December 2019, Volume 23, Issue 4
the voi ce est.1997
TRASHY BEHAVOIR DEFINES STUDENT BODY VICTORIA VARGAS DROPS MISS MCHENRY COUNTY TITLE
NEW VARIETY SHOW TO HIGH SCHOOL
CONTENTS 04 18 26 28 38 44 51
Featured on
huntleyvoice.com
NEWS
Service dogs help Huntley students get through ruff times
OPINION
Oh, what fun it is to cry on a three-course finals day
HUMANS OF HUNTLEY
The Alex O’Connell Experience Alex O’Connell
Gabby Kapayo on the risks and rewards of performing onstage
FEATURES
Like something out of a nightmare: Jay Teagle shares his brush with the KKK
A&E
Sara Hursey breaks down the five best Netflix holiday films
Karly Melendy’s relationship with art
Erin Richardson
SPORTS
Swimmer Max Deutschle makes a splash, plans for the future
EDITORIAL
Hot trash, hot topic: students need to learn to pick up after themselves
Editorial Board Editor in Chief Ashley Reilly
Managing Editor
Ruhi Gulati
Staff
Staff Writers
Kate Alvarado, Ellie Armstrong, Meghan Bentley, Nikki Darnall, Olivia Mack
Ethan Babicz, Molly Baker, Sarahi Barcenas, Kimberlynn Bjurstrom, Trevor Book, Taylor Calame, Veronica Castillo, Riley Chadwick, Emmy Cohen, Sara Gebka, Caitlyn Gooden, Emma Gribbens, Sara Hursey, Maggie Kirwin, Taylor Koop, Lindsey Leigh, Hailey Pohl, Peyton Siegler, Natalie VonderHeide
Sydney Laput
Katie Ambrogio, Sam Jonas
Ryan Sroka
Dennis Brown
Braden Turk
Section Editors Photo Editor
Marketing Editor
EDITORIAL POLICY
COGC discusses the future of D158 students
Social Media Manager
Photographers Adviser
Grace Carpenter
The Voice is an official student-produced medium of news and information published and produced by Huntley High School News Media Production students. The Voice has been established as designated public forum for student writers and editors to inform and educate their readers and to discuss issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of The Voice is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.
News Entertainment
RNN begins a new film journey TV Production classes launch a variety show for the student body
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By Kate Alvarado
Some students who have been in District 158 for a while may remember the yearly variety shows for students at some elementary schools such as Leggee. Little kids singing, dancing, and performing magic tricks most likely pop up as random memories from this time in our lives. Now, Huntley’s own Raider Nation Newscast is thinking about having their own variety show for students. Senior Isabella Cangiolosi is the student behind this project and is putting her own spin on it. Instead of having kids perform on a stage running act after act in a talent show fashion, they are planning to have students participate in various gameshows to create a “Saturday Night Live” inspired series. “It’s going to be very creative so that students can do what they want to do, as long as it fits into the credential of what would be on a talk show or a show like SNL,” Cangiolosi said. While this may not be the traditional variety show that most students think of, it is another opportunity to allow students from the production class to express and collaborate with the student body. It is also a chance for students in TV Production to show some projects they work on other than RNN. “We’re going to have what would be the RNN Spotlight [where] we are going to show off some of the film projects that [students] have been working on and [are] well done. We’ll put them in some kind of reel highlighting all of the good work that people are doing in the class,” Cangiolosi said. This helps create balance in the
Isabella Cangiolosi sitting at the RNN desk excited for the variety show
class to accommodate the students who want to be more creative with film and those who like to focus on broadcast journalism such as RNN. As the news of this idea has spread around the school, students are showing interest in both watching and participating in this variety show. There are many reasons for the variety show, According to senior Eric Perez the show will give students a voice and more of an opportunity for creativity. Sophmore Cara Haugh believes the variety show is necessary to highlight events in the school other than sports. Students are also excited about the collaboration with RNN that this would offer. “[Having a variety show] would help us all connect. We could all participate as one big family participating in one big variety show,” sophomore Kendall Elrod said. Some good news for students interested in being featured in a gameshow, RNN is more than open to having the student body join them. Just make sure to email Isabella Cangiolosi, Ariana Saez, or TV Production teacher Lauren Teeter. However many students would prefer to just watch. In this case, students in TV Production are working hard
to get their first episode out sometime around the end of January. “I would [like to see the show] because it would be humorous. We could be surprised,” sophomore Nicole Rendon said. An important thing to note is that this variety show will not be shown in class like RNN. Instead, it will be posted on their YouTube channel. If you are interested in watching, subscribe to “Huntley High School RNN” on YouTube and follow their Twitter @HHSTVProduction to receive announcements when they post. For students still hoping for their moment to shine again and show their unknown talents, there is hope. “I feel like [students showing their talents] could be a possibility as the show evolves and turns into more. As it is a variety show, we do want a variety of things [included]. For example, if you look at SNL or the Late Show they’ll have featured performers. I think that could be a segment. I wouldn’t definitely say no or yes at this moment, but as it evolves I could definitely see that becoming a thing we can do,” said Cangiolosi. But for now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 3
News Animals
Fluffy friends calm HHS students Service dogs are used to support students with social and emotional need
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By Sarahi Barcenas
To many people, their pets are a big part of their life and provide a sense of comfort whenever they need it. Coming from a long exhausting day at work or school, it is nice having a pet coming to the door to greet you. It automatically cheers up your mood. Huntley High School is trying to bring this same experience to certain classrooms for students who need it the most. There is a therapy dog training group that brings in their dogs every Monday at school. The dogs have been trained to be in hospitals and schools so they can provide comfort to whoever needs it. They vary in breed and size because students have their preference on whether they like to have a big or small dog. High school can be very stressful at times and having a fuzzy companion could help students unwind for a bit and distract themselves from whatever they are dealing with. “[The dogs] are all very calm. We just take a little bit of time out of our academics and pet [them] and try to get our minds and bodies to work again,” teacher Lindsey Sara said. This idea was brought up by Sara who is a teacher who works with students who have social and emotional needs. She thinks dogs hold a strong power to make people feel comfortable. Once the dogs are in the classroom they would wander around without disrupting anyone and would just be there for support if a student needs it. When there is downtime the students can pet the dog if they would want to and if a student is ever feel-
K. Ambrogio service dog visits HHS
ing anxious they could count on the dog to calm them down. Sometimes if a student does not want to leave their seat, then it would approach that student and spend extra time with them. This is the high school’s third year having the therapy dogs in this classroom and it has created a significant impact on its students. “I’ve had students with super bad anxiety about just walking through the hall. [The students then] walk the dog out and have kids talking to them. [It is] kind of cool to see how someone can change behavior for our students. Going out into the hallways is sometimes a scary thing for them. Sometimes just having that dog with them is comforting enough to want to do that,” Sara said. But having a therapy dog for all students anytime of the day would have a much larger impact on the school and it would provide a more fun environment. Studies have shown that having a therapy dog would increase attendance of students, decrease phychological stress,
and having improved motivation. Since it has also been proven that around half of average high schoolers are stressed having a therapy dog relatively available for everyone would have a major benefit. There has also been communication about having a dog here for all students, not just for ones who have social and emotional needs. It would be located in one of the offices and if someone feels stressed they could come in, relax, and pet the dog. “I know it is definitely on Mr. Belin’s radar and he has been working on it so we will just have to see and get through all that red tape. But hopefully, within the next year or two, we would hopefully have a dog. They are really good dogs and it is fun to have them” Sara said. Hopefully this plan works and is implemented into the school next year so everyone can enjoy school a little bit more. Having a dog here would help high schoolers who are stressed and are looking for support from a furry friend. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 4
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News Festivities
Huntley’s holiday celebrations Huntley holds several holiday festivities in the month of December
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By Meghan Bentley
As the minute hand slowly ticks which included breakfast with Santa 11:57 p.m. on Thanksgiving, anticiand grandparents in Del Webb’s compation for the next major holiday sets munity center. Later that night, there in. Tick. 11:58. Tick. 11:59. One more was the traditional lighting of the minute until- tick. 12:00 a.m. on Nov. square. There was a second chance to 29. It is officially Christmas season. have breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 at Christmas is one of the year’s Tom’s farm, which sold out its tickets most celebrated holidays, despite its before Thanksgiving week. religious background. Most people, On Dec. 6 - Dec. 7, A Very Merry no matter Huntley the religion, kicked into seem to love full gear decorating, with ac“We think it’s a nice singing tivities at christmas multiple thing to offer to the music, buybuildings, community, and the ing gifts for the main kids really like pictheir loved locations ones, and though were tures with Santa.” celebrating the HuntPamela Cardena a fictional ley Public chubby man Library, and in red. This the town time of the year is also filled with square. These festivities are annual, other holidays such as Hanukkah, but this is the first year, it is being a Jewish tradition, and Kwanza, an called A Very Merry Huntley. The African-American tradition, which weekend brought joy to numerous make the excitement levels for Defamilies in Huntley and many december even higher. scribed almost magical. Towns and cities like to host holiday The library always has done some themed events to bring the comspecial things for the holidays before munity together, and Huntley is no the town got involved. This year, their exception. part was on friday Dec. 6. Huntley had setup festivities start“We think it’s a nice thing to offer ing as early as Dec. 1. The festivities to the community, and the kids really took place in multiple popular Hunt- like pictures with Santa, but we just ley buildings. Such as, Tom’s Farm, like to do something nice for the Huntley Public Library, and Prairie community,” librarian Pamela CardeShepherd Lutheran Church. The na said. activities range from meeting Santa, The library held meetings with Santo a pop-up farmer’s market, to a nice ta and fun activities for parents and holiday feast. children to enjoy. The families got The first public event was on Dec. 1, quality time with Santa in a private
[ ]
6 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
room, which was considered a main highlight. Hundreds of people arrived and the first day of A Very Merry Huntley was a success. The second day of A Very Merry Huntley started in the morning and took place in churches near the town square. The morning consisted of an indoor farmers market at the First congregational church. There were also games in Trinity Lutheran Church for children. Around 500 people arrived at the beginning of the day. The games and market went until 2 p.m. and there was an hour break in preparation of the rest of the afternoon. The afternoon is what most people were excited for. At 3 p.m. the final part of A Very Merry Huntley kicked off with the Merry Maskers from Fame Entertainment singing carols, Edward Jones offices serving hot cocoa, and a train ride for children. As minutes passed more people arrived to meet friends and family. Everyone was showing up before the big showcase at 5 p.m. At 4:55, around 1,000 people showed up and winners of multiple contests were announced. People chatted some more until they heard the sirens. The sirens sounded, of course, to announce Santa’s entrance. He rode the firetruck around waving to gleeful people of Huntley. He then got out and walked up to the gazebo where he waited to begin the countdown. “3, 2, 1!” the town of huntley screamed. When one was reached, the square lit up. Before people could really look
K. Ambrogio Fireworks show in town square during A Very Merry Huntley
