IN THIS ISSUE...
NEWS
HHS students partake in national walkout in rememberance of the 17 lives lost in Flordia........3
huntleyvoice.com
FEATURES
Fine Arts Department and Buddies Club to collaborate in the future...............10
OPINION
Will over loaded back packs lead to chronic back problems in future generations?..................16
Q&A with Skylar Sharkey: Senior Bailey Wise chats about his favorite teacher, favorite movie, and what he likes on his pizza. Check out other question and answers featured in a blog by sophomore Skylar Sharkey. http://huntleyvoice.com/qa-with-bailey-wise/
A&E
Black Mirror’s season 4 is wildly disappointing but comes out on top..............25
SPORTS
HHS math teacher James Allen celebrates the mens Olympic curling team by bringing a team to Huntley.............37
Editorial Policy
Photo credits: Top photo (S. Sharkey). Left (K. Kalischefski). Right (Courtesy of L. Bounchaleunsouk). Front cover photo illustration by Katrina Troy.
HHS Media are the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced by HHS Media students. HHS Media have been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may- and should coach and discuss content- during the writing process. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of HHS Media 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 responsible student staff emmbers assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication. • Alexandra Landman • Editor-in-Chief • Maggie McGee • Print Editor • Emma Kubelka • Online Editor • Faith Losbanes • Meet Editors News Editor • Jenna Link • Opinion Editor • Emily Kindl • Features Editor • Bry’ Shawna Walker • Sports Editor • Riley Murphy • A&E Editor Katrina Troy • Doubletruck Editor/Photo Editor • Staff writers • Madison Barr • Sarah Biernat • Sophie Gire • Jen Gorthe dus • Shaaf Iqbal • River Lee • Dani Rhody • Kelsey Ryan • Miriam Selimi • Skylar Sharkey • Austin Stadie • Braden Turk • Riy Walker • Photographers • Leslie Bounchaleunsouk • Kaitlyn Kalischefski • Arianna Sanchez • Haley Smalley • Dennis Brown • Adviser team...
2 @huntleyvoice
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Courtesy of Courtney King
Marching for our lives
HHS students join in nationwide walk-out movement sophie gire I staff writer
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he time was 9:55 a.m. on March 14. The energy throughout the school almost tangible as the clock ticked closer and closer to Huntley’s first major protest. Students asked each of their friends whether they would walk out, and most were met with the common response of “I’m not walking out unless everyone else is.” The clock struck 10, signaling the beginning of the walkout. Those who chose to protest prepared for the cold and flooded the stairs as they exited. On March 14, hundreds of Huntley students joined the countless schools throughout the nation, protesting for their lives. Seniors Matt Jensen and Sarah Stolpe organized the event, which took place on the one-month anniversary of the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida. “I saw other people speaking out, and I decided that I didn’t want them to stand alone,” Jensen said. “I was going to stand up with them, whether or not anybody else were to choose to walk out with me.”
It was originally planned to take place in the East Gym starting at 10 a.m., but was later moved to the flagpole outside of the school in an effort to line up with the other protests across the country. “The original walkout plan, I really think, defied the movement made forth by the victims of the shooting themselves,” Stolpe said. “It encompassed the idea of staying inside the building versus going outside.” Though the district has released a statement on its website formally discouraging these protests, Dr. Scott Rowe, principal, addressed the students of Huntley over intercoms across the school on Feb. 21, the first day of attendance since the shooting,
formally acknowledging the first protest and guaranteeing safety from consequence. “Our district saw it as an opportunity to help the stu-
dents all learn how to engage in this civic process,” Rowe said. While Huntley students were safe from consequences, Courtesy of Quinn Walsh
@huntleyvoice 3
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ing the students to slowly make their way into the school. What may have seemed like an ineffective waste of students’ class time was in reality, an additional effort to secure the school and make sure all students entering were, in fact, students. Supervisors at both doors were checking each student to ensure that their ID was on and they were safe to walk into the school. “It’s a matter of ensuring that those who don’t belong stand out, and if [there were a possible threat], we could respond,” Rowe said. Changes are constantly being made to establish a safer school and to prevent a tragic event
at Huntley in the future. The ID system has become much stricter than it was even last month, and the police officers lapping the school each day act as a security system. “[Officer Gregorio] is making it an effort to cycle through more officers just to take a couple of laps around the building together,” Rowe said. “That way, they’re familiar with the building and every time an extra police officer shows up, the student body doesn’t freak out.” Students throughout the country have been, are currently, and- as it appearswill continue to protest. The world is taking notice. As written in bold letters on a cardboard sign outside of HHS on March 14, “We have something to say: #ENOUGH.”
Courtesy of Jolie Woodside
the same protection may not be provided on April 20, next month’s protest which is set to last the duration of the school day. “I don’t know that we will be able to have the same passive approach to supporting walking out and leaving the school day,” Rowe said. “While we may support your right to be heard, we also have to help you understand that there are consequences.” Though no official punishment is set in stone for those choosing to walk out, no detentions or suspensions will be handed out. The protest was meant to be silent; however, the only silence the entire protest was at 10:16, lasting about a minute and a half. When there was not silence, Jensen, as well as
junior Meklit Endalkachew, spoke at the base of the flagpole. At the very end of the protest, the entire crowd went silent with the help of dozens of students raising their hands in a peace sign. Jensen signaled the end of the protest over his megaphone. “17 minutes for 17 lives,” he said. “May they rest in peace, and may their families find peace. Thank you all for participating in this walkout. You are dismissed back to class.” As hundreds of students attempted to make their way back to their designated fourth-period locations, only Door 1 seemed to be available on the outside, and only one door was open between Door 1 and the hallway, forcCourtesy of Quinn Walsh
4 @huntleyvoice
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
We want you to join the ARNG
Number of enlisted Huntley students continues to grow austin stadie I staff writer
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eing a part of something bigger than oneself. This motto is featured on the Army National Guard’s (ARNG) website, and can be heard routinely echoed by its members. The prospect of learning how to be more selfless, disciplined, and versatile is appealing to many young people. This maxim rang true for one of the newest National Guard members, junior Gina Strauss, who joined this winter with four fellow students. “I wanted to join because it would give me discipline and allow me to help others and my country,” she said. Numerous Huntley High School students have enlisted this 2017-‘18 school year, including Strauss and three other students: senior Luis Gonzalez, junior Leslie Bounchaleunsouk, and junior Phil Fraczak. The National Guard performs a unique role in the United States military. It serves the country and fulfills responsibilities within the local community. They can be called on anytime by the state governor or the President of the United States. This would be in times of domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, and reconstruction projects. National Guard members can be seen helping communities that have been adversely affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma in September of last year. Masses
of soldiers were bussed into a disaster zone with food and water, ready to help everyone. With the ultimate goal of helping citizens here at home, other branches of military can still operate in foreign lands. Given all of this, it is hard for parents to let their children join a program like the ARNG. They often associate it with war and long deployments, when much of it is not. “At first my family was scared about me joining, but when they got more information they became more comfortable with the idea,” senior Luis Gonzalez said. “I plan to learn more about myself, and what I’m capable of physically and mentally.” The odds of being deployed are quite low; it is only in a state of emergency. State active duty missions range from two to eight weeks, whereas federal deployments are often a 12-month minimum. Aside from the life skills they learn, the National Guard offers lucrative financial benefits. In Illinois, they may receive grants that cover the entire cost of attending a state-supported school, with a minimum of service for one year. Senior Myranda Anderson, a seasoned member of the ARNG, has already finished her basic training, and leaves for advanced individual training in a couple months. She has always wanted to do one of two things since she was little: join the military, or be a
L. Bounchaleunsouk
cardiothoracic surgeon. This allows her to do both, and reduces the financial burden that comes with medical school. “With me being a twin and the youngest of three, I didn’t want my parents to have all the pressure of sending three kids to college,” she said. HHS’s National Guard members act as role models and community advocates, in addition to their other duties. A fundamental goal of theirs is to inspire others and encourage them to join and help out their state and country. “I heard about it from my friend Myranda Anderson… I thought she was so brave, and I really looked up to her,” Strauss said. “There’s just something in me that really wants to help my country, and put myself aside for a moment.” Illinois’ National Guard has a long and decorated history, and Huntley has done its best
to contribute. According to Staff Sergeant Chad Willie, who is a military career advisor for the Army National Guard, Huntley High School has produced over 50 soldiers since 2012. These four new members will be added to the Illinois’ roughly 10,000 soldier militia, which makes up about three percent of the United States’ 350,000 member composition. The skills and tools the National Guard equips its members with are invaluable. These are things that can be taken into the real world and applied to a future career. “I’ve learned so much already. In the most basic terms, I’ve learned discipline, respect, accountability, and leadership skills,” senior Nicolas Przeklasa said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better life than what I have now and I can confidently say that it is because of the Army.”
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Building a healthy democracy
Huntley attends forum as a 2017 Illinois Democracy School
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emma kubelka I online editor ager from the McCormick foundation, and was followed n Friday March by a panel of three adult advo9, social studies cates for Democracy Schools. teachers Renee The discussion led into the Fowler and Jenna question: “What does it mean Gaudio entered a conferto emphasize that you are a ence room, accompanied by Democracy School?” two Huntley students, and According to Nakisha prepared for the Robert R. Hobbs, a member of the McCormick Illinois Democpanel and the Principal racy School forum. and Co-Founder of Village High school students and Leadership Academy, schools teachers from across the state will be successful in advocatmatched in blazers and ties ing for student voices if they as they prepared for the long follow seven steps: students discussions later that day. and teachers work together The energy in the room was to identify a problem, find welcoming towards fresh root causes, build relationopinions and new faces. The ships with community allies, morning eased into the day create project goals, acquire with engaging discussions of attention of influential forces, the recognition of students develop and implement an acand new Democracy schools. tion plan, and, lastly, measure Huntley High School is a campaign impact. newly recognized 2017 Illinois This process allows adminDemocracy School. It joined istration, teachers, and the nearly 10 percent of Illinois community to be on the same high schools that have had page as students, and to adthis title since the foundation vocate and support for them was created in 2004. during times of change. Democratic education is an HHS offers opportunities ideal in which democracy is for students to share their carried out in the classroom, voice in multiple areas of inand draws out democratic terests, this goes hand in hand values. These goals include with the focus of democracy justice, equality, and respect. schools. Making it known In this context, the word that students can be activists, democracy is used as, “for the influencers, agents of social people.” Schools who take on change is a fundamental value this title are making it public of the organization. that they are advocates for the Students who engage student voice and a culturally themselves in opportunities implemented curriculum. to voice their opinion and The forum started with roleplay a democratic mindset opening remarks from Sonia will subconsciously pair acaMathew, a civic learning man- demic learning with success
on standardized testing, despite the cultural opinion that says the opposite. The principles of Democracy Schools demolish the traditional opinion of teaching to the test. Implementing Democracy School values puts Huntley High School on the more unified side of the spectrum of student involvement, inevitably creating leaders in the process. “It opens up for us to learn not only as professionals but as students to the opportunities that are out there for your voice to be heard,” said Fowler. “It also develops citizens out of our student body population which is important because then we know we are providing our students with the tools to go out and make a difference.” Allowing students to discuss difficult conversations in their own way was also a main focus at the forum, elaborating on the concept that when students take on mindsets that are not their own, they develop practices that will positively contribute to their overall progress. A key focus of Democracy Schools is also allowing students to steer their own conversations and encouraging them to talk about things that are not easy to talk about. “Telling students to avoid political statements is a po-
F. Losbanes
litical statement,” said Daniel Morales-Doyle, panel member and assistant professor from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Classes that encourage students to discuss what they are learning at their own pace is the educational ideal. Thriving Democracy schools have hiring practices, performance reviews, and professional development that asserts and supports the importance of including students in vital decision making processes, as well as emphasize on service, personal responsibility, respect, and entrepreneurship, civic values which are evidently important to student culture.
