Thursday, November 3, 2016
The Student Newspaper of Jones College Preperatory High School
Volume 2, Issue 1
After AIL resets, old tardies return LESLIE DIAZ ‘18 School Staff Gone. Back to zero. Fresh start. That’s what many students heard from administration the first week of school regarding their detentions. Students’ slates were wiped clean with zero detentions, leaving no one on the AIL (Academic Ineligibility List). This all started when the ILT (Instructional Leadership Team), composed of administrators and some students, discussed the AIL. “It was almost silly,” said Eric Fay. “There was about 76 percent of students on the AIL because of tardies.” In an effort to make tardies no longer
Tear it up
seem like a punishment, administration had each department create their own policy. Despite efforts, some students feel overwhelmed. “I don’t like the new policies,” said Karina Aguirre ‘18. “I get confused [with policies]. It would be better to have just one policy for the whole school.” While acknowledging the struggle in keeping up with different policies, teachers agree with the new idea because they see it as a way of aiding a problem and helping students. “We wanted a new policy as a way to have students not want to be tardy,” says English Department chair Brady Gunnink. “We wanted to focus just on students who were repetitively tardy and reduce stress from others.”
Graphics by Orla Levens ‘18 and Jack Quinn ‘17
Water warps gym floorboards
JACK BONNEY ‘17 School Staff MAX BOTTCHER ‘17 Sports Staff Dribbles and dives haven’t been the only thing hitting the gym floor lately. Water damage rippled the gym floor prompting the P.E. department to take classes outside and the postponement of a highly anticipated October Homecoming. A summer of heavy rain and a leaky hole in the roof combined to damage multiple areas throughout the gym. The roof was repaired prior to the floorboards being removed, the gym was then closed to both teams and classes for the duration of the project. With the weather getting colder and colder, many students are not looking forward class outside. “All gym classes will be going outside during this process.” said Physical Education teacher Michael Strok ‘05. In addition to rescheduling the gym classes, sporting events such as basketball practices were postponed as nobody was allowed in the gym.
“The fact that we have to spend our P.E. period outside isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s unfair,” said Georgianna Port ‘19. “With weather dropping to the 40’s on some days, students shouldn’t have to go outside.” Physical Education Dept Chair, Rob
The process to repair the gym was completed quicker than originally scheduled, taking less than the expected two week time frame. The project began on Oct. 20. This affected gym classes and sporting events during that time. “No sporting events will be affected as it is in the gap between fall and winter sports” said Athletic Director, Frank Griseto The floor doesn’t just affect athletic activities. Homecoming, originally planned to be in October, has been moved back to Dec. 16. “November has no full weeks, so we had to change it completely” said Student Government Association President, Darcy Palder ‘17. No sporting event that could be dubbed a “homecoming game” is certainly a contributing factor to this dilemma, nevertheless, SGA has tried to push homecoming forFIX IT Consturction crews work to repair the ward, having it in October the past two years. water damage caused by leaks. December may not seem like too much of a Hesselton, said that “the hole in the roof stretch for seniors however, who attended their was an issue that hasn’t been dealt with freshman year homecoming in December. Maggie Bedore ‘17 contributed to this story. ever since the new building was finished.”
Lamariah Smith ‘17
Lucas Vogel ‘19
Fabiola Horta ‘17
Evelyn Busso ‘17
Anna Klevatt ‘17
Jennie Harned
P. Joseph Powers Therese Plunkett
Eric Fay
Harned haunts hallways with hot pan on Halloween
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Faking it
KIT PARKER
College applicants stretch the truth in service club involvement Colleges and universities value students who dedicate their time to those in need and recognize organizations that promote these types of activities. Students often join these organizations with the goal of selling themselves to college rather than actually trying to help others. These two goals should be able to co-exist, but it becomes a problem when students compromise the purpose of the activity with their need to market themselves to colleges as selfless and socially active. Programs like Best Buddies and National Honors Society have seen considerable growth in their membership. While Best Buddies focuses on forming relationships and interacting with special education students and National Honor Society centers on community service and volunteering, both organizations depend on positive and selfless students to provide tangible impact on those less fortunate. While Best Buddies and National Honors Society all have a membership of over 100 students, some of its members do not possess the primary objectives of service that the clubs aim to achieve. There are reports of NHS members falsifying service hour reports in order to fulfill the requirements set out by the club. It is the expectation for members of the National Honors Society to record their volunteer hours with honesty or integrity. When students cut corners on their volunteer expectations, they compromise both their own morals and the ethics of the club. On a more personal level, dishonesty between Best Buddies volunteers and special education students is appalling.
