The Voice: Volume 17, issue 3

Volume 17, Issue 3

Dec. 20, 2013

The future is here

Plans for the expansion and additions to HHS have been released.

(6, 11-13) Photo by Holly Baldacci

Sam and Ali Andrews have helped bring in a new era of Huntley basketball.

(22)

Sports www.huntleyvoice.com

Finding “Molly� in the music and in the hands of people at raves. (16)

A&E

An in-depth look at the Hi-CoHort program and what some students are missing out on.

(9)

Opinion

13719 Harmony Rd Huntley, IL 60142

(847) 659-6600

2

Dec. 20, 2013 Community

Glass broken, tests lost, lives changed Spanish teacher, Tamrah English’s car was broken into during art class with daughter

By Cullen Walsh

N

Staff Writer

ov. 20 was a pretty normal day for Spanish teacher Tamrah English. She had come home from work, picked up her 2-year-old daughter, Maddie, and went with her to their weekly art class at the Dundee Township Park District recreation center.

Her seemingly normal day would take an unsettling turn when she would come back to her car to find that the window had been destroyed. All valuables in the car had been snatched by thieves.

At some point between 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. two thieves forced their way into English’s car, taking items vital to her everyday life and important to her daughter. The items stolen from her purse and school bag contained her school ID and proxy cards, work papers, wallet, students’ tests, and her daughter’s personal belongings.

“It’s interesting to have it happen with your daughter around,” said English. “You try not to show emotion because you don’t want your kids to get scared.”

Police later arrived at the crime scene and viewed the parking lot’s camera footage in an attempt to identify the criminals. Two anonymous figures could be seen, wearing hoods that covered their faces, smashing

into English’s car window.

Police then searched cars in the surrounding area with flashlights. They were hoping that they would find one of the criminals hiding in one of these cars in a desperate attempt to stow away until the heat had settled. Police found nothing but evidence of multiple car thefts in addition to English’s loss.

“It’s interesting to have it happen with your daughter around,” said English. “You try not to show emotion because you don’t want your kids to get scared.”

English later detailed that some items taken from her car held personal information of hers, such as her address, name, and phone number.

“I was initially scared,” said English. “I felt like mine and my daughter’s safety had been compromised. I’m afraid that the people who stole my stuff from my car could use my address to break into my house. I worry that if they were to break in, I’d be the only one there to protect my daughter and myself.”

Police informed English that this break-in

was about the money in her car more than it was about stealing her personal information.

“Knowing that puts me at ease,” said English.

Despite the thieves snatching plenty of items of significant value, these faceless felons did not get away with much.

“It was funny because my wallet only had $3 in it when they took it so I hope it was worth it for them.”

As soon as English learned that her car had been broken into she canceled her credit and debit cards, ensuring that she would not be charged for anything that they tried to purchase. Two days later though, English found out that the thieves had gotten into her bank account, cashing a check using her driver’s license.

English’s case inflated when the thieves cashed the check in Addison, extending it to the Addison police. Even with the Addison police on the case, these criminals still remain at large.

Photo courtesy of T. English

Generations of dedication

How one family has impacted Huntley over the years

By Angelica Cataldo

H

Opinion Editor

untley has seen many families come and go, but the ones that stay are what define the community as a whole.

Originally from Woodstock, the Popenfoose family moved here in 1995 because pastor Joel Popenfoose planted the Westlake Community Church in Huntley. They have been active members of the community ever since.

After graduating from Huntley High School with the Class of 2008 and graduating from Upper Iowa University, Casey Popenfoose came back to teach Advanced Strength and Conditioning and Freshman Health at Huntley High School.

Casey is not the only one in his family who has an important part in the District 158 family. Although Casey is the only one teaching at Huntley High at the moment, his family has strong ties to this district’s schools.

His mother, Kim, works at Heineman Middle School, and also worked at Leggee Elementary as a special education assistant for nine years. His father, Joel, has worked in the district for 16 years coaching middle school basketball, high school football, and track and field. Last year he marked the end of his time at Huntley and is now coaching at Judson University.

Casey’s older brother, Adam, and younger brother and sister, Marcus and Myra, all attended Huntley High as well.

While growing up in the community, there were two things that were important: God and a strong relationship with his family.

“I grew up in a pastor’s home, so naturally the church has always been our family’s number one priority,” said Casey.

“Going to church on a Sunday wasn’t even a thought, you just did it.”

With God and family so close in hand, Casey considered his family members friends.

“I enjoy spending time with my siblings and parents more

Courtesy of the Popenfoose family than anyone else,” said Popenfoose. “Growing up, my older brother Adam was always the person I looked up to.

My younger brother Marcus has been my best friend, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten closer to my sister Myra as well. We’re a tight knit group.”

While attending Huntley High School, Casey truly believes that his performance in school was a direct reflection of the relationship he has with his parents and siblings.

“Any good decision I’ve made or bad decision I’ve dodged is a reflection of how I was raised,” said Casey. “My parents just flat out get it. They’re people of great integrity and character. The Big Man Upstairs blessed me with parents that I love and trust completely.”

As a highschooler, Casey was active in Huntley High’s athletics and was also a Link Crew leader in the first Link Crew group ever for Huntley High School.

“A common belief about most pastor’s kids is they turn out to be terrible people. I think most pastor’s kids feel the need to go against their faith in order to fit in with the rest,” said Casey. “I’m glad to say my siblings and I never had that problem. No one should be ashamed of who they are or what they’ve grown up in. Especially when what you’ve grown up in can have such a positive impact on your life.”

Now following in his father’s footsteps, Casey assistant coaches varsity football in addition to teaching physical education and health.

“I think the main reason I came back to Huntley to teach was the faculty,” said Casey. “Academically, I could not have been more prepared for the next chapter of my life after high school, and that is because of the quality of teaching I received in high school. I knew if I had the opportunity, I wanted to belong to this staff.”

The little BIC pen logo guy has a name. It’s BIC Boy.

3

Dec. 20, 2013 Community

If I cannot fly, let me sing

Singer Allie Kurkjian admitted to Merit School of Music

By Daniella Rivera

Staff Writer choir concert as an entre acte. She has also

Music has always been a large portion of her life. Her mother, Julie Kurkjian, had once read a study that children involved with music are inclined to receive better academic scores than those who are not.

Since the age of six, senior Allie Kurkjian has been enrolled in voice lessons. During voice lessons, Kurkjian began experimenting with Italian opera arias and later ventured deeper into the genre. At this time she discovered her new hobby. Everything blossomed from there on.

“It’s a universal art form that you can find anywhere in the world,” said Kurkjian. “It’s a strong surviving genre that builds upon musical theater and revolves around singing in general. That’s the big thing I like about it, plus it’s just fun.”

She has been taking private vocal lessons for 11 years now. This past year she opted for a new instructor, Tetyana Torzhevska, who is helping her perfect the operatic style. Not only does she attend out-ofschool vocal lessons, but she is also in two extracurricular choirs. She has been

in marching band since freshman year and knows how to play the flute and piano.

Whenever she is singing in front of an audience she wants to look her best. Usually her attire for performing is a dress.

Kurkjian has performed in recitals for private lessons. Also, she has sung in solo/ ensemble competitions and soloed at a

August on a day that school was in session.

Throughout the building were active students and the sounds of music pouring out of classrooms. To prepare for the audition Kurkjian was sent to a warm-up room and given 20 minutes to practice. The audition required one to sing in English, Italian, and German.

“It was pretty intimidating because it was only the vocal coaches in the room. That’s it and they don’t react to anything, so it is kind of intimidating,” said Kurkjian.

Two months after auditioning, the director of the conservatory contacted with the good news that she was “The more I look into voice her accepted into the program. programs, “My family is very supportive,” said Kurkjian. “They are a huge the more that I am certain influence on me since I’m very that I wish to do this.” close with all of them. My mother makes me sing at all our family gatherings, it’s has to offer. Kurkjian is involved with the pretty funny.”

Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition Free Conservatory, She is currently lookwhich is Merit’s most advanced musical ing into double majors and double degrees in colleges so she will be able to support her love of opera. She is well aware that it is extremely difficult to find a career with music, but she would love to find a position in singing.

“I have always had a passion for science and medicine so I think that would be an excellent path to pursue,” said Kurkjian.

Kurkjian figured out that she wanted opera as a career when it was a little late. It all happened while she began visiting colleges.

She was searching for a well-established science and medical program, but also for voice programs because she does not want to stop singing.

“The more I look into voice programs, the (J. Bednarczyk) more that I am certain that I wish to do this,” program. Those who are enrolled in this said Kurkjian. program are advanced students with at least For now, she is applying and sending in three years of experience on an instruauditions with fingers crossed, hoping for ment or singing. The students involved in the best. To prepare for college, she is really this program meet 26 Saturdays during the bearing down on voice lessons and preparschool year for anywhere from three to nine ing for auditions. hours.

Photo courtesy of A. Kurkjian Auditions took place during the month of been in many musicals in the past.

By chance, Kurkjian’s voice teacher received an email stating that the Merit School of Music was searching for new applicants since their voice program has been expanding. Merit is a nonprofit organization located in Chicago. Merit School of Music’s goal is to “help young people achieve their full musical potential, to remove economic barriers to participation, and to stimulate personal and educational growth through music.”

There are many programs that this school

Bono was born Paul David Hewson.

