Bear Facts Student Media June 2017

bear facts

OLD AND NEW CHORDS Seniors reminisce on past rhythyms and find future melodies PAGE 12

Follow

Subscribe

!

Keep up with us @LZBearFacts

Bear Facts

Bear Facts Student Media

LZBearFacts.com Daily News

Fun Videos

In a world where only 6-8 percent of sports media coverage is of womens’ sports, where male athletes receive $179 million more in athletic scholarships than their female classmates, and where NBA players earn about 70 times more than the average female basketball player makes, the promotion of high school girls’ sports is even more necessary now than

Video Story

Forward 95 team creates strategic plan for district

Online Gallery A contribution like no other: Bob Knuth’s service to the Army and LZHS Bob Knuth stands with his fellow soldiers and the United States Flag. Knuth spent 37 years in the US Army. photo used with permission of Bob Knuth

BEAR FACTS STUDENT MEDIA LAKE ZURICH HIGH SCHOOL 300 CHURCH ST. LAKE ZURICH, IL VOL. 29 ISSUE 5

11

31

10

LZ LIFE

7

COVER

SPORTS

into 18 Senior Leaders 6 Detective Frey 13 Dancing 31 college International Senior 7 Students 14 Music Majors 19 Self-Discovery 33 8 Tech Campus 16 Moving Away 22 Senior Map 9 Summer 17 Future Pilots 27 Teacher Notes Renovations 10 Studio C 11 Nightlinger retires

College Athletes Sports Coverage

NEWS in brief written by

Meggie Furlong social media manager

North Korea launches seventh missile of year

photo from commons.wikimedia.org

In the years since the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement, the relationship between the United States and North Korea has remained hostile. North Korean aggressive actions, such as its five tests of nuclear weapons, its development of long-range missiles, the detainment of American citizens, and various ongoing threats of conventional or nuclear weapons striking the United States, have only increased the tense relations. In recent weeks, the tensions escalated. During the early hours of May 14, when North Korea launched their seventh ballistic missile of the year. In response, a special United Nations meeting was held on possible actions the world could take, and the US staged shows of military force in South Korea. President Trump also questioned the strength of its leader, Kim Jong-Un. In statements the White House confirmed to CNN, Trump said, “I’m not so sure he’s so strong like he says he is, I’m not so sure at all.” The Trump Administration has also called for new sanctions to be placed upon North Korea.

President Trump fires director of FBI

In an unprecedented move, President Trump fired the FBI director, James Comey, on May 9. The White House initially said it was because of a recommendation from the attorney general, Comey was released from his position. The reason for the recommendation was said to be the mishandling of Hillary Clinton’s private email investigation, according to Trump aides. However, during an interview with Lester Holt on May 11, President Trump admitted that he had plans to fire Comey regardless of the attorney general’s recommendation. Since Comey was engaged in an ongoing investigation regarding the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Russia when he was let go from his position, Trump has faced backlash from Americans and the media. This backlash prompted the President to take to twitter, where he threatened that “James Comey better hope that there are no “tapes” of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!” Comey then released notes from an encounter with Trump in February, who asked Comey to shut down part of the investigation of former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and his possible ties to Russia. As of May 18, President Trump has not yet nominated a replacement FBI director.

Photo Mission to the OSCE Photo from from US commons.wikimedia.org photo from commons.wikimedia.org

Suicide bomber attacks concert in England A suicide bomber detonated a homemade bomb in Manchester, England, killing twenty-two people. The victims were leaving Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert when the bombing occurred. The perpetrator of the attack has been identified as British citizen, 22-year-old Salman Abedi. ISIS has also claimed it was responsible

4 News• june 2017

for the attack. Many of those in attendance were children, young teens, and their parents. Of the 59 people injured, 12 were under the age of 16. As a result of the atrocity, the UK raised its terrorism threat level to its highest possible level, ‘critical’. The attack on the innocent hit close to home for many concert goers. Delaney Katz, ju-

nior and frequent concert attendee, gave her condolences for the victims and reprimands the disregard for human life. Katz explains that, “Concerts have always been an escape for my friends and I, and we go to a lot. It’s very upsetting that a place that was for fun and having a good time was just completely taken away from everyone.”

around the AREA

Photo by: commons.wikimedia,org

NAPERVILLE

1

What’s a better way to kick off summer than by having a barbecue? Join in on some fun times and good food this summer and head down to Ribfest.

Ribfest is a fundraiser hosted by the Exchange Club of Naperville. The Exchange Club of Naperville strives to create better communities by eliminating child abuse and domestic violence. This cause has contributed over $15.5 million to the community through proceeds from Ribfest alone and has donated to over 50 local charities. This fest is completely volunteer-run. While supporting a good cause, visitors can enjoy more than just ribs; there are all different kinds of BBQ as well as desserts. The 30th annual Ribfest will be held at Knoch Park in Naperville from June 30 to July 3. The fest runs from June 30 to July 3.

Gates open at noon daily.

Eyes to the Skies Festival

LISLE

2

The Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival is a not-for-profit organization that has donated over $800,000 dollars to local charities and organizations. The festival is 100 percent run by volunteers and includes balloon rides, kids activities, a carnival, live music, and more. It is located at Lisle Community Park from June 28 to July 2. Go have fun this summer while knowing your money is being donated.

Chicago Food Truck Festival

CHICAGO

3

If you enjoy good food and festivals then this is the event for you. The Chicago Food Truck Festival located in the South Loop features the most diverse food truck lineup in Chicago. Enjoy sampling food from over 48 vendors.

Open from 11am-7pm daily, the festival is June 24 and 25.

Tickets are only $14. Spend the day tasting all of the diverse foods this fest has to offer.

Photo from commons.wikimedia.org Photos from commons.wikimedia.org, www.flickr.com

Summer Dance

NHL Draft CHICAGO

4

For the first time, Chicago will host the National Hockey League (NHL) Draft.

Though day one tickets are sold out, you can still experience this event and purchase tickets for day two online for $10. This historic draft will also feature Fan Fest beforehand, with a cookout and photo opportunities with players. Join other Chicago hockey fans at the United Center on June 23 and 24.

CHICAGO

5

Dance the night away this summer at the Chicago SummerDance! From June 23 to August 14 night dances will be hosted in Grant Park. This park will be transformed into an urban dance square featuring 48 different live bands. Some nights include dance lessons and others just time to dance.

This completely free event is open to anyone who wants to let loose and just dance.

News•june 2017 5

L Z L I F E

Sworn to Help and Connect Ria Talukder staff writer

What is the most rewarding part of working in the education system? Is it teaching students about a subject you love? Making the school a safe place?

For one individual, it is the impact he can make on students that he considers to be the best part of his job “I enjoy this job so much because of how much I get to work with students,” Mark Frey, school resource officer (SRO), said. “With adults, a lot of the times if they break the law, they go to court and it’s over. With kids, it’s a lot more about the conversation, and by talking to them I think a lot more of an impact is made. They can learn and move on from the experience.”

Reaching out to students is not always easy though, and according to Frey. it can be difficult when students might be reluctant to discuss matters with him.

Parents, also, are not always willing to let him meet with their children.

“This job has helped me become a much more patient person,” Frey said.

“It’s difficult sometimes to set up meetings with parents and students, because you have to work around so many different schedules to set up a time. Not everyone is always willing to talk to me.

Patience and tolerance are two things I’ve learned to be very important.”

Jacobo Hernandez, senior, can attest to the positive impact Frey and his good

6 LZ Life•june 2017

Photo by Meghan Warner Detective Mark Frey currently holds the position as the school’s student resource officer. Frey seeks to positively impact students by being a friendly face they can talk to.

nature has made on students. A member of the local police department’s Explorer program, Hernandez has had the opportunity to work with Frey for almost two years, in and outside of school.

Frey’s hard work, kindness, and patience have always led the police Explorers to have positive experiences with him, according to Hernandez.

“I learn whenever I work with him.

He’s taught me that having a positive outlook can help you solve almost any problem, no matter how difficult,” Hernandez said. “He’s a funny guy and really gets to our level by communicating with us. I’ll definitely miss him.”

Frey interacts with students on the daily as he completes the tasks of SRO, which include providing counseling and consequence to students alongside the deans at the school, and explaining law enforcement’s role in today’s society to students. The SRO also offers extra police force at larger events at the school to make sure things do not get out of hand. “[Frey’s] help at games where there are huge crowds of people is amazing,” Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal said. “Things like Special Olympics and the football games require lots of police force and are events that couldn’t be successful if the police officer there wasn’t a genuinely great person to be around.”

Frey’s sincere commitment to the

job is what makes him such an important resource to the school, according to Rubenstein. His easy-going personality and overall desire to help are important in the overall goal to be a visible source of aid to the student body of the school.

“I think something [the school] tries to do with the specific SRO position is to have someone we feel is comfortable enough to create relationships with students,” said Rubenstein. “We want students to feel comfortable coming up to a police officer and talking to them.

[Frey] creates those relationships” Frey will officially take leave from the high school after the end of the 2017-2018 school year, due to the school’s rotation policy for the position.

Rubenstein and Frey both hope the SRO to come after Frey shares these same traits. The student body of Lake Zurich is comprised of awesome kids that he’ll be sad to say goodbye to, Frey said, but he has faith that the SRO after him will recognize that. According to Frey, law and order are not what builds a successful resource officer, but a desire to commit to helping the students does.

“This job and helping kids is why I wanted to become a police officer in the first place,” Frey said. “I know that even if next year is my last, I’m going to put my 100% into the job. I hope whoever is after me feels that same way. ”

Photo used with permission of Christian Schumacher

Broadening Horizons Emma Brumage-Kilcourse staff writer

The college process can be intimidating: figuring out your future, worrying about money, and deciding whether to stay home or venture off. The process becomes even scarier when you chose a college that is overseas.

While most students are excited to leave for college, some brave individuals are packing more than just suitcases, they will be packing passports to their futures.

In the last three years, only two students have chosen to go to college overseas, according to Bear Facts’ senior coverage. Adding their names to the select list of international students are Christian Schumacher, senior, who will be heading off to London this fall to study business management at Richmond University, a college for American students in London, and Bailey Recktenwald, junior, who is already planning to study in New Zealand when she graduates in May of 2018.

“I’m not nervous, really,” Schumacher, who is preparing to move approximately 3,950 miles away from home to London next year, said. “I’m probably like a lot of people [in that] I don’t really want to grow up quite yet and be alone.”