When committing to a program like Best Buddies, the volunteer is trusted to establish a personal connection and to treat the special education students they help with respect. Yet, there are reports of specific volunteers openly mocking Best Buddies’ partners in casual conversation outside the club. This is the ultimate breach of trust as well as being extremely disrespectful and showing a disturbing lack of empathy. The organization exists to include Special Education students in the Jones community, breaking down existing barriers and stigma about disabilities and other obstacles to education. Faith in the Best Buddies and ACES programs deteriorates when it becomes apparent that certain students put on a different face only during those classes. By no means are we suggesting that this concerns all, or even close to the majority of participating members, but for the few that have done this, it defames the entire organization. More than that, it is, simply put, morally wrong. These people threaten to destroy both the progress that the National Honor Society has seen in encouraging altruism and humanitarianism in students or the inclusive environment Best Buddies has created. We have seen individuals commit to the club during the meetings, doing just enough to check the box on their college application, but openly shunning the club and its actions to others. Maybe we are wrong and everyone in the club is in it out of the goodness of their heart. It will serve as an answer if the membership of these clubs fall once the season of college acceptances is over.
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
Dear Kit, My extended family is a bunch of trump supporters who are overjoyed by our president elect. They hate Hillary - and anyone who voted for her. They don’t mind the KKK and support deporting illegal immigrants. How do I deal with my family during the Holidays? -Liberal In Louisville
Dear Liberal, Family is difficult isn’t it? You want to love them, but they think so differently about politics. Everything that is common sense to you is foreign to them. Their views are backwards and uneducated. They just can’t seem to understand you. Because they aren’t you. The reason why you think differently is because you have experienced life differently. It’s important to understand that Ignorance is not evil. If you always interact with people that hold views conflicting with yours with an attitude of superiority and righteousness, the people you are trying to reach (I’m assuming people who hold far right views) will react defensively and only conflict will occur. Stubbornness for better or worse is a universal american value. My advice is this. If you family is moderate, talk to them, share why you think Hillary/Gary/Jill/ Donald is the most capable leader out of the pack and listen to why they disagree. I guarantee that the motivation that accompanies the start of a new year. I feel a new deciding factor will not be the same for either of sense of purpose to right my wrongs and fix the issues I experiyou. If your family is dead set on their choice and enced in the past year. will fight you till hell’s pit for it, don’t talk about JACK QUINN ‘17 The biggest detractor from New Years is the attitude that it. The presidential election will largely not affect I love Christmas. Every year, I look forward to the holiday any sort of resolution or goal will not be achieved. However, these you. The people who have your greatest interests at season, but Christmas has begun to dominate the other holidays. heart should be your family, because at the end of By the second week of November, holiday commercials are flood- goals can be everyday victories that we can all strive for without the day it’s your family against the rest of the world. reaching for impossible resolutions. For example, while I could poing the airwaves. Christmas fever continues for six long weeks, and
New Year Deserves Some Credit
when Christmas finally comes around, it’s the biggest event of the year. Christmas is everywhere. Spruces and firs, decked out with lights and ornaments, illuminate houses on every street. What has New Years come to? Quite literally, everyone stays up until midnight, pops open a bottle of champagne, and watch the year roll over. However, not many people of our age truly give New Years the credit it deserves. For me, New Years is a time of reflection of what went right and wrong over the course of the last 365 days. I think back on the highlights and the struggles. What was done, and what wasn’t? Where I could have improved? And after all of that pondering and reminiscing, I focus on what needs to be done in the coming year, and set goals accordingly. New Year’s resolutions are important, and surely should not be overlooked. Setting incremental goals for the new year is very important. It gives me an outlook towards what I need to accomplish, and what can be worked on. Additionally, there is a level of
tentially set a goal to not use my phone at night every day, I realize The author of this column is frankthat in practice this goal is unattainable. The more effective goal, ly not very smart and his views are not repin my opinion, is limiting the use of my phone at night to only resentative of the Blueprint staff as a whole. five out of the seven days in the week. This way, the goal is more reachable, and I find that I have more motivation to accomplish it. I encourage all of you to set goals that you can truly achieve, go after, and conquer. A goal that cannot be reached is one that defeats Editor-in-Chief Seth Bartusek ‘17 the purpose of creating a better vision for 2017. Associate Editor, Print Dominic Zerillo ‘17 New Years is simply overlooked by my fellow teenagers. Associate Editor, Online Orla Levens ‘18 Associate Editor, Design Jack Quinn ‘17 We spend little time reflecting and setting new goals for the year, Managing Editor Darcy Palder ‘17 and more time partying until dawn just because the year added Opinion Editor Lane Kizziah ‘18 a number on the end. New Years is a great time for looking back School Editor Maggie Bedore ‘17 as how you can be a better version of yourself. It also serves as a Deputy School Editor Jack Bonney ‘17 School Staff Jeiyanni Hollings ‘17 platform for creating future commitments and expectations. So Adrianna Lopez ‘17 this New Year’s, enjoy your time off, peppermint lattes, and holiday School Staff School Staff Susana Chenmei ‘18 music, but keep reminding yourself what a great year you had, and School Staff Leslie Diaz ‘18 how 2017 will be even greater. School Staff Semira Garrett ‘18 School Staff School Staff School Staff Lifestyles Editor Deputy Lifestyles Editor Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Sports Editor Deputy Sports Editor Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Chief Photographer Advisor
Abraham Jimenez ‘18 Eryn Barnes ‘19 Hannah Gillespie ‘17 Ellie Lawrence ‘18 Daisy Conant ‘18 Cerrena Galvan ‘17 Basilisa Hernandez ‘17 Stephanie Meyer ‘17 Darnysha Mitchell ‘17 Ivy Rejman ‘17 Josh Gerenraich ‘17 London McGarr ‘18 Sara Weiss ‘18 Julissa Santoyo ‘17 Max Bottcher ‘17 Mike Cleland ‘17 Alfred Jackson ‘17 Nile Lansana ‘17 Ulisses Regalado ‘17 Ethan Soderna ‘17 Michael Brandt ‘17 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 Homecoming
The homecoming dance is on Dec. 16.
