Huntley High School Voice October 2016 by Huntley Voice

HHS or NSA?

THE VOICE

Graphic by K. Troy October 2016 • Volume 20 • Issue 1

In this issue... 5

Gaggle filters internet content

HHS prepares for the SAT

District 158 implements new internet filter with the introdution of Chromebooks and new internet threats.

With recent switches by the state of Illinois, teachers and administration are trying to prepare for the upcoming SAT.

Girl fights wins cancer battle

HHS welcomes new supervisor

The Voice celebrates 20 years

Punk Rock makes a come back

Cross country runner dominates

Junior Julia Peluso, diagnosed with thryoid cancer, keeps hope through treatment, and is now cancer free.

Huntley’s newest campus security guard comes from a tough childhood that helped him get to where he is today.

Huntley High School’s magazine, The Voice, is celebrating their 20th anniversay this year with a timeline to commemorate its accomplishments.

Three punk rock bands, Green Day, NOFX, and Sum 41, help bring back the lost genre to today’s album charts.

Freshman Emily Glass outruns the competition and earns herself a spot on varisy cross country.

Meet Our Staff...

Courtney Thomas • Editor-in-Chief • Maddy Moffett • Print Editor • Camille Paddock • Online Editor • Bri Governale • Doubletruck Editor • Mawa Iqbal • News Editor • Maggie McGee • Opinion Editor • Natalie Trzeciak • Features Editor • Alex Landman • Sports Editor • Lucas Modzelewski • A&E Editor • Ryan O’Sullivan • Photo Editor • Staff writers • Jacob Barker • Madison Barr • Alejandra Favila • Nicholas Fleege • Emily Kindl • Emma Kubelka • Josh Lopez • Faith Losbanes • Peyton Moore • Michael Panzarella • Noah Simmons • Bry Walker • Sarah Biernat • Danielle King • Tyler Lopez • Austin Zeis • Photographers • Alex Downing • Bill Hollatz • Sehba Faheem • Dennis Brown • Advisor

2 • THE VOICE • October 2016

NEWS

Junior Samuel De La Paz bench presses inin wieghts class (R. O’Sullivan).

Heroic heavy lifting at HHS

New app helps students in weights track their workouts michael panzarella • staff writer

s the school year continues and classes get settled, the new Advanced Strength and Conditioning class has made some changes from the past few years. With the new additions to the athletic department, the fieldhouse, and weight room, the physical education department has seen changes to the way classes operate. Yet as the additions grow, so does the popularity of the class. Many student-athletes have questioned why they didn’t get the class when the school year started. With the student body growing, it is harder to get every kid in the class. The 75 students a period who do get to participate in the class, are slowly adapting

to the new features of the class. The class has added “Train Heroic,” a new app used by coaches and athletes alike. Students now bring their phones to class and go to the app to check what workout they are doing each day. The class gets split up into two groups: in-season and off-season student-athletes. The in-season athletes go to one side of the room do the workouts the app tells them to do. On the other side, the offseason students lift every day and go through the app to track their progress. “We’re really excited to implement a new digital training program,” Weights teacher Derek Morehart said. “The start of the school year has been great.” As a result of this new app,

the expansions of the athletmany students adjusting to ics and physical education the class and have seen stronprograms will produce sucger and better growth within cessful results for the student the first few months of the athletes. school year. “My hope as a department “Students have really team leader is that we conbought in and are showing great improvement,” Morehart tinue to grow and get more successful in our athletic said. “With the new schedule programs,” Heuck said. “That’s students can follow along the whole basis of what we’re and get a better and stronger doing.” • workout.” This app allows students to Anthony stray away from using pencils Grippo and paper to record their lifts. between sets Instead, they use an easier during alternative to record that en- weights class (R. sures more accurate data. “It’s another way the phys- O’Sullivan). ical education department can aid,” Physical Education Department Leader Jennifer Heuck said. “We’re going into a technology era.” As the school continues to grow, Heuck hopes that

October 2016 • THE VOICE •3

NEWS

Fair is foul and foul is fair...

Location: HHS PAC 4• THE VOICE • October 2016

October 26th-29th Tickets: $5 at the door

Introducing, Gaggle filter

NEWS

Huntley uses new filter to detect potential threats maddy moffett• print editor

we care about them and that ‘big brother looking over your shoulder’ idea was never our we’re concerned,” Kempf said. intention.” With virtually instant n the continual effort to notification, deans, counselSenior Grace Gajewski put student safety first, ors, and social workers can has not been called down to District 158 implementtake action in a more timely her dean’s office in regards ed a new district-wide manner, and possibly prevent to flagged content, but she filtering system at the start self-harm from occurring believes Gaggle is not a detof the school year. Gaggle, altogether. riment unless students make a third-party system, is a “It’s a little bit like the mov- it one. national company that fulfills ie Minority Report,” Kempf “It’s not really an invasion public schools’ obligations to said. “[Administration] tries of privacy if you’re using the Child Internet Protection to stop things from happening your school Google account,” Act of 2000. before going out of control.” Gajewski said. “You just have To receive funding from Administrators at HHS to be smart.” the federal and state govare aware of the vast net that Not to mention, the filter’s ernments, all public schools Gaggle casts. The burden can right to do its job is written and libraries must abide by be quite large on them as well. in the terms and conditions. certain guidelines as outlined Kempf was receiving up to By agreeing to the User by the CIPA. These guide10 emails per day regarding Agreement, students and lines include the blocking of “flagged” material. But since their Google Drives, emails, obscene language, pornogword of Gaggle has spread Chromebooks, and all disraphy, and content that is M. Moffett across the school, potentially harmful to minors. Kempf has seen a noThese public institutions must ticeable difference, and also provide comprehensive not just in his inbox. internet safety education to “There are some those who use their Wi-Fi and days now that I don’t technological devices. get a single email from Gaggle is simply a filter. Gaggle,” Kempf said. The company has preset Though Gaggle words, phrases, and imagmeans to protect the ing content that is deemed student body and staff, inappropriate. When a outcries of personal instudent uses any form of vasion of privacy have rippled trict-operated mediums are district-owned technology, across the building. subject to being filtered. whether that be a school-is“I don’t think the school As acknowledged by HHS sued Chromebook, school being able to see our stuff is administration, Gaggle is Wi-Fi, or district-powered right,” sophomore Alyssa Cos- flawed in some aspects. But email address, the filter tantino said. “It’s not really they believe the filter has automatically begins sifting any of [the school’s] business.” redeeming qualities that have through various lines of comBut Rowe and the adminthe best interests for students munication. istration affirm that was not at heart. If a piece of profanity, drug their intention. “The good really is outor alcohol reference, or threat “This is not some unweighing the bad,” Kempf to hurt oneself or others is dederhanded way to spy on said. • tected, the offense is “flagged” students,” Rowe said. “The October 2016 8 • THE VOICE •5

and reviewed by a Gaggle employee. If the “flagged” offense is found to be legitimate, Gaggle notifies Huntley High School’s administrative staff, including principals and deans. Whether or not the administration acts upon the information is up to their discretion. “There’s an administrative review process that we go through,” Principal Scott Rowe said. “There are more [instances] that we don’t pursue than pursue.” To Dean of Students, Tom Kempf, the filter is really just another educational tool. “I will have a conversation with a student,” Kempf said. “It’s a little invasive, but it’s getting the education out there to be mindful of what people can and can’t see.” The filter opens a dialogue between student and staff, offering another avenue for interaction. With the technological launches of the recent decade, the filter serves as a reminder to be cautious about what gets sent out into the world, and that actions have consequences that can span personal, academic, and professional settings. The most important aspect of the filter, according to both Kempf and Rowe, is its vigilance toward preventing self-harm. “It helps get people the help they need,” Rowe said. “It lets people know that

NEWS

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NEWS

Move over ACT, the SAT test is here

In fact, many parts of the “I pretty much knew what I SAT aligns more with the would be getting on the ACT current curriculum, rather since we did so much prep at than being treated as a whole school” Fiedler said. separate lesson. In the case of During the 2015-2016 the science portion, teachers school year Huntley High are already noticing differSchool got an average score ences. of 23 on the ACT. Given the “I actually think this can success students had last year, be a little more some filling than conwhat ACT was cerns just because have sometimes the been ACT charts raised and graphs by this that they use year’s are so comJunior faith losbanes • staff writer SAT provides four difplicated that Class. ferent practice assessments he shift from ACT it isn’t the “I’m on their website which after testing to SAT testkind of data kind of taken, formulates a personaling is in full swing we would be irritated ized study plan through Khan as students and typically be about it Academy. teachers alike begin preparaworking with,” because This will allow students to tion for the SAT exam. Fuhrer said. we’ve work individually on aspects After the official decision Concerns of been they specifically need to work was made last December to the SAT being practicon which is something the make a statewide move to a “harder” ing for ACT never offered. the SAT, teachers have been test have the ACT “That would make me a litmeeting and discussing what been cleared for years tle bit more comfortable about changes in classrooms are with the new now and taking it, especially since going to have to be made. version of the with having more of a personalized On Sept. 22 they had their M. Iqbal SAT. Students this year practice is more helpful than first major meeting where will no longer be penalized switching to SAT, I don’t have John Baylor with ACT,” Junior they discussed, and officially for guessing. a regular english class to do Alyssa Schectel said. introduced the SAT tests to This October, all freshpreparation in unlike years According to Kish, all of the teachers. Teachers were men, sophomores, and juniors before,” Schectel said. the prep is online, convenient able to take the test, familwill be required to take the However, most colleges for students who don’t have iarizing themselves with the PSAT in preparation for the accept both the ACT and the money to spend on expenorganization of the test, the SAT. Students should not have SAT in the spring of their sive prep books. amount of questions in each Junior year. trouble putting their SAT “Part of the the reason section, and their wording. Murray believes the transcores to use. Khan Academy did this with They also got the opporsition will go smoothly and “From a college admisSAT was to give every student tunity to meet with speaker be quickly adapted by both sion standpoint, although an equal advantage for the Asa Gordon from the College students and teachers. this is a huge change for the same prep.” Kish said. Board about test taking stratstate of Illinois and how high “It’s a standardized test, After 15 years of required egies and scoring. schools are going to operate, so you know how to take ACT testing in Illinois, our “We are the first high it’s not really going to change it, you’ve been taking them school has been especially school in the state to have had a lot for college admissions,” your entire life,” Murray said. successful. Just last year, someone come in and talk to Jeremy Baldwin, counseling “Whether it’s been ISAT or current seniors Caitlin the teachers at their school, department chair said. “Most MAP testing, it’ll be okay. It’ll Murray and Savannah Fiedler which is really great,” Shelly colleges already accept either just take a little bit of transiachieved perfect scores of 36. Kish, associate principal, said. the ACT or SAT.” tioning.” October 2016 10 • THE VOICE • 7

HHS teachers prep for the transition in testing

NEWS

Chromebook checkup

Teachers incorporate variety of apps to teach with 1:1 This month in

ale favila • staff writer

ackpacks rustled as students reached inside, pulled out their chromebooks, and logged on to Haiku. The room is filled with typing and clicking of the mouse pad as they take the test, all hoping that they will get a good enough grade. This year, the classrooms in Huntley High School have turned to the one to one learning with the entire student body owning chromebooks. Because of this technological transition, teachers are starting to incorporate the technology into their curriculums using mediums other than Haiku, like Canvas, Padlet, and Google Classroom. The new learning app Canvas allows teachers to assign homework on dashboards and update calendars with important deadlines. Although many are converting to Canvas, some teachers find that Haiku still has a strong hold on their curriculum. “Canvas is so hard to figure out, so I have been using Haiku instead.” Art teacher Bridget Regan said, as she prepares her class to take a quiz assigned on Haiku. Padlet, a website similar to the popular Pintrest website, has also joined the party. Padlet allows the user to “post” text, images, and videos on a bulletin board to anyone the user allows to see.

