Schedule switch-up Board of Education proposes new schedule for 2015-2016 year by Ceili Doyle @ca_doyle18
LT’s Board of Education agreed to accept the idea of a new bell schedule for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year, as of the Oct. 7 meeting. The newly proposed bell schedule would shift the school day around to accommodate the addition of a 25-minute study hall combined with a 25-minute lunch period. With the expected completion of the new NC cafeteria by March of 2015, under the potential new schedule, the amount of lunch periods would drop from five to two. Students would have lunch 4A and a 4B study hall or vice versa, and the process would be the same for 5A and 5B. The proposal would also eliminate split classes with a lunch in-between. The initial push to allocate student study time first came up around five years ago when LT started the process of enacting Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These PLCs are a framework of education reform that focus on ensuring student learning and collaboration between students and staff with an emphasis on attaining results. “When Lyons Township began implementing PLCs a significant piece of the PLC framework was to provide students with time during the day for study, supports and interventions. It was at that time that staff identified this change as an important piece moving forward,” Principal Brian Waterman said. So far, the initial sampling of schedules has class periods shortening up from 51 minutes to a 48 or 49 minute period, according to Associate
Principal Kevin Brown; however, Brown expects teachers to find ways to adjust to their schedules so that does not pile on more work for students. The frontrunner schedule, specifically, has class beginning at 7:40 a.m. next year and dismissal at 3:02 p.m. as opposed to the current 7:45 a.m. start and 2:59 p.m. finish. An additional piece that could come into play next year is the implementation of late start on Wednesdays every week, instead of every other week. The majority of the staff on the bell schedule committee expressed interest in carving out more time for PLCs and believe this could be accomplished through weekly late starts. “There have been a good number of requests from our teacher teams currently working in PLCs for additional time to accomplish the considerable amount of work they’ve been asked to do,” Brown said. “One idea to allow this extra time is to move to a late start every Wednesday which would effectively double the amount of time. The down-side of this approach would be the loss of instructional time.” The board will push to finalize this portion of the bell schedule change alongside the main proposal. The current trajectory for the board to review the final, proposed bell schedule is no later than late January/early February and most likely will be sooner, according to Waterman. Amanda Bolton ‘15, Student Representative for the Board of Education, approves of the implementation of a new bell schedule and does acknowledge the initial difficulty students might face adjusting to the idea.
Continued on page 3
Alumna opens educational center in Ghana Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 follows her passion, starts non-profit organization, adopts child by Brittany Grosser-Basile @BrittanyGrosser
After her post-graduation trip to Ghana in 2011, Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 realized her passion for volunteering, and has since opened the Light for Children Educational Center for the Ghanaian town of Atonsu on Oct. 9 and started a nonprofit organization called The Treasured Ones. “The Center has created a space for children to let their creativity run wild, has allowed the children to develop, opening their eyes to new experiences, new information and new ways of learning and has created security for these children,” Kuntz said. “We work hand in hand with the community to listen to problems, assess strengths and abilities, brainstorm creative solutions and then work towards our dreams together.” The Education Center cost just over $60,000 to build and open. There are five periods per school day and, for each period, there is one class in the computer lab and another in the library. While in the library, students work on reading comprehension, creative writing, storytelling and art. While in the computer lab, they are taught the government issued Information Communication Technology curriculum, Kuntz said. Kuntz headed fundraising for the project. She received money from various outlets, including school and community organizations, such as Rotary Club, International Club and Black Culture Club. Kuntz also proposed her idea to LT’s student council, which decided to take on fundraising for the center as its cause for the year. “Student Council was very impressed by the presentation that Rebecca made,” Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. “It tugged at their heartstrings, but they also felt a connection because Rebecca is an LT alumna. She is making a real, sustainable and deep impact on those communities. She has represented and continues to represent LT well.” LTTV Advisor Bill Allan got to know Kuntz very well throughout her years at LT. During her four years, she was involved in LTTV, directing nearly 200 shoots by the time she graduated. Because of this close connection, Allan helped Kuntz since the day she brought him the idea for an education center. “Through the entire process, I’ve tried to be like a reflecting board,” Allan said. “She has ideas, she bounces them off me, we discuss them to try to figure out what works and what doesn’t work and then she pulls together a strategy to make it work.” Kuntz used what she learned during her time at LT to discover her passion and make her dreams a reality.
LT Archives
NEWS, 5
What kind of exciting history is hiding behind LT’s walls? Find out on page 5.
North Campus
The Light For Children Education Center, located in Atonsu, Kumasi, Ghana, was commisioned and opened on Oct. 9 (Rebecca Kuntz).
“Without a doubt, LT helped create the platform for me to realize and pursue my dreams, and more importantly, through the classes and extracurricular activities, LT developed my leadership skills and my passion for volunteerism that were used in every aspect of the Education Center, from planning to opening day,” Kuntz said. Kuntz plans to continue living full-time in Ghana with her newly adopted 18-month-old daughter who has special needs. For more photos of the Light for Children Educational Center and Kuntz’s daughter, Ellie Grace, visit our website.
Bell Schedule Editoral
OPINIONS, 9
Boys and Girls Basketball
SPORTS, 10
Interested in learning about proposed bell schedule for next school year? Turn to page 9 to read the Staff opinion.
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
Find out about boys basketball’s upcoming game on Dec. 6 at the United Center against Naperville North.
Fashion
PULSE, 18
Want to find out who the fashionistas of LT really are? Check out page 18 to see.
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
NEWS
Smart socialite Hugh Hefner graduated in two and a half years with a double minor from U of I at Urbana-Champaign in 1949.
Southern starts NHI was founded in 1979 in Austin, Texas, by Ernesto Nieto. It is now an international organization with over 85,000 alumni.
Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 2
U of I application deadline changes
The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign eliminates early action by Gillian Dunlop @gilliandunlop15
With an average of around 200 applicants per year from LT, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I) is one of LT’s top choice schools among seniors. Traditionally, it has utilized early action in its admissions process, meaning that as long as a student completed her application by Nov. 1, she would hear back from the school in January, as opposed to February like the regular decision applicants. If a student was not accepted in the early action pool, however, she would be deferred and her application would be reconsidered during regular decision, where she would eventually be rejected, waitlisted or accepted. This system resulted in many students across the nation being deferred from U of I. In LT’s case specifically, nearly half of the applicants were deferred due to many students applying to the most selective colleges within the university (business and engineering) leading U of I to change its
application process, College and Career Center Coordinator Lianne Musser said. Under the new application process, students not seeking scholarships or honors have until Dec. 12 to submit their applications. Additionally, all students who submitted applications do not hear back from the university until Feb. 13, completely eliminating early action. “I think it will be nice for [the university] to streamline everything and not keep kids waiting,” U of I student Mary Cate Most ‘13 said. “[Overall] I think it was a bad move on the part of the university to make that change, because students are more likely to go to a school that they got into earlier.” According to Musser, it is not uncommon for schools to change how they review applications and happens more frequently than students may realize. Nevertheless, many students feel agitated by the change, particularly students who want to know their college admission decision early. “It is frustrating that I will not find out for so long,” U of I applicant Maggie Taylor ‘15 said. “I think a lot of people do not know about [the change] and they are probably going to be really annoyed [when they find out].” Despite students wanting to know their status earlier,
both Musser and Most agreed that getting a deferment can feel like one of the worst things to happen, because it prolongs the agony of the college process. “You just feel defeated,” Most said. “In some regards, letting everyone get in at the same time might increase the positive morale.” In addition to ceasing deferments, U of I is also hoping to use this new admissions process to look at students more holistically and not based solely on GPAs or test scores, a challenging thing to do when U of I recieves over 30,000 applications. “The new process allows the university to select an alternate major within a college or Division of General Studies as an option rather than simply denying the student admission,” Musser said. This extra time might be a stepping stone for students to get into schools, such as engineering, within the university that would not have happened during early action. “I hope this [change] allows [the university] to look at [applicants] more holistically,” Most said. For many students, the college process can be daunting, and, although frustrating, fewer deferments and more waiting might end up being a positive change, Musser said.
