Huntley High School's The Voice Newsmagazine January 2021

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 138 ALGONQUIN, IL

VOICE

THE

January 29 2021, Volume 24, Issue 5

Normalizing gender pronouns Benefits of reducing and reusing

Friends bond over cosplaying

CONTENTS NEWS 03 OPINION 10 A&E 15 HUMANS OF HUNTLEY 22 FEATURES 28 SPORTS 40 EDITORIAL 43

featured on

huntleyvoice.com

Link Crew overcomes the Hybrid plan’s obstacles and holds Freshman walk-in

Ruhi Gulati writes about how politics are unjustly idolized

1 in 3,000 Ellie Armstrong

The Midnight Sky, which aired on Netflix, proves to be a sophisticated drama Hunter Dalby and Gillian Dobiecki both speak out about never giving up Seasonal Depression is on the rise this month

Olivia Pawlak, rising makeup artist Shannon Magura

Softball player Alex Kiriakopoulos commits to Elmhurst College.

How we can become a more welcoming community for people of all genders

V

THE

EDITORIAL POLICY

OICE

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen Austin Zenaty

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Amelia Pozniak

Managing Editor Nikki Darnall

Section Editors

Ally Berens, Alyssa Borring, Ruhi Gulati, Grace Helzer, and Ally Jorgenson

Photo Editor Sydney Laput

Staff

Staff Writers

Trevor Book, Brenden Boyle, Delaney Cairns, Sophia Coronado, Riley Friberg, Jonathan Hani, Brooke Helle, Lauren Schmit, Brandon Smalley, Jacey Sola, Gretchen Sweeney, Gabby Terez, and Holly Urbanzyk

Photographer

Marketing Editor

Amanda Hoglind

Social Media Manager

Dennis Brown

Brooke Hamann

Adviser

Arianna Joob and Maggie Kirwin

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

news link crew

The freshman walk-through How the freshmen experience shifted

T

By Lauren Schmit he first step in the high school building is the make -or-break moment of how you are going to pursue your learning experience. The loud chattering among the freshmen students in the bleachers and the anxious feeling of a fresh start.

Link Crew making conversations and answering as many questions as possible, just trying to make the freshmen feel comfortable. The separation between you and your friends, but meeting new people and doing fun activities.

The Raider Rally was something that got you out of your comfort zone, but helped you overall for your high school experience.

Freshman orientation in previous years was filled with fun bonding activities to make the new students feel more welcomed. However, this year it will be a simple walk through because that is all that can be done under these circumstances.

This year is going to be a little different due to the pandemic precautions.

Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 will mark the days of freshmen orientation, without the activities and the get - to -know -you small groups.

COVID-19 has really impacted many new students this year because of the halt of these experiences. Freshmen students have not even attended their first high school football game or their first pep assembly, let alone taking their first steps in the school.

Link Crew and many teachers have done what they can to make the freshmen feel more at home especially with the hybrid plan coming soon.

“The beginning of the alphabet comes one day and just as people walk in the door the Link Crew leaders will grab

S. Laput Belin talking to link crew leaders. to build a strong foundation for the people who choose to take advantage of it.

“We’ve gone creative like we have an Instagram for the freshmen. That’s a new thing this year and so that’s been a way to just touch base and remind them about lessons and then a lot of “I am totally looking for- the groups are using the reminder app,” ward to the hybrid plan. Zaleski said.

The freshmen orientation was an I feel like it will be way overall success for helping the students more helpful for both sides know the basics of the high school and because now we can finally preparing them for hybrid learning, especially since they have never been try to connect.” there before.

Emma Erturk They had an opportunity to have a Link Crew leader explain what each part According to Zaleski, Link Crew has still of the school did and how it worked for been operating through zoom for fresh- their schedule, particularly, and then also to give them insight on the future men students. They learn new topics and do a few activities online with their years that were coming.

“The Link Crew leaders stayed in the Link Crew leaders. main lobby area, past the first set of Zaleski has also created an Instagram page and group reminders for Link Crew glass doors. And then the freshmen waited at door one. As the freshmen and the freshman students to stay encame in, all the Link Crew leaders were gaged with their lessons. lined up in pairs.

She mentions that students actively participating and listening are going to see FRESHMEN page 4 get more out of it in Link Crew. It is there them and then we have a path of a tour.

It’s not randomly walking your schedule.

You will walk in an organized pattern and find your stuff on the way,” Link Crew advisor Angela Zaleski said.

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Three or four were led in, and they were paired up and shipped off into stations. I think it took 25 minutes to get through the school,” Link Crew leader Zach Leitzke said.

This is Leitzke’s first year as a leader andhe is learning how to reach out to the freshman students and help them along the way.

According to Leitzke, the walk-through had many freshmen students come in to find their classes, but he wishes it could have been organized a little better by giving the students helpful maps of where to go or more information about the different classes.

“The main thing was we had a map that we were given and arrows to direct you what direction to go, so other groups wouldn’t cross paths. But once we started to get a lot of groups, it started to get backed up and it defeated the purpose of trying to social distance because there were like many people right next to each other,” Leitzke said.

This event was a big step in getting used to more people throughout the building and preparing for how hybrid learning will work this semester.

“I am totally looking forward to the hybrid plan. I feel like it will be way more helpful for both sides because now we can finally try to connect,” Link Crew commissioner Emma Erturk said.

Erturk was a leader last year. The learning content for the students has not really changed, although connections have not been made the way they should have been if we were in school.

She felt as though there were more lecturing and teaching lessons rather than having genuine conversations.

Although there were good moments throughout the first semester like virtual bonding and online games.

Link Crew have really shown perseverance and have accomplished what they can during the time of remote learning.

They have truly stepped up to the plate to make sure the freshman get what they need to have the high school experience they deserve.

news sports

Sports and activities update Updates on activites

state, it is unknown.

"Moving forward, I haven't heard

By Gabby Terez anything specifically rom the school’s hybrid plan to sent out in an email to us and I have not get students back into in-perhad a conversation son learning, to the vaccine or one on one conthat has started to be distribversation to ask the uted, there seems to be hope that everyone can gain back some normalcy subjects just yet. I've kind of been in the of life amid the Covid crisis. But how wait and see,” Vanek much hope is there for school sports said. and activities?

Depending on Both sports and activities during the how the school’s school year have been put to a halt to hybrid plans go and some degree, having to stick to online the statistics with meetings. Activities have taken the Covid, Vanek will bigger degree in terms of this as they determine her decihave been staying remote since the sion whether or not beginning of the school year. One of the activities that have been meeting in to open in-person meetings again for Buddies Club in the “For me, I would say my second semester. biggest hope is that we find “If we see the numbers going a way to provide for kids down and we feel who lost their seasons last like it's getting safer eyar to have something.” as we get closer to spring, I would cerS. Laput Jason Monson tainly reach out to my administrators to Buddies Club member ties shoe. ask, ‘Hey, is it possithe online setting is Buddies Club, who ble that we can meet in person?’ or add last November. Following this, the Illisome other component to kind of bring nois High School Association as well as have been doing their monthly socials back some of the dynamics of the club HHS put a pause on sports. online. that a lot of the kids really enjoy,” Vanek In terms of the elements that affect “Typically, when we're in person we said. whether sports can come back or not, would have the social once a month Meanwhile, sports have had a bit there are multiple being considered. and then they have peer buddies that more luck to have in-person meetings ”Right now, there's a lot of different they would meet up with either in groups that kind of have a say in this school or outside of school and kind of such as competitions and contact days during the first half of the school year. when you're talking about the IDPH and hang out or maybe chat on the phone or things like that. But with the kind of Some fall sports like cross country, golf, Governor Pritzker, so there's a lot of different influences here,” girls track and the the rules with the pandemic, we've and tennis were still able to have their season. field head coach Jason Monson said. kept it really to just socials right now,” However, winter sports did not have However, according to Monson, the Buddies Club sponsor Shannon Vanek as much luck to have as many in-person IHSA is like the governing body when it said. meetings due to the Tier 3 Resurgence comes to how sports can meet, when As for the potential of the club to mitigations Illinois had implemented come back in some kind of normal see UPDATE page 8

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huntleyvoice.com • 5

news grocery store

New Jewel-Osco in Huntley

New Jewel has a positive impact on the community

J

By Gretchen Sweeney ewel-Osco is a unique store that differs from many others.

The store includes a bakery, deli, and pharmacy. This multitude of departments allow you to get all your grocery shopping done in one stop.

The Jewel-Osco on Route 47 is the latest addition to the Huntley area. It opened in the late fall of 2020.

The new store includes a range of different products. One example is the delicious premium lunch meat called Boars Head. The Boars Head brand includes a variety of meats from Black Forest Ham to Oven Roasted Turkey.

The opening of Jewel created around 160 job opportunities for the community. A majority of this staff is the local high schoolers.

Ian Solger and Reynaldo Hernandez are both juniors at Huntley High School. Solger has been working for the new Jewel-Osco as an Osco clerk since the store’s opening, which was around three months ago. Hernandez has been working as a grocery clerk for a little over a month.

“You’re always working with someone else throughout the day and having friends there makes it fun and makes the job much easier,” Hernandez said.

Most of the staff are high schoolers which brings an immediate and friendly connection to the majority of the workers.

“We’re like a big family because we all go to the same highschool and people are better friends,” Solger said.

The large staff brings many job opportunities for everyone, but specifical6 • the voice january 2021

A. Hoglind Cars lined up at the new Jewel-Osco. ly allows teenagers to gain individual work experience.

Opening a business in the midst of a global pandemic has been difficult for many local businesses, but the new Jewel has been thriving.

“Despite the pandemic, business has been great,” store director Brian Kelly said.

“Dispite the pandemic, business has been great.”

Brian Kelly The store is flourishing into being quite successful in spite of the pandemic.

New additions to the Huntley area are not very common, especially with large stores, such as Jewel-Osco.

This has brought an excitement to the community and draws people into wanting to check out this new business.

The store management has many current and future plans. The store

intends to build and open an indoor and outdoor cafe for the customers post-pandemic.

They are also working on expanding their pharmacy. The development of the pharmacy has shown to be difficult as most people in the community get their prescriptions from Walgreens.

They are hopeful for a shift to their store instead in the near future.

The pharmacy will also soon offer a COVID-19 vaccine to the public.

In response to COVID-19, masks are required in the store and social distancing is encouraged. If you are still hesitant about going into the store, they have a solution. DriveUp & Go™ is an online service for pickup of your groceries. You place your order online and they will load your groceries directly into your car.

The boom of the new Jewel is very apparent and has sparked much talk in the Huntley area.

It has brought the community together through new job opportunities for the community. It is the newest option for a quick grocery run.

opinion learning

The battle between platforms The debate between Google Classroom and Powerschool Learning

B

By Jon Hani

ecause we are all in remote learning, education has become a lot more difficult.

But, teachers have found ways online to keep track of their students’ work. PowerSchool Learning, formerly known as Haiku, has been the main way of organizing school work. This year, teachers have found a new way to grade and view students’ assignments. They have been using a website called Google Classroom.

Google Classroom is being praised and has a much easier and faster way of submitting and grading assignments.

“I would say the majority of teachers who use Google Classroom prefer it because it’s way easier to use. Haiku, from a teacher’s point of view, is not hard to use but it is not as simple as Google Classroom,” history teacher Gibson Danekas said.