4

Dec. 20, 2013 Community

How to spend your winter vacation Ways to have fun during two weeks of freedom

By Megan Wilson

Community Editor

START

HOT CHOCOLATE

Warm yourself a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up with your cuddliest blanket.

Call your friends to roast marshmallows in your fireplace or over the Out stove, but be careful not to burn the house down. Enjoy spending time What’s the best with people you care about. Take way to spend a the time to choose names out snow day? of a hat for Secret Santa.

Making a snowman It is nice to watch the Going Sledding smiles on another What’s the person’s face.

Do you like to be indoors or outdoors?

70°F

best part of the holidays?

Family and Friends

How do you stay warm during the winter?

Wear enough protective layering that you Wear the bare can’t move minimum such as jacket and maybe a pair of gloves

What’s the reason for the season?

Having days off of school

Eggnog Apple

A Tropical Destination

How late do you sleep in?

The Holidays

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

What’s the best form of entertainment?

Where do you go over break?

Food and presents

SNOWFLAKE

Grab your coat and go to the bowling alley. There’s nothing like spending time with your friends in an upbeat atmosphere. The clanging of the bowling ball against the In red striped pins gets you in the zone where you can forget that it is 20 degrees below zero. Plop on the What’s the best couch and watch your friends temperature? make fools of themselves 75°F with their followthrough.

9 a.m.

2 p.m.

Family’s House

Movie

What’s your favorite type of pajamas?

Onesies

What’s your favorite holiday movie?

2-piece satin pajamas

“The Santa Clause” and

“Elf”

Cider

Book

“Home Alone” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”

What’s your favorite book to read?

“‘Twas the Night before Christmas”

SNOWMAN

How do you spend Christmas?

How do you decorate for the Holidays?

“How the Grinch stole Christmas”

Put up lights and trees

Going to the movies and eating Chinese Enjoy other people’s decorated houses

GIFTS

Miracles seem to happen around this time of year, so look for that someone special. They could be just around the corner or perhaps building a snowman in their front yard. Go outside and meet someone new. There is no need to melt away inside the walls of your house.

Take some time out of your busy life to spend it with your family. You have a taste for luxury, so do not be afraid to splurge for that new shirt.

Grab the holiday lights and get decorating. Enjoy the little things during this holiday season.

The Edge’s name is David Howell Evans.

Sitting around the table with a buffet of food

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Dec. 20, 2013 Community Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow

Ingredients: 5 cups Rice Chex cereal 10 ounces melting white chocolate OR vanilla flavored Almond Bark 1 cup crushed candy canes 1 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

Directions: Pour 5 cups of Chex cereal into a large bowl. Melt white chocolate/almond bark according to the package directions. Pour melted chocolate over cereal, stirring and folding until the cereal is completely covered. Fold in the crushed candy canes.

In a large zipped top bag or covered container, add the powdered sugar. Pour the chocolate covered cereal/candy canes into the large bag or container. Seal the bag or container and shake until all the cereal is coated with the powdered mixture.

Edibles by Emily Vitacco Need ideas for baking over the break?

Check out these holiday recipes for your special sweet tooth.

Discard excess powder. Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks, if it lasts that long!

Peppermint Oreo Truffles

Ingredients: 36 Oreos (NOT Doublestuff) 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 tsp peppermint extract 16 oz. white chocolate almond bark 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for decorating Directions: Set a long sheet of wax paper over a cookie sheet, set aside. Place 36 Oreos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed (alternately if you don’t own a food processor you can place Oreos in a large Ziploc bag, seal bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely crushed). Pour crushed Oreos into a mixing bowl. In separate mixing bowl blend together cream cheese and peppermint extract. Add cream cheese mixture to crushed Oreos and using the back of a spoon, stir mixture while pressing it along the bottom of the bowl, until well combined and evenly moistened. Scoop mixture out and form into 1 inch balls (if you happen to have a kitchen scale, they should be about 16 grams each) then align on prepared cookie sheet. Place truffles in freezer for 10 minutes.

Melt almond bark according to directions on package. Remove truffles from freezer and dip in melted chocolate and evenly coat. Then allow excess chocolate to run off (I barely made it with 16 oz. of the melted bark but you may need a little more). Return to baking sheet, immediately sprinkle tops with crushed candy canes, and then allow chocolate to set. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

I’m going on a trip to Chicago to visit my family.

Senior Jade Williams

How are you spending your winter vacation?

I am moving to Texas.

Junior Ryan Ernst

I’m going to go to Wisconsin to visit my family.

Sophomore Kate Paalman

I’m going to play Xbox 360 and sleep.

Junior Alex Kulesza

Male students at Brigham Young University need a doctor’s note to grow a beard.

6

Dec. 20, 2013 Editorial

the

voice

Adviser..................Dennis Brown Editor in Chief..........Holly Baldacci Content Editor....Kyle Sommerfield Design Editor...........Kierra Renwick Community Editor....Megan Wilson Opinion Editor.....Angelica Cataldo Entertainment Editor...Kat Gorospe

Sports Editor.........Adam Reckamp Photo Editor............Katie Gallegos Business Manager....Tamara Funke Staff...... Rachel Brands, Trisha Fritz, Justin Gulati, Sarah Henderson, Kevin Klar, Darek Makowski, Shravan Panchal, Laura Pilat, Jaclyn Polit, Danielle Rivera, Hannah Rosso, Kanchan Sachchidanand, Chris Sawalski, Kyle Torp, Cullen Walsh, Jenny Bednarczyk, Zane Bridges, Alvin Wong, Menley Urban, Emily Vitacco

T

he HHS Media Editorial Policy pertains to all HHS media, including the newspaper, The Voice; the yearbook, Chieftain; and the website, huntleyvoice.com. The full editorial policy is available on huntleyvoice.com.

HHS Media are the official student-produced media of news and information published/ produced by HHS Media students. HHS Media have been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution.

Advisers may – and should coach and discuss content – during the writing process.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of HHS Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

Making sense of the HHS renovation As the construction of Huntley High School’s improved football facilities came to a close, so did the first step in the school’s several scheduled renovations. Over the next few years, Huntley High School will become nearly unrecognizable if all goes according to plan.

The next phase in the planned additions to the school is the construction of a field house. The field house is scheduled to include a track, basketball courts, a fitness room, and several other athletic facilities. The administration hopes that the field house will not only help athletes, but every student in the school.

“I don’t look at it as just athletics; it’s the whole entire school,” said athletic director Michelle Jakubowski. “Ninety percent of it will be used by students from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

However, due to the construction of these athletic facilities, several of the school’s academic needs will be temporarily put to the side. Many science teachers, for example, do not have the necessary time in labs to give their students the opportunities to properly perform experiments.

Limited access to lab facilities severely cripples the science curriculum.

“Trying to share a lab with other teachers in different periods throughout the day has gotten a lot tougher over the past couple years,” said science teacher Gerry Marchand. “It’s basically at a point this year where it’s so much work that it’s almost impossible.”

Although science teachers face major problems with a lack of laboratory facilities, the issue is not contained to the science department. Several teachers have been forced to share rooms and adjust their schedules to accommodate the lack of space. This often causes students to struggle to find and set up meetings with their teachers. This can severely impede upon the academic potential of Huntley’s students.

“We will be able to house the growth of students for next year,” said associate principal Shelly Kish. “This will require that more teachers share rooms. The mentality that we had several years ago that a teacher has ‘their own room’ has lessened over the past two years.”

Ideally, the first steps towards improving the school would involve addressing problems like these. Improving the academic environment of the school would help achieve its most important goal of promoting the academic development of its students. In the eyes of many Huntley students, teachers, and parents, the additions to the school’s athletic facilities are a sign that the school is blatantly ignoring its students’ academic needs.

“I think unless you are a football parent, if you saw the timeline, you would be really concerned

All fun facts courtesy of omg-facts.com.

as to where the priorities are. It just looks that way,” said Marchand. “If that’s not the message, I get it, but it certainly looks that way.”

However, upon a closer look at the plans for the upcoming additions, it becomes clear that the construction of the field house first does not favor athletics over academics. Based on the logistics of the renovations, building the field house before other additions allows for greater efficiency and productivity.

Perhaps the most convincing reason for the addition of the field house before the school’s several other needs is the fact that the construction of the field house opens up space for the other additions. The field house will provide more gym space, which will ultimately allow for more room for further construction. For example, without the construction of the field house, the new library can’t be constructed. The library will take up space currently occupied by the central gym and the construction of the field house will allow the classes in the central gym to move to the field house.

“The committee will never sacrifice academic needs for athletic improvements,” said Kish. “The ultimate goal is to get the job completed within the given timeline and within the given budget. If that means that they determined the academic wing is completed in the final phase, then that is what we need to do.”

In light of the requirements for constructing the new Huntley High School, the committee seems to have handled the renovation process relatively well.

The plan calls for new biology labs, new classrooms, more space for the cafeteria, and several other amenities. Although they may not be coming as soon as many would like, these facilities will surely improve Huntley’s academic standards.

“I’m excited. I know we need to grow because we’re crowded, so I’m excited to see that,” said Chief Academic Officer Mike Moan. “I’m happy that we’re going to be able to expand, because I know that the student experience at some point, when we get too big, can just take away from the general well-being of the students.”

