Friday, December 14, 2018
“Do it for the Vine”
The Student Newspaper of Jones College Preparatory High School
Messages from Columbia College motivate South building stair climbers MAXWELL KROLL ‘19 “When we first saw that communicate with each other, and School Staff you guys responded we were so they write things like “Hey!” or happy- we literally screamed,” they’ll put up art, so we decided it For the past two months, the Eliza Hughes, or “Rocket” as her would be fun to do that with the high south stairwell in the new building friends call her, said about the first school” LaBove said, explaining why has been home to a correspondence time she saw a response to the ini- the two decided to communicate with between Jones students and the Co- tial Vine window she and her room- Jones. Though the two l u m b i a h a v e dorm across had little the alley- in interacthe form of tion with Vine quotes. J o n e s Ever since students the social in permedia platson, they form shut acknowldown in edge that January the small 2017, Vine things, has lived like a on through passing inside jokes w a v e and easyfrom a to-quote student references going up among fans the stairs, of the app, brightPhoto by Sam Wojcik ‘19 so when en their post-it notes POW WOW The vine windows haven’t gone unappreciated by the Jones community, with some days. students feeling that the notes have positively affected morale in the school. spelling out “ I ’ v e “What’s 9+10?” appeared on the mate Isabella Labove put up on their never met anyone face to face, but dorm windows opposite the stair- dorm window. Eliza and Isabella they’ll see me put up the notes, and case in the south building, Jones are freshman students of Columbia they’ll wave, so it’s very clear to students knew exactly what to do. College majoring in creative writ- me that they like what we’re do “We saw that no one was re- ing and musical theatre respective- ing” Labove noted, to which Hughes sponding, and we knew what it was, ly, and are responsible for starting added: “I always wave to them!” so we took post it notes and made a the Vine inspired communication. The vine windows haven’t 21” Gabriella Nielsen ‘19 said, who, Isabella is responsi- gone unappreciated by the Jones with a few friends, put up a response ble for putting up the post-it community, with some students to one of the initial Vine windows. notes, but the two brainstorm feeling that the notes have positive“It’s nice to see that interaction with ideas for what to put up together. ly affected morale in the school. the new schools, it’s comradery.” “We have ideas for what “I think it’s really nice to While those who aren’t fa- vines we’re going to do already, but see the vine windows at school, espemiliar with Vine might simply an- sometimes we don’t do it because cially when you’re going up all those swer “19” to the question posed by we’re too busy or forget,” explained flights of stairs” said Greta Tetlak ‘19. the Columbia students, the message Labove. “There was one week “I didn’t think it would go as long is actually a reference to an iconic where you guys didn’t respond, so as it did, but I’m really glad it did.” Vine in which a young boy confident- we just didn’t do it” added Hughes. The two Columbia students ly answers “21” to the math problem. Sending messages through are happy to say that they don’t plan to Though the messages be- window notes isn’t too uncommon stop sending messages anytime soon. tween Jones and Columbia have among the college dorms in the “We have a lot of post-it’s been going back and forth for two South Loop, as the two explained that in our dorm room,” said LaBove. months, the interaction has been they were inspired by other students limited to just that- Vines on win- who had similar communications. dows. Little has been known about “There’s another building who is actually behind the windows. with Columbia students and they
Teachers wear holiday sweaters for charity
Sticher
Lund
Smith
Fast
McClory
Adelmann
Volume 4, Issue 3
Holding words accountable
New SGA committee seeks to eliminate hate speech SAM TEDROWE ‘21 Lifestyles Staff Seeking to address racial bigotry and improve student accountability, the SGA Accountability Committee plans to hold a series of conversations in Eagle Lab dealing with racial prejudices at Jones. The committee is also currently in communication with the administration concerning the idea of rewriting the disciplinary policy regarding those who are racially insensitive. “The administration hasn’t been doing enough to spread awareness,” said committee chair Doniya Boyd ‘21. “You should be able to get context about how what you say impacts others.” The Accountability Committee, formed this school year, aims to improve the discourse surrounding prevalent racial issues at Jones: students’ differences in backgrounds, how words are used, and equitable education for all students, issues that they have found the administration lacks discussion in. The newly-elected Eagle Lab representatives will facilitate a discussion with other students, marking one of the first issues the representatives will tackle in school. The Student Government Association hopes the Representatives will give them a stronger connection with the student body/ “Eagle Lab has a very bad stigma,” said SGA Co-President Sheryl Ordonez ‘19. “We hope that we can reduce it by reverting to its original purpose--to provide a space where students can come to- gether. We want to start taking advantage o f that space.” The discussions kicked off on Nov. 17, where representatives conducted a poll to understand their constituents’ opinions about how Student Government Association should educate students about the issues, and asked the students what they thought of the issue, and reported back to the SGA Committee. “The Student Code of Conduct has [disciplinary] categories of A, B, C, and D,” said Ordonez. “If any student is caught saying vulgar, hateful, or inappropriate language, that is an A punishment, which is a detention, even if what you said was based on race or gender.” The A level punishment is the least severe category and it does not appear on one’s permanent record, causing controversy within the Student Government Association. Ordonez believes that the current level of punishment does not reflect the severity of the issue at hand. The action concerning awareness about racial issues is not limited to the Accountability Committee. They are currently communicating with the Professional Personal Leadership Committee (PPLC), a state-mandated teacher discussion group that is affiliated with the Chicago Teachers Union, that discusses similar topics as the Accountability Committee. “It deals with culture, climate -- basically all things that are non-contractual within a building,” said social studies teacher Michael Borge. “It seemed worthwhile to reach out to SGA’s committee, as to not duplicate efforts. With this, we can hope real change can happen.” Looking forward, the Accountability Committee seeks to communicate more with the administrative team to secure a racial education program for all students.
Graphic by Sam Wojcik ‘19
PAGE 2
Aspen
Starting Jan. 7, Chicago Public Schools will begin using the student information system Aspen in place of IMPACT.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Accepting acceptance: college admissions posts face backlash make will have an impact on their college admissions. After four years of non-stop work, students should be allowed to share their achievements with their friends. Acceptances evoke pride in students. The hard work and dedication is the main contributor to college acceptance letters. After four tough years of rigorous courses and extracurriculars, students want to show how this hard work has paid off. Students who are
As Early Action decisions begin to come out, many students are receiving acceptance letters from colleges. Wanting to share the news that they might be attending University X, students take to social media. However, many of those who post about their college admission decisions are challenged by other students about how these posts can negatively affect the followers of the poster, saying that it could damage the self-esteem of peers who have been denied from their top choice colleges. Some people strongly believe that by posting your acceptance letters into colleges, you are ignoring the fact that some of your classmates have applied to those same schools and were rejected. Since freshman year, students have been encouraged by parents/guardians, counselors, and teachers alike that every decision they
proud of their acceptance are likely to share that information with their friends, regardless of whether or not they post it online. Students have every right to be proud of themselves
Rah-rah
Junior hopeful for more school spirit
FOLLOW US:
“I hate Jones.” This attitude holds us back from becoming better. Instead of complaining about our school being lame or not having enough spirit, there needs to be revisions to make the Jones experience better. Then there’s the fact that we do not have a football team. Honestly, I think we just use the lack of a football team as an excuse not to have school spirit. It is not about the type of sports teams, it is about the type of students. This is my first year being a member of SGA, and as a member of SGA, I work behind the scenes for spirit week, pep rally, and the dance. SGA spends a lot of mornings and sometimes the weekend preparing for homecoming week. To spend all that time planning a n d setting up just for people to not participate is very disheartening. It feels like it is a waste of time. When SGA asks for feedback, none i s given. We send out an e m a i l so students can make song suggestions for the dance. There is little response. It is almost as if students enjoy being miserable because when given the opportunity to change things, they rarely do so. I know homecoming is not for everyone, but as a whole, our school needs to do better at creating a better atmosphere for students when it comes to things unrelated to academics. Students need to participate and give input on what they would like to see so that changes are made.
