Thursday, February 16, 2017
The Student Newspaper of Jones College Preparatory High School
Let’s talk about sex
Sophomores work to change reproductive health curriculum DAISY CONANT ‘18 Assistant Lifestyles Editor Going into second semester, the Sophomore Student Government Association is working with the P.E. Department and Jones faculty to try to revise and revamp the sex education program for freshmen and sophomores. The initiative is spearheaded by class president Mattie Musgrove ‘19, who decided something needed to be done after the sex education course she experienced freshman year was less promising than she had expected. “The sex education that was provided to me freshman year appalled me,” said Musgrove. “We didn’t go in depth enough about STIs and STDs. It was 3 hours long (two P.E. periods), with one class period spent watching a video of a 14 year old giving birth, which was designed to scare us from having sex with the risk of getting pregnant.” The process began around late September, when Justin Howard ‘19 distributed a petition to the class to have the sexual education curriculum improved. “I feel that this is such an important issue that we can’t ignore. This is urgent, and I feel that we have
Holy SAT
so many students here who will care and will show an interest in expanding our sexual education c u r r i c ulum,” said Howard. The petition received over 200 signatures, prompting SGA to take on the challenge. According to Musgrove, SGA’s first course of action was talking to Brian Coleman, one of the Freshman and Sophomore Counselors. “My role in help- i n g has really been more consultation and communication facilitation between the different stakeholders involved,” said Coleman. “I have partnered with SGA as well as the P.E. department to look at what options exist and really explore what the concerns were and how the curriculum may be improved.” With the help of Coleman, the Sophomore SGA is now meeting with the P.E. department and are meeting to discuss both the concerns the SGA has and potential revisions. After reviewing SGA’s suggestions and CPS curriculum, the department will be adding two and a half to existing three hours of curriculum to the freshman sex education course, which will be implemented second semester. In ad-
dition, they will be adding a more distinct sex education course for sophomore students, which will most likely be implemented next year. One of the more difficult changes Musgrove, Howard, and Coleman all emphasized was the need for more inclusivity in the curriculum for LGBTQ students. “Sex education at a lot of schools can be very heteronormative, focusi n g only on straight sex,” said M u s - grove, “That’s definitely important to talk about, but there are a lot of LGBTQ students at Jones, and it’s important to talk about that kind of sex too and how you can safely have that type of sex.” SGA has also proposed shifting the curriculum’s focus away from abstinence and more towards STDs and safe sex practices. “I think it’s also important to acknowledge the reality that many kids will still [have] sex even if [they’re told] not to,” said Musgrove. “We want to talk more about feeling safe during sex, what rape means, how to make sure that you’re actually consenting and how to be in a healthy relationship while you’re having sex.” Graphics by Chloe Crookall ‘17
Students, teachers react to standardized test change LONDON MCGARR ‘18 Lifestyles Staff ERYN BARNES ‘19 School Staff
At the beginning of the school year, juniors were informed that all of the test books, tutors, and flashcards they had been using in preparation for the ACT would have to be replaced. For the first time in 15 years, Jones will be administering the SAT in April. On June 30, 2016, the state of Illinois contract with the ACT exam expired, creating opportunity for change in the state-sponsored standardized test for juniors. After the SAT and ACT both presented to the Illinois State Board of Education, the state ultimately went with the less expensive proposal presented by the former. Following the announcement of the switch, teachers began to be informed about how to adjust to these changes. “In the beginning of the year, we a had a professional development session where someone who worked for the SAT came in and gave us a lot of information about how the test was redesigned,” said math teacher Anna Barnett.
The SAT contains two sections that require special attention specifically from the English department, testing knowledge of grammar and reading comprhension. “We’ve noticed that the
new SAT really focuses on a lot of the same skills, tasks and format that AP English Language and Composition does,” said English Department chair Brady Gunnink. “We’re trying to include more of the skills that AP Lang develops earlier into our freshmen and sophomore curriculum.” The test switch shouldn’t affect college applications. Colleges accept the ACT and SAT interchangeably. Should a student choose to take the ACT, they would have to take it outside of Jones on a national test day. There are few differences between the two tests. According to the Princeton Review, the SAT includes one less test section, allots more time,
and allows selective use of the calculator compared to the ACT. However, the change did not come without criticism. Some students believe that the change was damaging due to the financial losses it would impose. “I’ve spent at least a thousand dollars [on prep classes],” said Dino Frulla ‘18. “This is not just disposable income for my family-it’s a big deal.” . In contrast, some teachers and students have an optimistic outlook in the transition. “There will be a pretty seamless transition,” said Gunnink. “Students this fall did very well on the PSAT, but there’s always potentially going to be a little bit of a dip whenever somebody takes a test for the first time, but we feel confident that students will still keep getting the same strong scores.” However, even with teachers changing their course material to help prepare students for the SAT, a growing suspicion lingers with students as to why the switch happened in the first place. “The people on the CPS board only care about themselves,” said Frulla. “It doesn’t matter what our test scores are.” Graphic by Orla Levens ‘18
TEDx-citing
Volume 2, Issue 3
Lecture series coming in April
ORLA LEVENS ‘18 Associate Editor, Online Aiming to connect members of the Jones area community to a worldwide stage, Abby Barton ‘18 and Olivia Landgraff ‘18 have started a Jones chapter of the TEDx organization, which will host a variety of student speakers on April 18. TEDx is a branch of the TED Organization that hosts talks from interesting speakers in front of live audiences and connects them to a global stage, but at the local level. “[It] allows for independent community organizers to have their own events outside of the exclusiveness that is TED,” said Barton. “We got a license from TED to have an event, and we’re connected to TED only in that we are able to share all of our videos [with them online].” Jones will be the third CPS high school to put on a TEDx event, with its predecessors being Carver Military Academy and Whitney Young. “It might serve as a catalyst for other schools around the city to get involved,” said teacher sponsor and mentor Caitlin Miller. “I think that it’s a cool platform for [the] kids who want to stand out from the crowd, [for the] kids who are interested in participating in the whole movement.” After an extensive application process, Barton, Landgraff, and the three English teachers serving as mentors (Miller, Julie Achettu and Ebikepreye Ogundipe) selected six students to speak at the event: Maya Dru ‘17, Carly Klein ‘17, Zaid Abdullah ‘18, Michael Murray ‘18, Ellie Sharp ‘18, and Laura Davalos ‘19. “[Applicants] had to record a video talking about why they wanted to be a TEDx speaker, fill out an application, and then write a paragraph about an idea that they wanted to do a speech on,” said Landgraff. “We interviewed six people and ended up accepting them. We asked for interviews because they either had really strong ideas or were very passionate about doing a TEDx Talk.” After being accepted, the speakers and their assigned mentors made outlines. Next, they will outline and work on their first drafts, then meet with other speakers to bounce ideas off of each other to assist with second drafts, which will lead to practicing the presentation. “We want it to be a community experience,” said Landgraff. Sharp is nervous to speak at the event, but is also excited to be a part of the process. “I’m definitely nervous to speak, but I know that all the involved teachers and organizers [will] make sure the event runs smoothly and that we all feel comfortable,” said Sharp. “I’m mostly excited about being able to learn about the [other] speakers’ topics and being able to share ideas.” With success, the process can be restarted next year. Graphics by Chloe Crookall ‘17