As a student, I would say that I definitely find Google Classroom to be much faster, clearer, and more simple.

It also just looks better. It feels much more organized than Powerschool Learning.

Powerschool Learning has been the main platform for teachers and students to keep track of school work for years. There have supposedly been many upgrades to the platform that have not been utilized due to the difficulty for teachers.

“I haven’t used any other platform in a long time so I have kind of gotten used to it. I like the feature of the calendar, the messages, and the idea that students can opt in to get the mes-

N. Darnall sages texted to them,” English teacher Lauren Teeter said.

Although Powerschool Learning has some desired features, it falls short to the user friendly feel of Google classroom.

“From what I’ve seen of other teachers, just from an outside perspective, it seems much more user friendly.

Everything that we do is on Google so it just makes sense that some teachers would use it,” Teeter said.

It seems as though Powerschool does not understand the needs of its users.

Google Classroom seems to be expanding as more teachers begin to utilize its new features as well.

“I feel Google classroom is very easy

to navigate, and you always know what’s due and when it’s due,” junior Jude Cancienne said.

From a students point of view, Google Classroom is much to keep track of the assignments you have completed.

“I see Haiku as more of a cluster of different tabs and assignments. Haiku made sense after you got to know it, but comparing the two, it’s easy for me to side with Google Classroom,” Cancienne said.

Through both the student and teacher perspective, Google Classroom seems to be the favored platform.

Whether it is giving assignments or turning them in, Google Classroom is a much simpler and efficient way of doing so.

Jon Hani is a first year staff writer for The Voice. Check out his personality “Friends Talkin ‘Bout Stuff” video on huntleyvoice.com

huntleyvoice.com • 7

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they can meet, and what seasons are going to look like.

Speaking of IHSA, the association recently announced sport opportunities they can now allow in result of some Illinois regions shifting from Tier 3 mitigations to either Tier 2 or 1, with McHenry county being one of them.

In the aftermath of this, il8to18, HHS’s website centering around the school’s athletics, released two announcements. The first one, which was released on Jan. 20, stated that the season for low-risk winter sports has resumed.

Meeting information for boys bowling, girls bowling, boys swimming, varsity cheerleading, and dance was released for dates ranging from Jan. 21 to Feb. 16. Meanwhile, the second announcement, released on Jan. 21, announced that HHS and its sport programs are currently planning for contact days starting Feb. 1 as they have gotten the IHSA’s approval to do so.

Although the current state of sports and activities are different from each other, both have a common goal during this second semester whether it is being achieved or not; to give students the chance to experience their respective extracurriculars.

“For me, I would say my biggest hope is that we find a way to provide for kids who lost their seasons last year to have something.”

“We don't know what that might look like, but there needs to be something that these kids kind of have to work towards, and some resemblance of a season to provide them with,” Monson said.

“My hope would be that we are able to as a school, as a state, as a group of coaches to find a way to give the seniors and these spring kids that lost all of their season last year an opportunity to compete.”

“I think we all know that opportunity is going to look a little bit different, but something needs to be done for them.”

opinion new years

New year, but no new me Are resolutions truly effective?

your intentions on finishing that goal, It is difficult to give up negative habits then New Year’s resolutions can realbecause the brain has been wired to ly help you become a better person,” feel positive when doing it, causing an Harrison said. addiction.

By Brooke Helle Of course, that is not to say there The same exact thing happens when are not ineffective sides of New Year’s you procrastinate. Avoiding the tasks urely, this is the year. The year resolutions. will make you temporarily feel better, that I will finally lose weight Junior Olivia Kosiak is involved in many confusing your brain. This is what makes and come out looking like Gigi these resolutions so difficult.

Hadid. Chances are, like nearly activities here at the high school and is also no stranger to goal setting.

In a way, New Year’s resolutions are a everyone, you made this New Year’s “Personally, last year I tried to be more set up for failure since they are asking resolution at some point in your life, but for both physical and psychological did you end up doing it? Are your New healthy but I never really made any steps to do it.

This year, I had the same reversal and change.

Year’s resolutions truly effective? idea and actually was motivated enough However, the benefits can outweigh Besides the occasional ginormous to get myself a gym membership and go the bad. weight loss stories, it seems that most out and workout,” Kosiak said.

Failure from a resolution will be upsetpeople forget their goals by Dec. 2. This “So, in my opinion, it depends on the ting, but if you change your mindset and gives a false idea of the true power of a type of resolution and how much some- make your goals achievable, then it can New Year’s resolution. only push you back so far. If anything, it The real problem behind failed goals might just motivate you even more to is not ineffective resolutions but the fact pursue whatever you want. that the specific goals being made are This brings up another crucial part of not effective. There are specific elegoal making. The reason why someone ments to a resolution anyone can use to is pursuing goals can either make or achieve nearly anything in a year’s time. break them. If it is for negative reasons, For instance, it can not be insanely unsuch as to get revenge, fit in, etc, then reasonable. Unfortunately, you probably chances are it will not work. will not be landing on Mars anytime this S. Laput With a good mindset and goal, the year. However, you could increase your evidence overwhelmingly shows the knowledge on Mars, and how to get a potential and true effectiveness of a degree in aerospace engineering. If you one actually cares about it,” Kosiak said. simple New Year’s resolution. want it badly enough, it can happen.

The main fault with these goals is that There is a reason why New Year’s The number one mistake people seem if you do fail, you feel like a failure. But resolutions are so popular and continue to make is making their goals way too to be used every year. The majority of broad. When being specific, your brain really, it is very difficult to change your lifestyle. people want to change for the better, can more easily believe it is possible, The majority of goals are to break and a new year’s clean slate seems to making it more effective. Cutting up or make habits when in reality, it goes be the perfect time to start the change. larger goals into smaller and more spemuch deeper than that.

The behaviors It is simply a matter of how bad somecific ones show how truly powerful New reinforced since you were a kid will not one wants it, and how they go about it.

Year’s resolutions are. give easily.

Continuous feedback from The question is what will win? Will it In fact, even spending a second regube the bad habits and mindsets embedlarly writing down your goals increases the brain has wired these so-called “habits” to be literal parts of who you ded inside, or the possibility for a future your chances of completing them by are. of your dreams?

42% according to psychologist Gail Matthews. Therefore, New Year’s resolutions can be extremely effective when doing it correctly.

Brooke Helle is a first year staff writer. She hopes to one day be a screenwriter. In her free time, Brooke Harmony Harrison is a Junior and very likes to be around her two cats and play Minecraft. familiar with the idea of setting resolutions.

“I think that if you set a goal and set

S

huntleyvoice.com • 9

opinion politics

Stop putting politicians on pedestals People need to stop idolizing these politicians

person and care less about the party’s ideas.

“At the end of the day, no one is perfect, so that means no politicians

By Ruhi Gulati are perfect either. It’s really importou plop down on the ant to hold any politician, regardless couch and turn on the of their party, responsible for their news, covering a story actions because sometimes they on former President might not vote the way you want, Donald Trump’s latest speech. You pick up your phone and scroll through say something offensive to certain communities, or support a policy Twitter, laughing at the memes on that doesn’t help the greater good,” the latest political riot. Everywhere you go, politics is around you. It is the Hornberg said.

Not only are several constituents constant hum in your ears, always there, whether you choose to ignore blindly defending their candidate, it or not.

However, in these uncertain times, “At the end of the day, no one politics has been difficult to ignore. is perfect, so that means no Tension between Republicans and politicians are perfect either.”

Democrats have never been higher, Kiersten Hornberg inciting attacks across the country, both verbal and physical.

These feelings of violence and hatred stem from a common practice but they are also attacking opposing candidates or their supporters withof voters today: the idolization of politicians. Conservatives and liberals out fully understanding their actions, causing vicious online or verbal arguacross the nation, including Huntley ments to arise. students, tend to place politicians “It’s really easy to attack the on pedestals, defending their every other candidate for things that have move.

Raiders United Making a Difference nothing to do with politics, like their personality or appearance. In reality, member Kiersten Hornberg phraspolitics should be about policies, and es it best. With her experience and how that affects you,” Hornberg said. participation in leadership conferThis whole practice of insulting ences, election volunteering, and Representative Lauren Underwood’s opposing politicians and placing them on pedestals stems from the concept campaigns, Hornberg realized that of political bias, or the tendency to constituents tend to support canlean in a certain direction without didates instead of policies, so they truly understanding the circumstancbecome more attached to a specific

Y

es.

Typically, people are unaware they are politically biased, or even biased in general. For instance, when The Laurel vs Yanny audio was circulating the internet, disagreements exploded throughout the world. The fact that people were arguing over a word proves exactly how biased the human mind is once it believes it is right.

Because of bias, humans become unable to see flaws in their own reasoning judgment.

While bias may be harmless when applied to internet phenomena, it is highly dangerous in political situations, oftentimes blurring the lines between perception and reality.

In a recent study led by a team of Harvard economists, the data collected revealed that rival voters do not only perceive political matters like income inequality through different lenses, but their views distort their basic comprehension of the issues themselves even when accurate information is readily available.

For example, in a survey conducted on American voters, Republicans believed that individuals born in the bottom U.S. income bracket have a 12% chance of living in the top bracket, while Democrats believed that individuals born in the bottom U.S. income bracket have a 10.5% chance. In reality, it is only 7.8% likely that someone born in the bottom U.S. income bracket will live in the top bracket.

Oftentimes, these misconceptions are sparked by social media, with the spread of false stories, imposing bias on young voters or stirring up negaRuhi Gulati is a floating editor for The Voice and it is tive emotions. Social media enables her second year on staff. Check out her video blog “Art individuals to listen to the opinions of of Eating” on huntleyvoice.com. others without further investigating the information present.

10 • the voice january 2021

On the other hand, social media revolutionized how fast information can travel.

RUMAD member Jared Dost, who has participated in election judging twice, claims that social media also encourages young voters to express their right to vote and form an opinion. However, it is still vital that social media users engage with politics safely.

Other than social media, another reason behind increased political idolization is the increasing trend in partisan voting.

“It seems uneducated voters have become obsessed with the title ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat’ without fully analyzing the candidate’s overall views or researching how truthful their claims are,” Dost said.

Nevertheless, when you build a whole government based on a two-party system, partisan voting is bound to happen according to Dost.

While political bias is a natural effect of the American system of government, voters must avoid idolizing political figures in order for democracy to function properly.

The best methods of political bias prevention are to discuss politics with different perspectives and obtain your knowledge from unbiased sources, such as The New York Times,

opinion politics S. Laput

iticians that are working toward the best interests of everyone and not just themselves.

“I understand strong feelings toward a politician, however, no politician should be idolized because, at the end of the day, they are servants “In reality, politics of the public,” Jost said. should be about policies, Therefore, we need to understand and how that affects you.” that politicians are not above us but simply representatives of the AmeriKiersten Hornberg can public. After all, as a new generation of young voters, the future is in the past voting patterns of candidates our hands, but the opinions you form and how you choose to vote is in to understand that they might not yours. support everything you want.

In the end, you should choose polThe Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, BBC, The Economist, and The New Yorker according to Forbes.

Furthermore, you should research

huntleyvoice.com • 11

opinion environment

1. Reduce 2. Reuse 3. Recyle Bringing the focus to reducing and reusing

the public doesn’t know about, like if they have certain prints or they are wet, they won’t recycle them,” sophomore Brianna Ferrara said.