But while Schumacher thinks he’s like everyone else, he adds that living abroad will bring some life changes, like the fact, “I’m just kind of realizing that my first paycheck will probably be in a different currency.”

Schumacher first visited Richmond last year. He says a major part of why he was originally attracted to his school was the aesthetics. As he investigated the school more, however, he knew it would be the perfect place to fulfill his European dreams.

Bailey Recktenwald, junior

“It look[ed] like Hogwarts,” Schumacher said. “Out of all the colleges I looked at, this one was the closest to a big hub in Europe.”

Recktenwald, however, says she has not quite narrowed down her choice to one school. She started looking sophomore year, and last summer, she visited five different European colleges which made her decision to go overseas easier. While Recktenwald is looking forward to the prospect of studying overseas and experiencing “the new culture,” she says “it’s pretty nerve-wracking being that far away.”

Despite the nerves he shares with Recktenwald about moving so far away, Schumacher says experiencing another culture for college has been his dream for as long as he can remember.

“When I was a little kid, I always wanted to go to college in Europe,” he said.

His parents are supportive of him and excited for him to be experiencing new culture in college, although they are definitely disappointed that it will be more difficult to visit him, according to Schumacher.

“They never got to do anything like that in college,” Schumacher said. But he also knows that modern technology like Skype, facetime, and text will make communicating with the people he left behind much easier than it would have been otherwise.

“The reality is that I’ll see people exactly the same amount of time as I would if I

went to college in the US,” he said.

One of the most important things, according to Schumacher, is visiting the school yourself before you enroll to get a feel for the campus. He had visited England when he was younger, but when he went to Richmond last summer, he was able to imagine himself living and studying on campus every day. Recktenwald went to international college fairs at different high schools in addition to exploring databases of other students who studied internationally.

Recktenwald and Schumacher both say they were surprised by the ease of finding and applying to international schools.

Recktenwald used many different online databases to explore schools, and she said that many universities even use the Common Application just like American ones.

While leaving the country they have called home for eighteen years may be stressful, both students say they are excited for their future journeys.

Both students plan to live abroad for at least several years after graduation, though Recktenwald acknowledges that visa laws may complicate things - in England, for example, she said, you need to have accepted a position with a company there within a year of finishing school.

“You don’t really know what to expect until you’re there,” Recktenwald said. “It’s an adventure.”

LZ Life•june 2017 7

Tech Campus: more than just school Jim Weimer staff writer

While some seniors are worrying about their transition into college, others will be graduating high school with college credit and will have the opportunity to start their careers as soon as this summer.

“Not only am I prepared knowledgewise, but legally I have everything I need to go into this career,” Megan Lutman, senior in Lake County Technology Campus’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program, said. “I’m an 18 year old kid leaving high school with a license. That means I can instantly go into any career I want [and] I can start full time.”

The Tech Campus is a program that lets students leave in the middle of the school day to learn about a specific specialized career, helping them become prepared for the work force, even right out of high school, according to Lutman.

“My teachers tell me all the time that at our age they weren’t anywhere near this.

This is coming from retired paramedics and firefighters,” Lutman said. “Knowing that we are more ahead of them and more mature than they were at this age is kind of really crazy to think about.”

The campus offers a variety of different classes besides EMS, ranging from Cosmetology to Criminal Justice to Computer Science. Alexia Maldonado, senior in the cosmetology program, says the program allowed her to fulfill her 1500 hour cosmetology license by end of her senior year.

“You can just leave out of high school with a certification for something you want to do for the rest of your life,” Maldonado said. “I’m coming out of high school and I can get my license to Cosmetology, [which] is a big part of the United States: haircuts, color, all of [those] different styles of every thing is cosmetology. Especially movies, like special effect makeup.”

According to Cheyanne Gwizdala, junior in the criminology program, Tech Campus helps students to gain first hand experience and knowledge about their future careers from teachers who already have experience in the field.

“We learn [about] the Miranda Rights, how to handcuff, and what to do during a traffic stop,” Gwizdala said. “I learn how to be a cop basically.”

Lutman says her class’ instructor is a paramedic firefighter and helps them train to be EMTs, who are people that work on ambulances. This allows the students to qualify for the state exam to get licensed.

As opposed to spending the money and time going to four years of college, Lutman already has a head start on the path towards an EMT-B license, which will help her to enter the work force faster.

“I would’ve had to take my two year associate’s degree, find medical classes, and talk to other counselors [to] figure out all the little programs I need to get this license,” Lutman said. “As a high school student, I can talk to the counselors, sign a few papers, and I’m in. It makes it easier.”

Lutman, Gwizdala, and Maldonado all say they are thankful they found the program and will be pursuing their passions in their respective careers one step ahead of other students in the profession.

“I think that if you have a dream,” Lutman said, “and you can take a tech campus program to get there, you should really take that chance.”

Left: Students from the EMS class at Lake County Technology Campus practice mouth to mask respiration for CPR. According to Megan Lutman, senior in the EMS program, the class “simman” lets students know if they are giving the proper amount of air. Below: A student from the Cosmetology class practices cutting hair. Alexia Maldonado, senior in the cosmetology program, says it takes 1500 hours to fulfill a cosmetology liscense, a task the program helps students complete.

photos used with permission of Evert Gerritsen

8 LZ Life•june 2017

Out with the old, in with the new

High school to undergo more renovations

When finals end and summer starts, the school doors will not be the only thing closing behind you. The upper parking lot will also be closed off this summer while the school undergoes renovations in hopes to make the facility run more efficiently.

“One thing identified [by the Forward 95 strategic planning team] was to look at the facilities and start making decisions that will bring our facilities back up to date.,” Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal for activities and facilities, said. “We [used to do] a lot of maintenance. Things would break, and we would fix them. Now we’re going into the phase of fixing things before they break. It’s a much more efficient and cost effective way to manage a facility.”

The renovations will include a new entrance, new locker room, and new upper parking lot, according to Rubenstein.

“We’re going to move the [student entrance] down to the entrance by the main gym and visitors will have to be buzzed into the building after going through the proper security credentials,” Rubenstein said.

According to Rubenstein, the renovations to the entrance will fix what he believes are the two main issues with the current entrance. People frequently mistake the Performing Arts Center for the main entrance. Moreover, it will be more secure.

“I’m big on safety and security,” Rubenstein said. “I think one thing we lack here is having a secure entrance where people get buzzed in and checked in properly.”

In addition to the main entrance, the upper parking lot will also be experiencing renovations which Rubenstein hopes will help with traffic issues.

“We are restructuring the traffic to the Dominique Gertie lz life editor

best of our abilities. [We want] to try to help prevent some of the traffic problems that we have had up there with people getting dropped off, people making U-turns, and overflow parking,” Rubenstein said. “[It will] create a better flow of parking, and really create two lanes going out of school and one lane coming in.”

While Rubenstein believes that the renovations will be beneficial to the students, Lauren Mandal, junior, agrees.

“I’m really excited for the renovations because I know I’ll feel safer throughout the day,” Mandal said. “[Renovating] the parking lot will be good because it takes students and parents so long to leave the school.”

Although the outside of the school will experience most of the renovations, areas inside the building will also get attention.

“Looking longterm, there’s already conversations about many other projects including the library, the cafeteria, and the upstairs area as well,” Rubenstein said.

“There have been preliminary plans to put a

snack shop outside of the cafeteria. We are looking at the plans, and it might be something that also goes in this summer.”

For past renovations in the building, the main goal was to cater to the students and their needs, Rubenstein said. He believes those projects were successful because of their focus on students.

“When I walk into Studio C and see 30, 40, 50 kids in there, that’s success to me.

[Students] are utilizing the space for what we wanted them to use it for,” Rubenstein said. “The same can be said about the athletic stadium and the tennis courts.”

Although the planning process and the construction of the renovations can be a lot of work, the results are beneficial to the students and that is what is important, according to Rubenstein.

“I’d like to think everything that we do here has to have a student-centered focus to it “Rubenstein said. “With the things that we did in all of these [renovations], I think that was the most important thing to us.”

Starting this summer, the building will undergo renovations, including a new main entrance. The entrance will make the building more secure, according to Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal for activities and facilities graphic used with permission of Lyle Erstad

LZ Life•june 2017 9

Studio C: a year in review Rachel Brauer staff writer

While some students use Studio C as a place to work, others take advantage of the laid back atmosphere. It has led some to question the rooms true purpose. Photo by Rachel Brauer.

With its couches and TVs, Studio C is attracting more students with its comfy atmosphere, and some are questioning the intentions of this new social hotspot.

“The intention of Studio C was to provide a creative space for students to collaborate on group work,” Melissa Pikul, assistant principal for student services, said. “We knew from the beginning that the space would serve multiple purposes so in addition to collaboration, it does provide students additional opportunities to work independently, separate from the library or the cafeteria. Obviously just by the way the furniture and decor is designed and set up, it provides a more relaxed atmosphere that students may find in the library.”

That “relaxed atmosphere” may be at the root of teacher and student concerns about how students are using Studio C. “I think it is really cool how we have this space where we, as students, can come talk and work together on homework,” Celia Cunnion, sophomore, said. “It is a good place for students to hang out with their friends since it is quieter than the cafeteria is, but I would not say a lot of students get their work done here. I think Studio C is more of a social space.”

Farhad Shamsudheen, senior, agrees with Cunnion about what looks like the lack of productive work taking place and said, “Studio C is not being used as efficiently as it could be.” Teachers and Studio C supervisors see the same issue.

“I think the intentions of Studio C were good, and it’s a gorgeous space, but it seems like another place for students to eat and socialize,” Carlye Hamilton, Spanish teacher, said. “I believe, since [this is a

10 LZ Life•june 2017

learning facility], that the money we spend on space in the building should be spent for academic purposes.”

Shamsudheen said he is still unsure if Studio C’s intended goal of the space was to use it as a work area, not a social space.

He admits that he does not use the space for school work as much as a place to hang out with his friends. He and his friends sometimes spend their lunch period playing games like Mario Kart instead.

Shamsudheen is taking advantage of the social atmosphere of Studio C. While Cunnion suggests that every space has it purpose and Studio C’s may just include socializing as well as collaboration.

“The library [and lit center] are for a quieter workspace. If students need to focus, they can go to those places because that’s what they were made for,” Cunnion said. “The cafeteria is where you socialize and eat, and Studio C is [where] students go over each other’s work and collaborate for projects and presentations. Every workplace in the school has its own purpose.”