8 • THE VOICE • October 2016

news

HHS EVENTS

It is relatively new and offers a new platform for students and teachers to share and brainstorm ideas. Google Classroom is another learning medium that is being introduced. Similar to Haiku, it provides a place where students hand in assignments and take quizzes. Except this time, students just sign in with their student account and it is more compatible with the chromebooks since it’s google based. Most juniors and seniors seem to think that chromebooks are a great thing because it is easier to do homework. There is also the plus side of going to fun websites when there is free time. “They are convenient though they are really slow,” Junior Anjali Bhatt said. Now students can do their work anywhere in the school without having to wait until

they can access a computer. It seems that the introduction of the chromebooks has kicked out the pen and paper, for students are talking notes, quizzes, and even tests right on their laptops, just like in Regan’s art classes. Instead of looking out for note passing and talking, there is the possibility that teachers now have to monitor the chromebook screens for any interruptions to the class, such as computer games, and emailing. These apps have been making the integration of chromebooks into the classroom a bit smoother. While many students and teachers experience slower connection and other technological issues, teachers hope that variety of mediums offered to the students will enhance their learning experiences. •

HHS ABC Friday Flyover- Oct. 14 PSAT/NMSQT exam for 10-11 grade- Oct. 19 Late Start- Oct. 19 End of 1st quarterOct. 21 Macbeth play- Oct. 27-29 NHS induction ceremony- Nov. 2

Late Start- Nov. 2

STATE WIDE

52nd Chicago International Film Festival-Oct. 14 McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink opens- Nov. 11

NATIONAL

Third US Presidential Debate- Wednesday, Oct. 19 US Presidential Election Day- Tuesday, Nov. 8 D. King

OPINION

Art deserves applause too

Art program does not get enough funding for classes madison barr • staff writer has been consistent, however

t is the first day of school, and students are filing into their last class of the day before the bell rings. Students from every grade and every clique sit in their assigned seats before their teacher, Jill Corapi, hands out their syllabus for Basic Art 2D. However, there is one thing on this syllabus that is different from the students’ other classes: an art kit. An art kit is given to every student in the class so they are able to have their own supplies during the semester or year. Each student must pay in order to receive their supplies that are essential for participating in class. When I realized students had to pay for their own supplies for class, I started to question how much funding the art programs were actually receiving. “If we had extra money, I’d give it so that the students wouldn’t have to pay for art kits within art classes,” art teacher Valerie Lindquist said. Most of the issues in the fine arts departments come from two things: the lack of recognition and the lack of funding. The funding for the art department at Huntley

according to Lindquist, “it’s not enough for us to pay for all of our supplies.” But nonetheless, they are grateful for the budget they do recieve. When an art program cannot afford all of its supplies because of the lack of funds, that is comparable to saying the football team does not have enough funding to buy its equipment. “We’re at a high school level, we don’t want generic supplies for our kids, we want supplies that will show off their talents,” Lindquist said. Not only does the art department have to ask students for money for supplies, but they only have a few display cases in the hallways to display the artwork that the students have created. “I would like for us to have a dedicated gallery space,” Corapi said. “A lot of schools have large galleries and we only have a few display cases.” The art department does have the support of the Fine Arts Boosters though. “They used to give scholarships to art students and would like to support more but they aren’t able to because of a lack of participation and funding,” said Corapi. The issue with the lack of participation from the Fine Arts Boosters has always traced back to a lack of recognition. People always hear about sports teams over the announcements, yet rarely do

G. Bryczek

we actually hear about the art program. This is a problem because students do not know what is going on with the art program and are unable to support it even if they wanted to. In order to gain more recognition throughout the school, Huntley needs to put in a larger effort to earn it. Our school participated in the Fox Valley Art Show in April 2016, which I doubt many people actually knew about. This is only one example of the minimal recognition that the art program receives at HHS. “I wish that when we were in the Fox Valley Art Show there was more support from the community and the school,” said Corapi.

Corapi also mentioned how she would like to see parents support the Fine Art Boosters as they do for the athletic programs. It would help generate more interest and recognition. “More support needs to be shown out of school and from the higher-ups,” said Corapi. “It’s important for teachers to see that art classes help students through high school.” The art program deserves more recognition and funding than it gets in order for students to be able to participate in class without having to take money out of their own pockets. “We have a strong, progressive curriculum and there’s a lot to be recognized,” said Corapi.

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 9

OPINION

More security, safer school New security system ‘Raptor’ results in tighter security

G. Bryczek 10 • THE VOICE • October 2016

peyton moore • staff writer

t is Monday morning, and students rush into the building hoping to get their day started, just as eager as they are for it to end. Some students are at home, some are in the commons, and some are in the hub. Throughout the day, blended students come and go through door 1, scanning in and out. The campus supervisors are making sure that every student has their ID on and that they are getting to class on time. The supervisors in the school have many roles, but the biggest one is protecting the students at all times. Having a foundation for the security in the building makes the school safer and students feel better. With many security precautions, the faculty creates a safe learning environment every day. “The security area [near door 1] creates a secure zone for when people come in,” Dean Tom Kempf said. “There is an extra barrier before gaining entrance to the building.” Students can agree that with the campus supervisors being around, they feel like school is a secure place to be. “I feel safe in the school,” junior Emily Hall said. “I see the security guards and police officers all the time.” Coming to school everyday, I know that the teachers, administrators, and supervisors are creating a safe space for us to be in by taking nessecary precautions. With hundreds of people coming through the building in one day, the campus supervisors use the new Raptor system to increase security. “The system does a quick background check and allows us to send out local alerts,” Kempf said. “We now have a

better grasp on visitors coming to the school.” There are over 3,000 students in the building and about eight campus supervisors to watch over the entire school. With the help of teachers during supervision hours, there are many eyes watching the student body. Since plenty of students have blended periods, and do not have to attend class, most of the supervision happens in the commons. I have two blended periods backto-back during second and third hour, as well as a study hall first hour. Rather than coming to school at the start of first hour, I take advantage of the extra time at home to get more work done. When I come in after the blended periods, I scan in and then enter the building. “With more kids and more area, you come up with a perceived need for more security,” Dean of Students Daniel Farlik said. “More Deans Assistants and teachers are being hired for the influx of students.” Students wearing their IDs can create a safer environment by identifying who

“I feel safe in the school.” - junior Emily Hall is a student at the high school and who is not. The new IDs this year are red with tip line phone numbers on the back, which caused some controversy among the students. “There’s no real difference between a red ID and a white ID,” senior Keaton Newsome said. “But it is good to have [the tip lines] because it gives kids direct ways to contact someone if they need help.” In past years, the faculty has been enforcing the Plasco system, which gives automatic consequences to students who are tardy. This year, we have switched to the Hero system which is created by the same company with many different features. The system is now more acces-

OPINION

sible where it is needed and can even give rewards for leading a good example. “We will be rolling out an app where students have access to their ‘Heroes’ and parents can view them as well,” Kempf said. “It also includes a PBIS side with Raider Way tickets that can handle those electronically.” The Hero system provides a way for students to be honest and on time to class. Since they have the responsibility of receiving the pass, they are also responsible for the tardy or detention they are getting. “Heros are an effective way of giving tardies to students,” Newsome said. “It doesn’t take any time away from the teachers. Although I’ve never gotten a hero, the system works well in keeping students on track and responsible for their actions. Hero makes it more efficient and easier for the administration and teachers for getting students’ tardies and detentions into the system, as well as not disturbing teachers during class. The amount of students in each class are steadily rising which calls for the need of more supervisors. Having strict security procedures in the building makes the school safer and students feel comfortable during the day. “Students have been fairly responsible this year,” Farlik said. “They are doing what they need to do, and being where they need to be.” The campus supervisors are not the only ones who are keeping the students safe. Students themselves help by letting the supervisors, deans, and teachers know what is going on throughout the school. “What people underestimate about the security in the building is how great the kids are,” Kempf said. “Without kids telling us things and coming to us when things don’t seem right, we can’t respond, but the kids do a great job at that.” I believe that the new security system has had a positive outlook and the increase of campus supervisors has kept the students safer in the building. October 2016 • THE VOICE • 11

FEATURES

A story told through scars

Julia Peluso fights to win battle against thyroid cancer camille paddock • online editor

he wakes up in the morning, as she would any other day. Trying to convince herself it is just a normal day, she carefully climbs out of bed. Except today, her father has to help her to the bathroom. There is a ball in the pit of her stomach, she is afraid of what will face her in the mirror. Once her eyes finally glance up, she is startled at the unfamiliar reflection gazing back. Tears well up in her eyes as she examines the new addition to her body: two drains sticking out the side of her neck. It finally hits her, there is no such thing as a normal day any more. Over the summer, junior Julia Peluso was taken to the doctor to get her thyroid levels evaluated. Because her older sister had suffered severely with thyroid issues, Julia’s mom, Christy, thought it was time to make sure Julia was not facing anything similar. She had expected nothing more than maybe an imbalance of hormones. However, what they found was devastating and shocking news. Julia was diagnosed with an aggressive case of Papillary Thyroid Cancer. “I [immediately] questioned the doctor and said ‘you mean Brianna?’” Christy said. “And she said ‘no, it’s Julia.’” 12 • THE VOICE • October

Not that Christy had wanted it to be Brianna, but Julia had no previous symptoms or problems. It did not make any sense. After receiving the news over the phone, the Pelusos were in denial. “The first few minutes were hard,” Julia’s father, Tony, said. “Then we had to figure out how to tell [Julia].”

Julia, who was still unaware of what was currently invading her body, was on her way home from hanging out with her friends. After a few minutes of denial, the realization of the situation set in. Having to call her and tell her to come home knowing this new found stress they had to place on her shoulders, was almost unbearable for them. “[I] couldn't help but think

Peluso’s scar heals over time (Courtesy of J. Peluso).

‘why my kid and not me?’” Tony said. Once she arrived home, Julia knew that something was not right, but she never expected the diagnosis to be cancer. “You never think it’s going to happen to you,” Julia said. “But suddenly it was happening to me. The worst part of it all was seeing my sister and parents’ reaction to it.”

