apology so he doesn’t look like the bad guy” In June of 2019, Braun’s Ithaca Holdings purchased Big Machine Records from Scott Borchetta for $300 million, gaining ownership of Swift’s first six studio albums (up to 2017’s “reputation”). The

deal was apparently made without Swift’s consultation or consent, and she was denied the ability to buy her albums from the record label companies after years of conflict with Braun. Her lyrics in “Tell Me Why” offer her perspective: “Why do you have to make me feel small / So you can feel whole inside?”

Luckily, the 11-time-Grammy-winner still has the rights to reproduce the music as of November 2020, which has led to the first ‘Taylor’s Version’ album.

This is a big deal as it allows her to take away revenue from Ithaca Holdings for the commercial and consumer use of her music because her new recordings are branded as copyrighted and ethically produced. In addition to setting an important precedent for other artists to fight for their work, Swift came through with an album that is somehow both nostalgic and refreshing.

Great attention to detail was put into the classic songs, resulting in nearly perfect replications of her work that will bring you back to elementary school with a single verse. Colbie Caillat joined Swift again on “Breathe,” and long-time friends Maren Morris and Keith Urban made appearances on her previously-unreleased songs.

Swift’s vocals were noticeably more mature, considering she produced the new album with the talent of a world-renowned, experienced 31-year-old rather than that of an up-and-coming teenager.

While her lyrics and instrumentals maintained the youthful energy the early 2000s represented to so many of us, it is hard not to reinterpret her lyrics and examine how they apply to present-day Swift. In “Fifteen,” for example, she originally gave her freshman self advice, but now Swift seems to reflect on her 2008 career with the line: “Tell yourself what you know now / I didn’t know who I was supposed to be” “You Belong With Me” offers the comfort of a childhood friend, bringing back memories of Swift with curly hair, glasses, and a spiral notebook used to talk to her

CC BY 2.0 nextdoor neighbor as she sang her heart out. Her country twang came through despite its disappearance in her pop stages.

While some of the naivety and childishness of the lyrics were lost to Swift’s confident, advanced voice, the song was still the best on the album by a long shot and gave off the same rush of expectation and excitement it always has.

Overall, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” effortlessly replaces the original album and reflects the work and love she has put into performing these songs since 2008.

Still, there is something to be said about how much her song-writing capabilities have improved over the years: just about every song was about a break up or a love story, which got old and repetitive by the time I reached her new releases.

The power of Swift’s modern, often feministic messages makes listening to her eager teenage lyrics slightly disappointing.

Swift seems to be on a path of self-appreciation and promotion now that she has the ability to regain her music. While her hit “Love Story” is about a forbidden romantic connection, ‘Taylor’s Version’ also stands for her redemption and determination.

“Don’t be afraid, we’ll make it out of this mess.” huntleyvoice.com • 17

humans of “I stopped talking to most of my friends over lockdown because I realized they were bad friends, but my sister and I have gotten a lot closer after being in lockdown together.”

Ellie Knebl • Sophomore

“Overall, I’ve learned to be nicer. If you’re mean, you’ll usually get the same energy back. So I’ve learned to just have respect for everyone’s opinions.”

interviewed by Allyson Panzloff | photographed by Sara Baczewski 18 • the voice april 2021

HUNTLEY “It’s been rough until recently. Both my parents are high risk, so it’s been hard to do anything because there’s this guilt if you do anything with friends. But now the vaccine is rolling out and both my parents are getting vaccinated, so there’s finally an end in sight.”

“I think I’ve changed because of Covid-19. I finally had time to sit down and reflect on who I was, I felt confused in every aspect of my identity and now I’m not. It’s nice to finally feel sure of who I am and what I want to do.”

photographed by Sara Baczewski | interviewed by Allyson Panzloff huntleyvoice.com • 19

feature immigrant

Polish World War II survivor

What life was like for a woman named Barbara Lukasik

By Alyssa Borring

NOTE: Barbara is my uncle’s mother; he was talking one day about how his mom had interesting stories about her life during WWII, so I interviewed her and wrote this account from her perspective.

B

efore World War II, I was living on a farm in Poland. That was up until I was 4 years old. My family made the decision to move to Germany, but not by choice.

Our hometown was being bombed by the Germans.

Since my brother was living in Germany, we found a way to get out of Poland. We were taken by the army.

While there, we would live in private barracks. Here, whenever the Germans attacked, there was an alarm that went off and everyone had to hide in ditches or bunkers.

These “homes” were camp-style homes set up in rows. The Germans had set these up for Polish speaking individuals like us who have come from Germany. It became even more full during World War II as there were about 500 families living in these homes.

The Germans treated us okay, but that was until they had taken full control over the camps. Hitler was in full charge of Germany. I could go into detail about what happened in these camps, but let’s just say it is an experience I can never forget, but I want to.