New era for ALAS
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM November 3, 2016
Teachers attempt to steer the quintessential club into a new future
“Saldivar had a way of making you However, Dominguez heavy club, being home to deep conthink outside of societal norms and views his own role as unique, and versations about the Latino identity. challenged student’s ideas on race different from Saldivar’s. “My in- For Podlipni he will not and culbe able to have experiture,” said ences that can be directGenesis ly related to the students. Del Real “As a non-Latino person, ‘ 1 9 . it is important for me not to include myself into converHowevsations where it is not aper,with propriate,” said Podlipni. new sponThere is no doubt that ALAS sorship, will construct a new idencomes new tity this school year. The challenges. new sponsors along with the After so student officers will come many years together to create a new, in charge safe, and enjoyable learnof ALAS, ing space for club members. replacing “We want to establish a Photo by Michael Brandt ‘17 S a l d i v a r WARMING UP Members of ALAS work on making sugar skulls to prepare community within each othfor upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations. will be er and have people know no simthat they have a support sysple task. tentions are not to fill in someone’s tem here at Jones,” said Bereni “ALAS was like his baby,” shoes, it is to facilitate the space for ce Martinez ‘17, club member said teacher Olivia Guerre- students who choose to talk about and officer. Even after losing their ro ‘12. “ALAS is one of the Latin American topics and issues,” long time sponsor, optimism reclubs I wish I had joined as said Dominguez. He acknowledges mains throughout the student body. a student. I was excited to that Saldivar is missed by the stu“We cannot wait to see what help out the club, to allow dent body, but assures that ALAS our new sponsors bring to the student to have those mean- is, “still moving forward as a club.” table, and to continue to eduingful discussions I missed Podlipni is currently the cate one another about the Latiout on,” said Guerrero. She first non-Latino sponsor that no-American student populais hoping that her experi- ALAS has ever had. However tion,”said Alejandra Alvarez’18. ence with ALAS now will he sees great importance in conbe rewarding, “we could tinuing what Saldivar had startbuild off the great things ed. “It’s important not to forget Photo by Abraham Jimenez ‘18 Saldivar did for ALAS, where you are from,” said Podlipni. WHO AM I? Adamari Casas ‘17 leads ALAS but also make it our own.” ALAS is a very discussion members in a game of who am I, Latino Edition. ABRAHAM JIMENEZ ‘18 School Staff Amid discussions of Latino identity and social issues, Jones students met for the first ALAS (Association of Latino American Students) meetings of the year, however one familiar face was absent-former English teacher, Ernesto Saldivar. ALAS lost its founder in Saldivar, after he became the new assistant principal of Farragut High school, in Chicago’s south side. “He will be dearly missed but the club will move on,” said Teresa Vergara Miranda ‘18. ALAS is a club designed to empower Latino students and spread awareness of the obstacles they face. Through weekly meetings, members seek ways to strengthen the Latino community within the school. Saldivar had always single handedly sponsored the club, and was admired by students.
Will she survive?
Math teacher applies for popular reality TV show
she’s a math teacher, a world Rayski likes put into a show. traveler, and mother of two. “She’s hard working, a peoRayski has watched Survi- ple person and will go under [her Survivor has been on for years, vor since high school. She loves competitors’] radars,” said Bowbut next season Jones students might have a new reason to watch. the outdoors and has even back- man, adding that Rayski will sucMath teacher Sarah Rayski is in the packed through mountains. Bow- ceed because she has not met anyprocess of applying to be the next man thinks that it’s everything body who does not like her and will million dollar winner of Survivor. “She’s competitive in general,” said math teacher and colleague Kim Bowman. Jessica Katzin ‘19, Rayski’s former student, said she thinks she is doing survivor for a change, something fun to do outside of teaching. Rayski wants to challenge herself and thinks Survivor would be a good way to do that. Having applied to the show twice before when she was about 23 years old, Rayski believes now is her time to make it on. “I didn’t have a life stoPhoto courtsesy of Sarah Rayski HOLD ‘EM HIGH Students high five Rayski as she is rolled down the hall in a ry back then,” said Rayski. Now JULISSA SANTOYO ‘17 Sports Staff
screenshot of her introduction video filmed in the fifth floor hallway on Oct. 8.
be able to play the social game. “I think I would be really good at the challenges,” said Rayski. “As a math teacher I love doing mental puzzles so I think I would be good at the puzzles and I’m a relatively athletic person so I think I would be good at the physical challenges.” Rayski thinks she would be good at the social game as well and relating to people in order to form the needed alliances. “So many people like her as a teacher and would make time to watch,” said Jessica Katzin ‘19. Rayski has struggled with the idea of leaving her husband and two daughters but thinks it would be a great story to tell her kids when they get older. Rayski has already filmed her 3 minute introduction video with the help of Jones students. All that is left to do is fill out the application, and wait for a callback.