FEATURES Just as cancer physically affects a person, it is also emotionally draining. With such devastating news, it is easy to be pulled into a pit of depression and isolation. Not for Julia, though, as she never lost sight of the positivity through it all. “It’s devastating, but you have no other way to take it,” Julia said. “If you let that break you, it’s going to make everything 10 times worse.” While Julia had a hard time opening up about her feelings with her parents, she found comfort in her older sister, Brianna. Sometimes just sitting in silence together was all she needed to cope. The mutual understanding that Julia did not want to constantly acknowledge her cancer eased her. “[Brianna] has been my main rock through it all,” Julia said with tears in her eyes. From there, everything seemed to move quickly. The morning after receiving the call, Julia had a biopsy and the results came back on Monday, and Tuesday she met with the surgeon to discuss her case. The biopsy proved her case to be more extensive than what the doctor originally thought, and Julia was recommended to a surgeon at Loyola. On July 25, Julia went under the knife to have her thyroid removed. The doctors removed 74 lymph nodes, 25 of which were cancerous. Cancer cells tend to stick to the blood vessels and nerves, causing it to spread rapidly. Because the cancer had spread to her collar bones, and wrapped around her vocal cords and coronary artery, the surgery took longer than

anticipated, eight hours. Her family spent that grueling eight hours pacing the waiting room, waiting to hear that their daughter was going to be all right. With only two updates that did not give them much information, the worst things started crossing their minds. Julia’s older sister, Brianna, could not bear the thought of anything going wrong and was frantic the entire eights hours. “It felt like the longest day of our lives,” Tony said. Luckily, they were not alone. Over a dozen of their closest friends and family were all present to show support for Julia and her family. After her surgery, Julia was in recovery for two hours. Once she came to, only her parents were allowed in to see her because of the visitation rules. When Julia was finally able to get up and walk around, she made her way to the waiting room and greeted her friends and family in a way she normally would. “[Julia] walked up to us and said ‘Hey b**tches!’,” Brianna said . It made everyone laugh and immediately released all the tension. She may have spent over 10 hours asleep and lost most of her thyroid, but she was still the same girl with the same humor. All humor aside, the next few days were rough while Julia came to the realization that things were no longer normal. She now had drains sticking out of her neck, and had a “shark bite” along her neck where the surgery was done. The doctor told her she would look beat up for at least six months. Luckily, Julia defied

Julia Peluso rests after an eight hour long surgery (Courtesy of J. Peluso).

their odds and they were very wrong. “My scar started fading like three weeks post operation,” Julia said. “And I was also cleared to be active again.” Julia was back at cheerleading practice and was ecstatic to be able to out on the field at the first football game. Her parents, on the other hand, were a little uneasy about it. “She’s usually the loudest one,” Tony said. “But I was glad to see her holding back so she wouldn’t injure herself.” While the Pelusos are not a very religious family, they thank God and the power of prayers for Julia’s fast recovery. What began as a few of Christy’s clients praying for Julia soon turned into something they never could have imagined. Through word of mouth, Julia had people

across the country including her in their prayers. Knowing that positive vibes were being sent her way made Julia feel supported. “I prayed every day in the shower when I was alone,” Julia said. “It really helped me feel better.” Julia credits her saving grace to the Bible verse Romans 8:18, which states “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Ever since her grandma passed away, she decided to live by it. With her current situation, it keeps her grounded in that nothing bad will last forever. “It helps to know that you’re going to suffer, but it won’t compare to everything coming your way,” Julia said. •

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 13

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The new face in the halls

FEATURES

Huntley hires campus supervisor Darryl Evans

bri governale • design editor he first day of school, new faces are seen. New students, new teachers, and possibly new administration. Some faces stand out and some blend in with the crowded hallways. Sometimes there's that one person who stands out more than others. Not just because they are tall, or wear cool shoes. They stand out because of the smile on their face while walking through the school. Sometimes new additions make a new year seem a bit more positive. Growing up was hard for the new Campus Supervisor, Darryl Evans. However, he decided to turn that around for his future. “I grew up in the city of Chicago, south side,” Darryl Evans said. “I was around gangs. I was around violence. I was around everything, but sports and family kept me

away from all that.” Despite the challenges he faced, he carried himself well. He went to school and did his best, which happened to be above average. “Freshman, sophomore, and junior year I had straight A’s and B’s but then senior year I knew I was going to college so I let them slip down to a C,” Evans said. “But anything less than that my mother was trippin’ about everything.” Growing up, he participated in basketball, softball, and football. He also did more than just sports. “High school was great, it was an amazing high school,” Evans said. “I was on the debate team when I was there. I ran for homecoming king twice, but didn’t win. I actually lost to my best friend.” Evans worked hard his whole life to get where he is today. His grades earned him

Campus supervisor Darryl Evans relaxes after a day at work (S. Faheem).

an academic scholarship to Southern Illinois University where he played basketball. Becoming a campus supervisor was not his original plan. He actually majored in psychology. However this has been something he has stuck with. “I’ve been doing this for the last four to five years but I played more of a dean role at my last school,” Evans said. “It was something I found after college. I probably will become a probation officer.” Evans came from an alternative school in Elgin where he was a huge help to the staff and student body as a whole. When he found out about the job opportunity at HHS, it was a hard decision to make. “I worked with a teacher who was here for 10 years before she transferred to Elgin and she pushed me into coming here,” Evans said. “I wanted to stay at the school, I took a pay cut but it’s working out well here. It was definitely a decision that took me a couple of weeks to think about.” Coming from a school he worked at for five years was a big transition. However, he has been making it work. “My first day was amazing, honestly. The students were nice, the teachers were nice. The school was big. It took me a couple weeks to get used to,” Evans said. “It’s definitely an amazing place, as far as the scenery. The weight room, the gym room, everything is defi-

nitely different from Elgin.” Everyone has been very welcoming of the newest addition to HHS. Especially the students who are his favorite part of the job. “I think I connect well with the students,” Evans said. “There’s a different atmosphere with students, they actually listen. The school I was at before broke out a lot of fights so it’s a breath of fresh air.” Thomas Kempf, Dean of Students H-O, knew right away Evans was the right choice for the job. “He was just kind of captivating, the way that he talked, the way he communicated, and the way that he carried himself really made you want to hear more,” Kempf said. “He just kept you very intrigued.” HHS was lucky to gain an employee such as Evans. He was another positive addition to the school and he is able to keep the students motivated as well. “I love dealing with the kids,” Evans said. “I don't run around yelling I know there is way more stuff you guys gotta worry about after class.” So far, students, teachers, and administration enjoy the presence of Evans. The way he presents himself shows that he is excited to be working here at HHS. “I found Mr. Evans to be a

see SECURITY page 39

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 15

FEATURES

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Huntley’s last farming family

Junior Emma Behrens plans to take over family farm alex landman • sports editor

omething seemed off to her on one of the biggest days of the year, the evening of Aug. 26. Raider Nation was a sea of black as the Red Raiders football team prepared for their season opener against long-time school rival, Jacobs High School. The first thing she noticed was the theme of the opponents: flannels, cowboy hats, and boots. As the game played out, Raider Nation became rowdier, and it was time for the inevitable. “Everybody do the Huntley Hoedown, Everybody do the Huntley Hoedown... Huntley! Hoedown!” The chant became an iconic part of the Huntley experience, with students embracing their “Huntley Hick” culture. She realized though, that the song meant something different to her. Instead of flannels, cowboy hats, and overalls, the song meant harvesting crops, waking up at the crack of dawn to tend to animals, working in the July heat to prepare for show, and working in the combine transferring crop to the grain cart. Junior Emma Behrens is one of the last farmers in Huntley, a place once prospering with its agriculture and thriving in its small town feel. Behrens lives on a dairy farm, where she and her family mainly do crop farming.

They harvest corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, hay, and alfalfa. She also shows beef cows, pigs, and sheep for fair. She is one of the last people who represents Huntley’s once popular but now faded image. Behrens’ father grew up farming, so he passed down the trade to his daughters. Her uncle raises her beef cows and then gives them to her for show. Selling crops and show animals is the family’s main source of income, something extremely rare in a town full of “Huntley Hicks.” She puts on her flannel, jeans, and cowboy boots. No, she is not going to a football game. And no, it is not Homecoming Week. She prepares the animals that she has been working with since April and heads to fair, her highlight of the harvest season. Part of the preparation includes whip training her pigs and if need be, tasing her cows so they can learn a routine and get used to being tied up on a halter. “We call [the fair] our SuperBowl and that’s when we come together to show all of our animals to judges and get judged based on our showmanship and our animal’s appearance,” Behrens said. Behrens parades her cows around the corral, sometimes stopping so they can show off a trick or two. The more impressive the show, the higher the judge’s score, and there-

fore a higher starting bid. At the end of the four days of show, the animals get auctioned off to buyers and all of the beef animals get shipped off to the butcher. Then, they end up on the dining room table as burgers and steak. According to Behrens, she feels comfortable eating what was the cow roaming the field because she knows what is in the product and that they were humanely treated. Although Huntley once took pride its in farming roots, being called a “Huntley Hick” nowadays is seen in a more negative light. “I feel like there’s no point in [calling us that] anymore because there’s barely any farm families left,” Behrens said. “Most people don’t actually understand how hard we’ve worked and what we’ve overcome.” During the fall months when she is not working with

her animals, Behrens helps her father tend to the crops in the field and prepare for harvest. Her father will be in the combine and Behrens will be in the grain cart, helping unload into the semi truck for transport to the grain elevator. “Fall is a very busy time for me because of the amount of crops we harvest,” Behrens said. “Between the corn, grain, oats, and wheat, it is a lot of lifting and a lot of heavy work.” Behrens, who is interested in pursuing a future in the medical field, has a slight advantage over her competitors. “I have had the opportunity to make a calf before,” Behrens said. “I’ve injected sperm into a heifer and been a part of that whole process.” This opportunity is one that surely no other Huntley Hick has been able to experi-

see FARMER page 39

Emma Behrens rides her tractor to harvest crops (R. O’Sullivan).

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 17

FEATURES

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18 • THE VOICE • October 2016

FEATURES

Finding passion in the pain Javier Guerra overcomes inflammatory skin disease

emma kubelka • staff writer

enior Javier Guerra sits on his bed defeated. He continues to fail to put his own socks on. Guerra is overcome with weakness all throughout his body. He calls for his mother to help him finish the seemingly impossible task he had started. At 15 years old, Guerra had been diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis, an inflammatory disease of the skin, muscle, and blood vessels. Previous to that, Guerra had been continuously losing weight and growing pale, but this morning was the point in which he noticed that he needed medical attention. For five months, Guerra and his family worked hard to find a doctor that was able to correctly diagnose him. “Javi went to so many doctor appointments that it just became his usual,” Guerra’s 15-year-old sister, Amanda said. Guerra came home from countless appointments without an answer. “Every single time I looked at Javi, I felt like he was more and more pale than the last time I saw him,” Guerra’s 12-year-old sister, Bella said. Guerra became so weak that he needed two separate sets of school books because his body was too fragile to carry the supplies back and forth every day.