Crowdedness and a lack of facilities may continue to cause problems for Huntley, but these improvements may help minimize their effects. The school may have to address major issues later than the ideal time, but it has developed a comprehensive plan for making necessary improvements.

While the school’s most important academic changes may not come this year, the administration does not appear to favor athletics over academics.

Despite building athletic facilities before making academic improvements, the plan appears to fully support Huntley’s academic environments.

7

Dec. 20, 2013 Opinion

The end of an era

A memory is taken down only to have a new one put up

By Rachel Brands Staff Writer

T

welve years ago, Phil Crespo was in danger of being unable to graduate from Huntley High School.

Twelve years ago, Principal Dave Johnson went the extra mile for a student and was guilty of caring too much. Twelve years ago, Johnson paid Phil Crespo, a student more interested in going into the city on the weekends to do graffiti art than his grades, to paint a mural for the school.

Twelve years ago, a mural was hung on the walls of Huntley High School in order to secure one student’s graduation.

Now, that mural has been taken down.

It is gone, erased, and deleted forever. All that remains is a plain white wall.

The mural that hundreds of students walked by every day and never noticed has vanished. There is no time left for them to notice it.

Twelve years is a long time for the mural to have been displayed and with its absence, the Advanced Art class is going to have the opportunity to make a new mural to represent

J. Bednarczyk

the school.

For some, it is saddening to see the old mural go.

“I liked it. It made our school look like it was really artistic, which it is,” said senior Samantha Craig.

For some students, the mural has been up for their entire high school career and it is weird for them to see the barren wall.

However, the old mural’s removal will result in a new mural that will give the art students the chance to show that Crespo is not the only talented one to have ever attended Huntley.

“It is a little weird to see the white wall, but at the same time I’m looking forward to seeing new and revamped artwork,” said art teacher Jillian Corapi.

The mural was the first thing a person would see when they made their way to the fine arts hallway of Huntley High School, and the first thing that person would see should really show what the school represents.

“It [the mural] didn’t mean anything,” said senior Olivia Krewer. “What does an elephant, a temple, and the apocalypse have to do with Huntley High School?”

The advanced class that is going to be painting the new mural is beyond excited about their new project. As seniors, they are happy to be leaving their mark on the school, like a parting gift before they leave.

The ideas the class is putting together for the new mural are confidential, but Huntley can expect something great.

The old mural had an amazing story behind it and will surely be missed, but change is inevitable and twelve years is a long time to have something be branded on the walls of Huntley.

“It was fine and colorful, but it wasn’t my favorite,” said art teacher Valerie Lindquist. “I think it will be nice for a

J. Bednarczyk

change.”

The overall feeling towards Crespo’s mural from students over the years - the ones who noticed it, anyway - was neutral. Like any kind of artwork, some people liked it and some didn’t. Some didn’t even know it was there.

“I think, as a school, we are past spray painting,” said senior Leela Miller. “Plus, half the people didn’t even notice it was gone.”

Taking down the mural does not diminish Crespo’s talents in any way. His mural will continue to have a mark on the high school, even though it is gone now. Other pieces that he did made it into the Rockford Art Museum and won awards.

It may be difficult for some to accept it, but it is an appropriate and great idea to put up new artwork in its place.

Leaving so soon?

Is the trend of graduating early worth losing potential memories?

By Kierra Renwick

Design Editor-in-Chief

G

raduating early is a growing trend occurring with Huntley High School seniors in which students graduate a semester early rather than staying in school until the end of their senior year.

There are many reasons why students wish to do so. Many students have jobs, would like to get a head start on their classes at MCC, or just want time off from school before they start their next endeavors in life.

However, choosing to graduate early is not the best decision.

First, why not stay the full year and take AP classes? AP classes are said to not be for everyone, but if a student chooses to work hard and focus on passing the exam, most students would have no problem completing an AP course that will benefit them in the future.

If a student graduates early, they won’t

be able to finish their AP classes. Students should stay the full year in order to learn

“

found a full time job for while they were off of school. Next thing they knew, they didn’t want to go to college anymore.

Graduating early can be a major risk to your post-high school plans. A student gets a taste of adult life and work and decides that since they are making money now, they no longer need to go to college and, later, get a career.

Senior Jamie Beymer plans to graduate after first semester comes to an end.

“I want to graduate early so I can have a break before I go to college,” said Beymer.

However, spending time off can lead to laziness and a loss of ambition to continue education.

What about the seniors’ end of the year dress up days? What about experiencing

I want to graduate early so I can have a break before I go to college.

Jamie Beymer Senior

in the course every day and to pass the exam at the end. If the exam is passed, the student can get college credit for it. And this class and credit most likely cost about $90. Why not stay in school and get college credit for a low price compared to the high prices of college courses?

Not only that, but there have been occurrences where students graduated early and

”

The colder the climate, the shorter a mammal’s legs tend to be.

senioritis in the spring? What about hearing the bell ring that one last time at the end of your high school career?

There are things to experience still.

Second semester of senior year is full of excitement, anticipation, and even dread, allimportant emotions that everyone should experience.

C. Peterson

2013 Valedictorian Randi Peterson

Dec. 20, 2013 Opinion

8

The more rules, the better?

An explanation for the library’s new rules and regulations

By Kevin Klar Staff Writer Rules and regulations: fun, right? They can be the one thing that can get any student to grow bitter in mere seconds, and they are almost always followed by the same pattern of negativity and lack of understanding. Generally, we either attack new rules without mercy, or could care less. It is one or the other.

Recently, the LRC has put together a new set of guidelines restricting access to students who do not have passbooks, IDs, or physical passes.

The first morning that the rules were heavily enforced and students began to hear the news, the bitter pattern was played out in full harmony followed by the silent sighs of others.

We all probably fell into one of these categories, maybe without even noticing, but somewhere along the line of complaints you probably wonder why those new rules were implemented in the first place.

“The dean’s office just couldn’t catch up with all the students that would ditch class,” said media specialist David Tambellini. “They would just come here and no one could find them.”

Plenty of us probably saw it coming. In order to eliminate the ditcher haven, the requirement of teacher passes was put into play. Any further complaints could only come from said ditchers or uninformed visitors.

The school does not make these rules up for no rea-

son. There is always a reason, which stems from a problem and is resolved by a solution. It is common sense in its simplest form. Aside from eliminating this surprising debauchery, there is one other side to the story: how did the situation change for the students in the library with real reasons to be there, and what happened after the problem was gone?

“Oh my gosh, it has improved tenfold. Students have actually come to thank us,” said Tambellini.

“The library has been less crowded and much, much quieter after the new rules came to place.”

Only positive results have come for those who actually wish to get something done with their time in the LRC. Who do we thank for such a splendid opportunity? It is the faculty members of the LRC who are enforcing these rules to give everyone a better experience.

Yes, call me dull and dreary when I say that the newly enforced rules are splendid, but I doubt you could break my heavily fortified wall of stubbornness.

This may come as a reminder to many: rules are put in place to help us out, not hinder us.

Thanks to these set guidelines, HHS is becoming an even better place to concentrate and stay on track, rather than playing catch-me-if-you-can with detention slips.

Photos taken by E. Vitacco

Is comedy on its last laugh?

Modern comedy is losing the humorous touch of older generations

By Darek Makowski

A

Staff Writer

fter two great decades in comedy that produced “The Cosby Show,” “The Simpsons,” “Friends,” and “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” comedy has taken a turn for the worse.

Even though there are still many wellrounded comics and television shows, they are not up to par with the former titans of the TV world. Comedies succeeded because of their innovative styles and unique perspectives.

Most shows were based on family life until shows like “Seinfeld” came long and reinvented television.

“Seinfeld” was a show about “nothing” that focused on observational humor. In the critically acclaimed episode “The Chinese Restaurant,” the characters Elaine, George, and Jerry waited for a table while trying to figure out a girl’s name and also getting $50 for eating an eggroll from a stranger’s table without asking.

Other shows like Bill Cosby’s “The Cosby Show” focused on his own take on marriage and everyday family life. Most shows nowadays only rely on outdated pop culture references like Lady Gaga’s meat dress or Justin Bieber’s high voice.

They do not attach a unique style and perspective involving completely unrelated ideas, which is the basis of comedy. In Bill Cosby’s original comedy piece he compared marriage to a chessboard.

He said marriage is like a chessboard because the woman can move and do anything she wants like the queen chess piece. The shows now just say a simple, meaningless

thing, a thought that lacks idea and originality. Without ideas and originality, nothing will move forward, and everything will be the same.

Today, there are many others out there like Stephen Colbert and Chris Rock. Stephen Colbert relies on being a serious comedian who, in actuality, is sarcastic.

Chris Rock relies on the life of being an African-American man and the observations of what they do.

Other original comedians like Jimmy Kimmel have their own niches that focus on humor about viral videos, which have made them popular.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something.”

TV viewers deserve something new because they want to

Mexico City sinks several inches annually.

be entertained. That’s the whole purpose of comedy. Everyone eventually wants a change in style. If comedy writers follow this belief, then comedy can start another golden era.

9

Dec. 20, 2013 Opinion

Perks of the Hi CoHort program What the rest of us are missing out on

By Holly Baldacci Editor-in-Chief

M

y mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram, or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. –Sherlock Holmes I consider myself an intelligent person. And I definitely consider myself a hard worker. When some students may be out partying it up, it’s my choice to be at home, sitting by myself at my kitchen island, working on homework.