“We take Celebración as an opportunity to involve our participants and alumni in the process of carrying out the community social entrepreneurship mission of NHI,” Karla said. “[At Celebración] students are given the chance to put the skills they acquired at their summer programs to work and engage in inner workings of the organization.” Students participated in leadership workshops and training, debates, attended a college fair and met with political and social advocates, NHI’s head sponsor Leilani Lopez said. “My favorite part of the trip was watching and listening to my students present their ideas on how they would create and build a sustainable community service project,” Lopez said. “They spoke before 600 students, parents and alumni. This was a proud moment for Mr. [Leonel] Reyes [NHI sponsor] and I.” LTHS won six individual awards at the conference this year; there was also an LT student on every winning team. Three first place awards were received by Christopher Fonseca ‘15, Xavier Ontiveros ‘15 and Camila Alvarez ‘17 and two third place awards to Nynena Gaye ‘17 and Francisco Arreaga-Rivera ‘16, as well as the “most prominent female” award won by Teresa Alvardo ‘15, according to Lopez.
NHI club members prepare for Dallas. (MelRose Buckler/LION) “[All these awards] are very impressive and just goes to show how NHI at LT is already a very strong program and is continuing to improve all the time,” Oliver said. NHI members hope to take what they learned about leadership from this conference and apply these skills to the community, Lopez said. “The impact that NHI leaves on participants is what makes change in school, communities and people,” NHI head coach Sofia Acevedo ‘15 said. “NHI gives me the drive to create and imagine what I want to see in my community as.”
NHI Celebración
LTHS club attends NHI leadership conference, wins six awards by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608
To celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of individuals throughout the year, 23 LTHS National Hispanic Institute (NHI) club members traveled to Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 13-16 to attend the 12th annual NHI Celebración. “My favorite part of the trip was getting to see all of the people from across the country and from other countries such as Mexico and Puerto Rico,” NHI member Oliver Martinez ‘15 said. “It’s kind of cliché, but going to Cele is like a family reunion.” Six hundred of the top Latino high school students in the country participated in the conference, alongside 200 college students, professional alumni, community members and college representatives. There were also participants from Panama, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Associate Director of the Midwest for the National Hispanic Institute Karla Martinez said.
LION goes to DC Staff members bring home individual awards at NSPA convention by Mike Flaherty @mikeflaherty96
This year’s National Scholastic Press Association Convention in Washington D.C. marked the largest outcome since its conception in the 1920s, having over 6,400 student journalists in attendance including the LION. From Nov. 6-9 LION took 12 seniors who participated in seminars and competitions in hopes to distinguish the newspaper and staff as superior to the rest. These competitions ranged from sports writing to online page layout design, with a chance to win one of three awards: Honorable Mention, Excellent, or Superior. Overall LION placed in eight contests: Grace Gumbiner ‘15 and Mary Hadley ‘15, Honorable Mention in Social Media Reporting; Joe Rossetti ‘15, Honorable Mention in Sports Writing; Anika Ranginani ‘15, Honorable Mention in News Writing/Headline Editing; Will Most ‘15, Honorable Mention in Commentary Writing; Gillian Dunlop ‘15, Excellent in Newswriting; Joe Okkema ‘15, Excellent in Editorial Writing; Lidia Breen ‘15, Excellent in Review Writing and Michael Rasmussen ‘15, Superior in Press Law & Ethics. Despite not winning any awards for the newspaper as a whole, the staff is very pleased with the results individually and in addition won two more awards for individual stories: Okkema, Honorable Mention in the 2014 Editorial Story of the Year Award, and former staff member Steven Campbell ‘14, First Place in the 2014 Sports Story of the Year. “I think we did really well overall,” Editor-in-Chief Dunlop said. “It was disappointing we didn’t place in Best of Show, but we have a talented staff and it was exciting to see so many individuals be honored for their writing. Having nine out of 12 staffers receive awards, as well as Okkema’s honorable mention and Campbell’s award for Best Story of the Year, shows just how incredible the LION staff is.” Much of Campbell’s success was attributed to the subject of the piece, former LT basketball player Jim Cullen ‘14. The award plaque is a testament to the extraordinary ability, heart and toughness of Cullen, Campbell said. “Winning the award was truly humbling, and it reminded me of how fortunate I was to attend LT,” Campbell said.
Want one of your tweets featured in the next issue? Follow us on twitter @LTLionNewspaper. To be eligible to have your tweets in our paper you have to follow us. So if you think you are funny, clever or witty enough to have your tweets in here, follow us and keep the tweets coming! @goobz_galassini: Lookin to pay my future college tuition through Snapcash -Gaby Galassini ‘15 @gailgal96: The fact that Nickelback is in concert again makes me cringe -Abby Jacobs ‘15 @stay_G0LDEN: Um why would you ever let Pitbull host anything -Meghan Golden ‘15 @aidanvannest: I wish Khloe Kardashian was my best friend. ***I wish I was Khloe Kardashian -Aidan Van Nest ‘15 @notmattfisher: *wipes dust off backpack* -Matt Fisher ‘15 @the_mardles: “It’ll be fine I’ll catch up with my schoolwork during the weekend” *doesn’t start homeowrk till 8pm Sunday night* -Mardi Sramek ‘15 @meghan_bulger: god bless America (*becuase my waiter at bakers square is named America*) -Meghan Bulger ‘17 @GodBessTheUSA: the temperature this week is like my motivation in school senior year: rapidly decreasing
@abbycongirl: when you’re actually sue heck
@TheIrishCobra: Finally math I can get behind #kidssaythedarndestthings -Dan Devine ‘15
NEWS
Homecoming history The University of Missouri was the first school to establish homecoming by inviting alumni back for a football game in 1911.
Motorcycle man Governor-elect Bruce Rauner is a member of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle club called the American Flyers.
Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 3
Annual attendance at dances drops by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema
A nearly 300 person drop in attendance at this year’s homecoming dance continues a growing trend in declining attendance at school dances over the past three years, provoking a sense of concern among those who organize these events. Only 2,554 students, including non-LT guests, attended this year’s “America” themed homecoming dance on Sept 27. Compared to the nearly 4,000 students enrolled at LT, this figure alarms student council members and advisors. “I was surprised it was such a lower turnout this year as compared to last year,” student council president Thomas Cushing ‘15 said. “Not a lot changed as far as the organization of the dance.” According to a survey administered to students by student council, attendance has declined the most among upperclassmen, particularly among seniors, of whom less than half attended the dance, Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. “The reasons students have given for not attending are really all over the board,” Geddeis said. While some students have voiced their disdain for the music played at the dance, others say they have grown tired of going to what they feel is the same dance every year. The annual King of Hearts (KOH) dance has seen a similar but steeper decline in attendance, with attendance dropping by more than 900 students in the past three years.