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Unappreciated
Junior argues for support of girls sports DIA GIBBS ‘20
INDIA ROSE DANIELS ‘20 I walked into the gym one night after Thanksgiving, and I could instantly feel an animated energy. The gym was filled with noise from the cheerleaders, pep band, and the crowd. There was a DJ and a perfoemance by the Majorettes at halftime. On top of all of that, we won the basketball game against Solorio. I was not only happy that we won, but I was actually proud to be a student at Jones. This was the first time I have ever seen Jones look like a real high school. The pride that I felt at that game is how I want to feel every morning I walk into the building. School spirit plays a crucial role in the atmosphere of a high school, and homecoming is the time to showcase that spirit. But this year was the worst homecoming ex- perience I have ever had at Jones, especially when it came to school spirit. The lack of participation in dressing up for spirit days has become the norm, and the trend of student apathy has only grown. Our school has more class spirit than it does school spirit. The only spirit day that gets a lot of participation is Class Color Day. We get so excited for Eagle Games and going against our peers, but we never unite. We need the same energy we put into the words “Goodbye freshman” in “Let’s go Eagles.” Sometimes I regret my decision of coming to Jones because I feel like I am being robbed of my true high school experience. I look at other selective enrollment schools like Gwendolyn Brooks and Whitney Young and think maybe I should have gone there instead. At least they are proud to go to their school. I have heard too many students say,
for getting into the colleges they have applied to, however, some argue that posting this news to social media is impolite, and students should just keep their accomplishment to in-person discussion with friends who are close to them. Social media is meant to be a way to communicate with friends. When students post their acceptances online, they are simply utilizing social media to share the good news they have received. If seeing others enjoy the product of their own hard work makes you uncomfortable, there is a simple solution: unfollow those whose posts you don’t want to see. People who share their posts on social media are mass communicating with those who they deem close to them on social media;.If someone’s followers take offense to these posts, they are focusing on their own grievances rather than being happy for someone who they consider close enough to follow. There is, of course, the truth that some students might not be able to pay for an education at their dream college, but the simple fact that some have been accepted into their dream schools is something that should elicit pride, not criticism. Railing against those who have accomplished their goals because they have decided to share important news with a network of close friends and family is not only unfair, but cruel. Graphic by Anna Heyse ‘19
Graphic by Anna Heyse ‘19
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Last year, the Girls’ Varsity basketball team made it all the way to Regional Playoffs, but the game echoed only of parents’ cheers and a sprinkling of meek clapping. The Boys’ Varsity basketball team didn’t even make the Regional Playoffs, and the bleachers were filled. Across girls’ sports, the crowds are sparse compared to their male counterparts. In general, girls’ teams perform better than boys’ teams. The irls’ water polo team had a record of 15-8, compared to the boys’ who had a record of 16-13. The girls’ soccer team had a record of 133, compared to the boys’ 10-12 record. So why don’t students show up for the girls? Even if the girls weren’t performing as well as the boys, the problem lies deeper than performance. Sexism is embedded in the professional sports industry, with pay disparities worth thousands of dollars. The starting salary for a WNBA player is $50,000, while the minimum salary for an NBA player is almost $600,000 per year. People also watch men’s sports more than women’s sports, with only 10 percent of sports media covering women’s sports. You are more likely to catch a men’s college football game or basketball game on national television any day, but women’s college sports games are hard to come by. The clear sexism and disparity between male and female sports and their athletes is not acceptable for female athletes. Female athletes should receive the same respect and recognition that male athletes do. Just because they are girls does not mean they should be discredited and neglected. A female basketball player winning MVP should be the viewed the same as someone like Russell Westbrook winning MVP. Attend girls’ sporting events. Show them the same energy you show boys’ games. The games will be just as interesting and exciting. And if you can’t drag yourself to a
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women’s sporting event because you think it will be a drag, I’m willing to bet that you have not been to a women’s sporting event before. Show women athletes respect for the hard work they put into their craft. Just because men’s sports are more popular does not mean women’s sports should be brushed off. Don’t ignore them just because they’re girls.
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor, Print Associate Editor Copy Associate Editor, Online Associate Editor, Design Managing Editor Editor at Large Lead Reporter School Editor School Editor School Staff School Staff School Staff School Staff Opinion Editor Lifestyles Editor Lifestyles Editor Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Sports Editor Sports Editor Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Advisor
Jack Bedore ‘19 James Conde ‘19 Bailey Davis ‘19 Erich Sauer ‘19 Sam Wojcik ‘19 Cece Adams ‘19 Joseph Margolis ‘19 Maggie Trovato ‘19 Eryn Barnes ‘19 Oscar Estrada ‘19 Max Kroll ‘19 Ashton Marion ‘19 Jack O’Leary ‘20 Doniya Boyd ‘21 Brendan Mohen ‘19 Katherine Williams ‘20 Sisley Mark ‘20 Anna Heyse ‘19 Savannah Clark ‘20 Abby Teodori ‘19 Charlotte Manier ‘20 Samantha Tedrowe ‘21 Ava Thompson ‘21 Eli Tolefree ‘21 Jack Brooks ‘19 Jake Aks ‘19 Noah Callow ’19 Ted Fludas ‘19 Carter Frye ‘19 Lucas Vogel ‘19 Jacob Dunn ‘20 Dia Gibbs ‘20 India Rose Daniel ‘20 Amara Alexander ‘21 Josh Lazar ‘21 John Lund
Letters Letters to the Editor are encouraged and will be screened for libel, irresponsiblity, and obscenity. The Editorial Board may edit or shorten letters as long as the meaning is unchanged. All letters must be signed and include your email for verification. Requests to withold the writer’s name from publication will be considered. Letters can be sent to jonesblueprint@gmail.com or dropped off in Room 201.
PAGE 3 Spring Musical Auditions for Spamalot, the spring musical, will be on Monday, Dec. 17.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
The most wonderful time of the year
Students share their holiday traditions AMARA ALEXANDER ‘21 Sports Staff As the weather becomes colder and the year comes to a close, students are preparing for the holidays. Ruby Gerhardt ‘21 and her family participate in the German tradition of hiding a pickle in the Christmas tree. “The tradition has been in my family since before I was born,” said Gerhardt. On Christmas Eve, Gerhardt’s parents hide a pickle in their Christmas tree. Whichever sibling
finds the pickle first, gets money. It is believed that whoever finds the pickle is rewarded with good luck. Mia Mangia ‘19 helps her grandma make tamales. They spread masa, a type of corn flour, on corn husks one by one. Afterward, they fill the tamales with regular or spicy chicken meat and steam them to perfection. “Prepping the tamales takes hours,” Mangia said. “My grandma’s very particular about them.” Sayra Gonzalez ‘21, her family, and her friends get together and partake in a posada, a Mexican rit-
ual re-enactment of a Bible story. “A posada is recreating what Mary and Jose went through to find a place to give birth to Jesus,” Gonzalez said. Her family gets together and eats before walking and knocking on doors, singing songs to their neighbors. Afterward, the family eats pozole, flan, and conchas and drinks Mexican hot chocolate. Brenna Paul ‘21 and her family celebrate Hanukkah. They make latkes, potato pancakes flavored with garlic, onion, or seasoning. Paul and her brothers spin their
dreidels, collect gelt, and light a hanukiah. “A hanukiah is similar to a menorah, but has nine candles instead of eight, representing eight days and a shama,” said Paul. Other students, like Gabe Kosmacher ‘19, celebrate Hanukkah as well, taking a more political and historical approach with their family “We just sit around the table, eat blintzes and latkes, and argue about Trump and Israel,” said Kosmacher. “And we talk about the strategic genius of Judah Maccabee.”