I value hard work. I’ve gotten so used to constantly working that I don’t know what to do when I’m not. That’s fine with me. I know what I want to accomplish, and exactly what I want to be, so I accept this as part of my journey.

However, something that wasn’t part of my high school journey, or that of many other hard working students like me, was the Hi CoHort program. Participants in this program for academic enrichment are selected based on their fifth grade elementary MAP testing scores, along with other factors such as teacher recommendations. Once identified for the CoHort, these students are placed in highly accelerated classes in middle school that set them up for advanced learning in high school as well.

The reasoning behind this is that these gifted students need stimulation. Normal level classes would leave students prepared for learning at more advanced levels bored, with few challenges to stimulate academic growth. This makes complete sense to me as well. Like I said before, I’m a hard worker, and my mind, like that of Doyle’s Holmes, rebels at stagnation, so I can understand why these children need advanced learning.

To achieve this level of stimulation, approximately 20 to 30 CoHort students per grade level are sent to Marlowe, where they’ll be kept together in one team and learn at advanced levels in every subject, as they have been since 2007 when the program was first implemented.

According to HHS Principal Scott Rowe, those in the CoHort program are classified as having gifted brains, and learn differently than most students. In middle school, CoHort classes are designed to work with their unique learning processes.

“At the middle school, it’s much more involved and kind of separated from everything else,” said Rowe, who was former principal of Marlowe. “They’re still part of a team, yet, they’re in advanced classes and they basically track together throughout the whole day, whereas at the high school, you may be a Hi CoHort student yet other students in their grade level or a senior might be in the class with you, where you’re not as segregated here as you are in middle school.”

As I said before, all of this information makes complete sense to me. It’s crystal clear that gifted children learn differently, and I accept that some students are able to learn at an advanced pace.

Where the CoHort stops making sense, however, is at a high school level.

When CoHort students enter high school, they share a counselor who works closely with them to devise a rigorous academic schedule. Though the options to take certain advanced classes, like AP history courses, are open to all students, many of the students are unaware of the many choices that they have. This year, however, because there were no honors history classes offered for freshman, many opted for an AP history class.

“We have a number of students that take AP classes freshman year that aren’t in the CoHort,” said Chief Academic Officer Mike Moan. “We don’t limit the AP offerings.”

In spite of this improvement, most CoHort students

tions don’t apply to everyone, and there are many brilliant and dedicated students here at HHS. The issue is that many of them aren’t receiving the same benefits as some CoHort students who barely rank in the top halves of their classes.

Oftentimes, as students progress through middle school and into high school, their goals and priorities change. For some, their focus on hard work and dedication seems to get lost as they transition into their teenage years, sidetracked by society’s many distractions. It appears to me that once you are identified as a CoHort, you are always a CoHort, regardless of your GPA, class rank, dedication, or work ethic.

I have a lot of friends who are in the CoHort, many of whom I respect and admire, but I believe that each year, the students in the CoHort should be reevaluated. Placing a student in the middle school CoHort from a test taken in fifth grade is fine. But keeping students in the CoHort throughout high school because of a score they received at the end of fifth grade just doesn’t make any sense.

At Kennett Middle School in Pennsylvania, students must meet specific eligibility criteria every year to be eligible for their Middle School Honors Program, which offers many advanced classes similar to those taken by CoHort students in our district. In the Newburgh Enlarged City School District in New York, students must maintain a quarterly grade of at least an 85% in all of their classes to remain eligible for the Honors/Enrichment Program, which offers coursework more rigorous than grade level expectations.

It’s obvious that for many CoHort students, the program has definitely benefited them. They’re taking multiple AP courses and are well on their way to successful college careers. Despite this fact, the program puts a lot of extra stress on the highly competitive CoHort students to live up to their highly gifted label.

Additionally, according to Hi CoHort counselor Wayne Russell, there are a few freshman CoHort students that are having difficulties adjusting to a high school environment, which their parents believe to be due to their isolation in middle school through the program. These students were in class with mostly the same people for three years, and in high school, weren’t ready for the great variety of people from all different grades to be in the same classes as them.

“After [the seniors] graduate, I’m going to have no friends, so it’s going to be pretty bad. But I guess we get used to those challenging classes in the beginning so it’s not as hard when you get to high school,” said junior Parth Patel, who is a member of the CoHort program. “We’re at a higher level, so it’s not fair to other people, which I totally get.”

According to Russell, plans are also in the works for a prospective Hi CoHort college night.

“We do have a general college information night for juniors, and we had one earlier this year for seniors too. It would be along similar lines, although it may be slanted a little more for people who are Courtesy of Holly Baldacci looking for more competitive schools than some of the general population would be,” said Russell.

I think that such a session should be opened up to all stuachieved such high ranks, these students are taking multiple dents, because there are many students not in the CoHort AP classes and excelling in them. They’re able to handle these challenges, and show the most promise for a future in who have highly impressive qualifications and will also be applying to those higher level colleges.

America’s workforce.

Overall, I definitely support the CoHort program on a As Marc Hoag said in his article “How to hire the best middle school level, as it offers the stimulation that gifted employees: work ethic vs. smarts,” “On the one hand, a students need and it gives them a chance to reach their brilliant person with poor work ethic will never amount to highest capacities for achievement. anything. We’ve all heard stories time and again of the brilBut in high school, where a wide variety of classes are ofliant kid who did nothing with his life. On the other hand, fered for all levels of learning, no one should be given extra a person of average intelligence with a compulsion to be advantages and opportunities just because they scored high successful and exemplary work ethic is about as stoppable on a test in fifth grade. as a fully laden cargo ship.”

I agree with Hoag’s statement. Of course, these descripbegin their freshman year enrolled in sophomore-level English II Honors, while other freshman not involved in the program take English I or English I Honors.

Aside from having a CoHort counselor, students are offered other special opportunities as well. While other students are taking grade level standardized tests, the CoHort group is invited on school-organized college visits. In the past they have traveled to Beloit College, the University of Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What really doesn’t make sense to me is that other students, some of whom have higher GPAs, outstanding ACT scores, and higher class ranks, are told to stay at school and take the practice ACT test. Why should dedicated, hardworking students who are happy with their test scores have to take the practice ACT while a Hi CoHort student ranked 245 gets to reap the benefits of a college visit?

Take, for example, the Class of 2014. According to school records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, there are 13 non-CoHorts in the top twenty of their class.

Some may argue that class rank isn’t necessarily a measure of intelligence. However, I believe it is a measure of dedication, and shows that those students take their educations seriously. And let’s face it, you have to have a rigorous course schedule and a pretty high degree of intelligence to be getting grades good enough to be in the top 20. To have

Male emperor penguins can survive for two months without food.

10

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The woolen bathing suits that people used to wear weighed about 20 pounds when wet.

A New Future: HHS Construction Research and Interviews by Hannah Rosso and Sarah Henderson Design by Kierra Renwick

Current Floor Plan: Fieldhouse: Main Level

Academic Academic LRC/ Addition: Addition: Upper Level Cafeteria: Main Level

COMMONS

STAFF REACTIONS “I’m really pleased with it. I think it’s going to make a big difference in our building and the expansion is truly a gift to our school.”

Julie Swartzloff

MAIN ENTRY

“Although they may not be coming as soon as many would like, these facilities will surely improve Huntley’s academic standards.”

Mike Moan “I love seeing the school grow.

I’ve been here for a while so I’ve seen all the new add ons and it’s always exciting to see the result.”

Valerie Lindquist

2013 2700 students are currently enrolled at HHS

Number of years it will take to complete the construction

2

35 mil Total cost of the renovation/expansion

LRC

MAIN ENTRANCE

LRC

SPORTS ENTRANCE

HUNTLEY

BY THE NUMBERS

Capacity once the renovation/expansion is complete

1997 Harmony Road Campus was built and intended to hold 400 students

3057

14

Dec. 20, 2013 A&E

Oops! She did it again After two years of being under the radar, Britney Spears is back with a new album

By Trisha Fritz

Staff Writer

32-year-old femme fatale Britney Spears is at it again with her eighth album which includes cooing more ballads to a techno dance beat.

“Britney Jean,” whose title promotes a sense of intimacy, was released on Tuesday, Dec. 3. This was marketed as Spears’ most personal album yet, that supposedly reflected her life of divorce, motherhood, and her recent breakup with beau Jason Trawik.

But if that’s the case, then maybe we do not really know her at all.

“I really poured my heart and soul into the album,” Spears said in an open letter.

Most of the album does not go past her usual themes such as wild nights out, drinking, and parties.

If you’re not into a club track, then this is not for you.

Compared with her other albums, this is one of the more mature albums she released. She worked with some top-notch singers like David Guetta, Sia, Diplo, and Dr. Luke.

Considering this is one of the first albums in two years we have seen from her after “Femme Fatale,” it might just be strong enough for her to reclaim her crown in pop culture.

The album includes 10 songs and also comes with a bonus track

featuring four songs. All 14 tracks give you many decisions and range anywhere from the similar sound of “Work Bitch” to a dreamier version of “Perfume.”

With every song it shows that Spears has a set of lungs in her, but all these songs really dial it down with a robotic backbone to every beat as well as overuse of studio processing.