PAGE 2 Exclusively on jonesblueprint.com
Cerrena Galvan ‘17 writes about her struggle to find her identity amidst stereotypes and stigmas.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2016
Get your ACT together
Pressure to get a 30 or higher on ACT creates negative culture
The day is coming that juniors need to prepare for the ACT. The untouched test prep books get cracked open and those number 2 pencils have to be sharpened. However, as terrifying as the day of the test can be, the competitive students of Jones have another day to fear: the day all their friends (and enemies and family and everyone they’ve ever met) ask them what their score is. Their fear stems from the fact that they know score has to hold up against the high and often unrealistic expectations of the “Jones standard.” The “Jones standard” is the high level of excellence that Jones students feel they and other students need to obtain in order to feel satisfied and happy with their life. While it is a natural byproduct of a school made up of the best and brightest students of Chicago, what is not natural is the resulting anxiety and crushing feelings of inadequacy that it creates. This “Jones standard” can be seen in all academic pursuits, but it is especially visible when students compare standardized test scores. It hangs over students during test day telling them that an ACT score under 30 is simply bad. At times, it is not the fear of the actual test that produces the anxiety, but the unkind responses from their peers to their scores below 30. Reject the “Jones standard.” It does nothing but make students feel that they have underperformed when the exact opposite is true. No matter their score, anyone who takes a 3 hour exam worked hard to do well, and who are you to say that that’s not worth anything. But the “standard” is the creation of people who have no understanding of the world outside the school’s class windows. The Jones average ACT is a 27. This is 6 points higher than the national average of 21 and 9 points higher than the CPS average of 18. However, at Jones, we seem to forget all of this and instead focus on our unrealistic standard for what a “good” score is, one that is based on ability to afford tutoring, multiple attempts, and a lack of understanding of others’ situations.
Nevertheless, this standard would be a bearable evil if it were not for the inappropriate behavior of Jones students when it comes to publicizing their score. Too often do we hear students talking loudly about how “bad” their score is only to have to put their foot in their mouth when they discover someone within earshot received a lower score. What people don’t understand is that when you downplay your score in front of others, completely knowing that the people around you will boost you up with compliments like “no, you did great,” you are merely transferring your insecurity onto others. Regardless of how poorly one feels about their performance, there is the possibility that someone not only got a lower score, but are proud of their achievement. You should be proud of your score as well. Before you continue reading, take a moment to re-examine your lens. In the grand scheme of things, the ACT is an insignificant blip. As soon as you start applying to schools, you’ll forget about this test and you’ll realize that you apply not as a number, but as a holistic person. By creating a culture where students are afraid of being compared to their peers, Jones has made the already stressful college application process even more upsetting. Any score below 30 does not put a cap on your success. There are thousands of amazing colleges that will still accept you, all of which can set you up for a rewarding, fulfilled life and many of those are test-optional. Colleges see many things when they look at you, not just your ACT score. If you really believe that your ACT is the only thing that matters for college, than maybe you should quit those extracurricular activities, recommendations and volunteering that you claim to care so much about. Whether it’s a 15, 25, or 35, no score should be lookeddown upon. Get some perspective, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and find something more interesting than the ACT to talk about.
Senior advocates for political tolerance in post-election environment STEPHANIE MEYER ‘17
The 60s folk rock hit, Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” was written as a college student’s ode to youthful alienation in the 1960s, but it could easily be the theme song for 2016, a time when all Americans appeared to have stopped listening to one another. Following a mean and divisive campaign of caustic insults and “gotchas,” the election results left voters confused: crestfallen and angry on the one hand and reenergized with a sense of hope on the other- both deaf to the needs, longings, and dreams of the other. Throughout the past several months, people have tended to surround themselves with those who agree with them, blocking out those with opposing beliefs. With the current influence of the internet, we no longer have to turn outwards to our peers for help in deciphering the world of politics, we simply have to click the “share” or “retweet” button and we face no rebuttal. This lack of communication is to blame for our lost touch with an empathetic reality. Our nation’s inadequate exchanging of ideas and be-
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Dear Kit, There is a rumor that this guy left his girlfriend and is now hooking up with me. It’s not true, what should I do about it? Home Sweet Homewrecker Dear Homewrecker, I believe you should take the initiative. Have you seen Hamilton? Take the Reynolds pamphlet approach. Aggressively spread the rumor that you are instead sleeping with the boyfriend’s best friend, also in a relationship. Now that you’ve deflected, you can go on the offensive. Spread the rumor that the girlfriend plans to run away from home and is now traveling Canada as a carnie. When she denies that this is true, invite her to coffee to help mend the relationship. Make yourself emotionally available for her. Confide in each other. Months later, when you know her darkest secrets, you can chose to use them against her or build a beautiful lasting friendship with her. Or, you know, ignore the whole thing, because it doesn’t matter. Dear Kit, I want to have a relationship with a girl, but I don’t know how to approach her. What should I do? Little Bro Peep Dear Bro Peep, It is scary how effective baseless confidence is. It doesn’t even have to be grounded in any particular skill or reasoning. You can just walk up to her and talk about absolute nonsense. If she’s not interested in talking to you about decoupage or Eastern European politics, a relationship isn’t likely. It’s difficult, but metagaming a relationship past a genuine connection won’t work. Trust me. Additionally, confidence is not believing that you won’t fail. Confidence is believing that if you fail, everything will be fine. This is also the difference between healthy self esteem and an ego. Just put yourself out there. It will work itself out eventually. The author of this column is frankly not very smart and his views are not representative of the Blueprint staff as a whole.