Cunnion also argues that Studio C serves as a necessary social area and that “a social space is needed as a place to take a break from learning.”

The fact that Studio C is so flexible may possibly be what attracts many students, but with a growing number of users, supervisors have had to deal with problems more often than before.

“At the beginning of the semester, I was the only supervisor in the room, and now there [are] two supervisors,” Darren Rothermel, Studio C supervisor and business teacher, said. “Before the second supervisor came, it was loud and it was difficult to

manage. I talked to the appropriate people and they added a supervisor to some of the more crowded periods.”

The fact that administration took action after hearing this complaint is a good start to improving Studio C and shows they care about the facultys opinions, Rothermel said, but there are other issues as a result of the high clusters of students that pack into this area day by day.

“Scanning in amd out is an issue,” Rothermel said. “When students scan in, it’s so the rest of the school knows they’re here.

If a guidance counselor, a social worker, a dean, or another teacher is looking for a specific student who has scanned into Studio C with their ID and they’re not here, then that becomes a safety issue.”

Although Rothermel said this is an issue, Tiffany Reagan, dean, said that there are security cameras within the facility that are checked by the security guards, faculty, and there are supervisors to better manage the students and their scanning habits.

Even though teachers and supervisors say there are problems, administration continues to solve them. Administration is hopeful that there will be gradual change with time, as well as change as a result of re-establishing expectations, Pikul said.

“Change is hard. It is really ironic how we get excited about new things [like Studio C] and receiving new opportunities but it seems like no matter how great the opportunity may be, change is difficult,” Pikul said. “I think there is a very bright future for Studio C. It would be naive to say there will not be any continued growing pains in the future, but I think we are definitely heading in the right direction.”

Bittersweet Goodbye Nightlinger retires

Kent Nightlinger is retiring after four years. He showed his impact throughout the years by spending his time at sporting and club events.

Photos used with permission of Kent Nightlinger. staff writer

Chloe Faris

You can find him smiling in the hallways, greeting the students as they walk to class, or hear his booming voice exclaiming the announcements over the intercom. After four years of being the principal, Kent Nightlinger’s energy will not be bouncing through the halls due to his retirement.

Although the announcement for Nightlinger’s retirement may be sad to the teachers and students, he looks back on the last couple of years and Nightlinger hopes he made a difference in the lives of students.

“I have had a blast,” Nightlinger said, reflecting on the memories he made here. “I think for all of many years I have been in the education world, bottom line, it comes down to me doing positive things and having an impact on the students. I remember years ago I said, ‘whatever I decide to do as a profession or career, first and foremost, I want to have fun every day I go to work.’ I hope the last four years have been fun.”

Nightlinger’s vow to stay positive and have fun has made an impact on the students and people he works with daily, according to Paula Giese, Nightlinger’s assistant. “[I will miss] his sense of humor,” Giese

said. “He is probably the funniest person I have ever met and he can always lift your spirits up. He does impressions, and he will just break out into something songs. He is just very witty. One of my favorite memories is I had said ‘what if we did Jaws the Musical for school?’ and he broke into song for the Jaws theme and just went off into it.”

While Giese will miss his sense of humor most, Nightlinger reflects on something even more important to him and what he will miss most about being principal.

“Students. Period. It really is all about the students,” Nightlinger said. “I love standing out in the hallway and seeing students day to day and them coming up and saying hi, and meeting with the student leadership team. To me that’s the biggest thing: the day to day interaction with students.”

The involvement with students, and kids in general, is one of the reasons Nightlinger became a principal, he said.

“He cares about people,” Giese said.

“He loves the students and loves to go to the events. Whether it is a concert, sporting event, or robotics [competition], he really likes to be around the kids. [Nightlinger] has made an impact by showing that he

cares. Kids notice that. They like seeing him at events and I can walk down the hall with him and they are waving and saying hi.”

Nightlinger’s involvement with the students has shaped many people’s lives, Giese said. While only being principal for four years, Nightlinger has impacted students just by showing he cares.

“Mr. Nightlinger has been my principal all four years of high school and I have to say one of my favorite things about him is the way he strives to connect with the students,” Hannah Sweetwood, senior on the Leadership team, said. “I am going to miss the all the positive energy he brought to our school. He always knows how to put a smile on someone’s face.”

Although people may be sad that Nightlinger is retiring, it does not mean he is done with his job in helping students, he said.

“It is a bittersweet decision,” Nightlinger said. “There’s a part of me that obviously would love to stay on for quite a long time, but you make decisions and choices in life because you have to do what’s best for you as well, and personally I don’t think I am done in education. I don’t think anybody has seen the last of me.”

LZ Life•june 2017 11

C O V E R Senior Soundtrack

The year’s end is a time for reflection, to listen to the sound bites of the past and to listen to the song of the future. Following the soundtrack of senior experiences, Bear Facts took the opportunity to celebrate some seniors with special stories to tell.

Want to listen to our Senior Soundtrack? Follow this link to Spotfiy to hear our songs for seniors.

Seniors dance their way into the future Meghan Warner

staff writer

Hundreds of seniors will graduate and my major would be Pre-Business. this June and move away to college; Once I found out I made it, I was so however, three of those seniors are excited,” Pittman said. moving in a different direction as well. However, Pittman believes that Although not attending college dance does not come without sacrifices as a typical major, some seniors have at home and in the classroom. chosen a unique path and are going to “I dance 25 hours a week, so I have pursue their lifelong passions. sacrificed a lot of my schoolwork and “I’ve known that I wanted to pur- spending quality time with my family sue [dance] since my sophomore and and friends,” Pittman said. junior year,” Isabella Rosanova, senior, Similar to Pittman, Light has also said. “[Dance] has always been a huge missed out on various opportunities part of my life, because of the time and events due to dance. commitment, I dance for many hours “Dance has always been really throughout the week. That’s mainly time consuming. I spend many hours why I want to a week dancpursue it in the ing,” Light said.

“I did [dance] for so long future.”

“I’ve missed out Rosanova on Lollapalooza, without hating it or getting plans to attend the St. Patrick’s bored with it that I knew the University day parade every how much it meant to me.” of Illinois as a year, and just full

-Isabella Rosanova, dance major, weekends.” and her numAll through the senior ber one goal is time consuming to eventually sport, the dancers dance for a company on a cruise ship. needed their friends and families sup Though Rosanova plans on staying port to keep motivated. closer to her home while pursuing her “My dance teachers, my parents, career in dance, another senior is mov- and my friends are my inspirations, ing six hours away too. because they always support me and “I have tried out for the dance team come watch me. I just want to do my at Ohio State University,” Kate Light, absolute best for them,” Light said. senior, said. “There is a video audition, Rosanova agrees that having some skills and choreography evaluation, an supporters when choosing her major interview, and a trial game.” and career choice was really helpful.

Lauren Pittman, senior, also goes “My dance teachers and my mom through tough evaluations. She has are definitely my main supporters. [My committed to the University of Ari- mom] has been really supportive of my zona, and is still pursuing her love for decision,” Rosanova said. “I actually dance but in another way. wanted to go to a major dance capital “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to major like New York or L.A., but ended up or be on the Poms team for awhile. I going to Illinois because I wanted to be decided to try out for the Poms team closer to my mom.”

Photo used with permission of Isabella Rosanova Isabella Rosanova, senior, in the place she loves most: the stage. Many students, like Rosanova, must decide whether they will relate their major to their previous passions as they go off to college.

Seniors•june 2017 13

Following their Forte Seniors plan musical majors Danna Tabachnik digital editor-in-chief

Melanie McGrath, music education at the University of Miami, FL “Something I re- Although McGrath and create a community ally want to do is create does not want to teach that they think will work contemporary music music in schools, she well together. You could education programs. wants to help develop be a really good songMusic Ed is currently curriculum and advance writer, but you might centered around classi- contemporary music. not work with the other cal and jazz music, [but “I’m not positive musicians. University of it] is sort of shifting to where it will take me, Miami is where I felt I teaching songwriting but hopefully some- would make the best and I want to be a part where with songwriting connections.” of that shift,” McGrath and education,” Mc- McGrath has been said. “On top of devel- Grath said. “I would playing piano since she oping one of those want to be part of a was five, started writtypes of programs, foundation [like the ing in sixth grade, and I want to work on, Grammy Foundation]. taught herself how to write, my own mu- They have programs for play guitar in seventh. sic, write my own, high schoolers and col- McGrath’s parents are and see where lege students that are supportive of her decithat takes me.” based around promoting sion to pursue a career contemporary music.” in music because they After auditioning at know she would not be and visiting mul- happy with any other catiple universities, reer, she said.

McGrath says “[My parents’] phishe chose Mi- losophy on studying ami because that music is that it’s more is where she about the connections believes she will than what you’re actually learning. They also think thrive and succeed.

“When I went to it’s really important to Miami and met with go into what you’re really the professors it just passionate about,” Mcfelt so right. I felt like Grath said. “You have to that’s where I was going do what you love. I feel to be the most success- like I wouldn’t get any ful,” McGrath said. where if I wasn’t doing “They take 25 kids into music. I would just want

the program that I’m to be doing music the in. What they do is try whole time.” photo used with permission of Melanie McGrath

14 Seniors•june 2017

y k d t r f I t

n e d o h. e r y e -

Peter Dudek, viola performance at University of Michigan, MI “My dream job would be playing in an ery day. Despite switching instruments, orchestra,” Dudek said. “I’ve played in an or- Dudek says everyone around him has chestra since fourth grade. I’m one outside of kept him motivated and pushed him school called the Midwest Young Artists Con- to thrive and succeed. servatory. I grew up with that dream of being “Both of my parents are musicians.

They both got their performance one of them and playing in an orchestra.”

Despite growing up with the goal of play- degrees in Poland; my ing in an orchestra, Dudek decided he would mom’s a pianist and switch instruments three years ago, something my dad’s a clarinetist, that most musicians would not be willing to so they want it to do. After playing in a chamber ensemble, keep going in the family,” Dudek Dudek transitioned from violin to viola.

“When I started playing violin, [it was be- said. “I look up cause] my parents basically made me. I always to people, not wanted to play the viola. I always loved the only my adult viola and I always loved being the second- mentors who ary harmonies. I don’t like being the primary are professionvoice,” Dudek said. “I knew that my arms were als, but also my growing and my hands were getting huge and friends that practhe violin was just getting too small for me. I tice and share the same drive, commitment, and knew the viola was a great switch for me.”