see ILLINOIS, page 19 @huntleyvoice 7
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Expanding their bright horizons
Fine arts are to provide opportunities for Buddies Club jen gordus I staff writer
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n Feb. 27, the gears were set in motion. Thoughts were turned into words and words were turned into actions. Now those actions are going to effect change. In the 2016-2017 school year, the Buddies Club became an official club here at Huntley High School. Although it is still new, that has not slowed anyone down. All students and teachers have either participated or at least supported Buddies Club, and that will not stop anytime soon… The fine arts have been around for a long time and a lot of progress has been made in the department. Musicals, plays, choirs, bands, and tech are simply the more general activities that fall under the label of ‘‘fine arts.’’ “I’ve always had a passion to sing and act, it brings me joy and hopefully for those who are watching, too,” sophomore Melissa Bala said. “As someone who is involved with both Buddies Club and fine arts, I thought it would be cool to put these things together.” Buddies Club has done quite a bit over the course of two years. There have been ice cream socials, arts and crafts, football socials, baseball socials, and pizza parties with the football and cheerleading team. The list goes on and on, but there has not been anything involving the fine arts. “When Melissa brought
the idea of getting involved with the fine arts, I loved it,” said Shannon Vanek, special education teacher. “I wasn’t really sure what the reception from the fine arts department would be.” Those from band, choir, theater, and tech all seem to be interested in getting involved with Buddies Club. Ideas are still floating around, but they are starting to be set in motion. One idea is having Buddies Club come to a musical rehearsal and tour the PAC. Another one is having the band do a drum line and choir teaching them a song. There is even a idea to have thespian members come to the end-of-the-year Buddies Club barbecue, and work in groups to put together a short skit. “We want to be as involved as possible,” said senior and Thespian Vice President Dani Bahn. “It’s a fantastic opportunity allowing us to integrate ourselves into something like Buddies Club and integrating them into fine arts.” Huntley has a vast amount of sports and clubs; there is a club for anything and everything that people are interested in. While most of these clubs stay in their own little bubbles, Buddies Club works to break the barriers and get involved with as much of the school as possible. “Buddies Club is about bringing high school culture to our students, because it allows them to explore more things with the school socially
and academically,” Vanek said. Fine arts has a culture of its own, and bringing that culture to Buddies Club will open many doors to its members. Buddies Club is about building friendships, learning new skills, breaking barriers, and expanding horizons. The possibilities are endless. Some people do not even know if they are interested in something like fine arts until they try. Trying something new can be quite terrifying for anyone; that is why having socials and activities through Buddies Club is beneficial to everyone. It creates a more comfortable environment to learn new things and meet new people. “A lot of our students have known each other since elementary school,” Vanek said. “Buddies Club adds something into their lives that they didn’t know they were missing.” Finding oneself is like
trying solve a complicated 100,000 piece puzzle. All the pieces are scattered throughout life, and some pieces are a perfect match while others are not so perfect. “When you’re not familiar with something because of disabilities, being able to meet with different groups and teams allows our kids to get to know these students and their fear goes away,” said Kristy Brown, special education teacher. Student involvement and ideas from the students have a much more sentimental value because it shows that they want to be a part of it. It shows that they want to be involved in Buddies Club and they want them to be involved in their world. “The more students and teachers we can get involved in our program…” Brown said, “the more compassion, awareness, and acceptance our whole community will become.”
A volunteer high-fiving a buddy in Buddies Club. (A. Sanchez)
@huntleyvoice 9
features
Felde, and the athletes competing as bowlers in Special Olympics pose for a picture; four are not pictured. (Courtesy of L. Felde.)
Creating that special impact Huntley teachers invest their time in Special Olympics emily kindl I features editor
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s the years have gone by, leaders in Huntley High School have found and provided several new opportunities for the school’s special needs students. Huntley’s leaders, whether staff members or fellow students, have been very involved in caring for the special needs students and instilling in them that no disability is too big an obstacle. Adapted Physical Education teacher Cindy Fitzgerald, Physical Education Health teacher Matthew Lewandowski, and Special Education teacher Lauren Felde are all clearly upholding this idea for special needs students by taking part in the Special Olympics: Fitzgerald and Felde as coaches, and Lewandowski as a former volunteer hoping to volunteer again this year. The Special Olympics, 10 @huntleyvoice
founded exactly 50 years ago, is an organization geared toward people with mental and physical disabilities, and it is based on some of the sports seen on the Olympics. According to the Special Olympics website, their mission is to provide constant opportunities to grow physically and personally with others around them. An organization like this is meant to prompt hope within those who feel like their circumstances are making several things - like athletics - impossible for them, and those who know people experiencing those struggles. “I believe everybody deserves a chance no matter what, even if they were dealt a bad card…” Lewandowski said. “Nothing that happens to them is their fault, so they still deserve that chance to [participate] in something
greater.” Lewandowski partook in the Special Olympics as a volunteer when he was in college, and once a week he would participate with and help those with special needs complete several gym activities. He hopes to volunteer this
gave me a chance to give back a little bit,” Lewandowski said. “It was a fun experience and it was very rewarding. Those kids, they try their hardest every single day no matter what…there’s no convincing them [otherwise]. All they want to do is succeed at
“I believe everybody deserves a chance no matter what, even if they were dealt a bad card… Nothing that happens to them is their fault, so they still deserve that chance to [participate] in something greater.” - Matthew Lewandowski year, but it may be difficult because he is the head girls soccer coach. However, he does help Fitzgerald and Felde as they coach the students. “[The Special Olympics]
something, so we give them the chance.” At the high school, Fitzgerald has coached for the Special Olympics since 2016, and Felde has since 2013.
They both began coaching track and field, but last year they began coaching bowling due to a greater student interest. Fitzgerald and Felde are both in love with coaching, working and interacting with
“When you’re helping other people, everything else in the world doesn’t matter that much.” - Cindy Fitzgerald the students, and upholding what she believes the Special Olympics stands for. “[The organization] helps encourage those that maybe don’t always get a chance
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6 considered the idea of Raider Nation attending their practices at Kingston Lanes and the event in June. For the special needs students to believe they can do anything, they believe Lewandowski spending time with a they need student. (K. Kalischefski) as much done,” Felde said. “[The encouragement and support students] work so hard for as possible. everything.” “[Even] if everybody could Last year Fitzgerald rememjust let them know how proud bers a hardworking kid - who of them they are…it’s a great is visually impaired - getting feeling for them to have extremely nervous for the other students come up and official event. She and others acknowledge what they’ve encouraged him to play, and he changed his mind. He went through with it, but he got a gutterball and became frustrated. Soon enough, though, his attitude changed. He turned around to Fitzgerald and said, “I can do this.” Being able to tell stories like that is why Fitzgerald, Lewandowski, and Felde do what they do. Being able to strike that initial spark of hope and encouragement among special needs students and to actually connect with them is why they work with their students daily, and why they have participated - or continue to participate - in an organization like Special Olympics. “When you’re helping other people,” Fitzgerald said, “everything else in the world doesn’t matter that much.” Fitzgerald (right; in hoodie and sunglasses) talking with an athlete
to participate, or they don’t think they can participate in their community or in their environments…because maybe they don’t have the support group behind them,” Fitzgerald said. “But with this organization, they can see that they do have people that are willing to support them.” Most of the HHS special needs students participating in the Special Olympics are in Fitzgerald’s Adapted Physical Education class. In class, she teaches them rolling skills and the correct form for bowling, and the 17-player team go to Kingston Lanes every other week in order to practice for the official Special Olympics event in Addison on June 2. Seeing the encouragement Raider Nation has provided to as many HHS teams as they can, Fitzgerald, Felde, and several others have always
at the track & field event last year. (Courtesy of C. Fitzgerald)
@huntleyvoice 11
features
More than simply supervisors Two faces who impact and protect HHS share their stories sarah biernat I staff writer
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alking through the doors of Huntley High School, Campus Supervisor and Dean’s Assistant Kathy Henn was eager to begin her new career. As a new face to the Huntley area in 2006, Henn was thrilled to find a job in her field of interest only one year later. Jump forward a year. In the fall of 2008, Campus Supervisor Mark Loewe joined the team. As a retired Rolling Meadows police officer, and having dabbled in music throughout the ‘80s, Loewe has given vibrant, upbeat traits to HHS. Unlike Henn, Loewe did not have a traditional path to follow. As one who is influenced by music, he held different jobs in the field. His love for music began at a very young age, moving to the beat while in a baby bouncer.
This fascination carried on into high school, and eventually adulthood. Throughout the ‘80s, and ending in ‘88, Loewe was a DJ for various clubs and a radio station. Working at nightclub circuits in Schaumburg a few days a week accompanied by a night or two in Downers Grove, he mixed everywhere. “I have close to 4,000 records,” he said. “At home I’ll mix on my turntable still.” There is a rhythm to it. Having a clear and smooth transition between records is essential, just like a clear sound with the students who play during Late Start Live, a Late Start Wednesday event established by Loewe. He is a “firm believer in self promotion,” so he contacted the art department looking to create a banner. While he is an active member in the music movement throughout the school, Loewe also utilizes his two decades of police work to keep the school safe.
Mark smiling for a picture with his daughter, Nicole, in the H-O Pod. (Courtesy of N. Loewe.)
“You have to be observant,” he said. “I know where all ‘the stuff ’ happens.” While students see Loewe as just another friendly face during passing periods, Henn is much harder to get ahold of. Serving as a Dean’s Assistant, she is found in the In School Detention room, applying the skills she earned working various jobs. Receiving her associate’s degree with honors in Law Enforcement, Henn’s initial goal was to be a lawyer. “[But] that wasn’t in the cards for me,” she said. “So I became a security manager for a large retail company for many years.” After she left the company, she began Henn (right) with some of the other HHS campus supervisors. (Courtesy of K. Henn.)