Attendance at the homecoming dance has served as a strong indicator of what attendance at KOH will be, and with this year’s decline, the outlook for attendance at the winter dance is worrisome, Geddeis said. In anticipation of a smaller attendance, student council plans to spend less money on the overall production of KOH, including the quality of lighting, sound and the size of the stage in order to save money and end the school year without a deficit. “It is far more important for us to be financially responsible to the students who are both involved in student council and who also benefit from all the things that we do outside of putting on the dances,” Geddeis said. “We want to be in a better financial situation going into the 2015-2016 school year than we were this year.” After spending more than usual on last year’s festivities in celebration of LT’s 125th anniversary, student council ended the last school year $4,047 in debt. However, despite the smaller attendance at this year’s homecoming, student council made roughly the same amount of money as last year and no longer faces a debt. With the current expectations of KOH attendance, however, student council may have to cut back on expenditures for the year’s All-school Assembly, especially those funds used on the traditional special guest appearance, in order to prevent a deficit. “I don’t think students realize that so much of the money we spend on the All-school Assembly comes from both of the dances,” Cushing said. “I don’t think they realize that they do have a role in what student council puts on for them throughout the year in the dances and, most importantly, the All-school Assembly.”
Student Attendance at Homecoming 2008-2014
Student Attendance
Attendance drop spells concern for future dances, All-school Assembly
Years The graph above depicts the downward trend in homecoming attendance over the past six years. Attendance peaked at 3,155 students in 2009 when the dance was first moved into the SC fieldhouse. The exact attendance is shown in the following table. 2008 2,977 2009 3,155 2010 3,101 2011 3,133 2012 2,875 2013 2,849 2,554 2014 compiled by Joe Okkema
Source: Peter Geddeis
Speech team succeeds early Rauner wins election
Despite loss of state competitors, veterans lead large team to opening victory
Governor-elect plans change in education policy, possible funding cut statewide
by Michael Rasmussen @MikeRas55
by Will Most @Will_Most
In the words of captain Steven Vogel ‘15, Speech Team has entered a “renaissance.” Six years ago, the floundering team had around five or six students, but, as of late, the group has expanded to a robust 52 competitors. With talent from top to bottom, the team expects immediate success from its top varsity speakers and continued development from its less-experienced students. At a 30-team tournament hosted at Downers Grove North on Nov. 1, five LT competitors placed in their respective events: Melissa Fuentes ‘16, Nick Fuentes ‘16, Gita Golonzka ‘16, Anna Mlynzki ‘16 and Vogel. English teacher and Assistant Coach Christopher Bass noted that this competition is one of the most competitive of the year, and that the team’s achievements at DGN may be an accurate predictor of success later in the season. Even after the departure of last year’s state placers Claire Meyer ‘14 and Jack McDermott ‘14, the future shines brightly on the team. “There are more first-year members than varsity members at this point,” captain Melissa said. “We really want to build up their skills and keep them interested so that when the [upperclassmen] graduate, we’ll still have a strong team.” Prose event leader Danielle Severs ‘16 said that the more experienced students frequently run practices and provide “moral support” to the younger students -- new competitors often ask questions in-person or through text-messaging, to help overcome the initial difficulties of competitive public speaking. Unlike activities such as Congressional Debate or Model U.N, most students give the same speech in both their first and final competitions. However, the speakers refine their syntax and ideas to polish their pieces as the season goes along. According to Vogel, that element of gradual perfection makes the competition satisfying. “[It’s] the idea that I can I work very hard on my speech throughout the season and have it payoff repeatedly,” Vogel said. “And [my teammates] are often theater kids who are also doing other performing events so this is [a great] outlet for competition.” Bass said that witnessing a student refine his speech and craft over a long period of time makes his job as a coach and teacher much more rewarding. “It’s really impressive when it all comes together in the end,” Bass said Although the team did not place in the top five at the Thornton Turkey Tournament on Nov. 22, LT’s individual competitors enjoyed success. Melissa placed fifth in informative speaking, while Mlynski placed third in the same event, and Deirdre Sheldon ‘15 took sixth in Original Comedy. The team competes at the Cary Grove tournament this Saturday, Dec. 6.
On Nov. 4, Republican Bruce Rauner assumed the position of governor-elect, beating out incumbent Pat Quinn for the position, receiving 50 percent of the popular vote over Quinn’s 46. For many LT students, Rauner represents the first Republican governor to hold office during their elementary and high school education. Education in Illinois was a hot topic in the gubernatorial race, and the governor elect, staying true to his “Shake up Springfield” slogan, opposed the changes that his predecessors have made in recent years. While the state’s budget for education has decreased since Quinn took office, Rauner outlined in his “Bring Back Blueprint for Education Reform” that he plans to restore the budget to its previous state and considers education a top priority in his budgeting. Rauner also plans on instituting a merit based system of pay in education, rewarding teachers who produce favorable results in the classroom, as opposed to rewarding those who have been there the longest. “It’s tough to know exactly what Mr. Rauner has planned for education in Illinois,” AP Government teacher David Kruiswyk said. “He was extremely reluctant to share specifics of his agenda during the campaign. He will certainly move to change the teacher pension system. Other than that, he’s an unknown quantity.” Rauner made many promises during his gubernatorial race in regards to education, but Illinois citizens and students will have to wait until Jan. 12 to see if and how he fulfills any of his promises. Until then, incumbent Quinn holds office and students could soon see a bill, SB16, that could lead local schools to have a $20 million cut to education, and 75 percent reduction or loss of $2,005,498 in state funding, to LTHS. The money cut from suburban public schools would be funneled into other parts of Illinois and the Chicago Public School system in hopes of revamping education throughout the state. “This egregious effort to change the way state education dollars are distributed to school district around the state is being floated as ‘reform’,” State Senator for Elmhurst Chris Nybo said. “But it is nothing more than a transparent attempt to take money away from suburban schools.” Neither Rauner nor Quinn has expressed any advocacy for the bill, which is currently stalled in Illinois house; however, depending on when and if the bill is passed, either man could use his power of veto. “I’m really conflicted on SB16. On the one hand, I agree that there are serious inequities in the way public education is funded in Illinois,” Kruiswyk said “I have some friends who teach in southern Illinois and their schools are extremely strapped for cash. One teacher friend is still teaching out of a government text that is 15 years old and he works full-time as a landscaper in the summer to make ends meet. On the other hand, schools in our area stand to lose funding as a result of the bill.”