After transitioning from one instrument dedication to our instruto another, Dudek got a new private teacher ments. The share of our and started practicing three to four hours ev- passion keeps me going.” photo by Danna Tabachnik Francesca Castro, undecided at Berklee College of Music, MA “Berklee is my dream school, and when they gave me the full ride it was an obvious decision,” Castro said. “I’ll have to see how it is when I get there, but hopefully I get to be a performer. We don’t officially have to choose our major until sophomore year, but for now I’m thinking about performance for vocal, jazz, and guitar.”

Castro has been performing since she was nine years old. She started with guitar and violin and recently transitioned to jazz.

g e s y k o y o el g t e photo by Madison Hart

With everything Berklee has to offer, Castro is excited for the experience.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone who is coming from all over the world,” Castro said. “I want to get to know the Latin Culture because I like Latin jazz, so I want to learn more and incorporate it into my music.”

The audition process for Berklee was different than most, according to Castro. Musicians are required to prepare a piece that showcases their talent, along with performing sight-reading excerpts. They also test musicians’ ability to play by ear, requiring musicians to play back a chord that was played to them. Despite the unconventional process and a unique major, Castro is not worried about her future.

“I’m not that worried because I know that Berklee makes sure you have a career after graduating. They don’t want you to become a starving musician who works and plays gigs on the side,” Castro said. “There are so many things you can do, like orchestra pits for musicals of be an educator. They give us a year to figure it all out. I’m just going with the flow.”

Seniors•june 2017 15

Goodbye Forever:

Seniors uproot childhood homes Jemma Kim sports editor Of the 460 seniors graduating this May, some will never be back to their old childhood homes in Lake Zurich.

While most seniors will come back to LZ during college breaks and holidays, some 2017 graduates are saying goodbye to their childhood homes forever. These three students are uprooting their lives and moving to different states after graduation.

Sarah Blase, senior, loves the overall school spirit and community feel of Lake Zurich. In her time as a student leader and athlete she will always be grateful for her teachers, coaches, and friends, she said. As much as she loves the town, however, Blase will move after graduation.

“A year ago, [my dad] got a new job in Charlotte [North Carolina] and he’s been commuting so I could finish high school here,” Blase said. “There’s no reason for us to stay here anymore. It’s more convenient and less excruciating on my dad.

And my parents have always wanted to retire in North Carolina.”

Blase is not the only one moving due to a parent’s job transfer.

Vada

16 Seniors•june 2017

Murray, senior, will be moving into a new house in Holland, Michigan. “[We] wanted a change since I’m the last kid to go off to college,” Murray said.

While a change of environment might be good for Murray and others, there are a lot of things about Lake Zurich that she will miss.

“I’m just [going to] miss the

people, the community, the home town feeling. Just everything I’ve done here from Alpine Fest to My Flavorite Place,” Murray said. “I love Flavorite. We have a theater, a mall, bowling, and we’re close to a big city. I never have to travel far for something.”

Brianna Reitsch, senior, will be moving to Phoenix, Arizona later this summer. While the warmer weather will be something to look forward to in the upcoming year, there were some crazy memories made in the unpredictable Midwestern weather that she will miss, according to Reitsch.

All three seniors are sad to be leaving behind their childhood homes and friends for the upcoming school year.

“With our high school, we have a lot of school spirit and take a lot of pride in what [we] do and what [we] put out there. I’m really proud I go to Lake Zurich High School and the fact there are a lot of people like that and think so highly of it,” Blase said. The people that live here want the best for you, and people take that for granted and do not realize how lucky they are.”

Flying Towards Graduation Schelonka, who plans on majoring in Commercial Aviation at North Dakota, also aspires to receive his license.

“I want to go into a job that I will never be bored of, and I could do it while enjoying it my entire life,” Schelonka said.

As preparation for the new style of classes coming soon as they enter college, Schelonka and Krasavage have to study lots of physics.

According to Krasavage, science and math are fundamentally the backbone of the courses for his major, and the occupation does necessitate a demanding schedule at first.

“With time comes seniority. You are allowed to alter your schedule more as you get older, so I don’t think time will end up being that big of an issue,” Krasavage said.

Both schools the two are attending this fall are equipped to allow many students emerge from the program as seasoned commercial pilots: Krasavage and Schelonka’s goals.

“I’m looking forward to the ability to see the world, and learn about the technology coming out,” Schelonka said. “Like new aerospace, aircraft fleets, and flight simulators.”

“Flying gives you a whole new perspective, as you see how big the world really is and how small you are in comparison.”

Andrew Schelonka “Flying gives you such a rush of adrenaline because you are completely in control of where you go and what you do.”

Tyler Krasavage

photo used with permission of Tyler Krasavage

Valerie Multra staff writer “Flying through the air is pretty amazing. It’s really exhilarating: just having that freedom you could go anywhere you want.

Everything from up there is so much more beautiful,” Tyler Krasavage, senior, said.

Krasavage along with Andrew Schelonka, senior, are both heading to universities in the fall for flight programs that will hopefully make their dreams of flying a reality.

Planning on majoring in Aviation flight science at Western Michigan University, Krasavage has been interested in flying from an early age and hopes that majoring in this field will lead to a career as a commercial pilot.

“I’m looking forward to basically just flying in general, and I almost have my private license now,” Krasavage said, “I just love [flying], and the fact that I will be flying 4 or 5 times a week at college is awesome.”

Earning your private license requires 40 hours of flying with an instructor, according to Krasavage as well as being 16 years old and have a general knowledge of the English language in order to communicate with others.

Student Counsel: leaders give advice My advice to the underclassmen is to make the most of what Lake Zurich offers. Join a few clubs, attend every activity possible (homework can wait), run for a leadership position, tryout for a sport, spend a few extra minutes talking to the faculty, get to know your counselor, and smile at everyone you see. Before you know it, you will be applying to colleges and leaving Lake Zurich.

If you are lucky enough to have a town like this to call home, make the most of it and let Lake Zurich make the most of you.

Sincerely, Kalynn Rhew

I would like to give a big thank you to the administration. They helped me with many things throughout the year from student section ideas, to giving me advice about the real world that I will value the rest of my life. The biggest thank you of them all goes to the amazing students as LZHS. The students at this school are the most energetic and enthusiastic group of kids I have ever met, there’s nothing more that a school can ask for than a student section full of smiling faces, and we were exactly that. Thank you Lake Zurich High School, These four years will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Ryan Lundgren

A huge thank you to the faculty and staff at this school. I am aware that teenagers can be difficult, yet you all dedicate your lives to putting us on the right track. We wouldn’t be prepared for life without your guidance.

For all you LZHS students, you should be excited for the years to come. Sometimes in the chaos of schoolwork and getting prepared for college you’ll feel overwhelmed.

My biggest piece of advice is to remember why you join the clubs, organizations, and classes you did. When you focus on the “why,” the “what” becomes effortless.

Good luck in high school and your future endeavors.

Thank you, LZHS for the last 4 years.

Sincerely,

Emma Wenckowski

photo by Megan Monoson

18 Seniors•june 2017

Discovering ambition Rachel Brauer staff writer

Through their passions and interests, these high school students were able to discover what has shaped them to be who they feel they truly are today.

During high school, freshmen eventually turn into seniors. Through this transition, many students uncover important parts of their lives that motivate them to be the best version of themselves that they can to be.

Many students have varying types of personally influential aspects that affect their life in different ways.

“Every summer, my family and I go back to where my parents came from and it is so different from here,” Bledian Ajroja, a senior, said. "When you go somewhere and you see a liter shared between 10 people, that is the life they live. You come over [to America], you see ten cokes in one hand. It is something as simple as that, you realize that you have it so good."

Ajroja said he believes going back to Albania, the country where his parents came from, has humbled him and helped him realize how privileged his life is. Today, he carries his love for Albania through one of his hobbies that he's become more dedicated to in high school.

“Over the years, I’ve found a passion for music. I only sing Albanian music,” Ajroja said. “[I feel] emotional [when I sing in Albanian], and sometimes a little bit sad. It's not easy to leave a place where you've been taught all the traditions, all the value. "

Ajroja said he has created a strong bond with the Albanian culture from when he was younger to now. Similarly, James Vesto, senior, said he has been able to create and discover a connection between his religious beliefs throughout high school.

“My beliefs changed a lot. I just have an overall mindset rather than a specific god to believe in,” Vesto said. “My overall mindset is that religion brings me peace and makes me feel that there’s something besides myself that’s keeping watch on me. Whether or not that’s true doesn’t really matter as much as the way that it makes me feel.”

The path that led him to realize his stance on religion began because his atheist mother wanted to find Vesto’s little brother a non-religious church so he could be an Eagle Scout. So in 7th grade, his family joined a non-denominational church which practices unitarian universalist. This liberal religion believes that everybody should find their own path to truth and meaning.

“During the summer, [my church] had this retreat where we spent the night in the middle of the woods by yourself. We weren’t allowed cellphones or food because it was supposed to be a fast,” Vesto said. “Having that experience of being out there with nature and realize that materials items are not the only things in my life and there are ways to survive without them. That was a big transformative experience for me.”

Colleen Schinler, senior, also had a lifechanging experience when she discovered

her passion for art, which has helped her feel less reserved.

"When people are admiring my art or when I'm showing people my art, they're seeing me without my mask,” Schinler said.

“Art is a great outlet for me. I am able to show who I am as a person through my pieces. Outside of art, I've become less introverted but people still see a shyer person than who I am through my art."

Along with her love of art, she has been able to better prioritize her life and how she wants to be seen by others.

“My priorities have become more about how I want to be seen as a person rather than how other people see me,” Schinler said. “I stopped wearing a mask in high school and I started doing things that I liked instead of what people knew me for.”

Schinler said she believes that ever since she has allowed herself to be more comfortable in her own skin, she has become a lot less stressed and a lot more laid back. She hopes that other students have a similar transition throughout the years.

“For anyone who is coming into high school and thinking that whatever you are doing now is what you are going to be stuck with forever, that is not the truth,” Schinler said. “High school is only going to be like a second in your life span and there is so much more after it. What you get in math class is not what you are going to be dealing with for the rest of your life. That is really important to remember.”

Seniors•june 2017 19

Society’s Responsibility to Individuality

In the interest of originality, students must take a stand for what is right and for what they believe in, even if it means going against the crowd.

The Bear Facts Staff believes...