around a loud boom had distracted them. Fireworks. The firework show began grabbing everyone’s attention. A woman in a light blue thick coat, had her hands on her cheeks gaping, for this was her first year attending the festival. “A Very Merry Huntley is absolutely wonderful,” the women said. Another woman stood in the crowd. She was a young adult with dark hair. A smile couldn’t fall from her face if she tried. “It has been wonderful. We got to do so many wonderful things like ride the train, watch santa, and see fireworks,” she said. Although A Very Merry Huntley is a fun event for everyone, it was not the only thing people were anticipat-
ing in the town of Huntley. Ladies were eager to sit near the Christmas tree and lights of the Tom’s Farm store to enjoy their dinner. In fact, they were so eager that the event sold out in 5 minutes. Tom’s Farm hosts Ladies Night every year and this year was no different. It took place Dec. 5 to Dec. 12, and it cost $22. “A lot [of people] show up. Every single table is filled,” Tom’s Farm worker Haven said. Ladies night consisted of a beautifully decorated dinner in the greenhouse. There are two tall lit up evergreen trees, and there were poinsettias on every table. It gave a nice cozy vibe which turned the greenhouse into a home. Tom’s Farm
also offered sales in the gift shop and massages just for the ladies of the evening. This gave enjoyment to the attendees. However, the event is not casual. “The ladies wear heels, tights, and dresses with their hair and make-up completely done,” Haven said. Prairie Shepherd Lutheran Church might not have a fancy event like Tom’s, but they also joined in the fun of hosting a holiday event. On Dec. 12 their hristmas festival took place for people to rejoice in christmas cheer. The church held multiple activities for children and adults. No matter the street, public center, or church, the town of Huntley found multiple ways to celebrate christmas this year together. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 7
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News Course selection
Early course selection Counseling department changes selection process
A
By Maggie Kirwin As the last weeks of first semester slowly creep to an end, students are already preparing for the next school year. Starting the week of Dec. 2, students began to choose their classes for the 2020-2021 school year. As opposed to waiting until the second semester to choose classes, the Counseling Department decided to start the process before winter break. “I think we’ve been wanting to move it up sooner for several years because we really think it would be better for students as far as moving that part of the process up [and] having more time,” counselor Patty Zacharias said. Although the course selection process stayed generally the same, some new elements were added. The sophomores started off by watching a video explaining what courses they were required to take, how to sign up, and the benefits of taking college credit classes. On Dec. 4 and 5, sophomores went to the cafeteria to choose their courses, as opposed to past years where they chose their classes during their English hours. “It’s two weeks from finals, and we didn’t want to take away from English instructional time [and] preparing for finals. The Physical Education department volunteered to let us use their time,” counselor Angie Daurer said. After the sophomores, juniors will be picking their classes from Jan. 2131, and freshmen from Jan. 13-17. As for the incoming freshmen, they will be choosing their classes Feb. 4-6. “We usually do juniors to seniors last because as far as college prep and those kinds of things [go], it’s very important. It’s a longer process as far
S. Jonas Sophomores began the selection process in early December
as depending on what colleges they’re looking at,” Zacharias said. After all the students make their first choices, they will have a little bit of time to lock in their classes. Like past years, students will have two weeks from the day they choose their courses, to make changes in PowerSchool if they decide their first choices are not the right fit. While students can still make changes to their schedules after the two weeks by talking to their counselors, it is not recommended. “Every year I’m telling all my students choose wisely the first time because you’re very likely, unless there are prerequisites, to get every single thing that you asked for the first time,” Zacharias said. The overall response to the updated times has been mixed. For some students, the early class scheduling has been water over the bridge. In fact, they have felt like the process has been the same old, same old. “It hasn’t affected me that much because I’ve already thought about the classes I want to take,” sophomore Kelsie Lopiore said. For others, this process has been an added stress. While it helps counselors
and administration get ready for next year quicker, many students believe they do not have enough time to choose the right path for them. “It is adding more pressure because I don’t know if I should continue a certain path. [...] I haven’t taken my finals yet, so I can’t tell if it’s the right choice. I have an irrational fear that I might pick the wrong thing,” sophomore Hamza Gaziuddin said. Even though juniors choose their classes later, making the date earlier causes stress as they are trying to figure out the right courses for their future. It may not be enough time for students to understand which courses are the right fit for them. “I am now forced to choose my classes for next year when I have not even made it halfway through the year prior. My teachers, and many others, are not able to gain a strong grasp on where I should even be placed,” junior Karina Burck said. When trying to figure out courses that will help them to get into their dream school, or even courses that could help them decide their majors, it is important for juniors to have as much time as they need to figure out
see CLASSES page 22 HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 9
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Opinion Dance
The fate of a winter formal Winter formals have been cancelled in the past due to low student interest
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By Taylor Koop
School dances such as Prom, Homecoming, and formals are meant to get students to socialize with one another in a positive manner. They are put in place to build social skills. Students can practice face to face communication skills along with having a fun activity for students to get involved. Our school, unfortunately, has had to cancel our winter formal multiple years in a row. The major cause of the cancellation has always been about tickets and low attendance. When asking the student body if they have or would attend a winter formal my findings came up as inconclusive. When approaching freshman and sophomores, they were not even aware that our school has tried to throw something like this. It was a mix when it came to juniors, some knew what I was talking about while others did not. Any senior that was approached stated the same thing, “No.” What makes these answers unclear is that no one could give a solid answer as to why. All people had to say was the fact no one goes. Imagine one year, one person said they wanted to go. Would it cause a chain reaction of a multitude of people wanting to go and buying tickets? Knowing our student body and their attitudes, most likely not. The student council advisor, Thomas Kempf, who plans the dances here at Huntley High school gave all the in-
formation relating to the cancellation of the dance in the past years. “It’s always been about tickets and low attendance. I was the student council advisor who plans the dances here for Eight years and I think of
interest and low attendance” Kempf stated. What causes the disinterest though? Apparently, this question is something an answer was never found not only by me but also administration could not find out either. “Across the years we tried a number of different things, we tried a turnabout, we tried a black light dance. We tried just a traditional winter formal, like causal just gym shoes and hang out. We even had a student DJ from our school do it one year. We could not get the hook. We could not figure out what it was. We will not know why kids were not interested. It’s a little bit of a different world. There are a million options for you guys,” Kempf said. Ultimately, the winter formal is something students at HHS do not seem to be very interested in. The domino effect of students not going in the past has created students to not want to go in the present. In the next couple of years, they may try it again with the students who are unaware of the past generations and it may be a great success.
[ ] “We could not get the hook. We could not figure out what it was. We will not know why kids were not interested.” Thomas Kempf
my eight years, so we are talking 2006 to 2014 we had three I think that ran, three or four, so about 50%. It just got to the point where we would sell like 100 tickets… We did not need to make money, but losing money was really hard. It was always just about low
Taylor Koop is a first-year staff writer and photographer. Check out her art videos on huntleyvoice.com.
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 11
Opinion Traditions
Huntley’s holiday significance What does Christmas really mean to he people of Huntley?
A
By Taylor Calame
As the weather gets colder and night Spending time with family and comes earlier, the Huntley commufriends will always be remembered. nity is preparing for the cheerful Family fulfills the holiday season. holiday season. Merry Christmas, “My family and I celebrate ChristFeliz Navidad, Joyeux Noël, Fröhliche mas Eve with my dad’s family and we Weihnachten. open presents and spend time togethAll around the world, people celeer,” freshman Ellie Lighthall said. brate Christmas and the holidays in a Christmas is the most wonderful variety of ways. Traditions are passed time of year. The day after Thanksdown through generations, and famigiving, people are running out to the lies still celebrate them today. stores to get the best Black Friday Christmas lights are hung on deals to start their Christmas shophouses, and Evergreen Trees are cut ping. Stores are open for extra hours from the forest and put in houses to be with the lowest prices of the year. decorated. Stars or Although the tree toppers holidays can be are placed crazy, it is a time on top of to celebrate with “My family is the trees, the ones we love. the most impresents are “My family portant thing bought for is the most imfamily and portant thing to to me, so this friends, and me, so this time time of year stockings are of year is always hung from my favorite,” is aways my fireplace senior Kiera favorite.” mantles. Nemes said. Christmas During the Kiera Nemes caroling, holiday season, cookie bakwe hear music playing, ing, and Christand see snow falling mas movies fill from the sky and the air and bring entertainment to all. decorations that symbolize the season. These are fun activities people enjoy These decorations are a small part of during this joyful season. making the season so great. “My family and I always get a real “Christmas music for me starts Nov. Christmas tree. We go ice skating at 1. I always listen to Christmas music the Arboretum and snowboarding at as I decorate my apartment with my Alpine and Wilma,” sophomore Claire baby Christmas tree, cute Christmas Kubelka said. canvases, and white candy cane lights,”
[ ] Taylor Calame is a first year staff writer and photographer. Check out her Just Roll With It vlog on huntleyvoice.com.
dance teacher Samantha Strupek said. Christmas does not only value Santa Claus and reindeers. It also signifies religious beliefs. Many people attend worship services to rejoice in their religion. “Christmas reminds me that even though I may have troubles in life, it’s a time to rejoice. I also celebrate Hanukkah, and these two holidays bring out the best in myself and others because all of the worries of life go away. All the emotions that are left are filled with joy for those around you,” senior Zachary Bluver said. Huntley has a very diverse community. People in town all celebrate the season differently, but each tradition is special to them and their families. Downtown Huntley decorates the square with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Route 47 is lined with Christmas trees on the light poles to light up the road on dark snowy nights. Huntley is very involved during this time of year as there are many events community members and families can attend. Including pictures with Santa Clause on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Pub 47’s stuff the bus event on Dec. 21. The town of Huntley values each citizen and cares for their religious beliefs and opinions during the season. The holiday season is a joyful, special, and meaningful time for all. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 12
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Kings Hockey skates past the competition Photograph by Katie Ambrogio / Brief by Braden Turk
Kings Hockey Club brings students together from Huntley, Burlington Central, Dundee-Crown, Hampshire, Jacobs, and McHenry, and unites them as one powerhouse team. Huntley’s own Drew Bond, Ben and Sam Breen, Nathan Cima, Nicholas Marino, Joseph Schumacher, Dante Smedinghoff, and Colin Young compete on the varsity roster. “Our season has been really good,” right-wing player Sam Breen said. “We have beaten our conference rival Crystal Lake South both times we played them [and] improved a lot from last year. “We are always trying to tweak our power play and we really want to continue to use our team’s speed more and more.” Check out more photographs from the Nov. 10 varsity game on huntleyvoice.com.
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Opinion Education
High standards held for students Have B’s and C’s become the new goal grade for students?