It is things I do not want to stir back up in my memory as the things we endured have engraved a hole inside me. So, due to the treatment we received, we made the decision to try to move to the U.S. When we were traveling, it had to be light so all we had was a backpack on

20 • the voice april 2021

the shoulder. Sadly, everything else had to stay. It would seem hard to leave everything behind, but all we left were some papers, bills, and some clothing. Everything else was destroyed in the war and the bombing of my country.

I was 16 when we made the move to Chicago. In Chicago, my mother knew many friends there and there were many factory jobs.

Also, where we moved to, Polish was a very common language being spoken. That made it easier for us to fit in since we had no concept of English. Leaving Europe meant more freedom and more peace which led to a better life.

I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders because I knew I had to start work immediately to help my mother and siblings.

I also had to learn an unfamiliar language which was the biggest barrier for us. I only had my high school graduate, but I planned on getting a good job.

However, I knew this was the best decision for the family since we would have more economic opportunities.

I was the breadwinner of the family, so I had a lot of responsibilities. Women during these times had no choice but to work. It was tough times and everyone had to help each other stay on their feet. I started off working at a candy factory, which was a hard labor job, but that is all they were hiring for.

Learning English was very difficult, but I had to help my family communicate outside the house and neighborhood since they only knew Polish. I also had to learn it fast so I could continue networking in the workforce. This did benefit me because it got me a job at Motorola when I was 18 years old.

I eventually met my soulmate who changed my last name to Lukasik. We bought a home together and built a family. I worked at that factory until I was in my 40s. I retired early so I could

Courtsey of Mark Lukasik care for my two sons, Mark and Dan. I am still currently living in the same home I purchased with my husband in the late ‘60s.

I still talk to my brother who lives in Germany every few months, but it is quite hard due to the time zone. Unfortunately, the last time I saw him was over 19 years ago.

I mostly talk with my sister, Stephanie.

We have always been so close because we both share many things and hobbies in common. We always enjoy sharing good times of the past experiences and present times. We do not like to dwell on the bad.

My other siblings who stayed in Poland have passed, so I have no one to contact in Poland anymore. Before my brothers and sisters passed, I would talk with them every other month when we both had the chance and time.

My biggest advice for all of you is enjoy life while you are young. Life is too short and you should travel where you want, make memories, and explore new adventures. Of course, always work hard to enjoy your vacations. Enjoy the young life, trust me.

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feature traveling

Travel with the Henricksens

The Henricksens anticipate traveling after pandemic

I

By Shannon Magura

llinois is filled with corn fields, farms, highways, and cows. It is not a particularly interesting state to live in, which is where the adventure of traveling comes in. In today’s day and age, you can hop on a four hour plane ride and be on a sunny beach in the Caribbean.

Traveling is a big part of the Henricksen’s lives. Erin Henricksen, a health teacher at Huntley High School, and Clayton Henricksen, a history teacher at HHS, travel together all over the world.

Going around the world inspires them and makes them who they are.

“I have always been intrigued by the world. I always feel like I’m at my best when I’m traveling. I’m learning, I’m excited, everything’s new. To do it on your own is amazing, but to do it with the person you love is an even better experience,” Erin said.

Although they have been all over the world, there are many places they have not been. They have hopes to see beautiful places that are calling out their names.

“I have said that I would love to go to Ireland. That would be really cool.

We have talked about wanting to go to Poland,” Erin said.

According to Clayton, he has some specific bucket list places he wants to go to. He feels drawn to certain places.

“I’m not sure why I’m drawn to Poland. I [also] want to go to Vietnam one day. I think that would be an unbelievable place to go [considering I] have been to both Thailand, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia,” Clayton said.

22 • the voice april 2021

With COVID-19 hitting last year and continuing into this year, it has made traveling more difficult for the Henricksens.

Over the summer, they ended up not going on their vacation to Denmark, and because Erin is pregnant, they decided to pass up traveling this spring break.

Their standards of where they would enjoy traveling have changed quite a bit.

“I really could go anywhere, not being able to travel has been so hard.

I could go to Wisconsin Dells and be happy at this point,” Erin said.

Although the two have their love of traveling in common, they do have many differences, especially when on the move. Erin seems to have more of a laid back attitude, while Clayton is a whole traveling agent with planning everything down to the tiniest details.

“We get along very well when we’re traveling but I think it’s because we’re so different. He will make sure we are busy and doing things, but then I am like we need to take a snack break or a day to relax. He seriously is our travel guide. He definitely gets five stars on Yelp,” Erin said.

“My general rule of thumb when traveling is I plan two or three things a day. Whether that’s a museum in the morning and a show at night or a tour in the morning and lunch and maybe we take a nap then go for dinner somewhere,” Clayton said.

When their days of working are done, they do not plan on stopping traveling. However, some aspects of it may change.

Many places they have been have felt like a temporary home to them, and could be a possible place to live for a while.

Traveling abroad is another option for them.

Courtsey of Clayton Henricksen The Henricksens enjoy a vaction in Manarola, Italy.

“When we retire we plan on living abroad for at least a couple of months at least. When we were in Thailand, we stayed in Chiang Mai which was just the coolest place ever. So we have talked about living there for a time,” Erin said.