Individuality is one of the most valuable traits a person can possess. It is vital for students to be themselves, to make good choices, and to always stand up for what they believe.

In high school and overall in life, conforming to fit in with the majority is the easier thing to do.

Opening one’s mouth to speak up against the crowd is incredibly difficult. The only way to be content and self-satisfied, however, is not by following the masses, but by being an individual.

Every day, students have many choices to make.

Unfortunately, bad choices tend to stand out, but that makes it all the more imperative to make good decisions. All it takes is one voice to cut through the group agreement, and then suddenly, others feel comfortable expressing disagreement. It may be easier to avoid confrontation and to not to speak up; however, though it is easier, it is not better.

That is why individuality is so important: it allows people to get out of their comfort zones and stand

“Is it important to stand up for what you believe in?”

20 Seniors•june 2017

out from the crowd for something they believe in, whether that is morally, intellectually, politically, or socially. It allows people to grow and gain perspective of how the world works and who they want to be. Self advocacy takes great maturity, which is vital to develop as soon as possible. There will never be a time after throwing those graduation caps when people will care about high school popularity, fashion choices, or social circles. Instead, people will care about what you learned, the way you made people feel, and how LZHS crafted you into the person you are now.

According to Merriam-Webster, conformity is “action in accordance with some specified standard or authority.” Contained within this definition is a recipe for disaster, because it is possible that the standard is bad for humanity, and people are more likely to conform than they like to think.

In 1951, Solomon Asch conducted an experiment on human conformity to see if people would trust their own perceptions or go with what the group said was true. Over the course of twelve trials, 75 percent of participants conformed at least once. They trusted

Elly Lemmons, freshman

“Yes, it’s important because if you don’t stand up for your beliefs, you’re just conforming to everybody else and you’re not yourself anymore.”

Bohdan Mendyuk, sophomore

“I think it’s important to stand up for your beliefs because if a person doesn’t have any beliefs or doesn’t genuinely believe in their beliefs, then they’re kind of just a hollow shell.”

BEAR FACTS STAFF PRINT EDITOR-INCHIEF

madison hart

DIGITAL EDITOR-INCHIEF

danna tabachnik

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

meggie furlong

SPORTS EDITOR

jemma kim

LZ LIFE EDITOR

dominique gertie

COVER EDITOR

megan monoson

the group over their own perceptions, the most basic observable truths people have, and were steered wrong because of it. Humans tend to conform, but they should instead trust themselves.

Everyone wants to think they would be in the 25 percent who did not conform. However, the only way to guarantee this is to commit to the proper course of action. Next time something is happening that does not feel right, say something.

There is, however, value in cooperation. The important thing is to avoid “groupthink,” which occurs when people consider agreement more vital than good decisions. Everyone must have a dialogue and discuss different methods of accomplishing goals.

Synthesis of ideas leads to the best solutions.

Some of the brightest moments in our four years have come about because of people speaking about things they believe in and working together. Charity Bash is stupendous every year because students rally around causes near to their hearts. A few strong leaders promote the charity, but everyone is given a chance to care about doing something good.

LZ should be known for its stupendous spirit and good decisions. Every student is capable of being unique and unapologetically individual, and of standing up for what is right. If every person stands up, takes a risk, and advocates for oneself and others, the world will be a much better place to live in. People need people to stand up for them, support them, fight for them, and most importantly understand them in an era of distrust and uncertainty.

These days, it may feel like one voice will never be enough, like individual powerlessness prevents any sort of societal change. Change, however, does not come from the top - it starts at the bottom with the average, concerned citizens. As Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist, said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

In the face of fascists and bullies, of inequality and unfairness, people must push back. It will always be easier to simply melt back, faceless among the crowd, but at crucial moments, it is those who stand strong that are the heroes of tomorrow’s history.

SECRETARY

brianne saab

STAFF WRITERS

rachel brauer emma brummagekilcourse chloe faris ian iacullo madi klein valerie multra ria talukder meghan warner jim weimer ADVISER

carolyn wagner BEAR FACTS STUDENT MEDIA

Lake Zurich High School 300 Church Street Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 540-4642

AMERICAN LITHO PRINTING

530 North 22nd St. Milwaukee, WI 53233

Chloe Fletcher, junior

“Yeah, because otherwise, it’s not like you really believe in it. If you believe something, you should be proud of it and talk about it with other people, otherwise your belief will never be heard.”

Stephen Grinnip, senior

“Yeah, it’s important to stand up for what you believe in. If you didn’t, then you would start to lose who you are and you would just conform to what everyone else wants you to be.”

Kristin Barrett, Spanish teacher

“Yes. You should stand up for what you believe in so that you do not lose sight of your values, and you may end up influencing many other [people] in a positive way.”

Issue 4 Clarifications: Two stories, featuring Alyssa Morello & Bernard Melus, were not printed until this issue but not removed from the table of contents.

On page 14, Joe Buzzeli’s viewpoint was misrepresented. He believes that some ad campaigns have specific targets and can’t include everyone, not that diversity is unimportant.

Seniors•june 2017 21

Hope when you take that jump, you don’t fear the fall Hope when the water rises, you built a wall Hope when the crowd screams out, they’re screaming your name Hope if everybody runs, you choose to stay

Bears Across America Alabama

Noah DeJong The University of Alabama Kyle Fleming Auburn University Madison Flores The University of Alabama Maddy Glasser The University of Alabama Ryan Lundgren The University of Alabama Grace McIlwain The University of Alabama Marin Montalbano The University of Alabama Tommy Szarkowicz The University of Alabama

Arizona

Emily Fabbrini Arizona State University Grace Meagher University of Arizona Lauren Pittman University of Arizona Sydney Wilkerson University of Arizona

California

Zane Chung-Mehdi University of California Berkeley Ethan Lane University of California Berkeley Christie Keller San Diego State University Erin Neeson San Diego State University Austin Schassler University of San Diego

Colorado

Madison Hahn Colorado Mountain College Kole Keller University of Colorado Boulder Nicole Nicolay University of Colorado Boulder

22 Seniors•june 2017

2 2 1

Gina Palamara Front Range Community Blake Bransky Harper College College Brianna Brodeur University of Illinois Josh Dsouza Urbana-Champaign Florida State Michael Bruno Melanie McGrath Northern Illinois University of Miami University Natalia Budzik Illinois State University Sedona Baldaccini Adrian Bueno-Campos Savannah College of Harper College Art and Design Jeffrey Carmody Lindenwood University Maxwell Armbruster Brian Chmiel University of Illinois University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana-Champaign Bledian Ajroja Edward Chukhman Harper College Millikan University Grace Bae Bryan Cielak University of Illinois DePaul University Urbana-Champaign Nathaniel Coirier Kyle Bajor Northwestern University DePaul University Abigail Coolidge Jason Baum Robert Morris DePaul University University

Florida

Georgia Illinois

2

5

4

Gisell Cubas Tricoci University Adam Czapla University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Jordan Davis Bradley University Jefferson Debray Illinois State University Rahul Desai Univeristy of Illinois Chicago Hannah Dinse College of Lake County Erin Donaldson University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Joseph Dreiling Illinois State University Joshua Dyer Augustana College Chris Dzienis Illinois State University

1 6 41

3

19

4

15

4

2 134

4

12

15

Key

6 4

2

2

43+ 21-42 13-20 8-12 4-7 1-3

6

1 2

12

28

8

1

1 2

Maria Fatima Escano University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Shane Fella Harper College Sean Finn Harper College Nelly Fonarev Roosevelt University Kaitlyn Gallagher Illinois State University Adam Gentry Loyola University Chicago Dominique Gertie Illinois State University Jeff Glatz Harper College

Kevin Godsey Olivet Nazarene University Sophia Gonzales University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Elena Goolsby Art Institute of Chicago Jake Gorey College of Lake County Roberto Guagnelli University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Brett Hensley University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Jacobo Hernandez Jr. Judson Universty

Randi Hirschel University of Illinois Springfield Juliana Hood Illinois State University Isaiah Humphreys College of Lake County Jake Hurley Harper College Libby Ihm Bradley University Konstantinos Iliopoulos College of Lake County Erin Jiang University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Anna Johnson University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Kristie Kaminski Northern Illinois University Chris Keramidas DePaul University Ryan Kim Northwestern University Lara Kolb Illinois State University Maryjane Koza Augustana College

Seniors•june 2017 23

Alex Kozlowski University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alexander Krasowski Northwestern University Luke Kuhn University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Jayson LaManna Harper College Jacob Langman University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Michael Leo College of Lake County Joe Lesus DePaul University Ashley Levitan Harper College Alex Li Northwestern University Daniella Lobanova DePaul University Oswald Loda Northern Illinois University Tim Ludwigsen Eastern Illinois University Ryan Lujano College of Lake County Bryce Maddox College of DuPage Alexia Maldonado College of Lake County Emily Martsvalova Loyola University Chicago Mikayla McCreary Illinois State University

Maureen McCullough University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Ryan McGeever University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Tyler Merchant College of Lake County Katelyn Menas Illinois State University Wyatt Michel Harper College Jennifer Miller Tricoci Universirty Sophia Minneci DePaul University Alyssa Morello University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Adam Muncer Harper College Alexander Nelson Illinois State University Jaleigh Nelson Kendall College Vincent Nguyen University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Loreta Nigro Heartland Community College Kayla Nuccio North Central College Kyle Obsuszt College of Dupage Jennifer Olen University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Elizabeth Ossmann Lake Forest College

24 Seniors•june 2017

Natalia Panico Loyola University Chicago Catherine Paolella Loyola University Chicago Maya Perez Loyola University Chicago Kearra Perry College of Lake County Dylan Petrou Bradley University Julia Pianko Illinois State University Jayme Polites Wheaton College Wayne Ravindran Loyola University Chicago Carlos Riano College of Lake County Kyra Ripoli North Central College Sophia Rodriguez Elmhurst College Isabella Rosanova University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Brianne Saab Loyola University Chicago Nikola Saric Harper College Mike Schmitz Harper College Samantha Schumacher Illinois State University Angela Seok University of Illinois Chicago Michael Setlock Augustana College

Shivani Shah University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Sarah Shapero College of Lake County Quinn Sharo University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Albert Shau University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Lexie Shuman College of Lake County Carina Sokol DePaul University Camerin Stanley College of Lake County Noah Sung University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Matt Szczesny North Central College Shreya Talukder Loyola University Chicago Samhita Tammana University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Amanda Tarlos Illinois State University Amy Tignino Harper College Ally Tucker Wheaton College Courtney Veitch Augustana College John Venetos University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Maxx Wayne University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Melissa Weiner Harper College Jack Witwicki Harper College Brandon Wohler Illinois State University