“A lot of times a company won’t take it because there’s foreign stuff on it like food or something else,” biology teacher Benjamin Bertelsman said.

The items that are placed in recycling bins but cannot be recycled end up in landfills, furthering pollution and causing damage to ecosystems and wildlife.

“We don’t know the limits of what we can recycle,” Ferrara said.

“I think if more people truly understood that not everything gets recycled just because you put it in a recycling

to give that up.

“People have become so accustomed to a disposable society that they don’t even think- oh wait, I could just refill,”

By Holly Urbanczyk Kempf said.

Reducing and reusing does not have ecycling should not be to be tricky. Simple things like switchthe main focus for people ing to LED bulbs, turning the water off because it is less effective while brushing your teeth, and not buythan it seems. Instead, ing single-use plastic materials count as the focus should be on reducing and reducing and reusing and really do help. reusing.

“We use Canvas bags as much as Though recycling has made a positive possible.

We have a [water] filter at impact on the environment and should home, and never buy plastic silverware. continue, reducing and repurposing or We have a refrigerator filter that does reusing are much more important in a good job, so we don’t buy plastic helping the earth. In the phrase, “Rebottles,” Bertelsman said. duce, Reuse, Recycle” they are stated in “Who wants to lug around a threeorder from the most important to least. pound steel water bottle all the time?

“Reusing is better than recycling “You’re not going to There are some people that do, but it’s because it saves the energy that comes all about convenience and cost. That change the world, but with having to re-manufacture the prohibits people from [reducing and product. It reduces the amount of you can make a dent.” reusing],” Bertelsman said. waste and pollution because it reduces Benjamin Bertelsman In the long run, the environment the need to make new materials, thereis much more important than convefore saving the forests and even water nience and placing priority with convesupplies,” said Silvana Younan-Shawil, container, people would look to reduce nience could have detrimental effects Environmental Club sponsor. and reuse a lot more,” said Tom Kempf, on the earth.

According to blogseicolumbia.edu, Associate Principal of Operation.

However, becoming more environ“Of the 267.8 million tons of municipal According to NRDC.org, the average mentally conscious does not happen solid waste generated by Americans in person creates four and a half pounds overnight. People need to start forming 2017, only 94.2 million tons were recyof garbage daily. By reducing the these habits now in order to lead succled or composted.” amount of garbage we create, there is cessful, environmentally friendly lives.

However, this does not just mean that less to end up in landfills or be recycled.

“It’s a lifestyle, your carbon footprint.

Americans did not put 173.6 million Placing the focus on reducing the How big is your house? How many cars tons of recyclables into their recycling amount of waste created and then do you have? What’s your diet? Bebins. It also means that of the recyclarepurposing whatever plastics or macause if you eat a lot of fish and beef, ble materials put into their respective terials you do use, is more sustainable. your carbon footprint goes up. How bins, 173.6 million of them did not It is stopping the problem before it much electricity do you use? How many make it to recycling centers and get becomes too huge of an issue; it is pre- people live in your house? What’s your recycled. This is because of a variety of ventative. However, this may come at house made out of, your car?” Bertelsreasons and limitations. the cost of convenience, and, unfortuman said.

“There’s so many different rules that nately, some people may not be willing All of these components go into your carbon footprint and should be kept in mind in order to lead more planet-posHolly Urbanczyk is a staff writer; it’s her first year on itive lives. staff. Check out her video blog “Volunteering around Huntley High School has made leaps Huntley with Holly” on huntleyvoice.com. to becoming a more sustainable school through its recycling programs and by using green energy sources such as

R

12 • the voice january 2021

solar panels for power in the school.

“We do have recycling [at Huntley High School]. The blue bins in the classrooms are commingled recycling. [However,] if a custodian or somebody sees food or something in there they can’t put that into recycling,” Kempf said.

The limitations within the commingling recycling Huntley High School offers makes the actual amount of things that do get recycled much lower than they should be.

“We need to do a better job in the classroom spaces themselves to make sure the materials that land in those bins are recyclable,” Kempf said.

Recycling is a good thing, but there are some drawbacks to it.

“Something always comes in the back end. Like recycling paper, to recycle paper, and to make paper into other paper products, it takes a lot of chemicals.

So, by fixing a problem or working on a problem you’re creating other problems sometimes,”Bertelsman said.

The chemical drawbacks of recycling do not happen with reducing and reusing. Consequently, reducing and reusing also have drawbacks of their own.

“If you’re reducing the use of gasoline and CO2, which is awesome because it is a big problem on Earth, you’re now increasing all these batteries, chemicals, and materials that are needed to make these electric cars,” Bertelsman said.

“You’re always getting hit on every side when you’re trying to do good,” Bertelsman said.

However, according to histonswaste. co.uk, recycling is still helpful for the environment and has been around for almost 1,000 years since the first record of recycling was made in Japan in 1031. “[Recycling] is easy. I know the benefits and see the benefits. You’re not going to change the world but you can make a dent,” Bertelsman said.

Contrarily, according to sophomore Ben Rocks, you have to spend so much energy to recycle things, is it worth the cost of spending all the energy and using all those chemicals? Is the benefit worth the sacrifice?

opinion environment

S. Laput According to National Geographic, in the United States, recycling produces 1.25 million jobs and saves anywhere from 95 to 33% of energy, depending on the material being recycled.

Furthermore, according to Ibre.Stanford.edu generating new products using recycled materials costs less than those made from new materials.

Recycling and using recycled materials both is more energy efficient and costs less than making products from new materials. However, the amount of things that actually end up being recycled compared to the amount put in recycling bins is haunting.

“We put it in our recycling bin and pray that it is recycled because once it’s out of your house, you really don’t know what’s going to happen. The company may say they recycle but whatever is more cost effective to them is what they’ll do,” Bertelsman said.

Because recycling truly isn’t 100% effective, or even super close to that,

reducing and reusing are the way to go.

By preventing waste before it is even made, you save space in a landfill and save an immense amount of resources that could have been wasted by recycling that item.

Overall, reducing, reusing, and recycling are all important, but in that order.

“I really hope that more students understand how important it is to reduce, reuse, and recycle, because it could get a lot worse real fast if we don’t take care of our world around us.” Kempf said.

Be as environmentally friendly as possible, do your part, and focus on reducing your waste first. Then, pivot your attention to the repurposing and reusing aspect. Many ‘single-use’ items can be used multiple times and still be hygienic and safe. Lastly, recycle. Pay close attention to what can and can not be recycled in your area, rinse out your recycling before you put it in the bin, and be conscious of the planet. huntleyvoice.com • 13

opinion restaurants

Expanding restaurant chains Should we place a Chipotle on 47 & Culver’s on Randall?

D

By Delaney Cairns

riving down Illinois 47, it is difficult to miss the outstretched line of cars placed around the blue building where people enjoy butter burgers and custard. This sight is very common at the Culver’s in Huntley due to the high demand for the delicious food and the lack of locations in our area.

Culver’s is not the only restaurant with this issue. Chipotle in Algonquin also suffers from frequent long lines and would benefit from another location nearby.

These lengthy wait times and few other options for customers brings a desperate need for more locations in surrounding towns.

The addition of a Chipotle in Huntley and a Culver’s in Algonquin is an idea worth considering while noticing the current issues regarding these businesses.

Many Huntley students have thought the same as their busy schedules do not leave much time to sit and wait in lines for fast food.

“Culvers has a long line almost every time you are there,” junior Ashianna Trivedi said. “By adding one in Algonquin, there would be less people from Algonquin traveling to Huntley for Culvers and therefore would ease the lines.”

The addition of these restaurants could also bring more job opportunities for students and other people in the community.

When thinking about the health of people in the community, especially during the current state of the pandemic, the idea of good takeout for both time and

S. Laput health must be taken into account. Chipotle can be a healthier, fresher option for many and offers a wide variety of colors and food groups into the meals.

This may be beneficial for the people of Huntley who do not have anything like that nearby.

“By adding Chipotle [in Huntley] it’s not only a healthier alternative but it also helps those of us in Huntley,” Trivedi said.

“With the nearest Chipotle in Algonquin, there is a large line and only wastes peoples’ time.”

Apart from these ideas, there may be other options to help ease lines and help bring more variety to the food options in Huntley and Algonquin.

“We should add another popular restaurant that we don’t have near Huntley to both expand the town and take people away from these long lines… Chick-Fil-A would be great because it would take customers away from those restaurants, and it would bring a lot of business to Huntley since Chick-Fil-A seems to be pretty popular and most people I know drive to Crystal Lake to get it,” senior Emma Kai said.

Chick-Fil-A is another restaurant that seems to be popular among high school students that is decently far to travel for a meal. This proposal may also draw people

Delaney Cairns is a second year staffer on The Voice.

Check out her personality “This is Not Like Irish Dance” video on huntleyvoice.com

14 • the voice january 2021

away from the other lines. Additionally, when arriving at this restaurant, it is common to find a long line there as well.

Of course when taking into account the addition of new restaurants to certain areas, the money and the economy must also be taken into consideration.

“There are many factors involved in a business deciding where to locate. They must consider the area demographics such as population and income levels, they look at population age brackets to see if they match their customer base and… proximity to their other locations,” marketing and recruitment specialist Melissa Stocker said.

Stocker and others have reached out to Chipotle in the past and will continue doing so. “[This is] in an effort to showcase Huntley as a growing community with an existing fan base,” Stocker said.

If any students are passionate about a Huntley Chipotle opportunity, they have an area on their website where consumers can recommend a location.

Both of these restaurants are favorable and bring a sense of hominess to our towns and our high school because of the amount of fundraisers and celebrations that they each hold for the community.

Duplications of these businesses or other businesses to help ease the lines at the current Chipotle and Culver’s should be implemented into future building plans in these towns. This will ultimately improve the future for the citizens of Algonquin, the students of Huntley High School, and ease pressure off these places.

a&e movie

Review of “The Midnight Sky”

The purpose of silence in films

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By Arianna Joob

et in a 2049 arctic research station, the buzz of the machines fill the air. Various screens show different graphs with vibrant colors. It is silent other than the beeping of the microwave. A man, Augustine, sits in the cafeteria to eat another meal alone. With no one for miles and 3 weeks after a global catastrophe, he lives alone within the lifeless walls of the station.

“The Midnight Sky” is a movie directed by George Clooney, who also plays the main character, Augustine. After everyone flees the research station from the global catastrophe, the movie portrays Augustine’s life when he is dying alone.Augustine comes to terms with his death as he sits alone on the end of a hospital bed, while listening to “Tennessee Whiskey.” The audience then finds out that he suffers from cancer.

Despite chemotherapy and other medicine, it is assumed that he is in his final days.

Although one day, a little girl, Iris, comes onto the scene. Left behind and away from her family, she gives Augustine a sense of hope and responsibility.

With the help of Iris, he sends a message to an incoming space shuttle.

The space shuttle, Ether, is returning to Earth to tell the news about discovering a new planet, K-23, but Earth is inhabitable. Therefore, someone needs to inform them to turn away and make a new life for themselves.

Augustine finds the strength to send a message to Ether telling it to turn around with Iris by his side. Augustine is communicating with Sully, the communications director, on the shuttle. He informs Sully of the state of Earth and they recollect past memories when

Courtesy of Netflix Augustine tells Sully his name.

She tells him that she remembers her mom used to work with him. Little does she know that Augustine and her mom were in a relationship and Augustine is her dad. Later, the audience finds out Sully’s real name is Iris Sullivan.