12 @huntleyvoice
as a police woman in Cook County, meeting her husband along the way, and eventually started a family. She resigned due to health complications and had to take care of her children; she was crushed. Although it was an unfortunate turn, Henn feels “blessed because [she] was able to achieve [her] goals.” Her dedication to the field was beneficial in the long run. With not much to do when her family was not around, Henn needed more; spending time with Girl Scouts and the PTA was not enough. “A job opportunity opened up, and I decided to apply for it because I thought it would be a good fit,” she said. “It was the perfect job because I was in the same school district as my kids.” Likewise with Loewe, both families flowed, and still do, through the Huntley hallways. While Henn’s children have all graduated, Loewe still has
see SECURITY, page 19
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Drawing positivity from the diagnosis Sophomore Brianna Quiles embraces her ADHD condition alexandra landman I editor-in-chief she was having a hard time focusing,
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uring her eighth grade history class, she sat peering over her paper. Her pencil twisted in her hand as she looked out the window at all of the late students hastily rushing in. It was a hot, sunny day and a streak of sunlight bounced off her paper. She glanced up and noticed other kids looking at her. “What is she doing?” “Why is her paper different?” “That’s not fair!” Her teacher sent her to the nurse, her middle school mentor, after noticing she was not acting like herself. But it clicked when she heard her nurse say, “Don’t worry about what other people are thinking. You do you, you be you. Don’t look at them, just focus on what you’re doing.” For sophomore Brianna Quiles, ADHD has become her superpower and a tool she uses to brighten peoples’ days. Nevertheless, every day she struggles to stay focused and complete her work, which means she has special accommodations that make her feel like an outcast. She is constantly bombarded with, “Bri, pay attention!” or “Bri, focus!” Back in fourth grade at Conley Elementary School, Quiles’ teachers noticed
turning in schoolwork, getting lower grades, and she was constantly fidgeting. Her teacher sent her to the nurse, who then told Quiles’ mom, Nadine, to get a second opinion. “When [the nurse] told me what she was going through…they told me to take her to someone to diagnose her,” Nadine said. “So I took her all the way to the city and [the doctor] asked her questions like, ‘Do you think that you will live forever or will you die?’ and her answer was, ‘No I will never die, I’ll live forever.’ And that was one that caught my attention because I was sitting there thinking, How could she possibly think that?” To combat her diagnosis, Quiles was placed on medicine to help her focus. However, the medicine drastically changed her personality and the way she felt about herself. It seemed as though it was causing major aversive effects: she was reserved, lethargic, and did not have much of a care about anything. “Brianna is very active, outgoing, and a people person,” Nadine said. “But when she’s on the pills, she’s a whole different person. It’s weird because it’s not Bri.” Nadine is not going to force Bri to take her pills, despite knowing that will help. “I know she can do it. If she puts her
A digital self-portrait Bri made on her phone. (Courtesy of B. Quiles.)
mind to it, she can get good grades,” Nadine said. “It’s just having to push her. If you give her that push, she’ll do it.” It was in the late elementary and early middle school years that the bullying started. On the bus, she would be called names like “special needs,” “idiot,” or “retarded.” Kids would hit her with their baseball hats and pull her hair. In the beginning of sixth grade, she was put in Read 180, a class set to accommodate her English needs. Her classroom was next to a regular classroom and she noticed the weird stares she got as she walked into the smaller, more intimate classroom. “What are they doing in there?” “She would just come home and cry and cry,” Nadine said. “She would just say, ‘Oh this person did this, did that.’ So I started teaching her to defend herself:
see EMBRACE, page 19 @huntleyvoice 13
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Fake love: is putting on a front okay? Sometimes acting fake is the way to prevent more drama riy walker I staff writer
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he walks down the halls, smiling at everyone she makes eye contact with. She makes small talk with the people around her and acts pleasant, but that does not mean she likes everyone she has just interacted with. In certain situations, being fake is not always such a bad
to cause drama and create problems,” freshman Daniel Cruz said. But on the other hand, being fake can have its advantages. “When you know you don’t like someone and you have no choice but to be around them, there is really no point in trying to have attitude and be mean when you can just be fake and have no problems,” freshman Erica Bilderback said. Spanish teacher Kelli Swanson also agrees with Bilderback when it comes to being fake or being 100 percent honest all of the time. “It really just depends on
(M. Barr)
thing. Many would rather you be straight up in your interactions and tell the truth and how you really feel. But, your opinion might be different, and according to some of the students here at HHS, there are always different ways to handle the situation. “Just tell them how you feel, and try your best not
the situation that you are in,” Swanson said. “Some people can be fake nice. Even if you have hatred towards some people, you’re going to have to be fake sometimes and try and be cordial and try avoiding conflict.” Everyone is entitled to their opinions and we all have our certain habits. But there is
never a right or wrong answer when it comes to opinions. Dealing with toxic people can also be very stressful, so being fake may be your only outlet and the best manner in which you know how to deal with negative influences. The way you choose to go about talking to others and really being yourself around them is your decision. There are some good questions to ask yourself when determining your behavior and reaction: is this person fake? Is this person known for dishonesty? Am I like this person? It is extremely rude to pretend that you like someone that you really do not, especially if they really like you and think that you are their friend. In the end, it is not okay to pretend to be a friend if you are not going to have their back. However, if it is done in order to eliminate drama in your life and stay out of trouble, then being fake is understandable in certain situations. If you consider someone to be a close friend and then you realize that they are fake to others and even to you, there are many ways to handle the situation. Try to get the person acting fake to realize what they are doing. If this does not show them that they need to change, try to make them understand that they cannot be
fake to everyone because they would not have any friends. The threat of losing those close to them may be enough to wake them up and help them curb their behavior. But, sometimes you just have to be fake. When people always aggravate you, some days you have no choice but to put up with it whether it is in class or just in general. Being fake can help people try their best to avoid conflict. In school, of course you are going to run into some conflicts with fake people. This is just normal. Especially dealing with highschool students, you will have to find a way to deal with these people and these issues your own way. But if you are the person being fake all the time, take a look in the mirror and reflect on your life. If you like what you see, keep doing what you are doing. But if you want to better yourself, try and see things from other people’s perspectives. When people are fake to people or when they are mean to people, they are usually angry at something going on in their lives, and they do not know how to deal with their problems. So, instead of being nice and doing the right things, they are mean and fake. Being fake in certain situations is okay, but never all the time. Sometimes you just need to grow up and tell people the truth. @huntleyvoice 15
opinion
Back pain affects the younger generation too Bags weighing down students can have an impact on health kelsey ryan I staff writer
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or some kids, carrying around a backpack all day is like carrying around a bag full of bricks. With multiple binders and a year’s worth of homework, the load in your backpack fills up quickly. Your back can only hold so much before it begins to negatively affect you. Your backpack should weight 10 percent of your body weight and 20 at the most. The average 16-yearold female weighs about 130 pounds. This means that their back pack should weight 13 pounds maximum. The average male’s weight is 160 pounds, which means their backpack should weigh 16 pounds. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. The average high schooler’s backpack weights around 20 pounds. According to a study by orthopedic surgeon Todd Ritzman, backpacks cause the head and shoulders to lean forward, producing neck and shoulder muscle strain, especially if the weight of the backpack is not evenly distributed. These heavy backpacks are threatening to the future 16 @huntleyvoice
health of young students. It causes incorrect posture because of the pressure on the back. As the bad posture continues, it causes an increased risk of injury. Backpacks also cause excessive strain on your neck, shoulders, and back. Students are too young to be having back issues and starting these problems so early is bad news. It is also unfortunate for kids who already have existing back problems. It can cause those issues to worsen and serious long term damage to student’s backs. Although many people recommend emptying out your backpack to make it lighter, many teachers and classes require students to keep the same binder all year and never empty it. There are even some classes that still require textbooks, despite the use of Chromebooks. Lightening the load is not always easy. “I’d rather step on a lego than have to carry around my heavy backpack all day,” sophomore Isabella Fish said. The district has made strides toward fixing this problem, especially by giving Chromebooks to each student. Although backpack weight is still a problem, the Chromebook takes place of many textbooks and holds a lot of work. Also, many students do not empty out their papers enough. Your thick 10-page study guide can make a difference. If you are able to
take out a binder on certain days that you have blended or if teachers can inform you of days you need your textbook, it can make a dramatic difference. Students should also make sure that they are as organized as possible so that they can empty out their backpacks as frequently as possible. Make sure to place the heaviest items in the middle of your backpack. Also, if you have a lot of unnecessary things in it, for example, five different scented lotions, you should probably rethink what you really need for your school day. Although it might seem like an easy solution to this problem is to extend passing periods, the chances that students will actually use their lockers is not likely. It would also shorten your class periods, therefore giving you more homework and a heavier backpack. Letting students freely choose their lockers in whatever area is convenient for them is not a proper solution either. Can you imagine a freshman walking into their first day of school being surrounded by seniors?
One easy step that could help alleviate the issue is making students and teachers aware of the options on their Chromebooks. If there are certain programs that would help to lighten the load, then students should use them more. Also, there should be an option for students to keep certain portions of their binders at home. The likelihood that you need to be looking at your first unit until finals time is not likely.
(M. Barr)
Even though the school has made strides towards lightening students backpacks, there is still so much that they need to explore and figure out. For now, make sure that you are keeping as little as possible in your backpack and that you try your hardest to keep from bringing your full makeup bag to school.
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
A metaphor for mental health Collections of life events add up and overflow the mind river lee I staff writer
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bucket of water sits under a leaky roof, collecting water every single time it rains. The roof breaks, and the bucket is dented and lost. This world often down pours with negativity, all without a sturdy roof or any roof at all to protect individuals from the sudden inundation. The bucket and the person will fill with the rain of negativity. So, what is considered the drops of negativity? The answer is everything: stubbing your toe, burning your food on your first attempt at cooking something new, and other tiny things. But the bigger drops, or the bigger negatives, influence people. For example, divorce, a drunk father, an abusive mother, or losing your parents can add up and really take a toll on an person. “When I was in second grade I jumped on a hurdle and it slipped and broke my leg,” senior Anuj Verma said. “My teacher didn’t believe me, plus because I was on the other half of the gym room. She ended up dragging me by my arms. My parents could have sued, but instead the school let them do
whatever they wanted. So, they ended up taking me out of gym and recess for three years.” Instead of going out to recess he would sit in the main office where the kids with detentions would normally sit. He sat there every day for the next three years while the other kids went and played outside together. These events can take a toll on the mental health of students, and the collection of events they suffer through add up to potential negative outcomes. “I’m afraid of being judged for what I do, what I wear, and overall how much I limit myself,” junior Jonathan Roa said. “[In] 2014, I was fat, and everyone else was just being themselves.” However, Roa tried to find an outlet in music. “I started making music [in] February because I heard a friend talking about wanting to make music, and at the time, I was just following the crowd,” Roa said. “Then, I realized I could have done so much more. I was lazy, and I didn’t want to move and was gaining weight. I was always scared when it came to present presentations...because I was never myself, and I knew that if I were myself, things would be different.” He wanted to improve himself, but it seemed so hard at the time. “I would have [been] a lot more incorporated in clubs, [be] outgoing, not be so afraid to say that I’m bad at some-
thing, and I wouldn’t take things so serious,” Roa said. “The main reason I wasn’t able to be myself is because I don’t have the courage to be out there, to truly be yourself, to be comfortable in your own skin, or just to be who you are.” But these people were able to use their negative situations to change for the better. They were able to empty the bucket. “From 2014 to 2015, I went to the MAC [a training facility] Tuesdays and Thursdays every single week for a whole year,” Roa said. “It was amazing; the workouts were fun, [and] the people were nice to work with.” According to Roa, he did not see any changes until soccer season started. “I never realized the changes because I hardly saw a mirror;
aspects of his life: mental and physical. “During school, I was surprised I had 3.5 GPA,” Roa said. “Then, I began to gain sharper thinking because exercise has been proven to create new neurological pathways in the brain and helped me study, so ever since then I have been playing soccer and making music.” It is also important to remember that not everyone is a bucket. Some people are strainers. The water that goes in flows right out. But the water still collects on floor below. When that water collects, it can rust over. For people, this leads to cracks in mental health. But, there would not be any need for strainers or buckets if people build a better roof or if
(M. Barr)
after the workout I usually went home, showered, and went to sleep,” Roa said. “But when I went to soccer practice, I was able to keep up with them…I was able to keep up with the rest of the kids, and I was just glad that I wasn’t at the back.” This helping him in all
they changed the storm cloud that is this world from a negative one to a positive one. What if instead of a cloud, it was the sun, bright and warm? There are many possibilities, and it all depends on what you make of your life.