Mark Wu Loyola University Chicago Joshua Zimmerman Harper College Ramsey Zoibi University of Illinois Chicago Noah Zoibi University of Illinois Chicago Jesse Zumstein College of Lake County

Indiana

Jordyn Becich Purdue University Derek Beck Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Ryan Brandt Indiana University Zachary Callero Purdue University Regan Carter Ball State University Gianna Cosmo Indiana University Kendall Cox Indiana University Kyle FitzGerald Indiana University Sarah Gaughan Indiana University Tyler Gillen Indiana University Brian Gorke Ball State University Brian Griffith University of Notre Dame Kyle Griffith Purdue University Amanda Guercio Indiana State University Lauryn Johnson Indiana University Courtney Krennrich Purdue University Amy Kudron Purdue University

Kevin Lin Indiana University Ben Marzec Indiana University Colleen Miller Indiana University Megan Montoya Ball State University Steven Mueller Purdue University Samantha Mumbower Ball State University Abigail Nagel Butler University Sara Panczyk University of Indianapolis Alvin Pham Indiana University Matt Scheiwiller Ball State University Kyle Schroeder Indiana Wesleyan University Kelly Schwantes Butler University Harrison Smith Purdue University Nick Swanson Purdue University Emilia Talar Ball State University

Iowa

C.J. Byrd Iowa State University Ty Carey University of Iowa Chloe Darsow University of Iowa Alyssa Davis University of Iowa Brad Forbes University of Iowa Mikayla Forster University of Iowa Ryan Fuell University of Iowa Collin Furlong University of Iowa Ryan Kipperman University of Iowa

Rylie Quast University of Iowa Isabel Ramos University of Iowa Matt Szarkowicz University of Iowa Danna Tabachnik Drake University Vince Tursi Iowa State University Kaitlin Vages Iowa State University Allie Wendell University of Iowa

Kansas Ryan Beaupre University of Kansas Angela Gaggiano Kansas State University Emily Hunt University of Kansas Brandon Klett University of Kansas Joe Lavin University of Kansas Marinne Lilly University of Kansas Ryan Lilly University of Kansas Kelsey Keenan University of Kansas Andrew Kelly University of Kansas Allie Mitchell Kansas State University Skyla Schipani University of Kansas Jake Stevens University of Kansas Kyle Stodden University of Kansas Mackenzie Weider University of Kansas John Wynne University of Kansas

Kentucky Juan Ahumada University of Kentucky John Burke University of Kentucky

Kelly Kornfeind University of Kentucky Rebecca Kubin Murray State University Bridget Tuckey University of Kentucky Nick Weber University of Kentucky

Louisiana

Daniel Kraversky Tulane University

Massachusetts

Francesca Castro Berklee College of Music Jack Gelinas Northeastern University Lauren Green Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science Matthew Pereira Harvard College

Michigan

Miriam Chung University of Michigan Kyle Cramer Michigan Technological University Jacob Goldstein Western Michigan University Kaelie Johnson University of Michigan Aidra Kosiorek Michigan State University Tyler Krasavage Western Michigan University Jonathan Leitl Michigan State University Lukas LePage Central Michigan University Cameron Lopez Northern Michigan University Terran Loughman Western Michigan University

Brian McNair University of Michigan Vada Murray Michigan State University Ciera Nolan Western Michigan University Krista Peterson Grand Valley State University Justin Turek Michigan Technological University Stefano Ukleba Central Michigan University Natalie Ullman Grand Valley State University Michael Walker Michigan Technological University Jason Washburn Western Michigan University Natasha Zuk Western Michigan University

Minnesota

Ugnius Kiskis University of Minnesota Twin Cities Philip Neff University of Minnesota Twin Cities Alex Pighini University of Minnesota Duluth Carmen Ramirez University of Minnesota Twin Cities Katie Szarkowicz University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Mississippi

Ryan Nix University of Mississippi

Missouri

Caitlyn Bertrand University of Missouri Sally Chen Saint Louis University Tara Frank Saint Louis University Alex Gulledge Missouri University of Science and Technology Morgan Kaplan Southeast Missouri State University Jemma Kim Saint Louis University Daniel Kvist University of Missouri Margaret Madison Saint Louis University Sarah Maksud University of Missouri Megan Murphy Saint Louis University Sarah Schnecker Saint Louis University Courtney Staniak Saint Louis University Hannah Sweetwood University of Missouri Tara Wilkes Saint Louis University

Montana

Reed Coughenour Montana State University Sarah Neenan University of Montana

Seniors•june 2017 25

Kelly Thome The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Jane Giese Carthage College Madison Bridges Megan Groeller Creighton University University of Wisconsin Makenzie Bridges Madison Jack Derleth Creighton University University of North Texas Morgan Horan Taylor Denman University of Wisconsin Jacob Howard University of Nebraska Milwaukee Texas A&M Lincoln Nate Hughes Charlie Giles Marquette University University of Nebraska Nicole Jermak Martin Janiszewski Lincoln University of Utah University of Wisconsin Max Metzger Madison University of Utah Alex Miller Mike Joynt University of Rochester Viterbo University Troy Mundschenk Jack Karris Madyson Alber Rensselaer Polytechnic Marquette University Carroll University Institute Olivia LaBarbera Ryan Andrasco Lindsey DeLuga Svetlin Sabev University of Oklahoma University of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin Colgate University Milwaukee Madison Tyler Pardun Ariana Marciniak University of Oklahoma Dan Angelina Marquette University Marquette University Kyle McCurley Kiersten McDevitt Nathan Bass Wake Forest University Mia Keeler University of Wisconsin Carthage College Brianna Reitsch Portland State University Madison Michael Bertoia University of North James Vesto Wesley McWhorter University of Wisconsin Carolina Wilmington Reed College University of Wisconsin Platteville Sydney Shadrick Whitewater Joey Black Appalachian State Chase McKellar Ryan Mittlestadt University of Wisconsin University University of Pittsburgh Platteville University of Wisconsin Lauren Tassi Matt Svanson Whitewater Nick Bloch Appalachian State Lehigh University Alena Naqvi University of Wisconsin University Concordia University Platteville Dana Nelson Sarah Blase Mathew Burkley Andrew Schelonka Clemson University University of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin University of North Parkside Danielle Fewkes Steven’s Point Dakota Trevor Niedzwiecki University of South Billy Busse Carolina University of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Sammie Fye Katie Didier Platteville Shane Nolan Clemson University University of Dayton Danielle Callero Kalynn Rhew Jillian Gallagher University of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin Platteville Clemson University Kent State University Milwaukee Andrew Rifkin Ronnie Guidice Angela Chairez Clemson University Miami University Milwaukee University Megan Thackray Madison Hart Brian Croke The Ohio State University University of South Carthage College Carolina Pravi Kesarla Mark Dolatowski Case Western Reserve Milwaukee School of University Engineering Melissa Mueller Drew Kosir University of the South Sophie Estes The Ohio State University Sewanee Marquette University

Nebraska

New York

Kate Light The Ohio State University Bernard Melus The Ohio State University Kayla Pietro Kent State University Siena Robertson The Ohio State University Terry Ulm Miami University Emma Wenckowski The Ohio State University

Oklahoma

North Carolina

Oregon

Pennsylvania

North Dakota

South Carolina

Ohio

Tennessee

26 Seniors•june 2017

Texas

Utah

Wisconsin

Allison Pahios University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Tyler Paul Marquette University Nathan Perger University of Wisconsin Platteville Jack Pogalz University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Anthony Powles University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Kailee Remez Carroll University Morgan Rossi University of Wisconsin Parkside Ellie Stark Univeristy of Wisconsin Madison Kevin Steibel University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Jarred Winandy University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Max Zbierowski Marquette University Hannah Zurcher Marquette University

Wyoming

Hannah Wach University of Wyoming

International

Christian Schumacher Richmond The American International University of London

Goodbye from LZHS Teachers and Faculty say farewell to seniors who stood out

To my AP Physics C Electricity and magnetism students: Thank you for the invitation, however I respectfully decline.

To my AP Physics C Mechanics students…

Looks pretty cold outside…

– Mr. Kettinger To Sarah Blase, Madison Hart, and Lauryn Johnson: Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our varsity basketball team and our basketball program this year and for the past four years. You have left a great example for those in the future to follow, and your impact will be felt for years to come. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors and don’t forget you’ll always be part of our basketball family! R.I.S.E. – Coach Bennett To the Senior Class of 2017 Student Council Members, including our officers Emma Wenckowski, Jemma Kim, Natalie Ullman, and Bridget Tuckey: Congratulations on a great year! We hope you have had a great experience during your years on StudCo and maybe learned a few lessons along the way. Your impact on our school was immeasurable. You will be missed greatly! Best of luck in everything you do!

– Mr. Bennett and Ms. McBride To my amazing 5th period BC Calculus

class: Although it may have taken a little while to get our ground rules established, most of you did a great job following them! I can honestly say this is one of the most memorable classes I’ve ever had. How often does an AP teacher get to grade math done in crayon? Thanks for your hard work, dedication, and tolerance of my terrible jokes and puns. My sincere apologies for the field trip, I know we will never hear “Poker Face” the same way again. Best of luck in all you do once you leave Deez halls. And don’t forget, 0% financing from now til June.

– Ms. H To my stellar 7th period BC Calculus class: I don’t know where to begin. There’s something to be said for a calculus class that includes nobody having bare feet in our list of criteria for success. You may have failed miserably on your Mathematician projects, but what you lacked in facts and important contributions, you made up for in style.

Thank you for tolerating my terrible jokes, and for even laughing at them sometimes. I hope Eu- learned a lot this year, and I definitely learned a lot from you, even if you were “just texting.”

– Helkowski

To my fabulous seniors in 4th period precalculus: Where do I begin? I love you guys!!!

We’ve been through a lot this year. Spilled coffee, accidents in the parking lot, broken lawn mowers, taking “personal days,” having to use green river as napkins, Snickerdoodles, calling Mrs. Johnson, ipad games, tiny Mathletes of the month, and so much more.

You were awesome & you definitely put a smile on my face every day. Although you may never be asked how to find the tangent of 210 degrees, I hope you at least remember this class. I know I will!