At the end of the movie, the audience realizes that the little girl, Iris, is a figment of Augustine’s imagination. It is a way for him to cope, never having met or seen his real daughter, Iris Sullivan.

This motion picture came to Netflix on Dec. 11 and is a different film than most. Its science fiction genre seems like it would give it a fast pace feel.

Although, a vast majority of the film is spent in silence. It capitalizes on the loneliness someone feels after accepting their death.

Even in the more intense moments, inaudible words, mute screams, and implied actions show the ambiance the movie truly creates. There is a sense of peace in the silence of this movie that many science fiction dramas do not create.

“The Midnight Sky” is an experience not targeted toward everyone. Throughout the movie, the audience must pay special attention to body language and facial expressions. Through these things,

they would interpret the scene. Most things are not spoken out loud in the movie and rarely is anything repeated.

The movie focuses on interpretation.

This causes the motion picture to mean a variety of different things to different people based on how they see the relationships. Although more importantly, how they interpret the silence.

Based on this, people may think the movie was created for award shows like the Oscars. At first glance, without thinking about the movie, it may seem meaningless and boring. If the audience thinks more about the complexity of the movie, the moral or theme is shown.

Silence speaks volumes over words.

This theme is orchestrated through the inaudible intense scenes and frequent silent moments. The unexpected peace in these moments shows what Clooney was trying to compose.

After all, silent movies and productions are a thing born in the past. Music has a lot of power but in the chaos of our world today, sometimes silence has more. Looking at future films, notice the silence. Interpret it. Focus on your thoughts. This may give you a better understanding of the ambiance they create in films today. huntleyvoice.com • 15

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a&e effects

COVID-19 & entertainment

How has the industry been affected by the pandemic?

T

By Brenden Boyle

he entertainment industry has been impacted both positively and negatively by the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown that has occurred for over the past year, and continuing. Not only has the US entertainment industry been affected, but the entertainment industry globally has felt the impact of COVID-19.

The main problem with the film industry is that it involves many people getting into a small or large space and watching a film.

Obviously with the lockdown and quarantine, this is not possible, and many film industry companies are losing money over this, or delaying their release of the film.

“Movies and TV shows just haven’t been the same since the outbreak hit,” junior Jack Tanke said.

Along with this, companies such as GameStop, are losing popularity. Before the outbreak, people would go to a store such as GameStop to purchase a disc version of a video game, but now people can download it digitally from Steam, PlayStation Store, or Microsoft store.

This will cause GameStop to lose overall popularity in the long run, resulting in an inevitable closing.

“GameStop just isn’t as it used to be.

Beforehand, I would go there to buy discs, but now I can just download it from where I want,” said Tanke.

Another big “event” that was impacted was the release of the new PS5 (released on Nov. 15) and Xbox Series X (released on Nov. 10). Most likely, if there was no outbreak, a lot more con-

Oxiq /CC-BY-SA-3.0 A Gamestop having a massive sale. soles would have been purchased from buyers. However, due to the outbreak, stores were forced to have customer capacity, and overall limiting the amount of people purchasing these new consoles.

“Buying video games has been easier since I do not have to leave the house,” Tanke said.

On the other hand, the outbreak has positively affected parts of the entertainment industry.

“Movies and TV shows just haven’t been the same since the outbreak hit.”

Jack Tanke

A big example of this is video gaming. With everyone staying at home, people have more opportunities and time to get on their gaming console or computer to play video games.

Digital companies, such as Steam, Playstation Store, Microsoft Store, etc, have especially excelled during these times.

The reason being is that people do not have to go out of the house to drive somewhere to buy the game. Instead, they can do it from the comfort of their own desk, which is much more convenient.

Furthermore, streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc, have been gaining popularity and members.

The reason for this is because people can not go out and watch movies at a theatre, so instead they stay at home and watch a film from a streaming service.

“I feel like TV shows have gained popularity since the outbreak hit,” Tanke said.

Overall, although the outbreak has been an overall really hard time for everyone, the entertainment industry has had some positive and negative impacts. huntleyvoice.com • 17

a&e music

Best songs of the 2000s

By Molly Baker

From Nicki to Gaga, take a trip down memory lane with the best music of the 2000s

T

he feeling of being a child again. Getting in the back of your parents car, yelling for your mom to turn up the music, the intense vibrations radiating through your ears.

I think we all remember the feeling of being a child again. There were no worries, since school was something most of us looked forward to.

The 2000s was the prime of most of our lives, and to be honest most of the music played during that time shaped us into who we are today. So let us take a trip down memory lane to look at my top 10 songs of the 2000s.

10. “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado.

This song is a classic still heard today.

When relistening to the song years later, I was shocked that my parents let me listen to this with the explicit language. Granted, many of us did not have the knowledge for the words in this song, and we were really in it for the beat.

“Promiscuous” is making a comeback on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube recently. It is not shocking that this catchy song is making a return today and will continue to be popular for years to come.

9. “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj. This was never one of my favorite songs, but catchy nonetheless. I can still sing the song word for word, and have so many memories of making dances with my friends to this song.

Not only was this song a hit, the

18 • the voice january 2021

Daniel Åhs Karlsson, CC BY 3.0 Lady Gaga performing in Stockholm in 2008. music video is what put this on the list.

The crazy outfits, the dancing, and the overall great video is something that has shaped us all in many ways.

8. “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black

Eyed Peas. This song will always bring back great memories for me. This song was always played at middle school and high school dances. It brings back a time, when we did not have COVID-19.

a&e music

Philip Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0 Nicki Minaj at the VMAs back in 2010 I think this song makes everyone remember better times.

7. “Telephone” by Lady Gaga.

The music video, the memories, and Beyoncé made this song even better.

Everything from this song made my childhood. The memories I have from dancing and making iMovie videos to this song are some of the best times I ever had then.

Not only is the song great, but so is Lady Gaga. In some way I give her credit for my interest in fashion. The meat outfit, the egg which she emerged from, and lastly the iconic glass outfit.

They were so out of fashion normas, but she continued to rock them with confidence. She inspired my younger self to be different.

6. “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus.

Let us be honest, we all know the words to this song and probably will for the rest of our lives. This feel good song is something I will always enjoy and remember.

I feel like these were the early stages of Cryus’s music career. This song is one of her best hits, but now she is a musical icon. With most of her music always trending on TikTok, she is making a great comeback.

5. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction. If I am being honest, this song is not what placed them on this list. Their good looks, their good music, and their good fans’ still hoping for a 10 year reunion is what puts them on the list.

I was heartbroken when they did not all have a 10-year comeback as I am sure many other people are. As for now, we will just have to manifest a reunion, for these five gorgeous Brits.

4. “Toxic” by Britney Spears. “I’m addicted to you.” No, I really am addicted to Spears. In the earlier years Britney was everywhere. She had many hits in her earlier days and I hope one day we will get more. Now the only thing we can do is post about #freebritney.

3. “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé. “All the single ladies/Now put your hands up.” Where are all my single ladies? Little did we know when we were younger that this song was so empowering for all women.

The choreography was great in the video, but it was really not about the video. So all my single ladies put your hands up, and enjoy this anthem.

2. “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston. Now this song is one I will always love. There is something about Kingston’s voice that makes the song magical.

Over the years, we have heard less of Kingston on the radio. Although we have seen less of him in the media, he is still releasing music. If you are craving some of him, just jam out to this tune and remember you are one of Kingston’s beautiful girls.

1. “Give Me Everything Tonight” by Pitbull. The nostalgia that this song brings, to so many people, is why it is number one. Even today at parties everyone still yells, “Hey, give me everything tonight.” It is a song that will go down in history and I am sure it will be played at many parties to come, once the pandemic is over.

The 2000s was a great time filled with great music that influenced many of us growing up. These songs are more than music to most.

For some these songs are a feeling or bring back great memories. Whatever this music means to you, enjoy it as another generation of great music is to come. huntleyvoice.com • 19

a&e media

The persona of Kanye West

Dissecting the media’s exploitation of mental illness

problems being indicators of their existence. In search of answers, Donda consulted many mental health experts, most of which suspected bipolar and ADD disorders as explanations for her son’s behavior.

By Owen Zimmerman Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes mood swings of manic highs ll too often Kanye West’s and depressive lows that may last from name appears in the days to months at a time. Highs carry headlines of poorly resymptoms of high energy and loss of ported stories from the touch with reality, where lows include entertainment media. This trend has symptoms of deep depression. continued with rumors of a possible ADD is a disorder that causes impuldivorce between West and his wife Kim siveness and hyperactivity. Those with Kardashian.

The persona the media has created of ADD may struggle to maintain relationWest has been years in the making and, ships and a healthy self esteem. in order to truly understand its truths and falsehoods, a full understanding “West, losing the woman of the artist’s life and mental state is he described as his needed.

West was born on June 8, 1977 to everything, fell into a deep Donda and Ray West. Following his depression and bipolar parent’s divorce at the age of 3 years downturn he has not truly old, West moved to Chicago with his mother. After this point Ray’s role as recovered from.”

Kanye’s father would lose some of its prominence, leading West to heavily As West aged his talent and love for rely on his mother. music grew, along did his love for his From a young age Donda recognized mother.

In his early teens West began the prodigy that her son was and nurproducing beats for Chicago rappers tured his talents. with Donda as his manager. Donda “We were coming back from a short remained West’s manager throughout vacation in Michigan when he was 5, his rise to fame in the late 1990s and and he composed a poem in the backseat,” Donda told the Chicago Tribune. early 2000s while he made beats for “The one line that sticks with me is ‘the legendary artists such as JAY-Z, along trees are melting black.’ It was late fall, with West’s breakthrough debut album “The College Dropout”. and the trees had no leaves. He saw West’s devout love for his mother was how those limbs were etched against seen through his music, most passionthe sky, and he described them the way ately on his track “Hey Mama”, his a poet would.” tribute to her.

Despite West’s undeniable intelli“I said mommy I’ma love you ‘til you gence for his age he oddly struggled don’t hurt no more, and when I’m older, to succeed in school, with his teachers you ain’t gotta work no more, and I’ma describing him as a hyper and uninterget you that mansion that we couldn’t ested student. It was at this point in afford,” West sang.

West’s life that his mental disorders beTragically, Donda unexpectedly passed gan to reveal themselves, his academic

A

20 • the voice january 2021

away on Nov. 10, 2007 due to complications from multiple cosmetic surgeries.

West, losing the woman he described as his everything, fell into a deep depression and bipolar downturn he has not truly recovered from.

West’s mental health would begin to bleed through into the public, which had not happened prior to Donda’s death. West blamed himself for his mother’s death, further intensifying his depression.

“When I moved to LA, she moved to LA. And she wound up in a place that would eat her alive. Even if I had stayed in New York it wouldn’t be like that, she’d still be here,” West wrote in XXL Magazine.

In the months that followed Donda’s passing West began to work on and eventually released one of his most influential projects, “808s and Heartbreak”. The album publicly reveals West’s suffering and struggles with depression, as he questioned the purpose and worth of his existence through his lyrics. The artist’s pain from the loss of his mother was also palpable through the music.

“Goodbye my friend, I won’t ever love again. Never again,” West sang in “Coldest Winter.”

West’s inner turmoil would foreshadow an era of what the media would come to describe as “attention seeking” actions. The well known persona of West’s arrogant character would begin to form, and it was ushered in by an infamous incident at the 2009 Video Music Awards.