Artwork by Ezra Weber ‘18
Listen, we need to talk
Fair warning, this is not an advice column for the faint of heart. It’s a heart-stopping, butt-kicking ride through the nuanced landscape of interpersonal relationships, stress issues, and entry level martial arts. Submit questions to pleasekeepittogether@gmail.com
liefs even extend to the Jones community, and it will become our biggest shortfall. Jones is distinguished in its diversity, a diversity we should be celebrating and capitalizing on. By fashioning “Republican” or “moderate” into a swear word, we are degrading half the country and are invalidating their experience which serves as the foundation to their beliefs (it is important to note that the majority of the Republican party is not racist, sexist, homophobic, or bigoted). If we do not know why a person holds specific beliefs because we deliberately ignore them, we become ignorant and are segregating the world into those who are worth listening to and those who are not and based on what we have learned from United States history, ostracizing any group of people for any reason never has a good moral or economic result. By people “hearing but not listening,” succumbing to the pressure to stay silent on urgent, tormenting issues in order to evade the social shunning they think their comments will be met with - by perpetrating “the sound of silence,” we are crystallizing an end to human empathy.
Artwork by Chloe Crookall ‘17
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Madrigals Take Motown
The Madrigal Choir will be performing songs in tribute to Motowm along with serving a desert on Feb. 23 and 24.
And the Oscar goes to... SETH BARTUSEK ‘17
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
In stark contrast to recent years, the nominations for the 89th Academy Awards have been excellent. In a list of nominees that is as long as it is talented; these movies span genre, race, age, and culture. Here are my picks for the Feb. 26 Oscars.
Best Picture Arrival; Fences; Hacksaw Ridge; Hell or High Water; Hidden Figures; La La Land; Best Actor in a Leading Role Lion; Manchester by the Sea; Moonlight Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea; Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge; Who Will Win: La La Land Ryan Gosling, La La Land; Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic; Denzel If You Asked Me… Manchester by the Sea Washington, Fences This an extremely tough choice. When I look at this category five major Who Will Win: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea contenders jump out at me: Fences, Hell or High Water, La La Land, Manchester by the If You Asked Me… Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea Sea, and Moonlight. These are all five great films, with excellent performances in all. This is category rife Hell or High Water is different than most movies in the crime genre. with talent, but in the end Centered around two brothers robbing Texas banks, the story unfolds as they Casey Affleck runs away are chased across the state by a determined sheriff (Jeff Bridges). Despite a with the win. His perforwonderful performance from Chris Pine, who broke my preconceived nomance has the audience tions about his acting range, this movie doesn’t quite have the emotional seeing the true pain and resonance to be my pick. sorrow that he has stowed Fences started out as a play and was beautifully translated onto the big away and this perfectly emscreen. Focused on a black family in 1950s Pittsburgh, it details the multitude bodies the character of the of fences we construct to keep people in and out. Denzel Washington and Viola movie. Denzel Washington Davis put on incredible performances, but it is up against some very steep comalso puts on a tough, rugged performance that reminds us that he petition. is much more than the action star he sometimes plays. Lastly, Viggo La La Land is the movie everyone is talking about. A musical telling the Mortensen is wonderful in the odd and quirky comedy that is Captain intersecting story of Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), it is reminisFantastic. Entirely different from any other movie nominated, Captain cent of old melancholy French musicals. Beautifully scored by Benj Pasek and Justin Fantastic is unexpected and breaks the mold, Mortensen the catalyst. Paul and brilliantly directed by Damien Chazelle, this would be many’s pick for Best However, Affleck’s honesty of emotion and portrayal of living with tragPicture but the lack of songs in the middle of the film kept it from being my favorite. edy is too compelling to ignore. Moonlight is a hidden gem overshadowed by its competitors, parBest Actress in a Leading Role ticularly La La Land and ManchesIsabelle Hupert, Elle; Ruth Negga, Loving; Natalie Portman, Jackie, ter by the Sea. It tells the story of Emma Stone, La La Land; Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins. a gay black man living in Miami in Who Will Win: Emma Stone, La La Land three different parts, each played by If You Asked Me… Emma Stone, La La Land a different actor. Alex Hibbert, Aston Yes, I’m betting Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes, who against Meryl Streep, but play Chiron in his childhood, adothis is truly a one-horse race. lescence, and adulthood respectively, Emma Stone carries La La each bring something different to the Land. She is energetic, enthurole and give us a look into this comsiastic, and determined in this plex and sad central character. wonderful portrayal of life in Whether is has flown under the radar because it deals with issues of race and sexHollywood. For those of us, uality or simply because it wasn’t as highly advertised when it was produced as other myself included, who thought films, this is a must-see. Emma Stone couldn’t sing be Manchester by the Sea is a painful yet beautiful look into the life of Lee Chanfore we watched La La Land dler (Casey Affleck). After he returns to the town he grew up in after the death of his were in for a surprise. She is brother, we see the pain and sorrow that lurk behind Affleck’s eyes in every close up. In perfectly cast for the character she plays and makes La La Land this film, the audience gets a look at the intense performance by Affleck, worth watching, not that it isn’t already. Emma Stone is dowho perfectly captures the sadness that is present throughout the movie. ing her best work right now, and at these Oscars, she’ll be This film takes my pick for the best picture simply because it rewarded. found beauty in sorrow and focused on it in such a wonderful way. It Best Actor in a Supporting Role shows you the beauty in sadness and the heartbreak in all characters; Mahershala Ali, Moonlight; Jeff Bridges, Hell or High an incredible film that may be sad but cannot be overlooked. Water; Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea; Dev Patel, Best Director Lion; Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals. Dennis Villeneuve, Arrival; Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge; Damien ChaWho Will Win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight zelle, La La Land; Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea; Barry If You Asked Me… Mahershala Ali, Moonlight Jenkins, Moonlight Moonlight is a beautifully sorrowful and enWho Will Win: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight trancing film where Chiron’s world crumbles around If You Asked Me… Damien Chazelle, La La Land him as he tries to find out who he really is. In his This is a tough childhood, he meets Juan, played by Mahershala decision between two Ali, a drug dealer that Chiron looks up to as a faexcellent directors ther figure. Ali plays his character in the most huwho produced two man form possible, conflicted as he sells drugs to amazing movies. BarChiron’s mother yet feeds him like a son. Jeff Bridgry Jenkins weaves threads of es puts on sorrow through a complex a excelstory that makes the audilent perence want to reach out and formance help our character. On the in Hell or other hand, the scale of La La Land is reminiscent of grand old High WaBusby Berkeley musicals, with hundreds of dancers dancing on cars ter, but Ali in a highway in the opening number. Chazelle revives the genre of is the most movie-musicals with this original story putting a modern spin on deserving a genre that has largely been dormant. Both are excellent but Chaof an Oszelle’s wonderful direction just edges out Jenkins’ depiction of the car. Miami teen. Other picks: Best Actress in a Supporting Role Best Animated Film: Kubo and the Two Strings; Best Viola Davis, Fences; Naomie Harris, Moonlight; Nicole Kidman, Lion; Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures; Mi- Cinematography: Bradford Young, Arrival; Best Costume Dechelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea. sign: Consolata Boyle, Florence Foster Jenkins; Best Film EditWho Will Win: Viola Davis, Fences ing: Joe Walker, Arrival; Best Original Score: Justin Hurwitz, La If You Asked Me… Viola Davis, Fences In a movie of excellent performances, Viola Davis gives a wonderful and emotional portrayal of Rose La Land; Best Original Song: “City of Stars” - Music by Justin Maxon, a housewife who is unafraid to stand up for herself against her commandeering husband, played by Hurwitz, Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, La La Land; Best Denzel Washington. Davis puts another key element of conflict into this film making it the engrossing story that Production Design: Jess Gonchor (Production Design) & Nancy it is. Honorable mention must be given to Naomie Harris who adds to the helplessness of Chiron in Moonlight. Haigh (Set Decoration), Hail, Caesar; Best Adapted Screenplay: Lasty, another thought must be given to Annette Bening from 20th Century Women, the mysterious single mother Moonlight, Screenplay by Barry Jenkins, Story by Tarrell Alvin Mcthat this hilarious and unique coming of age film revolves around. Don’t be mistaken, Annette Bening is the most Craney; Best Original Screenplay: Yargos Lanthimos & Efthimis Flippou, The Lobster. notable snub of this year’s nominations.