Schedule change debated Continued from page 1 “I personally feel that the new schedule will be beneficial to students next year,” said Bolton. “I know that it’s a really big change and it may be kind of hard at first for people to adjust to the new schedule, but overall I think it’s a good thing for LT students.” A point of contention that has been debated is the issue of students taking elective study halls in addition to the 25-minute study period, both athletic and regular, as well as what students will be allowed to do during the 50 minutes of lunch and study hall. “The ability of students to take elective study halls will not change as a result of adding the 25-minute study period,” Waterman said. “Students will still be
allowed to take elective study halls. In addition, the practice of allowing students to participate in Athletic Study Halls will not change either. If we eliminated elective study halls it would completely override the purpose of creating a 25 minute period.” Overall, the new bell schedule strives to accommodate students and teachers and gives both parties involved a chance to accomplish more work, get help and take a moment to breathe during a jampacked school day, Brown said. “If the goal is to find time to help students who are struggling and to give successful students time to get things accomplished, we’re going in the right direction,” Brown said.
Bruce Rauner celebrates his victory in his election as Illinois’ next governor. (Tribune News Service)
Risky radiation The Surgeon General’s Office has estimated that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by Radon exposure each year.
NEWS
Costly coffee
Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 4
The most expensive drink from Starbucks is a Sexagintuple Vanilla Bean Mocha Frappachino, costing $55.
Transition Perks opens Radon levels rise
Café sells ‘more than just a cup of coffee’
Unprecedented gas levels cause school to secure long-term solution
by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608 With the success of the inhouse coffee brewing service, Transition Perks, which is operated by the Transition Program students at South Campus, has begun the next step in the form of a storefront coffee shop. Transition Perks began in 2012 after a Keurig coffee ma- Baristas prepare to serve new customers. (MelRose Buckler/LION) “I think that is what makes us chine was donated to Transition pendent living after high school, more unique,” Paske said. “We Program teacher Jackie Boskov- Paske said. “I am excited about seeing have this $5,000 scholarship acich’s classroom. Transition Perks started as a new people at the coffee shop,” count available to all and we have coffee delivery service at SC for Transition student and barista individual coffee sales that will staff, but has opened up a store- Grace Furjanic ‘14 said. “It will be deposited into the students’ front café that is at Tropical Sno’s make me very happy that I will accounts. We are really excited about this.” location, 1602 Hillgrove Ave. in see new people.” Transition students had the Transition Perks will use proWestern Springs from 7:30-10:30 a.m. on school days, Transition fessional coffee machines donat- opportunity to apply to either Program Vocational Coordinator ed by Bunn and Stewart’s Coffee the barista crew or the janitorial to sell coffee, tea, hot chocolate crew through a realistic job hirDave Paske said. Transition Perks is using and steamers, along with glu- ing experience. “We wanted to make this as Tropical Sno’s storefront rent ten-free muffins and brownies authentic as possible,” Paske said. free during the school year when from Flùr Bakery. The profits from Transi- “So we did job postings and they it is not being used by Tropical Sno owner Nick Cozzi, whose tion Perks and other Transition filled out applications and we did brother, John Cozzi ‘14, is in the work programs will be added to interviews for the two positions.” a scholarship fund. All students The baristas will gain commutransition program, Paske said. “We want everyone to know in the Transition Program are nication and social skills, while that we are not taking over Trop- eligible to apply for scholarship the janitorial crew will clean, ical Sno. It will return in the money and use it to help meet check inventory and restock spring,” Paske said. “It was a gra- post-secondary goals. Individual shelves. The skills that they accious contribution by Nick and students will also be able to sell quire at the shop can be applied we appreciate his support very LTHS Transition Perks Private to competitive employment elseLabel coffee canisters to family where, Paske said. much.” “Our ultimate goal is to get our The café is run solely by the and friends and then receive 75 Transition Program, a program percent of their earned profits [students] as ready as possible and that helps prepare students be- into their individual scholarship as independent as possible for life after high school,” Paske said. tween the ages of 18-22 for inde- funds, Paske said.
For nearly a decade, Pleasantdale Elementary School has dedicated years of time and resources to test for radon throughout the building. After a series of tests indicated a spike in the normal levels of radon in August, the administration ordered more testing to be completed during the period of Sept. 22-Oct. 6. This particular round of testing was monitored over the course of 14 days and eventually led to the discovery of 15 out of 35 locations that recorded radon levels above the recommended Action Level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), according to a report by the Radon Detection Specialists Inc. who surveyed the school. Several classrooms were affected by these abnormally high levels of radon and from Oct. 17-Oct. 22; two second grade classes were relocated to a computer lab and different classroom. One first grade class was relocated to the art room. Two preschool classrooms were relocated into the library and another preschool room was relocated into a different preschool room. In addition, students had P.E. in the all purpose room, outdoors, or in their classrooms instead of in the gym. Music and art were held in the classrooms, according to Pleasantdale Elementary Principal Matt Vandercar. “The kids did great and the teachers did great. Several classes had to temporarily relocate to other rooms but the staff made it fun and it was a learning experience for all involved,” Vandercar said. “Students and staff were very excited to return to their regular rooms. They really appreciate having their own space.” Superintendent Dr. Mark Fredisdorf made the decision to create a long-lasting solution to the problem by upgrading to a permanent mitigation system to replace the current HVAC unit (that prevents radon from accumulating). In the past, this specific device was capable of being turned on and off, which had the potential of leading to more skewed data and unreliability. “We decided to look at a sub-slab mitigation system so we don’t just depend on our HVAC unit, because you’re always adjusting with it,” Fredisdorf said. “In fact, we had workers drill holes throughout the building to measure the degree of permeability in the soil which will tell us how many sub-slab units that we need. These fan units will suck out any radon gas below the surface of the floor.” In the end, the safety of the faculty and students was of the utmost concern for the entire administration. “It’s a priority to get this resolved and keep our kids safe. There will be a permanent solution to this problem very soon,” Vandercar said.
by Ceili Doyle @ca_doyle18
Controversial cost In 1948 the Corral held a dance where admission cost was determined by waist size— larger your waist, the more you paid.
IMPACT Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 5
Scholastic symphony The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed at a high school for the first time in 1929. That high school, of course, was LT.