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By Lindsey Leigh
Were you ever one of those types of students that absolutely had to get an A? I know I was, but that was before I started high school. High school is a time iwhere a lot of change happens. Students are growing up. They are getting jobs, committing endless amounts of hours of practice to a specific sport or activity, volunteering, going to school, joining clubs and doing homework along with all other daily activities. This is when I saw a shift in my viewpoint. In middle school, I was that student who was always on the honor roll. I always tried really hard to get good grades in all of my classes. I never turned in an assignment late. If I was struggling with a topic, I would ask my teacher for help. Sometimes, I would even go into a classroom during my lunch hour and work. If I got a B it was okay, but not the best. Now if I had gotten a C or lower, it was practically the end of the world. My eighth grade science teacher even told me “The world would have to be ending for Lindsey to miss an assignment.” Freshmen year, I had the same mindset. I was eager to start high school. The year started off strong, but then Honors Physics started to kick my butt and then AP World History as well. As I started to struggle with these classes, my grade expectations started to drop. I was happy to get a B or C on a test. This trend has stuck with not only me, but other students as well. “In math and science classes I am
okay with a B or C, they’ve always been hard for me, so I celebrate when I do get a B or a C; but in english and history I try to get an A because those are classes that are easier for me,” said junior Itzel Miguel. Now I am a Junior and I am still satisfied with a B or a C because I have gotten stuck in my head the phrase “well it’s still passing, so I’m all good.” I know I am not the only student with this mindset. I spoke to junior Payton Marx about the topic. “If it’s a class where I know I am struggling and where I have no motivation, then I’m fine with a C or a B,” said junior Payton Marx. The school preaches to us the idea that being involved is a great thing to do, so we do. We do what they say and get involved. At first, it seems great. You are making new friends and the clubs and sports you joined are fun. Then you truly start to realize just how much homework you actually get. In my opinion, the school cannot say this
Lindsey Leigh is a first year member and staff writer. Check out her articles on huntleyvoice. com.
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 17
and then give us hours upon hours of homework. Granted there are some days in which a student does not get a lot of homework, but it does not make up for the roughly six hours of homework given the night before. Part of the struggle comes from not having time to properly study. I cannot speak for everyone, but personally I struggle with having enough time to do my homework, study, and still enjoy my extracurriculars. I work, I dance, I am apart of the Raiders United in Making a Difference Club, I am a member of the National Honor Society, and I am going for a silver chord. I often have to miss out on events, dance classes, etc because I have a lot of homework. Some people feel that kids our age do not need jobs, but the kids who are planning on going to college do need to pay for it. Once we turn 16 and can legally get a job we have about two years to save up our money. B’s and C’s have become the new A’s as students are starting to become satisfied with them. Their mindsets are shifting towards into a pattern of just trying to “pass” a class rather than excel in it .
Opinion Finals
Candy canes and cramming With finals so close to the holidays ‘tis the season to study and stress
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By Kimberlynn Bjurstrom
The snow coats the winter landscape and the lights twinkle down every street as families prepare for the season, yet Huntley High School students are stressed and studying for finals. The first semester finals for the 2019-2020 school year end on Dec. 20, a mere five days before Christmas and two days before Hanukkah begin. Tension is always high during the holiday season, but the pressure of final exams and their 20% weight on semester grades adds unnecessary stress. Instead of spending time with family, decorating, or simply enjoying the short season, teenagers must keep their eyes glued to their textbooks if they want to do well. “As a student it can be a very stressful time getting ready for finals not only so close to winter break, but also not long after Thanksgiving break,” senior Melissa Bala said. Finals make up a large chunk of semester grades, and for students who strive to achieve high grades, they make this one of the most stressful times of the year. On top of this, there is the added pressure of extracurriculars, shopping for friends and family, and preparing for holiday parties. This year, we are receiving one of the longest winter breaks that District 158 has seen in a while, yet stressed and worried is no way to kick off what should be a nice, relaxing vacation. “I think it is very hard for high school students to immerse ourselves in the holiday spirit because of how busy many of us are,” freshman Ellie Kneble said. Not only do students stress for the exams themselves, some studying for weeks beforehand, but after the tests are taken, students have to wait to receive scores. Last year, some students 18 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
E. Armstrong
did not receive their final exam score until the Monday after, which was Christmas Eve. Students are provided numerous breaks and extended weekends throughout the school year for many reasons, one being that mental breaks are necessary for students, especially for those extremely involved and in many strenuating classes. Winter break is one of the longest breaks all year, a halfway mark to take a breath and prepare for second semester. However, finals still manage to stress students out, which begs the question: are they even necessary? Students at Moline Senior High School in Moline, Illinois, only have to take final exams if they are doing poorly in that class or they were absent too many times that semester. “I feel less stressed out not having mandatory finals during the holiday season,” said Joshua Stivers, a sophomore at Moline Senior High. Now, while only making finals mandatory for some would relieve the stress and tension of this time, it is a big task and not entirely necessary. “The purpose of the final exam is for students to have the opportunity to show that they have been able to capture all of the material that they are responsible for learning that semester,” counselor Patricia Zacharias said. Finals have a purpose, so students need to balance their plates by get their shopping and planning out of the way early so they can focus on studying. A reason finals are so stressful for many
is because of a lack of beneficial studying techniques. Some effective studying tips are to eliminate distractions such as phones, take small mental breaks every half hour, review study guides and worksheets from throughout the semester, and study in advance. Students tend to be very busy at the end of the semester, but having finals before break is an excellent idea, allowing them to not have to worry about studying or forgetting source material over break. “We used to do final exams after winter break and there was a lot of concerns from students and families about going on break and unplugging and forgetting many things and emptying brains,” Zacharias said. “So, [now we] wrap up first semester, recharge, relax, and enjoy our holiday, and then new year, new semester, we just jump
see FINALS page 22
Kimberlynn Bjurstrom is a first year staff writer. Check out her blog, “The Pup Breed Read,” on huntleyvoice.com.
Opinion Blended
Blended work becoming overload Blended work taking over what would be a typical 47-minute class period
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By Riley Chadwick It is a typical day for juniors Elizabeth Troy and Nick Pratt. They both are ecstatic that they are blended, but their happy demeanor quickly turns to gloom. With the rise of students jumping on the bandwagon to take more blended classes, the two start to wonder if it is too much work. These are sometimes the periods in which students dread the most. This is the third year of having an audit blended program at the high school. Since Pratt and Troy are both juniors, they experience as to how the blended programs have evolved. Although Troy and Pratt are in numerous AP and Honors classes combined, blended classes can sometimes take up the most time. Pratt, who has taken seven blended classes, believes that there is too much blended work while Troy, who has taken five blended classes, thinks the blended work is just enough. The student body is conflicted between too much or just enough blended work. As Troy sits down above the main stairs during first hour, she sets all her work out for the period. For her, being in Medical Ethics Blended means you have to be smart with time. To her, it is not a difficult class but there is a lot of material to cover, which is why she is smart with her time. Using her time wisely has been something Elizabeth has always excelled in because she is in one AP and four honors classes just this year alone. Meanwhile, during second hour, Pratt is just sitting down in the commons. Chemistry Blended is a class not to take for granted. He easily gets overwhelmed with the amount of work assigned.
Somedays he gets lucky and he does not have too much but other days, there is too much to get finished in a typical 47 minute class period. Although it can be a lot, Pratt himself had said that he can get distracted because he likes to talk to some of his friends while completing his work. It is easy for some students to give themselves 20-minute breaks and before they know it, they got nothing done in the 47-minute period. When students sign up for blended classes, they should be cautious with the workload. At this point in their life, students should know how well they can manage their time and get work done. Before considering if a blended class has too much work, they should determine if they are able to use their time wisely. “I have the teachers report on a spreadsheet for each of their classes the work and the approximate amount of time it would take the typical student. They have to think about their average student because everyone knows that some people work faster and some people work slower,” said Assistant Principal Shelly Kish. Teachers do not intend to give us too much work during the blended periods. They have to consider all the options for students before they give us work. On top of that, they have to record on a spreadsheet for every semester for how much time they think the average student will spend completing that work every day. “When we go through our training for the blended teachers, what we specifically talk about is there should be an
Riley Chadwick is a first year staff writer. Check out her It Grows without saying blog on huntleyvoice.com.
Courtsey of S. Gebka
equivalent of 47 minutes of work that would be outside,” Kish said. What the administration is working on now is communication. It has heard from students that communication has been confusing in some of their blended classes. It is difficult to get the work done when the directions are not clear enough. It is also working on some new policies with grading and when students need to go in for blended. “The math department has been doing a lot of work on this and they have been instituting some policies that not only you have to have a 70 or higher, but if you are not completing your homework, then if you didn’t turn it in one day, you have to come in the next day to work on it because you need to practice that and show evidence of your learning. They have also started using formative assessments or quizzes to identify certain areas that kids need more work,” Kish said. Blended work has been decreasing in the amount of work to do. The students who actually get their work done for 47 minutes can agree with this and teachers are working on enhancing their communication. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 19
Features traveling
HHS teachers take on the world Brian Scott and Megan Dicianni have explored countries all over the world
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By Nikki Darnall
Though there are many teachers who love to travel, Spanish teachers Brian Scott and Megan DiCianni take traveling to a whole other part of the world literally. Brian Scott packs his suitcase neatly and efficiently with his secret gadget, packing cubes. “[Packing cubes] are basically a bag of mesh that in it you can actually fold up all your clothes. Then when you zip it closed it compresses the clothes and it gives you that much little extra space,” Scott said. He also takes advantage of dry fit clothes when packing for trips. They pack up so small and minute so it is very beneficial space wise. Scott’s trial and true message for packing is ‘if there is room for it, take it’. With his professionally packed suitcase all ready to go, Scott heads to the airport in his car, which he will park in the O’Hare Airport garage. He then brings his luggage to the American Airline check in desk. After he successfully makes it through security, he waits for his flight. He has taken more trips this past seven years than any other point in his life. “You know, I turned 40 and just realized, ‘wow’, I had been putting this off for too long,” Scott said. He has traveled to numerous countries including: Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Spain. Also, he went on a road trip to the Smokey Mountains and more recently has traveled up to Vermont specifically in the fall because of the 20 THE VOICE OCTOBER 2019
beautiful scenery. “I’m a big National Park person, so I have of course seen a lot of National Parks. For example Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and areas around Arizona,” Scott said. In total Scott has been to 12 national parks iclunding Yellowstone, The Badlands, and Yosemite. Although Scott travels to experience new cultures and customs, he also travels to make an impact regarding education. Whether that be learning more about Spanish in general, or teaching others about it, Scott makes sure to always lend a helping hand when in need of Spanish advice. In addition to attending language conferences, such as American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages all over the U.S. for his spanish expertise, Scott is also a College Board Consultant. As a College Board Consultant, he travels during the summer giving AP Spanish Language & Culture workshops to teachers who teach AP Spanish. For these workshops he has visited the following cities: Boston, San Antonio, Philadelphia, and many other places in the Midwest. Although Scott’s trips average at around five days, he dreams of having a longer and more relaxed trip. “However long it would take, but basically to just drive all over the United States,” Scott said. “I love traveling internationally and going backpacking across Europe but I really want to get to know the United States.” One amusing memory occured on
his trip to Segovia, Spain. He ordered a conchillo, suckling pig, and while he was eating it an organ popped out. He spent the whole meal trying to figure out what it was and finally discovered it was the heart. To him that is definitely a memory he will look back on and laugh at. Exotic experiences, whether it be with cultural food or not, are not the main reason Scott loves traveling, but because of the raw nature. “You see the nature and it really does put everything in perspective, and it does make your daily problems seem really insignificant,” Scott said. As Scott boards his plane, across the airport Megan DiCianni is just walking in from the security check. DiCianni’s suitcase is filled to the brim with stylish clothes and most importantly shoes. Being fashionable yet practical is a hard goal to achieve. “Packing is hard because I’ve been on trips where I have city life and then also hiking the next day,” said DiCianni. Megan’s love for traveling started with her mom. As a child her mom also traveled often, and currently works with American Airlines. “My mom works for an airline so I was around 4 months old when I was on a plane for the first time,” DiCianni said. “When I was a kid it was mostly U.S. travel, but I don’t really count those. The international ones were Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Chec Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Austria, Sweden, The Netherlands,
Courtesy of S. Laput Spanish teachers Brian Scott and Megan Dicianni point a the globe to express their love for travel
Australia, and Belgium.” “It’s different now that I am a teacher. Usually how it works is my best friend I grew up with and I try to do one big trip a year, to places that neither of us have ever been,” DiCianni said. “Then anytime we kind of have a longer weekend throughout the school year I try to go somewhere. I definitely go on at least one big trip a year, but it honestly just depends.” DiCianni’s dream trip was Australia for a long time, until she actually traveled to Australia and she decided she needed to pick a new dream destination. “I love llamas and ancient civilizations and all of that, so right now my dream place is Machu Picchu, Peru,” DiCianni said. During her junior year of college, DiCianni traveled to Spain to study abroad and live with her host family. She stayed in Spain for just under a
year. Although living in Spain is technically not a trip DiCianni considers it one as she holds it close to her heart. “I lived in Barcelona for around 11 months, so just kind of living there is a different experience. When you are on a trip you see all the attractions and highs and not necessarily the lows,” DiCianni said. “Just getting to live there and getting to know what life is and what’s the norm and what’s not the norm. I guess that was just my favorite part because it was just so different than what I was used to.” DiCianni’s favorite memories occur on both her trip to Barcelona and at Bondi Beach, Australia. “One was at the top of the mountain and one was on the beach by the ocean and I just remember feeling small. Not in the sense that someone was making me feel small, but
feeling small like I am one blip on this enormous timeline of things and people. It just kind of put me in this mental space of my problems are not the end of the world. In a weird way it made me feel small but it made me feel whole at the same time,” DiCianni said. DiCianni has a burning passion for traveling because she loves to see a new perspective on life. “Yeah we are all the same, but we are also so different. Those things that are different make people stand out and make you want to think differently,” DiCianni said. Although both Scott and DiCianni have different styles of packing, and the types of places they have traveled, they are both still connected by the life touching experiences and uncalled for yet memorable adventures that gives traveling its name HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 21
FINALS page 18
Be actively aware of your surroundings! Especially in crowded places in case of an emergency. Always know at least two ways out!