@huntleyvoice 17
opinion
It can no longer be just a fire drill to students Current climate means that simple drills carry more weight faith losbanes I news editor
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here was the usual pause of panic when the fire alarm went off fourth period early last February. However, that fear was quickly swept away once the sound was identified as the fire alarm. Students slinked out of their classrooms, laughing at the craziness of the timing as just the week before they had been put under an all-day lockdown in the same period. Teachers, well-rehearsed, loudly but calmly directed students to meeting places, pointing out windows in the general direction of their designated safety spots. Huddled together in the freezing cold of the winter, the prospect of starting a new statistics unit looked better to some students than being out in the biting air. February 22. Sixth hour. It had finally warmed up outside, and the alarms had gone off once again, only a few days after the last one. At this point, the sound was not surprising anymore. Students got up and headed for the doors as they practiced hundreds of times before. Most students had forgotten about the tragic events of Parkland, Florida just a week prior and were only annoyed to be disrupted from their work. For many teachers, however, the fears of having an active school shooter on campus grounds was unpleasantly fresh in their minds. Doors were shut and locked with students and teachers still inside. Those who had left the building were told to go back in shortly after stand-
18 @huntleyvoice
ing outside to be greeted by the still beeping sounds of the fire alarms. The idea of a school fire evacuation has never been a dangerous one in the minds of most Huntley staff and students until the events of Parkland, Florida made them consider the many tragedies in the history of mass violence in American schools. The interjection of a fire drill or alarm has been a source of frustration, disruption, and mild amusement depending on the person. Especially with the frequency at which they occur at Huntley High School, they have come to be treated in a fairly non-serious manner up until the most recent false fire alarm. Thanks to the new protocol this year, students and staff are out of the school and back in the building what feels like mere minutes. “We now take a more proactive role on our part to identify where the sensor is being triggered from, so we’re identifying that now by looking at the panel right by Door One,” Dean Thomas Kempf said. “It helps us clear faster and not be stuck outside as long.” This brevity with each alarm and the fact that there has never been a significant fire threat at our school has breeded a very calm air about them. The fear that students and staff alike have developed is not so much fire related but rather one of school violence. “Every alarm and announcement during class makes my stomach drop,” junior Quinn Walsh said. “During a fire drill, I should be annoyed that I have to walk out of the school wearing only a t-shirt and jeans, not [be] afraid of being shot.” In the type of social climate we are currently in, this fear
is natural. It is natural for the community, spouses, siblings, and parents to feel concern for the safety of their loved ones. However, we should know that the administration is here to help us. They are not blatantly ignoring the problem. While our current fire evacuation drill calls for the immediate evacuation of the building, according to Kempf, things are looking to change in the future. However it does take time to make changes to Illinois laws, so there have only been initial talks within the district. “There are still state laws that mandate what we have to do, [and] there’s still the local fire marshal who mandates what we have to do,” Kempf said. “But I truly think that somewhere down the road, we’re going to head towards that direction to more localized evacuations to kind of control the situation a little better.” However, there can only be so much preparation done for the event of an active shooter entering school grounds. Yes, it is something that should absolutely be prepared for, but it is also a wildly unpredictable event. Something students seem to have forgotten is that code red drills have been frequently practiced in the district. Students have been practicing for the occurence of an imminent danger appearing on campus, such as the firing of a weapon, for years. While the school has shatterproof glass at the front of the building, implemented a single point entrance and exit, as well as are upping their security efforts with the enforcement of wearing IDs, there is always still more to be done. There are numerous security precautions that can be put into place aside
from the concern of fire alarms that should be talked about in another conversation. With the focus on fire evacuations, by minimizing the amount of unnecessary school-wide evacuations that occur, we can diminish how often the school is subjected to a vulnerable state, and keep the worries and anxiety of the community at a lower level. For example, a more localized evacuation, say, of just the West Wing in the event of an alarm going off in a chemistry room, would decrease the amount of traffic in the hallways. The technology is there to quickly identify the exact location of a sensor going off, as it is already being used to get students back into the building faster. A more efficient utilization of this tool should be set in place. There is also more that can be done as the students and staff of Huntley High School. While there is not much to be done about the faulty alarms that are malfunctioning due to the mere age of the building, there should be more care taken when working with flames in the science lab. There should be more care taken when cooking, using cooking wares in classrooms, and making sure there is not an excess amount of dust in the air. If a fire alarm goes off in the school, the chances are it is a legitimate fire concern whether that is a non-threatening one or not. Fire safety is important and should be taken seriously even if the last several in a row have been false alarms. An uncontrolled fire can result in just as many lost lives as a shooting, so there needs to be a balance between evacuating blindly and refusing to evacuate. “If you assume every time that there’s some kind of school
see FIRE, page 19
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
SECURITY, continued his daughter, junior Nicole Loewe, around. “If she needs me, I’m here,” Mark said. “When we had the last fire alarm, she was in the commons and so was I. I threw her a sweatshirt and I went to where I had to be.” On the other hand, when Henn’s kids were students at the high school, they were not so open to seeing her every day; as time
EMBRACE, continued ‘If someone tells you something, speak up for yourself.’ Now, if something happens… forget about it, she’ll speak up [instead].” As she progresses through high school, she has a tailored schedule and supportive group of friends that help her get through the day. Instead of electives, Bri takes SkillsBased Studies, a class that allows her to catch up on missed work and collaborate in
KEEGAN, continued But once in awhile, Keegan reminisces on the previous years. As she looks back on her high school career, sophomore season sticks out. “We won the PepsiCo Showdown that year, which was very exciting, and then we also went to state for the first year ever in our school history for boys and girls,” Keegan said. However, placing fourth at state was not the only thing the girls were able to brag about. “The best though was that we lost to Barrington the year before in our supersectional, which is what qualifies you for state,
ILLINOIS, continued “Successful Democracy Schools will have the people most affected by the decision, the students, at the decision making table,” said presenter and youth organizer of The Resurrection Project, Berto Aguayo. This idea has begun being implemented at Huntley. Groups like Dr. Rowe’s Princi-
FIRE, continued violence going on that the fire alarm goes off and you don’t evacuate and then someone gets hurt because you didn’t evacuate, you’re making that choice that you left somebody in danger,” Kempf said. “If you choose to just
progressed, it was less of a hassle. “Each one of them told me it was awkward,” Henn said. “They were afraid of what their peers thought.” According to Henn, she feels lucky to have been able to see them “mature and grow from a distance.” And like Loewe, she gave her three children the space they needed to learn. As Loewe and Henn continue to be
familiar faces through the halls, both can agree on one thing; they are happy where they are. “I am the Dean’s Assistant with the most tenure, ten years and counting,” Henn said. “It’s a great place to work, and I enjoy interacting with the students and staff members.”
a more intimate setting with her teachers. Bri is working hard to focus in the hopes that she will be able to take electives as an upperclassman. She is not sure what she wants to be, but enjoys animals and is interested in exploring the veterinary route. In order to stay focused, she doodles all over her papers. She has an understanding with her teachers that while she is encouraged to draw, she must come up after class to discuss the lesson. She draws landscapes
on her papers, with beaches being one of her favorites. She also has an app on her phone that allows her to trace over an already existing picture. “I want [people] to know that even though someone has ADHD, [it] doesn’t make them different from other people,” Bri said. “It makes them, them. My ADHD makes me who I am.”
and we beat them this year in the super sectional,” Keegan said. “We also beat Crystal Lake South for sectionals, which [is one of] two very big rival schools when it comes to state qualifying.” However, now Keegan is looking forward towards the future. For Keegan, playing soccer in college has always been the goal. “When I was younger, I wanted to go to University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill, but I didn’t think I could play soccer there,” Keegan said. Barton College gave her that chance. Located in Wilson, North Carolina, Barton’s Lady Bulldogs are part of the Conference Carolinas and play in the NCAA Division
II.
pal’s Advisory Committee is a prime example of advocating for the student voice. Conversations among administration and teachers that align with the students self interests will allow for more clarity in the classroom. Democratic engagement and civic learning in Huntley High School means promoting the education of students through
community involvement, applied learning, and advocacy for diversity. “With the support of being a Democracy School, we have an outlet for students to express themselves,” Gaudio said. “It’s national recognition, we are one of 67 schools in the state who have taken on this title, it’s an honor.”
blindly evacuate every time and not take into account like a school violence situation then [it’s just as bad.]” The concerns of students and others in the building should be taken seriously. As a community, we should be willing to work fluidly and cooperatively and understand
that in this day and age, even things as simple as fire alarms cannot be taken lightly. It is a sad fact that our students and teachers should be afraid, but we must be conscious of the reality of what is going on in our schools today.
“I had an old teammate and friend who goes [to Barton] currently, and I thought why not see if I could play there and go to school there,” Keegan said. “I contacted the coach, and it was a really easy process. It all clicked together.” However, Keegan is not content to sit on her laurels. She wants to see how far they can make it this year before she goes to college and starts on her new adventure, and she wants to be the mentor that her teammates were to her in her younger years. With passion and confidence in every stride she takes on the field, Keegan is ready to make her final season the best one yet.
@huntleyvoice 19
brief
Braving the Shave
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n March 16, Huntley High School held its fourth annual St. Baldrick’s Assembly in an effort to raise money for childhood cancer. This year, “Huntley Goes Bald” has raised over $54,000, which includes the community events at Parkside Pub in downtown Huntley and for the first time ever, the 5k run at Deike Park. HHS’ Penny Wars continued to be a big hit, with senior Samuel De La Paz and health teacher Gavin Fahey coming in third place, senior Hannah Hennessy and history teacher Brad Aney in second, and finally, english teacher James Wallace and his student partner finished in first place.
“It was a little weird
because I have gotten used to my long hair, but it was ” bittersweet too. - English teacher James Wallace
20 @huntleyvoice
brief written by alex landman
E. Pilat
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
@huntleyvoice 21
double truck
Earth without art is just “eh” Art students discuss the inspiration behind their work 76th Annual Young Artists Show
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n March 13, a group of 50 art students and their art teachers went on a field trip to the Rockford Art Museum to visit the 76th Annual Young Artists Show, which runs from March 4 through March 31. This show is juried by professional artists in the community and is one of two community art shows that the art teachers enter student’s work into. The Fox Valley Conference Art Show, which is held at McHenry County College each April, is the second art show that exhibits student’s artwork. The art teachers ask for seniors to submit a portfolio including their five best pieces. However, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can only submit one piece. Art teacher Bridget Regan is one of a couple art teachers who decides what pieces will represent our school.