– Ms. Helkowski To my fantastic seniors in 3rd period precalculus: I hope you enjoyed our class as much as I did. You were real problem solvers.

Seniors•june 2017 27

To all of my Senior Child Development Students, I have only one thought to send you off with: “Don’t be a Dum, Dum, always be a Smartie!” Best wishes!

– “Caps”

Water cups got filled, projector screens got fixed, and you were always there for me if I needed a nail file or a hair tie. You helped me become a more skillful teacher (Go Falcons!) with your incredible unpacking of the mastery objectives. I wish you all the best next year as you pursue your dreams. You are rock stars!

– Ms. Helkowski Michelle Ramirez: We hate to see you go, but are so excited for you and your next adventure! We’ll miss, the candy, and all the fun stories.

– Ms. Warnimont and Mrs. Shaffer I would like to give a “shout out” to Bledian Ajroja for his outstanding character, work ethic, and commitment to succeed in everything he does. Bledian exemplifies what every teacher desires in a student: the passion to learn, the perseverance to push himself, even when things become difficult, and the display of kindness and respect toward others, both teachers and peers alike.

Bledian will be very successful at whatever he does, wherever he goes!!

Thank you, Bledian, for being such a delight in my classes this year! Best Wishes!

– Ms. Risop Good luck to all in your future schooling & careers!

– Mr. Lehigh

Thanks and a very heartfelt goodbye to the class of 2017-my last official graduating class. Have a safe and exciting future and come back and visit LZHS-these really were the “best years of your lives.”

– Mr. K I’d like to say thank you to the senior softball girls. You have dedicated so much of your time to make yourselves, your teammates, and me better. You will truly be missed.

– A-Rod To all the students in Ms. Harvey’s 8th period class: You’ve made it a fun year and I have enjoyed spending eighth hour with you every day. I am proud of you all and all you’ve accomplished. Good luck in your future endeavors and make sure to keep in touch. I’d love to hear how you are doing.

Congratulations!

To all the students in Ms. Harvey’s 1st period class: I have enjoyed starting my day with your smiling faces. Don’t forget all you’ve learned and keep up your hard work.

Best of luck in the future and make sure you keep in touch. Congratulations!

– Ms. Harvey To the graduating members of LZXC: What a year! You are an AMAZING group of young men. Though we’ll miss you, it’s time for you to take your talents elsewhere. We know that you’ll do for the world what you’ve done for our program.

We are forever grateful.

– Coach May and Coach Hanson I would like to recognize Lukas LePage for his open and friendly demeanor and for his never being too busy to stop by and say, “hi” to me throughout the years. I know you will do great things after you leave the doors of Lake Zurich High School. Best of luck to you!

– Mrs. Piggott

28 Seniors•june 2017

A HUGE shout out to Miriam Chung, Christy Keller, and Kalynn Rhew for being the Daily Announcement Readers this year.

Thank you for your commitment to reading the announcements. You have all done an excellent job and I truly appreciated getting to know you this past year. I see that you are all highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic students and know that you will all succeed with your future endeavors because of these characteristics. Congratulations and Best Wishes Seniors! Job Well Done!

– Mrs. Rzasa, Main Office Kelsey Bobrowski has been the solid core of the LZHS band flute section for 4 years, who we could depend on for organizing, being prepared for class, and lending her artistic skills when we needed posters or tee shirts…Thank you, Kelsey, for all of your hard work and investment in our band J.” – Mrs. Conover I would like to recognize Jeffrey Murphy on all his hard work at LZHS. Congratulations!! I’ve truly enjoyed working with you the past 3 years.

– Ms. K

Congratulations to Sydney Shadrick on her wonderful accomplishments at LZHS. Thank you for all your help in our classroom this year. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

– Ms. K

À mes chers élèves de français de la classe de 2017, Vous tous aurez une place spéciale dans mon cœur! Vous êtes intelligents, sympa, et, bien sûr, mignons! Bon courage avec tout :) – Madame Norberg I want to say thank you to Matt Pereira.

Over the last three years, you have helped me rekindle my passion for mathematics. The curiosity and wonder that you exhibit every single day is truly awe inspiring. You have helped me become a better teacher, a better learner, and above all else, a better thinker. I am forever indebted.

Greatness awaits. Make LZ proud like I know you will!

– Mr. Ellis I would like to recognize Nelly Fonerav for always doing her best and for her friendliness. I will miss our little visits. Good luck next year!

– Mrs. Miller

To Greg Knapp: High school has not been the easiest years of your life. You went from a rough start in your first two years and worked hard to turn things around in your Junior year. You continued with Senior year and have excelled in many areas. The Marines will be a wonderful experience for you!

All the best to you, Greg, and Semper Fi! – Rose Weismann To the students from the 2013-14 World Cultures class: Thank you for embracing the idea of a co-taught class and allowing us to work together with you as we piloted this new teaching concept. You were all a pleasure to teach, and we wish you all the best as you pursue your goals!

– Mrs. Reynolds & Mr. Kaufman

Congratulations Class of 2017! Follow your dreams with integrity, commitment, and perseverance and you can accomplish anything! Best of luck to you all.

– Ms. Faith To my 1st period Honors Artists: Kelsey, Jake, Brian, Jenny, Melissa, Lauren, Ryan, Jessi & Conner~ It has been a pleasure having you as my breakfast club this year. Your effort and creativity have been contagious and I am so eager to see what your bright future holds. Please, please keep creating and making the world a more beautiful place-even if pancake batter is your medium. All the best, – LaJ

you are. I know I will see you on Capitol Hill, in the Theatre and making the world a more beautiful place. Your artwork has been influential and important and it was a pleasure to observe you work. I wish you all the best in your bright future and look forward to witnessing your successes. All the Best – LaJ

To my 3rd period 3-D Studio Artists: Morgan, Danielle, Jillian, Lauren, MJ, Allie, Meggie, Kailee, Michael, Tim and Kathleen~ Many of you I have had over the last four years and wow have you grown as artists, you are all fearless in Ceramics and Sculpture and for that I applaud you.

You have the most creative problem-solving skills and the work ethic to back it up.

Thank you for trying all the new processes and techniques I “threw” at you! You rock, – LaJ

To my 7th period lunch and LaJ ladies: This second semester has brought so much laughter and more snorting to C106.

Memes, cookies, the rainbow sponge lady “Oh My Gosh-Wiggles” , dance parties, fungus, Levi videos, punk rock hygiene cases, Florence and Fiestas…the list goes on and on. Lunch will never be the same.

Just remember; I will ALWAYS be your art teacher! I’ve got a huge place in my heart for you all.

– LaJ

AP Artists: Lexi, Colleen, Wyatt, Tasha and Kailee- It was truly always sunny in C106 this year. You are my first AP class and will go down in my art education history: I have loved and learned SO much from each and every one of you. I am so grateful for your hard work, creativity and laughs along the way. You are an extremely unique and creative bunch and it has been an absolute pleasure working with you.

Thank you for giving it your all, you should be very proud of your accomplishments. I look forward to hearing and seeing all of your work in school.

Stay sunny, – LaJ

Ethan Lane: Keep doing you-you seriously rock. Bring it all to Berkeley. Best, – LaJ To Brianna and Jayme: Thanks for all the effort you made to improve Wind Ensemble and Pit Orchestra. Your professionalism was so appreciated. Brianna: thanks for taking on the Drum set and filling a void more than capably. To CJ: thanks for your average of 3 questions per day for me. Thanks to the rest of the percussionists that made the drumline better. To Allie and Libby: thanks

To my 6th period Honors Studio Artists: Nicole, Corel, Megan, Erin & Mikayla~ What an unforgettable year it has been, such an exceptional group of artists and women

Seniors•june 2017 29

for your continued excellence in silence…

Aaron Glave: thanks for your corniness and joy for life – and your tuba playing. Anna: I hope you find new pants and a new horn and keep playing– you filled a huge hole for 2 years! Jacob: you’re yet another example of why I never give up on someone-so much musical growth! Steven: for combo, your improv and your lead trumpet playing – thanks! To Zane and Francesca: it’s been great having jazz singers in Jazz band. Francesca: wow! Can’t wait to hear what you become – you’ve showed us how it’s done!

Thanks to my giggly clarinet players, and to all the seniors in both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble that have added to the joy of being a band director. Thanks for all you’ve given over the past 4 years.

– Mr. Thompson To the LZHS Boys Lacrosse team seniors: Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication you have given to the program.

Thank you for being great role models to the younger players and showing them what it means to be a Bear lacrosse player. It has been an honor to be able to coach all of you.

– Coach Vozas To the LZHS Girls Lacrosse team seniors: You girls are amazing. You have proven over and over that teamwork makes the dream work. I have never been a part of a team that includes every player treating one another like family which you guys do every day. You are truly an inspiration, and have changed my life forever. Life only gets better, and I can not wait to hear what it brings to you.

– Coach Vozas

30 Seniors• june 2017

Cheers to the Inaugural AP Computer Science Class of 2017. May the Coding Force Be With You! – Mrs. Heltzel To Jeffrey: It has been an incredible journey and I am so proud of you. We have shared many memories together and have also had fun learning. Best of Luck!

– Ms. Yates Thank you to all of the seniors who have shared class time with me. Thanks to all who have said hello in the halls and those who have smiled when we crossed paths. Thank you, in advance, for saying hello to me when we re-cross paths year(s) after graduation. It is heartening to know that we have learned from each other. R><Moore To Wagner’s second semester World Lit classes: Remember that stories have so much to teach you. Keep reading and keep questioning the world around you. 2nd period: I hope you get to work on time more often than you got to class. Remember that if you buy life insurance from Vadim, be sure to look both ways when crossing the street. 7th period: Jacob, your endless optimism is inspiring. Derrick, please remember to use your deoderant before class begins. Hi, Gisell!

To Wagner’s Honors IV classes: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I’m the hardest grader in the world. But I hope you learned how to rise above, how to question consistently, and how to think critically. Just remember, college should be easy after this class! :) 4th period: Thank you for the spirited conversations and tremendous insights. Be careful of desks so you don’t faceplant (CJ) and appreciate the beat of life’s lyrics and rhymes (you artists amaze me). #9th period: I wish I had hashtagged you more. Every day was an adventure in chaos. Ciera, you own pants?

Kelsey & Ronnie, I loved when you finally spoke in class! Alvin, Svetlin, AJ, I appreciate your afterclass conversations. Max & Adam, I’ll miss your pseudo-creepy asides.