Blueprint editors share holiday traditions “On Christmas Eve, we dress up in matching pajamas, sit by the fire, and drink hot cocoa.” -Eryn Barnes School Editor
“My family hides a pickle in the Christmas tree, and the first one to find it gets to open the first gift.” -Katherine Williams Lifestyles Editor
“My family and I travel to Mexico to see family and eat posole.” -Oscar Estrada School Editor
“I love going to my dad’s house and eating tamales on Christmas Eve.” -James Conde Associate Editor, Print
“Since my parents’ anniversary is on New Years Eve, we celebrate by making pasta.” -Jake Aks Sports Editor
“My family makes cioppino, which is a seafood stew.” -Jack Bedore Editor-in-Chief
“On Christmas Eve, we eat latkes and Polish sausages.” -Sam Wojcik Associate Editor, Design
“Every year, after Thanksgiving, my family makes a fire and watches ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” -Cece Adams Managing Editor
Graphic by Sam Wojcik ‘19
PAGE 4 Winter Break
CPS Winter Break is Monday Dec. 24 through Friday Jan. 4
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
OSCAR ESTRADA ‘19 School Editor MAGGIE TROVATO ‘19 Lead Reporter
Party like it’s 1999: These five staffers joined in the last fall of the ‘90s decade separated. And then it just so happened that the Near North building was vacant and so we all went over there.” she said. “The building was in total disrepair. There were cockroaches all the time.” Along with the size of the school and its traditions, Waterman, as a teacher, has changed. “I think I am way more relaxed and less strict,” she said. “If you were in my classroom 20 years ago and you forgot my homework, I would call your parents on the classroom phone and put you on speaker phone in front of everyone.”
“The type of students we have are a lot better and different than we had before because now you have to test to get in,” said Rayburn. When Rayburn was a security guard, she had to deal with rougher students. Nowadays, she handles different duties to run the school smoothly.
RAYMOND LESNIEWSKI
Chemistry teacher Ray Lesniewski, who arrived at Jones 19 years ago, got the opportunity to do something most Jones teachers don’t get to do. About five years into his career at Jones, Lesniewski acted alongside his students on the Jones stage. “ I was in one of the [school] productions. We did The Pirates of Penzance. The theater teacher back then needed an older
RUDY GONZALEZ
While Jones has changed through the years, security officer Rudy Gonzalez’s philosophy has stayed the same, “Their success is our success.” Gonzalez has worked here for nearly 20 years and since then has taken on the role of mentor to help students be successful. “Us, as adults, have to go to [the student’s] level and understand what’s going on. Sometimes we have to go out of our way to reach them,” he said. Gonzalez’s love for his job has not faded with time. “[Working here] has been a privilege for me. All these years at the school and I [still] like my school and I like my students,” he said. “They respect me and I respect them. Everything is about respect.” Since 1999, Gonzalez has started the girls soccer team and gained more responsibilities as a security officer. In that time he has seen the staff population increase and the student population change. “The students of Jones are the future politicians, the future police officers, the future lawyers, and the future doctors and nurses. I’m glad to be part of this Jones family,” said Gonzalez.
FRANK GRISETO
As the Athletic Director for Jones, Frank Grisehas made his mark on the Sports Department. “I’m happy to see [that] the sports program [has grown] compared to when I got here; it has been a success,” he said. Griseto has been very involved in and outside of Jones. As Athletic Director, he oversees all fall, winter, and spring sports throughout the school year and schedules many events and tournaments for these teams. “I have more than 250 events planned for the school year, the responsibilities have increased with better teams and more students,” said Griseto. Griseto has been here for 19 years and has coached baseball and basketball . “The sports program has grown exponentially from having a few teams to a team in every sport except wrestling and football.” Since the school has increased to 1800 students, Griseto feels that school spirit has increased as well. “I think we have a lot of school spirit. I think our athletic events are very well attended. We are trying to increase the participation every year, which we have done a very nice job,” he said. “We have about 750 students involved in sports out of the 1900.” to
male to play one of the roles,” he said. Lesniewski played the part of Major General. “I rehearsed with the students [and] I was on stage with the students. We shared that experience together and it was really meaningful because I got to see some of my own students, and other students that I got to know, in a totally different way. Not as a teacher [and] student kind of thing. We were all actors in the same production.” This experience has stayed important to Lesniewski over the years. “That’s something that I’ll definitely remember for many years to come,” he said. “It was a really nice part of the history of Jones.”
TORY WATERMAN
French teacher Tory Waterman regards the size of the school as one of the biggest changes at Jones since joining the language department in 1999. Not only were there significantly less students, but there was significantly less square footage. Before the South building came along, the North building looked very different. “What no one could even imagine is that the gym used to be where the counselors are and the locker rooms were above that,” said Waterman. Having less square footage proved to be challenging and caused the school to get creative when it came to things like pep rallies. “The principal before Dr. Powers had chartered the ‘L’so that we could have the Spirit Express for homecoming. [We took] the ‘L’as an entire school [to Near North Career Magnet High School], went to the gym, had the pep rally, and then came back here.” Near North was not only where Jones had a pep rally, but it was also a temporary home for Jones. In 2001, students and faculty were relocated there due to a renovation. “The original solution was to have all the [grade levels]
TRACIE RAYBURN
From Head of Security to School Clerk, Tracie Rayburn has switched around in the Main Office for these past 19 years at school. Rayburn likes the diversity that Jones has at school. “In the lunchrooms I like the fact that it is a melting pot of everything, you go to a table and see an Asian kid, an African-American kid, a Hispanic kid, and a White kid all eating together and having fun,” she said. “ The whole environment is different than it used to be and if I had a kid I would want my kid to go here.” Rayburn became a clerk this past school year and has seen many different students come and go.
Top Left: Girl’s Soccer Coach and Founder, Rudy Gonzalez in 2000 with the Girl’s Soccer Team Bottom Left: Cross Country Co-Coaches Tory Waterman and John Caldow in 2000 Middle Top: Basketball Coach Frank Griseto with former student in 2001 Middle Bottom: Security Guard Tracie Rayburn with former colleague in 2000 Left Top and Bottom: Raymond Lesniewski performs a science experiment and on the set of Pirates of Penzance in 2002
PAGE 5 Jingle Bell Rock
A Holiday Sing-a-long will be taking place in the Robin Bennett Theater from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
The Old Guard: Jones’ most senior staffers reflect on favorite Jones memories Story continued from page 4
“The other students at the school were the outgoing final graduating class of Jones Commercial. So there were seniors from the previous program and there were freshmen from the incoming college prep.” While the new names have changed the student population, Fritsch recalls that the change started slowly. “Those first couple three years, people still thought we were Jones Commercial. They would apply and be completely surprised that they got here and were expected to be planning college-ready students. We had no reputation because we were new and,
“One of the major changes I have seen is the amount of security we have. There used to be only one security [officer] and now we have like 10 [security officers] and 2 police officers,” she said. Gutierrez was also a sponsor for ASPIRA which was something similar to the Association of Latin American Students. She worked with Latin American students to spread their culture in the school and bring awareness to the issues that affect the Latin American community. “ I loved ASPIRA, I was connected with all the students and participated in their events throughout the club’s life.”