West, who was nominated for 4 awards at the event, arrived with a bottle of Hennessy Whiskey in one hand and Amber Rose on his other arm.

By the time awards had begun, West had finished over half of his bottle of Hennessy. His drunken state combined with the severe episode of manic depression following his mother’s death

would create a dangerous perception of reality in the artist’s mind.

West’s mental anguish was beginning to boil over, and unfortunately it was about to reveal itself on national television when West sprung into action and took the mic from Taylor Swift as she accepted the VMA for Best Female Video.

“Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time,” West said.

West was immediately escorted out of Radio City Music Hall, likely unaware of the mistake he had made and its magnitude. The media jumped on the opportunity to destroy West’s reputation following the incident, disregarding the public loss West had endured two years prior. The amount of alcohol West had consumed that night was also left out of many articles.

The one undeniable defense of West’s actions is his bipolar disorder, as those who suffer from it in severe degrees lose touch with reality, his possible ADD and its symptoms of impulsiveness also likely contributed to the event. It is very possible, and even likely, that West genuinely thought what he was doing was morally right.

His abysmal mental state unfortunately clouded his judgement and without his mother to console him he could no longer control himself.

The media refused to consider seeing the incident in this light, the narrative of West destroying a young girl’s dreams was already seeded and the profit and attention it would bring could only solidify it.

Writers would state “sources said” after supplying very damaging information about West. Conveniently the details and simple indicators of the sources’ identity were almost always left out, leaving the reader with no reason to believe in its credibility. Unfortunately, due to the power the media holds, many do not consider these holes in reporting and chose to follow the wave.

a&e media

Phil Romans, CC BY-SA TMZ would begin to constantly misquote West, choosing to soundbyte small portions of his words to damage his reputation. This practice, hand in hand with the faulty sources, would be highly effective in destroying West’s image and would also provide outlets with large amounts of profit.

West, following the advice of his colleague Mos Def, would partake in a self imposed exile. During his retreat he began to assemble “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”, the album’s near perfection would somewhat redeem West’s reputation. However the media’s persona of West was set, and their attacks on him continued to persist.

In 2018, following years of attacks and misquotes, West confirmed to the public that he had been medically diagnosed with bipolar disorder. West’s past

actions would become more understandable to many, however TMZ and Entertainment Tonight would continue to bash West. Often they use his, now confirmed, disorder against him, saying that he has no credibility on any subject and that regardless of his mental state his actions must be malicious.

What West does in his manic episodes is not forgivable, however in light of his mental illness and immense loss, he should be met with grace. West’s public confirmation of his battle with bipolar disorder should only reinforce this belief.

Understanding West’s mental state should quite easily enlighten a reader to see the flaws in the media’s portrayal of him and furthermore make them realize that the largest effect of the entertainment media is its suffocating toxicity. huntleyvoice.com • 21

humans of “Stay strong. Don’t give up.

Do what you think is right and follow in your own footsteps, not others.”

Gillian Dobiecki • Junior “[My stepmom] is someone I want to be when I’m older. She is confident, brave, and overall just a strong, independent woman.”

interviewed by Ally Berens | photographed by Sydney Laput 22 • the voice january 2021

HUNTLEY “I’m a country kid that loves to get muddy and have fun.”

Hunter Dalby • Sophomore “Put full effort forward, it’ll help you. Actually try with what you do.”

photographed by Sydney Laput | interviewed by Ally Berens huntleyvoice.com • 23

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feature theatre

HHS hosts remote theatre contest Theatre students keep the stage alive online

S

By Sophia Coronado

he carefully places butterfly clips in her hair and laughs with her brother as he records his audition. She spends the next few hours sitting in her room, wondering what monologue she should use for her own audition. Finally bringing herself to record late at night the next day, she places the butterfly clips back in her hair, sets up her lights and records a dozen times, hoping to perform and submit the perfect audition.

“Auditioning, I believe, brings out the worst in every actor with all the stress of the unknown. I get what I call the ‘jitterbugs’ where I fidget and sway where normally acting, I would never,” sophomore Kenzie Blake said.

Another thespian follows the same preparation process. Sophomore Isabel Kusiolek carefully chooses her monologue out of the list she is given, practices the lines for a few days, and records her audition to submit through Flipgrid.

“To be honest, it wasn’t that different from the usual preparation, at least for me. We were given a few monologues to choose from, so I chose one, practiced the lines for a few days, then recorded it and sent it in,” Kusiolek said.

Blake and Kusiolek are only two out of the many thespians auditioning for this year’s remote contest show. The contest and group interpretations are “The Disappearance of Daniel Hand” by Dan O’Brien and “Metamorphoses” by Mary Zimmerman.

The shows are the same as last year’s due to being paused by the pandemic, and the original cast will be able to keep their roles or audition again to upgrade to a better casting.

Provided to the students interested in auditioning for the shows were QR codes to direct students to audition instruc-

A. Hoglind Kenzie Blake practicing for her audition. tions. Students were instructed to submit auditions via google forms, then submit a Flipgrid audition of their performance of one of the monologues or audition sides.

First casted as a freshman, Blake was to have a role in “Metamorphoses,” but the show had been discontinued due to COVID-19. Because of the resumption of the show, she is able to audition for “Daniel Hand” and “Metamorphoses” for better roles.

“I’ve been in a full show, but this is the same one. We’re starting rehearsals over with new cast members to fill the spots of seniors who had left. I had auditioned to upgrade into a bigger role, hence why I was already casted prior,” Blake said.

It is Kusiolek’s first time auditioning for a theatre contest as well.

“Last year I decided to audition for the musical instead since those two overlap. I’ve never had an opportunity to do a theatre contest other than in high school,” Kusiolek said.

A typical in-person audition consists of three main forms: preparing to recite a monologue and to later participate in an unexpected activity, choosing a monologue and song to perform for musical

auditions, or improvising auditions.

Both Blake and Kusiolek found remote auditions to be more difficult than in-person auditions. It is apparent that the easier access to audition forms and submission still do not make up for the lack of the typical auditioning experiences in school.

“In-person [auditions are] much more stressful, but so much more fun. The energy is incredible and all the games and conversations in and out of the audition room are the most fun I’ve ever had,” Blake said.

“Even though it was less nerve wracking, it’s just more fun to audition in-person. Plus, the directors can see more of you and there aren’t any technological errors,” Kusiolek said.

The theatre contest will take place in the middle of March, and information is soon to be released regarding how much recording for performances will be done in the HHS Black Box with microphones, face masks and social distancing.

The show is extremely important for students who are in need of an escape from a lack of performances due to quarantine. huntleyvoice.com • 25

feature health

A peek at the vaccine of hope

Local health care worker gets the new COVID-19 vaccine

S. Laput

I

By Brandon Smalley t has now been nine and a half months since the initial lockdown began. The fear, the anxiety, the wonder of when the pandemic would blow over was, and still is, on everyone’s mind. It has objectively been a difficult year for students, staff, and residents as people try to carry on with their new lives.

But there is hope out there, and hope rests on the shoulders of new vaccines which already are being implemented all throughout the country.

Recently, healthcare workers and first line responders all over the country were given the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine so that they could keep themselves and others safe. This new vaccine has reached its way into the Huntley community and Huntley healthcare workers are already lining up for a shot that could save lives.

Mary Beth Book, a healthcare worker in the Huntley area, is the first of many healthcare workers in the area able to receive the vaccine that has been manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

According to the Center of Disease Control, the Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective in preventing illness in those who did not have the COVID-19 virus prior.

“If we all do our part it will make us all safer if we all get the vaccine,” Book said.

There is an immense truth to that statement. It will take the cooperation of everyone to do it, a little time, but eventually this will help the community heal.

26 • the voice january 2021

Mary Beth Book after a long work day. “[This vaccine is] no worse than any other vaccine,” Book said.

It is simply just a shot you would get at any other pharmaceutical store such as CVS or Walgreens.

“The mild side effects a vaccine can bring such as nausea, and stomach issues. Other side effects may include tiredness, chills, and headaches, which is just a small price to pay to help the community,” Book said.

“If we all do our part, it will all make us safer if we all get the vaccine.”

Mary Beth Book

According to Book, she received the vaccine in the stockroom.

“It was weird, because of all of the food and everything was back there too,” Book said.

Now while initially it may seem odd that Book received that vaccine in the stockroom, the Pfizer vaccine must be kept at a minimum of 35 degrees fahr-

enheit so that the mRNA in the vaccine does not break down.

With this vaccine and newer vaccines well on their way, the light at the end of the tunnel finally begins to show.

More people like Book must receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can to prevent the spread of this menace that has quite literally been plaguing the world for the past nine and a half months.

However, just because people have the vaccine does not mean precautions do not need to be followed. It is still vital to wash and sanitize your hands whenever possible, and to wear a mask in public.

“I think that the more people get it the better we’ll all be and it’s going to take some time for everyone to get it.

I think it’s important so at some point we don’t have to keep taking all these precautions,” Book said.

It will take time for everyone to get the vaccine and it will take time for the community to heal, but it is still important for everyone to stay strong, because hope is coming.

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huntleyvoice.com • 27

feature depression

Behind seasonal depression

Three students open up about seasonal depression’s effects

the things you absolutely adore to do.

Hanging out with friends or playing video games sometimes seems like too much work.

Bahn finds herself pushing herself much harder than usual to get out since

By Alyssa Borring hanging out with her friends is what makes her feel less depressed. That is ou wake up five minutes her happy place. before class begins and The mental game and fight with stumble out of your bed. yourself can be exhausting. Constantly You slowly walk to your feeling the lows, even when you are at bathroom for an effortless morning your best. The constant mix of negativiroutine.

“I will overthink to the ty floods the mind like a tsunami.

Then, when returning back to your “I will overthink to the point where I point where I make myself bedroom to bury yourself back undermake myself feel unworthy even when I feel unworthy even when neath the covers, you begin staring at a am not in a depressive episode,” Behles Chromebook screen for a day of remote I am not in a depressive said. learning. The teacher begins talking, Depression is like a blood-sucking episode.” but it sounds like a faint echo. leach. You may feel completely fine, Outside, the seasons are changing, Jake Behles but it can be secretly nagging on you, as soon as the warm, bright summer depriving you of positivity. changes to the cold, brisk winter, it When Behles finds himself at his hightakes away a student’s concentration, est, he can still sense the depression “[It has caused] me to lose [...] pasmotivation, and exhilaration. trying to seep through the surface. sion for things I typically love to do. It A once busy, thinking mind is now full The mood tends to change more really affects my grades because I lose of static, eyes burning, muscles aching, motivation to do any work or even go to frequently during the winter, especially and heart-burning. when the time slowly passes by. class,” Bahn said.

Three students can find a connection As soon as the clock turns 5 o’clock, Losing motivation means you have with this feeling, which is known as the sun slowly turns into a black hole, little to no desire to do anything, even seasonal depression. leaving behind the gloomy moon barely peeking from behind the curtains of clouds.

The darkness that lowers self-esteem, motivation, and desire starts to sneak into their bedroom. Why does one’s chest take on the heavy pressure of the winter? “..I am filled with sadness, emptiness, and loneliness that I do not feel in the summer,” Tatone said.

Taking on that heavy pressure takes a heavy toll on students like Tatone.

The pressure pushes intense negative emotions that swarm the brain like a hive of bees.