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CAST YOUR BALLOT Election Day is Nov. 8, where millions are expected to cast their ballots for the presidential and other elections.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT NOVEMBER 2, 2016
I’m with her DARNYSHA MITCHELL ‘17 This year’s presidential election has been one for the books. From email scandals to failure to pay federal taxes for almost two decades, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have created a gossip worthy election like I’ve nver seen. The insults that have been traded have been hysterical. However, I have to remind myself these are your choices for president. In the end, one of these individuals will be the president and with this being my first year voting, I have a say. I have to choose a candidate and I believe that Hillary Clinton is the strongest candidate for presidency and to lead our country in the right direction. Hillary’s plan to to end the drug war is the most logical one I’ve heard. She wants to decrease mass incarceration of drug offenders by opening more rehabilitation centers and guaranteeing each patient the care they need. I have a family members who are drug users and it hurts to see them become apart of the statistics. But what stood out to me in her plan, was her thought to create a prescription drug monitoring program that medical professionals have to go through before they can prescribe drugs.Why hasn’t this plan been in place already? It’s genius mainly because doctors in hospitals and drug programs contribute to the drug war by giving patients drugs that can worsen their conditions. Hillary’s plan can reduce the risk of patients being exposed to prescription drugs. This epidemic needs to end and she has the plan to do so. Clinton is the leading candidate for improving the country’s economy and educational growth. She plans to raise the minimum wage to $15, reward companies that share their profits with their employees, and make college debt free. I am planning to attend college next year and I’m currently filling out college applications. I notice these tuitions rising and I wonder how am I going to avoid a lifetime of debt? With Clinton’s plan to make to college debt free, thousand of college and soon-to-be college students will no longer have to worry about the agony of paying for college post graduation. Debt has been one of the biggest burdens for Jones seniors as we apply for college. The idea of debt free college can certainly make the college application process less stressful and students can look forward to college years even more. The minimum wage increase is a great opportunity to accumulate more income. Less citizens will have to work multiple jobs to gain a steady income to cover their living expenses, and companies that share profits with their employees increases the income for working people as well. It’s only fair that the workers that play a huge part in gaining revenue for a company reaps the benefits. Not only do Jones students have the opportunity to gain a higher income, but the combination of debt free college, students have an easier chance of paying for college because of Clinton’s proposal as president. Clinton’s plan couldn’t have come at a better time.
Hillary trumps Dona
Former Secretary of State has “hug
The election of evils LANE KIZZIAH ‘18 After watching the past few debates and following the election for what feels like forever, there is no question that both of the presidential candidates are the most unlikeable in history. Their disapproval ratings are astronomical compared to anyone in recent memory, as both candidates barely won the nomination, they have had to deal with very split parties. For Clinton, she represents the more moderate of the two candidates, while Donald Trump has left the GOP reeling after disregarding many traditional conservative values. Last spring, when Trump first announced his candidacy, it was considered by many to be a joke, as it should be. America was founded on the ideals of equality and Trump is the exact opposite; he is abrasive, offensive, sexist, and racist. When I think about who I trust the least with nuclear launch codes, Donald Trump is high on the list. His ideas on foreign policy make me scared for America’s safety. The main argument I hear from Trump supporters when asked how they rationalize that
decision is that they know what k lary would have based on her pre ington. They would rather take the an untested candidate like Trump testing the waters and risking the d Hillary isn’t much better. experience and can hopefully be definitely not ideal for the preside she wasn’t the nominee in 2008: n president. Obviously there are so out there, just like there are som support Trump, but overall she do base in the general public. While C she is disliked because she is a wom in some cases, there are definitely p concerns. When I say that she com culating, I’m not saying that beca should come off as cheerful and su cause that is actually the way she po think she’s manipulative, I’m not sa
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21ST CENTURY LOVE London McGarr ‘18 reports on how students today view love culture on JonesBlueprint.com.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT NOVEMBER 6, 2016
ald in student poll
Trumped up, ready to go
ge” lead over businessman, others
kind of presidency Hilevious record in Washchance on change with p. I’m not interested in disaster he seems to be. . While she has more less of a threat, she is ency. There’s a reason nobody wants her to be ome Clinton supporters me people who actually oesn’t have an avid fan Clinton supporters claim man, which may be true posing some legitimate mes off as cold and calause I think all women ugary; I’m saying it beortrays herself. If I say I aying it because I don’t
think women are capable of being president; I’m saying it because her previous actions have led me to think that she’s untrustworthy. I would love for the country to have a female president, but I wish it was one I could fully support. Throughout the years, there have been many iconic presidents who did amazing things for the country, energized the American people, and garnered huge amounts of support. What all of these people had in common was their eloquence and ability to connect with the American people. Both Trump and Clinton are severely lacking in the humanity department. That’s why they are so easy to portray on Saturday Night Live; they’re already caricatures. This election has turned into a squabble and has lost anything that resembles substance. I’d usually be upset that I’m not old enough to vote, but in this election, I’m not missing out on much. There is no shortage of successful, competent people in this country; why can’t we find one of them to elect into the Oval Office?