FRANK FITZPATRICK
Social Science Teacher Frank Fitzpatrick remembers a time when students were worried about losing their school spirit. After the North building was renovated, students suffered the loss of a gym. “They took the gym which we had had [in the North building] and put administrative offices and the counseling offices in. When we came back to this building in 2002-2003 school year, there was no gym for the students or for activities that we’d have in the gym, like a pep rally,” said Fitzpatrick. “Then the new building didn’t materialize. There were problems negotiating things with the city because the Pacific Garden Mission was next door. It took a lot more time than we thought. There were quite a few years here when we didn’t have a gym and the students didn’t have gym classes.” With the loss of a gym, students looked for ways to keep school spirit. This led to the creation of “Fun Fair”, which Fitzpatrick sponsored. “There was concern among the student body,” he said. “So we used to have things like the Fun Fair which is kind of like a carnival. Each, what we call ‘Academic Lab’ now, would choose some kind of activity they’d want to do. We used to have pie throws where the teacher would volunteer to get pies thrown at them. We’d have dunk tanks that the students would rent. The students really enjoyed that. Clubs and organizations [would] use it for fundraising.” Along with Fun Fair, the school also had a picnic at the end of each year. “We took the whole student body over to Grant Park. We’d play baseball. Whatever you wanted to do, we did at the picnic,” he said. Since then, we have gained a building and lost these traditions. “Finally the new school materialized. So now we have the gym and we can have pep rallies right here,” said Fitzpatrick. When thinking of her favorite moments at Jones, French Teacher Danielle Wracker thinks back to a time before Jones had more than one building. “Everybody was together instead of split up,” she said. The moment Wracker recalls occured at a pep rally at Near North Career Magnet High School. “We went on the red line. It was reserved just for us. We went to Near North because we didn’t have a gym. The gym [there] was already all set up and decorated.”
AMY FRITSCH
Jones has gone by many names: Jones Metropolitan High School of Business and Commerce, Jones Commercial High School, Jones Academic Magnet, and now, Jones College Prep. When English teacher Amy Fritsch began teaching, Jones had just undergone a name change. “I started teaching here in 1998 when we had the first incoming freshman class of Jones. We only had the group of freshmen who would be our first graduating class [of Jones Academic Magnet],” she said.
As someone who has held different titles within the school, Gutierrez has worked with many different teachers and staff. She has seen various shifts and changes throughout the school.
DANIELLE WRACKER as such, the competition was not as steep,” she said. But once the school became more prestigious, the population changed at a faster rate. “For the first five years we were 75-95% free or reduced lunch. As the school became more prestigious, wealthier people were like, ‘oh I want my kid to go there,’” she said. “The proportion of white and wealthy students has increased steadily over the years.” Today, things are much different at Jones than from when Fritsch started. “We are no longer serving as large of a population of students who are first generation college bound, who are coming from less advantaged economic backgrounds, who are coming from underserved or underprivileged groups, we are serving fewer students for whom this program is as critically needed.” This change isn’t something that Fritsch is proud of. “That’s been one of the things that I’ve struggled with the most.” she said. “The school has gone from being a school that’s really about offering opportunity to people who have historically been underserved to being a very elite school for an elite group of people who already have a great many advantages.”
When thinking of her favorite moments at Jones, French Teacher Danielle Wracker thinks back to a time before Jones had more than one building. “Everybody was together instead of split up,” she said. The moment Wracker recalls occured at a pep rally at Near North Career Magnet High School. “We went on the red line. It was reserved just for us. We went to Near North because we didn’t have a gym. The gym [there] was already all set up and decorated.” Wracker’s favorite part of the experience were the sparklers that were lit. “They put [the letters] JCP or JAM (Jones Academic Magnet) in the middle of the floor and then they lit them. The lights went down,” she said. “The Ac Labs were sitting together so then the juniors would yell and the seniors would yell.”
OLGA GUTIERREZ
With 29 years under her belt, Olga Gutierrez has been at Jones longer than any other staff member. In that time, she has done it all. “I’ve done attendance. I’ve done security. I’ve done lunchroom duty. I’ve delivered supplies,” she said. In the last 15 years, Gutierrez has taken on the role of counselor assistant. “It is more paperwork but I love working there,” she said. Starting at 25 years old, Gutierrez is the last remaining staff member from the former Jones Metropolitan High School of Business and Commerce. “The school has changed drastically. It was only a 2 year high school and is now a 4 year high school,” she said. “Now we have a new building and more bodies.”
Top Left: Frank Fitzpatrick awards Homecoming King and Queen in 2002 Middle: German Teacher Amy Fritsch welcomes transfer students from Germany in 2000 Top Right: Olga Gutierrez accepts award at the Hispanic Assembly from former student in 1991 Bottom Right: Drama Sponsor Danielle Wracker with theatre students in 1999
PAGE 6
Bowling
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
The boys’ swimming team will compete against Taft at 5 p.m. at the Jones pool.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
ANNA HEYSE ‘19 Lifestyles Staff
Balancing act Student moves away from family to dance
To pursue her dream career, Brier Bracken ‘20 moved away from her family in Cleveland, Ohio, taking on an intensive Joffrey dance program. “I got accepted into the year-round program,” said Bracken. “I was accepted last year, but didn’t come because I wasn’t comfortable living alone..” Back in Ohio, Bracken lived with her parents and little brother and did not devote as much of her life to dancing.
Passion for performance Freshman pursues theater despite challenges
Courtyard dancer moves inside AVA THOMPSON ‘21 Lifestyles Staff
Dance organizations struggle to coexist
In the morning, as Jones students hustle to their classes in the North Building, they may catch a glimpse of Sarah Rubinov ’22 in the courtyard. DONIYA BOYD ‘21 Wearing headphones and hightops, Rubinov moves to the beat as School Staff “A lot of the she practices her moves, improvising and practicing her own choreography. students think Rubinov has been dancing in the court Over the past three years, Jones’ dance scene has that the Dance yard during the mornings since the third day of school. diversified, with the creation of the Blue Elegance Major- Team is a joke She tries to get a little bit of dancing in as often as possible, from her ettes in 2016 and the start of LatinX Baila this school year. or not as good as time before school in the courtyard to passing periods in the halls. The teams at Jones specialize in several different the other teams,” “On the stairs, I’ll have my earbuds in and I’ll be moving types of dance, with the Blue Elegance performing tra- said Abigail Branda my hands or bopping my head,” said Rubinov. ditional majorette-style dancing, clubs like LatinX Baila ‘21, a member of the “I’ll be in the hallway and no one is there and Folklore performing traditional Latin dances, and the Dance Team.“They and I’ll think, ‘Yes! I can dance!’” Dance Team focusing on technical hip-hop and pom dance. start talking about Though Rubinov has While the teams seem to be having fun from the who’s better than who, been dancing for eight outside, the inside logistics don’t seem to be so pretty. but all of the teams are years, she started danci n g i n “There is definitely some favoritism going on, with doing different styles.” public while living overseas in Geneva, Switzerland. She has takthe dance en classes at Hubbard Street Dance in ballet and jazz. team being Assis Dance teacher Elisa Foshay said Rubiput over tant Prinnov’s practicing in public has put her other dance cipal Eric out in the open and helped her exgroups,” Mitchell press her talent as a young dancer. said Rhegan says he has “[Dancing] is a great way for Barrett ‘21, been the meher to challenge that way of bewho dances diator between ing vulnerable and improvisfor Blue Elthe teams, and ing while being in a place where egance. “It that the probshe is very much seen,” said Foshay. took three lems that arise While Rubinov dances in the courtyard, years for us stem from the she is also making up her own choreography. to get fundteams not knowing “Especially if I need to just get ing and to be their place in Jones. my emotions out, I’ll improv on the recognized “The mashot,” said Rubinov. “I also learn dancas a team.” jorettes have had es in my spare time and rehearse those.” FALL BALL The Dance Team, pictured above, performs at the Girls on Blue 2018 Fall Dance Showcase. some hurdles,” said Aside from just improving her Elegance see it as Mitchell. “They feel technique, dancing has helped Ruunfair that the Dance Team has things like custom jackets, like the stepchild. They have had probbinov discover her identity. while they have had hand-me-downs from the team’s first year. lems with finding sponsors and work real “Dance is everything,” she The Dance Team is Jones’ IHSA-sanctioned team, ly hard to be represented. Right now I think said. “It causes stress and relieves meaning that Blue Elegance or any other dance organiza- that they are finding themselves as a team.” stress. It’s also a workout, it’s a tion at Jones cannot compete under the school’s name. Even after a few years of trouhobby. It’s something that became “We don’t get the same treatment from the ble, Mitchell believes that the teams bigger for me as I got older.” school that the dance team does, yet we’re asked to per- are coming to a mutual understanding. Due to decreasing temperaform by them at the same events as them,” said Barrett. “This year, the Dance Team and Matures, Rubinov has found a The Dance Team feels that jorettes are very respectful to each other,” he new spot for dancing before they too struggle to be taken seriously. said. “They are very Photo courtesy of Abby Branda