“Our goal as teachers is to show off the broad range of curriculum that’s taught at Huntley.” -Art teacher Bridget Regan “Our goal as teachers is to show off the broad range of curriculum that’s taught at Huntley,” Regan said. Overall, there were 130 pieces submitted and 20 of those pieces got into the show. There were 30 single submissions and 20 portfolios from seniors. Seniors Holly Marsh and Jeanie Gutka had photo honorable mentions in the FVC Art Show.
miriam selimi I staff writer maggie mcgee I print editor katrina troy I photo & double truck editor left photo provided by noah johnson middle photo provided by noah johnson right photo taken by haley smalley 22 @huntleyvoice
Senior Noah Johnson
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enior Noah Johnson sits in an art classroom working on a 3D Design project. One day, Noah hopes to be teaching in a classroom just like that one. He continues pushing himself to be better because he knows that one day he’ll be teaching students just like himself. As an art student, Johnson’s strive for success is a lot higher than others. He looks up to other seniors and those who have graduated. “There are lots of people who I look up to in my classes,” Johnson said. “So many of them are so talented.” Progress is a vital component to succeeding in art, and Johnson sure has done that. While Johnson was progressing through art classes, he learned and grew in the blink of an eye. His pieces become more and more professional and they get better each time. A lot of feeling and work goes into Johnson’s pieces, which is why he is considered one of the best senior artists at HHS. Art has brought many things together for Johnson, such as the relationship with his friends and teachers. “I feel like since art causes you to learn and grow, doing that with someone by your side is a lot better than doing it alone,” Johnson said. After graduation, Johnson plans on heading to MCC for his associates degree. Johnson is excited to continue his journey with art by becoming an art teacher. He feels that teaching high school students is his forte because he will see that there is passion in their work and they’re not just doing it for a grade. Each day, Johnson uses art to express himself and will continue to do so in the future.
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Sophomore Madeline Rainey
adeline Rainey enters the art room during her blended periods and works of various pieces that she’s been trying to get through. Art and painting came to her naturally, and almost constantly because she gets her inspiration from music. “Its music that I used to listen to in 6th grade,” said Rainey. “Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, whatever I’m in the mood for.” Rainey has been drawing pictures, painting on canvases, and expressing her feelings through art since she was 10 years old. Since she was so young, she didn’t get her inspiration from old artists like Picasso. Rainey feels that her drawing and art style comes from herself. In fact, she is her own favorite artist. Most of her pieces sprout from art projects she creates at school, but at home she likes to unwind with watercolors and colored pencil drawings. “I really want to go to the College of Charleston and major in something with art,” she said, “something with visual design.” Even though Rainey is only a sophomore, she feels
“I’m trying to take as many [art classes] as I can so by the time I go to college I know for sure what I want to do” -Madeline Rainey like she’s got a better idea of what she wants to do with her future than her peers. She continues to take art classes each year and is ready for her future to shift at any point. “My friends don’t take many art classes,” Rainey said. “I’m trying to take as many as I can so by time I go to college I know for sure what I want to do.” Painting and drawing always came naturally to Rainey, but as she goes through high school, her pressure to do more is at its peak. “Everytime someone compliments my work I feel the need to do better,” Rainey said. “Good, for me, isn’t good enough.”
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Senior Danielle Szmergalski
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or senior Danielle Szmergalski, art has always come naturally to her. From a young age she would draw and doodle on everything. She credits some of her artistic ability to her dad, who is also into art. Szmergalski noticed him drawing little doodles and would do the same. “In elementary school and middle school I loved taking the art classes,” Szmergalski said. “I stayed after school and went to art club. It was just a way for me to express myself in a different way than anything else.” Most people love art, but struggle with creating it. However, this has never really been the case for Szmergalski. She is definitely a natural. “Everyone always told me that I was really good at it so I was like, ‘Okay, I guess I’ll keep doing it!’” Szmergalski said. Her love for art has carried on throughout her years. From elementary school and now to high school, Szmergalski still enjoys being artistic. During her four years of high school, she has taken at least one art class each year. “I like 2D best because I have done that for so long,” Szmergalski said. “Drawing, painting, and basically anything that is flat.” Her favorite piece of art, which is showcased in the MCC art show, was inspired by her sister. “I made a portrait of my sister called, ‘A Yellow Rose,’” Szmergalski said. “It’s a Chuck Close style portrait; it’s very abstract, but you can still see the face. Ms. Corpi is putting it in the MCC show. I love that one. My whole family said that’s probably the best [portrait] I’ve made so far.” As much has she has a passion for art, she is not planning to study it in college. Although, it will still be incorporated in her profession. “Art is more of a hobby. I want to be a civil engineer,” Szmergalski said. “If I have the chance to take an art class in college then I will, but it’s mostly going to help with drafting.”
@huntleyvoice 23
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
An old name comes back to pop music Five seconds of Summer breaks year long silence and thrills fans dani rhody I staff writer
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s 5 Seconds of Summer waited for their newest single to be released, they all sat and reflected over of their success. They started as a garage band, but have now performed all over the world, twice. Over the last year, they have poured their hearts into a third album that was supposed to come out late last year. Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Michael Clifford, and Ashton Irwin sat in a car, waiting to see their fans’ reactions to their new sound, and new identity. Originally, Hemmings started posting videos on YouTube of himself singing and playing the guitar when he was 14 years old. That attracted the attention of his schoolmates Hood and Clifford, and they eventually joined Hemmings. Clifford taught himself how to play the guitar, and Hood taught himself how to play the bass. Before their first gig, Clifford DM’d Irwin on Facebook, asking him if he wanted to play drums for the band. Irwin agreed, and thus, the band was formed.
For about a year, 5 Seconds of Summer posted covers of various songs on YouTube, such as “Year 3000” by Busted, “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus, “Jasey Ray” by All Time Low, and “I Miss You” by Blink 182. They gained significant popularity after One Direction member Louis Tomlinson tweeted a YouTube video of their first original song, “Gotta Get Out.” Soon, 5 Seconds of Summer were opening for One Direction on their Take Me Home Tour, performing their first EP “Unplugged,” which was released June 26, 2012 in Australia and New Zealand. They also opened for One Direction for their Where We Are tour. 5 Seconds of Summer released their first album “5 Seconds of Summer” on June 27, 2014. This album was pop punk and its album’s highest rank on the Billboard 200 chart was numbered at one. In 2015, 5 Seconds of Summer went on their first headlining world tour, called “Rock Out With Your Socks Out.” During their first tour, Clifford mentioned that he had recently seen a therapist because
Courtesy of 5SOS Facebook
of some mental issues that he experienced on tour. Irwin also mentioned during an interview after the tour that he was depressed throughout most of the tour as well. Irwin has also dealt with anxiety and depression earlier in his life, as well as his parents splitting while he was young. Their second album was titled, “Sounds Good Feels Good,” which was released on Oct. 23, 2015. This album was also pop punk, but focused on deeper issues instead of heartbreak and love. “Invisible,” one of the album’s songs, is written like a suicide note. At the beginning of the song, Clifford can be heard saying, “What’s that?,” as if he is finding the note. “Broken Home” is about a girl’s parents splitting up. “Hey mom, hey dad/ When did this end?/ Where did you lose your happiness?/I’m here alone inside of this broken home,” Hood, then Hemmings, sing during the chorus. “Sounds Good Feels Good” also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. They went on their second world tour in 2016, which was called Sounds Live Feels Live. While on tour, they released a song that was going to be in the remake of “Ghostbusters” called “Girls Talk Boys.” 5 Seconds of Summer took a short hiatus right after they finished their tour. They started writing songs for their third album in April 2017, which was supposed to come out at the end of last year. however, they decided to wait until this year to release the album. The first single is called “Want You Back,” and was
released on Feb. 23. This song shows the change in direction that the band’s overall sound is headed in. While “5 Seconds of Summer” and “Sounds Good Feels Good” are both pop punk, “Want You Back” is only pop. Almost all of 5 Seconds of Summer’s songs have two or three of the members singing. “Want You Back,” however, only features Hemmings. The only other song that has only one member singing is, “Invisible,” which is from their second album, and only features Hood, except for the brief words of Clifford heard at the beginning. This single artwork also only features Hemmings. “Want You Back” is a pop-flavored song. It sounds more like a song heard on the radio than itsounds like in their earlier music. “No matter how long you’re gone/ I’m always going to want you back” sings Hemmings during the chorus. “Want You Back” is also the first explicit song by 5 Seconds of Summer. With the release of “Want You Back,” 5 Seconds of Summer also released a 26-day tour starting on March 20 in Stockholm. The tour is called 5SOS3, and all of the dates are sold out. On the tour they are expected to play some of the new songs from the upcoming album, but also songs from their previous albums. The album is expected to be released sometime in July of this year. As 5 Seconds of Summer are scrolling through Twitter, seeing their fans’ reactions to, “Want You Back,” they know that they have the support of their fans forever.
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The ‘twighlight zone’ of the modern age “Black Mirror” season four is widely uneven but comes out on top braden turk I staff writer
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lack Mirror,” originally a 2011 British television program that was later picked up by Netflix, is an anthology series of loosely-connected stories, all of them linked together by the universal topic of technology. Every episode takes place in a different storyline, each ranging from the romantic and touching to the gaunt and horrific….or sometimes all of the above. The title “Black Mirror” derives its wording from objects we see and use every day: the cold, reflective screen of your handheld device. Turn off your TV,
computer, or Chromebook and stare into the darkness: what do you see? Lots of viewers tend to believe that “Black Mirror” is strictly anti-technology, but this could not be further from the truth. “The technology is neutral and what causes a problem in our stories is some sort of human failing or weakness,” showrunner Charlie Brooker said in a Syfy interview. Social media, phones, even computers; none of that is the issue. In “Black Mirror,” technology is used to shine a light on human instinct; something that has been there the whole time, but only now has it been revealed.