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City Champions! The Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball team captured the city championship led by coach Howard Hu.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
The gift of charity
Friends of Jones proves public education isn’t free
DARCY PALDER ‘17 Managing Editor In mid-February of last year, newly hired social science teacher Jonathan Smith wasn’t sure if he would be finishing his inaugural year at Jones. “I was scared I was going to lose my job,” said Smith. “Newly hired, first fired. I started looking for other jobs.” As a first year teacher, Smith understood that the succession of budget cuts would cut newly hired teachers first. He, as well as the 15 other new teachers, were all preparing for the worst. Then, on the last day of February, the Jones community received an email assuring them that the gap had been filled and no drastic cuts would be made. Smith’s job was safe. “I was beyond happy when I learned that one of my favorite teachers would not lose his job due to budget cuts,” said Kaeri Martinez ‘17. “[Because of the budget cuts] I was worried Jones would lose a teacher who was capable, smart, and determined to help kids learn.” Martinez’s relief can be credited to the reassuring email from Friends of Jones, the parent organization and backup fund provider of Jones. While the CPS gap was an excess of $312,200, Friends of Jones had raised $260,000. However, that amount is not uncommon for FOJ. “FOJ raises on average $200,000 [per year]” said Cairon Dietsch-Jones, the current President of Friends of Jones. A significant portion of that pot is raised through annual events. These events range from the parents-night-out event at the bar Buddy Guys to the more formal Spring event- this year held at the Adler Planetarium- which includes a sitdown dinner and performances from the Jones Choir and Band. They also raise money from community organizations, a new advertisement on their website offers to hang a corporation’s banner around the school in return for up to $6,000 payment. The majority of the money raised from those events is distributed in grants to the school, which teachers and students alike are encouraged to apply for. Right now, the majority of grants go to start new organizations at Jones. “[The money from Friends of Jones goes to] lots of clubs and organizations primarily in what I would call a startup situation,” said Principal P. Joseph Powers. “In other words, if a club or an organization or a team needs to start from zero and move up from there, they have been pretty generous in providing some extra support.” Most organizations who apply for Friends of Jones grants get it. In the five years she has been a part of the organization, Dietsch-Jones says she has never seen them not approve a grant. However, that does not mean Friends of Jones is not selective with their money. Most grants are very specific amounts, with one ACEs program grant coming down to exactly $1,018.33. Still, the specificity of the grants are what allows Friends of Jones to make several of them per year, many in the thousands. Some are to buy new equipment, others are used to offset costs of the club. In the case of the cheerleading team, it was one of the main reasons the sport is still offered at Jones.
“We needed a lot of money, for mats which cost thousands of dollars and new uniforms so we have a better chance of placing at competition,” said Karolina Kalata ‘17, captain of the cheerleading team, “We also need to pay for choreography which was expensive and we had to pay for our music because of copyright issues.” For other organizations, FOJ funds brings Jones the benefits of a private school. “It gets really expensive to go to these big conferences [for Model UN] where we can compete with schools from around the world,“ said Ben Keeler ‘18. “And FOJ really helps us out with that because they give us money so we can bring down the conference costs cause obviously Jones doesn’t have as much funding as schools like Ignatius.” With the exception of the budget impasse last year, FOJ funds are usually directed for “extra” items that are not in the school budget and are therefore not classified as necessities by CPS. Though FOJ is simply a subsidizer for the school and the school has the budget to function without them, Jeremy Voigt, the school’s manager and holder of all grants given by FOJ, can’t think of one that wasn’t necessary for the school. However, he does think some purchases could have used more thought before: the risers for choir are currently looking for a home as room hasn’t been made for them. Perhaps this is due to the fact that purchases with the grant money are entirely up to the grant holders. Once FOJ gives the grants, the spending of the money is entirely up to organization; FOJ provides it. In that way, FOJ is fittingly similar to most parent of teenagers, they give the money to the “kids” and then they go back to raising more. However, similar to parents, FoJ sees themselves playing more than just a fundraising role in the school. “Our goal and our mission statement is to provide volunteers for the school,” said Dietsch-Jones. “We are a communication tool between the school and the parents. We want to foster that community spirit and also foster the school spirit within the student body.” Their missions are often fulfilled at school dances, where FOJ parent chaperones are numerous enough to create a large coalition of embarrassed sons and daughters. It can also be found in the bi-weekly newsletter they send out, updating parents on everything from Math Team competition wins to the state of the school budget. They are omnipresent in the school community, from their volunteering in the library to their consistent presence on the 3rd floor of the south building every Ac Lab selling Joneswear. However, like any good parent, they don’t ask for much in return. “It’s just makes us really happy to you know get a smile from a teacher or the kids,” said Dietsch-Jones. “And I think in the past, I don’t think they understood what Friends of Jones was and so now I think it’s becoming clear that we’re here for them and here for the school and that is thanks enough for me.”