“My studio was just a small studio there,” said Bracken. “Dancing is the real career I want to do.” Three other Jones students attend the year-round program. “We do about four hours of dance five to seven days a week,” said Viviana Smith ‘22. “Most everyone wants to have some sort of career in dance.” Bracken’s AP Government teacher, Jonathan Smith, discovered Bracken’s commitment by happenstance. “She mentioned she lived on her own,” said Jonathan
Smith. “It’s so impressive to be able to juggle so many things and be successful.” After several months, Bracken has adjusted to her life, currently practicing to be in the Nutcracker. “I come home from school, run over to Joffrey, and eventually get home,” said Bracken. “I’m with a couple other girls, so we’re all going through the same thing.” Without time in her day between school and dance, dancing
ELI TOLEFREE ‘21 Lifestyles Staff Taking on three roles in “Metamorphoses”, Benedict Schwegel ‘22 has expressed his longtime passion for theater by getting involved with Jones productions. “I have always been curious about trying new things,” said Benedict. “One day [13 years ago] my parents were flipping through television and I told them I wanted to do what I saw on that channel, which was ballet.” Schwegel has now performed the past two holiday seasons in the New Joffrey Nutcracker for the Auditorium Theater in Rosemont. He also takes classes in ballet at Ballet Chicago. Dancing has always been his main interest, but he also enjoys singing and acting. “[My last singing performance] was with [the Music of the Baroque] orchestra,” Benedict said. “It was conducted by Jane Glover, who is a very famous conductor. We were doing Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’.” To combine his interests in performance, he enjoys participating in Jones plays. “Two years ago I went to see a play here and I knew that being able to do that in the future would be really fun,” he said. “My motivation comes from knowing I can put my best on the stage and having these abilities to do what I can do to the most is what allows me to try my best e s s e n t i a l l y. ” Despite his excitement about performance, he has still faced obstacles in his dance career, from having to face type 1 diabetes to ridicule from his peers. “Growing up, I faced issues with teachers, who were just intolerant of my health issues,” he said. “In elementary school I also was criticized by my peers but once I stopped letting it get to me, they stopped and
Movin’ on up Dance battle
PAGE 7
Boys Swimming
On Monday, Dec. 17, the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams will compete against Lane Tech and Schurz.
school in the sixth floor of the new building. “It is my intention to continue [dancing] for as long as my health status will let me,” said Rubinov. “But if there is a chance that I am sick and I can get pneumonia, I probably won’t.” During the winter, health risks associated with dancing outside become far more dangerous. “The risk of pulling something or straining something is a little bit greater,” said Foshay. “When your muscles are cold, they aren’t as flexible and they don’t move as easily or readily. But as long as she is continuing to do [warm-ups] as part of her practice, it’s okay.” Even though Rubinov dances primarily for personal reasons, the practice has translated into her performance in Dance I. “She is a very attentive student,” said Foshay. “[Rubinov] is very focused, and she clearly has an interest in dance. She is always trying and putting in her best effort.” Now fourth months into the school year, several students have noticed her dancing almost every day. “Sometimes I giggle to myself and think it’s kind of funny,” said Anika Alfaro ’22. “Some of my friends have said, ‘that’s kind of weird’ or ‘it’s unusual that she’s doing that,” but most of the time, I think she is really, really good.” Rubinov’s presence throughout the MOVE TO THE BEAT Sarah Rubinov ‘22 practices her school day has updance skills inside during lunch. lifted some students who see her dancing.
has a new meaning for Bracken. “I like how you can express yourself without having to talk or write about it,” said Bracken. “It helps calm everything.” CITY LIFE Brier Backen ‘20 dances on the lakefront overlooking the Chicago skyline.
I continued doing what I love best.” Benedict’s sister, Bernadette Schwegel ‘22, also came to Jones, and they participate in many of the same activities. “Coming to Jones was perfect because it was a school we both wanted to come to,” Bern a dette said. “He is one of the best actors I know. He has been in so many performances at professional theaters, which are really hard to get, but he just nailed it everytime.” Though Benedict has only been a student at Jones for a little over a year, he has already made himself known to several performance art teachers. “I knew I wanted someone who would be able to take on a great dance role,” said Brad Lyons, The-
atre teacher a n d director of “Metamorphoses”. “I knew Benedict was an amazing dancer. He is a great performer and brought great attitude to the cast.” Dance teacher Elisa Foshay has worked with Schwegel more extensively. “I chose him because the way he carried himself in the auditions, very disciplined and very respectful,” Foshay said. “His background in dance made him a good choice for me and Lyons.” Schwegel’s kind, sociable personality also helped him shine in the play. “He is very kind to other people,” said Foshay. “Because dance is an ensemble activity, we really look for how you treated others, like the choreographer and the dancers you’re standing next to. He was a model student in all those situations.”
STEP UP One of the three roles Benedict Schwegel ‘22 played in “Metamorphoses” was Poseidon. Left, he brandishes his trident in the shipwreck scene of Photo courtesy of Adina Sandu
“ Yo u have a positive reaction and sometimes find yourself laughing,” said Bella Nelson ‘22. “Then if you were in a bad mood, it would brighten up your day.” However, attention from her fellow peers isn’t what Rubinov strives for. “There are people who say ‘I saw you dancing’, and I say, ‘Cool. Good for you,” said Rubinov. “There have been people who have said it’s weird that I dance. I don’t care. That’s not what I do it for. I don’t do it for attention or for someone to tell me that I’m good. I do it for myself.” Photo by Jake Aks ‘19 Graphics by James Conde ‘19
PAGE 8 Jones Blueprint
For more stories go to jonesblueprint.com JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Once upon a time
Sophomore earns national recognition in Black storytelling
TED FLUDAS ‘19 Sports Staff Last month, Owen Charles ‘21 earned national recognition as he was presented with an award for his contributions to the art and practice of storytelling at the 36th Annual National Association of Black Storytellers Festival and Conference in Raleigh-Durham, NC. “There are people nominated from all over the country, and he won,” said Kucha Brownlee, Charles’ storytelling coach since 2014. “We were very excited. It is very exciting to see other people say, yes, this person definitely deserves this award.” The award was a culmination of years of support from Charles’ family and community as well as many hours of practice. Charles expressed gratitude to those involved in his development as a storyteller, his family, his coaches and the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS), as well as the Chicago Association of Black Storytellers who nominated him for the award. “They presented me the award and I did some ‘thank yous’ and I was really thankful and I still am,” said Charles. Charles was first drawn to the art of storytelling at the age of nine, during a visit to the library with his mother where a group of black storytellers were performing. “I thought it was really interesting and there were a lot of kids going up and performing. I asked my mom if I could try,” said Charles. Storytelling provided an avenue for growth that Charles embraced from his first storytelling experience. “I was really shy and wanted to try something new to get out of my comfort zone,” said Charles. “I’ve been doing it ever since.” Charles’ mother, Dawn Mann-Charles, appreciates her son’s choice to begin storytelling. “One of the things I liked so much about this opportunity for Owen was that it was an a r e a that I had no exposure to and no experience in,”