She also has an army of the best pop producers like Will.I.Am. She even brings her little sister

Jamie Lynn Spears into the picture with “Chillin’ With You,” which is an adorable anthem about their

sisterly adoration for each other and how they will occasionally drink together.

Time and time again it has been proven that Spears works best when she adds that risqué vibe like in the one and only “I’m A Slave 4 U” or “Toxic.” This is the same exact reason “Work Bitch” climbed the charts so fast and stayed at number one with a whopping 41,000 sales in only 12 hours.

But as soon as she stops messing around in that teen-pop genre, it is a long way down. This explains the song “Perfume,” whose lyrics clash with the songs soul-searching ballad.

On the other hand, there are songs like “Don’t Cry,” which delivers her most full-bodied emotion as (Wikimedia Commons) well as a string that yanks on your heart with the familiar feeling of heartbreak.

“Passenger,” featuring Katy Perry’s

straight forward vocal style as well as writing credit, is almost just as strong with a catchy chorus and body-swaying lyrics. The song also talks about how she can now put 100 percent into a relationship and feel alive, which almost everyone can relate too.

If you’re into songs that make you want to go to a club and move, then “Body Ache” is for you. The song is as literal as it gets, with an upbeat rhythm that just makes you want to dance until your body aches.

“The song really makes me wanna dance,” said junior Gillian Young.

“Britney’s dance music always keeps me in the best mood, and this song really portrays it.”

Even though some tracks are lacking while others are up to par, Spears does seem to be more in control. She has been wearing the right clothes, working with the right choreographers, and is placing herself in interviews to spread the word about the new album.

However, getting personal is not the point with Spears, and that was made clear by her little head shaving mishap in 2007.

It is more about persona.

Maybe if Spears continues to focus on what made her famouspure pop- she will be well off.

Discography “Baby One More Time” 1999

“Britney” 2001

“Oops! I Did It Again” 2000

“Femme Fatale” 2011

“Black Out” 2003

“In the Zone” 2003

“Circus” 2008

“Britney Jean” 2013 (All Music)

There were 42 known assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler.

15

Dec. 20, 2013 A&E

When zombie books go wrong “A World Without a Future” is nothing but a basic zombie tale

By Jackie Polit Staff Writer

“Zombies” and “sex” are two words that sum up Nazarea Andrew’s book, “The World Without a Future.”

Boredom and disgust are two feelings a reader will experience when reading this pathetic zombie novel.

The book sounds promising at first based on its summary. It is set in an apocalyptic world infested with the undead. The main character, Nurrin, has her city taken over by a horde of “infects,” or zombies.

She, her boyfriend Dustin, her brother Collin, and his best friend Finn O’Malley escape their ravaged city. Nurrin must travel across deadly land to find a cure for Dustin after he is bitten by a zombie. She is accompanied by O’Malley, whom she hates.

This sounds intriguing, but deceives you greatly upon further reading.

In the book you will find descriptions to be poor, generic, and unoriginal, quickly boring the reader.

The undead are described as if by a seven-year-old. The characters hardly (Good Reads) have faces because their features are scarcely mentioned, and if they’re de-

scribed, it’s once or twice every 10 chapters.

The characters’ features are not the only problem.

Their personalities do not reach out to the reader. The characters’ thoughts do not evoke any feeling, making it difficult to stay connected with the book in general. In a nutshell, Nurrin is a rebel, Finn is moody, Dustin is a showoff, and Collin is sensible.

They remain static throughout the whole book, thus, there is no character development as well.

The character interaction is where the disgust sets in. A majority of the characters hate each other and can’t get along.

A forced “romance” takes place between Nurrin and Finn. This “romance” leads to teasing sex moments and strip clubs. It’s in pretty racy detail, so for hopeful zombie fans looking for gore, this book is not what you’re looking for.

Not only are there sex scenes but there is sexism as well. It is understandable that Finn and Collin want to keep Nurrin safe, but the author goes overboard making it sound more sexist than protective.

Nurrin can kick zombie rear with ease, but the men she is surrounded by refuse to let her fight in action scenes. They believe

she is incapable without their help. What is worse is her looks are used to attract the attention of the people who will give her the cure. And to top it off, Finn sees her as walking sex.

The book is flawed in so many ways.

Transitions between scenes are confusing and the action is mediocre.

The only positive of the book is the language content. There is definitely language, which stirs up the sleepy action. It catches the attention of the reader and shows the reality of certain situations. People would not be saying, “Oh snap, here comes a zombie.” They would react the way Nurrin or Finn would, with anger and fear spat out in crude language.

This book is no “Warm Bodies.” No undead, hopeless romantic. No lively teenage girl willing to love their foil character.

It’s also certainly no “World War Z.”

1 out 5 stars

“Spoils” is not worth the money Tammar Stein’s latest book is a confusing waste of time

By Kat Gorospe Entertainment Editor

Y

ou’ve heard the saying “money can’t buy happiness,” but nobody really understands it until that’s all they have left.

For Leni and her family, winning the lottery brought them new luxuries never experienced before.

Until they run out.

“Spoils” by Tammar Stein tells the story of a 17-year-old who has spent most of her life with money and a pet dolphin in the backyard. She also attends the most expensive private school in Florida. With her birthday around the corner, a major secret is revealed by her sister Natasha that puts their family (and money) on the line.

Before you get excited and think it’s going to be an easy 259 page read, it’s not.

Not even a quarter of the way through the book, the plot is just as scattered as your brain during finals week. The book starts off with Leni working in the middle of the day, along with trying to calm down her anxious older sister. The two argue back and forth for a while which makes the story drag on.

Once the two are done bickering, the story goes from drab to confusing when the scene changes to what seems like a flash-

back.

Is it of Leni’s parents the day she was born? The day they won the lottery?

Who knows? I sure don’t.

With Stein being an award-winning author of several teen books like “Light Years” and “High Drive,” you would think she would know how to describe her characters.

Here’s a tip: do everyone a favor and explain who’s who at the beginning of the story rather than in the middle of the book.

Because frankly, after reading about how dramatic the “lottery money” problem is, I don’t care if Natasha has a Chinese tattoo on her back or if her mom is the only one in the family with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Heck, by the time I’m at that point in the book I’m still trying to figure out what the main problem is in the first place. Natasha strongly states how Leni needs to get rid of the money right away and how it can’t go to their parents, and heaven knows why.

While some characters in the story are described and talked about too often, details about other people are missing. I would like to know who Greg and who their brother is, rather than Stein just mentioning them once and leaving them floating.

Yes, the plot is cute and sounds interest-

ing, and yes, it has a cool cover. Unfortunately, that’s the only good feedback I have.

The book was poorly written and Stein could have done a much better job at structuring the details. If an author can get their book nominated for awards in 2006 and 2009, then they better step up their game.

Save your $12.95 and don’t buy this book.

Maybe money can buy you happiness, but it’s definitely not going to come from this waste of paper.

The world's cheapest new car costs approximately $2,500 US.

(Good Reads)

16

Dec. 20, 2013 A&E

“Pop” culture, new drug molly in use The dangers of drug use at raves

By Justin Gulati

T

Staff Writer

he air is misty and shrouded in smoke. Laser lights are flashing bright colors, blinding spectators.

It is 1:30 a.m. and the hardstyle electronic dance music is still bumping and blasting from dozens of loudspeakers and subwoofers. Teenagers and young adults, most of them elbow to elbow, are jumping up and down to the beat.

A girl dressed in a pink tutu, leggings, warm-ups and heels makes her way through the sea of people. Her wrists are decorated in colorful beaded bracelets referred to as “kandi.” She holds out her hands towards you.

Inside her cupped fingers lies a clear capsule containing shards of a crystallized substance. The “M” in “EDM,” or electronic dance music, has become almost synonymous with the popular drug Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. These days a purer, more potent form known as “Molly,” is available in a powder or crystalline form varying from the usual pressed-pill form of regular MDMA. Although the “Molly movement” has revitalized its use, MDMA is not a new substance. Sold to young adults as Ecstasy or X, MDMA use peaked in the 70s and early 80s, but took a steady drop in the late 80s to early 90s due to emerging research regarding possible consequences and adverse side effects. The problem is that teens didn’t seem to care enough to heed the warnings, and use of MDMA in the nightclub scene and emerging rave scene remained steady.

Teens continue to test their limits, but their biological restraints are unchanging.

Although MDMA is not physically addic-

tive, first time users often come back to the drug because of its euphoric effects.

“I’ve seen a lot of good people use it over and over again because they feel like rolling is the only way they can have fun,” said senior Jay Quintana.

“Rolling” is what MDMA users call the rising overwhelming feeling of joy and comfort that occurs for several hours before the user reaches a sort of “peak” high.

After this “peak,” the user begins to feel the negative effects of the drug as the high fades.

“When I see kids at concerts that are on it, they look happy for a little bit, but then after a few hours I can tell that they aren’t having much fun and actually look pretty sick,” said senior Patrick Swislocki.

The high fades away after three to six hours, leaving users in a dazed state. Days after use, users may still report feelings of depression and angst due to depleted levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that has been shown to be associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. MDMA triggers excess release of this chemical, leading to the intense euphoria users feel.

The issue of teenage drug use has for a long time been related to the glorifica-

tion of such substance abuse by teen idols.

Modern popular culture is complete with practically every negative influence there is.

However, references of “Molly” use have become a dangerous trend in the US. Stars including Madonna and Miley Cyrus have been scrutinized for public statements they have made regarding the drug.