ULISSES REGALADO ‘17 With a both fascinating and controversial election looming, Donald Trump has different qualities and ideas that make him a better candidate than Hillary Clinton. One of Hillary Clinton’s main stances is her opposition to the Iraq war. She has previously mocked George W. Bush for sending the country to Iraq and fervently celebrated the announcement that American troops were to leave Iraq. However, as a United States Senator, Clinton voted in favor of the Iraqi surge. Not only did she vote for the invasion but she defended her vote for nearly a decade. This election year, Clinton attempted to take back that vote, calling it a “mistake,” and if she can’t stand by her votes in Congress how will she be able to stand with the American people as our president? Fact of the matter is, the invasion of Iraq led to the creation of ISIS, a deadly terrorist organization, and was a clear mistake that Clinton has responsibility for. After losing to Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary, Clinton has unleashed a desperate campaign to appeal to the Latino voter. She frequently reminds everyone of her constant support for illegal immigration, but that support has really not been constant at all. Clinton lost the Latino vote in 2008 because she strongly opposed issuing driver licenses to illegals. Now, she blatantly takes the stage in 2016 as the savior of the immigrant population when she was really the enemy eight years ago. Border security has been an issue discussed by almost every candidate in the last four elections, and Trump has been consistent with his views on immigration and should really not pose a threat to the immigrant community. Another example of the ridiculous flip flopping in Clinton’s political career is her support of the Second Amendment in 2008. Now, Clinton’s debates mainly consists of constant attacks on the right to bear arms. Trump has stood firmly beside his viewpoint of defending gun owners while Clinton turned her back on them eight years later in a sorry attempt to appeal to the left wing. It is hard to determine what Clinton’s actual viewpoints are, which would put the country in a dangerous position where there is no consistency in the laws passed. During her current campaign she continues to talk about change, but she has been in the existing system for years and no change on her part has ever come. Her frequent as Secretary of State led to the brutal deaths of four Americans in Benghazi. In her tenure in the Senate, her vote for the invasion of Iraq represented the deaths of 4,486 Americans. She is the definition of current politics which have led to recent disastrous events. Trump has hit hard at the infamous North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA removed tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. It has sent American jobs abroad, which has left many out of work. In 2014, there was a $181 billion U.S trade deficit and about 1 million jobs lost. While Clinton takes credit for a lot of policies made under Bill Clinton’s administration, she refuses to take credit for NAFTA, Trump promises a new economic boom with tax cuts and the elimination of NAFTA. The candidate that should be supported for the sake of the nation is Donald J. Trump. Although, a vote for Trump can be seen as voting for the lesser of two evils, it is actually voting for the candidate which aims to help the American people who have been misrepresented in politics for far too long. Artwork by Chloe Crookall ‘17
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SHE KILLS MONSTERS The fall play opens Nov. 3 and has performances on Nov. 5 and 9.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT
Students get first taste of electoral politics
Teens actively involve themselves within the campaign process during election cycle IVY REJMAN ‘17 Lifestyles Staff Teen involvement in politics nowadays seems to only reach the extent of an occasional controversial post on their Facebook page about the upcoming presidential election; however, a few Jones students have taken action in attempting to turn their beliefs into a reality– volunteering nearly 15 hours a week of their time to political campaigns. Ben Keeler ‘18 began working as an intern at the local Mark Kirk senatorial campaign office this summer. Keeler works most days after school, and on weekends. “As an intern, I do a lot of calling, in which I either try to fill out as many surveys as I can, or I do advocacy calls, which is where I promote Kirk,” said Keeler. “I use an app called i360 for the calls. I also do doors, which involves me getting assigned to an area and canvassing potential voters.” Keeler said he has learned plenty about how a campaign operates, as well as the strategy that goes into targeting voters, and in the process has become more passionate for this subject. “I would like to explore a career in politics or government, by either possibly running for elected office, or working as a campaign manager or another role within a campaign.” Another student has taken a similar path as Keeler. Felix Hecht ‘17 heard about the opportunity to intern on the campaign from his friends. He now goes in everyday after school for two to three hours calling voters and canvassing door to door. “I got started with the internship during the summer, and so far I’ve learned that some people are very passionate, on the phone at least, about who they
want elected,” said Hecht. “They will have extensive conversations where they open up about who they are and what they believe in over the phone.” As young adults on the cusp of the age to vote, many teens forget what a privilege it is to live in a country where
own political views,” said Hecht. “Not just be influenced by what their friends say, so that they can build their own argument and stance on issues. Especially at our age when we’re approaching adulthood, we need to understand how our government is run because that is the only way to fix it.”