After months of waiting and many visits to dermatologists, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and gastroenterologists, a pediatric rheumatologist at Advocate Medical Group was able to put a name to Guerra eats his first meal after receiving treatment (Courtesy of J. Guerra). Guerra’s pain. After MRIs, CT scans, and a moving “I remember after my first treatment x-ray, they confirmed the diagnosis. I was finally hungry again,” Guerra said. Although the Juvenile Dermatomyo“After I got medication to help my body, sitis is serious and extremely rare, with I was hungry for something like a cheese three in one million children becoming burger again.” affected each year, his family was relieved Now, his medication has evolved into that he would now be able to start his pills to get him back on his feet and help road to recovery. make him as independant as before. The dynamic of the Guerra family Although the disease took a large changed, with doctor appointments toll on a part of his and his family’s life, and medication becoming regulars. The the healing process was a continuous steroids weakened Guerra’s immune celebration. system, which lead to extreme caution in After a long year of hospital visits and the household. doctor's appointments, he had claimed Guerra’s sisters had to take precaua spot on the Huntley High School boys tionary measures by receiving vaccinatennis team. Not only that, but Guerra tions to make sure that Guerra would got back on track and continued to excel not be exposed to anything while his in his academics. immune system was down. Guerra’s illness has developed a love After months of steroids and rest, he for healing in him. regained his strength through different Guerra has been accepted into the treatments and University of Iowa where he plans to physical therapy. double major in Biology and Premedical At first, he was studies with a $52,000 Merit scholarship required to go into for four years. the hospital every “I want to go into the medical field couple of days to because I have been through a lot, and I receive a medicawant to help other people that have been tion through an in my situation before,” Guerra said. “I IV. Then, he was know how frustrating it is to not know taking injections of what is happening to your body, and I steroids in the arm want to figure out how to help people at home. understand their situations.” •

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 19

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FEATURES

Upholding family traditions Olivia Fondjo spends summer exploring roots in Africa maggie mcgee • opinion editor

Fondjo poses with her family at a celebration in Cameroon (Courtesy of O. Fondjo).

hen people ask sophomore Olivia Fondjo about her trip to Africa, they are always asking if she saw animals, went on safari trips, and many other stereotypes that Americans think of when they think of Africa. For Fondjo, her trip was much more important than going on safari trips and seeing wild animals, and Africa is so much more than that too. This past July, Fondjo traveled to Cameroon, Africa for four weeks with her mom, dad, and three younger sisters. Cameroon is her home country. Her mom and dad are both from the two major cities Douala and Yaounde, so her African blood runs deep. While they were there, they stayed

in the city of Douala, where her mom is from, for the first and last week. During the middle two weeks of her trip, her and her family stayed in a private community that belongs to the Fondjo family. During her middle school years, Fondjo’s father lived in Cameroon for two years while they were having their house built in Douala. The trip signified the tenth anniversary of her grandmother’s death, and was to celebrate her dad’s “couchuow.” This is when a man does something great in his community and is being promoted to a noble. Fondjo tells a story about two chairs in her house; one big chair and one little chair. Anyone in her family is allowed to sit in the little chair, but never in the big chair. Now that her father is a noble, he is

finally able to sit in the big chair. The couchuow ceremony isn’t religious, more so honoring their ancestors and heritage. The celebration was three days long, with dancing and socializing throughout the community. Ever since the age of 9, she’s gone back to Cameroon every few years. She went in seventh grade, again this past summer, and she plans to go back the summer going into her freshman year of college. Fondjo also plans to return every few years after that too. Many changes and improvements have not gone unnoticed in Cameroon since her last visit. Villages and shops are cleaner and buildings are being developed. Restaurants are even mimicking popular food chains such as KFC and Burger King. Times are changing and places are too. Fondjo remembers seeing many Americans, standing out not only by the color of their skin, but by the backpacks and touristy looks they travel with. The city of Douala is right on the coast, which means there are resorts on the beach and many tourists. Not all Americans are tourists though, many are there for missionary work. “I’m glad they’re visiting Cameroon and appreciating my country, not going on safari trips,” said Fondjo. Being with family, and making new friends on this trip was the most memorable part of it all. “While I was in Africa, I didn't really want to go back to the US,” said Fondjo. “It was nice to just be with my family that I don’t get to see often.” In Cameroon, American money is worth so much more, leading to more opportunities for Fondjo and her family. Her family fed around 20 people who were staying in her house and nearby,

see AFRICA page 39 October 2016 • THE VOICE • 21

CENTERSPREAD

20 Years of HHS PUBS The Tribe began in 1997 with Dennis Brown as the adviser. Throughout the years The Tribe turned into The Voice, and the newspaper turned into a magazine. Awards have been won, state and national level. Now, The Voice reaches its 20th year. Some important events throughout the years are included below. Photos courtesy of Chieftain archives and Facebook

natalie trzeciak • feature editor bry walker • staff writer nick fleege • staff writer

“The skills you learn [in PUBS] are extremely versatile, give you a competitive advantage, and allow growth in what you want, no matter what it is,” -Jess Clavero 14-15

1997 The Tribe published its first issue

The Tribe changes to The Voice, School Grounds coffee shop opens

2003

2006: Sectional champions, censorship controversy 2007: All-American publication, sectional champions, third place at state 2008-2009: Second place at sectionals

The Tribe 97-98

22 • THE VOICE • October 2016

2006-2009

“I learned how to take a person’s terse answers, and make a story out of it. I did this so often, in fact, that I habitually find myself mentally writing a story about everyone I meet.” -Bailey Poczos 10-12

HHS Publications splits into two classes, All-American publication, sectional champions, third place at state

2010

The Voice 15-16

2011 The Voice Online is published, The Voice wins a NSPA Pacemaker for 2011-2012, sectional champions, second place at state

2013: Marek Makowski IL Journalist of the year, Quill and Scroll sweepstakes award winner, sectional champions, second place at state 2014: School Grounds closes, the newspaper changes to a magazine

CENTERSPREAD

“The Voice prepared me for being thrown into the deep end because when you’re an editor, you’re the last line of defense. Anything that goes into print is your responsibility,” -Dan Pearce 07-09

2016

2013-2014 “Newspaper was the only class I had that prepared me for the real world. When you don’t know how to do something or feel like it’s out of your comfort zone, you just have to figure it out and do your best,” -Holly Baldacci 13-14

The Voice reaches its 20th year, and is chosen as a CSPA Crown Finalist for hybrid magazines in 2017

“The Voice helped me grow as a journalist because I ultimately learned to listen to the students of HHS and the stories that they wanted to see covered in the paper,” -Devin Martin 15-16 The Voice 11-12

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 23

A&E

Reducing a tragedy

‘Deepwater Horizon’ misses out on the bigger picture

austin zeis • staff writer eepwater Horizon” is a taut, engrossing action movie about real-life heroes, so why is it a disappointment? Director Peter Berg is telling the wrong story. The 2010 explosion and fire that killed 11 on the offshore oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, resulted in the largest environmental disaster in US history. Oil gushed from the bottom of the ocean floor into the Gulf of Mexico for 87 days before the well was capped. The slick was so big you could see it from space. A massive rescue effort worked to contain the damage, rescue wildlife, and protect wetlands along the coast. It will take years to calculate the toxic fallout in terms of marine and human life. Many people are part of this story. In a very real sense, we all are. So telling the tale from the point-ofview of the rig workers and sticking to the 24-hours of the initial crisis seems a little short-sighted. There is an epic here that has gone missing. Yes, there were heroes aboard the Deepwater Horizon; yes, they suffered for the oversights of the BP executives and they saved as many lives as they could. But this is like making “Titanic” without ever leaving the boiler room. Berg likes good guys, especially when they are stout-hearted working-class Joes. “Deepwater Horizon” is another authentic piece just like the director’s 2013 hit, “Lone Survivor,” which skillfully dramatized a tragic ambush in the war in Afghanistan while avoiding politics like the plague, and with Michael Bay’s allthumbs Benghazi movie “13 Hours.” “Deepwater Horizon” is even more of a production than those films, It’s a rigorous attempt to put us into the midst of hell on earth. As in “Lone Survivor,” Mark Wahlberg is our representative 24 • THE VOICE • October 2016

https://www.facebook.com/ DeepwaterHorizonMovie/

everyman as chief electronics technician Mike Williams, choppering in for a long shift on the oil rig at the start of the movie, along with fellow crew members and their beloved boss James “Mr. Jimmy” Harrell. Of course, we can not forget the great works of Kurt Russell, serving meat and potatoes with understated professionalism. They all work for Transocean, but BP is paying the bills, and any concerns you might have that the petro-giant will be getting off easy are alleviated by the sight of John Malkovich as BP well-site supervisor Donald Vidrine. Baldheaded and dripping with deep-fried Louisiana arrogance, Malkovich plays the role as if he were James Carville’s evil twin. Vidrine pushes the Transocean crew to overlook a cement test that should have been carried out but was not. It is only a matter of time until the whole thing blows, and when it does, “Deepwater Horizon” straps us in for a front-row seat at Apocalypse 2010. The performances cannot be faulted. Wahlberg and Russell are excellent, as is Gina Rodriguez, as third mate Andrea Fleytas, who keeps it together until she loses her cool. Nor can the physical production, although I wish Berg had explored the oil rig more as a unique dramatic space. The crew’s camaraderie is gruff and easygoing; the class divide between the working average-joes and the clueless management class rumbles

convincingly beneath the surface alongside those bubbles. I came out of “Deepwater Horizon” feeling more than a little oily because the filmmakers are recycling an unsurpassed real-world calamity into the latest disaster-movie ride, a towering inferno neatly and heroically resolved in 107 minutes. The attempt seems wrongheaded from the get-go, especially when the film’s promotional push is encouraging us to “Experience it in IMAX,” as if we cannot process environmental catastrophe until we have seen it on the big screen at AMC. Berg and Wahlberg’s next project, in theaters Dec. 21, is “Patriots Day,” a.k.a. the Boston Marathon movie. It may be great, it may be opportunistic, and it will almost certainly reorganize what happened on April 15, 2013, along traditional narrative lines because that is what the film industry and this director do: repackage tragedies into triumphs and sell them back to us. True, sometimes it is a natural fit, as could yet be the case with “Patriots Day.” Here, you feel shoehorned into a far smaller story than the subject deserves. It will take decades for the 210 million gallons of oil spilled by the Deepwater Horizon to be absorbed back into the environment. It only took Hollywood six years to rework disaster into entertainment.

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October 2016 • THE VOICE • 25

A&E

The return of punk rock

New albums by Green Day, NOFX, and Sum 41 released

tyler lopez • staff writer

t has been a long while since rock was big in the United States. Pop, rap, EDM, and dubstep have flooded the mainstream with their cheesy hooks and lame computer-generated sounds. Punk, in its most recent years, has taken a bit of a dive. Wannabe “punk” bands have sprung up and have, yet again, flooded the mainstream. Despite this, Blink-182, with a new frontman, released a fantastic album over the summer. With the departure of frontman and founding member Tom DeLonge in March of last year, it looked as if Blink-182 would never put out a new record. However, later that same month, frontman of the Chicago-based punk band Alkaline Trio, Matt Skiba, was announced as the new member of Blink-182. Their new album, “California,” was released on July 1, and showcased the new band’s beautiful chemistry. Luckily, real punk fans were treated to the long awaited Green Day album called “Revolution Radio.” But wait, there’s more. Fellow punk bands, NOFX and Sum 41, also released new albums. Three new punk albums all released on Oct. 7. Green Day’s “Revolution Radio,” NOFX’s “First Ditch Effort” and Sum 41’s “13 Voices” were released all on the same day.

Courtesy of https://www. facebook.com/GreenDay/

Green Day “Revolution Radio”

Nearly four years have passed since Green Day’s less-than-stellar “Uno!,” “Dos!” and “Tre!” trilogy was released in the fall of 2012. Since then, Green Day had not been doing much. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong entered rehab for alcohol and sleeping pill abuse after an explosive outburst at an iHeartRadio performance. Touring guitarist Jason White was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in early 2015. Since then, he has made a full recovery and has returned to be a touring member of the band. At the time, it looked as if the California-based punk trio would be on an exceptionally long hiatus. All seemed lost, but in February of this year, Armstrong posted several pictures on Instagram of himself, bassist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool rehearsing new material. The music world exploded. Following the pictures, not 26 • THE VOICE • October 2016

much was heard from Green Day. Buzz began to arise in late July that a new single would be released, and with that, a new album. All was hearsay, nothing was solid. It was not long until it was revealed, through Armstrong himself, that a new single would be released on Aug. 11. Following the single’s release, it was announced that they would be releasing a new album, “Revolution Radio,” on Oct. 7. The song, “Bang Bang,” is a ferocious attack on the violence filled culture of modern America. “It’s from the eyes of a mass shooter and how the world affects him,” Armstrong said to Rolling Stone. Armstrong acknowledged the song’s anger and said [“Bang Bang”] is the most aggressive single we’ve ever had.” The song is loud, fast and angry. Armstrong’s voice is solid and meshes perfectly with Dirnt’s thundering bass riffs. Drummer Tre Cool does not disappoint as he smashes and crashes his drums into a sublimely punky track. “Bang Bang” is a return to their “American Idiot” days as it delves into a crumbling society. To be honest, the album is very reminiscent of “American Idiot”. This is not bad by any means; this is the essential and perfect tone for Green Day. A second song, “Revolu-

tion Radio,” the title track, was released on Sept. 9. “Revolution Radio” is a sort of call-to-arms in the modern age as we are threatened with corruption and war. A third, and final, tune was released on Sept. 23. Dubbed “Still Breathing”, the song is a powerful ballad on self empowerment and finding the good in hard times. Coincidentally the song was released exactly four years after Billie Joe Armstrong went into rehab. This is either a huge coincidence or a reflection on his own life. The song itself contains numerous references to his upbringing. Far more political than the first song, “Revolution Radio” shines as a new staple in Green Day’s catalog. The entire album has a fantastic flow to it.