LT Archives
While other high schools in the Chicagoland area boast school buildings only a few years old, LT takes pride in its age. Much of the structure of NC remains unchanged from the 1928 addition to the school, or even from the original 1888 building. Art teacher Patrick Page is working to preserve the school’s history through the LT archives project and has uncovered an unparalleled amount of information about LT’s past. by Clare Mikulski @ClareMikulski
B
uildings change over time. People have memories, but when they leave with those memories, it’s easy to forget what existed before changes were made. All over the school, ceilings are dropped, molding is changed and the original NC building from 1888 recedes behind decades of construction projects. What Patrick Page, an LT art teacher and the leader of the Archives Project, fears most is the total loss of this school history. “Part of art history is the thought that culture matters, and that the things that people make matter too,” Page said. “Hopefully, one of the things that people in art history learn is that they should have a concern for culture, and a concern for nicely made things that tell you who you are.” Page has been working on the Archives Project since 2007, when he discovered that his art history classroom was one of the only original classrooms in NC; however, it was hard to see the room’s age because contractors had indiscriminately covered up the original molding and ceiling with industrial high school paneling. “It came out that there was some work on that room, and I realized that if we don’t promote this, who even knows that it’s there?” Page said. “We’ve done some research, and through that, we’ve identified things, and found out things that we never could’ve imagined. My dream would be to restore the art history room one day. If I get hit by a car, tell my mom to take part of my money and do that. Sell my house, restore the room.” Page enlisted current and graduated students to assist him in his research, which included in-depth looks at old LION newspapers, Tabulae yearbooks, student artwork and LT documentary photographs
and papers. Maddie McDermott ‘12, Ana Mihajlovic ‘13 and Lisa Wronski ‘09 all assisted Page in sifting through the massive amount of information and organizing it into the archives. “Mr. Page asked our class if anyone wanted to help him scan yearbooks and newspapers, and I was interested in that,” McDermott said. “After I graduated, he would send out emails to people he knew were interested in the project, keeping them updated on what was going on.” McDermott is currently a history major at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Her work on the LT archives this summer counted towards her undergraduate thesis. “This project definitely affected my future plans,” McDermott said. “I’d like to be an archivist, so this will be an experience I can take to grad school, and into the real world.” Page believes that one of the most important effects that the Archives Project will have on LT is the light it will shed on the importance of preserving and restoring school artifacts— namely, the Parthenon frieze gallery outside of the Reber Center at NC. “The Parthenon gallery is such a crucial space that defines the school, and it gets so much traffic,” Page said. “If you view that space as it was originally designed, there’s nothing else like it in other high schools.” The gallery outside of the Reber Center has undergone major changes over the years. The ceiling was dropped, obscuring the tops of the friezes, and the lighting was changed from ornamental lamps to fluorescent light strips. Page’s dream is to restore that hallway to its original state. “If we’re going to restore that hallway, we should do everything right,” Page said. “It’s the symbol-
ic center of the school, and if we do restore it, we should try promote it and try to get restoration awards for it. Get it known. Channel 11 has different things about Chicago history. Why not have one of those segments focus on LT’s history? It’s such a singular thing.” The administration has approved a plan to move forward with the placement of panels showcasing school history around the building. Tom Cushing Sr., a member of the Board of Education, has expressed interest in restoring the frieze gallery, and has raised the issue with the board. “The Board has had preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of remodeling the hallway outside of the Reber Center so as to allow the central Parthenon frieze section to be re-hung on the west wall where it was originally installed in 1928,” Cushing said. “If action is recommended by LT’s administration, the Board would vote on the proposal, including the financial commitment required.” Cushing firmly believes in the importance of preserving LT history for future generations of students. “By preserving LT’s history, we respect the traditions of the past, and we inspire present and future achievements,” Cushing said. “We know better who we are, who we can be and our place in upholding the standard of excellence begun at LT 125 years ago.” The most unique feature of the archives project is that it is largely a student-run operation, Page said. “Kids decided to do this,” Page said. “So often students can be cynical, but here they’ve decided to do a positive thing. It’s wonderful to be able to say, ‘We did this.’” Students who are interested in learning more about the archives can visit Page in Room 43.
Building Comparatives The design of the school has changed wildly in some ways, and remained largely the same in others. Compare old pictures of the school to their modern counterparts to see how the sands of time have softened LT’s edges. All old photos are from the LT archives.
Parthenon frieze gallery, 1928 Parthenon frieze gallery, today
Main entrance, 1928
Community room, 1928 Community room, today
Main entrance, today
Random Chatter
NEWS
Random Chatter “With my hair like this, I kind of look like a male model, but I don’t really mind it.” -Patricia Stamatelos ‘15
“Today during mental relaxation, I had a nightmare that I was stuck in a jello house.” -Ellie Sovcik ‘16
Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 6
LT’s Fall Operation Snowball took place this past fall from Nov. 7-9 at Camp McClean in Burlington, Wisconsin. Snowball includes freshman to seniors and this year the staff had more first-time seniors sign up on this weekend retreat than they had in many years prior. (Pearl Truax)
Unlike the majority of us who want nothing more than to hunker down in front of the fire this winter, news never fails to weather the weather. As the temperatures decrease, and the holiday stress kicks in, what better way to lift our spirits than The Breakdown? compiled by Lauren Hucko Oct. 1- With the help of an online project-funding website entitled “Kickstarter,” Zack Danger Brown utilized the public’s goodwill to fund his potato salad. His original goal was $10, and after the request spread through cyberspace, the donations mounted, leaving him with over $55,000 to blow on potatoes and mayonnaise.
Sept. 16- After a brief visit to Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, a 10-year-old goldfish named George recovered swimmingly from brain surgery. His loving owner brought him to the hospital after noticing a bulge in George’s head, and $300 later the duo was on their way home.
Nov. 12- In an attempt to “break the internet,” the notorious Kim Kardashian bared it all for Paper Magazine’s cameras. The 34-yearold mother’s racy photos left nothing to the imagination butt baby North’s compromised future.
Nov. 15- When police found an Arkansas teen drove without a license to take the state road test, he swiftly fled the facility. While busy committing multiple felonies, the teen hit both a house and a car. Let’s hope the 20 minutes of driving hasn’t expired when he is finally able to receive his license.
Nov. 11- Vladimir Putin strikes again, but this time his target was the Chinese first lady, Peng Liyuan. The confident Russian “president” kindly wrapped a shawl around Liyuan while watching a fireworks display. Hours later, all footage of the incident was removed from Chinese media—I’d say that’s a no, Vlad. Better luck next time.
Sources: rt.com/news, www.cbsnews.com, www.huffingtonpost.com
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OPINIONS
Write us a letter! Letters to the Editor give you an opportunity to participate in LION. Write us a comment, compliment or complaint today.
Friday, december 5, 2014 Page 7
Want your opinion heard? Get it published in the paper! Submit any opinionated piece as a freelancer and you may see your work in our next issue.
PageSevenGrid
GuestColumn
Welcome to the Grid, where completely normal people’s pictures can end up looking like they’re Mr. Fantastic. (See Dan Devine ‘15) Seriously is it just me or do his arms look disproportionally large? You get to make one addition to the cafeteria in progress, what do you change?
If one teacher in the school could suddenly become your mom, which teacher would it be?
I’d add a Korean gambling den, because the culture is so rich and we, as Americans, don’t appreciate Korea.
Mr. Kuehl so he can stop making jokes about my mother. [ed. How dare he joke about Tonia Devine!]
I’d put mirrors on the wall so people can be self conscious while they eat.
Mrs. Brands so she can finally learn my name and stop calling me Meatball!
I’d add a KFC, because everyone loves the colonel.
Mr. O’ Neil he probably doesn’t remember me, but he da realest teacher at LT.
All ginger assembly so they can make all the gingers (especially Connor Hankins ‘16) feel like everyone else
National yell at someone you hate day and that would be on Feb. 1, because that month sucks.
I’d put a trampoline in the middle.
Mrs. Wrona.
Go Red Devils!
National YEET day
National Mattigan Kelly Day. [ed. I’m assuming this is your birthday?]
National Cynics Day on Feb. 15.
Dan Devine ‘15
_______ is a theme LT would totally not consider for the All-School Assembly?
Obama assigns you to make a new holiday. What is it and what day is it observed?
The Fourth Reich
National “kids who feel empty inside, but put on a happy face because that’s what society tells them to do” day, and it’d be on my birthday.
The Evolution of Miley Cyrus
National Basic white girl appreciation day, and it would be on Oct. 3.