“A lot of kids will hear the popular opinion on an issue and let that become their stance as well, becoming stuck in it,” said Greenberg. “People need to learn to become more open minded and do their research before jumping to conclusions. Politics are much more complicated than most teens realize, and volunteering time at a Republican office it’s really interesting to see what people will say and the judgements that can come about.” Kiley Marron ‘17 canvasses in Downers Grove every weekend for a joint fundraising committee between Tammy Duckworth and Susana Mendoza asking voters who they will be supporting. “I enjoy the experience of interacting with voters. Since I can’t vote myself, I like to promote voting in others,” said Marron. “There are a lot of people who don’t care about the outcomes of elections, and urging people to vote, even if it’s not for my candidate is really inspiring.” Marron believes that there needs to be more education about what our elected officials do so that a greater concern can be developed about Teaching them the innerunnings of a political campaign, the way our government operates, and how to form their own viewpoints these politically active Photo by Michael Brandt ‘17 teens continue to volunteer their time. WITH HER High School Democrats of America prepare Hillary Clinton literature for canvassing. “I’ve learned to keep an open mind that regardless of your political the voter possesses so much power. Tak- Ethan Greenberg ‘17 volunteers party we all need to work together and ing the next step in recognizing this his time at the Mark Kirk office with see what one another is trying to accompower and forming their own political Keeler. He feels that a lot of people re- plish,” said Greenberg. “If more young viewpoints is something that these young main uninformed about important issues people did the research and put in the time men have worked hard to accomplish. due to a lack of initiative, and that as a I think we could be the generation to bring “I think it’s important for teenag- result, their viewpoint will be swayed our country into a much better place.” ers to be able to construct and have their by the things people around them say.
Red alert
New club at Jones aims to give conservative students a voice MAGGIE BEDORE ‘17 School Editor Sprawled across a lunchroom table are different red and blue flyers supporting senator Mark Kirk and other Republican candidates and conservative policies, setting the stage for the arrival of the Jones Republican Club. Ben Keeler ‘18 helped establish the club to create “a platform for right-leaning moderate students, even far right students, to voice their opinion without being attacked.” Students have joined in order to participate in this platform after finding personal difficulty in expressing their opinions in class. “You can’t really talk in class about your opinion,” said club secretary Kelli Gujral ‘19. “It’s really hard for me actually, I don’t really like to talk about politics in class anymore.” The belief that Jones could not have clubs affiliated with political parties, proved to be false when High School Democrats of America was created last year. “When I came here nine years ago, I noted that [no political clubs] was one of the rules for CPS. You could not have an affiliate of a Democratic, Republican or political party,” said Principal P. Joseph Powers. “I thought that was odd
because to me that’s a pretty fundamental political right. [The policy] changed somewhere over the years and now they are [allowed].” Students and teachers agree that the addition of the Jones Republicans is a positive addition to the Jones culture and community. “I think that political dialogue is important, and in a city as Photo by Michael Brandt ‘17 big as ours there are a lot of different ideas float- MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN The Republican Club acts out a caucus during a meeting. ing around,” said social mon with Jones Republicans being referred studies teacher Michael Borge, the club’s sponsor, “it’s good for to as;“KKK club” and “a club full of rac[students] to realize that their ideas don’t ists.” “There are definitely sour faces, exist in isolation,”. Jones Republicans has faced but I remind them of the importance of inbacklash with an array of insults thrown tellectual diversity,” said David Gonzalez people in support for Kirk. Most importantat them- literally. At club fair, a crumpled ‘18. “I feel like this is a voice for political ly, the club hopes to dispel negative myths piece of paper depicting Kirk as the devil minorities, especially at this school since about Republicans. with “Ben Sucks” written boldly across the we’re in the belly of the beast.” “We’re also trying to get rid of The presence of insults has not the myth that the Republican Party is just flyer, was thrown at their table. The “Ben Sucks” (in reference to club founder Kee- dampered the Jones Republicans. The a bunch of old racist white guys, we’re a ler) flyer is now hanging on the “Wall of club continues to grow with a planned a little more diverse in opinion, culture and Shame” in the Kirk’s Lincoln Park cam- fundraiser for The Wounded Warrior Proj- gender than what [Jones students] think,” paign office. Verbal insults are also com- ect and a phone bank where they will call said Keeler.
MODEL DIVERSITY?
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Cerrena Galvan ‘17 reports on the lack of diversity within the field of modelling, exclusively on the Blueprint website.
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT NOVEMBER 2, 2016
FULL HOUSE Full capacity brings 17 new teachers into faculty ranks Paul Anderson Education: B.A., English, Eastern Illinois, B.S., Mizzou, B.S., Globalized Education, Univ. of Illinois at U-C Classes: American Lit, Lang Fact: Wanted to be a pro baseball player .