“I love Lisbon, Portugal. I would love to live there. I was there for two and a half weeks in college and we went there just over night and I love the city,” Clayton said.

From what students see of the Henricksens, it may seem like they are just your average Huntley citizens; however, they have pieces from all over the world attached to them.

They do more than just teach at Huntley High School. They lead a unique, adventurous lifestyle outside of the school.

May they continue to travel all over the world and keep bringing back memories and stories to share with us.

feature theatre

An outstanding performer

Theatre award winning is exciting and memorable

H

By Megan Curry

illary Omachel, junior, sat in the break room of her job completely stunned by what her friends had texted her. She had competed in the IHSA competition for theatre, did group drama, and competed with the play “The Disappearance of Daniel Hand.”

Not only did she win in the group overall, but won a special judges award.

Omachel first got into theatre and performances when she was very young because of watching Hannah Montana and looking up to Miley Cyrus. In middle school, she decided to take the big leap and audition for the school play.

“My favorite TV show when I was younger was “Hannah Montana.” I wanted to be a singer and an actress just like Miley Cyrus. So, in 6th grade when there were auditions for the middle school play, I tried it, I liked it, and I decided to pursue it more,” Omachel said.

Since then, she was completely hooked on theatre and musicals throughout her middle school and high school career.

Omachel’s theatre award was completely unexpected and definitely has a funny story that she will tell for years to come.

“It was Saturday at work and during my lunch break I noticed a text I had from a friend of mine. It said ‘call me now,’ and I said ‘I can not, I have work, but what’s up?’ And she told me that we got first in both categories and that I got an award. I was so excited I almost started crying in the lunchroom,” Omachel said.

S. Laput Hillary Omachel performing in The Disappearance of Daniel Hand.

In order to receive this award, three of the five judges must think that the competitor gave an outstanding performance that was memorable, such as Omachel’s.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions and safety guidelines, the competitions this year had to be recorded in the new black box theatre. The entire team had to pick a filming day and spend the day filming and perfecting their performance. About a week later, they were able to watch the awards without Omachel, since she had to work.

“Since we couldn’t do it in person, we filmed it in the black box. We watched the livestream of the competition awards. I wasn’t there because I had work but everyone gathered in the blackbox to watch the results,” Omachel said.

Omachel was not even supposed to be in this specific piece. It was supposed to be in the 2020 competition, and she was too busy to be in the

original ensemble for that competition.

“I couldn’t do it last year because I signed up for a school trip and it clashed, and then COVID-19 hit. This year they did the same productions and they regave all of the roles back and recasted new people because of outgoing seniors. I auditioned this year because I didn’t have any conflicts, and I got in this year and I was excited,” Omachel said.

With being able to audition this year and getting the part of Hillary in “The Disappearance of Daniel Hand,” Omachel was able to make this one of the best performances that she has ever given and overcome the challenges that the pandemic presented to her.

Omachel’s theatre journey this year has definitely been different because of the pandemic, but she won’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams.

This award is a fantastic honor and it is something that Omachel will never forget. huntleyvoice.com • 23

feature tiktok

Family TikToks spread love

The Strohs post positive messages on their TikTok account “thestrohshow”

W

By Zaina Mohammed

ith almost 60,000 followers on TikTok, Huntley High School Dean Justin Stroh and his wife are entertaining and inspiring many. Recently, Stroh shared that he and his wife had started a TikTok account called “thestrohshow.” Ever since the account launched, there has been nothing but positivity.

“It was actually my wife’s idea. It started by her posting random videos with her and the kids. At the time, she had 26 followers which were only her friends. Then we posted another video that was trending and it blew up,” Stroh said.

Stroh and his family are behind their account, but it is mostly run by him and his wife.

“My wife and I have been married for eight years at the end of this month.

We’ve been together for 12. We have three kids: 9, 6, and a 10-month-old,” Stroh said.

Stroh and his family are paving the way for many families to laugh and enjoy their content. When their platform unintentionally blew up, Stroh shared his good intentions.

“We’re here to show people that it’s fun. We’re just there to make people’s day and make them laugh and remind them not worry about the little things in life,” Stroh said.

Especially in times like these, life can be tough and exhausting. Sometimes all people need is a little laugh to get them through the day.

“Thestrohshow” is brightening the 24 • the voice april 2021

S. Hashmi Dean Stroh scrolls through his family’s TikTok account. days of thousands of people and actively connecting with their followers. They are always doing livestreams and regularly uploading content such as challenges, skits, and dance videos.

However, having such a big social media platform comes with risks.

“Our kids aren’t in very many videos and we don’t want to put our kids in the limelight for a multitude of reasons.

Also, when you put yourself out there

“We’re just there to make people’s day and make them laugh and remind them not worry about the little things in life.”

Justin Stroh

to the world you are opening yourself to negative comments,” Stroh said.

The negativity does not stop this family from keeping everyone smiling, though.