Courtesy of https://www. facebook.com/NOFX/

NOFX “First Ditch Effort” Subtlety is not NOFX’s strong suit. They are well known for their brash and loud punk rock that shakes the very foundation of the US government.

A&E 41. The song is heavy and Songs such as “Franco UnIn an interview with fuse. loud, nearly metal sounding. American” took shots at the tv, frontman Deryck Whibley The single is surprisingly meBush Administration and how noted that “13 Voices” is a lodic, pushing its catchiness broken America was. That personal story of self-recovfurther. was 2003, a time when rock ery. “13 Voices” spent nearly was still in the mainstream. “I was in a bad place; I two years as a project for the Since then, Michael “Fat dealt with alcoholism and band, with work beginning in Mike” Burkett, frontman and nearly died. This new record Courtesy of https://www. June of 2014 and wrapping up bassist, has lead the band into is my story; my self-recovery facebook.com/Sum41/ taking place in early to midthe turbulent times of the 21st and redemption,” Whibley April of this year. century. said. These three albums, all While they have put out With that incentive, their released in one day, accurately numerous records, none latest release aims to stand display that punk rock is far seemed to garner as much as out as a modern pop-punk At the turn of the century, attention as 1994’s “Punk in record. “Fake My Own Death” from dead and that no matter boy bands and pop began to Drublic” and 2003’s “The War was released on June 28, being how overproduced and geenter the mainstream. Despite neric the music business has on Errorism.” their first new song in four this, the pop punk powerbecome, there will always be Their latest release was years. house of Sum 41 managed to bands who write real, mean2012, and unlike Green Day, “Fake My Own Death” is a pump out well-written and ingful music. no news was posted on their relatively new sound for Sum catchy tunes. new material, so when their Songs like “Fat Lip” and new single “Six Years on “In Too Deep” showcased Dope” was released in July, their immense talent in fans were taken aback. crafting poppy-punk riffs and The song, a reflection catchy four-chord choruses. on Burkett’s veracious drug The Canadian-based punk addictions, the song is vicious four-piece has never fully exand fast. “Six Years on Dope” plored their vocal and musical is prime NOFX, as it is a call talents as they have stayed back to their original sound. within the party anthems that A second song, “Oxy have gained them popularity. Moronic,” was released Sept. Despite this, they have 9. Cleverly written, the song always implemented deep Courtesy of https://www. is composed entirely as a meanings in their songs, makfacebook.com/GreenDay/ play-on-words bashing the ing for good records. medicine industry and how they are the real drug dealers. “Oxy Moronic” is beyond clever; Burkett’s lyrical talent is on full display and the band operates well in the rather funny song. While not as brash and angry as previous albums, NOFX takes a turn from their standard sound and does very well with an unexplored path in their musical careers.

Sum 41 “13 Voices”

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 27

A&E

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‘Luke Cage’ is bulletproof

A&E

Netflix’s newest Marvel series astounds in all aspects

noah simmons • staff writer

not yet finished the series and do not want to be spoiled, now is the time to stop reading, go watch it, and come back. The show’s timing is far from coincidental, being about a bulletproof black man in an era where cops are shooting unarmed black men on what seems like a daily basis. There is a point in the show where police do, in fact, shoot at him, though we do actually get to see these characters’ reasoning and what really happened. Taking place in a key landmark for black history, Harlem, Luke Cage defends these streets. Cage wears a black hoodie and has to constantly get a change of clothes due to bullet holes. Fun fact: the hoodie is paying homage to the Black Lives Matter movement and a shooting victim by the name of Trayvon Martin, who was killed wearing a hoodie. This is to show that a black man in a hoodie is not necessarily a “thug” or a threat, he might just be a hero. Due to Cage’s heroism, he is dubbed as a vigilante. Many superheroes in the past have been dubbed as vigilantes, including Daredevil and Spider-Man. The topic of vigilantism is addressed in many of the Netflix Marvel shows, and is an integral topic in the plot of “Captain America: Civil War.” Funnily enough, a few characters in the show refer to Cage as Harlem’s own Captain America. The music choice in “Luke Cage” is incredibly significant as well, with plenty of R&B and hip-hop stars who play in the club known as Harlem’s Paradise, which is run by the main villain, Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes. R&B and hip-hop are both genres that came to be sometime after the Civil Rights Movement, during the time where African-American culture started to become accepted. Famous rapper Method Man also makes a cameo in an episode, but it is not just some throwaway cameo. He gets the

arvel’s “Luke Cage” is the latest addition to the Netflix portion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you lack the knowledge, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the connecting of all the TV shows and movies created by Marvel Studios since 2008’s “Iron Man,” starring Robert Downey Jr. This does not include “Fantastic Four,” “X-Men,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” franchise. In basic terms, “The Avengers” is connected to the ABC show, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and so on. The Netflix series include “Jessica Jones,” “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage,” and the upcoming series “Iron Fist,” which will be available to stream in March 2017. Sometime next year, all of these characters from these shows will come together in another series titled “The Defenders.” The newest series, “Luke Cage,” follows the story of a man with impenetrable skin combating crime in the neighborhood of Harlem. We first met Luke Cage back in the Netflix series “Jessica Jones,” where we got some brief information on his backstory, and in this series we learn more of his backstory. The cast of “Luke Cage” is predominately black, which is expected as it takes place in Harlem, New York. Luke Cage is played by actor Mike Colter, who has been in many other TV shows before, including “Jessica Jones,” “The Good Wife,” and an episode of “Criminal Minds.” Costars include Mahershala Ali, recognizable as Boggs from “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” and “Part 2,” Frankie Faison, who played a character named Barney from the horror classic “Silence of the Lambs,” and Erik LaRay Harvey, who was in the popular TV series “Boardwalk Empire.” This is your mild spoiler warning, if you plan on watching Luke Cage or have

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word out about Luke Cage and tells the world how much of a hero he is. Bear in mind the world is still a bit iffy on superpowered protectors being unregulated and unpredictable. See Marvel’s “The Avengers” to know why. The casting is fantastic, the writing and scripting is incredible, the music choices are irreplaceable and the cinematography is downright brilliant. There are so many amazing shots put together perfectly on screen, some can be put as a desktop background even. Plenty of sequences any aspiring writer or director should take notes on. While Marvel’s “Luke Cage” is a great show on its own, it does not exactly match up with what the previous Netflix shows before it did. Some of the character development was slow, and some of the action sequences were short-lived. However, this series will suck a watcher in and get them to binge the show as fast as they can. With plenty of plotlines and character arcs put into 13 one hour-long episodes all available to stream, “Luke Cage” packs a punch. October 2016 • THE VOICE • 29

A&E

Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/MaximumRideFilm/

‘Maximum Ride’ falls flat The latest book-to-film adaptation disappoints fans

courtney thomas • editor-in-chief

ow that you’ve started reading this, you cannot stop. Did you hear me? Your very life may depend on it. I’m risking everything that matters by writing this. Keep reading- do not let anyone stop you. For those of you who have read the “Maximum Ride” series, you know that is how “The Angel Experiment” starts, with a warning. Max, the narrator and protagonist, briefly sets up the story, explaining her and her family’s past. For those of you who have yet to read this iconic book series, let me break it down for you. 14-year-old Maximum Ride, or Max, and five other kids, all known as the flock, were created by scientists as experiments. As a result, they are each 98 percent human, and 2 percent bird, meaning yes, they can fly. But the scientists who created them, are now on the hunt for the flock, who

escaped with the help of their father figure/scientist, Jeb Batchelder. This is their story and the story of how a beloved book became a movie. 9 years ago this month, James Patterson, author of the beloved “Maximum Ride” series, announced that rights to the “Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment” movie were bought. The movie was slated to be released in 2010, and fans could not have been more excited for its release. “Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment” was published on April 5, 2005 and received positive reviews across the board. One of the biggest things that made the book an instant hit, was its versatility. It was a series that both adults and children could enjoy, one that was an easy and compelling read for adults, and a great intermediate level chapter book for children. With such positive reception, it is no wonder that the movie rights were snatched up as quickly as they were. As

30 • THE VOICE • October 2016

the end of 2009 rolled around, many eager fans began to grow impatient with the lack of information about the movie. In January 2010, the movie went into pre-production in order to rewrite the script, slating the new release date for 2013. Everything was going great, things running smoothly, until 2012, when the director, Catherine Hardwicke, who directed “Twilight,” quit the movie. Following Hardwicke’s leave, on March 26, 2013, the screenplay writer passed away. The production of this long-awaited movie was not smooth sailing, and ran into a few hundred problems that caused the release date to change multiple times. On August 30, 2016, “Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment” was released for digital download, with Sept. 30 set as release date of the movie to a limited amount of theaters. Many of us book-to-film fans set unrealistically high expectations for the representation of our favorite books,

only leading us to disappointment. It is no wonder we are almost always disappointed with the movie. This adaptation is no different, ladies and gents.With a mixture of awful acting and even worse CGI effects, the movie is a complete waste of an hour and a half. Now, do not get me wrong, seeing a visual representation of one of your favorite books is always fun and enjoyable, but this movie was no doubt made for the fans and unlike many recent book-to-movie adaptations, this one cannot stand without the book. One of the biggest and most prominent problems that the movie runs into, is the cast. None of them live up to the characters Patterson created. It was as if the casting director did not even attempt to find matches of the descriptions Patterson described. The distinct physical features that made the characters unique were not even remotely honored in the movie, which disappointed many fans. Not to mention, the actors in this

movie clearly were new to the business. Max, played by Allie Marie Evans, was a decent match description wise, but it was evident that this was her first movie. Fang, a flock member, who can be best described as ‘emo’ by our society, is portrayed completely wrong in the movie, having brown hair, as opposed to black hair. He was much more loveable in the movie than he was in the book, which he was described as being dark and mysterious, rather than caring and talkative, which is what the movie made him out to be. Major plot details from the book were deleted from the movie, some of which were important to the storyline, others, not as much. One of the biggest differences was that Nudge, one the flock members, was supposed to go with Max and Fang on their rescue mission, but in the movie, she stayed back with the other members. This changed the dynamic of the whole movie and altered many scenes accordingly.