Mainstream rappers like French Montana, Chief Keef, and Trinidad James whose hit single “All Gold Everything” contains the now infamous line “Popped a Molly/I’m sweating woo,” or Tyga, a rapper hailing from (J. Gulati) Compton, CA, who even released a song, “Molly,” with the name of the drug repeated as the chorus target teens as their audience.

“I don’t do that kind of stuff, but those songs are catchy,” said junior Haley Arnieri.

This catchiness is becoming a huge problem. According to a PFDA study, the number of teens using Ecstasy has jumped 20 percent since last year.

Believe it or not, many teens are being pressured to “pop a Molly.” Teens who are a part of the rave scene and those who attend concerts and music festivals are especially likely to be exposed to the drug.

Electronic dance music has been accused of promoting drug culture and some adults believe it to be unhealthy for teenagers to listen to. A song released by prominent production duo Flosstradamus shows evidence

for some concern.

The song features a sample by Green Velvet, with lyrics reading “Something 'bout those little pills/ Unreal/the thrills/they yield/until They kill/a million brain cells.”

“It’s not the drug that’s the problem. The problem is the people who use the drug,” said junior Julian Castro. “EDM is stereotyped as being associated with drugs, but lots of people at these events are sober.”

Whatever the case may be, many are realizing the severity of the matter and those who care are getting involved.

Ravers follow an acronym slogan that many of them live their lives strictly by. The acronym is “PLUR” or “Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.” But, some add another “R” onto the popular phrase. This second “R” stands for responsibility. Some concert-goers consider it their duty to protect other music lovers from the dangers of drugs.

Volunteer groups often attend shows for the purpose of providing free water (MDMA use dehydrates the body and may lead to hyperthermia), condoms, ear plugs, sunscreen, and drug testing kits (to distinguish pure substances from potentially more harmful drugs). They also provide information about various drugs presented in a way that kids and young adults can understand and comfort for those who have consumed a substance they could not handle.

Senior Dallin Patel volunteers for DanceSafe, a nationwide organization that does just this.

“I’ve helped out a lot of people who just didn’t know what could happen,” said Patel.

“If we all just add the second ‘R’ to ‘PLUR’ and take responsibility for those around us, I really think we can save our friends from going down the wrong path.”

ERBH season 3

“Epic Rap Battles of History” launches its new season

By Chris Sawalski

Staff Writer if it was just a YouTube improv show. The

The YouTube extravaganza “Epic Rap Battles of History” just released its first episodes of season three. Created by Peter Shukoff and Lloyd Ahlquist, “ERB” is a creative and somewhat offensive way to put pop culture icons against one another.

“ERB” got its start with Shukoff and Ahlquist rapping against each other dressed as random people that we look up to as a society. Ever since September 2010, the two musical geniuses have been posting rap battles. They have portrayed people such as Adolf Hitler, Darth Vader, Luigi, Mario, John Lennon, Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Jackson, Chuck Norris, Robin, Babe Ruth, and many more.

The idea came from an improvised show “Check OneTwo” created by Ahlquist.

They decided it would be more successful

first three ERB were shot on a $50 budget.

The first of the three was ‘“John Lennon vs Bill O’Reilly” and ever since, they have been a big hit.

After the first 15 episodes, the two took a break to think of ideas and other raps they could do. Four months passed and the guys announced they would release a new battle every two weeks from October through the end of December.

In February of 2013, “ERB” was nominated for five Steamy awards and won four of them. Then on July 3, 2013, “Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney” was certified as

a gold single in the United States by the RIAA, and the single had over 71 million views on YouTube. ERB seemed to be a huge hit on YouTube and people were excited for season three to come out this October.

After some careful planning, the ERB crew came out with “Hitler vs.

Vader III” to start off the new season after the first two versions were arguably the most popu(MCT Campus) lar of all the battles. The third was just as good as the first. It already has 15,685,269 views since it came out on Oct. 7, 2013. It featured Boba Fett as an acquaintance of Vader.

To help them with new raps and ideas, Shukoff and Ahlquist got Keegan Michael-

King Tut's parents were brother and sister.

Key and Jordan Peele from “Key and Peele,” the hit tv show on Comedy Central, to collaborate in “ERB2” as Ghandi and King Jr. The two made their second appearance in “ERB3” as Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. Among the ERB3 is “Miley Cyrus vs. Joan of Arc,” “Blackbeard vs. Al Capone,” and “Bob Ross vs. Pablo Picasso.”

Some of these make fun of some very touchy subjects like religion, mobs, racism, and genocide. But others aren’t as offensive as they only make fun of sports players, musicians, or artists. Some aren’t even real people; they are video game characters.

We all get laughs out of these two guys who were just trying to get better at improvising. Be sure to check out season three; I think it is worth a few minutes to look them up on YouTube and watch a few of them.

17

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18

Dec. 20, 2013 A&E

It’s the most wonderful time for movies and music This holiday, spend time watching your favorite movies and listening to soothing Christmas music

By Laura Pilat Staff Writer

D

elicate snowflakes fall against the white blanket that lies on the ground outside, coating every pine tree that once was bare.

Just escaping the bitter chill from the outdoor tundra, the mittens and jackets are shed as the snow is shaken off. With water boiling on the oven, the Swiss Miss hot chocolate packet is poured into the Disney coffee mug.

With the coffee mug in one hand and a warm red blanket in the other, my walk towards the TV halts as I stand in front of the DVD holder.

It’s that time of the season again where the holiday movies are taken out and the question of which one to watch first crosses my mind. With over hundreds of options, the top five I gravitate towards each time are the same every December.

“Christmas”:

Michael Buble’s Christmas album is exciting, with an infusion of jazz and traditional pop. The album captivates listeners quickly as Buble’s soothing voice reaches your ear.

These exciting 15 songs will leave listeners wanting more and excited to hear that Michael Buble’s third annual christmas special will be on NBC on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with guests Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey.

A personal favorite song of mine is his rendition of “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” There is no better time to listen to his album than during the holiday season.

With a press of the play button, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland and singing along.

“Full-Court Miracle” (2003):

A Disney Channel Original Movie, this film is based on a basketball star, Lamont Carr, who coached at the Philadelphia Hebrew Academy after a knee injury destroyed his aspiration of being a professional player. “Full-Court Miracle” does a fantastic job telling the story of Hanukkah and connecting it to the basketball game and life’s daily hassles. The team juggled many obstacles, but the players were able to experience a miracle.

“Elf ” (2003):

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninnymuggin, and make sure to watch “Elf ” this holiday season.

This timeless movie stars Will Ferrell (as Buddy the elf), Zooey Deschanel, and other famous actors. “Elf ” goes beyond other holiday movies by showing a man’s journey as he realizes he is not an elf and that his father, living in New York, is on the naughty list. Buddy saves Christmas with the help of friends and family while helping them regain holiday spirit, and shows that anyone can believe in Santa Claus. “Elf ” has enjoyable parts for everyone. “My favorite part is when he’s like, ‘I’m singing...I’m in the store, and I’m singing,’” said senior Jon Wolicki.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000):

This film, based on the story written by Dr. Seuss, is a visual masterpiece which has been out for the past 13 years. People are still watching it on a yearly basis. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the first Dr. Suess book that was turned into a full-length feature film. With a movie that features more than $2 thousand in Christmas lights, you know the crew was dedicated when they made this film. Jim Carrey does a memorable performance as the Grinch by displaying many comedic moments. The movie shows how people should remember to cherish even the little things and be kind during the holiday time.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946):

Tears will be shed in this heartfelt classic as an angel, Clarence, helps a man named George, the main character, realize the true value of life and happiness. This movie received horrible reviews when it first came out in theaters, but now it is considered a classic that has become a part of family holiday traditions. Frank Capra, the director of this movie, portrays life in the small town of Bedford Falls during the time of World War II. The true message of “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes at the very end when George learns, “No man is a failure who has friends.”

“The Santa Clause” (1994):

“The Santa Clause” takes you on the adventure of a lifetime as a family debates the truth behind the legend of Santa Claus while trying to bring their family closer. Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, takes on a new challenge when Santa falls off the roof of his house Christmas Eve night, and his life is taken down a new path. This film is a great movie to watch with the family, and is filled with many humorous and emotional moments that will leave you wishing you could visit the North Pole this winter.

For children in many European and Latin American countries the Tooth Fairy is a mouse.

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The Edge’s name is David Howell Evans.

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Dec. 20, 2013 Sports

One Hull of a soccer player History teacher Stefanie Hull was a star soccer player at DePaul

By Kyle Torp

Staff Writer

school, in college she converted to defender.

“They needed me to play outside defender but a couple games into the season one of the senior defenders got hurt and I took her spot,” said Hull.

She played every game but two in her college career and was a starting outside defender. Hull was a senior captain once again at DePaul. While at DePaul she was not as big of a goal scorer as she was at Benet, only having one goal and four assists.

“It was against Northern Illinois. I made a run up and made a goal. I don’t know how many assists I had, but I

Most students at Huntley High School know Stefanie Hull as a normal AP Government and Global Studies teacher. What many of her students may not know is that she was a star soccer standout at Benet Academy who went on to play NCAA Division 1 soccer at DePaul University.

Hull began playing soccer when she was in third grade.