said Mann-Charles. “He expressed an interest and he ilies from the rural south, seeking work and a better had a knack for it, so I was really happy to support him.” life. His story focuses on how his grandfather came She has seen Charles transform from a shy and to Madison, Wisconsin and how he came to Chicago. soft spoken nine-year-old child into an award winning sto- Charles’ coaches, who work with him on a ryteller who projects his voice and commands the stage. monthly basis, have seen him develop over the years. “I was so thrilled “Owen has that he wanted to partici been with us pate, because even now he can be shy, and since he was this is a way to help get him out of that in grammar space and into an area where he’s confident school. We and comfortable,” said Mann-Charles. have seen Because of his passion for storytelling, him blossom Charles has become confident enough into a perto compete against more experienced son who can performers, and do so successfully. take over the “He didn’t want to compete stage,” said in the children’s division, he wanted to Brownlee. compete with adults, and he didn’t win, “The awards but he was able to compete with the are not as adult storytellers,” said Mann-Charles. important as Charles has earned recognition doing storyt for his work in part because he is able to bring individuality and personality to the t e l l characters in his performances. ing and STORY TIME Owen Charles ‘21, pictured with his parents, acce “That’s one of the things that’s so nice bringing pts his award from the National Association of Black Storytellers. about storytelling versus making a others presentation. You really should be putting things in you into the fold. It is an art form that we do not want to die.” own words and using your own experience,” said Mann At age 15, Charles is already contributing to the Charles. preservation of the storytelling traditions in his community. Charles has a particular affini- “Now that he is older and more accomplished, he helps ty to the stories of Anansi, the mis- coach the younger children,” said Brownlee. “Owen is chievous spider and protagonist of a fine storyteller and he is not only a storyteller, but he many popular African folk tales. is a story lover and a story teacher. I should say he is a “I felt very comfortable with the story coach. He helps young people find their legs.” character and I feel like I can relate to The benefits of learning the art of storytellhim because he’s sort of a trickster and he ing have extended beyond the performance space. seemed like a fun character,” Charles said. “It’s something that really helps me pracIt has taken years of tice speech skills and it’s good oratory practice. practice for Charles to become the accom- That’s helped me in a lot in school,” said Charles. plished storyteller he is today. He works to An activity that was initially an opportunity for improve his craft by meeting with his coaches Charles to broaden his horizons and overcome his timidity monthly and performing in his community. has become an art for which he has great passion and aptitude. Charles hopes to expand his skills Through performing, writing, and coaching, Charles instills through writing stories of his own. He has writ- this same passion among the future generation of storytellers. ten a story about the great migration of black fam
Photo courtesy of Dawn Mann-Charles
Above and beyond
Jones alumna makes Forbes’ 30 under 30 SAM TEDROWE ‘21 Lifestyles Staff Among notable personalities such as Cardi B, musician, Tori Bowie, track and field athlete, and Ayesha Curry, actress and celebrity chef- Sally Nuamah ‘07 has joined the list of young professionals in the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work in public policy education at Duke University and her award winning documentary, HerStory. Forbes’ 30 under 30 aims to select 30 of the world’s youngest leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, and details what they have done. Assistant Principal Eric Fay commented that many Jones alumni go on to have successful careers. “It really shows how our alumni achieve success through Jones. Friends of Jones has formed an alumni committee,” said Fay. “They’ve had this big effort to archive old yearbooks and Jones history. I think it’s really important to appreciate our alumni.” Nuamah’s career and lifelong passion in helping and educating others started at Jones, where she campaigned within then named African American Club to endorse multicultural history and language classes. “I really enjoyed my time at Jones,” said Nuamah. “I felt like I could advocate for the things I care about there.” When Nuamah attended Jones she cites diversity as one of the reasons she felt most connected to the student body. “It was incredibly diverse in terms of race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. There were about 30 percent black students, 30 percent hispanic students, and so on,” Nuamah said. “Jones is very much a different school from when I attended, but it really felt
like I was meeting the best of all parts of Chicago.” Principal Joseph P. Powers noted that this achievement re After Nuamah completed her Ph.D. at Northwest- flects a positive light on Jones students, as well as the work ern University in political science, she continued to work that everyone at the school puts in to help the students achieve as an educator in public policy. She currently is a profes- their goals during their time in high school and beyond. sor at Duke University. “Although I did not “It’s been reknow her personally, ally great to take issues I am incredibly imin the news, or current pressed by the level of events, and discuss success she had made them and connect to in her field,” said Powthem to what we are ers. “She’s a great exlearning in class,” said ample of what you can Nuamah. “I get to take do. Whatever your pasmy interests, what I sion is, whatever you care about, and teach want to do with your them to my students.” life, you can at least Outside the get started here and classroom, Nuamah’s learn some of the skills volunteer work ranged and the knowledge, from working in Ghana the means by which and South Africa with you can make a great nonprofit organizations AND, ACTION Filming her documentary, HerStory, Sally Nuafuture for yourself.” such as the United mah ‘07 (center) describes her work as “mission oriented.” Nuamah’s message States Agency for Interfor young people, especialnational Development and the United Nations Foundation, ly at Jones, is to get involved doing something in the city. where she primarily focused on underprivileged girls and “Whether you’re volunteering at a soup kitchen or education. She has also volunteered in Chicago in the past. tutoring someone, you’re helping,” said Nuamah. “It’s been a core part of my life and studies,” said “That’s what I hope for young people everywhere.” Nuamah. “Some people say it won’t create tactile change, but I disagree. For me it’s been the thread of all my experiences. Especially for those who have more privilege in Photo courtesy of Adam Middleton this world, it is your responsibility, as it is mine as well.”
PAGE 9 Makin’ a Splash!
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Boys Swimming team will compete against Lincoln Park
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Best of the best
Brian Coleman wins 2019 National Counselor of the Year
ANNA HEYSE ‘19 Lifestyles Staff After a secretive announcement that CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Janice Jackson, was making an announcement in the gym, students and administration flocked to the seventh floor, where Counseling Department Chair Brian Coleman would discover he had been named the 2019 National Counselor of the year. “I found out here, when everybody else did,” Coleman said. “I came into the gym with everybody else. I thought it was odd because there were CPS photographers taking pictures of me and the other teachers standing on the sidelines.” Right after Jackson brought the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) employees onto the gym floor, Coleman recognized what was happening and lit up, realizing everything he worked for had paid off. “It [the competition] starts at the state level,” Coleman said. “The Illinois School Counseling Association nominates one person each year to represent the state in the nationwide competition.” In order to work towards the Illinois nomination and eventually the national award, Coleman reached out to English teacher David Gilmer to ask for
a recommendation; a request Gilmer was more than willing to honor. “Without having any of the expertise needed to decide something like this, what I wrote about in my letter of recommendation was that I think he is an incredible advocate for the counseling profession, that he works really hard to establish himself as a presence. He views counseling as something that needs to continually be reinventDEDICATED Coleman, who has been working at Jones since 2014, is one of the Eagle Lead- ed,” said ers Mentorship Program Co-Directors. Gilmer. Because and department chair. I have work to do,” of his new recognition, Coleman is Though ready to take on all of his Coleman said. being contacted by professionals in the responsibilities and spread his message From his regular counseling educational and counseling fields even further, Cole- man is still internalizduties to department chair to assisting around the country and focusing on how ing the impact of what winning National with the Freshman Connection program, to balance the work he already has with the Coleman’s hard work is recognized and Counselor of the Year means in full. responsibility and honor brought on by “It’s surreal and overwhelming,” admired his students, even when they meet the award. Colema said. “I can’t process what it him for the first time. “I’ll go to D.C. in “He makes freshmen feel really at means to know you’ve made an impact in January, I’ll go to another this way. I think I’ll spend the rest of my home,” said Henry Brennan ‘20. “I think counseling conference next life processing what ‘impact’ means.” he does a really great job of getting them summer, and all of these opportunities [freshmen] accustomed to Jones and he and engagements, but I still have a full makes us all feel like we’re making an time job. I’m still a full time counselor impact.”
