In memoriam: Jack Kunkle, 1996-2014 by Gillian Dunlop @gilliandunlop15
Jack Kunkle ‘14 lost his second battle with brain cancer on Sept. 18, having first been diagnosed with the disease as a sixth grader in 2008. As a student, Jack was known for his humor, kindness and above all else, being crowned as the first ever Mr. LT. “To me Jack wasn’t someone many people knew, but the fact that not someone as well known won [Mr. LT] speaks to how great a community LT is,” sister Leigh Kunkle ‘10 said. Last February, Jack competed alongside fellow students in a series of challenges in which boys showed off their strength and agility. Jack, a relatively small, skinny kid, stood up onstage with nothing in his hand except a blue Cubs hat and a microphone. “[Jack taught us] that anyone can be funny, and that underdog stories are true,” Joe Dillon ‘15, founder of Mr. LT, said Although the Mr. LT pageant marked the first time Jack gained school-wide recognition for his talents, it was hardly his only impact on the student body. Jack had been humoring people on and offstage since his freshman year, influencing the school as a whole, particularly in the theatre department. “He was a perfect example of a small person being big,” Theatre Board advisor Mike Kuehl said. “He had complete control of the stage when he wanted it, but he didn’t always take it. Jack had as big of an impact as one person can have on an entity like Theatre Board; anything that he was a part of never had a down day.” This positivity and optimistic attitude is what carried Jack through his life, and what will carry his family through their lives without him.
Jack Kunkle ‘14 holds Scoopie plush toy, bought with Scoopie tokens he saved. (Ellen Kunkle) “Humor of everything is what made our journey with him possible and what will make our journey without him possible. I feel his presence with every joke,” sister Emily Kunkle ‘13 said. Jack made light of situations no matter how difficult or easy they were, Leigh said. Jack’s passing had a tumultuous effect on many, and the support and outreach of the community proves how impactful his short life was. So many positives came from Jack being sick, and if he was not who he was, then those would not have happened, Leigh said. “Jack not only meant a lot to us, but to the larger
community as well,” father John Kunkle said. “Back in 2008, the community just rallied around us and around him, and I just got the sense that the community is as close as it was [then] and has not lost that bond around him. He had a way of touching people very deeply.” Members of Grace Lutheran Church, neighbors and classmates made dinners and blankets for Jack, sending messages of encouragement to keep the family’s spirits up. “We are lucky to live in a place where people jump to action, and used whatever they had to help us,” mother Ellen Kunkle, a 1978 graduate of LT, said. To some people, Jack was simply another kid in the halls, but to others, he was a Kairos leader, an improv sensation and a friend. “He was the kind of friend that put everyone else first,” Kelly Carney ‘14 said. “Even when he was going through the worst he would always make sure everyone else was happy.” This type of comment is not atypical coming from people who knew Jack very well or merely spoke to him in a passing conversation. An immense outpour of Facebook posts, Tweets and Instagram photos depicts the admiration much of the student body and community had for Jack. “He was a quiet, unassuming guy until he had an audience,” Ellen said. To see Jack’s Mr. LT interview, go to lionnewspaper.com for full video coverage.
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“People tend to dote on all the bad things in life, when we should really be celebrating the positive aspects. Enjoy the things you have because others don’t have those things.” -Jack Kunkle ‘14 Letter to the Editor (See page 7 for full letter).
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Community remembers student’s life, legacy brings students together
Construction progresses
Wilson sentenced
by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema
by Brittany Grosser-Basile @BrittanyGrosser
Despite mishaps, construction predicted to proceed as scheduled LT students and staff were confronted with an unexpected development in the NC courtyard the week of Oct. 1, as the four recently erected wall columns of the cafeteria were partially demolished by construction crews. “As far as we’ve been told, these developments will not delay further construction,” Associate Principal Kevin Brown said. The columns, completed the week of Sept. 22, had to be partially reconstructed after contractors discovered that a mistake had been made in the masonry regarding the position of a light fixture. The general contracting company, Henry Brothers Construction Incorporated, ordered the repairs to the columns, and as such, no additional cost will be incurred by the school. “From what we’re being told, someone simply made a mistake,” Brown said. “Obviously, that mistake has been quickly corrected.” As masons repaired the columns, construction underneath the south wing of the building continued unhindered, with steel being brought in to begin the construction of the frame of the cafeteria, Brown said. Similar unforeseen incidents regarding construction have had to be resolved throughout the past few weeks.