Unwanted thoughts that make someone feel like they are drowning in their own head.

S. Laput

Y

28 • the voice january 2021

These students are seniors Jake Behles, Clare Bahn, and Gianna Tatone.

They find themselves struggling much more in the winter than at any other time.

According to Bahn, she has known she had it since her sophomore year. She started off by noticing a sudden shift in her attitude and behavior towards everyone when the seasons started changing.

Behles can find an understanding with Tatone as according to him he experiences little to no depression in the summer.

However, in the winter, it is much more blown out. It strains his mental health greatly.

With this depression, it is hard to remember the positives in life along with healthy coping mechanisms.

You feel so alone like an outsider in your own community. This makes it hard to remind yourself that your mind is lying to you.

Samatha Meinert, a counselor at our high school, has worked with students with this depression. She reminds us of some things we can do during dark times.

“As hard as it may be during the cold days of winter, getting outside during the day is so important! Even on gloomy days, you are receiving natural

“As hard as it may be during the cold days of winter, getting outside during the day is so important! Even on gloomy days, you are receiving natural light exposure, which is sure to lift your mood”

Samatha Meinert

too little or too much, eating too much or too little, loss of interest in things, persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts, light exposure, which is sure to lift your it is important that you reach out to mood,” Meinert said. a trusted doctor for a diagnosis and Doing things like going to Starbucks, treatment. going for a drive, or even going outside If that seems too fast-paced to reach to get your mail exposes you to fresh out right away to a doctor, try to reach air and some natural sunlight. Things out to a trusted adult, friend, or counlike meditation and yoga can help you selor. In the end, no one is in this alone. practice mindfulness.

These three teenagers have battled According to Meinert, if anyone this throughout high school and are thinks they are experiencing pervasive standing stronger than ever. mood shifts or behavioral changes that No one deserves to fight this battle include: trouble concentrating, sleeping alone, not even you, especially when

feature depression S. Laput

this battle gets harder as the light outside turns to dark.

Then, as the night finishes, you turn off your Chromebook and plug it back in. You fight yourself to get out of bed one last time to wash your face and brush your teeth As you stare in the mirror, you feel nothing, but a deep pit of emptiness.

There are no thoughts, no emotions, or no feelings.

Then, with shoulders shrugged, groggy eyes, heavy chest, you roll back into bed wondering when you will be able to finally fall asleep this night. huntleyvoice.com • 29

feature involvement

High school years spent well A look inside of a junior’s activity packed life

and trying new things, one of her big passions is science.

“I’ve loved science for as long as I can remember. I still remember watching nature documentaries on certain animals, especially sharks, and I was just fascinated by all the creatures,” Holterhaus said.

Holterhaus is involved in the medical club HOSA, but has not met as a group or had any zoom meetings this year.

One of the main things that they focus on is dissections but with the way this year has been due to the pandemic, it has not been possible to meet up.

“You can’t really just give someone a

go back to school at this point. Then we are also waiting to see with Prom, because once again we have no idea if we’re going to go back one day and have to go back into quarantine,” Holterhaus said.

By Nikki Darnall She definitely looks forward to olly Holterhaus is a 5-foot Buddies Club meetings though, as they 4-inch junior at Huntley always put a smile on her face. She High School with brown applauds how connected the members hair and deep blue eyes. can get, even if it is through zoom.

On the outside she appears to be a Buddies Club has found ways to have normal student but on the inside she is welcoming and laid-back vibe with all a time-management superhero. the crafts they do. So far they have From the second freshmen walk tie-dyed official club t-shirts, colored into the school, teachers and faculty pictures, and in upcoming meetings will promptly encourage students to take be creating personalized snow globes. advantage of our school’s never-ending “We are meeting online in little “It’s just amazing to see list of sports, clubs, and out of school breakout rooms. I think that’s so cute, activities. It provides a way to get what you can really do everyone’s like ‘draw a picture’ and involved and can help many students once you get involved.” when you [hold] it up, you’re like ‘this is find their passion in life and better their my picture’,” Holterhaus said.

Holly Holterhaus community; but Holterhaus takes this As she juggles all of these extracurricto a whole new level. ulars, grades, and a job, her schedule Holterhaus took this advice to bedead pig and say ‘here you go’,” Holter- can get crowded: especially with the come involved and since then she has haus said. pandemic affecting all aspects of life. never been more happy with her life.

In addition Science Olympiad and “Normally everything’s almost like Since freshman year Holterhaus has Speech both meet online, and while staggered to as soon as marching band, become so involved with her school Holterhaus loves the content and the speech, and Science Olympiad start and community that she is part of 12 topics, she misses the social aspect. then Prom starts happening and then activities: Vice President of Student “Then for Science Olympiad instead for NCD we do like a yearly retreat at Council, president on a student counof going to a high school and getting that time,” Holterhaus said. “So it’s kind cil that involves our district and a few to do different events and meeting of all staggered so we don’t have to others, Marching Band, Pep Band, with your partners, we are taking tests worry about like, ‘I have a band compePrincipal’s Student Leadership Counonline. So I get to sit there for an hour tition and a science olympiad competicil, Buddies Club, Link Crew, Science long test,” Holterhaus said. tion and a student council meeting’. So Olympiad, Speech Team, Silvercord Although Holterhaus is disappointed luckily that doesn’t happen too often.

Program, Health Occupations Students that we did not have the Homecoming And when it does you can just know of America, and graduated from Leader- this fall she is happy with her work as which one’s more important.” ship Greater McHenry County.

Vice President of Student Council so far.

It can get difficult for Holterhaus to “I know a lot of people join clubs be- She planned the drive-in movie in the hang out with her friends because like cause they’re like, ‘oh college applicafirst semester, which was a huge sucher they are also in an array of different tions,’ although that is kind of how I was cess, and her and her team have many clubs and activities. When her friends my freshman year. I was like ‘oh I will other socially distanced events that will are free Holterhaus is always busy, so try this because even if I only do it for hopefully start up in the spring. the main time they can hang out is over a year and I don’t like it, I can say that I “In the beginning of the year we were any breaks or every once in a while tried it’. Then I ended up falling in love hoping to do a spring [Homecoming] there will be a random weekend when with everything I was doing,” Holterinstead. I think we are just trying to their free time perfectly matches up. haus said. wait and see what happens when we “We normally hang out a lot over the Besides her love for being involved

H

30 • the voice january 2021

feature involvement

A. Hoglind Holly Holterhaus makes time in her busy schedule to play the tuba. summer, so it can be kind of difficult towards the winter middle of it all, but by that point, we just occupy ourselves so much that we don’t even really notice,” Holterhaus said.

In the end Holterhaus loves all that she is involved in and would not trade it for anything. Her experiences have

made her who she is today and she is proud of all she has accomplished.

“You can get to a certain point where you’re so stressed out about school and it’s nice to have fun with friends that you make and work towards a common goal. Especially in Student Council, I work with some great people, and I

feel like I’m really making a difference,” Holterhaus said. “Like when I planned Homecoming last year you get to see everything get put together. You get to make it happen and you get to go and just witness how much fun everyone has. It’s just amazing to see what you can really do once you get involved.” huntleyvoice.com • 31

feature cosplay

Behind the scenes of cosplay

Two cosplayers influence each other’s platforms on Tik Tok

any type of media.

Cosplay tik tok videos typically consist of lip-synching and animated movements to create the illusion of a real fictional character. The process of choosing these fictional characters simply depends on the cosplayer’s personal preference.

By Amelia Pozniak “My top two factors [when choosing enior Avi Schwank sits in a character to cosplay] are their design her basement’s studio. Her and their personality,” Schwank said. studio-level ring lights bright- “There are some characters who I en her complexion as she cosplay, and I really don’t like how they settles in against her desk to begin her act. I don’t like their personality, I don’t makeup. like their voice, but I’ll really love their She specifically applies her concealer, design.” carves her nose with contour, and careSchwank’s journey with cosplaying fully sharpens her iconic winged liner began at the age of 12. Although social with a Q-tip.

As she puts her thick hair in a wig cap, her face is soon surrounded by “There are some characters big, blonde curls. She pulls up her who I cosplay, and I really fishnet armbands, clasps her choker don’t like how they act. I necklace, and sets up her phone.

She is ready to create the content don’t like their personality, that her Tik Tok fans have been waiting I don’t like their voice, but for and to embody her favorite characI’ll really love their deter: Junko Enoshima. sign.”

Because of influencers like Schwank, newer cosplayers such as junior Lexi Avi Schwank Egan have built an understanding of the world of cosplay. media was quite different in 2015, her Egan explains that without an inspir- exposure to popularity and other cosing friend like Schwank, she does not players started on Instagram. know if she would have ever built the Watching other cosplayers, animes, confidence to begin her new favorite and finding certain comfort characters hobby. sparked her interest in starting her own “I remember being at [theatre] recollection of costumes, wigs, contacts, hearsals and Avi was telling me about and accessories. her Tik Tok. We pull it up, and she’s got Now, Schwank has over 125,000 all this content and followers; I was in followers on Tik Tok and over 3 million awe by this,” Egan said. “The more that likes. we talked about cosplay and got closer “The fact that I have the ability to as friends, I was suddenly like, it’d be make myself present a character in my of NBCreally cool if I started doing this.” own way and get positive feedback According to the two cosplayers, from my followers makes me feel like cosplay is a form of expression that I can continue to have that [positive] involves dressing as any character from

S

32 • the voice january 2021

energy,” Schwank said.

As for Egan, her excitement began about a month ago - initiating her purchase of her three favorite wigs, colored contacts from Amazon, and a dress inspired by her favorite character from the anime “Kakegurui.”

“Right now, since I’m new at it, I’m trying to get more into my comfort zone. I’m mainly cosplaying comfort characters,” Egan said. “I eventually want to step out of my comfort zone and go for more intermediate looks.

Despite her initial struggles, such as figuring out how wig caps work and where to purchase accessories, Egan quickly gained followers on Tik Tok as well, reaching 10,000 fans within weeks of creating content.

“When I get into cosplay, I completely embody a different character. It’s like theatre; you don’t feel like you because you embody the character that you’re playing,” Egan said. “It’s the same thing when you’re in full cosplay.

In a way, you’re somebody else in that moment.”

As the two girls have provided each other with support and encouragement, they feel extremely motivated to further pursue their platforms.

Having a supportive family and friends helps to ease their anxiety about portraying themselves publicly in costume. Much of the criticism they receive is strictly from trolls or haters on their social media platforms.

“Some people just hate certain characters I cosplay,” Schwank said. “[I’ve received] a lot of criticism on my body type, weight, and facial features … no matter how minimal, once it has become something on my Tik Tok, I’ll get hate for it. There are people who will create issues simply to create issues.”

According to Schwank, cosplay has recently become more mainstream; partially due to quarantine boredom,

feature cosplay

S. Laput Schwank and Egan in their cosplay costumes ready to pose. and partially due to the recent rise of Tik Tok’s popularity.

“Before Tik Tok, you could be an amazing cosplayer and you would still get made fun of. Back then, it was referred to as “geeky” and “nerdy,” Schwank said. “Now people are realizing that you can make money off of this, and that some very attractive people cosplay. It’s become a lot easier for people to accept.”

Despite feeling initial embarrassment about the hobby, both cosplayers feel very proud of the content they create and enjoy making a positive impact on their following. Cosplaying has begun to improve their self-confidence.