As the long lasting argument over the validity of the SAT and the ACT as a test of high school students’ knowledge continues to wage on, America has seen more and more colleges take a new step in their admission process and become test optional schools, giving appli cants the choice of sending in their test scores and putting more emphasis on essays, grades, and extracurriculars.
Some colleges are taking this approach to admission due to a a large increase in admission rates and an increase in their average test scores, but one of the most influential reasons is an increase in diversity of applicant pools for schools. In a study produced by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 61 percent of schools who adopted the test optional policy saw a substantial increase in applications from lower income students, leading to an increase in the diversity of schools.
Graphics by Sam Wojcik ‘19
PAGE 10 Swish!
The Girls Basketball team will play Schurz at home on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Center stage
Running around the world
Junior begins career at Goodman Theatre SAVANNAH CLARK ‘20 Lifestyles Staff Getting a jump start on her career, Maya Reyna ‘20 landed a professional role in the Goodman Theater production of “A Christmas Carol”. After participating in the Goodman’s Musical Theatre Intensive for high school students over the summer, the theater reached out to her about auditioning for the annual Christmas show. However, performing with the Goodman meant missing out on the Jones fall play, “Metamorphoses”. Reyna has only performed in Jones musicals, but was happy with her decision to forego the fall play. “I was like, ‘Do I give up an opportunity to do professional theater?’” Reyna said. “I feel like I will get to do a production here in the spring.” Drama teacher and theater director Bradley Lyons said Reyna spoke with him about her decision to not participate in the school play. “She talked to me, as an adult does,” Lyons said. If Reyna had not made it into “A Christmas Carol”, Lyons said she probably would have been found helping with the backstage aspects of “Metamorphoses”. “She was totally ready to work tech,” said Lyons. The audition process, filled with songs, mono-
Reyna is classified as a Young Performer, one of seven actors in the show spanning from eight to 19 years old. All the Young Performers play the Cratchit children. “It’s so weird,” Reyna said. “They have me as a Young Performer even though I’m sixteen, so it’s like, ‘Are you an adult? Technically not.’ Rehearsals began in late October and ran for only a few weeks before the production’s opening day on Nov. 15. The Goodman is holding over 50 performances of “A Christmas Carol” throughout the winter, with shows every day Wednesday through Sunday, sometimes with multiple shows per day. “It’s kind of a lot of work, but that’s only because of where I am in my life,” Reyna said. “I feel like it’s worth it because I’m doing something really cool.” Keeping up with school and going to the theatre every night for a job keeps her on her toes, though it has put a significant amount of pressure on Reyna as she tries to balance her responsibilities. “In between shows I have a chunk of time that I use to knock [school] assignments out of the way,” Reyna said. “It’s just about finding the windows of opportunity rather than having huge mountains of time.” She said the professional experience feels more high-stakes than smaller com-
school? That’s incredible.” Working with the experienced actors has also been a great opportunity for Reyna to learn about the ins and outs of professional theater. “[The actors] know what they’re talking about,” Reyna said. “You’re learning from them as a newcomer would learn from a veteran.” As a seasoned participant in Jones drama productions, Reyna may already be on her way to being an acting veteran. Lyons said working with her on the set of Heathers was like working with a professional actor. “I never knew [when] she had a bad day, and I’m sure she did,” Lyons said. “She came in, left personal life outside the door, and jumped into the work.” Lyons went to support Reyna and see her perform in “A Christmas Carol”, where she secured multiple solo singing scenes. “She’s incredible,” Lyons said. “[Singing is] her foremost strength, so she got to be the singing leads in some of these numbers.” According to Choir teacher Katie Colby, Reyna definitely has the voice to take her career even further. “Singing in an ensemble is a great thing for her, but she’s really a soloist,” Colby said. Reyna said that she has always known her true passion for theater, and that this experience has given her
BAH, HUMBUG Maya Reyna ‘20 (left) performs as Belinda Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol”.
logues, and acting scenes, was challenging and intimidating for Reyna, with several weeks in between the first audition and her callback. “[Auditions were] a little bit scary,” said Reyna. “It was really up in the air because Goodman didn’t really tell me anything.”
munity programs she has participated in, which were more for the benefit of fun. Making it into a professional production is no small feat, according to Lyons. “I was proud of Maya to make it,” he said. “Having the Goodman on your resume as a junior in high
insight into her possible career plans in performance arts. “I’ve always thought of a job as not just something that can help support someone economically,” Reyna said. “But also to give you something worth living for.” Photo courtesy of Maya Reyna ‘20
Globetrotting junior hosts exchange student JACOB DUNN ‘20 Sports Staff After living in three different countries, Ian Bacon ‘20 is now changing roles and hosting an exchange student from Ireland. Ian has lived in Ireland and India, ultimately settling in Chicago. “Of all the places I lived, I would say Ireland was my favorite,” Ian said. Ian and his family first
ican School of Bombay, an international school in the city. There, Ian got his first taste of sports at the varsity level. “I [have been] really into swimming since fifth grade,” said Ian. He competed in the South Asian Interscholastic Association and the American Schools in India Activities Conference. He particularly enjoyed the training in India. “Training was handled in a way
TRICK OR TREAT Ian Bacon ‘20 (left) and his exchange student, Ronan Gilmartin, celebrate Halloween in Ireland in 2008.
moved to County Sligo, Ireland when he was just 4-years-old. The Bacons lived there for the next six years, enjoying the environment of the northern Atlantic. There, he met Ronan Gilmartin, his next door neighbor. Despite attending different schools, the two formed a tight friendship. “Since we were right by the ocean, Ronan and I would surf all summer,” Ian said. Ian also enjoyed his school experiences, attending Rathcormac National School, an Irish Catholic school located near County Sligo. “A lot of the schooling is based around religion,” he said. After six years in Ireland, Ian’s father’s job required the family to move to Mumbai. Bacon loved the culture in India, but didn’t like the physical atmosphere. “There was a lot going on at once,” Bacon said. “It was very polluted and [there were] just a lot of people.” One of the most populated cities in the world, Mumbai is home to over 18 million people. “If you’re on Michigan Avenue and there are 100 people around you, in India it would be 10,000 people,” said Sylvia Bacon, Ian’s mother. The population was not the only difference. “School was a lot more interactive,” Bacon said. Ian went to the Amer-
that it didn’t burn you out, it was just a lot of fun to go,” he said. Ian also enjoyed the country’s culture, especially the clothing and festivals, such as Holi, the festival of colors that occurs every spring. “They have colored powder and water, and you can mix the two,” Ian said.. “They essentially have a color war.” This month, Ian has brought some of his past life back to Jones in the form of Gilmartin, now a shadow student to Ian. “The teachers are nice [at Jones],” Gilmartin said. “Students are nice as well.” Gilmartin is participating in Transition Year, a common program in Ireland where students gain travel and work experience to help with the transition out of high school. “The teachers and students are nice,” he said. “I’ve been going around with Ian’s family and seeing different landmarks in Chicago.” Gilmartin also joined the Track and Field team, which Ian participates in. “He loves Jones and the boys on the [Track] team,” Sylvia said. “Everyone has been so nice.” Gilmartin will be finishing his Transition Year with work experience back in Ireland, but he plans on returning to the U.S. for travel or even to live here. “It would be nice to come back in the future,” he said. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Bacon
PAGE 11 Slam Dunk
Boys Basketball vs Lincoln Park at home on Dec. 19 at 5PM
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Jersey shorkin