Graphics by Jack Quinn ‘17
IF I ONLY HAD THE NERVE Drama teacher Brad Lyons recieved $4,500 from FOJ to fund last year’s production of Cabaret.
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Pathway to College Jones will be hosting an Illinois funded SAT exam on April 5.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Bridging the gap Inside FOJ’s efforts to save high school as we know it SETH BARTUSEK ‘17 Editor-in-Chief It was in the midst of a school year struggle a year ago with the Chicago Teachers Union, that Friends of Jones handed Principal P. Joseph Powers a check for $260,000 after a two week fundraising frenzy. “My jaw dropped when I was getting updates on the emergency appeal,” said Powers. “I knew [FOJ] were working hard on it, but I had no idea it would come so quickly and from so many families.” The crisis had b e e n looming since September 3, 2015 w h e n Chicago Public Schools released their budget for the year, a budget that included more than $400 million from the state that they didn’t have. To counteract this, schools would simply have to either come up with the money they were missing from the state or would be forced to layoff their employees that would have been payed with a normal budget. For many already cash-strapped schools, the money they owed was simply too much to scrape together. With no way to make up that money, CPS was left with the only option of cutting funding from schools. Jones specifically would have lost $312,000. While Powers had $60,000 saved in a “rainy day fund” in case of a budget shortfall, he turned to FOJ for the funds he was lacking. “It was in December, that it was determined that we needed more money quickly. So we put out an emergency appeal,” said Cairon Deitsch-Jones, president of FOJ. “Dr. Powers wrote a letter, which was really the catalyst to get families to donate and we were able to raise a large amount of money. ” In the next several weeks, FOJ was able to raise $260,000 from nearly 700 families. “We owed approximately $192 per person and a lot of people gave $384. Money for their child at Jones and for another student who isn’t able to pay,” said Jane Clifford, last school year’s Treasurer for FOJ. T h e money raised by FOJ was able to keep the school functioning without any changes in staff. However, without the role of FOJ in the initiative, Jones would have faced the consequences that became reality for many other CPS schools. “If we had to cut $300,000, we would have had to lay off four to five employees,” said Powers. “Younger teachers with lower salaries would have been the first to go.”
A cut of this size would have increased class sizes and could have eliminated some higher level, elective classes from the curriculum. “I have a daughter at Lane [Tech] and they were forced to cut staff because of the budget shortfall. Jones didn’t have to cut any,” said Clifford. This year, almost the same situation is brewing. CPS counted on $215 million in this year’s budget and has no way of coming up with that money. As part of a solution they have designated four non-instructional days as unpaid furlough days for all CPS employees. These days are projected to contribute about CPS $35 million to the $215 million shortfall. Jones specifically will be losing over $184,000 from the yearly budget. In response to this situation, FOJ will be sending out another emergency fundraising appeal. “We have an excellent parent network but we don’t want them to be put in a position where they have to contribute every year,” said Margaret Hampton, current Friends of Jones treasurer. The resource that is FOJ is not unique to Jones, several other schools, including Walter Payton College Prep, Whitney Young College Prep, Lane Tech, and Northside College Prep have booster associations. But what is unique about Friends of Jones is the scope their funding encompases. While other booster groups focus on more specific programs, like sports, FOJ has the autonomy to fund any aspect of the school that needs their help. Even with FOJ supporting the school, the future looks uncertain, but Powers believes that Jones sits in a better position than most other schools, and will be ready for what happens. He has already sent out an email to the faculty reassuring them that among other things no positions will be cut and no department budgets will be negatively impacted. “We’ve always had a tremendous amount of support,” said Powers. “We couldn’t do it if we didn’t have FOJ. I’ve been through a few budget battles before but I’ve never had this kind of backup.”
“I knew [Friends of Jones] were working hard on [the emergency appeal], but I had no idea it [the money] would come so quickly and from so many families.” - P. Joseph Powers
IF I ONLY HAD A HEART Physical Education teacher Robert Hesselton recieved $1,108 from FOJ to help supply the ACES PE program.
IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN Social Science teacher Meghan McClory recieved $250 from FOJ for AP Pyschology brain models.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Athletic Director Frank Griseto recieved $13,000 from FOJ to transport atheletes to and from home after competitions. Artwork by Chloe Crookall ‘17
PAGE 6
St. Baldrick’s Challenge
Community members will shave their heads in the St. Baldrick’s Challenge on March 16 to benefit cancer research.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Hidden Figures
Assemble the ensemble
Senior one of three CPS students to land role in All-State Musical CERRENA GALVAN ‘17 Lifestyles Staff
“I learned to love myself through loving my characters.” Alongside character development on and off the stage, Ebeid mentions that teacher, Brad Ly When you are running on no sleep, what ons and her mother have had a big impact on her jourwakes you is passion. In this case, passion for ney through acting, from dedication to confidence. acting brought Isabel Ebeid’s ‘17 dreams to life. “I focus a lot on critiquing and point “When I was younger, I didn’t have ing out how we could be better, not just a pat on the much of a voice,” said Ebeid. “I found my back. It’s hard work and dedication,” said Lyons. voice through every character I played.” Over time, Ebeid learned how much energy it Ebeid landed a role in the takes to follow her passion but she only desired ensemble in the 2017’s All-State to be a better actress; Lyons helped that happen. musical production of Sweeney “I don’t need people to tell me I’m good,” Todd; the story of a barber gone said Ebeid. “I need people to tell me mad. Among more than 400 peohow to be better, and [Lyons] did that.” ple who auditioned, Ebeid was With this new role on a large stage, Ebeid one of 70 others who recieved states that she needed to be able to take crita callback. After what she deicism. Being in Sweeney Todd means she scribed as an intensive and inwould be getting critiqued on a new level. timidating process, she received “I ride people hard, I tease them, I joke a role within a cast of only 36. with them to harden their skin. There’s a lot of “This is where the rest of rejection in the theater world,” said Lyons. “I try to my life starts,” thought Ebeid when give them tough skin, shake it off, laugh it off, and do she saw her name on the cast list. your best. Most of my students, walk in afraid of their Although this was the beown shadows but they walk out not afraid of anyginning of many great opportunities, thing, not of me, not of rejection, not of the world.” the start of her passion for acting Although Ebeid still gets nervous bebegan when she was just four years fore auditions, she says it’s an feeling that she old. She took in improv classhas learned to use and now thrives off of, a es and when she turned eight she quality observed by others when performing. joined Infinity Arts, a performing “Seeing Isabel on stage with a arts training company for the youth. full house in that size theater was fantas As Ebeid entered high tic,” said Anne Puotinen, Ebeid’s mother. school, the theater department played “It was exciting to see her be a part of the proa role in her growth as an actor and duction, and I realized she worked so person. Insecurities had to be fuel STATEWIDE hard to achieve that level of self-awarerather than failures in order to thrive. TALENT Isabel Ebeid ‘17 performs ness where there’s emotional overload.” “I have so many insecurities as one of three CPS students who Through her role in ensemble for Sweebut because of theater I’ve learned to were invited to be part of the 2016 ney Todd, Ebeid was reassured that this is All-State Musical be at peace with them,” said Ebeid. what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.