The experience of spreading positivity on social media is a very important aspect to the family, and it shows by how quickly they’re growing.

“It’s overall been awesome. We started this at the end of February and we are already at 60,000 followers. People are receptive to the messages and liking our content,” Stroh said.

“Honestly, watching Mr. Stroh and his family putting out content that is actually relatable to so many other families out there is so fun to watch. There was not a single Tiktok that failed to make me smile. I could scroll through the account forever,” sophomore Naina Birdi said.

Despite the negativity we see on a day-to-day basis, there are always people out there inspiring one another to be great and make the best out of life.

Stroh and his family send that very message to their followers through their growing platform. With the endless positivity, laughs, and real-life scenarios, they teach their viewers to stay worry-free and relaxed.

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feature award

Huntley Educator of the Year Rochelle Hewlett wins teaching award at Huntley High School

‘aha’ moment. There was never any doubt,” Hewlett said.

Hewlett works her absolute hardest to help guide the freshmen into the high school English curriculum, which is especially rigorous at the honors level.

“I specifically like teaching freshmen because I like to see the growth,” HewBy Zoe Emerson lett said. “Students are very jaded over hen walking down the what to expect at the high school. They freshman social studies grow into such independent thinkers, and English hallways at and I love being a part of that journey.”

Huntley High School, Hewlett works hard to make class fun there is one classroom that stands out. for her students. She truly cares about This room, located on the same side of them and loves to develop a personal the hallway as the Freshman Academy, one-on-one relationship with all of is the very last classroom in the hallway. them.

Even before walking in, the positive “In high school, [English class] was energy can be felt radiating down the very unengaging and as a student, I hallway. didn’t grow in the classroom,” Hewlett Stepping into the classroom is almost said. “I [figured] I could put a spin on it like entering another dimension. There and help students grow.” is never a dull moment in this classroom, all thanks to the teacher.

The classroom belongs to Rochelle “Students are very jaded Hewlett, a 26-year veteran of Huntley over what to expect at the High School. Hewlett, who teaches high school. They grow English I and English I Honors, was nominated for the prestigious Educator into such independent of the Year award at the high school. thinkers, and I love being “I didn’t even realize when they a part of that journey.” walked into the room and surprised me that I had won. I thought they were saying congratulations on being nominated,” Hewlett said. “It put that feeling in my gut that all the time, energy, effort, This has been especially hard in the and joy that I put into students and era of online learning via Zoom. teaching was validated.”

Freshman Cyndel Tresnicky was a Since teaching at Huntley 26 years student of Hewlett’s first semester. ago, she has never felt the need to While the semester was virtual for jump schools or districts. the vast majority of students, TresFor many people, choosing a career nicky still managed to enjoy Hewlett’s can be a long and difficult process. engaging teaching style and upbeat Some people may jump between capersonality. reers, and others may not have a solid “She genuinely wants to see her idea of what they want to do for many students grow and she has fun with her years. However, this was not the case job. She loves the kids and she wants for Hewlett. to help them be the best they can be,” “I’ve never known that I didn’t want Tresnicky said. to be a teacher. There was never an

W

Rochelle Hewlett

26 • the voice april 2021

According to Tresnicky, if a student ever has a valid reason in which an assignment cannot be completed, Hewlett is very flexible and willing to work with students to formulate a plan.

Hewlett is very cooperative with her students and is always glad to help them out whenever they are having any sort of problem.

“She’s willing to work with you and give you the benefit of the doubt,” Tresnicky said. “She really gears people for stricter grading and guidelines while still helping and respecting her students.”

Outside of the classroom, Hewlett is a devoted pet owner. She works hard to train her puppies and in her free time, she loves to take them on walks.

“In a way, I do an extension of what I do in the classroom with my dogs. I see how much they’ve grown,” Hewlett said.

In addition to spending quality time with her puppies, Hewlett likes to lounge in her pool and read.

It comes as no surprise that Hewlett greatly enjoys reading, as she reads and discusses books during her English classes. Hewlett has also found one new hobby that she enjoys.

“I will say that this past spring break, I skied. I loved it so much that I wouldn’t mind picking it up again,” Hewlett said.

Freshman year can be a difficult time in a student’s educational career. There are many challenges, including harder classes, an unfamiliar environment, and new peers.

Huntley High School is very fortunate to have Hewlett as not only a teacher, but a mentor to its students.

Hewlett always works her absolute hardest to help students transition into the world of high school.

It is safe to say that Hewlett has been a pioneer in guiding freshmen not only through English class but through life.

feature award

Courtesy of Rochelle Hewlett huntleyvoice.com • 27

sports lacrosse

Playing hard for Coach Joe

Lacrosse team works hard despite coach’s absence

H

By Rayne Zilch

untley High School’s varsity and JV boys lacrosse team, along with the coaches, started doing a fundraiser for varsity’s assistant coach Joe McCamant, who ended up in the hospital for multiple months.