Meghan Golden ‘15
Jaime Thele ‘16
Stephanie Quirk ‘17
Mattigan Kelly ‘18
A Chipotle. [ed. See two page Pulse spread]
Mr. Bielawski
The National Rifle Association
A coffee roaster and a tea shop.
Stormont’s beard seems like it would be nuturing.
All about that bass
Joseph Maffey
compiled by Will Most
LetterstotheEditor In June it came, the construction again. The Plan was ambitious, we were suspicious, Dust on the walls, tracks in the halls, Jackhammers were ringing, machinery singing Then came the rains, up all the drains, Kayaks sailed in the streets of La Grange!
We moved room after room And shelf upon shelf Until the bookstore was empty Then filled once again.
It vexed our brains to clean rooms again and again But with some consternation and extreme exasperation Plus much perspiration, We opened these doors once again
Tom Cameron
Buildings and Grounds Right: North Campus Cafeteria in various stages of construction
Bitter Books It must have been a couple days ago when I came across a small sophomore sitting in the linoleum Claire Quinlan halls of South Campus, leaning up against his locker, reading a book in the B wing. The sophomore in question had a peculiar look on his face—a mix of disturbed intrigue and undeniable fright. He flipped a page as I passed, and an inexplicable sigh escaped his lips. This, my friends, is the vision of a student who has given up. And not because of an over-abundance of work or stress, but because of an over-redundance of depressing literature, chosen for the sake of teenage intrigue but crumbling our ingrained love of glorious pleasure reading. Let’s take a walk down memory lane. No matter your English class, you’ve probably read books with intense messages of grief. From Forgotten Fire, featuring “shattering murder,” to In the Time of the Butterflies, a story some describe as “confusing and all about torture,” many an english text have negative moods that pound at our stressed minds and heart strings. Then come Cat’s Eye and Ceremony sophomore year, a double dose of feet peeling and country road meandering. English teachers might think that I am ignoring the motive of incredible conflict to allow for incredible growth in literature, that I do not understand that a book without conflict is one of boredom and pointlessness. Trust me, I can understand that. But my argument is not that these books have no place in society or that they are weak works of writing that should not be appreciated. I can bite my teeth into Jane Eyre or Beloved or Lord of the Flies any day. Conflict is inspiring when it leads to some inspirational meaning. Because isn’t literature all about proving to ourselves that we’re not the only ones who feel something? I am saying, however, that this type of heavily glum literature that we read has an immensely negative effect on the high school psyche. As a student, I have heard that if I don’t enjoy or appreciate a piece of literature that we read, it is a weakness in myself. I agree that high schoolers complain to complain, and usually complex English books get the brunt of the hate. But when we say a book is confusing and depressing because we are not experienced enough to understand its meaning, that is not a weakness in ourselves. Give us a voice to critique literature from our point of view; it is understandable that we would despise books that depress or confuse us. Teachers, I urge you to stop choosing content based on student intrigue and high depressing factor. Generally, we have not lived enough in this world to understand the beauty of these texts, and by forcing us to read, annotate, take quizzes on and make sense of stuff we just don’t understand is discouraging reading for pleasure. Reading for meaning and to write an essay is all fine and good, but reading for pleasure is glorious. English teachers and PhD candidates can do both at once, and that is clearly the goal, but with constant depressing themes and torturous confusion, we don’t have time to connect literature to our lives because we are too busy hating it. Give us some books to appreciate for the genius that they are, without the barrage of agony for the sake of our fascination.
Write in and make your voice heard. 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange, Ill. 60525 LION reserves the right to edit all letters.
OPINIONS
Random Chatter “Whales are basically evolved dogs.” - Claire O’Brien ‘15
Random Chatter “She’s not going to let the patriarchy tell her how to wear her leg warmers.” -Emma Greifenkamp ‘15
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 8
Is coding and computer science crucial curriculum?
PawsUp n to snow, because
[starts profusely sobbing] [uncontrollably tweaking] [more sobbing]
n to shamelessly eating
in class. Dirty looks from your teacher add so much flavor to last night’s leftover spaghetti.
LION polled 188 students about their opinions on coding and computer science becoming required curriculum in Chicago Public Schools. Do you believe that high schools should include computer science and coding in standard curriculum?
n to Waffle Shirt Wednesdays- giving me an excuse to look ridiculously sexy once a week. n to that one uncle who
sits in a chair for all of holiday dinner and doesn’t talk to anyone. Keep doing you man, keep doing you. Oh, no one else has that uncle? Just me then.
nto pants, need I say more? n to those times when you remember something awesome, and you’re so struck with glee, that you’re just shouting "oh! oh!" then everyone gets mad at you because you're just shouting "oh!" and no one knows what your shouting about. nto bae ¯\_(“ )_/¯ nto when you date an
important paper three days before you actually are writing it so as to not appear as a procrastinator.
PawsDown n to the fact that Space Jam did not win an Oscar. Looking back, that was a monumental mistake by the Academy. n to people who stop talking in the middle of a thought. It’s probably the most
n to Hitler, just in case
you forgot.
n to sweaters. Undesirable as people, coveted as clothing.
n to homonyms witch are confusing because their pronounced the same butt you right them differently. n to forgetting your combo over break. I think it was 3-38-16, but it might have been 3-1836. I should probably just get a security guard to pry it open. n to Clash of Clans- Sure your clan rank is rapidly climbing, but your class rank is falling. n to starting to cele-
brate Christmas the first day of December. Sure, you love the holiday, but I love Halloween and you don’t see me wearing a costume all of October.
Do you think coding and computer science is an important topic for many future careers?
No 63%
Don’t know /care 14%
Yes 37%
No 52%
Don’t know/ care 21% No 13%
Yes 34%
Don’t know/ care 23%
Yes 66%
No 25%
Point
Yes, Computers confuse me 38%
Have you taken or have interest in taking a computer science and coding class?
Do you think having required coding classes could damage your GPA?
Yes, I need to take the highest level classes possible 14%
Keep on coding I used to hate long division. I was one of those kids that always asked, “If we have calculators, why do we learn this?” I wasn’t the only one who felt that way, but my math teacher still forced us to solve row upon row of long division problems. Ten years later, I can admit that calculators are a crutch. What many others and I are not ready to admit is that computers are a crutch, too. Because a large portion of our lives is centered around computers, I completely agree with Chicago Mayor Anika Ranginani Rahm Emanuel’s support for requiring a computer science class to graduate high school. Computers let us play games, video stream and communicate with others around the world. However, the majority of students have no idea how that process functions behind the scenes. I just press a button, and it works. Magic, right? Ignorance about computers is more than just relying on a crutch; it’s also costing high-paying jobs. The money needed to provide computers to students will be paid back in their increased salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in January 2012, the computer systems design sector is projected to have one of the highest rates of growth in both salary and employment from 2010-2020. This means that
in the long-term, Chicagoans will make more money and contribute more in taxes back to the state. Even in the short-term, taking a computer science class is highly beneficial. In fact, I would recommend every student at LT to take advantage of the coding classes LT offers, whether mandatory or not. Last year, I randomly decided to sign up for a computer science class. I had no experience with programming and absolutely no idea what we would be doing in the class. It turned out that computer science was directly applicable to other academic areas. Although you have to learn the particular syntax used in the Java Programming Language, you really focus on learning how to think logically. Computers can only understand simple commands, so computer science forces students to break up problems into smaller pieces in order to solve them. Approaching a situation in that way allows you to accomplish a wide range of tasks—whether that’s programming “Flappy Bird” or the massive search engine “Google.” Students should definitely be required to take a computer science course before they graduate because it challenges them and helps them succeed in the long-term. You might hate computer science as much as I used to hate long division, but that doesn’t mean it’s not necessary.