Bop to the top
Photo courtesy of Isabel Ebeid ‘17
Dance team places second at city championships ELLIE LAWRENCE ‘18 Lifestyles Editor Sixteen girls, all wearing the same red hooded shirts and loose gray pants, sit in a circle holding hands. The tension in the crowded gym is nearly tangible, silence waiting to be broken by the announcer over the loudspeaker, delivering the results of the dance competition. “Second place of the hiphop division, with a score of 80.36, goes to…” The pause makes the suspense even more unbearable. “Jones!” The girls erupt into screams, jumping into the air, elated, and then huddle together. The dance team had never made it this far in a competition, coming in just five points below the first place team, Whitney Young. “It‘s a testament to them that they’re doing this well, because they are also now in a tougher division than they were previously,” says dance teacher and coach Elise Foshay. The dance program fosters two teams; full and competition. The full team dances at basketball games and pep rallies, and often
brings in choreographers to learn dances. The smaller competition team learns and performs dances to compete against other schools. Team captain Heather Drain ‘17 describes competition team as “a little more
team placed third in the city. “I think, honestly, it’s all because of Foshay,” said Maddie Crockett ‘18, a dancer on the team. “She signed us up for competitions, and she cleaned up the dance.” Foshay has translat-
of practice time a week, and our competitions are usually 8 to 10 hour days on the weekends, so the amount of time and dedication they’ve put into the team has just been incredible this year.” Foshay acknowledges that the degree of dance training the girls have had is variant. “We’re a hip-hop based team, so some of them danced in hip-hop groups in their elementary schools, or they’ve taken an after school program or some of them have gone through [other] dance programs, so most of them have had some sort of outside dance training at some Photo courtesy of Tia Garth point, but at varying degrees of formal,” said Foshay. DANCING QUEENS The team poses in the finale of their Regardless of experience, dance, scoring five points lower than Whitney Young and capturing the hard work put in by the second place trophy. the dancers is what allows time taxing.” This is due to the ed her extensive experience them to keep improving. intense skill and commitment in dance into strong lead“They’ve upped their needed, since developing the ership of the team. performance level, so that choreography often requires After a year at Walter means that we can give them learning difficult tricks and Payton, Foshay came to more challenging work, practicing for long hours. Jones to teach dance and which then in turn will In previous years, the team coach the dance team, which help them to become more had struggled when compet- she has done for the last competitive,” says Foshay. ing against other schools, two years, she credits the A strong sense of only getting far as the state dancers for their success. team pride and a great dytournament three years ago. “They’ve been super ded- namic between the girls Then, with Foshay taking icated,” said Foshay. “They has enabled the dance team over as coach in 2015, the put in easily 10 to 15 hours to really come together.
Junior challenges Black History Month’s use of same leaders
SEMIRA GARRETT ‘18 I remember Black History Month as a third grader like it was yesterday. My teacher handed out a red folder stuffed with sheets of paper. When I opened it all I saw were the faces and stories of people that looked like me, that had achieved, and done the impossible to build the foundation of equality in America and all over the world. As I get older, I realize that many of my peers have not had the privilege to learn about said people. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X are all commonly known names, especially around the time of Black History Month. They have made significant contributions to society, but it’s time for the lesser known powerhouses within black history to be acknowledged. People like Bayard Rustin (bottom right), one of the organizers of the March on Washington? How about Madam Efunroye Tinubu who was an abolitionist and fought against British imperialism within Nigeria? What about James L. Farmer Jr.
Artwork by Chloe Crookall ‘17
(bottom left), who led and organized the Freedom rides of 1961? We do not make posters, or praise all parts of black history. It appears as if society is picking and choosing who should represent black history without acknowledging those in the background. But on the other hand, I have been taught the contributions of over 100 white leaders who I cannot connect with. When it comes to Black History Month, we are simply celebrating a selected amount of individuals. History has been censored so that people like me don’t know the extent of our abilities. There is an African Proverb that reads, “he is a fool who praises the fruit of a tree and forgets its roots.” I cannot know the full extent of myself being without learning the full stories of my ancestors. I know too well that a country that is built on the backs of my ancestors will not teach me my side of history, nor will Black History Month make up for it. It’s my duty to learn names of the forgotten people who look like me.
PAGE 7
FAME!