But all the while, the changes they made to the movie were unnecessary and could have been avoided to more accurately represent the book. It is also evident that the producers of this poorly-screened movie did not splurge on special effects either. The awful CGI was evident during the flying sequences. It makes any ‘80s movie flying scene look stellar in comparison. “Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment” ultimately did not live up to the expectations fans set for the long awaited film adaptation. With so much time to get it right, it is shocking that it was not better. With eight more books to adapt to movies, there is a lot of room for possible improvement, that is, if there even is another movie. Some plots are just better left in paperback, to the imagination of the reader, rather than some Hollywood screenwriter. But in the end, a low budget lead to its demise before it was even pushed out of its nest to fly.

A&E

This month in

entertainment Movies

The Accountant -Oct 14 Kevin Hart: What Now? -Oct 14 Ouija: Origin of Evil -Oct 21 Trolls -Nov 4 Doctor Strange -Nov 4

Video Games

PlayStation Pro 4-Oct 10 Rock Band Rivals- Oct 18 Battlefield 1-Oct 18 Batman Return to Arkham-Oct 18 Skyrim Special Edition-Oct 28 Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare-Nov 4

Albums

Kings of Leon: Walls-Oct 14 Gucci Mane: Waptober-Oct 14 Bon Jovi: This House Is Not For Sale-Oct 21 Lady Gaga: Joanne- Oct 21

Kenny Chesney: Cosmic HallelujahOct 28

Tove Lo: Lady Wood-Oct 28 Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/MaximumRideFilm/

danielle king • staff writer

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 31

R. O’Sullivan

R. O’Sullivan K. Troy

K. Troy

R. O’Sullivan

Huntley’s Homecoming 2016 bri governale • design editor

B. Hollatz K. Troy R. O’Sullivan

32 • THE VOICE • October 2016

ark skies and rain fell over HHS Friday Sep. 30, the day before Homecoming. A bright stampede of red, grey, black, and white could be seen entering the school at 7:30 a.m. Students showed off their school spirit for the last Homecoming day, Spirit Wear Day. Homecoming Week is the student body’s favorite week out of the school year. Everyone was ready for the pep assembly, the game, and the dance on Saturday. Friday afternoon started off with the pep assembly. A juniors vs. freshmen volleyball game kicked it off, with the juniors winning. The large clan of red t-shirts could be heard and seen cheering from the bleachers.

To top off the pep assembly, Guys Poms wowed the audience with a kick-butt performance. The highlight of their performance was their dance to “JuJu On That Beat” by Zay Hilfiger. The crowd went crazy over the dancing seniors in pink tank tops and short shorts. Just two hours later, students began to gather in Raider Nation for the Homecoming football game. The bleachers were packed by 4:00 p.m.- three hours before the varsity game. Red Raider fans sat in the cold and rain until the game started. The energy was pumping through each body standing on the bleachers. Although the Huntley Raiders lost to West Aurora 27-21, the school spirit was never lost. October 2016 • THE VOICE • 33

SPORTS

Driving all the way to the top Varsity girls golf team nears the end of a great season emily kindl • staff writer this was her home.

he soft wind tumbles across her body as she is focused on accomplishing her goal. The sun feels warm and welcoming, shining a spotlight on the green; the dancing flag on its pole awaits the ball to inch its way forward and into the hole. Though the greenness and enormity of the course is peaceful, the rustling leaves seem to be whispering doubt upon the golfer. Anticipation is creeping over her body and getting under her skin, inducing unwanted nerves, but she knows she must overcome that fear, maintaining her focus and remembering her strategy. She knows the coach is watching and feeling the same expectancy as she does. She lifts her arms up slightly, club in hands, making sure she is preserving strategy and being meticulous about her next move. Some of her teammates watching shout “get it!” as she brings the putter close to the ball. The gentleness and precision of the hit brings the golf ball into its rightful place. She knew that the overflowing encouragement from her coach and teammates helped her make par. A smile grew on her face, exuding her excitement, relief, and fulfillment. And in that moment, like many moments before, senior Caroline Giorgi knew that

For the girls on Huntley High School’s varsity girls golf team, this sense of family − this sense of home − has been a strong foundation for them throughout the years. Coaching since 2008, Ann Christiansen has kept this aspect of family and unity an integral part of the golf team, whether or not she was actually trying to. Every time Christiansen wakes up in the morning, a smile curls her lips, remembering that she gets to work with her girls. No matter the circumstances, she constantly strives to not only help her girls with their game, but also develop each girl’s humility and leadership, with the intention that these morals transcend into their future. It’s humbling for her when she sees her players getting better every year because of their individual determination and effort. This shows in the transfiguration of their game and character. The struggles of golf do reveal its ugly face, though. According to Christiansen, the hardest part of coaching is when she cannot reach a girl who is having difficulties within the sport and her many efforts to help do not work. When this happens, she may feel that she failed, but she has to force a positive mindset upon herself and let it go. “Because if you don’t [let it go], you can’t move forward,” Christiansen said.

34 • THE VOICE • October 2016

When she lets go of the doubt and disappointment, and continues to help with the struggles her girls may have, she notices their gradual improvement. According to junior Katie Weidner, golf is a mental sport. Sometimes things have taken a toll on her, but because of golf, she’s grown stronger mentally and emotionally in all areas of her life. “Golf is such an underrated sport, and people don’t understand how challenging it can get,” Weidner said. “Most people don’t know how we’re doing in the season and [somehow] we need to get people to know.” Coach Christiansen wasn’t warned of the struggles that came hand-in-hand when she first started coaching

golf. But, nevertheless, her deep involvement in the team outweighs the difficulties she experiences. Her enthusiastic commitment to the sport didn’t start when the coaching began in 2008. Her parents had played golf for a while, and that love for golf descended upon her and her sisters. The passage of time had kept golf an important aspect of her life for almost 40 years now. In fact, many of her players’ involvement in the sport began as something their parents loved. The roots of the girls’ love for golf shows in their contribution to the team, which is in more ways than one. The coach proudly witnesses constant support from the girls and having each other’s backs. Giorgi loves to contribute

Members of the team hitting the ball down the range (R. O’Sullivan).

SPORTS

A member of the girls golf team teeing off during practice (R. O’Sullivan).

leadership to both her team and the levels below her. Continuously aspiring to do the best she can possibly do, junior Maggie Matustik yearns to consistently improve as much as she can for the better of the team. Senior Nicole Gordus, as well as Giorgi and Weidner, all actively motivate and try to be role models to the girls on the JV team. As well as their individual contribution, the strong, secure friendships within the team helps them function as a whole. They have all become really close, even hanging out with each other outside of golf. The friendships ease tensions, fear, and everything in between; they can turn to any of each other for anything. “The girls on the team have found their place. We start out as friends in the beginning of the year and then we become pretty close,” Weidner said. The girls’ parents get involved and inveseted in the team when coach Christiansen has her players for a while, and this builds lifelong friendships with both her girls and their parents.

All of the players are in love with their coach’s overwhelming support, encouragement, and patience. Giorgi always knew she was going to grow up with her coach when she joined the golf team. Both of them always make sure that things are going well with each other, whether in golf or in life. “I’ve been close with my coach ever since my freshman year,” Giorgi said. What really bonds Christiansen with her players is gifting goody bags to every girl before every game. The goody bags contain treats and motivational quotations of encouragement to instill in them the right mindset during a meet. The quotations ease tensions and remain an important part of most of the players’ lives as they collect them over the years, pulling out significant ones when they’re having a hard time. These friendships and loving support transcend into the entire team’s progress throughout the years. The team did extremely well last season, including claiming

second place at the Fox Valley Conference last September, placing third at the South Elgin Invite against 14 very skilled schools, and sending three players to sectionals. But both the coach and her players proudly say that this season is going so much better. With now a 4-1 standing, a recent first place win against 22 teams in Freeport, third place at regionals, and a victorious win against the Crystal Lake Co-op under their belt, the team hopes for and is relentlessly persevering towards going to state for the first time in Huntley history. “It’s going to be an exciting finish for this season. But whatever the outcome, I know [my girls] have given their best,” Christiansen said. “Every year, I’m proud of my girls and what they do regardless.” Christiansen and her girls love looking back at their greatest accomplishment this year, specifically the one against the Crystal Lake Co-Op. The girls had 11 days without a match prior to going head-to-head against

an undefeated Crystal Lake. They took those 11 days very seriously − practicing as hard as they could, whenever they could. Crystal Lake was leading girls golf for eight years, and Huntley’s own girls golf team broke their streak. Last season, Crystal Lake beat them by eight strokes, and this year Huntley proudly beat them by six. Huntley played in pairs, allowing each girl to have a friend and teammate beside them to be there for each other. They really did not know how well Crystal Lake had been doing until the meet was over, so having that support had calmed their nerves. When the girls heard the results of the match, they could not believe it. They were so pumped, so joy-filled, so proud. It was spirit-lifting for coach Christiansen, seeing her girls get so excited, knowing that their hard work and determination successfully paid off this year against Crystal Lake.

see GOLF page 39 October 2016• THE VOICE •35

SPORTS

Some prefer to play ‘Ruff’

Senior Aaron Ruffner proves to be a scoring sensation lucas modzelewki • a&e editor

he grass on the turf shines against the rays of the floodlights above, as a shadow approaches it. Following that silhouette is a new, but battered ball that hits the green blades and a pair of cleats that follow. There are only five minutes left in the game. The Red Raiders have to do something. Senior varsity soccer player Aaron Ruffner sees the ball bouncing, just about head height, and decides he has to go for a header. He sprints faster than anyone else after it, but it is too far away. A player from Jacobs gets to it first. The ball was not the only thing he got though, as he gets a head full of Huntley when Ruffner collides with him. After he came down, his teammates see him holding

his eye, but are still unaware of exactly what happened. Ruffner thought it was just a bonk on the head and did not feel much pain, but he touched his eyebrow and knew something was not right. He comes to the sideline and his teammates see it. Blood everywhere. Ruffner has just enough time to throw up some deuces and get a picture snapped before the athletic trainer comes on over to investigate the injury. Right away, she tells him he has to get out of there and he has to get stitches, that there is just too much blood. Soon, Ruffner’s parents came to him and they made their way to the hospital and he got eight stitches on his right eyebrow. The Red Raiders took one of their few losses of the season that night, losing 0-2. Throughout his whole history of playing soccer, Ruffner never had an injury

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36 • THE VOICE • October 2016

Ruffner proudly sporting his injury (Courtesy of A. Ruffner).

like that before, even at the beginning. Ruffner began to play soccer at the young age of 4, as soon as he could. That was the minimum age that anyone could sign up for recreational soccer. While he was initially told to join by his dad, soccer would soon become one of his biggest passions in life. And not only was he passionate, he was good. Ever since he first joined a soccer team, he only got better. At this point, he has become one of the best players on Huntley’s varsity soccer team. According to teammate and fellow senior,

Juan Collazo, the key component to Ruffner’s game is his raw speed. “If he goes fast, there’s no one on the field that can catch him,” Collazo said. Ruffner’s speed appears to be his prime skill, as others on the team agree with Collazo. “I haven’t seen one person able to outrun him,” senior teammate Ryan Janikowski said. However, speed is not the only thing that sets Ruffner apart. He has a talent for scoring as well. Back in August, in a game against Marian Central Catholic, Ruffner scored