CounterPoint
Control-Alt-Delete We have all seen the push for people to join science majors. Whether it be when you enter your science class and see the GEMs and STEMs posters plastered everywhere, or have viewed commercials sponsored by phone companies trying to get your attention, the pressure’s there. Nevertheless, requiring a coding class may actually deter people from the fascinating field of science. Not only is the idea of requiring all Abby King 658 Chicago public schools, which includes 400,000 students, to take a coding class unnecessary and costly, the job market for computer programing is turbulent and region-dependent. A coding class that teaches computer programing and formatting should remain a viable option, but not a requirement. For students not interested in computer programing, this class is a waste of time. Instead, they could be putting their time into learning something useful for their future endeavors. The opposition will say that coding will be as common as changing a tire in the future, but this is hardly the case. The current required core classes in Illinois create a renaissance student. Even if you never do anything with science again in your life, the problem solving skills and different ways of approaching a question
will help you in any prospective job. Coding, however, doesn’t challenge your mental capabilities. You will not take away anything bigger than learning how to code. For people uninterested in entering the world of computer science, this potentially required class will become yet another burden on their already very heavy work schedule. The money that would be required to make coding mandatory would send the city of Chicago into $1 billion of debt in the 2015 fiscal year. This money would be essentially allocated to expand the Chicago public school systems. Such a decision is incredibly risky, given the fact that the Chicago Public School System cut at least $100 million worth of funds in the 2013-2014 school year. Along with this, teachers are being laid off left and right. A coding class is not the best solution to the problem at hand. Not only will all kids K-12 be forced to do something that will not give them any new learning skills aside from just the basic coding measures, but this will actually cause an influx of debt as well. This idea has good intentions, but Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel needs to focus on keeping the actual core curriculum at a higher standard before adding more classes resulting in an across-the-board mediocre education. This idea is too ambitious for the fragile state of Chicago right now and will not reap the benefits that they project in the long run.
Will’sWord In my first column for the Lion last year, I wrote about dumb questions, and it only seems fitting that I should continue it with a second and final installment. No crowd is more vexatious than those on college tours. It’s an endless barrage of dumb questions, dealt out by both prospective students and their helicopter parents. Will Most And unfortunately for me, due to the fact that I went on nearly every college tour my sister went on, I’ve been to about 20-30 college tours. I’ve heard all the questions, and I’ve heard them all too much. The “Let Me Just Write It in My Notepad” Question- All of these questions are pretty annoying, but this might be my biggest pet peeve of all of them. It’s not really a specific question that annoys me, but the act that follows. A prospective student asks a question as simple as “How many students come from out of state?”A harmless enough a question, but as soon as they get a response, they quickly whip out their trusty notepad and start copying a response. Did I miss something? Is there a quiz at the end of the tour that leads to automatic admission with a 100%? College tours are precisely what they say they are--- tours! You come to absorb the appearance and aesthetics of the college. The rest of the information you can get through websites and calls. The “I Already Know the Answer” Question- Nearly every tour, you can count on an alum to drop a question that they already know the answer to. This question is all too easy to predict, as the questioner will get a devilish look in their eye as they quickly shout out a question. Their voice takes a more inquisitive tone and the alum asks “What is this fraternity?” They can’t wait for the tour guide to mess up, because the second that they do, they correct them with a hearty “Alpha Sigma Sigma!” Immediately after their correction, you can sense that they get some feeling of accomplishment that you get when you answer a question while watching Jeopardy alone in your underpants. You know, the one that no one, including you, should care about. The Bandwidth Question- It’s bound to happen every tour, especially as you walk across the library or union of any given campus. A hand shoots up, and a man utters a phrase so insufferable I almost have to turn away. “What’s the bandwidth of all these computers?” or some equally technical question. No matter how many times I here this question, I can’t wrap my head around why it would be asked. Does that information really ultimately lead to the college choice your child will make? Even if your child is a computer science major, they will likely work on their own laptop or in a special computer lab. Maybe you should go home and ask the internet that question, unless of course you don’t have enough bandwidth on your computer and need an upgrade. The Mhm- While anybody who asks these questions above is an awful person to be on a tour with, The Mhm is worst of them all. It’s not even a question; it’s just a person constantly answering in the affirmative. Every bit of information, every fact is followed with a “Mhm”. They constantly need to express to people that they approve of the information being presented, and find all of it factually correct. If you ever find yourself, or your parent doing this, please stop. You’re annoying everyone, or at the very least, me. Ok? Mhm. Don’t get me wrong, college tours have been essential to my college search. College tours have determined the schools I applied to. They are incredibly useful and perhaps their only fault is the dumb questions they inspire. So if you’re only one year away from beginning your college search, at the very tail end of the process, or right in the heat of things, keep your ears open for dumb questions on college tours, but most importantly make sure that you don’t become the questioner.