The Spring musical, Fame, has four perfromances across March 24, 25, and 26. JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Girl power
Students take stand against patriarchy as feminist movement grows
ery Thursday in 5001] but then it kind of fell apart and people weren’t doing anything about it,” said Miller. “My goal was to create a place where all those individuals can come together and express their opinion.” The poster installation was the the second floor balcony, students have first major project of Women’s Empowerprobably noticed the posters collaged ment Club, and was made to show how with magazine advertisements aimed at ads tailored towards women are aimed at women. Although it has been less than a projecting an unrealistic idea of what the month since the posters were installed, ideal woman should look like and be into. they are already covered in sticky notes “We wanted to increase awarewith the words “sexualization”, “ste- ness focusing on the media and how reotype” and “unrealistic body expecta- women are sexualized right in front of tion” labeling a majority of the photos. [the student body],” said Miller. “EsThis poster, along with organized pro- pecially towards boys because they tests, magazines, and fundraisers are don’t want to believe it’s an issue.” just some of the ways that Jones stu- Along with media awareness, dents have supported and participat- goals of the Women’s Empowerment Club include drawing attention towards the unique struggles that homeless women face, such as managing a menstrual cycle and speaking to young girls about their self worth. T h e club attended the Women’s Photo courtesy of Mattie Musgrove ‘19 March on ChiSHOUT Maia Cho ‘19 (second from left) protests alongside her cago, spending a prior meeting mother at Chicago’s Women’s March on Jan. 21. making signs for the protest. ed in the growing feminist movement. “We registered as a group to show Since the beginning of the year, others that the current administration isn’t multiple student groups have been form- going to put women down as much and ing both in and outside of school with the we’re gonna stay strong,” said Miller. goal of promoting female empowerment. A large concern of Miller is the Gillian Miller ‘18 started Wom- club turning into a “white feminist” group, en’s Empowerment Club back in Oc- or feminism that focuses solely on the tober, with the aim of creating a club benefit of white women without concerns where female and male students could of the effects it has on women of color, form a community of common inter- disabled women, and LGBTQ women. ests and goals in the name of feminism. “One of my goals is to reach a “There was a Feminism Club [ev- global stage and talk about women all over DAISY CONANT ‘18
Assistant Lifestyles Editor BASILISA HERNANDEZ ‘17 Lifestyles Staff Going up the main stairs to
16 and soulmates? DARCY PALDER ‘17 February is here. Stale chocolate, cheap stuffed animals and out-of-season flowers are everywhere you turn, but most common of all are the sappy social media posts that clutter your newsfeed. Some posts are sweet, a quick “I love you, you’re my best friend.” Others are so splattered with cliches it feels like you’re reading a Hallmark movie script. But the ones that really irk me, turn my cynical and single brain crazy, are the teenage couples who call each other their soulmates. At the mature, appropriate age of 16, these teenage couples have already decided that they like it forever and want to put a ring on it. It’s true, there’s no set age as to when someone should find their “forever” partner, but I think they should at least be able to drive themselves to a date and not have to hitch a ride with their parents. Whether we like it or not, who we are and what we like isn’t set in stone at 16. We’re going to change and I doubt by the time those couples are 20 they’re going to love the same people they liked at 16. I mean if those
“soulmates” on social media scrolled back to their posts when they were in 8th grade, they would be horrified. They’re probably humiliated by the fact that they used too many hashtags and maybe used that “X-Pro filter” a little too much. They need to recognize that their feelings towards hashtags and filters now, in 4 years might be the same ones they feel to their partner they just claimed they would love forever. I guess I wouldn’t have as much of a problem with it if they didn’t post it on social media. I just
the world,” said Miller. “I want to talk about women of all races and how feminism affects them.” Being a white female herself, there is only so much Miller can do to accuratePhoto courtesy of Lily Furgeson ‘19 ly represent RISE UP Fempowerment Collective member Lily Furgeson ‘19 and show joins over 250,000 supporters at the Women’s March in Chicago. the types girls, especially younger girls, didn’t of sexism that women of color face and encourag- feel that confidence or power that I felt.” Since then, the group has es her club members that do understand met weekly, accumulating about 40to talk about it openly themselves. 50 members in what Musgrove de Eleanor Massengill ‘20 sees scribes as “a place where people can Women’s Empowerment Club as a way feel safe with what they’re talking about for students like herself to continue or and expressing their own opinions.” become active in the feminist movement. In addition to being a group “I joined because I think feminism for feminists to discuss and collaboand women’s empowerment is something rate, the Fempowerment Collective has that is so important, especially in this time also hosted fundraisers for different with the election,” said Massengill. “I have always been interested in social ac- organizations and nonprofits, as well tivism and it was a big part of my life at my as participated in marches for aborold school, and I was really glad when I tion rights and the Women’s March. “We really celebrate intersectiongot the opportunity to continue that here.” ality and we work to empower each other In mid-November, Mattie and empower younger girls and younger Musgrove ‘19 started the Fempowergenerations of people. We plan to go to ment Collective, an out of school group elementary schools and lead workshops for Chicago intersectional teen femthat are based on positive empowerment, inists. The collective was developed and talk about feminism and activism and with the goal of empowering both curobstacles [women] face,” said Musgrove. rent and young generations. Women’s Empowerment Club “I started [this collective] because meets every B-Day Monday at 7:15 a.m. I felt that there weren’t many opportuniand Fempowerment meets at Harold ties for girls to empower each other to feel good about themselves,” said Musgrove. Washington Library in the 5th floor south “I feel that I’ve learned a lot about activ- study room. According to Musgrove, anyism and the obstacles that you face from one is welcome to join the collective, “as as you’re a feminist.” just being a woman at an early age, and long I’ve learned how to deal with it and how to feel strong, and I realized that a lot of
don’t understand why they’re so desperate for everyone to know. Maybe they’re trying to make everyone jealous, but I think it’s more likely its only way they feel comfortable saying those things to each other. I have yet to walk by two people and hear one of them say, “You are my soulmate. You are my other half.” Then again, most couples I walk by aren’t doing much talking. I think if you’re really each others “other halves” then you should be able to communicate that face to face rather than over a keyboard. In
addition, if they’re trying to make everyone jealous over social media it’s clear they aren’t getting the validation from their partner they need for their self-esteem. It probably isn’t the relationship they will be happy in. The more “I will love you forever”s and “love of my life”s I see on someone’s page, the more I’m betting I’ll see them buying some break-up ice cream. Teenagers are desperate to find the person they can depend on forever. We want to cling on right after the first handshake and never let go. We do the same things with friends. It is very common to see friends who met three days ago, posting on their accounts how they’re going to be each other’s maids of honor. We need to slow down. The best kind of friendships and relationships are not the ones that are instantaneous and immediate, but they are ones whose strengths that are tested by many barriers. They’re the ones that don’t need monthly anniversary posts on social media to tell each other how much they mean to each other. I’m not saying teenagers shouldn’t be in love and be happy about it, but I don’t think high school is the time to pick out China patterns. Graphic by Chloe Crookall ‘17
PAGE 8 Score!
The boys basketball team hosts Payton on Feb. 17 for Senior Night.