He is very loved and well-respected by the Huntley community, so his hospital stay took a big toll on many people. Coach Joe has done so much for so many people, so the fair thing was to return the favor.

Raising money and supporting his family was the least people could do to make this difficult time easier.

According to junior Zach Niemasz, the biggest fundraiser for their coach was selling shirts.

They are grey tees with a quotation on the back from Coach Joe: “It is not about winning every game, it’s about getting better each time you step on the field.”

The boys had their first game on April 17, and the fact that it was the first game of the season was not the most nerve racking part, it was because Coach Joe was watching and supporting his team via livestream.

He has not been able to physically attend the practices with the boys, but they wanted to do everything they could to make him proud.

Varsity boys lacrosse won their first game of the season with a score of 17-3 against South Elgin High School.

All the players wore green shoelaces and a sticker on their helmets with a green ribbon and coach Joe’s name on it during practices and games.

28 • the voice april 2021

Courtesy of Zach Miller

The quotation on the back of coach Joe’s shirt.

“Coach Joe was a father figure, not only to the lacrosse players, but to others in the community. He was hard on people about being hard-working and reaching their full potential,” Niemasz said. “I am friends with his son, Sean McCamant, and Coach Joe would always act as a role model for us. He was the kind of guy to make sure everyone always stayed safe.”

Coach Joe would be very proud of his team and the other community members. He is a strong believer in working hard to get what you want.

His impact on people shows through how much work the Huntley community has put forth in trying to support his health.

It is easier to learn and play for a coach who has such a deep connection

with most of the players.

Coach Dom is the head coach of varsity lacrosse, and his team has said nothing but great things about him, but their teaching styles are completely different.

“Coach Joe meant a lot to us. Even if he wasn’t a coach for lacrosse, he would still have a great impact on us and many other people. He is all around, just a great guy,” Niemasz said.

According to the lacrosse team, practices are off without Coach Joe being there. They are missing a very important member of the team and it is taking some time to get used to.

For now, they play in his honor until they are able to thank him in person for everything he has done for their season, even if he is not physically present.

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sports football

Kicking through barriers

First female to score points for Huntley football overcomes many obstacles

E

By Natalie Vonderheide

lizabeth Johnson felt the fear absorb her body as she stepped up to the ball. The area around her became quiet but the support of her teammates, coaches, and family roared.

Backing up a bit and then following through with a swift motion, she felt the atmosphere intensified. Her eyes followed the ball as it passed right in between the uprights.

It was at that moment that Johnson realized she was the first ever girl at Huntley High School to score a field goal, let alone points.

“It didn’t seem real,” Johnson said.

“My teammates swarmed me on the field and that was the best feeling ever.”

Being a freshman and having this year be her first time playing football, the kicker was able to find her passion previously through soccer.

When the idea of football came up, Johnson was hesitant, but everyone around her was there to support her.

“My parents were the ones pushing me to try out,” Johnson said. “My sisters were supportive because they thought it was just as cool that I would get a chance to play in a game.”

The kicker also found inspiration through other Huntley players Jason Coleman and Brian Vavra.

“They were both soccer players who then started kicking for football,” Johnson said. “That kind of inspired me to think I could do it too.”

Although football is a sport that is very male dominated, the team does

their best to make sure Johnson always feels welcomed.

“Everybody has each other’s backs and there’s really no fighting,” Johnson said. “We’re all really close, so it’s like a family.”

But with every success comes hard work. Johnson was never taught how to play football nor was she taught how to kick the ball through the goal post.

“I’ve had to teach myself and just kind of figure it out on my own with my sister and by watching YouTube,” Johnson said.

“I know there are things I can do better, and I really want to learn and get better at it,” Johnson said.

With this setback came another: confidence.

“I know I can do it and have the ability, but going out there with all of those boys at first was a little intimidating,” Johnson said. “Luckily most of them were really accepting, and the high school coaches have given me some pointers, which I really appreciate.”

S. Laput Johnson on the football field.

“It’s okay to be scared.

Once you get out there, it’s a lot less scary, so just go for it because eventually everyone will be supportive.”

I would hope for,” Bussone said. “With getting older and moving to the next level, kicks need to be a little farther and a little bit more mechanical, so I would certainly hope [she moves up].”

Johnson being a female is something that Bussone is not bothered by at all and even encourages more to join the sport.

Elizabeth Johnson “It is a physical game. It is known for that but so is soccer and so is basketJohnson doesn not hold back due to ball,” Bussone said. “If they are willing these weaknesses; she pushes through to do it, we certainly make them feel welcomed.” the challenge and works even harder.

Johnson wants other girls to know “I just want to continue to learn and that joining a sport that is male domido better,” Johnson said. nated is not as scary as it seems.

Coach Jared Bussone believes that “It’s okay to be scared,” Johnson said. with Johnson’s hard work and dedica“Once you get out there, it’s a lot less tion to the sport, she can climb her way scary, so just go for it because eventualup the sport. ly everyone will be supportive.” “[Moving up in teams] is something huntleyvoice.com • 31

sports track and field

Preparing for a strong season Hayden Swim plans on dominating track and field season

W

By Alex Hartleb

alking out onto the track, junior Hayden Swim swings his leg up and over the hurdle as he stretches for the day’s upcoming practice.