“I used to get a little embarrassed because my content isn’t the best it can be yet. I’m getting more comfortable with it, but since I am just starting out, sometimes I feel like if I’m not the

best I just shouldn’t be doing it,” Egan said.

However, experiencing these obstacles has fortunately taught the influencers about realistically meeting expectations and how to help new cos-

“If you’re really interested in anything, whether it be cosplay or not, just go for it. Do it if it makes you happy. Do it if it makes your day better.”

Lexi Egan players accomplish certain goal.

According to Egan, the social media aspect of cosplay can sometimes cre-

ate unrealistic expectations for excited newcomers.

“Give it time. You can’t expect a ton of followers within the first time that you cosplay. You can’t give up, even if it’s not getting as much attention as other creators,” Egan said. “I personally know that it’s taking some time [to build a platform], but I realized that it takes a lot of dedication to reach those goals.”

As Schwank has dealt with similar obstacles since her early adolescence, she can confirm that receiving criticism from others is not always easy, but accomplishing personal achievements can be incredibly rewarding.

“If you’re really interested in anything, whether it be cosplay or not, just go for it,” Schwank said. “Do it if it makes you happy. Do it if it makes your day better.” huntleyvoice.com • 33

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sports baseball

Bakes commits to Division I

Sophomore Ryan Bakes will attend the University of South Carolina

S

By Grace Helzer

itting down at his brightly lit kitchen table, sophomore Ryan Bakes prepares himself to make one of the biggest decisions of his life. Palms sweaty and nerves kicking in, Bakes takes a deep breath in an attempt to calm down his racing mind. Pulling out his phone, Bakes dials the number of a particular college coach. The phone sends one last loud ring before the coach picks up. Bakes takes one final deep breath to alleviate his mind before accepting an offer to the University of South Carolina to play division one baseball.

“I’ve been playing [baseball] since I was 4 or 5 years old, but college baseball has been a goal of mine since I was about 9 or 10,” Bakes said.

“I realized that it would be something I wanted to do and try to get far in so I wanted to play at [the highest] level against the best competition possible,” Bakes said This positive attitude paid off in the long run after Bakes received a total of 10 offers from colleges such as the University of Iowa, Kansas State, and various other prestigious colleges as just a sophomore in high school.

“Ryan is athletic, strong, and [is] a mature individual for his age. He is a tireless worker and a consummate teammate,” varsity baseball coach Andy Jakubowski said.

“Ryan is going to the SEC, the best baseball conference in the nation. He is going to be competing against the best in the nation but he is going to continue to work hard to have an opportunity to

Courtesy of Ryan Bakes Bakes steps up to bat. compete,” Jakubowski said.

The opportunity to be recognized by multiple colleges is every serious athlete’s dream.

“It was just so surreal to be talking to some of my dream schools about baseball and receiving offers that were hard to turn down. I was really building a bond with all these coaches, having calls with multiple different schools almost every day,” Bakes said.

Although given this extremely rare opportunity to talk to various coaches, this experience would be more thrilling if not for the pandemic. However, Bakes maintained a positive outlook on the whole situation.

“COVID slowed my recruiting process down a little bit because they wouldn’t allow coaches to scout games. Because of COVID coaches were given the chance to watch games on the internet.

I knew that was my chance to prove the player I was. I [played well] and then that’s when colleges started blowing up my coach’s phone wanting me to call them,” Bakes said.

“I think COVID actually helped me as a player because I knew that [we were

in] a time where you either got out of bed and got your work done or you became lazy and didn’t do anything. I knew what I wanted and really focused on my goal, and in the end, it all came together,” Bakes said.

However much hard work and dedication Bakes has put into the game, he continues to thank his twin brother and his parents for the player he is today.

“Ever since I was little, my dad has taught me everything I know. He’s supplied me with everything I need to be able to reach my goals and is always there when I need him,” Bakes said.

“My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. She has been there for me through the highs and lows of my career,” Bakes said.

Baseball has essentially been Bakes main focus for almost his entire life.

With sincere hard work and determination, Bakes has reached the goal he has been working towards since he was 9 years old; to play college baseball.

“I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me through my career. It is so surreal to be where I am today, I am just so grateful,” Bakes said. huntleyvoice.com • 35

sports bowling

Pandemic impacts bowling team Coach Wagner and the team speak out about the IHSA cancelations

A

By Jacey Sola

s he steps up to the approach, he blocks out all the noise around him and focuses on what he is doing. The glossy, pinewood floor under his feet as he takes a few steps before releasing the glistening bowling ball. The ball smoothly falls out of his grip and he eagerly watches, until the ball hits the middle cone. Strike!

Screams of joy erupt and everything gets loud. This is the excitement that boys bowling coach James Wagner and the team experience when playing the amazing sport of bowling.

This is Wagner’s first season as the Huntley High School boys bowling coach.

He has been bowling ever since he was 5 years old. He played for his high school’s team when he was a senior.

He and his team were able to finish 7th in a state tournament after winning their regional and sectional championships.

He also received the conference individual award for his team.

As a first-year program, they were able to win a conference championship and all five varsity bowlers were placed in the top 10 for individual placement. Bowling has been a very important part of Wagner’s life and continues to be.

“I have been bowling since I was a toddler, so I have always had a passion for the sport... My high school was lucky enough to get a bowling team when I was a senior..Being a part of that team was very special to me. I hope to bring that same team mentality and some of the guys grow the same type of friendships that I built years ago,” Wagner said.

The pandemic has interfered with many plans for the season. Winter sports 36 • the voice january 2021

games and tournaments have been postponed and canceled by the Illinois High School Association. This has also affected the bowling season and many bowling tournaments, including the meets, have also been canceled.

“I think that COVID-19 has affected us all in some shape or form. As of right now, we are not able to practice or meet in person as a team due to COVID-19,” Wagner said.

IHSA has also canceled practices, but the bowling team was able to have practice for a week before the cancelations.

During these practices, they had to follow the proper protocols and had to wear masks while social distancing.

Despite the restrictions, the boys did a great job of communicating and got the best out of their short time together.

“From what I have seen so far, we have a talented group of young men inside and outside of the alley. They are passionate, work hard, and have a positive upbeat attitude even with everything going on. I look forward to getting back to practice and adding to the success that the boys have had in the past,” Wagner said.

According to Wagner, being a new coach had its difficulties. The team only had one week to prepare before being postponed. The team also has not been able to form a bond or get to know each other yet in this short time.

“I like to think that I know a lot about the student-athletes on the team, but in reality, we have only practiced about 5 times and most of that is getting to know the guys and building up a coach/player relationship,” Wagner said.

The IHSA cancelations have majorly impacted the team members. Many seniors on the team are not able to play and enjoy the sport during their last year.

Senior Jerik Alcasid also spoke about the impacts that the pandemic had on the team. According to Alcasid, COVID-19 has gotten in the way of having the opportunity to get to know other teammates and form bonds with them.

S. Laput Coach Wagner outside the place where they usually practice. “[The impact had its] good ways and bad ways. Good ways [include] having more time for activities and to focus on my own future since I’m a senior and heading to college. [While the] bad ways [include] feeling lazy..to do things..winter, in terms of activity, is [my] worst, so I had bowling to get me up in the morning,” Alcasid said.

Bowling has been a big part of the lives of the whole team. Unfortunately, the team will not be able to participate in this exciting sport.

The team will truly miss participating in the exciting and interesting sport. The enjoyment of bowling is not only from playing it, but it is also from the connections and bonds the team makes with each other.

“The excitement comes from the guys.

The guys being there for eachother through the good and the bad, that’s what it is about, the hype, the noise the pin makes when someone throws a strike and the entire team goes loud. It’s something special to be a part of and I am grateful to have this game for me and the guys I get to coach for,” Wagner said.

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sports lacrosse

COVID has nothing on LAX New girls lacrosse coach overcomes pandemic challenges

back until April 19, and games would start May 3. Until then, what will the girls lacrosse team be doing?

For starters, the players have welcomed their new head coach, Joseph Domka. Domka has been coaching girls

By Maggie Kirwin lacrosse at Huntley for five years, but fter months of open gyms, this will be his first year as the varsity head coach. workouts, and practice “I’m super excited to do it. I think I’ve miles, it was finally time built a decent attitude with the girls and for the girls lacrosse stuff like that. They respect me, and I’m season to begin at Huntley High School. super pumped for it. I think it’s going to For two weeks, the three teams pracbe fun. Hopefully, the season happens, ticed through the rain and cold, all so but I’m ready for it and excited for it,” they could have as much field time as possible to prepare for their upcoming Domka said.

Once players are allowed to pracgames. However, everything changed when the district announced all schools would be shutting down for two weeks due to COVID-19.

“We hadn’t even played our first game yet when our season was cut short, and I was sad I couldn’t experience that,” Mia Schmauder, freshman-sophomore attackman, said.

S. Laput Players held onto the hope that everything would go back to normal after Schmauder poses with a LAX stick this short break, but they were sadly mistaken. Governor Pritzker announced tice in person, Domka has some new that a stay at home order would be in changes to the program to help the girls effect until May 30. On April 21, the become better players and athletes.

Illinois High School Association an“I think it comes to just how we nounced that spring state tournaments practice, maybe getting a little more were cancelled, and summer contact in depth with the basics [of lacrosse], days were postponed. as well as not just doing what we’re “When [our season] was canceled used to. Last year was the first year for good, I felt frustrated because the we brought in weight lifting [and] stuff coaches and players considered this year’s varsity team ‘a dream team.’ We like that. I’m going to try to introduce a couple of things and change it up for us were all expecting an amazing season as athletes,” Domka said. because our team was made up of Until the girls can get on the field, hard-working women, most of which Domka and the other coaches have were seniors who inspired our confiutilized Google Classroom for players to dence and dedication,” Kyleigh Higgins, post their workouts in order to stay fit. varsity midfielder, said.

In order to encourage the girls to stay Now, eight months later and the only active, Domka has also been posting his official dates that were announced own workouts. were back in July when the IHSA said “He is always encouraging the team, that girls lacrosse would be pushed

A

38 • the voice january 2021

and I like how he posts his workout activities on Google Classroom too. It’s nice to have a coach that participates with the team instead of just telling us to do something that they won’t do themselves,” Higgens said.

While using Google Classroom has been a success this year, the biggest struggle for the program is getting new players involved.

“This year seems very difficult just to get information across to people. Typically, we have meetings at school before the season, but without being able to do that, the only girls we are able to reach out to are the ones who have been on the team before,” Domka said.

Even with the uncertainty of when their season can officially begin, players are still hopeful. Higgens is most looking forward to having the ability to play with the Class of 2021, one thing she missed out on last year.

“I am most excited about playing on varsity with some of my closest friends.

One of my friends is a senior this year, and we have been looking forward to playing on the same team for a couple of years now. As for my other friends my age, I am super excited to continue playing with them,” Higgins said.

Despite all of the difficulties, players and coaches have been able to be flexible and stay positive. So, until the team can practice together again, they can at least stay connected from a distance.

“Obviously, this season has been different because of everything going on, but the ability to use technology brings everyone together and puts trust in people to do what they’re supposed to outside of school. Typically, we’re sitting in practice telling [the girls] what to do, but now we have the ability to put a little bit of pressure on you guys to see what you guys do. It’s totally different, but it has brought us, as a team, a little bit closer in a way that we are not used to,” Domka said.