The Karate Kid
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Noah Kaiden ‘17 kicks his way to Karate World Championships
MIKE CLELAND ‘17 “He opened his dojo around the same time I this is something he can do for the rest of his life,” said Nacu. Sports Staff started learning karate, so we took the journey toAside from the the sport itself, Kaiden has found ADRIANA LOPEZ ‘17 gether,” said Kaiden. “He exposed me to the oth- that karate has helped him to meet new people. School Staff er world of karate and expanded my vision. He taught “When you are selected to represent your counme what I know and I’m very grateful for that. ” try, you are selected along with other kids from differ Taking fifth place at the 2015 Karate World Champient [places]. The time I spent with my teamonships in Slovenia isn’t your everyday occurrence. mates in Slovenia helped me form friendships Noah Kaiden ‘17 is a decorated Karate competitor. that I still hold close to me,” said Kaiden. “Being the only American was how I exBesides meeting new people from around to pected to feel. [I was overwhelmed] with world, Kaiden’s favorite part of traveling for the sport emotion and pride,” said Kaiden. “I is experiencing new places. His most recent trip to Slowas out in a foreign country representing evvenia for the World Championships was his favorite. erything I worked hard for and I made it far“The things I saw, and the places I went were ther than I ever imagined. It was a true honor.” incredible. Having the opportunity to see new After picking up karate at the age of places while doing something I love is a blessfour, Kaiden found a love for the sport ing and I am very thankful for it,” says Kaidan. and has continued to work at it ever since. He is not the only one thankful for his exposure “My mom wanted me to have something to to other nationalities. His mother, Marla, is also keep me busy,” said Kaiden. “I really liked it and very proud of the connections her son has made. wanted to stick with it and be very successful at it.” “When we chose to put him on with karate, I Photo courtesy of Noah Kaiden ‘17 Noah was adopted by Marla Kaiden and don’t think we realized how we would be changing his Ann Marie Sink when he was 10 months old. HIYA! Noah Kaiden ‘17 focuses as he readies for an opponent at life [by] improving his connections and interactions They felt it was important for him to be involved the World Championships in Slovenia. with people at home and internationally,” she said. in a sport that was closely related to his roots. With such positive results from the 2015 tourKaiden describes karate as a sport that requires lis“I wanted him in a sport that had a high degree of Asian nament year, Kaiden was placed yet again on the tening and patience. He also says that the sport is very participation to keep him connected to an Asian practice, national team for the 2016-2017 season. He rehumbling because you learn to win and lose with grace. had both an individual and team component and a sport cently travelled to Hawaii to compete in another inter“Anyone can swing their leg and kick somethat required discipline and practice,” said Marla Kaidan. national tournament, placing fourth in the division. body, but to be truly successful you have to focus Kaiden began competing in the Ama“I feel I improved because I trained harder and deon detail, respect the history and listen to your elteur Athletic Union during his freshman year, voted more time towards the competition. The weeks ders because they can teach you, ” said Kaiden. unfortunately losing in every tournament. before were constant practice and critique by coaches. ” Kaiden hopes for a chance to compete in the Colle“[To get better] I watched other competitors. I It is safe to say that Kaiden’s hard work and pagiate Olympics sometime during his college years, and observed the etiquette and styles they practiced. I tience has paid off. Despite not competing in events unlater possibly tryout for the USA Olympic team for the watched international competitors on YouTube and til his freshman year in high school, Kaiden has still 2024 Summer Olympics. He explained that participattried to incorporate that into my style,” said Kaiden. Building off of his first year of competitions, Kaid- been able to find success on a regular basis. His sen- ing in the upcoming 2020 Olympics is not very realistic en has been able to find much success since. In 2015, he sei, Nacu, describes Kaiden as something special. for him because it would intervene with his education. “The sport of karate takes years to master and the fact “I’m not that interested in participating [in 2020] beplaced first at the district and regional competitions, took that he has already seen victory says a lot about his characcause I’ll be in college and focusing on a very time conthird at nationals, and finally finished fifth at the World ter. He is still continuing to get better day by day and I hope suming major in computer engineering,” said Kaiden. Championships. Kaiden credits his sensei Jay Nacu.
Super Couper
Senior rows her way into College of the Holy Cross
and they walked around the entire campus with me,” said Tanko. “No other coach took the time to do that, and they asked about who I was as a person.” After she stuck her landing in a move from gymnas- Tanko is not only a student athlete but is also an actics to rowing, Couper Tanko ‘17 has swept her way to a seat tive member of the community. In her junior year, she started in Division 1 rowing. the Helping Hands Club, a club that focuses on helping the less Tanko earned her athletic scholarship to the College fortunate population in Chicago. of the Holy Cross for rowing, and looks forward to continu- “She told me she went on some service trips and it’s ing her career in the amazing how much of sport. Tanko started a difference we can all rowing at the end of make” said Caitriona her sophomore year Tobin, Tanko’s math with the Chicago teacher and club sponRowing Foundation. sor. “I really Tanko is unliked racing,” said decided in what she Tanko. “But it is suwants to study, but she per competitive to thinks she will go into row in college, so human relations. I didn’t know if I “I want to do would be able to.” something that may be When Tansmall but really beneko was 3 years old, fits people [who] are she became a gymeither intellectually nast. At age 5, she disabled or struggling started participating with something,” said competitively.She Tanko. Photo courtesy of Couper Tanko ‘17 made it to Nation She knows about ROW! Couper Tanko ‘17 (third from left) and her boat come in first als in 7th grade, comthe hard work that she in the 2nd Varsity category at the Midwest Junior Rowing Regional ing back stronger both will have to put in so Championships. physically and mentalthat she can compete at ly after breaking her leg. a high level, both academically and athletically. After competing at the second most competitive level “I firmly believe Couper will be able to handle the only to the Olympics, Tanko was in search for another sport. work load of a student athlete,” said Tobin. “She is a very dedHer ex-teammate had switched to rowing, and Tanko made icated and organized student with excellent time management Varsity in just her second year competing. skills.” After looking to row in at the next level she found As she prepares for her career after high school, she College of the Holy Cross, developing a great relationship knows to make the most out of every opportunity she has, with the coach and team. which helps her be successful both on the water and in helping “I met with the head coach and the assistant coach, others.
ETHAN SODERNA ‘17 Sports Staff
Hoop dreams
Boys Basketball Overall Record: 12-10 Last Week: The boys beat Agriculture Science Academy 67-56. Bright Spots: Bryson Phillips ‘17 and John Malone ‘17 both had 15 points. Coach Quote: “We had rough finish in our conference, so this win is big for us in order to get back on track before regionals,” said Frank Griseto. Next Week: The boys return home for Senior Night against Payton on Feb. 17.
Photo by Michael Brandt ‘17
DRIVE Jordan Martin ‘17 plays against Harper, a game that Jones lost 55-53 on Jan. 19.
Girls Basketball Overall Record: 16-7 Last Week: It was a blowout win against Austin. Bright Spots: They won the Latin tournament for the third year in a row. Coach’s Quote: “We have a very young team, and we are excited to see how we will do for the rest of the year, and the upcoming seasons,” said Michael Strok ‘05. Next Week: State sectionals begin Tuesday against Kelly at Hinsdale Central. Briefs compiled by Mike Cleland ‘17 and Ethan Soderna ’17