After warming up, Swim and the rest of the throwing team spends the rest of the afternoon launching the 12-pound metal shot put and the roughly 4-pound discus until their bodies start to tire out and their form starts to slip.

This is a daily occurrence for Swim, who is a member of the Huntley High School varsity track and field team.

Starting off in 6th grade only doing shot put, he picked up discus during 7th grade and has stuck with the two events ever since. Recently, he has started to learn the hammer throw event, but he primarily sticks to just the two. “[My favorite] used to be discus and it probably still is, but I am starting to like shot put more too,” Swim said. “I was always better at discus and I think it is more fun to throw than shot put is.”

Swim has high aspirations to perform extremely well in this upcoming season, especially after COVID-19 affected last year’s season with the amount of practice and competitions being slim to none. But even after last year’s setbacks, Swim has hopped right back into the swing of things and continues to make improvements.

“Form is a huge part of field [events], especially with discus, and I think my form has definitely gotten better, especially once I started high school,” Swim said.

Swim enjoys the social aspects of competing in track and field, from 32 • the voice april 2021

ordering pre-game chicken nuggets at Burger King with the rest of the throwing team, to being able to interact with his fellow competitors who normally he would not know.

“I really like the meets because usually everyone else that throws is really nice, so it’s just good to just get to go and talk to people from other schools,” Swim said.

Outside of track and field, Swim is also a member of the National Honors Society and plays the tuba in the school band. An instrument he has played since middle school after having switched from the french horn.

Throughout most of his early childhood and up till he was 16, Swim also competed in bike motocross.

He started at around the age of 5 after his older brother got into it through the Elgin Sports Complex. Swim used to travel all around the country to compete in a total of 15 different states, ranging from right here in Illinois all the way to Nashville, the home to one of his favorite downhill tracks. With tons of hard work and dedication, he was able to win both state and national competitions.

“They had a thing called the Red Line Cup and they split America into East, Central, and West. Two times I won that competition and got a cool jacket,” Swim said. “There is also a state championship so you would race against everyone in Illinois and I won that around four to five times.”

Swim was also able to form friendships with fellow bikers all across the country in the same ways that he does for track and field, which was one of his favorite aspects of being able to travel and compete.

There were many races and tracks that he enjoyed, especially one that was held in Oklahoma.

“At the end of every year at Thanksgiving weekend, there is a race called

S. Laput Swim winds up to throw discus.

The Grands. There would be professionals and people that go to the Olympics and I would just see them at these races. I went three times and that was always really cool,” Swim said.

Going out of town also took a ton of time management when it came to balancing both competing in races, to school work. With him leaving the state roughly five to six times a year and competing locally almost every week, Swim was always doing his homework at competitions and on the road.

Swim has formed tons of lasting memories from his 11 years of BMX and continues to when competing in track and field.

He is extremely devoted to every aspect of life, from school work to competing to be the best in whichever sport he is doing.

sports cheer

Cheer for Dom Calabrese

Huntley High School gives student confidence and support

L

By Riyana Walker

ike the most natural things in life, cheer always came natural to Dom Calabrese. It is something that gives him an escape and lets him be him and allows his happiness to shine completely.

Growing up, cheer was big in his family. His older sister, Bella, had inspired him the most. Mainly from watching her cheer from “All-Star” to Varsity during her years here at Huntley. She has always inspired him, along with his friends who were always supportive and pushed him to be the best and happiest version of himself.

“My cheer journey did not start till eighth grade. Where I began my career at Huntley Cheer Association.

Although my sister heavily influenced me wanting to cheer and like the sport, girls like Jenna Husak, Bella and Syndey Hopkins actually convinced me to join the team,” Calabrese said. “Covid took a lot from everyone; I even thought it was going to ruin our Senior Season.

I’m really grateful that we were given the opportunity to compete and have a last hoorah.”

He never thought high school would come to an end so quickly. When thinking back on some great memories that he has had with his cheer team, a pretty recent memory comes to mind.

At the beginning of the season, cheer had to practice outside. Since it was sometimes so windy, all the mats were flying and Calabrese vividly remembered Maddie Kowalski basically getting tackled by a cheer mat.

Something good that came from COVID was the fact that it forced

S. Baczewski Dom Calabrese on the Huntley High School football field.

Calabrese to make connections with people. It made him appreciate people more. Spending time with friends and family are things that are really enjoyable and important. Especially with going away to school soon.

What excites Calabrese most about the future is getting to experience a life that California will have to offer. He loves life here in Illinois and growing up in Huntley was a great experience but the thought of a fresh start is really exciting.

“I met people I will never forget, I made friends I will keep for a lifetime, I made memories I will cherish forever. My high school experience is one that I can say I appreciate and I am proud of,” Calabrese said. “Huntley has always made me feel welcomed, supported and valued. The teachers here are nothing short of amazing, I could never imagine having a different experience or a different high school to call home.”