Senior forgoes last year of high school to play junior hockey JACK BROOKS ‘19 Sports Editor JOE MARGOLIS ‘19 Editor-at-Large A tough decision: move to a new state, leaving behind family and friends, or put dreams and aspirations on the backburner. This is a decision Ryan Sorkin ‘19 had to make for his senior year of high school and in the end, he packed his bags for Bridgewater, New Jersey to chase his lifelong dream of a professional hockey career. In the past, Sorkin has played for three top 20 nationally ranked hockey teams including the top ranked Mission Coyotes based in Chicago who won the national championship his junior year, gaining a number of college offers and building a solid reputation in the process. With plans to extend his hockey career to the next level, Sorkin made the choice to leave Chicago in August and live with a host family in New Jersey prior to the start of the 2018-19 school year. “I knew that playing division one hockey is something that I really wanted to do,” said Sorkin. “Moving away from home to play junior hockey is what is giving me the best opportunity to do that.” Junior hockey is a highly touted level of amateur hockey where players aged 1620 are put into a life that revolves around hockey with intense practices and, for the high school kids, class schedules made to work around their rink time. The main focus of junior hockey, besides winning, is getting players college offers. Although this is the suggested route for high school hockey players with aspirations similar to Sorkin’s, originally Sorkin had his doubts. “Of course, it was hard,” said Sorkin, “I had never been away from my family for more than a week or so. However, at the same time I knew that being away from
my parents would help (me) mature.” Sorkin got off to a hot start on the season, putting up 12 points in his first 8 games including a game winning goal in the season opener, helping his team, the New Jersey Rockets, through their rocky 3-5 start. The Rockets have since bounced back with a strong four point performance from Sorkin and currently hold the third place position
i n t h e U . S . Premier H o c k - e y League (USPHL), a competitive East Coast junior hockey league. Led by Sorkin’s team-high 20 points, the Rockets are looking to make a midseason push and continue to climb up the standings before the upcoming playoffs in March. “He’s working his bag off,” said
Sorkin’s roommate Ilya Federov who came all the way from Moscow, Russia to play for the Rockets. “He stays on the ice after practice and I can tell he really wants to become a pro.” T h i s hard work is not something new for Sorkin. “Since Kindergarten he has been at the ice pretty much every night,” said Seamus Retzlof ‘19, a lifelong friend of Sorkin’s. “It has not tapered off, it seems he is always playing hockey.” Sorkin will be returning to the Jones hallways in March where he will complete his online courses for his senior year in the library and walk the stage at graduation with the rest of the Jones class of 2019 along with continuing his quest to reach the next level in his hockey career. “I plan on hopefully playing professional,” said Sorkin, “It’s something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.” Sorkin recently achieved his goal of playing division one hockey by committing to Dartmouth University. “As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew it was the
place I wanted to be,” said Sorkin. “To be wanted by such a great organization was such an honor and I knew that Dartmouth was the place I wanted to spend my four years of college.” Following the 2018-19 season, Sorkin hopes to leave New Jersey and move up to the USHL, the top junior hockey league in the nation. With hundreds of alumni drafted to the NHL, Sorkin hopes to build on his experience with the Rockets and fully develop as a player within the United States Hockey League. From there, Sorkin will be returning to the life of a full time student athlete in the fall of 2020 at Dartmouth, hoping to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL.
Bar Down Ryan Sorkin ‘19 looks on as his teammate fires a shot on goal. Photo courtesy of Ryan Sorkin ‘19
Diving into a new season
Boy’s swim team looking to build on last season’s success JACK BROOKS ‘19 Sports Editor
The boys’ swim team is poised to make a run at the city championship following a successful season in which the team set a number of new records. With more returning swimmers than last year, the Eagles are favored to be crowned Chicago’s best team. Surrounded by high expectations, returning coach Paul Anderson believes the team has the potential to be the best Jones has ever had. “As far as city goes, I don’t think we should lose a meet, we have a really good shot at winning [city] which has never happened,” said Anderson. “Our goal is to try and win [sectionals] and qualify as many guys to state as we can.” With a lot of returning players, the team is looking to start where they left off last year rather than rebuilding. The team shares Anderson’s feelings on the upcoming season, and are anxious to start the year off on the right note. “I want to be a contribution to my team and help carry as many people to the IHSA state meet as possible,” said Rene Maldonado ‘19, the varsity captain. Teammate Jaden Olson ‘20 is looking for the same success, looking to break his previous records and lead the team to a city title.
Wings Thomas Gorhes ‘19 races in the 200m medley. Conde ‘19
Photo by James
“Hopefully we get to win the city championships and sectionals and hopefully I can win state in the 100m back,” said Olson. Led by Maldonado and Olson, the experienced group has been preparing for the upcoming season since October, conditioning and working out almost every day. “Since the middle of October we have had morning practices where we just workout in the weight rooms and do a lot of cardio work to get in shape for the upcoming season,” said Maldonado. On top of the preseason conditioning, the team has been stressing personal and mental health, hoping that a strong attitude and mindset can lead them to success. “[I have] been trying to get enough rest and be mentally healthy,” said Olson. But despite the high hopes and hardwork, Olson is still swimming for his love of the sport. “My first goal is to have fun,” said Olson. “What is the point of doing it if you can’t have fun?” The boys swim team opened the season on Tuesday with a win against Northside, beginning their quest for a city Championship.
PAGE 12 Tip-Off
The boys’ basketball team will face off against Wells at Jones on Friday at 5 p.m.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT DECEMBER 14, 2018
Fresh start
Boys basketball team shows promise after losing senior starters CARTER FRYE ‘19 Sports Staff
Grant Nordmark ‘19 - #13 - Position: Center - 6’4” - Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski
scoring options, while Stefan Rosich ‘19, Alex Andrade ‘19, Patrick Mattar ‘19, and Grant NordAfter losing mark ‘19 are all relikey players to able players who can graduation last make an impact on year, the 2018both ends of the court. 2019 varsity As of Tuesday, basketball team Dec. 11, their record IN THE PAINT Grant Nordmark ‘19 is exceeding and the Jones Basketball team beat sits at 5-3 and they e x p e c t a t i o n s Perspectives/IIT Academy 69-63. are 2-0 in conference. with leadership The varsity basketfrom current ball team has made many improveseniors and a wave of new talent. ments that point to a bright future. Rron Thaci ‘20 and Amen Ausar ‘20 are two of the Eagles’ main
Rron Thaci ‘20 - #14 - Position: Forward - 6’5” - Favorite sport other than Basketball: Soccer
Jessica Katzin ‘19 - #10 - Position: Forward - 5’5” - Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Alex Andrade ‘19 - #24 - Position: Forward - 6’1” - Favorite TV Show: The Office
Photos by Jake Aks ‘19
Stefan Rosich ‘19 - #15 - Position: Guard - 6’2” - Favorite Food: Cevapi
Camila Niles ‘20 - #2 - Position: Point Guard - 5’5” - Favorite Subject: Biology
Full of possibilities
Amen Ausar ‘20 - #2 - Position: Guard - 5’11” - Favorite Subject: Science
Rebekah Robinson ‘21 - #13 - Position: Guard - 5’6” - Favorite Food: Tacos
Lady Eagles kick off strong season AMARA ALEXANDER ‘21 Sports Staff
Chloe Kantowicz ‘20 - #3 - Position: Center - 5’11” - Favorite Movie: Wall-E
inghouse, and Payton College Prep. The team’s key scorers are Camilla Niles ‘20, Leila Parker ‘20, and Bailey Zalewski Heading into ‘22, who averages their game 11 points per game. against North The team’s key Lawndale, the defenders are ReLady Eagles bekah Robinson ‘21 varsity basketand Mary O’Brien. ball team has The team’s a 6-5 record. primary goals Ranked sixth NOTHIN’ BUT NET Kimaya Hayes this season are to in the Chica- ‘19 gets ready to shoot at a home work as a cohego Public-Red game. sive unit, increase N o r t h / We s t their intensity on defense, and Conference, the Lady Eagles have communicate better as a team. recorded wins against Bulls College Prep, De La Salle, Latin, West-
Bailey Zalewski ‘22 - #23 - Position: Forward - 5’11” - Favorite sport other than basketball: Soccer
Photo by Josh Lazar ‘21
Photos by James Conde ‘19