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huntleyvoice.com! huntleyvoice.com • 39

sports softball

HHS softball player commits

Alex Kiriakopoulos will attend Elmhurst University

W

By Brooke Hamann

atery but keen are her eyes; that of which the sun and her competitive-like nature take responsibility for. The bright rays, blinding, meet her eye level but remain unsuccessful at creating a diversion.

The brown-eyed beauty, her eye-black, cracking near the square edges. The baby hairs near her temples and along her hairline, appear in distress, but add to her intensity.

Glancing quickly to the pitcher, she sees the start of the wind-up; the batter has been summoned. She crouches low to the dirt and leans forward, all weight on the balls of her feet. Out of the corner of her left eye, the only spot on the field that mattered, her

territory: first base.

Time feeling as though a stand still, the ball is abruptly pitched and hit, finding the third-base line. With the crowd roaring and coaches antsy, it is swiftly pocketed into the shortstop’s glove. In a hastil glance to her teammate at short, she knows what must be done. The ball is cannoned to first, as senior Alex Kiriakopoulos performs the ultimate maneuver, the splits. All in milliseconds, Kiriakopoulos hears her favorite words any ball player is desperate to hear when playing infield: OUT! Kiriakopoulos is a returning veteran for the Huntley Red Raiders 18u softball team. Although, unlike her peers and even other athletes, her passion for the sport started long before any middle or highschool teams.

“I started [softball] when I was 6. My brother had actually played baseball for the longest time and I didn’t want to play softball. I wanted to be my own person, I didn’t wanna copy my brothers but, then I ended up playing,”

Kiriakopoulos said.

Before her experimentation with the game, Kiriakopoulos attempted various other sports as a child but, she did not feel as confident in her athletic abilities as she did when first introduced to the game by her brothers and her dad.

“Before I started, I tried so many different sports. Literally, like tennis, volleyball, ice skating. I tried a lot and I was never good at any of them. And then, I tried softball and I wasn’t so terrible,” Kiriakopoulos said.

“I’ll have to give credit to my brothers. They for sure played a big part in that. My dad too. My dad definitely convinced me and he always wanted me to play so he was a big part of that.”

In partaking in such a fast pace and skillful athletic, Kiriakopoulos devoted much of her time to practicing, as she so strongly believed that there is always room to improve. She also prioritized strength workouts at home, despite being in quarantine.

Kiriakopoulos posing with her bat.

S. Laput 40 • the voice january 2021

“I have an unfinished basement so when I’m practicing on my own, that’s where I practice. I have a whole net and stuff,” Kiriakopoulos said.

“My dad used to be a bodybuilder, so there’s a lot of weights down there.

You kind of have to keep up with the strength part in order to be an athlete in my opinion.”

Kiriakopoulos began playing with the Huntley Red Raiders at the age of 12. In playing many years for the team, it gave her the chance to meet many girls; most of which till this day, she considers her best friends, even family.

“They’re like another family to me.

Since day one, I’ve created like sisters ya know. I adore every single person that I’ve ever played with, they’re all such great people,” Kiriakopoulos said.

As any ball player knows, finding the position that suits you best is crucial when it comes to gameplay. In Kiriakopoulos’ case, her position sort of found its way to her; love at first play.

“I’m primarily a first baseman. I can’t play anywhere else anymore.

That’s all I’ve been playing. I guess my coaches just put me there and I was like, ‘okay I guess I’ll try it out’, and I ended up loving it. It’s my favorite position,” Kiriakopoulos said.

In becoming a full-time athlete and finding such a passion for the game, she has learned much about herself and, being an introvert, has seen herself grow as an individual and be more open.

“Its definitely taught me a lot about teamwork. I’m not very social so its hard for me to like talk to people I would say. But, being on a team, with an amazing group of people has taught me to put myself out there more and be more open,” Kiriakopoulos said.

Any athlete can vouch for the idea that there is always one coach that will never be forgotten; one that has impacted the way you play or even your life. However, what about an instance where the coach is moved by a player?

“I’ve been coaching Alex for two years now and I’ve seen her make tremen-

dous strides as a player. She’s extremely coachable and always works her hardest to get better,” said Huntley Red Raiders coach and alumna Jess Shields.

“I would say she impacts those around her by showing an example of what it looks like to love the game.

Everything she does, she does for the sake of the team, and is incredibly selfless. She’s a great softball player and person, and I’m lucky enough to have had the privilege to coach her,” Shields said.

Although quite the challenge, learning to balance the sport and

“Alex’s maturity and persistence directly correlate to family influence, that of which her parents have personally witnessed their daughter portray.” academics, Alex never stopped being determined and studious. Little did she know that all her efforts would pay off. Excitingly, Kiriakopoulos recently got recruited and finally committed to Elmhurst University.

“You have to put yourself out there obviously. I started emailing coaches from Illinois or even Wisconsin. We had to play in Wisconsin tournaments because we can’t play in Illinois right now. So, I’d email like 3 colleges per tournament. And, Elmhurst happened to be one of those colleges that I emailed. It was just a lot of back and forth, talking to the coach and stuff like that. And then, his assistant coach came out to see me play and that’s when the whole thing started falling into place,” Kiriakopoulos said.

Putting aside her passion for softball, Kiriakopoulos academic passion and her future looks to be in the psychology field as she has always been one to wanna make others smile and show others how to maintain a positive

sports softball

outlook on life.

“There are many people in my life who struggle with different mental illnesses or just mental health related things. Growing up, I’d always wanted to do a job that would help people in some sort of way. I just wanted to do something that would make somebody smile,” Kiriakopoulos said.

“Seeing how mental health affected everyone around me and it really hurt me that I couldn’t be there for them in the way I wanted to be. I wanted to learn how to help them get through those things and I want to help other people get through those things.”

Through it all, she remains thankful that her parents were always so supportive of her hobby and passion in school, even when things got a little rough. She values her family and has been so appreciative of all of their sacrifices.

“They’ve definitely backed me up through a lot of things that I’ve been through especially academically and athletically. They’ve always been there for me, ya know? I would say they’ve been my number one supporters and I’m so thankful for them because if it weren’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now. I wouldn’t be playing college softball, I wouldn’t have been on a travel team even,” Kiriakopoulos said.

Alex’s maturity and persistence directly correlate to family influence, that of which her parents have personally witnessed their daughter portray.

“The older she got, the stronger she grew. She knows her strengths and weaknesses and always knew what needed to be done. Although she has grown to be hard on herself, she always does what she can to improve each and every day,” Alexs’s mom, Georgia Kiriakopoulos said.

“I could see something special in her; a person that did not take the easy way out of things. Her faith and self confidence as she matured, got her to where she is today and I believe for her, that’s just the beginning,” Alex’s dad, Sam Kiriakopoulos said. huntleyvoice.com • 41

sports lacrosse

“I started playing lacrosse when I was in third grade, so I have been playing for almost 8 years now. I have been on the high school team since the first year. I started out not being able to pass, catch, and just not able to do anything, and now... I am going to try and play in college.”

Andrew Toman

interviewed by Trevor Book | photographed by Sydney Laput 42 • the voice january 2021

Inclusitivity of pronouns

editorial

How we can all become more accepting and better educated

experience gender dysphoria, psychological distress resulting from not identifying with one’s sex assigned at birth.

According to the Mayo Clinic, gender dysphoria can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. he summer after sixth grade, Alex ReilIt can affect the simplest tasks such as picking out an outfit ly (they/them) was talking with friends for school. If there is something teachers, parents, and peers from the cast of “All I Really Need to can do to show acceptance and love, that could be the difference for someone.

Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

“Having a student who identifies as transgender in my class Before, they had always thought heterosexual, homosexreally opened my eyes to understanding that there’re a lot ual, cisgender, and transgender were the only options for of people [who] are not living by the social norms that you gender and sexuality identification, but what their friends would typically experience in the world,” Klein said. “I guess educated them on changed their life. being a teacher and being exposed to different personalities Upon arriving home that day, they dove into research on and different people has made me acknowledge it more in gender fluidity, pansexuality, and nonbinary identification.

“This feels like me,” they thought as a sense of relief washed my everyday life.”

Outside of school, everyone can make an effort to normalover them. ize their own display of pronouns. An easy way is to include They were not alone. pronouns in social media profiles like Instagram, Facebook, Still, societal pressure made them feel they could not and Twitter. Junior Ava Brancato (she/her) does just that. express their true identification to others as they worried it “As a cisgender female, I present [my pronouns] on my would be inconvenient or met with confusion. They offered she/they pronouns but was soon disappointed by the disre- social media less for me and more for other people,” Brancato said. “There was a time when the only people who had gard for “they” by those they knew. their pronouns on their social medias were transgender or Educating yourself on gender pronoun preference can non-binary individuals.” create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Brancato believes that by more cisgender people display“I think it’s a good conversation to have because if you intend to build a relationship whether it’s a student-teacher ing their pronouns, they are showing support and possibly relationship or collegial relationship, and you’re calling them preventing transgender and nonbinary peolpe from being targeted on social media. something that makes them uncomfortable, you’re never “Putting pronouns in your bio isn’t going to hurt anyone. going to have a successful relationship,” music teacher AlexIt’s not only going to prevent people from misgendering you, andria Bieber (she/her) said. it’s going to normalize it for people who are changing their Beiber is one of many teachers who have supported the LGBTQ+ community by providing students with opportunities pronouns and make people... feel safer,” Reilly said.

Another solution is including your pronouns in your Zoom to disclose their preferred names and pronouns. name. The district and high school administration could “Usually at the beginning of the year I like to do a quesencourage that, though it should remain optional so as not tionnaire kind of a get-to-know you form, and on there I to put people in an uncomfortable situation. do include preferred pronouns. Mostly because I want my “I think the best thing that would have helped me is [to students to feel very comfortable and feel welcome in my know] that it’s okay to change. It’s okay to say this wasn’t the presence,” science teacher Chris Klein (he/him) said. right word.

Gender fluid to me is very close to how I feel, but All teachers should follow these suggestions by giving non-binary is just a better description,” Reilly said. forms or informational assignments to be more aware of Reilly came out as nonbinary to their family in October of their students’ preferences.

“We’ve got the internet, lots of resources, and people that 2020. While they were extremely nervous approaching their siblings and parents, they felt a great sense of relief at the are willing to talk about it if you ask around,” art teacher positive response and a weight off their shoulders knowing Katherine Isaacson (she/her) said. “It’s something that is they were not keeping their true selves hidden any more. constantly changing, evolving.”

Looking in the mirror, Reilly held out their hand and imagWhen students can be themselves at school and be acined meeting someone new. cepted by their teachers, that reduces fear of judgement.

“Hi, I’m Alex,” they said.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, some It felt right. members of the transgender and nonbinary community may

T

huntleyvoice.com • 43

one last

VOICE Angela Zaleski

Health Teacher Link Crew Coordinator SnowRaiders Snowboarding and Ski Club Sponsor

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud that my kids are good. Also proud of all the things our school does. I’ve been here for 20 years and I’m really proud of all the growth that our school has done and the programs that we now offer.

Do you collect anything?

I collect everything. Lift tickets from skiing and snowboarding, stickers, concert tickets, cards people give me, and just stuff.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

It’s not just one person. I try to take positive things from everybody. I love people so I try to be influenced positively by everyone around me.

What is the motto that you live by?

Always work on becoming a better version of you.

Interviewed by Ally Berens Photographed by Sydney Laput