Construction fumes
Two NC second floor science classrooms were unavailable for use after it was discovered that fumes from construction equipment were leak-
Man guilty of murder of Kelli O’Laughlin given 160-year maximum sentence
ing into the rooms through the ventilation system. The fumes entered the classrooms through several air ducts in the basement that were exposed when the old cafeteria was removed. The classes that used these rooms were temporarily relocated, and the ducts were promptly sealed with concrete, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea said. After testing was done to ensure that no fumes remained, the classrooms were reopened and are currently in use. “From the beginning of the project, we have expected some minor problems, but we’ve sought to minimize these as best as possible,” Kilrea said. The administration has also enountered other difficulties regarding the location of several counseling offices. The offices, located in the south wing of the building, were moved after it was discovered that excavation underneath them had compromised the stability of the floor. “While it is unfortunate, our students and staff have been very understanding,” Kilrea said. “We have been able to relocate instructional spaces and offices and work around disruptions to the best of our abilities.” What has been most impressive throughout the year has been the student body’s ability to adapt to the changes construction has brought about, Brown said. “Obviously the situation is not ideal, but I think that students have made the most out of it and not let it get to them,” Brown said. Cafeteria construction is set to be completed sometime in March. “It’s encouraging to see tangible results of the project every day in the courtyard,” Kilrea said. “The new facilities will be excellent additional resources for our students, staff and communities.”
John Wilson Jr., the man convicted of Kelli O’Laughlin’s murder, armed robbery and home invasion that occurred on Oct. 27, 2011, received a 160year sentence at Bridgeview Courthouse on Oct. 10. “Mr. O’Laughlin and I are so happy that this is over,” mother Brenda O’Laughlin said in an exclusive interview with LION. “We would never want another family to go through what we are going through. Justice will never be served as Kelli will never be coming home, but at least this evil is off the streets and the community is safer.” The trial for Wilson began on Sept. 2 and lasted nine days, with around 50 people testifying for the state. DNA evidence proved that the hat used to break into the house carried Wilson’s DNA. Cell phone records tracking Wilson’s and Kelli’s phones were also used as evidence, in addition to autopsy photos showing Kelli’s eight stab wounds. Wilson was found guilty on Sept. 15, after the jury deliberated for about two hours. At the sentencing, Brenda spoke, and was taunted by Wilson. “We was in a relationship, Bren. What happened? Are you serious?” Wilson said, according to Chicago Tribune. Wilson chose not to make a statement at the sentencing, though he did respond when Judge John Hynes asked him a question. “Sir, I do not know who you are,” Wilson said, according to Chicago Tribune. “I do not know why I am here and the voices told me not to talk to you.” Now that the trial has ended, the O’Laughlins can focus all of their energy on the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation to give opportunities to young adults, Brenda said. “No matter how many years he got, it will never bring Kelli back and that’s the most frustrating part for her friends and family,” Annie LeFevour ‘15 said. “I’m happy, though, that her family can now focus on the foundation and Kelli’s legacy and not the trial.” Run for Kelli, a three-mile run and one-mile walk, will be held on Nov. 16 at SC, benefiting the foundation.
Hinsdale teacher strike
Is Jack Kunkle LT’s best?
Athlete of the Month
A Haunting at... LT?!
Hinsdale teachers and board reach tentative agreement regarding contracts. Turn to page 4 to read more.
Will Most remembers the life of a not only a friend, but a great man, and makes his case for why Jack Kunkle is the greatest man to walk LT’s halls.
Go to page 12 for coverage of boys soccer, and read about Athlete of the Month Harry Hilling ‘15.
Planning on trickor-treating? Look for our staff’s best tips, tricks and Halloween alternatives!
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