22 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
right into it.� Many like having finals before break because getting them over with and out of the way allows break to be a true time to decompress and clear minds. That being said, the proximity of finals to main holidays in December still proves problematic for mental states, distracting from studying and from the holiday spirit. Students do not need a month long winter break, but a gap of time between finals and the holidays would ensure teachers could get the exams graded and entered in the gradebook, students could manage their time between finals and the holidays, and everyone could breathe.
CLASSES page 9 what classes are right for them. Also, with limited time for teachers to develop relationships with students, they may not be able to make the right recommendations for their classes. With the sophomores done with choosing classes, next up are juniors, freshmen, and the eighth graders. As for next year, the administration is not quite sure if they will continue this process in the future but hope that it will continue to go as swimmingly as it has been.
Features Staff
Teaching: it’s in her DNA Science teacher Lori Knasiak reveals her passions behind teaching
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By Hailey Pohl
In eighth grade, we will be learning about how the dendrite and axon of a neur- WOMPH. Lori Knasiak falls to the ground in front of an entire class of students. Rather than getting up or admitting her blunder, her 8-year-old humor kicks in: she’s dead now. Motionless, she lies on the floor because the top of her body moves too fast for her legs. Lori Knasiak is a teacher at Marlowe Middle School and was selected Science Master Teacher for the National Education Association. With this organization, she creates next generation lesson plans that incorporate more interesting and engaging ways to get students excited about learning. These plans are shared with other teachers all over the nation. How could a teacher be so phenomenally good at her work? The answer’s simple. “I am one of those rare people that knew they always wanted to be a teacher,” Knasiak said. While a bright, happy, and intelligent person on the outside, her life was not all cupcakes and sprinkles. Her parents were the definition of total opposites, so they seemingly fell out of love and into a tolerance of each other. They fought and said words they couldn’t take back, but this was a big lesson for little Knasiak. Knasiak did extraordinarily well in school, she was in accelerated classes learning fourth grade information. (“School was my happy place.”) Until later in the year, her parents finally cut the knot: divorce. It was like the whole world sat still, it just wasn’t interesting anymore. Her love and drive for learning halted with this devas-
S. Laput Knasiak with her school of black mollies
tating news. Eventually, she slowly rejoined her classmates, but never forgot the lesson she took away from it: “I benefited from those [experiences] a lot,” Knasiak said. “It gave me a lot of insight into all of the things happening outside of school that my students have to deal so when they are acting up or disengaged it helps me to remember their life is more than just what’s going on in front of me.” From then on, she travelled her life on a steady rocking boat all the way to high school, never forgetting the career of her dreams. Yet, her dreams weren’t looked upon too fondly, either. “From the time I was in kindergarten, I’ve always said: teacher. When I graduated from highschool, I have an aunt who’s a teacher, and she told me, ‘You’re not being a teacher.’ I’m telling your mom, she’s not going to let you be a teacher. There’s no money in it and it’s really stressful: be anything but a teacher.’” Those soul crushing words were those that she carried all through
community college. She tried out many different classes, ranging from the sciences to the English and arts, but nothing ever stuck. Some teachers made the classes a blast, and others were mediocre. Taking her future out of the hands of her family and into her own, she decided she’s paying for college anyways, why not pay for what she wanted to be? It’s not their choice nor money. “I know I want to be a teacher, I know that it’s a difficult career, and I know I’m never going to be rich doing it, but that’s what I want to do. I was going to be a teacher and I never looked back.” Thankfully her dream was never squashed down again. Now, hundreds of students have the chance to say they were taught by the coolest, smartest, most humble teacher to have ever persevered on their own. Overall, students all over D158 thank her greatly for the service and fun they had in her class. She truly was meant to be a teacher. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 23
Features History
The ground beneath our feet A brief look at the past, present, and future of the Dean Foods factory
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By Braden Turk
There’s a hole at 11713 Mill Street. It’s been over a year since the Dean Foods factory in Huntley closed its doors. It stands tall, the outline of Dean’s logo fading on the white siding, a reminder of what put this little town on the map in the first place. The plant’s closure, one of several from Dean in the year, was announced in July of 2018. Dean, which has recently filed for bankruptcy, cited a drop in sales and uptick in competition as reasons for the shutdowns. And while it’s well known that dairy
sales are down, the closure came as a surprise to some locals, considering the plant has been in business since June of 1946. Huntley was no stranger to the dairy trade at the time. Ever since its first cheese factory opened in 1866, the town has been closely entwined with the business, with dairy consistently being one of Huntley’s main exports. The boom eventually slowed down, though, as many companies had moved to Chicago by the 1930s. “Dairying is what made Huntley
The factory as it looks today
24 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
grow,” said Nancy Bacheller, longtime town resident and author of “Images of America: Huntley.” “As soon as the train came through, it gave farmers the opportunity to sell their excess milk.” One can see why the Dean’s factory was so influential; after a few years of hiatus, Huntley’s claim to fame returned, cleaner, sleeker, and more stylish than ever. Its opening was something of a celebration for residents. In addition to a parade being hosted through the
A truck still featuring Dean’s logo leaves the factory
main square, the factory was touted as the “most modern dairy plant in the world.” Those weren’t empty promises: in the 1950s, upwards of 175 local farms were shipping materials there. Since then, Dean Foods has continued to interact with the community, going so far as to donate $35,000 to the village in 1970 for improving its water supply; in modern-day currency, that adds up to just over $230,000. The plant originally sought to package “Country Charm” milk sourced from local farmers at a rate of 200,000 pounds per eight-hour day. (Attentive readers may recognize this phrase from Huntley’s motto, “The friendly village
with country charm,” a slogan Mary Sue Seiler earned $10 for coining in 1976.) In 1951, they continued to keep up with the trends, moving onto glass bottles and even home delivery. But as the local scene was prospering, Dean Foods as a whole was struggling to stay afloat. In the early 2000s, they underwent a mix of changes that
ranged from great to devastating. Sales went up, new off-brands were launched; sales went down, stockholders pulled out. In February 2019, Country Delight expressed interest in the 15-acre property for distribution and storage purposes, stating they intend to produce their own dairy later on. With this in mind, it might seem like nothing has changed. After all, a few months of inactivity is just a drop in a bucket of nearly 75 years. But something has changed, and before moving forward, it doesn’t hurt to look back and appreciate our roots. There is a vast, rich history beneath our feet, and it’s up to us to remember it.