“My family had just moved back to Chicago from Pittsburgh, and my mom was looking at things for me to do and soccer was one of those things,” said Hull.

But what she did not know at that time was that soon Hull would become one of Benet Academy’s greatest players and a DePaul Blue Demon.

Fifth grade was when soccer really started taking off for her as she started to play travel soccer. Just one year later she had made the highest team that Kopion FC had to offer. When middle school rolled around, Hull started to realize that soccer could be something she could do forever.

“In middle school is when it really started getting serious,” said Hull.

When high school rolled around, she didn’t skip a beat. She was a four-year varsity player (three-year starter) at Benet. While playing at Benet, Hull was also in the Olympic Development Program. Her coach at the Olympic Development Program would later become her coach at DePaul.

Her playing years at Benet were where she really came into her own, at forward or sweeper.

“I was a forward but they needed me in the back so I either played forward or sweeper,” said Hull.

At Benet, she tallied up 52 goals and 18 assists, and with those numbers came the awards.

During her senior season she was All-Conference, MVP, senior captain, and All-State.

Hull’s final award totals were three time All-Area and All-Conference and two time All-Regional award winner. She was the first girl at Benet to earn all-state recognition in soccer. had a lot of fun and played a lot of minutes,” said Hull.

Then Hull went on to DePaul.

But division one soccer didn’t come as easy as most “Stef is a natural team leader and was a big reason for the success her high school team, Benet Academy,” said DePaul would think.

“It was quite a bit different. You know going from high head coach John Wilson. school soccer to college soccer “She plays a great is a lot different, but for me the deal of Futsal this timing and commitment that I time of year and at a It was quite a bit different. You put into it didn’t change,” said national level. The know going from high school Hull. speed and quickness soccer to college soccer is a lot Two people that Hull gives a necessary to play this lot of credit to for her soccer game at such a level different, but for me the timing success are her parents. will be great assets to and commitment that I put into “They did whatever they our team. She’s just the it didn’t change. needed to, to make sure I could type of athlete we look make any games or practices for in our program.

I wanted to go to. Driving to One that possesses a Olympic Development Prodynamic ability coupled gram was a lot of hours and I with talent and speed,” played in national championships and sometimes we had to said Wilson during Hull’s time at DePaul, according to the fly,” said Hull.

DePaul website.

After Hull was finished at DePaul, she was done playEven though Hull was a very effective striker in high

“

Stefanie Hull

”

Stefanie Hull’s Stats Benet High School 52 goals 18 assists DePaul 2 goals 4 assists Awards All-Confrence, All-State, Benet MVP, two-time AllRegional award winner ing soccer because at the time there was not a professional league for women.

In 2009, a professional soccer league for women was started but Hull did not join.

“By the time the league started up, I was engaged, in grad school, and really started my life,” said Hull.

Hull is still is in contact with some of her former teammates, like her roommate.

“We were each other’s shoulder to cry on. We were always there for each other,” said Hull.

After conducting some camps, she really realized that working with the younger age group was something she enjoyed and teaching was a natural fit. While at Huntley she is involved in the girls soccer program right now as the team’s “special ops” coach.

“I organize team building [and] after school workouts. I do the intangibles,” said Hull about how she helps the girls’ team.

She also helps out a local travel soccer team, the Cary Defenders, as a coach in their organization.

Stefanie Hull may appear to be just a normal history teacher at first glance, but she is more than she appears. As you walk into her room, you can’t help but notice her DePaul jersey hanging up on the wall. And she will be proud to tell you about her soccer background.

Website founder Mark Zuckerberg cannot be blocked on Facebook.

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Dec. 20, 2013 Sports

Two-sport superstar

Freshman Jack Bessey play varsity basketball and soccer

By Adam Reckamp Sports Editor Normally when people think of a varsity sports team, they think of a team comprised exclusively of upperclassmen. Usually, freshmen do not compete at the varsity level, especially in a school the size of Huntley. But every few years, an incredibly gifted athlete breaks the mold and gets moved up to a varsity sport as a freshman. Freshman Jack Bessey is one of these athletes, but there is something even more exceptional about him. Instead of one varsity sport, he plays two.

Bessey started playing sports at a very young age. He started playing soccer at the age of four and basketball at five. Bessey started playing travel soccer at the age of eight with the Huntley Heat. He played with the Heat until he was 13 when he started playing with his current club, the Chicago Sockers.

The Chicago Sockers are an elite soccer club, ranked the fifth best youth club in the nation by Soccer America.

The club has won multiple national championships and produced multiple professional players. The most notable players it has produced are U.S. men’s national team center midfielder Michael Bradley and former Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector.

Last year Bessey played in the Dallas Cup and the NPL Champions Cup with his team, where they finished sixth.

Bessey started playing travel basketball in sixth grade for the Huntley Red Raider feeder team. He also played AAU for the Rockford Wildcats. During middle school, Bessey was named MVP for Heineman’s seventh and eighth grade boys basketball teams. Last winter, he played AAU for the Cary Thunder. He helped lead the team to a 60-15 record and five tournament championships.

Bessey does not only play two varsity sports, he starts in two varsity sports. This fall, Bessey started at center midfield for Huntley’s varsity soccer team. He made an immediate impact with the high school team this year, starting right away. He helped the team win the Lake Park Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also contributed to the team’s 21-3-1 record and finished the season with 10 goals and two assists.

Bessey adjusted well right away, according to varsity boys soccer coach Kris Grabner.

“Jack started off the season in a very strong fashion. He came out and showed a burst of speed that made him very dangerous. He showed that he was going to be a physical tackler of the ball. Jack made a great first impression,” said Grabner.

Bessey’s best game of the season was Sept. 9 against Prairie Ridge when he scored three goals in 14 minutes in the second half.

The boy’s season ended unexpectedly with a loss in the regional championship to DeKalb 1-0.

“The soccer season was good but it ended badly,” said Bessey.

After the season, Bessey was named to the All-Conference team, the only freshman earning All-Conference honors.

After the varsity soccer season was over, Bessey jumped straight into his next varsity sport, basketball. After playing with the varsity team over the summer, Bessey made the varsity basketball team in the fall.

While Bessey was pretty sure he was going to play varsity soccer, he wasn’t as sure about basketball.

“In soccer, I was kind of hoping [to play varsity] but in basketball I wasn’t expecting it,” said Bessey.

Although the boys basketball team has played fewer than ten games thus far, Bessey has already started to make an impact. He starts at shooting guard for the Red Raiders and in just his second start, he scored 11 points in a win over Belvidere North and 10 points in Huntley’s last-second vic-

(M. Urban)

Jack Bessey starts to dribble after catching a pass in transition in a game vs. Crystal Lake Central (M. Urban) tory over Rockford Boylan. honors courses this year at Huntley High School.

“Jack’s played well so far this season. We were able to see Bessey says that he doesn’t have a favorite sport, but he how he could help us over the summer during our summer feels he has a brighter future in soccer than basketball. league games so we knew he was going to be able to help “Right now I am hoping to get to a good college in soccer us this year,” said varsity basketball coach Marty Manning. or basketball but right now, soccer is probably the highest “So far his adjustment has been pretty good. He is still get- thing I will get to. And after that, [I hope] to get into the ting used to the quickness and physicality of the game, but pros. At the level I’m playing there is a possibility I could he’s adjusted quite well in the games.” make it to the pros. I would love to play in England but the Bessey has had an easier time adjusting to playing varsity MLS would be great also,” said Bessey. basketball as a freshman after playing varsity soccer in the Grabner agreed that Bessey could likely play college soccer. fall.

“I would like Jack to play [in] college if that is what he “It’s challenging because I haven’t played a sport in high chooses to do,” said Grabner. school that wasn’t varsity. I got used to it after soccer There are many things about Bessey that make him such though so [playing varsity basketball] is no problem,” said a great athlete. The first few things that come to many Bessey. people’s minds are his size and quickness. He is 6 feet, 1 Bessey’s two biggest role models are fellow starters, seniors inch tall, but has an unusually high amount of quickness Amanze Egekeze and Zach Gorney. and speed for someone of his stature. His intelligence is “I look up to Amanze and Zach Gorney. They are both another one of his assets, allowing him to make good decithe perfect role models. They do well in school, they are sions and stay composed during the game. nice to me, and if I ask them about something they will “He is a physical presence in the middle of the field. He help me with it,” said Bessey. wins a ton of balls in the air. He plays quick soccer by Bessey shares many people’s high hopes for the varsity moving the ball quickly and by moving off of the ball well. boys basketball team this season.

Jack has a knack for scoring goals as well,” said Grabner.

“In basketball, I have a feeling that once we keep practicBessey’s athletic prowess and cooperative attitude haven’t ing we will get really good and probably get past regionals,” been lost on his coaches. said Bessey.

“Jack is a great kid. He’s surrounded by terrific teammates Bessey is not just a good athlete; he is also a great student. that have been very accepting to him but a lot of that has to do with how nice of a kid Jack is,” said Manning “As He was on Principal’s List all 12 quarters in middle school which means he had a 3.8 GPA or higher every quarter. He a player, if he continues to put in the work necessary to improve, the sky’s the limit for Jack.” graduated with a 4.01 cumulative GPA and is taking many

Johnny Depp only spoke 169 words in the movie Edward Scissorhands.