Courtesy of Black Mirror Twitter
Courtesy of Black Mirror Facebook
26 @huntleyvoice
Hot off the heels of his series “How TV Ruined Your Life,” Brooker first plunged into the world of “Black Mirror” with “The National Anthem,” in which a darling royal figure is kidnapped and the only way to free her is for the Prime Minister to perform an extremely degrading act on live television. At first, the public is sympathetic towards the stunted PM, but as Twitter groupthink always goes, they turn on him and threaten to ruin his career forever if he does not go through with it. The show has explored the online presence of herd thinking since, but none have come close to that sickening, revolting feeling “The National Anthem”
captures. Another cautionary tale of the mob mentality, season two’s “White Bear” follows an amnesiac woman who wakes up in an abandoned neighborhood where her only peers are either recording her suffering or trying to hunt her down. Many of her captors are wearing a mask with a familiar symbol which brings to surface faint memories of brutal violence. The episode has a fairly basic, cliché plot line until Brooker delivers a shocking twist, systemically breaking down the herd mindset and concept of torture as punishment. In season three, “Playtest” explores the concept of virtual reality and the all too real
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6 simulation it creates. Globetrotting, general nice guy Cooper, whose purpose for leaving America is to avoid the strained connection with his widowed mother, signs up as a guinea pig for a new VR software. As he goes deeper into the depths of the program, Cooper has trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not. Underneath the spiders and simulated scares of the game, “Playtest” reveals that sometimes the mind is the scariest thing of all. While the first three seasons largely stuck to the same tone and feeling, the fourth block, which debuted back in December, offers a much more varied batch of episodes. “USS Callister,” the season’s opener, explores the human thirst for power and sentient artificial intelligence. While interesting, these topics are far too familiar to other episodes before it. By day, Robert Daly, the lead developer on a cutting-edge virtual reality game, is treated with acute disrespect. By night, he’s a sadistic video game spaceship captain who plays God. “USS Callister,” with its Hollywood budget and maniacal performance by Jesse Plemons, wastes these strengths on themes the show has explored before. The next two episodes are hardly an improvement, either. “Arkangel,” directed by Jodie Foster, focuses on helicopter parenting gone horribly, horribly wrong. By giving her child an implant that can censor anything deemed “stressful” to the senses, Marie accidentally creates a feeling much more dangerous. The first 15 minutes
seem to hint towards the young Sara becoming a child psychopath, a topic much more relevant considering the debatable mental health of today’s youth. “Arkangel” simply never progresses its themes far enough: they are explored only on surface level, leaving the viewer feeling empty and unsatisfied by the end. Guilt-ridden breakdowns and crime drama collide in “Crocodile,” which follows famed architect Mia Nolan as she tries to cover up a dark secret that threatens to become exposed. On her trail is the insurance investigator Shazia, who ultimately winds up an unfortunate victim in Mia’s tangled web of lies. Even with its beautiful Iceland backdrop and compelling plot, “Crocodile” falls flat far too often. The technology featured, a memory-reader used by Shazia, in this episode feels much more of a plot device than anything that helps its message, driving this episode to feel like a completely different show, and not in a good way. After three episodes of stale ideas, flat characters, and a lack of any real message, “Black Mirror” looked bleak. Gone are the controversial topics that push the bound-
aries of contemporary TV, replacing them with vapid concepts that vanish as soon as you try to sink your teeth in them. However, the show turns itself around with a rare hopeful episode: “Hang the DJ,” which comes out of seemingly nowhere. In this slightly-enhanced version of the present, an omnipresent dating program puts an expiration date on all relationships. A parallel to modern online dating programs Tinder and eHarmony, “Hang the DJ” is at times humorous and romantic, a perfect entrance into the series for the more cautious viewer. A monochrome post-apocalyptic landscape is the basis for “Metalhead,” a vast departure from the rest of the show. Shot entirely in striking black and white, a woman races across a barren wasteland, peering into empty homes and warehouses in search of medicine to cure an ill child from her group of survivors. She is fleeing from a terrifying yet seemingly bland creature, a robotic “dog” based on the real-life design by Boston Dynamics. The viewer is never told or shown how the world became like
this, nor does it even matter. The story is short and visceral, simultaneously one of the series’ simplest and most powerful episodes. The finale of season four, “Black Museum” is “Black Mirror” and is easliy the most disturbing since 2014. An anthology of three connected stories, this episode takes place in one location: Rolo Haynes’ sinister Black Museum, a showcase for the most famous of crime artifacts and trivia. British girl Nash stops for a quick break while her car recharges, and ends up the only person on the 11 a.m. tour on a scorching Nevada day. The reveal is hinted throughout but never understood until the final 10 minutes, leading the viewer to watch “Black Museum” two or three times before fully appreciating it. For most audience members, season four is going to be a hit, miss, or maybe a little bit of both. But what is truly impressive is that the series still remains relevant in today’s world. From 2011 to 2017, “Black Mirror” has consistently succeeded in compelling storytelling, even if not every episode has the same quality to it.
Courtesy of Black Mirror Facebook
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Drag queen show is definitely not a drag New season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” has fans head over heels madison barr I staff writer in the competition.
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uPaul’s Drag Race, may the best woman win,” the soundtrack to the well known reality competition television show rings out before the line of All Stars enter the workroom. Following its Emmy-winning ninth season, TV platform VH1 aired the third season of its RuPaul’s Drag Race’s familiar counterpart, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.” The sister show of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” gives fan-favorite queens from the normal seasons the chance to compete for their place in the coveted “Drag Race Hall of Fame” along with a cash prize of $100,000 and a one-year supply of cosmetics from Anastasia Beverly Hills. “All Stars” began its reign in 2012, following up for a second season in summer 2016 before the third season came in January 2018. Season three facilitates the return of ten queens coming from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” seasons two to nine, while a “surprise” queen coming in from season one. This season seems to be focused on an allusion to Hulu’s “A Handmaid’s Tale” with Drag Race Hall of Famers Chad Michaels and Alaska donning the recognizable red cloak and accompanying white bonnet. These two queens confirm early on that queens who are eliminated during the season will eventually get their chance to come back for their “RuVenge” and win a position back
Similarly, RuPaul announces to the queens after the workroom entrances that “All Star rules” are in place this season just as they had in the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.” These rules state that the two winners of the main challenge and runway compete in a lip-sync battle where the winner takes home $10,000 and the opportunity to send home one of the queens who placed in the bottom that day. After the first elimination of the season, it is clear that the hope of an illusive “RuPaul’s Best Friend Race” will be quickly dashed away with the hard-hitting reality of the difficulty in choosing who gets sent home. In comparison to previous seasons, season two and three seem to be neck and neck when it comes down to “the best” season. All season three seems to hold over season two is a couple shocking eliminations and the return of Hall of Famers Chad Michaels and Alaska to the main stage for a brief amount of time. What seems to be the most confusing is the running theme of “A Handmaid’s Tale” in the
season. “A Handmaid’s Tale” is a television series based on a novel by Margaret Atwood which focuses on the totalitarian society of Gilead, which used to be part of the United States. The rulers of this society have set forth a principle where women are treated as property of the state during the time of a plummeting birth rate, forcing the few remaining fertile women to reproduce in order to repopulate Gilead. The two returning queens suggest that winning the crown and a place in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame” is not as glamorous as they once thought it would be, proposing the idea of a dystopian society rather than a totalitarianism government. However, with the introduction of this ongoing sketch, fans all over have been coming up with possible theories which tie Michaels’ and Alaska’s role in the “A Handmaid’s Tale” to the season as a whole. One of the most wellknown and easy-to-believe conspiracies is that the “surprise queen,” BeBe Zahara Benet, is a mole in the competition. “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” has routinely been a
competition of queens who have not won the “regular” seasons, but with the addition of BeBe, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season one, it seems off. Fans were quick to bring up the mole theory as the show is running with a theme of “A Handmaid’s Tale,” which also featured a mole. Even with the idea of BeBe Zahara Benet being a mole, it still seems unlikely as the main twist of the season is revealed to be that the eliminated queens come back not once, but twice. And their role the second time around is far more extreme in the sense that they have a say in who is crowned the winner of the season. This season finale stands out among the previous two seasons because of the full-on extravagance of a one-take, live dance performance and eliminated queens choosing the top two winners to lip-sync for their life. With the “All Stars” queen crowned and placed into the “Drag Race Hall of Fame” it will be just as interesting to see how the new queens fare in the newest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Courtesy of Rupaul Facebook
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Winter Olympics showcases star athletes 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics unites the people and the nations riley murphy I a&e editor no shirt on and about three Opening Ceremony:
With thousands of light up drones swarming the sky, dragons marching to the beat of the drums, and the huge American flag waving in the air, it was apparent that the opening ceremony was a promising view of what the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics had in store. Not only was the opening ceremony an amazing thing to watch because you got to cheer on the talented athletes that represented our country, but you also learned about the history of South Korea. The theme of the ceremony was peace and it followed the story of three kids from South Korea who were portrayed as the ‘founders’ of Korea. At one point in the story, they were able to create 3-D images with lights of historical artifacts that have significance in the shape of Korea which was pretty phenomenal. Along with illustrating the history, the performance also incorporated lots of current music from Korea and the U.S even walked out to “Gangnam Style” which was wildly popular in 2012. However, the most iconic part of the entire ceremony was hands-down the shirtless man from Tonga also known as Pita Taufatofua. He first made his debut in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics when he was the flag bearer for Tonga and walked out with 30 @huntleyvoice
inches of coconut oil covering him. He then wanted to do the same thing for the Winter Oympics, but realized that he did not know a winter sport. So, he decided to learn how to cross country ski just to walk out shirtless again, but ended up placing 114th out of 119 spots.
Current Events that shaped the Olympics:
The Olympics is a prime example of setting aside differences and disputes in order to work towards a common goal: getting the gold. On the other hand, there were a lot of stories in the news that almost made it seem like that was not possible. One of the major problems was what to do with Russia. Due to the fact that there
was an investigation held in which they found out that their olympic athletes were using performance enhancing drugs, the Olympic Committee thought that it would be best if they were benched from the Olympics. However, they decided to just have them represented by the Olympics and not their actual country. They called them the Olympic Athletes from Russia. The week or so long discussion was not really worth it in the end, because announcers and other athletes just ended up calling them Russia anyway. Also, there were many stories in the headlines about South Korea and North Korea, and Korea and the U.S too. As far as South Korea and North Korea go, they united
in the name of the olympics so that they could compete as one country. This was pretty impressive considering that this feud has been going on since 1950 when North Korea invaded the South. Similarly, the U.S. and their relationship with Korea was a subject of interest, especially when Mike Pence did not stand during the opening ceremony.
Figure Skating:
When you hear the words Winter Olympics, the first thing that pops into mind is figure skating. Not only was the U.S. team very impressive this year, but many athletes from other countries also that caught the eyes of viewers. Some of the stars who represented the Team USA were Nathan Chen and Bradie Tennell. Chen’s performance
Courtesy of Olympic website
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Courtesy of Olympic website
was highly anticipated due to the fact that he is the only man to complete seven quadruple jumps. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Chen first got on the ice because he wanted to become a hockey goalie, but caught the figure skating bug early on. When introducing Chen
on the ice, they went back and showed a clip of him at 10 years old saying that he will compete in the Olympics in 2018. Not only is he a determined athlete, but he is also a talented athlete which ads up to being a successful Olympian. Chen finished the Olympics off with a bronze medal.
One of the main female stars on the Olympic figure skating team is Bradie Tennell. In 2015, she was the U.S Junior Champion, but due to her performance during that show she suffered major stress fractures in her back. Many thought that this would keep her off the ice, but like many other passionate
athletes, she pushed forward. Tennell finished with bronze in her team event for figure skating, but really her performance was worthy of the gold. While watching the figure skating individual and team events, it makes viewers think about all the time and effort it takes to build up their leg muscle. Not only did the athletes work hard during their performance, but they looked good while doing it. While performing jumps that-with one wrong movecould end up with them in the hospital, they definitely put it all out on the rink. However, what really stuck out was the dazzling performance aspect of the sport rather than the actual skill itself. The use of colorful costumes and music really left a lasting impression on the overall influence of the performance. On a more negative note, the comentairies were unusually harsh this year. When Nathan Chen performed one of his spins and fell, it would seem like it was perfectly reasonable to make a mistake with it being his first time at the Olympics and his first performance at the Olympics, however it was a major flaw in his performance. As the comentator said, “for someone who is so highly acclaimed you would think he would bring home the gold.�
Women’s Snowboarding:
Courtesy of Olympic website
While figure skating is a more graceful sport, that does not mean that it is not hardcore. Unlike figure skating, snowboarding often results in more injuries due to the fact that the athletes are heading down a hill at about 45 miles
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a&e per hour toward a ramp that is about 30 feet tall. Even though there were many impressive athletes from other countries, I was blown away by the women representing our snowboarding team; and Jamie Anderson was especially great. Growing up in Lake Tahoe, California, Anderson first found her passion for snowboarding from her mother. Her mother did not believe that learning was done best when being cooped up in a classroom all day. Instead, she found herself learning by wandering in the woods. Fast forward to her success in the Olympics, and she is the first woman ever to win two gold medals in snowboarding. This year, she won a gold medal in slopestyle and a silver in the big air competition. Even though all athletes did great in their competitions, there was la ot of talk as to whether or not the womens slopestyle should have been canceled or postponed due to severe weather conditions. Another great champion who was able to brace the severe weather conditions was Chloe Kim. This year, she won gold in the womens snowboarding halfpipe on her first run with a score of 93.75. Since starting snowboarding at the age of four, to now winning an Olympic gold medal at the age of 17, Chloe Kim has definitely made a reputation for herself.
snowboarding team, but there were two athletes from Team USA that really stood out. Red Gerard, the 17-yearold snowboarder from Ohio, won gold in mens slopestyle with a score of 87.16, and he won fifth in mens big air. When he was done with his winning run, it was fun to see him stand in shock with his hands on his head while seeing if he made it to the top. Another great athlete who won the gold was X-Games legend, Shaun White. He won mens halfpipe too with a score of 98.5 in his second run. The best thing about this though was not the million dollar medal he won, but when he finished he tossed his helmet into the crowd with excitement. Then two minutes later he realized he needed that for his final run and had to ask for it back.