[ ] “Dairying is what made Huntley grow.” Nancy Bacheller
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 25
Humans of Huntley
“I was kind of nervous. Rehearsal was fun and tiring, it was worth it.There were less people at the beginning, and more people at the end. They were excited to see the show. My mom and dad and grandma all came, I got flowers. The show was almost done and it was exciting.” - Gabby Kapayo interviewed by Ashley Reilly | photographed by Sydney Laput 26 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
“My favorite part of being a father is everything... Watching them grow and do their own thing while still having my wife’s influence and my influence on them.” - Timothy Luperini
photographed by Sydney Laput | interviewed by Veronica Castillo HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 27
Features Experiences
Witnessing the KKK Teagle experiences horrific event in the early years of his life
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By Emmy Cohen As Jay Teagle drives in his hometown, he sees the town jail and tree where the horrific, historical, and hostile KKK had lynched men. Teagle had grown up in an all white town with not a single other ethnicity and if another one was to come and move in, his fellow neighbors would force them out of town. One day when Teagle was a college student, he was driving down a back road and saw a car pull off the road into an empty field behind some trees. He was curious and wondered why someone might do this so he decided to pull over and see what this car was up to. He looked around and then he saw a cross light on fire. He then realized he was in a KKK meeting and he was terrified and completely and utterly shocked. He had grown up knowing what the KKK stood for but had never seen anything like this before. He immediately thought about what the Klan’s guards could do if they saw him there and he realized he needed to get out of there; he was not supposed to be there and didn’t want to be. Teagle then started looking around to see if he could get away and he saw the Klan’s guard car right behind him so he sped up. He was going 75 mph and the guard was chasing him for about 2 or 3 miles when Teagle decided to slow down and see what the guard would do. The guard kept at his tail and once Teagle sped up, the guard turned around and went back. “If they were to have caught me they could have done a lot of things. They could’ve ran me off the road, they were so close to my car they could’ve taken my license plate numbers and find my car,” Teagle said. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong
S. Jonas Teagle in the middle of teaching his class
time and fortunately for me they just wanted me out of there. I went home that night scared to death. I actually sat on my bed for a long time wondering if they’re gonna come in my front door and get me.” Some people assume that the KKK is only against towards non-whites but Teagle knows that isn’t always true. “It didn’t make a difference that I was white, they wanted me out of there and that was their only intent,” Teagle said. Once Teagle had finally come home from that traumatizing experience, he went home and tried to sleep. The next day he told his father what had happened. His dad said two things, “don’t ever do that again,” and then he kept walking forward, he then turned around and said, “I’m glad you woke up in your bed this morning.” Considering that the schools he grew up in had so much history of the KKK, it would be expected that the teachers teach about the KKK and how it affected their town. But according to Teagle they never learned anything about the lynchings that happened. In the 1930s there was a lynching that is now the first picture to come up when you put “Lynchings in Indiana” into Google. His town treated it as taboo, they all knew about it but never talked about it. The town never talked about it, almost as if they were ashamed. Teagle is a history and psychology
teacher and when he is teaching about the KKK he makes sure to include the time he accidentally came across a KKK meeting in college. He wants to ensure his students that the jokes about ethnicity or cultural background are not a joke. He has lived it, been affected by it, it’s a part of his heritage, and it’s a part of growing up in the city that he was raised in. “I tell my classes, that’s why I never use the word race. I don’t use it. I’ll use ethnicity, I’ll use cultural, or cultural background but you will not hear me use the term race because I can’t stand it,” Teagle said. This event changed Teagle. He can still remember the cross being lit so vividly. Whether it’s out of fear or because burning crosses and the lynchings truly happened and it’s a hard picture to get out of someone’s mind. He had gone to school with kids whose parents or grandparents were a part of the KKK. Members of the KKK were all around his town and he knew who they were. He also knew that the lighting of the cross happened but he did not think that he would have to see it one day for himself. “The whole thing structured my ideals of -isms, racism and sexism, and discrimination and it’s structed who I am,” Teagle said. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 28
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Feature Pageantry
When a queen gives up her crown Miss McHenry County Victoria Vargas steps down from pageant title the circumstances I have been put in from the day I was crowned are It is Tuesday, July 31 and Victoria simply sickening. From false accusaVargas is standing on stage in a long tions spread on social media to being red dress at the Mchenry County fair. denied the same financial support as Vargas has been involved in pageantthe previous queen by my director, I ry for the last four years and she is knew I could not stay quiet,” Vargas hoping to take home another title. said in a comment on her Instagram The winner is announced. Victoria post. Vargas chose to announce her Vargas is the 2019 Miss McHenry decision on the Instagram platform County. because she knew that her friends Vargas has also been crowned as from all over the country could have the 2015 Pre-Teen Miss Huntley and access to it. Miss Lake in the Hills. Her sister, Vargas has seen a flip in the pageant Stephanie Vargas, influenced her to system since join the the last time pageant she competsystem “The circumed. “It was and not about stances I have Victoria girls being fell in love been put in confident, with all working on from the day I aspects changing was crowned of it. the world, “It really are simply community helped me service, and sickening.” grow my giving back. Vicky Vargas confiIt quickly dence became which is something something I that I didn’t want am so grateful for, and because I am a to be associated with,” Vargas said. dancer, communicating and telling a Vargas was the youngest girl ever story with my body is so much easier crowned as Miss McHenry County. “I than doing it with my voice. It took a think maybe that is why I was treated lot of courage for me to get up on the so differently. They didn’t take me pageant stage, say a speech, answer seriously because of my age, but I questions, and work on interview would not have won in the first place skills, but I am so grateful for it,” if I did not deserve it and I think that Vargas said. The love she had for is something that I stand behind no pageantry made her next decision matter what, regardless of dropping virtually impossible. my crown or not. I did deserve that On Nov. 17, Vargas announced title and I worked so hard for it. I that she was dropping her title as won it for a reason,” Vargas said. Miss McHenry County. “This was Vargas made sure to put her not an easy decision for me, but
By Grace Carpenter
I
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S. Laput Victoria Vargas literally and metaphorically takes off her crown
well-being above everyone’s opinions on the matter. “I thought about this decision for a month and because I was unhappy, the idea of resigning was slowly coming to mind. I did not want that to affect the way people looked at me, which was my own fault. In the end, I know that my life is my life, my happiness is the most important and sometimes you have to put yourself before others, and I think I quickly realized that,” Vargas said. Vargas wants to encourage others to speak out against Lovena Hunter, the director of the Miss McHsenry Pageant, who declined to comment on the situation. There is a forum online where the public can read situations that have occurred between girls and the director. “You should not have to research.
see PAGEANT page 47 HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 31
Features Music
The conductor of the whole Leah Novak, head of Fine Arts Academy and Orchestra teacher
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By Sara Gebka
The stage was aligned with cellists, violinists, and viola players as they patiently waited for the last solo to end. The droning of the cello intertwined with the soft play of piano keys that soon ended in silence. From the dispersed crowd came an eruption of applause that quickly subdued while the cellist returned back to his seat. Leah Novak, the orchestra teacher, rises from her seat next to the piano and briskly walks towards a microphone that was planted nearby. “And now for our finale,” Novak said. Leah Novak is a familiar face that roams around Huntley High School throughout the day. In her 18 years of teaching, the last three were spent here in Huntley as the department chair for the Fine Arts and World Language programs. “The main kind of managerial things that I do is oversee and evaluate the teaching staff. So we go through an observation process. We set goals for the teachers, what’s going well and what we have to work on. That’s part of my role. I also oversee that curriculum is going well; that it’s preparing our students for the next level when across the board when we see that students are possibly struggling with a specific thing,” Novak said. Additionally, Novak is the head of the Fine Arts Academy. The same managerial role is still implemented into the program with additions including designing classes that help
improve the academy. “We’re in the midst of finalizing what our exit process is going to look like [for the academy]. Our Fine Arts Academy is only in its second year, so this is going to be our first year that we’re going to have seniors that are leaving. We’re making sure that we’re good to go when that time comes,” Novak said. Novak also plays another role in the Fine Arts Academy: she’s the Orchestra director. “Orchestra is still in its infancy, so the way that our district set up the Or-
While the freshmen last year continued forward into Philharmonic Orchestra, there was a problem. Construction was to begin the next year. “Ideally, those freshmen who completed the curriculum would move into a higher orchestra, and that class would have a separate curriculum, goals, and students. Due to the construction, and to ease facility scheduling, the Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra happen at the same time. I’m not going to say that it’s working and that it’s awesome because it’s hard. It’s a struggle. The Philharmonic Orchestra students are extremely wonderful and lovely and while they “It’s the goal; already know all the information that’s being taught to the hope that Concert Orchestra they still we do get to exparticipate in conversations,” Novak said. pand and have She has also created a a third full-time system where she draws her attention to either Concert music teacher.” or Philharmonic Orchestra. While she teaches one class, Leah Novak the other class has plenty of things to be working on. “She teaches us the music section by section of the repertoire. chestra program was by introducing it But when it comes to the curriculum, to the middle schools about five years she tells the freshmen to work on ago. It started with a pack of sixth homework and stuff while the sophgraders that then followed by seventh omores learn about the composers and eighthgraders. For the first time and the era. When she teaches the last year, we had Orchestra since a freshman, she tells us to do the same pack of freshmen arrived at the high thing,” Alan Taylor, a sophomore school. A few sophomores joined us cellist, said. since they were studying outside of “She’ll usually get us playing by school and we became Concert Orstarting off with a scale, and then we’ll jump into our songs we’re playing for chestra,” Novak said.
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32 THE VOICE OCTOBER 2019
K. Ambrogio Novak teaches her first period orchstra class
the upcoming concert. Since all of us in the class have been in Orchestra before and know the basics of it, we don’t spend time going through every note and every bowing. She just lets us play the songs and see how it goes. If something sounds off or if we have questions about a certain part, then we’ll break it down. If we have any questions about a part, she’ll spend time showing or explaining it to us,” Elaina Hibbeler, a freshman violist, said. “It’s 100% due to construction. When it’s completed and we have access to our band and orchestra room again, the Concert and Philharmonic classes will be separated; which means that the freshmen Concert Orchestra have their own class and we can focus on their curriculum and they can play their own set of concert music. This will also be the same for the Philharmonic Orchestra and so on,” Novak
said. With promises of curriculums being separated and focused on in turn, a few students have a question that has been on their mind for a while now: will there be more Orchestra teachers in the program? “As we add more classes, we have to have more than one orchestra teacher. We also need to have specific instrument teachers because private lessons tend to be expensive and people don’t have time out of school to do lessons. So if we can hire a specific instrument teacher, that would greatly benefit the orchestra as a whole,” Novak said. Since Novak only teaches a limited amount of classes that balance out with her administrative duties, there’s a possibility that another teacher will be hired if more students decide to join Orchestra in the next year; however, it’ll be an issue that the district would have to deal with.
“It’s the goal; the hope that we do get to expand and have a third fulltime music teacher who can focus on orchestra specifically,” Novak said. Hopefully, it becomes a possibility that another teacher will be hired to help improve the developing program. In the meantime, Novak and her students are preparing for their next Orchestra concert. Their solos will intertwine with a hint of soft keys from the piano; the harmonious roar from stringed instruments that will play afterward will end abruptly to signify the finale. The audience will erupt in applause as the cellists, violinists, and viola players slip backstage to store their instruments. Their anticipation succeeded in captivating the audience while Novak thanks the audience for listening to their performance.