Anthony Cappetta Education: B.S., Math Education, Northern Illinois Univ., Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, M. Ed. Instructional Leadership Classes: Math 2 and AP Stats Fact: “I am the tallest person in my immediate family at 5’6.”
Erin Cathcara Education: U of I at Urbana Champaign for her B.S. in Chemistry and UIC for her M.S. in Science Education. Classes: Physics and Chemistry. Quote: Went to Whitney Young.
Steven Clayton Education: B.S. in Physical Education from Illinois State Classes: Physics Fact: Was once in the background of a Korean soap opera when he was stationed there.
Ann Dernbach Education: Fordhan University, and North Eastern Illinois BA in English Classes: American Literature and Languge, British Literature Fact: Owns a African Grey parrot that is missing one toe.
Marcos González Díaz Education: Masters in linguistics and Spanish literature from Universidad de Granada in Spain. Classes: Spanish 1 and 2 Fact: Doesn’t know how to drive a car.
Olivia Guerrero Education: B.A., English and Secondary Education, Loyola Univ. Classes: Survey of Literature, American Literature. Fact: Jones Graudate.
Mike Jones Education: M.S., Literature, Northeastern Illinois Univ. Classes: Survey Literature and World Literature. Fact: Lived on an island for the last four years.
Cynthia Lilagan Education: B.A., Engineering and Physics, Cornell Univ. M.S., Bio Engineering, UIC. Classes: AP, honors Computer Science, Physics Fact: Has been on a bike tour through Spain.
Michal Michniowski Education: B.A., Integrated Biology, Univ. of Illinois. Classes: Environmental Science, Biology Fact: Hand raised penguins at the Shedd Aquarium.
Crystal Penn Education: B.S., Math, Illinois Wesleyan Univ., Classes: Math 1, Math 4B Fact: “I went skydiving before.”
Annie Rothe Education: B.A., DePaul Univ., Northwestern, B.S., English, M.S. in Education. Classes: Survey Literature and American Literature. Fact: Was a stand in for Scarlett Johanson in Home Alone 3.
Garrett Smith Education: B.A., Biology, Claremont-McKenna, B.S., M. Ed, DePaul Univ Classes: Chemistry, Biology Fact: Loves bunnies
Nathan Tornow Education: B.S., History and Education, Michigan Univ. Classes: World Studies Fact: Raised in a town with only 400 people.
Yoni Vallecillo Education: West Virginia Univ., B.S., Secondary Education Math, National Louis Univ., B.S., Loyola Classes: Math 3, Financial Alg. Fact: 10 year bodybuilder
Brian Webb Education: B.S., Special Education from Univ. of St. Thomas. Classes: Resource Fact: Coached his son’s TeeBall team.
Christina Xu Education: MBA, Information Systems, Univ. of Toledo Classes: Chinese 3 Fact: Became a teacher after years of working in business and IT.
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GIRLS BASKETBALL The Girls Basketball season kicks off with their first game against Chicago Bulls Academy on Nov. 15
JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT November 3, 2016
Just keep swimming
Sophomore invited to compete in swim trials for 2020 Olympic Games
MAGGIE BEDORE ‘17 Training for the Olympic swimSchool Editor ming trials is not an average part
school experience, however Rene of the high Maldonado ‘19 is not your average high school athlete. This summer, Maldonado learned that he qualified to compete in the trials for the 2020 Olympic Games. “I got a letter that I will be swimming for the 2020 trials, so what that means is that I’ll have to go through these trials and if I make a certain time and certain place then the end goal is to make the team,” said Maldonado. Maldonado will compete for Team Puerto Rico, where he lived until the age of 3. “I have [citizenship] in Puerto Rico, so I will be going for the Puerto Rican team. The U.S. [team] is very competitive [to make] and there are a lot of people,” said Maldonado. Maldonado began swimming at the age of four when his mother, Nancy, signed him up for swimming lessons. “My mom wanted me to learn how to swim for vacation, so she wouldn’t have to worry. After my lessons I would see the club team jump in for their practice and I thought that’s cool, I want to join,” said Maldonado. Maldonado, who was named as one of the cap the tains of swim team as a freshmen, practices every day after school, and sometimes at 6:30 a.m. Maldonado also swims for the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club during the year. “He’s a very hard worker,” said Cierra Lyons ‘19. “When he’s faced with a challenge, he doesn’t give up. He’s determined with everything that he does.” Maldonado, whose idols include Michael Phelps
and British swimmer Adam Peaty, has qualified for the 100m and 200m breaststroke-which also happens to be his favorite stroke. “I grew up on breaststroke, it’s an easy stroke for me,” said Maldonado. not Maldonado’s swimming career has always been as easy as his breaststroke, loss. this year he faced an unimaginable mom “This past year my I cer, canpancreatic passed away, [from] that stopped swimming for the rest of q u i t year. It was hard and I wanted to tter, e l that got I after but swimming, keep going. it gave me a sign from her to ed because Now I’m even more motivatmyself but I’m swimming not only for for her,” said Maldonado. his mother, In memory of his quest for Maldonado will continue with the U.S. the Olympics by training in Colocility team in 2018 at their fado will travel to rado. In 2019, Maldonaa year and comPuerto Rico to train for to graduate hopes Maldonado pete in trials. from Jones, however he has yet to make arrangements. After the rare experience of competing in Olym pic trials, Maldonado hopes to continue swimming and eventually coach. “My end goal is not only to become an Olympi an, but to be a leader for little kids to look up to and to represent what a true leader is,” said Maldonado.