Señora Goss is someone who made his life here at HHS better. Going to

her Spanish class was always the highlight of his day. She always knew how to connect with her students and make them feel like we could come to her for help and or support.

Being at Huntley gave Calabrese confidence and has pushed him to be himself, to stand out, and find the right college.

“If there was one thing I could do to impact change on the world we live in it would most definitely be to join the fight for racial injustice and make a difference for all people of color. I know that sounds cliche but honestly I would just want to educate myself more and really push for equality especially in today’s climate,” Calabrese said. “I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my life. I will be attending San Diego State University where I will be studying Public Relations. Although I won’t be continuing my cheerleading career, I will forever cherish the moments I did have here at HHS with some great people and my best friends.” huntleyvoice.com • 33

editorial

Proactive assault education

The school needs to work on preventing harassment cases

underlying that I wouldn’t know about because we don’t have enough people to come forward. We aren’t constantly pushing those resources out, and it goes beyond a poster.”

We at The Voice believe that our administration needs to cons April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, sistently educate the student body on sexual harassment after it has become apparent on social media that freshman year, focus on educating on the aggressor perspective sexual assault is 100% no laughing matter. too, and make resources more readily available.

“While there may be lots of information out there, getting 97% of women can attest to this.

Trending on TikTok and other social media platforms, a recent students and families to participate in that is often limited,” Broskow said. “We are trying to find more and more ways to study by UN Women UK found that 97% of women ages 18-24 reach our students. We need more [ways], I recognize that.” years old have been sexually harassed in their lifetime. This Raider Way lessons and videos are great for sending out mass umbrella term includes forms of assault from cat-calling to sexual abuse such as rape. The statistic has prompted numerous messages, but these are not guaranteed to capture students’ attention and topics relating to sexual health and misconduct people to come forward with their experiences. are rarely, if ever, covered. Upon covering these topics, parents Unfortunately, the topic continues to be ridiculed on social should be involved in receiving resources or information to media by men who claim that “97% is not enough” or how encourage conversation outside of school.

“April 24 is now declared a day of carrying out sexual assault.”

Because there have been major changes in physical education Society in general needs to take sexual assault more seriously, curriculum due to remote learning, classes could easily adjust but it is also necessary that students are better educated on to review sexual harassment lessons from health courses and how to defend against sexual assault, who to go to in a situacomplete assignments. We believe this refresher could help stution, and how to recognize harassment.

The HHS administration has procedures in place to report and dents to recognize sexual harassment and reflect on their own behaviors and interactions every semester. address sexual harassment. Counselors, social workers, teachAs seen in the accompanying infographic, sexual harassers, deans, and administrators are trained to discuss situations and direct students through the process. The tip line and safety ment causes immense damage to the victim. The nature of text line can both be used to anonymously report any informa- these experiences goes beyond any statistics, so if school-wide lessons or videos are shared regarding harassment, we would tion a victim, witness, or trusted friend is comfortable sharing.

While the various types of sexual harassment are often difficult encourage a personal approach that can explain the emotional significance of assault. to prove and every situation is different, the administration Anyone can be a victim, but anyone can also be an aggressor. does do its best to resolve the problem when made aware of it.

In freshman year health classes, students take a page of notes Although this is mentioned during conflict resolution units in health classes, greater emphasis should be placed on the fact on sexual harassment, writing down associated feelings and common examples. They also take two pages of notes on types that not everyone would be a victim or witness in a situation of of rape, facts about the abuse and the reporting of it, and what sexual harassment. A stricter approach in health classes could a victim should do in that situation. Depending on the year and get the message across to the whole student body that there class, a guest speaker may come in from the domestic violence are consequences to your actions, whether it is reported or not.

“Why is it not being reported more? I think it is because of agency Turning Point to talk about their experiences. shame and stigma and just not knowing who to tell or how to “Harassment sometimes is just a form of intimidation and tell someone,” Broskow said. bullying in a sexual nature,” health teacher Angela Zaleski said.

The safety text line and tip-line are widely known for report“The victim gets to be the one to define the comfort level. Anying bullying and mental health concerns in ourselves and othone can be a victim.” ers; however, many students are unaware that these resources The school currently addresses sexual assault through an are not limited to reporting these issues. It should be further annual video about Erin’s Law, the state law mandating public encouraged by administration for students to use these resourcschool sexual abuse education. Following our interview, Prines to communicate a broad spectrum of issues including sexual cipal Marcus Belin released a video discussing resources and harassment and assault. raising awareness.