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 33
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huntleyvoice.com! 34 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
A&E Technology
Battle for headphone supremacy Apple tops their iconic AirPods with the new challenger: AirPods Pro
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By Ethan Babicz
With the release of the Airpods in Therefore, when Apple released the 2016, the world was introduced to a Airpods Pro this year, priced at $249, new type of luxury. One that would they made sure to address these probdefine the standards for headphones lems and much more. in the years to come. They have beFirstly, the design features a shorter come the most common headphone stem than the original Airpods, and choice for athletes, celebrities, and they now come with three differanyone who can afford them. ent-sized cups to match the correct This year, Apple released the Airsize of someone’s ear. This gives the pods Pro, which has incorporated Airpods Pro a much sleeker design many changes to the original Airpods than the originals. that the community thought were Secondly, Apple implemented two needed. However, one glaring quesnew listening modes: transparency tion remains: Is it worth it to upgrade mode and noise-cancellation mode. to the Airpods Pro if you already Transparency mode lowers your have the music volume original and allows Airpods? more back“If you’re a perOne of ground noise son who uses the major to be heard by headphones a complaints the user. This lot and wants the with the is most likely original useful for a best tech has to Airpods situation where offer, get the Airwas that the user needs Pods Pro for sure.” they were to be aware of Roger Alvarado a one-sizetheir surfits-all type roundings, but of headphones. also wants to listen There are no adjustments available to their music. for people with larger or smaller ears, On the other hand, noise-cancelwhich made them uncomfortable and lation mode completely blocks out could cause the headphones to fall all background noise from the real out during various activities through- world. This is especially useful if the out the day. user is trying to focus on something, Another complaint was the fact that whether it be an assignment or a the Airpods were not noise-canceltough workout. ing, which people would have expectHowever, using this feature results ed from headphones that cost $159. in a 30-minute loss of battery life. However, as time went on, one Both of these can be activated with a noticeable problem with the Airpods quick squeeze of a pressure sensor on was that they were not waterproof. the Airpods Pro. This means that people could not enThirdly, Apple has made the Airjoy some of the activities without fear pods Pro waterproof. This allows the of damaging the electronics inside. user to enjoy their favorite activities
[ ]
Courtesy of Apple.com
without having the fear of getting them wet and ruining the technology inside. Finally, Apple made the switch from using a W1 chip to using an H1 chip in the Airpods Pro. These chips handle the fast pairing with Apple devices, maintaining the BlueTooth connection, and more. The H1 chip in the Airpods Pro contains a newer version of BlueTooth, that allows extended talk time, and supports “Hey Siri” voice commands. However, one main drawback of the Airpods Pro is that there is no volume control on the Airpods themselves, so you will still need to adjust the volume using your phone. So, is it still worth it to upgrade to the new Airpods Pro? Well, yes and no. “If you’re a person who uses headphones a lot and wants the best tech has to offer, get the Airpods Pro for sure. But if you just got the second generation Airpods or only use them here and there, then they may not be something you jump out to get immediately,” former Apple store floor manager Roger Alvarado said. However, I believe that it is worth the buy for not much more than the original Airpods. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 35
A&E Music
Coldplay still rules the world “Everyday Life” caps off the band’s second decade of influential hits
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By Ellie Armstrong
A full two decades have passed since Coldplay emerged on the indie pop scene with their album “Parachutes.” Since then, lead vocalist Chris Martin has sung us to young adulthood with chilling and reflective tunes. Skipping through elementary school, we rocked out to “Paradise” and “Viva la Vida.” Dragging ourselves through middle school, we listened to “A Sky Full of Stars” from the edge of the gymnasium dancefloor. Now that high school and the beginning of a new decade are upon us, it’s only fitting that Coldplay convey a new message of activism in their latest album, “Everyday Life.” Much like the lyrics of the final song, “Everyday Life” urges us to go into the next stage of our lives with open minds and hearts. “Look at what everybody’s going through,” Martin sings. Global awareness plays a key role in the album’s storytelling element. The 10th song, “Orphans,” describes the lives of people killed in the 2018 bombings of the Syrian capital, Damascus, through a surprisingly rhythmic beat. Reminders of the current refugee situation contrast upbeat acoustic instrumentals and create a haunting yet hopeful feeling. “What kind of world do you want it to be?” Coldplay wants the world to be a place where all forms of life are appreciated. “WOTW / POTP,” which stands for “Wonder of the world, power of the people,” echoes this belief with the sunny strumming of a ukulele, chattering of city goers, and chirping of birds. “When I Need a Friend” takes a different approach
36 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
to preach acceptance of others through an incorporated speech and rainstorm background track. “Everyone falls / Everybody dreams and doubts,” Martin sings. “WOTW / POTP” flows effortlessly into the anthem song of the album, “Arabesque,” which expands on the city atmosphere with trumpets and horns and expresses musical diversity with lyrics sung in English and French. “Ékó” continues the universal pattern by telling of the dreams of a young African boy named Joseph. Because Coldplay gives each character a name, the band doesn’t generalize humanity and, therefore, succeeds in representing everybody through a few. “How in the world am I going to see / You as my brother, not my enemy?” Martin asks. “Trouble in Town” discusses lingering racism in the U.S. as the recorded exchange between a white police officer and an African-American pedestrian is tied in. It also brings attention to women’s inequality in Middle Eastern countries. This song is thought provoking not only because of its references but also because of Martin’s calm and almost deadpan vocals. The lack of emotion in his voice reflects the lack of attention given to discrimination in the U.S., producing a frustrating and inspiring effect. If the album could have one purpose alone, it would be to call us into action. “Guns” does just that by simply telling the government to “Take
Courtesy of coldplay.com
[guns] from the playgrounds / And take [them] from the bums.” Though it may be controversial, the message that our government needs to address the issue of gun violence at home and not get so quickly involved in foreign military interventions is refreshing to hear in pop culture. From the first and completely instrumental song, “Sunrise,” to the 16th song, “Everyday Life,” Coldplay’s latest album had me entranced by its originality and soul. “Everyday Life” reimagines the meaning of the word “album” as it connects each sound, song, and story to form a complex work of art. Like the band’s previous songs and albums, it has both uplifting and somber songs with their signature alternative style. Unlike anything they’ve done before, “Everyday Life” introduces you to new people and lets you hear their voices, so that after the final chord is struck, you gain their messages of resilience and humanity. As the final song goes: “Got to keep dancing when the lights go out.”
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huntleyvoice.com! HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 37
A&E Holidays
Top five Netflix holiday films Netflix takes over Christmas movie scene with heartwarming originals
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By Sara Hursey Nothing beats snuggling up to watch a cheesy Netflix Christmas movie on a cold, snowy day. However, there are so many options, and it can be hard to know which films are gems, and which you can probably skip. Here are the top five original Netflix holiday films, ranked for your viewing pleasure. Number 5: “Holiday Rush” This movie is set without magic and royalty, but it still portrays the important themes of family and the Christmas spirit. Radio DJ Rush loses his job right before Christmas, forcing his spoiled children to adjust and learn the importance of family and being grateful for what you already have. While the premise is promising, there is some poor acting which takes away from the movie. Other than performances by Romany Malco and Sonequa Martin-Green, the acting in the movie borders on over the top. Additionally, strange voice overs and an out-of-place ghost do not help the movie out. On the positive side, “Holiday Rush” adds some much needed diversity to the holiday movie scene, which usually focuses on white characters and families. This movie is refreshing as it focuses on a more
realistic family than other seasonal movies on Netflix, and the message at the end hits just the right way for a happy Christmas ending. Number 4: “A Christmas Prince” This movie will have you packing your suitcase to reach a snowy kingdom, surrounded by controversy and rumors, just in time for Christmas. When journalist Amber, played by Rose McIver gets her first big assignment covering the fictional royals of Aldovia, she sneaks into the castle and poses as a tutor to the young Princess Emily. Once on the inside, Amber meets the rest of the royal family and begins to fall in love with Prince Richard. She teaches
its Christmas magic due to the side plots involving the royal family. However, the themes of giving back and the importance of family and love round it out to be an entertaining and fun holiday experience. Number 3: “The Holiday Calendar” Christmas is often portrayed as a magical time, and that is certainly true in this movie. In early December, struggling photographer Abby, played by Kat Graham, receives a magical advent calendar from her grandfather, and it appears that the calendar can predict the future. Abby is struggling to find love, even though her best friend Josh, played by Quincy Brown, is back in town for the holidays. Josh pushes Abby to follow her dreams of owning her own photography studio, and eventually the two begin to fall for each other. This movie brought magic and romance together for a cute and fun holiday movie. Number 2: “The Knight Before Christmas” If you are looking for a cheesy, feel good movie with an ending you can spot from a mile away, “The Knight Before Christmas” is the perfect choice. While the story is very predictable, it is still entertaining and fun to watch. The movie
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38 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
“Whether you prefer to be swept away into a dreamy kingdom or have your heart warmed by characters not unlike yourself, Netflix has a movie for you. ”
him the meaning of family while corrupt politics cause drama in the background. Overall, this movie loses some of
Courtesy of Netflix “The Princess Switch” has viewers doing a double take
stars Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse as love interests. When medieval knight Sir Cole is sent to present day to complete a quest before Christmas, he crosses paths with Brooke, a teacher struggling with a nasty breakup. Brooke invites Cole into her home to rest after she hit him with her car, and a romance begins. This movie is light hearted and sports all the trademarks of a holiday film to bring viewers just the right amount of Christmas spirit. Number 1: “The Princess Switch” This Netflix Original combines “The Parent Trap,” “The Princess and the Pauper,” and “The Great British Bake-Off.” Vanessa Hudgens
stars as Stacey DeNovo, a successful baker who finds herself spending the holidays single after a bad breakup. Her best friend, Kevin, signs her up for a prestigious baking competition in the magical country of Belgravia in order to cheer her up. There, she meets the soon to be queen, also played by Hudgens, and after realizing their identical looks, they swap places. Stacey is placed in the world of royalty and Prince Edward, while Lady Margaret finds herself charmed by Kevin and his daughter. In their new places, both of Hudgen’s characters fall in love with the world and people around them. After pressing play, you will find
yourself transported to the snowy, picturesque Belgravia, along with a slew of charismatic characters. Full of romance and joy, this cheerful movie is sure to bring viewers an entertaining hour and a half. Whether you prefer to be swept away into a dreamy kingdom or have your heart warmed by characters not unlike yourself, Netflix has a movie for you with titles for all to enjoy this holiday season. If you pick anything from this list, you will be sure to find yourself entranced in a movie filled with holiday spirit and transported to a world where Christmas brings out the best in everyone. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 39
A&E TV Show
Spinoff series reaching the stars Iconic “Star Wars” series produces new Disney+ series “The Mandalorain”
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By Trevor Book
A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY… “The Mandalorian” is a Disney+ series based on George Lucase’s “Star Wars.” With Disney now owning “Star Wars,” they have decided to do a spin-off shows and three additional Star Wars movies. I have found that some spin-off shows were kind of boring for a person of my age of 16, but I think that “The Mandalorian” has been a great show. “The Mandalorian” is set after the fall of the Empire, which happened after the destruction of the second Death Star, and now there are only a few lords and organizations left of the Empire.
ing carbonite for bounties (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.) We get a little more of these fighting skills in the second, third, and fourth episodes. We get to see Mando’s space battle fanese and we also learn that Mando can use sign language when Tuskin Raiders appear in the 5th episode. The first episode of The Mandalorian is set on one mission of getting a package, a little baby Yoda, and the Mandalorian is paid to bring the package back to the payer. In the second episode, the Madalorian gets this done but experiences problems with his ship, and fortunately he is able to get past this. In the third episode, the Mandalorian brings baby Yoda to the payer and gets his money’s worth but during this mission, The Mandalorian grows fond of this baby. Because of this he goes back against his bounty hunter, Guild, code and goes to save the baby. The Madalorian escapes and is now on the run, but he knows that the baby is safe, for now. In the fourth episode, Gina Carano makes her appearance as Cara Dune. She joins forces with the Mandalorian, who is on the run, and helps a small farming town fight back against bandits who keep demolishing their farm. The fifth episode starts off with an exhilarating space battle and as Mando gets away, his ship is damaged and he is forced to land. Mando ends up landing on Ta-
[ ] I think it is as good as “Star Wars The Clone Wars” which started in 2008.