Women’s hockey team and their win against Canada:
As we all know, hockey’s biggest rivalry is between: Canada and the U.S. The rivalry between the womens Canadian hockey team and the U.S hockey team has lasted for about 20 years and it has not come to an end yet. However, the Team USA won against the Canadian team with a final score of 3-2 when the game ended with a shoot out. The star goalie, Maddie Rooney, was able to block the shot perfectly when the Canadian team went for the kill.
Closing Ceremony:
The closing ceremony of the highly intense 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics was on Feb. 25.
Similar to the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony was presented with beautiful lights, animations, and amazing animals. During the closing ceremony, Lindsey Vonn from the U.S. ski team and, you guessed it, Pita Taufatofua, the famous coconut kissed shirtless man, both gave speeches. There were also many performances from famous K-Pop bands in Korea, including EXO who stole the show. The 2018 Winter Olympics was everything that I hoped it would be. From the determination of the athletes representing our country to the fantastic lights and theatrics of the ceremonies, the Olympic Games will always succeed at bringing our world together.
Men’s Snowboarding:
Another impressive event was mens snowboarding. It might not have been as impressive as the womens 32 @huntleyvoice
Courtesy of Olympic website
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Heading into her season finale foot first Senior captain looks to lead team to another historic season the high school level and the talent she possesses, it never gets to her head. s she walks up the endless red staircase, coming in from Keegan is humble and the bus doors and heading to does not hold herself her locker, the muscles in her above others. “I don’t like to brag legs strain and she her whole body aches. about it or say anything, Ice and ibuprofen assist in managing because I worked for it,” some of the pain, but they can only do Keegan said. “I don’t like so much. However, it is all for a worthy to put it in people’s faces cause. or use it to make myself Her season is starting. Practice may be hard, and every year she feels like she has seem better.” She puts in the effort fallen behind, but every year she picks to do well, and during herself up and gets her fitness right back preseason conditioning, to where she started. She is experienced, Keegan is always the first and she is ready to bring all that she has one to criticize her perforto the table in her final varsity season at mance. Huntley High School. As for her goals this Senior Brenna Keegan is not the avseason, Keegan wants to erage athlete. Most students start on the be a model for younger freshman or JV team and work their way players. As one of three up, but not Keegan. For all four years of seniors on the team, the her high school career, Keegan has been a other two being Tayvarsity athlete on the girls soccer team. lor Siegmeyer and Zoe “It’s really intimidating,” she said. “I Zuzzio, she wants to make didn’t know any of the girls that were her mark on the future of playing or already on the team. It was Huntley soccer. a new experience getting to know new “I want to step up in people, them being your teammates.” more of a leader role now But she had no trouble fitting in with that I’m the oldest one her peers. [along] with Zoe on the “I adjusted really quickly, and the girls team, ” Keegan said. were so nice; I became part of the team,” Zuzzio thinks Keegan Keegan said. has already stepped into a larger role on Even with four years of experience on the team. “She’s become more of a leader on the field and isn’t afraid to take charge and direct the team to victory,” Zuzzio said. mcgeeexteriors@aol.com With this year’s team, they have a lot to be excited about, woodstock & huntley and according to Zuzzio, Keegan’s de-
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velopment with her headers and a mean left-footed shot over the years will only help this season. “I think we have a lot of potential,” Keegan said. “We have a pretty quick team, [and] we’re pretty close since we’ve all played with each other already, so we have good chemistry. I think we’re well-rounded. We have good people all around the field in all positions, so it’s not like we’re just strong in one area.”
see KEEGAN, page 19 @huntleyvoice 33
all photos by D. Brown
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Voice staffers travel to New York City, receive national award at Columbia U
T
he weekend of March 14-17, 10 staff members from The Voice and huntleyvoice.com attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s annual spring conference in New York City. There, the staff picked up their second consecutive Silver Crown Award in the Magazine Hybrid category. Crown Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in high school journalism, similar to a Pulitzer Prize. “There was an expectation we set after winning the Silver Crown last year, a goal we set for ourselves,” Alex Landman, editor of the Voice said. “We are excited to display it downstairs, but we aren’t done yet.” The Voice was one of ten schools in the nation to win a Silver Crown in the Magazine Hybrid category, and one of four in Illinois to be awarded a Crown Award (the others were University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (newspaper), Glenbrook South (yearbook), and Antioch (magazine hybrid). Dennis Brown, adviser of The Voice, put the award in perspective. “In my 21 years with the journalism program, this is one of the top awards we’ve ever won,” Brown said. “The Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Crown Awards only recognize the best of the best. I’m so proud of the accomplishments of the students who run The Voice.” While in New York, the group also did some sightseeing. They visited Grand Central Terminal, the NY City Library, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial. “It was great seeing some of the history of New York,” Voice print editor Maggie McGee said. “Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty were my favorite sights we visited because it’s interesting to see how many people immigrated to the United States in that period.” In addition, Brown and the Voice staffers had a chance to visit with Tony Merevick (’08), a Voice alum who is currently the senior news editor for Thrillist, an online media brand covering food, drink, travel and entertainment. After the awards ceremony on Friday, the group traveled to Central Park and spent some a few hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The Met was great because it allowed me to piece together historical artworks with in the Art Institute in Chicago,” Katrina Troy, Voice photo editor said. “I really enjoyed seeing works like Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ and [Emanuel Leutz’s] ‘Washington Crossing of the Delaware Water’ in such a historical and important setting.” The award will be displayed in the newspaper display case in the commons area of HHS. @huntleyvoice 35
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march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
Going for the gold in the cold
Math teacher James Allen brings curling to students’ attention shaaf iqbal I staff writer
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bout a week after losing to Sweden 10-4, the USA mens curling team found themselves against a familiar foe in the gold medal game. Despite early struggles in the tournament, the team had gone on a Cinderella run to find themselves against the team they were humiliated against not too long before. Going into the eighth end tied 5-5, America’s John Shuster knocked two Swedish stones, leaving behind five American stones, giving USA a 10-5 lead and ensuring their first ever gold medal. Back home, many stayed up late to watch the gold medal game and were excited when the mens team finally won. One of those excited fans was math teacher James Allen. “[After the Olympics], I tweeted at [USA Men’s Curling member Matt Hamilton] and John Shuster, challenging them to backyard curling between Mr. Dicken and myself after they won the gold medal,” Allen said. “He responded with ‘I’m in.’ He looks like a man of his word so hopefully we can get our game in.” But becoming an avid curling fan was beyond Allen’s wildest imaginations. “I was a junior in college watching the 2010 Olympics,” he said. “My buddies and I would watch the Olympics together: we had stadium seating by taking a coffee table
and putting chairs on the coffee table, and took all the TVs we could find and watch different things on the live event.” During those 2010 Winter Olympics, Allen and his friends had first learned about curling. “We watched curling as a joke, and didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “They were screaming and yelling and it was funny. I Googled the rules and found out it was pretty simple. Then I explained it to my buddies, and we pretty much just watched curling.” To the casual fan watching the Olympics, curling could seem like a difficult sport, but the rules are simple to follow. The scoring is based around the closest stone to the center and having more stones closer than your opponents. Each end is called a round, and each of the four players throw two stones per end and play for 10 ends. Most people forget about curling after the Olympics end. They watch the Olympics every four years, re-learn the rules, and forget about the sport. This is not the case for Allen, who has turned what he once thought was a joke into a new passion. “I love the game and enjoy the strategy, thinking beyond the next couple shots and what your opponent’s shots might be to counter your shots,” Allen said. “Both teams are hearing each others strategies which makes a very
open type of game, it’s like chess on ice.” The love and passion has grown so much that Allen has now built a rink in his own backyard. “I snow blowed an Olympic-sized rink, experimented on how to paint the ice, built a structure around the rink, and pumped water from the river and flooded that spot to make a rink,” he said. “I’ve done some backyard curling in the past two years and it’s a pain. I’ve only used it a couple of time because of the inclimate weather, but it’s still fun while it lasts.” The new love for the game has led Allen wanting to possibly start a curling team at the high school. “We are currently in the very early stages of this all happening, so there aren’t any set plans right now,” he said. “I’d imagine we’d hold practices as locally as possible and work with those establishments on scheduling. As far as competitions go, I do not know if there are any other high school curling teams in the area, so in its early years it will be more of Huntley students playing one another,
almost like rec league basketball.” “We’ll have to see if there’s any interest first,” he continued. “I think it’s a cool sport but people don’t fully understand it, so people like to joke about it all the time. In fact, I got into curling as a joke too, but once I learned about it, I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed watching and playing.’’ But as the Olympics end, keeping winter sports popular has been hard, but Allen believes this time is different. “Every four years curling becomes popular, like it used to be,” he said. “We were into it then the interest fizzles away until the next Olympics. But I think curling is becoming bigger now that the U.S. won the gold medal.” With the Americans winning gold, people might still be interested in curling after the Olympics and develop a passion for a sport they never thought they could, just like Allen.