BEST STROKE, BREASTSTROKE Maldonado glides through the water, trying to beat his previous ttime.
Heartbreak
emy Adams ‘17 will never have the chance to prove himself at the high school top level. Adams was benched for the Regional meet, costing the team the opportunity to compete at Sectionals. “I usually never race at Regionals so I can rest for Sectionals,” said Adams. “We had confidence in our younger guys to seal the deal, but unfortunately this time they couldn’t get the job done.” Adams doesn’t blame anyone in particular for the defeat, however he does hope that this is a learning experience for the team. “We all still love each other and there’s no problem with the locker room chemistry, but the guys do realize how bad I wanted to go [the] State [Championship]. They know that I won’t get that opportunity now,” said Adams.
Girls Volleyball Overall Record: 32-6 Previous Week: The volleyball team beat Morgan Park Academy on Tuesday for senior night and Lane Tech on Wednesday for their Dig Pink game.. The girls beat three teams at the Vernon Hills quad to take 1st place. Girls volleyball beat Willowbrook high school to advance to the regional championship. Bright Spots: The team is continuing its best season to date as they took first in the De La Salle tournament with All Tournament honors to Rachel Williams ‘17 and tournament MVP Jill Kavalauskas ‘18. Coach Quote: “The girls are playing some of their best volleyball right now.” Next Week: The girls volleyball team faces York High School on Thursday for the regional championship. If they lose, their season is over. If they win, they continue in the State playoffs. Girls Tennis Overall Record: 4-3 Previous Week Update: The ladies tennis team continued to strive and earned 3rd place in city. Bright Spots: This was the first year of a winning record and one of the best records so far. Coach Quote: “This is our best record so far, and some of the best tennis I’ve seen in the past two years,” said Coach Dan Lee. Update: Jones played at sectionals and had a very tough draw, where no one moved on. This was the end of a great season. Boys Soccer Overall Record: 11-5-2 Last Week: The boys lost against Hinsdale Central, losing 4-0. Bright Spots: Seamus Masterson ‘18, Kian Fayz ‘17, and Francisco Leon Venegas ‘17 all scored goals which led to a qualifying victory against Proviso West. Coach Quote: “We were very effective with our scoring opportunities, capitalizing on 3 breakaways” said Coach Juan Espinoza. “Our bench also played a key factor in bringing intensity, pace and quality when we needed it.” Next Week: The team looks forward to the fall sports reception as their season has ended.
Photo by Michael Brandt ‘17
Senior misses final oppurtunity to break school cross country record MICHAEL CLELAND ‘ After being considered one of the Sports Staff favorites to finish in the top 10 at MAGGIE BEDORE ‘17 the cross country state meet, JerSchool Editor
Eagles spike back
A “perfect storm” of health related issues hit the team shortly before Regionals with another two of the top five runners out. Adams did not run in Regionals due to recurring health issues that reappeared at the City Championships. “At the City Championships he had a health issue from last year flare up that he struggled with all last fall,” said Cross Country Coach Andrew Adelman. With everyone expecting a Sectionals bid, the pressure put on the runners at Regionals increased. All the success in the past contributed to the confidence of the team heading into Regionals. “[The other runners] certainly had enough talent to qualify on to Regionals,” said Adelman, “as a team it would’ve given Jeremy, Ian and Christian a chance to go back in the line-up for Sectionals. Unfortunately, our guys just had a bad race and as a result they didn’t qualify. It’s one of those situations that we didn’t envision it happening that way in a million years.”
Boys Hockey Overall Record: 0-1 Last Week: The boys lost to Buffalo Grove 4-3. Bright Spots: Jack Bonney ‘17 had 40 total saves, only allowing 4 goals. Coach Quote: “We played very well against a good Buffalo Grove team. We just let up in the end and it cost us.” Next Week: The boys play Carmel Catholic on 11/3. Girls Hockey Overall Record: 3-1 Last Week: The girls beat Loyola 5-0. Bright Spots: The girls got shutouts in their last two games against New Trier and Loyola. Coach Quote: “The girls tried to battle back with several scoring chances over the second period, but stifled by a hot goalie.” Next Week: The girls play Lake Forest High School on 10/3. Briefs compiled by Max Bottcher ‘17, Alfred Jackson ‘17, Julissa Santoyo ‘17, and Ethan Soderna ‘17.