“The Mandalorian” comes from the planet Mandalor and his character is set to be the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. In the first episode, it explains what Mandalorian has been doing for all these years and gives the audience a little insight of his fighting skills. In addition, a little easter egg of us-
Courtesy of Disney+
tooine, the home planet of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and must have repairs done to his ship. Mando needs more money to pay for his ship and he takes a job with another bounty hunter. The Mandalorian has only 5 episodes and each episode goes into a little backstory of what happened to Mandalor, Mando, and his parents. The series is not yet over but I have high hopes for how the show will turn out. I think is is as good as “Star Wars The Clone Wars” which started in 2008. I hope that there are many more seasons to come and I look forward to seeing the show progress. Now if you enjoy my review and like Star Wars not only can you download Disney+ but if you are a customer of Verison, you’re in luck. Verison limited plan offers free Disney+ for a entire year. If you want to watch “The Mandalorain” the cheapest way is through this plan. May the force be with you. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 40
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girls varsity basketball: 12/21: Bartlett (H), 1:30 12/26-30: Montini Christmas Tournament 1/4: Burlington C (H), 1:30
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HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 41
Sports Cross country
Sprinting to the top Ian Geisler finishes last cross country season and looks ahead to college
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By Molly Baker
As the last bell of the day rings at 2:26 p.m., he walks quickly to the locker room for practice. He puts on his shoes and finds his lane on the field house track. He starts slowly with a warm up run then quickly changes his pace. After many laps around the track, he finishes his practice. Senior Ian Geisler has spent most of high school running in cross country and track meets. As his last season of cross country came to an end, Ian left a huge impact on the program. This season, Geisler set a record and placed at state for cross country. He agrees that this was his best season yet. “This is the best I have ever done and the best in school history. I am fourth in the state, which is an honor to be top five in a state this competitive,” Geisler said. Geisler’s successful season has allowed
him to get signed to the school of his dreams. He is very excited for his cross country and track career in college. “I am going to University of Iowa because it is a great opportunity to be in the Big 10. Iowa had great facilities, a great coach, and I will have the opportunity to be coached by someone who has helped people become All American. I also just feel confident going there,” Geisler said. When talking to Ian, you can see the passion he has for cross country and track. He has already set goals for himself that he wants to achieve in college. “My goal for cross country and track is to grow and train hard at Iowa with my future teammates and hopefully become an NCAA All American athlete for cross country and track,” Geisler said. Ian has a passion for cross country
S. Laput Junior year: Ian Geisler runs at an indoor meet
42 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
and track, but he also has other goals for college. “I am going to try to get my degree in business, and I see myself doing that for some time,” Geisler said. The boys cross country team this year was viewed as a weaker team going into the conference meet, but they proved the competition wrong and ended up getting second at the Fox Valley Conference meet. Cross country and track are not individual sports as all the times matter so the team can be the best. “It is very interesting. Your run matters but so does your teammates, so everyone has to do well,” Geisler said. Geisler has left an obvious impact on the cross country team. His coach, Matt Kaplan, had great things to say about him. “Ian has always worked very hard. He reaps the benefit of all his hard work,” Kaplan said. Other players on the team look up to Geisler. He is an inspiration to the team, and it shows. He is a true competitor and has been able to compete against many people. “His work ethic to the competition, practice, and races sets the example for everyone. All the boys on the team look up to Ian. He is an example for all,” coach Kaplan said. Ian Gielser had a great impact on the cross country team this year. His work ethic and skill will leave a lasting effect on the program for years to come. Though his last cross country season is over, he still has the track season to show his talent. He is a true inspiration for all.
S. Laput
Senior year: Ian Geisler practices his sprints
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 43
Sports Swimming
A deep dive into a swimmer’s life Max Deutschle continues his swimming career at HHS
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By Natalie VonderHeide
As the swimmers climb one foot things I know need work on that I “When you hit the wall and you’re after another to reach the top of their have to focus on when I’m swimfinally done, you don’t realize how starting blocks, the crowd pausming,” Deutschle said. “So on one tired you are until you take that first es their wailing. 15-year-old Max 25 I know I’m focusing on reaching deep breath, and it’s like you can Deutschle grips the flat surface corforward enough and then maybe on just feel the exhaustion just running ners of the block while waiting for the the next one I’ll think about my kick through your body,” Deutschle said. four signaling words and split-second rate being consistent with my arm The swimmers all linger at the end sound of a buzzer to indicate the speed.” of their lanes and shake the hands of race has begun. He glances around to As the swimmers are finishing up the competitors adjacent to them as see his competition and teammates their last 50 meters of the race, their they wait for the next round of swimbuilding their anticipation. last bit of energy surfaces like chilmers to begin their race. The same The referee announces the swimdren before they go to bed. process is repeated, but with a new mers to take their mark. All coughs The crowd’s screams grow louder group of competitors. Deutschle exits and sniffles have been shut out as as most the swimmers perform their the pool and walks straight to coach Deutschle’s mind prepares itself for final flip turns leading into the last Jenna Gaudio to review his race. the race. Looking around “So after races him and visually picturing we usually talk, I his heat sheet which said ask them, how do IM to confirm that he was you think the race “When I’m racing, I normally have really swimming the Indiwent, what things a song in my head, but at the vidual Medley. Deutschle’s do you think same time, I’m also thinking about focus is planted back onto you can fix, what what I need to work on, specific the water before a bright things can you imtechnique things I know need work flash and loud beep echoes prove on, and then on that I have to focus on when throughout the buildwe usually talk I’m swimming.” ing. All the swimmers depending on the launched themselves off race and the diftheir starting blocks and ferent technique,” into the water as if they Gaudio said. were programmed to do Swimming so. wasn’t something The crowd’s excitement fills the air 25 meters of the race. People tense Deutschle has always been interestagain as the swimmers break through up as they watch their kids, granded in pursuing. Before he made the the water causing an explosion of kids or siblings come near to the discovery of his lifelong passion, other swimmers. chlorine. Deutschle’s attention is Deutschle enjoyed playing soccer in Deutschle pushed one last final focused on finding places he needs to his free time. improve his strokes and listening to thrust and slams into the wall to “After a while, I could kind of just trigger his running stopwatch. his teammates while they cheer. feel that it wasn’t for me,” Deutschle “When I’m racing, I normally have Looking around to see where he has said. placed on the scoreboard, Deutschle a song in my head, but at the same He grew up in a household where takes a breath of relief and senses his he wanted to stay active rather than time, I’m also thinking about what I muscles loosen. need to work on, specific technique sitting on the couch and watching
[ ] Max Deutschle
44 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
N. VonderHeide Max Deutschle makes his way to the finish line
television all day. When Deutschle brought to his mom’s attention that he did not favor soccer, she recommended swimming since she used to be a swimmer herself. “I started practicing and I didn’t realize how difficult it was, like every practice you had to do to your limit, and I joined my club team when I was 7, and when I’m not with the high school, I am still swimming there to this day,” Deutschle said. Being a swimmer has its pros and cons though. Some pros could be that Deutschle has developed a family with his teammates and spends time with them almost every day. “We all go to practice and crack some jokes, but we are all there, we all get the work done, and we all kind of see our improvement based on that, but everyone is so close to each other, all the teammates, the coaches, everyone just has so much fun there, while getting their work done and improving,” Deutschle said. The cons would mainly consist of
not being able to have a year-long job besides lifeguarding at his local pool, and a reduced amount of time to work on homework, but the family Deutschle has developed is what motivates him to continue the sport he loves. According to Deutschle, his mom, Holen, has made the biggest impact on his swimming career and is the biggest support system he has. “My mom has been swimming since she was 7 and swam all the way through college, so she knows all the ins and outs of the sport. She is like my second coach,” Deutschle said. “Most of my friends I’ve met through my other swim team, so they are really supportive, but my mom’s been there the longest.” Swimming isn’t just going to stay a high school hobby for Deutschle. The teenage swimmer plans on swimming in college and potentially nationally. “I want to swim for as much as I can. Honestly, I can’t really ever see myself getting to the Olympics, but
it’s always been a dream of mine. To kind of be recognized for swimming because I just love it so much,” Deutschle said. “I think nationals is more reasonable. Being advertised to the whole world would just be a lot of pressure on me. Olympics, nationals, either of those would be my dream, I’ve always just wanted to be recognized for what I love to do.” Gaudio also believes if he practices enough, obtaining his goals will be easier to achieve. “I think his swimming career could go as far as he wants it to. I think he’s a really disciplined athlete and he’s got a lot of drive. Last year, on the program he was a part of some record-breaking relays, so I’m excited to see where the season goes and ultimately where his swimming career takes him,” Gaudio said. With enough practice and support from his peers, Deutschle will be able to achieve his goals and become recognized for taking part in the sport he loves. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 45
Sports Wrestling
Breaking the status quo Giana De Luca breaks out of gender stereotypes
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By Caitlyn Gooden
Walking into the mat room, the stench of rotten fish and expired milk greets Giana De Luca as she prepares to start another exhausting wrestling practice. This is her first year being a part of the developing girls wrestling team at Huntley High School. She works extremely hard to make her mark in a male-dominated sport. “We’ll run a mile warm-up, do cartwheels and flips, somersaults, backward somersaults. We’ll do some more running, suicides, stretching, and then we get on the mats and wrestle,” De Luca said. This is a typical start to an everyday practice where conditioning plays a crucial role in developing the muscle and endurance needed to be competitive in such a physically demanding sport. Off the mats, De Luca faces the stress of balancing two sports, homework, and the stigma that surrounds girls wrestling. “I don’t have much time for friends with going from school to practice, to softball, then [going] home and [doing] homework. Then, by the time homework is done, it’s like 10 o’clock,” De Luca said. Her commitment to wrestling
and softball has made juggling daily life very difficult. De Luca adapts to her crazy schedule by cramming homework and studying during the car ride from wrestling practice to softball. People’s reactions to Giana’s choice of sport usually entails a sexist comment or judgemental remark. “Why do you want to go around guys and just hug them, like you want to just hook up? I’ve gotten that a lot,” De Luca said. This does not deter her from doing what she loves and pursuing a passion that goes against the status quo. Girls wrestling is still relatively new and has not quite gained recognition as its own sport yet. Huntley is hoping to see the girls team grow and be able to compete as their own team. “With girls, my expectations are not lower, it’s just new. It’s exciting to see it grow,” coach Bertelsman said. Wrestling has taught her, “that anyone can wrestle, whether you’re a girl or a guy. It shows that if you put your mind to it you can do it,” De Luca said. De Luca also has lots of support
[ ] “Why do you want to go around guys and just hug them?” Giana De Luca
46 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
K. Ambrogio Giana De Luca shows power stance
from her teammates and coach, who are always pushing her to be her best. “He is funny and he understands all the girls. When it’s one of those days when you can’t wrestle, he’s like, it’s fine just go relax, go to the trainer, just lay there it’s fine I’m not going to count it against you or anything,” De Luca said. Now that she has been wrestling since 7th grade, her family has grown to accept and encourage Giana’s wrestling career. Especially her older brother, who has been rooting for her since day one. “My brother is probably my biggest supporter. He convinced me to do it. My parents, they were hesitant at first because they didn’t want me to get hurt and they didn’t want guys to treat me differently,” De Luca said. She looks at wrestling as having a deeper purpose and driving something more meaningful inside of her. In life when you are supposed to be one thing, be the exact opposite. This moral is reflected in one of Giana’s inspirations who, like her, broke
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PAGEANT page 31 You should be able to know that there are things in the pageant system that have changed. I do not want people to go into that pageant system thinking that it is all that it used to be because there has been significant changes that have changed it for the worse,” Vargas said. Vargas did not want people to mistake resigning as quitting. “If anything, I am more of a role model now than I was before. I am letting everyone know that it is okay to do what is right for yourself. It is okay to speak out. It is not okay to be underestimated and treated unfairly and I want everyone to know that you can not worry about what anyone else is thinking,” Vargas said.