A. Sanchez
@huntleyvoice 37
Laxin’ at the next level
Seniors Zarembski, Fischer to continue their careers in college skylar sharkey I staff writer
H
er mind is in a thousand places as she digs her cleats into the sun dried grass, the spare dirt patches surrounding her feet. She tightly grips her white and gray, Crux 500 lacrosse as the sun beats down on her through the clear blue sky. Though she can faintly hear her teammates cheering for her on the sidelines, to her everything is silent. She twists her stick, pulls as hard as she can, and with the weight of the team’s anticipation on her shoulders, senior Katie Zarembski gets the draw. Lacrosse is a passion that she will continue to pursue in college. Zarembski has been playing since the summer after sixth grade. She plays center midfield on Huntley High School’s varsity girls lacrosse team. “I was instantly drawn to it [lacrosse],” Zarembski said. “I just really like being in control of the game. It makes me feel good knowing I can help my team start off with the ball.” “Katie is super fast,” said girls varsity lacrosse head coach Sui Lenckus. “I love watching her zip down the field, making girls’ ankles break because she’s just so fast that they can’t keep up with her.” Zarembski began her recruiting process by emailing college coaches about her interest. After reaching out to five schools, she eventually chose Northern Michigan University to play Division II lacrosse and study athletic training. “I’m really excited to play college lacrosse. It’s a lot more serious and I think I’m ready for that next step of training every day,” Zarembski said. “Just being on a team
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B. Walker where we’re one unit is something I’m really excited for.” Another senior, Nicole Fischer, comes from a lacrosse family that encouraged her to pursue lacrosse throughout both middle and high school. Now she’s very happy to be continuing her family’s legacy at Aurora University. “My parents really pushed me and my brother to play in college just so that we have that discipline,” Fischer said. “It’s more of an outlet. If school is becoming too much, you go to practice.” “I play attack. I think that when you play attack your lacrosse IQ has to be super high. I like to work strategically and that helps with plays,” said Fischer. “I also love scoring goals. Who doesn’t love scoring goals?” According to www.uslacrosse.org, lacrosse is the nation’s fastest growing team sport for both men and women. “I love that it’s a newer sport in the area,” Lenckus said. “It is such a fun, physical sport, but it’s also a sport that is really beautiful. It allows girls to show that strength, but also at the same time that finesse.” Fischer’s dedication to lacrosse has influenced her life since she was young. “I honestly love lacrosse so much, and I have such a passion for it. I feel like some people may misunderstand me: that I’m super-intense, super-tough, and really competitive, but that’s just because I love to play,” Fischer said. “I play year-round, I never stop. I’ve been working for this since sixth grade. I set high standards for myself, including playing in college.” “Nicki is on every team off-season that you could think of,” Lenckus said. “She
seeks a lot of knowledge to make herself better. She has a wicked shot that is just so pretty when she gets it right where it needs to be.” Fischer got recruited through a recruitment tournament when a coach approached her in eighth grade. “My college coach has literally been with me all throughout my high school career,” Fischer said. “She’s done such nice things for me throughout my high school years.” Fischer plans on playing for Aurora University where she will be studying athletic training. She already has her referee certification, and is planning to coach girls lacrosse if she gets a job at a high school as an athletic trainer after graduation. “I definitely want to coach lacrosse.That’s why I’m majoring in something athletic so that if I were to work at a school I might be able to get a job as a coach,” Fischer said. “Coaching higher level lacrosse is one of my goals.” Lacrosse has allowed both girls to grow and thrive in an athletics and they are both excited to continue on their lacrosse journey. “I think that it’s a great opportunity that they found a sport that they love and that they’re good at that has given them the opportunity to go to the schools they want to go to and be able to play at a higher level,” Lenckus said. “They’re both very vocal and they’re both really great at making sure that the people around them are getting better,” Lenckus said. “Katie and Nicki are very good at lifting other girls up and trying to make them better.”
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brief
‘Prayers up from Huntley, Illinois’
O
n Feb. 27, nine seniors and one junior competed for your heart in the Mr. HHS Pageant. Junior Nick Chung was crowned the winner, however, senior Dubem Anikamadu took home the popular vote. For his talent portion, Anikamadu enlisted the help of HHS alumnus D’Andre Adonis and juniors Caroline Baran and Lucas Clemetsen to tribute the 17 lost lives of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The trio sang “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West featuring Chance the Rapper and Kirk Franklin while a slideshow of the victims played in the background. The Twitter video has received 320 retweets and more than 750 likes. 40 @huntleyvoice
brief written by alex landman
K. Kalischefski
january march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 4 6
@huntleyvoice 41 @huntleyvoice 37
EDITORIAL
Huntley: If we’re next, we’re ready
T
he first thing history teacher Ellysa Cassier did when the fire alarm went off on Feb. 22 was close her door, peer into the hallway, and tell her students to be quiet. The mood of her normally rambunctious and comedic sixth hour class dramatically shifted. Students looked at each other as the alarm continued to blare. Although nobody spoke, the panicked looks on their faces said it all: is it happening to us? In the wake of the massacre that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, Huntley High School students and staff are left wondering whether we are taking every precaution to ensure gunshots do not ring throughout our hallways. We at The Voice believe that no school can never be completely prepared for a mass shooting, however, our administrators have policies and procedures in place to not only be proactive, but to also cope with the aftermath should we be next. When coming up with procedures in the case of a crisis situation, Consolidated School District
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158’s Chief Security Officer Adam Dean noted that first and foremost, it is important to understand the mindset of an active shooter. “These individuals are here to kill,” Dean said. “What are we doing best to hinder that?” The first obstacle an active shooter would have to overcome is getting through the main entrance. “If someone wants to do that level of harm, a metal detector is not going to stop them,” Principal Scott Rowe said. “Our front entrance is designed to slow them down long enough to give our first responders another minute to get here and to give you all 30 seconds or a minute to get somewhere. The glass that we installed is not bulletproof, it’s shatter proof.” If someone were to shoot at the glass, it would take them some work to get through it. Or, they would have to run around the desk, hit the button, and run back around before it relocks. The entrance is not designed to prevent a shooter from entering, but to maximize time for the people inside the building in case of a crisis. “The hard thing to wrap your head around is there’s no way of preventing
something that devastating,” Rowe said. According to Dean, who has looked at other practices throughout the country
for an individual who has never gone through a crisis before.” In order to prepare as much as possible, admin-
“These individuals are here to kill. What are we doing best to hinder that?” -Chief Security Officer Adam Dean
and tailored them to our school, students have three options should the shooter be inside the building: find a place to hide, get behind a locked door, or go outside and get as far away as possible. “The scariest thing that keeps me up at night is [students] running around in a circle thinking ‘I don’t know where to go,’” Dean said. Dean also makes it a priority to not only understand the physicality of what to do in emergency situations, but the psychological aspect as well. He puts himself in a student mindset and modifies protocols to help students quickly react and overcome the overwhelming thought of what to do. “There’s denial, deliberation, and the decision to act,” Dean said. “It’s a progression. It’s tough
istrators hold an active shooter drill for all staff members their first day back, the day before students return for the school year. Huntley Police Department comes in with a simulated shooter. It serves a double purpose: teachers and police both practice. According to Rowe, the teachers are placed in three scenarios: the regular classroom, the hallway, and the cafeteria. “Some people end up under tables, some people end up leaving the building, and some people end up back in the kitchen,” Rowe said. “Where we were in the cafeteria, we heard screaming and all of a sudden, ‘pop, pop, pop’ and he was there. You don’t have time. It was important for our teachers to get in the mindset of thinking on their feet.” With the unique nature
march 2018 I volume 21 I issue 6
of our school and students coming and going throughout the day, the first thing a student can do is be aware of their surroundings. “As you go through your day, think about ‘what options do I have?’” Rowe said. What most students do not know is that Huntley High School has an Emergency Response Team, lead by Emergency Response Coordinator, Thomas Kempf. He coordinates the drills, facilitates evacuations, acts as liaison to Dean, and communicates to ensure everyone is safe and secure. The school’s safety team, which is composed of one person from every area, including maintenance, secretaries, and social workers, evaluates procedures and keeps in constant communication.
on lockdown. Upon reflection, administrators realized that they have not spent time thinking about how to support students and teachers in lockdowns once the imminent threat is over. “We always knew that it could be like ‘if there was a disaster here at 9 o’clock in the morning, you’ll be locked down until 3,’” Kempf said. “But we haven’t thought about bathrooms. We haven’t thought about snacks and food. We always think about how to get [the kids] safe...but realistically, the threat is 15 minutes. But then we’re locked down while everything else is still happening for the next six hours, like ‘what do we do?’” In case of a true disaster, students would not be escorted to the bathrooms. Realistically, victims would
“We were going to do a spread on Valentine’s Day and we’re still going to do that. We have the pictures, we have the stories and there was love on campus...up until 20 minutes before the bell rang.” -MSD Senior Kyra Parrow On Jan. 19, our emergency response preparedness was put to the test when two live round bullets were found outside the College and Careers Center and the school was placed
be laying in the hallways. This has sparked conversation about whether or not a student should be brought to the nurse or the nurse should be brought to the student. It’s the logistics
of the aftermath that the school has not figured out. We understand that there is no way to prepare for a tragedy this devastating. All of our administrators have stressed the importance of being aware of our surroundings. In doing this, we encourage our student body to walkup in an effort to spread kindness. Walk up to the kid who sits alone and asks him to join your lunch table. Walk up to the kid who never has a voluntary partner and offer to work with them. Walk up to your teachers and ask them how their days are going. Walk up to someone in the hallway and smile. In doing so, these interactions will atune you to what is going on in the hallways, classrooms, and outside of school. “It always comes back to you guys are our best source of information,” Kempf said. “You’re out there living it, hearing it, ingrained in social media. It’s that kind of information that we have to get.” This past week, our staff had the opportunity to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in New York, where we attended journalism sessions with schools from around the country. One of the sessions, “It’s our Story. We Want to Tell It” was presented by the Eagle Eye staff of Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School. “We had two stories come out immediately after, one about the shooting itself and one about the vigil,” MSD newspaper adviser Melissa Falkowki said. This is not something that we want to, nor should we ever have to cover. Taking pictures of the crosses and flowers of our lost classmates is a task no teenager should ever think about. “It’s difficult to balance being a survivor, but also being a journalist,” one of the three Eagle Eye editors-in-chief said. MSD senior yearbook editor-in-chief Kyra Parrow continued, “We were going to do a spread on Valentine’s Day and we’re still going to do that. We have the pictures, we have the stories and there was love on campus...up until 20 minutes before the bell rang.” Just as the Parkland community is rebuilding after their tragedy, we are instilling values in our community to be aware of our surroundings, spread kindness, work through drills to continually improve measures, and come together as one. We want to come together now rather than later at a vigil, where we bow our heads and hold candles in remembrance of the loved ones we lost. @huntleyvoice 43
huntley high school I 13719 harmony road I huntley, IL 60142
gettingtoknow Kristine DeBolt
Physical Education teacher shares seven facts you don’t know about her....
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
interviewed by maggie mcgee
I was never a worrier... until I had kids. Now I worry about everything! I don’t even let my girls go to bed with a hair tie in because I think they’ll take it out and somehow choke on them. (I know, it’s crazy!) My husband went to Huntley High School! We met working together at Reebok at the outlet mall when I was a senior and he had come home from college to work there for the summer. He had Mrs. Heuck as his teacher and now we are bestest work friends. She is even the godmother to my daughter Lillian. I had super bad nightmares growing up...all the time. I would get so scared and was so thankful to share a room with my sister at the time so I could crawl in bed with her. I would lay awake for hours. I’ve run one marathon, two half marathons, one 10k, and countless 5ks. I actually placed in the Woodstock Care for Breast Cancer 5k and got a medal! I’m a twin and I have twins! The day I found out, I went to the doctor solo because my son was so young and my husband stayed at home with him. I called my husband in the parking lot to tell him and he almost fell over. Neither of us stopped nervously shaking for at least three days. I own lots of athletic shoes. I try to buy a pair in every color and then some. I keep some at work so my husband doesn’t know how many pairs I actually have. I did not have the traditional college experience. I had to learn to be independent very quickly. As soon as my mom dropped off freshman year, she never came back! When the dorms made me move out for breaks and summer, she sent my sister. When I moved into my first apartment, she never came. I worked 45 hours a week on top of taking 16+ credit hours every semester.
K. Troy