SPORTS three goals, earning first hat playing the sport and the trick of the season. Accordchallenge of two great teams ing to Ruffner, it was a great playing each other is what feeling. really fuels Ruffner’s love of “I scored that third goal the game. and I was like, ‘Hey! Hat “When you’re playing a trick!’” Ruffner said. good team or when your However, that was not team and the other team are the moment he became both even, you can just feel known for as being a solid the competition between the Football vs Crystal Lake South- Oct. 14 goalscorer. He had portrayed two teams,” Ruffner said. Cross Country Varsity boys and girls Fox his talent for such a feat long Being such a great player Valley Conference- Oct. 15 before that. in a sport of such challenge “[In] a tournament we is definitely a commendable Volleyball v Crystal Lake South- Oct. 18 had over the summer, he achievement. Girls varsity swimming @ Jacobs- Oct. 19 just went off and he carried But not only has Ruffner the team, scoring like seven gotten increasingly better at Football vs McHenry (Senior night)- Oct. goals in the entire tournathe sport since day one, he 21 ment out of three games,” has realized his inspiration Cross Country varsity boys and girls @ Collazo said. and prime motivator. Now, Ruffner is known as The very man who intro- IHSA Regionals- Oct. 22 one of the top players on the duced him to the sport, his Soccer varsity boys @ IHSA Sectionalsteam, and a go-to option for dad. speed and scoring. “He’s definitely just always Oct. 25 According to the scoring been there with me as I’ve Girls varsity swimming @ D-155- Oct. 28 machine himself, his goal for grown up playing soccer,” his final season at Huntley is Ruffner said. Boys varsity soccer @ IHSA Sectionalsto break the record for goals Ruffner plans to continue scored, which is currently getting better so he can play Oct. 28 17. the sport he loves so much Cross country boys and girls @ IHSA Ruffner has also quickly in college. State- Nov. 5 become a model player for “I just want to be able to the team both in games and be the best player I can be so Girls varsity swimming @ Fox Valley Conin practice. I can move up to that next ference- Nov. 5 “The best thing about level,” Ruffner said. playing soccer with Aaron Currently, Ruffner plans is that he helps everyone on to major in Mechanical the team grow as players, Engineering and go to a MLB postseason begins-Oct. 4 and he always keeps the smaller college around the 2016-17 Regular season NBA begins-Oct. team focused on the task at area. He plans to enroll as a hand,” Janikowski said. student-athlete and focus on 25 There are many reasons to the student part first and the Bulls first regular season game @home v. love the sport of soccer, but athlete second. for Ruffner, the competition There is not a single Celtics- Oct. 27 is what makes it such a great doubt he can achieve his experience every time he goal to play at the collegiate The Rugby Weekend (greatest professteps onto the green field. level. After all, scoring goals sionals in Rugby play two international “It’s a hard sport, it’s a is what he is known to do, so matches)-Nov 4&5 challenging sport,” Ruffner there is no way he will miss said. “I don’t want an easy this one. • D. King sport.” The pure difficulty of October 2016 • THE VOICE •37

This month in

sports

HHS SPORTS

PROFESSIONAL

SPORTS

Living life in the fast lane

Ian Geisler plays a major role on cross country team sarah biernat • staff writer

ith the humidity and sweat clinging to his face, freshman Ian Geisler was fighting an uphill battle… literally. His aching leg wanted to give up, but he had another idea. With two more miles to go, Geisler’s only option was to dig deep. As he approached the duration of the race, three miles in, he knew he was not alone. With roughly 77 other runners behind him and 12 in front, Geisler knew he had it. With cheers from coach Matthew Kaplan, Geisler crossed the finish line, landing him in 13th overall. Veteran’s Acres was nothing but a thing of the

past. Its unsteady rocks and treacherous forest grounds only gave him more pride. Most importantly, being in the top seven of Huntley’s boys varsity cross country team was desired. Being up there with the big kids was not much of an uphill battle. With Geisler starting on the freshmen team, there was still an opportunity to advance. “Coach put me on JV to give me more experience,” Geisler said. “But when he saw me run, he bumped me up to varsity.” According to Geisler, being the only freshman on this team meant that it took time to “gain respect” and for his new coach and teammates to get to know him. With there never being intimidation or

38 • THE VOICE • October 2016

anxious thoughts, he just went with the flow. As he dashes through what most people would consider a torturous run, he makes continuous running for three miles seem nearly effortless. Every race is three miles, so training and practices are always longer and more intense, leaving Geisler with the advantage of having an easier race than other runners. “We have practice everyday for three hours,” Geisler said. “We go to Del Webb and run six miles,” he said. “I use my nerves to pump me up.” Backtrack to 2012 and this past summer. Geisler was always an active kid and playing basketball was his choice of sport. At the time of 10 years old, becoming a runner was Geisler preparing for a meet (B. Hollatz).

not in the picture. “I was always a fast kid [on his basketball team],” Geisler said. “My dad told me ‘I could make you a runner. You can choose to either run or play basketball.’ I chose running and I loved it ever since.” For Geisler’s father, Drew, who was a major runner all throughout his life, this was a time for bonding and doing something they both love. Fast forward to summer 2016. As Geisler and the rest of his future teammates were attending training camps, he set high expectations for himself, and so did his coach. Making JV was not exactly ideal. However, he still had a shot to make varsity, and taking that chance benefitted him. “As the season goes on, the underclassmen can move up,” Kaplan said. “Ian has shown to be one of the top seven runners.” With the season wrapping up soon, Geisler is not completely digging it. “What I’ll miss most are the current seniors,” Geisler said. “They make up a decent portion of the team and I can’t quite imagine practice or meets without them.” While the seniors are going off to college in a year, Geisler’s got three left and knows “colleges will be looking at running.” He hopes to possibly get some scholarships as well. “My dream would to be a professional runner,” Geisler said. “I absolutely love it.” •

SPORTS

FARMER page 17

AFRICA page 21

ence. Behrens wishes there were agricultural classes offered at Huntley High School, but she understands there is no longer an emphasis. She hopes to become a part of FFA (Future Farmers of America), where she will travel to Marengo for monthly meetings. FFA is a student led organization that focuses on leadership and agriculture. Members promote and support agricultural education, something Behrens hopes to pass down to her children. “It has been such a huge part of my life that I know it’s something I want my kids to be involved in,” Behrens said. She lowers her hands from the air and adjusts the black beads dangling from her neck. The cheer she once shouted for the hype was now, in essence, what defines her. Putting all her thoughts of training and harvest aside, she raises her hands to her mouth and starts over. •

with the same amount of money that would feed her family here in America. “People in Africa can barely feed their family on the daily,” said Fondjo. “If you took any kid in this school and put them in the place of the kids in Africa, they would die, they would not be able to live there at all.” Although she loved being in Cameroon with family, Fondjo wouldn’t trade living in the United States. “I’m so privileged just to live in America,” said Fondjo. “If the people from my town in Africa walked into the Hub here at Huntley they would say ‘Wow this is as much money as we put into our church as you have in this

GOLF page 34 Aside from the deep friendship within the entire team, their combined game, wisdom, determination, and support really helped them claim the win. Words could not explain how it felt to have beaten the most skilled high school girls golf team in the Fox Valley Conference. “It was our time to win,” Giorgi said. And indeed it was. The girls’ mutual passion and love for golf unites them − making each member more than just a teammate, and making the team more than just a team. “They’re not only my golf sisters, but also my friends off of the golf course,” Giorgi said. Win or lose, they are still family. •

room.” Fondjo’s younger sister Donna, who is an eighth grader, has similar feelings toward America too. “I like to visit Cameroon as often as possible,” said Donna. “But I would want to live in America though because I don’t like the transportation and how the

roads aren’t finished with lines and all that like how we have here.” With such a strong connection to family, heritage, and her country, there’s no question that Fondjo will never forget her roots. They have made her who she is today, and that Cameroonian blood will continue to shape her for years to come. •

SECURITY page 15 very positive addition to the school. He has a fun personality that is very engaging and easy to connect. You always want to put people in a school to work with kids who don’t appear to have a bad day, and Mr. Evans doesn’t appear as though he has a bad day,” Principal Scott Rowe said. “I think as an adult working with kids you want to help them find the positive side of things and he does a good job of that.” Approach Evans in the hallway. He is here to help the school, which means keeping the students safe. Keeping the students safe could be something as simple as helping when someone is having a bad day. He connects well with the students, more than one would think. •

RUNNING page 34

lip-synced videos on musical.ly. Her coach Brad Gallaugher walked up and down the aisle, high-fiving and congratulating each girl on a race well done. It was three Saturday mornings after the CLS Invite at Veterns Acres. The girls had raced at Sunrise Park in Bartlett, a relatively flat, double-looped course with less greenery to get lost behind and more open areas to get cheered for. This setting proved to work in her favor as Glass had attained her personal record time of 19 minutes and 46 seconds. The results came to her as a pleasant surprise, followed by an excited frenzy of “woo”s and applause at the awards ceremony. The ride home was a mellow one however. Some girls were reclined on

their backpacks, dozing off to soft rock coming from the bus radio. Other girls were retweeting #relatable posts and Snapchatting filtered selfies. It was one of the few moments devoted to cross country when she was allowed to just relax. Because she knew that once Monday rolled around the corner, it would be back to the grind. But she wasn’t worried. She would simply remember why she was still on the team, give 100 percent effort in every practice, motivate herself to her highest potential, never give up.

I can do this, I know I can do this.

And like clockwork, she would be gone from that starting line, running after her goals no matter how hilly the course. • October 2016 • THE VOICE • 39

SPORTS

“Full-blast kind of girl”

Emily Glass excels in cross country through hard work

mawa iqbal • news editor

hough the gun hadn’t even gone off yet, her thoughts were already racing a 5k inside her head. She’d heard many things about this notorious course from the older girls who’ve had the honor to run this literal, uphill battle.

It’s probably one of the hardest courses we will ever run. There’re rocks and tree roots literally all over the place so be extra careful and watch where you’re going. People usually don’t get their best times here. That’s just how it is.

She then thought back to the previous year. Her and her fellow cross country teammate Owen Cravens had visited this park to cheer on their future high school at their varsity conference. The race was pretty exciting, but there was something else that immediately grabbed her attention. Hills. Rolling hills, steep hills, dirt hills, and even a cement hill. It was pretty intimidating. As an eighth grader, she didn’t think that she could ever be able to run this course for the high school team. And yet here she was, donned in a black jersey with a red letter H on the front, anxious for that gun to just pop already. It was the Crystal Lake South Cross Country Invitational at Veterans Acres.

She was nervous. The referee had blown the five-minute whistle and now every runner was standing with their respective teams behind that white, spray-painted line, prepping themselves in what little time they had left before the gun’s pop. Only five minutes left. She knew she had to switch her mental gears and focus her thoughts on the present, not the past.

I have to just do my best. I can’t control anybody around me or my place, I can only control my time and my performance.

And then came that second whistle. A high-pitched, shrill sound turning the pep talks between teammates and into tense silence. The referee stands on the top of the ladder, gun and a scarlet flag in his hands, whistle in his mouth. She bends

40 • THE VOICE • October 2016

down and positions herself in a runner’s stance. He holds both arms out at shoulder level. She tenses her muscles. He slowly raises both arms to a vertical position. She breathes. He quickly brings the flag down to his waist and squeezes the trigger, sending a pop flying through the gun barrel and erupting the silence. And like clockwork, she was gone from that starting line. Gone to endure what will be an uncomfortable twenty minutes of physical fatigue and mental strain. She’ll be beyond thirsty, heaving for air, and doused in sweat by the time she crosses the finish. And she’d happily do it again, every Saturday. What started out of curiosity quickly became a passion for freshman Emily Glass. Wanting to know more about the sport, Glass woke up one

summer morning in seventh grade and decided to go for a run. “Cross Country wasn’t a sport that everyone raved about,” Glass said. “I started running and I just kept going from there.” And she wouldn’t ever stop. She began her summer training by jogging two to three miles a day for six days a week, allowing herself only one rest day. Those summer miles paid off as soon as the season began. It was their first meet at the Barrington Middle School Campus and Glass was the 16th out of about 100 runners to cross that finish line. She could see the results, and so could her coaches. She was placed into a new group, running two mile races with the eighth graders and varsity runners. The distance was longer, the runners were

Glass stretches before running six miles at practice (S. Faheem).

older, the times were faster. It was scary. Really scary sometimes. Glass’s new standing as the seventh varsity runner required her to push her body to uncomfortable limits that she didn’t want to meet. “I don’t want to push myself to the point where I feel pain,” Glass said. “Because of that, I would always end up falling short.”