WRESTLING page 46 stereotypes. “Firstbaseman Prince Fielder: he was like 275 pounds and he played baseball. He got an inside the park home run. If someone that big can do stuff like that, then anyone can,” De Luca said. Giana certainly holds herself to that standard looking forward to a season full of potential. With goals in mind, a hard-working attitude, and the support from friends and family, De Luca will never stop breaking the status quo.
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Sports Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers wrap up Athletic trainer Kelsey Wedwick tells what it’s like behind the scene
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By Emma Gribbens
Kelsey Wedwick and student athletic trainers were waiting on the sidelines of the football field during a friday night home game. Wedwick and athletic trainers were watching the players run rapidly across the field. They watched, in slow motion, as one of the players falls to the ground, grabbing his ankle, clearly he was in tremendous pain. They all ran onto the field, filled with anxiety wondering if he had a serious injury that could affect the rest of his season. Students are allowed to take Sports Medicine I as well as Sports Medicine II. If they take Sports Medicine II blended, they are allowed to make up their blended hours as having hands on experience with these sports injuries. “This is the third year now that it’s a class, so Sports Medicine I is going to have to take Sports Medicine II. Then Sports Medicine II [has to] do their blended hours in here helping out, prior to that we had students that volunteered. They’ve all graduated now and now it’s just the kids
in the Sports Med II class,” Wedwick said. Students are allowed to use their knowledge from the class and apply iy to real life experiences. The students go to the home varsity football games and wait on the sidelines with the other certified athletic trainers. They assist the certified trainers at the games when needed. Once they notice they have to assist during an injury they go out onto the field to see if there is anything they can do to help and to report what the injury is. They will either take the injured player off the field and tell them to just take it easy, or into the athletics office and treat it. On a daily basis the students help out with various activities that give them more of and insight on athletic training. “They’ll help getting waters ready for practices, filling up coolers, getting bottles ready, and if they want to tape. They also help with stretching or getting anything ready that we need and on game day. They’ll help set up the field, make ice bags, kinda help out things that we need help with,” Wedwick said. The students are very involved with their ways of helping getting ready for games and practices. During games the certified athletic trainers normally go out and take one to two of the students out onto the field during a game. They observe the teachers as they do the evaluations of the injuries and they then help with the day to day treatments for the injuries. When the students come in to practice being athletic trainers the teachers still go back and teach
[] “In our downtime we will practice taping.” Kelsey Wedwick
Wedwick smiles during training
them the basics. “They’ll go over some of the eval techniques, some of the taping stuff and then in our downtime we will practice taping. They’ll practice their skills to get better taping and in terms of injury evals when I’m doing things I’ll kinda talk through what I’m doing, why I’m doing it with them they can ask questions as well,” Wedwick said. The students have experienced a variety of different injuries over the season including: a couple dislocated shoulders, ac joints that were sprained, as well as ankle sprains. They get a variety of different injuries that they’ve experienced taping and learning what to do to help the injury. As they are training to be athletic trainers they get a variety of knowledge from taping, stretching, and setting up the field. The students get to apply their knowledge of their class work to real life experiences. HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 49
Sports Baseball
Tocmo catches a college deal Evan Tocmo takes the nontraditional path to divison one or two college
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By Olivia Mack
His cleats grind into the gritty dirt as he positions himself between second and third base, ready to defend his team. The scorching sun causes perspiration to drip on the back of his neck. He feels the nervousness hit him as the game begins, having the drive to succeed and help his team as much as possible. From the young age of 5, now a 17-year-old, senior Evan Tocmo has been playing shortstop and outfield. At one point in time, baseball was not the only sport Tocmo had been playing. His parents had encouraged him from a young age to try a wide array of sports. Tocmo decided to stick with baseball, finding the most passion for the sport. Within those 12 years of playing baseball, Tocmo has played on a few different teams, ranging from T-Ball, Little League, Huntley Blue, Algonquin Storm, and then finishing off with Pro Player. As a senior, Tocmo realized he wants to continue playing the sport in the future. “My love for the game is what [keeps me going]. My whole life has been baseball and I couldn’t imagine what it would be without it,” Tocmo said. After having all of this experience playing baseball, Tocmo was noticed during a game by Rock Valley College. Rock Valley is a junior college in Rockford, IL. Keeping in touch with the baseball coach from RVC, Tocmo decided to go on a visit to the college. Later he figured out RVC was the college he wanted to commit to, and is planning on playing for them for two years. This will give Tocmo the ability to strengthen as a player and 50 THE VOICE DECEMBER 2019
Courtesy of S. Laput Tocmo throws down the bat as he sprints to first base
as a person enough to hopefully play for a Division 1 or 2 school. Tocmo first had been given the ability to play for varsity from baseball coach Andy Jakubowski. “He stood out as a sophomore and he helped us tremendously. He was a starter, and filled in coming off the bench and being a defensive replacement,” Jakubowski said. “He was one of the reasons as to why we got down to state. He didn’t play as a sophomore, he played as a varsity level player.” Jakubowski has believed in Tocmo and his skills from the beginning of when the two first met. He took a chance by putting him on varsity, and that ended up being one of his best decisions to make. He continues on supporting Tocmo and his endeavors, and has been mentoring him to be a leader. “It’s awesome to see his maturity,” Jakubowski said. “He had a good
group of guys when he was a sophomore to look up to, and now seeing him pass that torch onto himself and now becoming a leader for us going into this year is off the charts. I’m very proud of him.” As Tocmo continues to go to different types of training to become an even better baseball player, the closer he gets to leaving Huntley behind. Something close to Tocmo’s heart is his team, and the feeling that everyone is like a big family. Although this is sad, plenty of opportunities will come about from making the decision to go to Rock Valley. “You only have this time for four years of your life, and it’s really fun, being on a team. Just coming together, like a family,” Tocmo said. “You feel that throughout the entire season, and you’ll stay in touch forever and always have the memories.”
Editorial
Trashy behavior plagues HHS student body Student body must start treating school with respect
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At 12:42 every Monday through Friday, students in Huntley High School’s cafeteria end their lunch hour. Shoving all their belongings in their backpacks, students rush out of the eating space attempting to beat the traffic flooding to class. As they hurry to beat the crowd, all students seem to forget their manners. At 12:47 the bell rings to end the passing period. Five minutes earlier the cafeteria was a zoo filled to the brim with teens; now the cafeteria appears as a ghost town, and it’s not tumbleweeds left to catch the eye, but garbage. The tables left cluttered with chip bags, the floor caked in crumbs, and chairs every which way. The cafeteria is not the only space at HHS marked by the footprint of students; the parking lot and blended seating areas are both subject to the same treatment. Students at Huntley High School leave behind a trail of garbage where they travel and it is unacceptable. “I don’t know if it’s just a ‘I hate this place, screw you, kind of mentality but every day we walk through the cafeteria and find full tables of garbage, stuff on the floor, things just left behind,” said Associate Principal for Operations Thomas Kempf. The cafeteria is the main victim of the behaviors of the student body. Every day the cafeteria is home to fourth, fifth, and sixth hour where almost all students eat their lunches. These times hold the peak of garbage production by the student body; from food to free time there are many ways garbage is created. “People think that they’re cool by [leaving trash], but really they’re not. The staff has to pick up after you,” junior Liza Devalle said. “People should be more mature about it and throw trash away instead of having staff clean it up.” The trash left behind is left to the custodial team to clean up. According to Kempf, the team starts cleaning up the cafeteria immediately after lunch until after school ends. “If it’s two hours worth of work for four people, you’re talking eight hours of labor
time to reset that cafeteria. It’s significant,” Kempf said. Students who are leaving trash behind are affecting the lives of those around them. The custodial team has many responsibilities around the school ranging from daily necessities like replacing toilet paper to less frequent tasks like waxing the floors. “My work schedule is from 7 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. And during the day I’m dedicated to what would be preparing the equipment we need to clean. Most of the day I’m cleaning and maintaining the building,” custodian Victoria Meza said. “But [it’s not mostly] cleaning; it’s maintaining the building and checking to see if anything’s missing, or if a student spills something on accident and things like that. My eight hours are for maintaining the building.” Many students are quick to blame the custodians for little issues like a single stall running out of toilet paper, but fail to recognize how student’s messy habits consume the time of the staff. Not only does the mess affecting the custodians, but other students are affected too. The owner of trash is almost always untraceable; there for no punishment can be directly given to specific students. This leaves the school with one and only option: punish the whole for the actions of few. “Students have become very reliant on others to clean up after them and it is not fair to our custodial team or to those students who come behind[them].” Principal Marcus Belin said. “For students to have to come to lunch to sit at a dirty table is not.” Unfortunately, the outdoor areas are given the same treatment as the indoor areas. At the end of any given school day cars start to clear out of the parking lot revealing an underlayer of garbage. Many students have the privilege of leaving campus, oftentimes getting food while they’re out. It’s not rare for a cup, napkin, or receipt to slip out of a student’s car into the park-
ing lot. This trash is left to be swept up by the wind, or cleaned up by one of two people: Alan Mino or an outside cleanup crew. “We have an outsource company whose contract runs from March 15th through Nov. 15, which includes mowing, outside garbage, cleaning - stuff like that. Then I’m grounds maintenance until they are back. So then I basically take over and try to keep things cleaned up,” Mino said. According to Mino, in the last two years, after the additions to garbage cans in the parking lot, the lot has gotten significantly cleaner. Despite this correction, there is still garbage that is left in the lot after school. “I guess it’s just that something like that is instilled in students themselves, you know? Are they messy? Do they care about their school?” Mino said. “Actually, I don’t understand why somebody would open up their car door and just throw a bunch of garbage out. I think it’s just something that needs to be installed with them. What’s the motto of Huntley High School? Be respectful, be responsible and be involved. I’d say if they are all three of them then you wouldn’t see garbage out there.” For students ages 14 to 18, creating such an excessive mess shows immaturity and laziness. Students spend up to eight hours a day within the walls of HHS; for some that is more time than at their own houses. The school inherently becomes a second home to the student body, and it’s time that the campus is treated as such. We at The Voice are calling upon the HHS student body to step it up and help create a cleaner school. It is our responsibility to clean up after ourselves and it is quite easy. By simply taking your trash to the garbage bin or picking up a loose piece of paper, you could be making HHS a cleaner environment. To clean up after ourselves is not a high standard, and it’s one we must begin to meet. We hear it all the time: be respectful, be responsible, and be involved. Maybe it’s time to start listening.
HUNTLEYVOICE.COM 51
One last
voice
Kristy Brown Special Education Teacher Alumna of Illinois State University Mother of Three What made you want to become a special education teacher and did you always know that you wanted to be an educator? I had some experiences with that my mom was also a special ed teacher, and I thought it wasn’t a job that many people could do. I just felt like everybody could learn just in a different way. I am tolerant of differences. That’s what I felt like I could bring to the table for special applications, I’m very tolerant of people’s differences. What do you want your students to take away from their time with you, what is one lesson or message that you want them to compete with themselves past high school? I want them to remember that they are equipped with everything that they need, they just have to access their tools. They can do what they want to do, they just have to dig deep. What is the main lesson that you feel your students have taught you? No matter what mistakes we make tomorrow’s you know day because you can always come back from any mistakes. No matter what. There are days where I’ve messed up and they show me it’s okay and you can always make tomorrow a better day.