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Dec. 20, 2013 Sports

Huntley’s dynamic duo

Despite a notable disinterest toward girls basktetball, Ali and Sam Andrews have brought the program to the next level

Sam Andrews looks to pass to her sister, Ali Andrews, during a game against Prairie Ridge (A. Wong).

By Kyle Sommerfield

Content Editor

The vacancy was astounding. Even as Raider Nation filled the stands of nearly every boys basketball game, the stands of the East Gym of Huntley High School remained mostly empty during the 2012-2013 girls basketball season. There was no sea of red and black, no student section, and no chanting. But one thing is for sure.

There’s something different about the Huntley High School girls basketball team this year. The stands are a little less empty, the crowd is a little bit louder, and most importantly, there’s a winning atmosphere surrounding the team.

Maybe it was the electrifying enthusiasm of every member of the team last year, even the “bench squad.” Maybe it was the pure devotion of coaches, players, and administration alike. Maybe it was the surprising string of postseason wins, pushing the team to a fourth-place finish in the state.

But no matter the reason, there’s a common denominator: the Andrews sisters. Sam and Ali Andrews are the backbone of the girls team, the glue that keeps the team’s recent dominating play from falling apart.

The Andrews sisters led Huntley girls basketball to its most historic season. This is the story.

In the familiar atmosphere of Huntley High School’s East Gym, the girls basketball team welcomed an unfamiliar face. It was the 2012 transition between fall and winter, the time when the winter sports season gets its start.

The 6-foot-2-inch frame of freshman Ali Andrews was a welcome sight for a team looking for the spark that will propel it to a season unlike any before. With Sam’s produc-

tion the previous year, a second Andrews sister would be invaluable.

In previous years, girls basketball had always been in the background of the school. Sometimes it had success; sometimes it didn’t. But no matter the year, the team never received any recognition and never achieved anything extraordinary.

It was time for a change. It was time for the team to do something different. And at the heart of that transformation were Sam and Ali. There was never any doubt Ali was going to be flawlessly integrated into the team’s infrastructure. Sam had been before her. And there was something different about this group.

There was chemistry and an uncanny ability to understand each other, an ability that would prove particularly useful in the upcoming season. But perhaps the most important aspect of last year’s girls basketball team was the camaraderie. The team always came together. Not as teammates, but as friends.

“Everyone was really supportive and really nice, so we were all friends outside of school,” said Ali. “We just came together even more and made the chemistry.”

On the bus ride home after winning the sectional championship game, the team passed around cans of Mountain Dew and blasted the song “Wobble” by V.I.C. With the music in the background, the girls danced and sang. They celebrated. Because together they made history; because they came together as one to do what no other Huntley team had done before.

It was a crucial part of the team dynamic. And a crucial part of the development of Sam and Ali as basketball players.

Teamwork is a deadly weapon, but as Huntley would later find out, it wasn’t one that can’t be overcome.

Perfection is elusive. It’s almost non-existent.

And that fact took shape for Huntley on Feb. 5 in its loss to Cary Grove. After a long, evenly-fought battle, Huntley was able to push the game to overtime. However, with Cary guard Olivia Jakubicek posting a walloping 21 points, the Trojans proved to be too much for the Red Raiders.

This was the biggest loss of the season. It acted as a reminder that nothing is given. That there were teams out there that could easily handle them. That there was always room for improvement.

Although it was unpleasant, it was a crucial point in the careers of Sam and Ali. Athletic ability isn’t purely genetic. That much has always been clear. But when someone comes along who changes the game, who outplays everyone else, all eyes turn to the family. The Mannings. The Griffeys. The Hulls.

But not the Andrews. While Sam and Ali’s skill with a basketball propels Huntley to new realms of athletic achievement, it shows no evident hereditary roots. Neither of their parents played high school basketball. And despite their mother’s experience as a runner in high school, there was no indication from their parents that Sam and Ali would make such an impact in the sport of basketball.

Nevertheless, there’s something to be said about family bonding. Spending every day with someone creates a

In 1783, a volcano in Iceland erupted for eight months.

23

Dec. 20, 2013 Sports connection, an understanding of each other that cannot be formed anywhere else. And that same principle shows whenever Sam and Ali step onto the court.

The sisters first began their athletic careers together while playing travel basketball with the Midwest Elite.

And when a reunion proved to be a necessity in high school, the chemistry built over those years was sure to be transferred over.

“Since we’ve been playing together for a while, we kind of know how each other work and where we’ll be on the court,” said Ali. “We know what we’re going to do, so we can coordinate our ball movement.”

And it has. Every game, Sam and Ali make a difference.

Not just individually, but as a unit as well. They show a unity that has proved to be dangerous for any team that crosses Huntley’s path.

At the Belvidere North Regional, the stands still remained void of Huntley fans. Principal Dave Johnson and athletic director Michelle Jakubowski were two of the few familiar faces supporting the team. Nevertheless, Huntley made quick work of DeKalb in the regional semifinals, led by Ali’s 18 points and Sam’s 13.

That meant Belvidere North was next. There were doubts, but Huntley took a commanding 60-41 victory.

Once again, Sam and Ali led the team in scoring.

“Our players did a great job of putting the disappointment of the last two regular season games behind them and focusing on what they needed to do collectively and individually to make a successful postseason run,” said Raethz.

Then, as Huntley was preparing for its game against Harlem, it received some encouraging news about its biggest rival. On Feb. 18, the day before Huntley’s semifinal game, Cary Grove fell to Streamwood in a heartbreaking 45-44 loss. Things were beginning to take shape for Huntley girls basketball’s first sectional title.

Huntley used its size advantage against a seriously undersized Harlem team to propel itself to a 46-37 victory. As the news spread around Huntley High School, there was an unfamiliar buzz. For once, people were talking about girls basketball.

At the sectional final, a fan bus brought a group of students to Rockford East. Raider Nation was actually at a game. The team was finally receiving recognition. And it didn’t disappoint. After Huntley pulled off a 45-41 win, fans stormed onto the court.

In celebration, each member of the team cut off a piece of the net. As Sam stepped up the ladder, everyone on the court watched as they realized what had just happened. Huntley had just made history. And Sam and Ali were at the center.

Everything is for the team. At least it is for Sam and Ali. While they continuously lead their team to victory, Sam and Ali are quick to redirect any praise they are given.

Whenever asked about their role in helping the team win, they immediately give credit to their teammates.

“We definitely look to help our team out as much as we can,” said Sam. “They give us the ball and give us the opportunities. We really try to work as a team first.”

With last year’s relationships between teammates, it’s no surprise that Sam and Ali have taken up this mentality.

That’s why they look to their teammates before going to the basket themselves. And it also explains why they led the team in assists in addition to points.

Becoming the icon of a team often entails taking the reins and carrying the team yourself. But becoming a truly great player entails helping your teammates and doing whatever it takes to win. Sam and Ali aren’t icons; they’re great players.

And players like this have the power to lead their team to the kind of success Huntley found last year.

You could smell it. The history in the air. It was something Huntley athletics had never seen before.

The win at sectionals was history in itself. But when the opportunity came to take the super-sectional game against

Wheaton Warrenville South, Huntley wasn’t going to pass it up. Of course, it was a challenge, especially when guard Meghan Waldron put up 23 points and five rebounds.

But nevertheless, Huntley pulled out a 47-43 victory and advanced to the state finals.

“We knew we just had to hold them and play really hard and we would be able to come out with a win,” said Ali. Red Bird Arena was nothing like the girls’ home court back in the East Gym of Huntley High School. It was big and radiated a sense of professionalism. It was a new atmosphere for Huntley basketball; it took the game to the next level.

“It was very exciting,” said Sam. Unfortunately, things didn’t play out well for the Red Raiders in the state tournament. Rolling Meadows defeated Huntley 61-44 in the semifinal game and Whitney Young pounded the Red Raiders for a 60-27 victory.

Nevertheless, the experience at state was great for both Huntley High School and the players’ development.

“I thought it was a really good experience because all those players are going [Division 1] and stuff like that,” said Ali. “So it’s good to look up to them and watch how they play.”

There’s no question Sam and Ali took a lot from those players in Bloomington.

There’s a thin line between success and failure, winning and losing.

And Huntley trekked that line for the entire postseason last year. Every game was the unsurpassable challenge.

Belvidere North. Harlem. Streamwood. Wheaton Warrenville South. Of course, that challenge finally took the face of Rolling Meadows, Huntley’s historic postseason run was something that nobody expected.

There’s no doubt that the Andrews sisters played a huge part in that success. They led the team in points (15.7 each), rebounds (7.3 for Ali and 5.8 for Sam), and assists (2.1 for Ali and 2.4 for Sam). Both Sam and Ali were AP Honorable Mention All-State. Sam was a third team IBCA All-State selection and Ali was a fourth team IBCA All-State selection.

“First and foremost, Sam and Ali are great teammates both on and off the floor and they are very coachable and work extremely hard on their games during the season and in the offseason,” said Huntley girls basktball coach SteveRaethz. “They have had a tremendous impact on our success as a team.”

It’s hard to imagine Huntley achieving the same success without their production. As Sam’s final season at Huntley rolls on, the team is sure to make the most of it. It only seems practical to go for the gold while the dynamic duo remains.

Counting to one trillion would take close to 542,241 years.

SPORTS Two-sport superstar

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Freshman Jack Bessey starts his high school career off strong as a starter on both varsity soccer and basketball M. Urban