Hannah, go forth and save the animals! Katie & Sedona, OMG. Get to class.

To the Bear Facts seniors: This year quite literally could not have happened without you. Thank you for leading the program when I was gone. You did a phenomenal job and I am so grateful I could count on you for so much. Ian: you haven’t been here long, but I’m so happy you took a chance on us. Julia: I missed you after you left. Even though you were quiet, I could always count on you for ‘that look’ that always made me giggle. Jiiiiim: I’ve missed you. I’m glad you’re back, and sorry you’re leaving.

Keep doing you. You’ve got this. Jemma: You impress me on every level. I am so proud that the lessons you’ve taken most to heart are those that have nothing to do with journalism. Dom: You are a goofy troublemaker, yet you have shown such maturity and leadership that I continually regret the fact you took so long to join staff. Brianne: If I ever have leisure time again, I want us to be in a book club. You challenge me as a person and as a teacher, and I love you for it.

Danna: You are me and I am you, and I am going to miss you so much. Thank you for listening to my lectures and for growing so much over four years. Madison: You ARE the heart of this Madizine. Truly, this school owes you a debt of gratitude for pushing BF and guiding us to deliver the best product possible every mag – while mostly maintaining your sanity.

– Wagner

Right on target Student earns pistol shooting scholarship Madison Hart print editor-in-chief

photo used with permission of Bernie Melus

As seniors head to college this fall, many have their eyes set on career goals, but for one senior, he has a different target: a pea-sized mark to shoot from Bernie Melus, senior a distance that’s almost the length of a school bus. Bernie Melus, senior, earned a Division I athletic scholarship for his skills in riflery and air pistol, and will be competing for the Ohio State Riflery Team in the air pistol competition over the next four years.

“The consistency that you need [for pistol] is the hardest part because it is a sixty shot match and if you mess up one shot, you basically are done,” Melus said.

“The consistency and focus to finish the match strong is definitely difficult.”

Melus’ focus and concentration has developed over his six years of shooting experience. Since he began at the age of twelve, Melus has traveled around the country and trained along side some of the best shooters in the world.

“I would say the best part is definitely meeting the people. When I go and shoot, a lot of times I’m shooting next to the Olympic athletes that just came back from Rio,” Melus said. “I’ve

got my junior Olympics coming up this April in Colorado Springs, and I have been to Georgia and Ohio as well for competitions.”

According to Melus, though the sport is not what most people imagine to be a collegiate competition, he has found the people who have been supportive of him while pursuing his shooting talent.

“Usually people don’t know what to say, and the reaction is normally ‘This is a thing? I’ve never heard about this!’”

Melus said. “But most people think it’s pretty cool.”

Melus has continued pursuing and improving his craft over the years, and eventually reached out to college coaches. “[The recruitment process] is like any other sport. I talked to the coach at first, and she knew I was really interested in this program and she had seen me compete before, so she sent me an offer. I know Texas A&M also had a program for this, but I wasn’t too interested in the school, and I really liked the Ohio State campus,” Melus said.

While Melus will technically be signed to a waiver for rifelry, he specializes in a few specific shooting events.

“In pistol you have all these different types of competitions, and just like track where you have all these differ-

ent running events, in pistol you have your different pistol events,” Melus said.

“The first event is ten meter air where you have an hour and fifteen minutes to make sixty shots from ten meters away, and the ring is just above the size of the pellet, which is 4.5 millimeters.”

Though the idea of being able to spot and fire at a miniscule target may seem difficult, Melus says his form training has given him an improved sense of shot direction on the range.

“I train at home by dry firing, which is where I set up, calm myself, and there’s a dry fire mode on the pistol itself that doesn’t expel any air or anything, and you can just pull the trigger.” Melus said.

“You visualize where the shot would go.

The better you get, [the better] you can predict where your shot is going to go.

I find that [the way to get better] is to train.”

During his high school career, Melus has trained at the Olympic Training Facility alongside elite sportsmen. “[The Olympics] is always a possibility. I guess I’ll just have to see how much I want to dedicate [myself ] to this sport in the future,” Melus said. “I think air pistol is going to be something I carry through college, and even after college, that will always be a part of me.”

Sports•june 2017 31

S P O R T S

Clearing New Heights Jemma Kim sports editor

Soaring 11 or 12 feet above the ground is a familiar atmosphere for Alyssa Morello, senior pole vaulter.

Morello, an Illinois High School Association State recognized track and field athlete is coached by Jeff Morello, otherwise known as her dad.

How has your dad and your family affected your pole vaulting career?

Practice never ends, but that can be a good thing. I’ll have practice, then I’ll go home and have practice. It’s fun though.

It’s not a hard workout. I decided to start vaulting because my dad got me into it. He was a Division 1 collegiate athlete and [now] I want to follow in his footsteps. He did sprints, relays, and pole vault at Eastern Illinois University [and] has helped my athletic and academic career grow. [My family’s] support helps my athletic career grow.

When did you start pole vaulting?

[In] 7th grade I started doing pole runs

Photo by Madison Hart

out on the street. Fun fact, I still do that: I just run with a stick. [My neighbors] don’t come with lawn chairs or anything.

What do you most like about it?

[Pole vaulting] is fun and rewarding. It’s [also] challenging. It has helped me shape the person I am [today]. When I fall, I’m able to get back up. I also love this sport because of the bonds you grow with other girls from different schools. Everyone has such great sportsmanship. It’s amazing to be part of all the vaulters who help and always cheer each other on.

What is your pole vault routine like?

When I first started on a pit it was a progression of slowly making higher bars.

Falling after letting go of the pole is one of the best parts of vaulting and being that high in the air is indescribable.

What are your goals for this year?

I placed 11th at State last year and I want to place in the top 3 places [at State] this year. My goal is to clear 13 feet by the end of this school year.

Alyssa Morello, senior pole vaulter, prepares to clear her height at a girls track and field meet. Morello is coached by her dad, Jeff Morello, a former pole vaulter.

Teammates tackle college From the freshmen pit, to the varsity lights, three teammates battled through four seasons of football and will continue to do so on the fields at Robert Morris University next fall.

“I chose Robert Morris [to] stay with my closest friends, Matt Lawson, senior, said. “We’ve helped each other a lot throughout our years at LZ and I want to continue that experience.”

All the boys agreed that Robert Morris would accommodate them financially and further their friendships within the football program.

“I had a good junior year during varsity, but I blew out my knee during senior year.

All the big schools that I

32 Sports• june 2017

attracted eventually forgot about me, but Robert Morris reached out and gave me a chance I had to take,” Kyle Roth, senior, said.

According to Roth, the Robert Morris football program is very involved and will better suit his capabilities. He has no intentions of playing professional football and said his friends attending with him felt the same way.

Throughout football season, the team focused more on team building and building personal skills in order to bond with one another.

“All the years being together and playing together are what made us close friends. The hard parts are what brought us together.

When we lost games, or

when we weren’t looking good in practice, we pushed each other [to work] harder,” Derrick Juarez, senior, said.

Roth has known Juarez since sixth grade. They both met Lawson during freshmen year while on the freshmen team.

Each of the players agreed that a successful high school experience strengthened them as friends and have in a way better prepared them for the new experiences that await in college.

“You meet your lifelong friends in college,” Roth said. “I’m excited but I couldn’t be happier con- Kyle Roth and Derrick Juarez, seniors, will tinuing football with Matt continue their football careers, along with and Derrick.”

Matt Lawson, (not pictured) at Robert Morris. photo used with permission of Kyle Roth

Ian Iacullo staff writer

1.

Photo by Madi Klein

SPRING SPORTS COVERAGE 2.

This issue, we celebrate spring sports and seniors continuing their athletic careers. Records were current as of our publication date, May 24, 2017.

Photo by Chloe Faris

1. BASEBALL The varsity team’s season record was 16-18 and finished 7-14 in conference. Seniors continuing their baseball careers are Brian Croke, Joey Hagee, Shane Nolan, Dylan Niedzwiecki, Trevor Niedzwiecki, and Matt Svanson.

2. GIRLS LACROSSE The team finished their season with a 7-10 record.

Seniors continuing their lacrosse career are Abigail Coolidge, Grace Meagher, and Courtney Veitch.

3.

Photo by Jim Weimer

3. TENNIS The team’s overall record was 6-7 and sectional players for singles were Roberto Guagnelli and Alvin Pham, and doubles players were Matt Edkins, Adrian Ganoza, Ryan Kim, and Noah Sung.

Sports•june 2017 33

4. SOCCER The team was 5-2 in conference. The team was Regional Champions and qualified to IHSA Sectionals . Becca Kubin, and Kyra Ripoli will be continuing their careers in college.

5. BOYS LACROSSE The varsity team finished 6-10 in conference. Senior captains graduating this year are Kole Keller and Jay Malewicki.

6. GIRLS TRACK The varsity team finished third out of 14 teams with 49 points in the IHSA Sectional behind Barrington and Palatine. Alyssa Morello, senior, qualified to IHSA State Finals in 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, and pole vault. Morello and Kailee Remez will be continuing their running careers in college next year.

7. BOYS TRACK The varsity team finished third out of 15 teams with 64.5 points in the IHSA Sectional. Shawn Bandel, Kyle Fitzgerald, Brian Griffith, Kyle Griffith, Tommy Messina, Alex Nelson, and Matthew Pereira, seniors, qualified to IHSA State Finals in 4x200m, 4x800m, 1600m, and pole vault. Matt Szczesny, Jeff Glatz, Brian and Kyle Griffith, Pereira, and Bandel will continue their careers in college.

4.

5.

34 Sportsâ&#x20AC;˘ june 2017

Photo by Ian Iacullo Photo by Valerie Multra

8. VOLLEYBALL The volleyball team finished second in conference with a record of 6-1.

The team finished their season in the Regional Semifinal. Jeff Carmody is continuing his athletic career in college.

9. SOFTBALL The team record as of publication this spring is 15-14. Amanda Guercio and Jessica Puccinelli will be continuing their softball careers next spring.

Photo by Emma Brumage Kilcourse

6.

7.

8.

Photo by Ria Talukder

Photo by Madison Hart

9.

Photo by Dominique Gertie

Sportsâ&#x20AC;˘june 2017 35

Photo used with permission of Maddie Schultze, Luke Moore, Kiersten McDevitt, Randal Dunbar, Kayli Antonoff, Alexis Charnogorsky