I could’ve done this better, I could’ve done that better. Why didn’t I just do it?

According to her father, Jim Glass, the key to reaching your full potential is pain management. “Every runner is nervous and they can make a million excuses, but it’s because they know they’re going to be in pain,” Jim Glass said. “When you push yourself all the way, that’s how you win.” He was right. Worry about all the little things that contribute to the overall race performance. Tall back. Arms. Stride. Breathing. With this in mind, Glass revved up her summer workout plan to four to five miles almost every day. As an eighth grader, Glass rose to the top of the roster as the number one female varsity runner. Running with the boys at practices and claiming a top 10 spot at meets was a common occurrence for her. Yet there’s one significant moment that kept her tethered to the ground. She had the home field advantage at this meet. She knew the course, she was leading at the front of the pack. She felt good.

She reached the final stretch, sensing a girl from a rival team riding her heels. As she picked up her speed, she noticed from her peripheral view the girl running up next to her. In a matter of seconds she was looking at the back of the girl’s jersey. She was passed at the last minute, she officially came in second place. She felt terrible. But she saw a valuable gain from this loss. “As much as winning does feel good, losing helps you become a better runner,” Glass said. “At that point, I realized that I still need to work really hard on my speed for that final sprint.” Glass has never been one to rely solely on talent to be successful. She never rode the coattails of biological gifts, never cheated her way out of less work. She truly values hard work. She sees it as the key to reaching her full capability, to tapping into her untapped potential. Why settle for anything less than the best? “I know I’m not the best at everything, but I have this drive to achieve goals I’ve set for myself,” Glass said. A drive that carried her across her own personal finish line even before she started running. A drive that initiated her transformation into the runner she is today. It wasn’t just the looks that got to her. There was a social stigma plaguing girls that looked like her. Middle school is a critical period for young girls, a time when self-esteem levels plummet to the ground. And she was definitely feeling the brunt of that

SPORTS SPORTS

Glass helps her partner stretch before practice (S. Faheem).

drop. Glass was overweight, something that increased her self-consciousness and decreased her self-confidence. Her father still remembers the night she came home from her sixth grade dance, upset from an occasion meant for dancing and good times with friends. She told her parents that she’d been teased by a few girls frome her class. The news gave him a terrible feeling inside. For a moment he wanted to know who the girls’ fathers were. But what was he going to do, beat them up? No, Glass wasn’t that kind of person and neither was he. They worked things out together in this family, no crying about, no reporting it to the teachers. “I looked at Emily and I told her it was her time to show those girls,” Jim said. “This really motivated her to run and she had a major transformation in her fitness.” Wanting her to develop a

positive body image of herself, Glass’s parents threw their full support behind her plan of action. Her mother stocked the house with nutritious foods. Her father supplied her with useful exercises and stretches. They had her back then, and they still do now. They buy her only the most topnotch spikes at spike nights, pick her up from late after-school practices, and wake up early on Saturday mornings just to cheerlead their daughter and her teammates. For that smile on her face. “We know how much she loves to run, so we enjoy the fact that she’s on the team,” Jim Glass said. “We like watching her run because we’re pretty proud of how far she’s come.” She was coming just around the bend of the gravel trail when she encountered her first hill. Although she was towards the front of the pack she was worried if she’d

October 2016• THE VOICE •41

SPORTS be able to hold that position for the entire race.

It’s okay, you can handle this. You’ve done a lot of challenging things before.

And this race would earn a spot towards the top of that list. She looked up and saw coaches and managers, clipboards in their hands, stopwatches around their necks, standing at what she assumed to be the one mile mark of the race. Standing at the crest of a narrow, steep dirt incline spotted with white spray-painted circles warning

the runners of obtrusive tree roots and potential potholes. But her teammates were there, lining up on both sides of the path. Their claps and “go Emily!”s carrying her up the hill against the drag of her own fatigue. As she entered the second mile of the race she took full advantage of a downhill. Releasing some of the tension from her muscles, she allowed the natural force of gravity to propel her forward. But that pull quickly disappeared once she reached the seemingly never-ending

Glass works on her strides after practice (S. Faheem).

42 • THE VOICE • October 2016

stretch of rolling hills. It was the isolation that made it worse. Because the second mile back loop was a considerable distance away from the main campground, there was a serious lack of side-line supporters. It was like cheerleading, but for herself. It was the critical point in the race where only the runners who have the greatest mental strength come out on top.

Lengthen your strides! Pump your arms! The faster you run, the faster you’ll be done.

She decided that it’d be easier to take it one step at a time, or one flag at a time. At every bend, every split or fork in the path there was a flag signalling the direction runners must take to stay on the course: turn left on red, right on yellow, head straight on blue. As she passed one flag she’d tell herself that she can make it to the next flag, and the next flag. Because eventually the flags will stop, and the only flags she’ll see are the ones that line the finishing stretch. 21 minutes and 28.1 seconds later she was stumbling through those flags towards the water station. She was tired, and even a bit loopy too. Though the brightness of that afternoon sun forced her to squint, she located her teammates and exchanged sweaty hugs and breathless “good job”s. She was sore, but she was soaring above the clouds. “My legs were dead but my heart was happy,” Glass said. “I get really talkative and start

having a good time. We have a little party at the meet.” It certainly was an occasion worth celebrating for Glass. She was the first girl from Huntley to cross the finish, earning her the title of runner number 20 out of 176. Yet she didn’t feel that her place in the race was the true victory worth commemorating. “It’s when you go out and feel satisfied to know that you’ve left everything out on the course,” Glass said. “Especially when it’s hard course like VA. It makes me feel powerful and invincible.” Glass doesn’t know why she signed up for cross country. Doesn’t know why she incorporated running into her plan to get down to a healthy weight. Still doesn’t know why she woke up that one morning to go for a run instead of sleeping in. She does know the irreplaceable feeling of self-satisfaction. She knows that there’s nothing more worthwhile than working hard to achieve your individual goals and ultimately meeting them. And Glass has many of them, in and outside of running. She’s working towards remaining relaxed while she runs. She hopes to shed 28 seconds off her time from VA and break 21 minutes. She aspires to be like those super-human athletes who compete in ultra marathons or Ironman Triathlons. She’s even thinking about attending the United States Air Force Academy after high school. But all she was thinking about on the bus ride home was watching her friends’

see RUNNING page 39

EDITORIAL

School Wi-Fi users beware

ur world has changed since this year’s senior class even walked through the doors. Long gone are the days when textbooks were the only medium through which information was learned. Long gone are the days since Twitter and Instagram and Snapchat were a mere blip on the radar of every teenager across the globe. Life outside of the classroom has changed as well. The prevalence of non-peaceful protests, police shootings, racial hostility, domestic and radical terrorism, and heinous crime has been exacerbated by the global media and plastered on the front page of every major media outlet. Whether or not the world is truly less safe is not the issue; the only conclusion we can draw is that the world definitely seems like it is. Because of these developments, administration at HHS has been forced to evolve too. With the addition of Gaggle, a third-party filtering system, deans and principals have taken action against potential threats to the school, cyberbullying, drug and alcohol-related activities, and self-harm risks. The sensationalizing of “Flippy Kid” and the bullet incident last school year are just two prime examples of social media creating distractions inside the building. The disciplinary actions that followed were just the beginning of HHS’s new approach. “[Administration] wants to help,” Rowe said. “[Administrators] want to make the school a safe place.” But how do students or teachers know when there is a viable threat? How can we know if someone is just making a joke? Or if someone is just blowing off steam and does not really mean what he says? It is next to impossible. Emojis and exclamation points do not always deliver the tone that voice inflection would in a faceto-face encounter. Essentially, the Gaggle filter attempts to do the inconceivable. When obscene language, pornographic images, or mention of self-harm is sent out on a school-owned piece of technology, such as Chromebooks and school-operated Wi-Fi, the material in question is “flagged.” After a Gaggle employee reviews the flagged content, all school deans and principals are made aware of the infraction. Administrators then use their best judgment as to whether or not to pursue further action. “We at least have a conversation about what we think the best course of action is,” Dean of Students Tom Kempf said. While many feel this is an invasion of privacy, the pros of the filter outweigh the cons, and can even translate to experi-

ences outside of school. “This happens in the real world,” Kempf said. “You can be fired for sending a personal email on company-owned technology during office hours.” It seems like students ask themselves the same question at least ten times a day: “When am I ever going to use this information in my life?” For some, the answer may be never. For those not going into mathematics, they most likely wonder why it is necessary to find trigonometric values. For those not going into English vocations, they might wonder why it is important to be able to write an eight-page research paper. For once, the answer to this frequently asked question diverges from the norm. If anything, think of the filter as practice for later in life. Students will be able to keep personal and professional interests separate, which may save a few from cashing in unemployment checks. Administration hears the complaints about Gaggle loud and clear. Everyone in the building hears the complaints loud and clear. But the complaints are juvenile and worn out. For a brief moment, look at the world a little bit differently. Take a step back and think about why every principal in the district would come together and make a decision they knew would be both impactful and controversial. No one is excited about Gaggle being able to dig into the private lives of students and staff; the situation is not ideal. But in order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, certain civil liberties may be compromised. In this case, the liberty that must be relinquished is complete autonomy of personal devices. Here is the bottom line: is Gaggle an invasion of privacy? On the surface, yes. However, the school district and HHS administration reserves the right to set the ground rules for all technological use on their devices and Wi-Fi. The simplest way to avoid a visit to the dean’s office is to refrain from using school technology in personal affairs. Do not use a school-powered email with a Twitter account, or use profanity in a Google Doc, or send inappropriate videos over Wi-Fi. In the most elementary of terms, forget the rebellious teeanger facade when using school technology. “Things can come back to haunt you,” said Rowe. “Actions have consequences.” This Halloween, make sure social media pitfalls are not the ghosts doing the haunting.

Our Editorial Policy...

HHS Media are the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced by HHS Media students. HHS Media have been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may- and should coach and discuss content- during the writing process. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of HHS Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and responsible student staff emmbers assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

October 2016 • THE VOICE • 43

V THE VOICE

Huntley High School 13719 Harmony Road Huntley, IL 60142 (847) 659-6600

Spook-tastic Halloween Memories What has been your favorite Halloween costume? “I was Esmeralda from like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when I was in third grade.”

“I was ten years old and my mom legit made me a costume of grapes”

-Senora Lenckus

-junior Francesca Mannarino

¨Last year I dressed up as a hockey player. I’m a big hockey fan!¨ -senior Becca Fishman

¨Probably Thing 1 and Thing 2.” -freshman Brianna Carlson

¨When I was really little I was Bear and the Big Blue House.” -junior Sydney Magit

Happy Halloween from all of us here at The Voice!