In the end, we are not educators. We are not aware of all of While the process for addressing sexual harassment within the possible tools that can be used to prevent this problem. our student body appears to be fair, there is a lack of prevenBut we have heard from victims of harassment and many of us tative measures and consistent education throughout all four have been victims ourselves, and something needs to be done years of high school. to help stop this epidemic. No one should be subject to this “Can we be better? Absolutely,” Belin said. “Unless we know treatment - help us to stop it from happening. about it, we can’t help, so there could be a problem that is

A

34 • the voice april 2021

Sexual harassment leaves a mark These are our stories and the statistics that impact every one of us at Huntley High School. While these sources remain anonymous, it is our hope that they can show the harm sexual harassment causes.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, in reported cases, up to 44% of sexual assaults occur in the victim’s school; of female adolescents who experience sexual violence, 43.6% of girls were victimized by an aquaintance such as a peer.

Numerous times in school he would push me up against the lockers and kiss me. I told him numerous times, “I don’t want to, this makes me uncomfortable, and I don’t like it.” • I was crying. He noticed that I was crying because I was trying not to, but I was, and he just kept going. • My friend and I were walking down the street when an older guy walked by us. “Looking good, ladies,” he said. His comment made me immediately self conscious. It didn’t cross my mind that I shouldn’t question what I’m wearing - I should question why he thought it was okay to say that to children, to anyone. • I’ve gone for walks around [my neighborhood] and I’ve been catcalled, honked at, too. • I was leaning over a table in the cafeteria before practice while wearing athletic shorts when I felt someone’s stare on me. It was an older male student who had just been standing behind me.

He said “thanks for the view” before walking away like nothing happened. • The times I was assaulted, these were people that were close to me. I knew there was something wrong, but I thought what if they had different intentions and they didn’t mean it that way. • I was walking with a friend between the pods in middle school when I felt someone grab me from behind. Angry, I pushed him away. The group of boys behind me laughed it off saying it was Friday, and I should learn to take a joke. • He followed me home every day from the bus stop because his house was farther than mine. He constantly tried to put his arm around my shoulder no matter how many times I pushed him away. He made comments about me that made me uncomfortable, but he was older, so I was intimidated. • I was blinded the whole time from his manipulation. It started in the movie theater with him pulling my hand onto a private area. He would then start touching me, and I would push him away. It made me very uncomfortable. The next time I went to see him, he told me I had to perform sexual acts to him because I owed him. I told him I didn’t want to do it, so he kind of threatened to tell people stuff we’ve done before if I didn’t comply. I still feel so uncomfortable in my own skin. • I’ve been catcalled on the streets multiple times, but the experience that stuck with me the most actually happened at school. It took me a while to realize it was harassment. I was 12. For a school project I made a video showing how to do an exercise. The boys in my class were all whispering and laughing with each other when the video was shown. I couldn’t figure out why, and it made me uncomfortable. It turns out that they were making sexual comments about me and a boy in the class who had a crush on me. It made me so uncomfortable, and I still think about it. It definitely instilled a lot of shame in me about my body. • I felt self conscious about what I was wearing that day. I thought stepping into Target wouldn’t be a good idea, but I needed to run a quick errand. I stepped out of my car, headed to the entrance, but before I could make it inside a man in a jeep yelled, “Damn, girl!” I headed back to my car. I guess the errand could wait. • He was older. He was my mentor and tutor. I was naive to think that he was my friend, and I will forever regret finding humor in the ways he would flirt and talk to me. He called me crazy when I called him out on his behavior, and made me feel as if these feelings of discomfort were unacceptable in return for his help with my homework. • I was a child, but I was told what I was wearing was hard for him to resist. He was my cheer coach. Any private lessons he would grab me all over in situations it was not needed. He was always staring at the kids (eventually he was arrested for statutory rape) • Men in my grade thought kneeing girls in their behinds and punching them in their chests and saying “titty punch” was okay. At this time, we had a principal who saw nothing wrong with that. It was normalized even though it always upset me. • A year ago my ex boyfriend assaulted me. I was smoking and was intoxicated. I was so out of it, I was blacking in and out. I did not feel good, so I asked if he could take me to the car. While I was going in and out, he started to feel me up and down. I barely even remember walking in the car. I only remember blacking out and coming back in with him on top of me. He kept touching and kissing me. I would push his hand away and ask him to stop, but he did not. The worst part is the fact I do not know how far he went because of my in-and-out black outs. He also showed a Polaroid picture of my chest to all of his college friends while I was a minor.

one last

VOICE Dennis Brown Newspaper Advisor Law Teacher Star Wars Enthusiast Mentor

What advice would you give to the graduating class?

Everyone in the world is meant to do something. So the trick is, you have to find what you love and are good at, while finding a way to get paid for it. Then you’ll be in great shape.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I really loved being a student. I love learning things. I was an English teacher when I started at Huntley, and now I teach journalism and law classes. So that was my idea when I started, I get to study the things I’m fascinated with and pass them onto my students.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

In 2019, I won two teaching awards. One was Illinois Journalism Teacher of The Year and the other was Teacher of the Year by the American Lawyers Alliance. 2019 was a really good year. Do I think I’m the best advisor in the state? I don’t know, but it’s great to get recognition from people who you respect.

Interviewed by Ally Panzloff Photographed by Sarah Baczewski