Random Chatter “Once my aunt gave me a flu shot at a party.” - Ellen Brown ‘15
OPINIONS
Random Chatter “Sometimes I feel like the kid from the ‘Blind Side’.” -Bryan Romero ‘16
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 9
StaffEditorials Talkin’ bout my generation
AnotherView
Modern culture would like you to think the smartest students and a great education that this generation, the one that all LT system. This growing gap in test scores students are currently part of, is the laziest, is due to the fact that many schools teach most entitled and least academically inteltowards testing curriculum as opposed to ligent generation the U.S. has ever known. general knowledge, leading to higher test Statistics could show you that attention scores for countries with such practices. The spans are on the decline; test scores are U.S. students and their standard of education, in reality, is rising. Colleges are more behind that of other foreign nations and advanced than ever, and the simple fact that the millennials are so far behind where of the matter is that some of the smartest their predecessors were. As millennials, it’s students in other countries try to continue tough to deal with these kind of hateful their education in America. comments. Many millennials are trying as Academics aside, if Millennials were to hard as they can and are being told that walk up to adults in their fifties or beyond their best just isn’t good enough, and that is and ask them identify what is wrong with pretty disheartening. our generation, there is a good chance that The real question is: is all this hateful the questioners would get an earful of words language describing our generation really like lazy, entitled and unambitious. And not true? Are we worse than our predecessors, only do reports like these come from old or are we just falling victim to unfounded men, but viable news sources like Forbes criticism? Some statistics are alarming, and The Wall Street Journal. These news like the fact that we have been consistently outlets report that, statistically, this genfalling in the placement and score of the eration is the least employed and the least Programme for International Student Assessment, now currently entrepreneurial. But are these Our Position: Modern cul- statistics actually correlated with placed in the 30s and ture and media constant- this generation or just the times high 20s. However, in recent ly suggest that Millenials that we are living in? are the worst generation. years, high school Realistically, the generations graduation and college However millenials’ prob- we are being compared to have lems aren’t a reflection not faced economies similar to enrollment rates have of the generation, but the that of the Millennials. The increased. So there seem to be contradicting times we are living in. Baby Boomers dealt with poststatistics. Internationwar prosperity and Generation X al tests seem to indicate that the U.S. has dealt with the economic prosperity of the become consistently less educated, and inReagan era. Meanwhile, Millennials have ternal statistics suggest that we are receiving dealt with the worst economy since the successful developmental educations. Great Depression, and due to their lack of A researcher would see the connection opportunities, not only their employment, and make the assumption that, over the but also their reputation has suffered. years, the U.S. has been lowering the stanReally, in the end, it’s all subjective. You dard of its education, thus making graduacan’t paint any generation as the worst, tion and college enrollment more attainable, because different consequences affect them. and lower test scores more likely. However, It’s not the Millennials’ fault that new technology collectively lowered society’s attenjust the opposite is true. Colleges have tion span, nor is it to Baby Boomers’ credit higher criteria than ever for application, that they thrived in a post-war economy. and high schools are raising the difficulty of Ultimately, it’s just the role of older genertheir curriculum. ations to complain about those preceding In reality, as much as statistics suggest them. It’s just the circle of life. otherwise, the U.S. is still home to some of
Vote: 24-2
Hall for all
Think back to a time in the recent past blank on how to do that math problem or (or last night) when you didn’t finish a physics diagram, you can take it to one of homework assignment the night before it the centers and get help on it before class, was due, so you were frantically trying to instead of doing what so many of us do and finish it during class, and then all of the simply not do the problem. sudden you were missing material and Another key aspect of the new bell trying to catch up. Let’s be honest, we’ve schedule plan is the elimination of split all been there. But what if you had a study lunch periods. Let’s be honest, while everyone loves these split-lunch classes, they are hall, and could rest assured knowing you often plagued with a lack of productivity could finish it then? and are shorter than other class periods. The proposed bell schedule changes for With 25 minutes before and after lunch, it next year and the addition of a 25-minute study hall should provide us an opportunity is oftentimes hard to get work done since to start homework assignments or seek help absolutely no one is focused on class and everybody is just itching to go eat. If you’ve from teachers if we have any questions had a split-lunch class during the day. Our Position: The proposed before, then teachers So what can you bell schedule changes for next saying “we’ll get to actually get done in year, including the addition of a it after lunch” or “we 25 minutes? For the 25-minute study hall period, will don’t have enough time majority of us, whose be beneficial to students because to start that now” are nightly quarrels with it will provide them with a chance all-too-common phrassanity extend beyond to finish short homework assign- es. Although as students a mere half an hour, it won’t do much as far as ments or seek help for larger we hoot and holler over time consumption goes. ones, as well as conference with such proclamations, teachers or make up tests. the harsh reality is it Twenty-five minutes takes away class time to is just a small chunk learn. Pretty soon the split lunch periods of the hours upon hours normally spent are racing to catch up with all the other on enhancing our education at home. But classes. With their removal, the playing let’s think about the positive side. If it field should become level. means we finish our homework 25 minutes Overall, the proposal is a good idea. earlier and get to go to bed, then it’s a Climate surveys revealed that “amount of godsend. We cannot be expected to spend homework” is the number one source of the amount of time teachers want us to on stress in the lives of the student communihomework when we go to practice everyday after school or to clubs and come home ty, so it’s good to see the administration is exhausted. Twenty-five minutes, although acknowledging that. While 25 minutes is not life changing, will allow us all to at certainly not enough time to significantly least take a much-needed breath. reduce stress, it will allow students to seek Proposed “homework help centers” help during the school day and work on would focus on specific subjects and would material while it’s still fresh on their minds. be staffed by an administrator who specialAll in all, this change will prove to be one izes in that field. So now if you completely for the better.
Staff vote: 25-1 Vote: 16-10
C ontact
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LION The Voice of Lyons Township Students Since 1910
D ecember 5, 2014 n Volume 105, I ssue 3
Open Forum The opinion section of Lion is a public forum. Opinions expressed in columns and letters to the editor are the opinions of individuals. Letters to the editor must be signed and represent only the views of the signed writer. Editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the entire Lion staff. The idea for the staff editorial will come from the Opinions Editor or suggestions of the other editors and staff members. One writer will compose each editorial. Advertising Display advertising rates begin at $30 with optional discounts available. Call (708) 579-6403 between 11:35 p.m.-12:30 p.m. for further information. Subscriptions Yearly subscriptions can be purchased for $10. Lion 2014-15 Staff Gillian Dunlop, Editor-in-Chief Anika Ranginani, Managing Editor of Print Content Clare Mikulski, Managing Editor of Online Content Riley Carroll, Art Director Brittany Grosser-Basile, Joe Okkema, News Editors Ceili Doyle, Assistant News Editor Will Most, Opinions Editor Joe Rossetti, Sports Editor Bailey Blum, Assistant Sports Editor Lidia Breen, Claire Quinlan Pulse Editors Izy Scott, Assistant Pulse Editor Michael Rasmussen, Website Editor Mary Hadley, Social Media Editor Mike Flaherty, Business Manager Amy Lancy, Photo Editor Dante Stefanini, Michael Grace, Web Multi-Media Editors MelRose Buckler, Amy Lacny, Copy Editors Garrett Ariana, Drew Cushing, Grace Gumbiner, Lauren Hucko, Abby King, Gaby Sabatino, Reporters Bryce Hughes, Editorial Cartoonist Jason Scales, Advisor Nik Gallicchio, Faculty Assistant
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Bowling B.C. A British anthropologist discovered evidence of bowling items in an Egyptian grave that dates back to as far as 3200 B.C.
SPORTS
Plentiful points A kicker from Western Michigan University scored eight field goals for 24 points total, securing the record for most points by kicker.
Friday, december 5, 2014 n Page 10
Basketball responds to opportunities, challenges Varsity to play at United Center; family ties and size of team suggest significant impact
The team looks to come out strong, uses speed to overcome loss of players
by Bailey Blum @ultimatebailey
by Drew Cushing @drcushing32
On Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., the boys varsity basketball team will stand on the shoulders of giants as they walk out of the Chicago Bulls locker room for the third time in LT history to take the court against the Naperville North Huskies. Leading the way will be third year varsity starter Harrison Niego ‘15. “[The United Center] is a great experience,” Niego said. “I am lucky enough that this will be my second time playing there for LT. It is a game everyone is looking forward to.” LT Athletics Director John Grundke is responsible for this opportunity and has been working with the Chicago Bulls and the United Center in order to make this game a reality. “There are not many people who can say that they were able to play in a professional stadium like the United Center,” Grundke said. “This is a great opportunity to do that for our basketball players.” The change in venue from the NC fieldhouse to the Madhouse on Madison not only brings a change in environment, but also a change in style of play. The court is 10 feet longer, slightly wider and the three-point line is three feet further from the hoop. “We have to get adjusted to the fact that we are playing on a different sized court and make some minor adjustments to our game,” Head Coach Tom Sloan said. After a 17-11 finish last season, the boys are looking to perform even better and possibly win conference in order to make a deep run in the playoffs, Niego said. An increase in the overall size of many of the players should help achieve this goal, Sloan said. “This year, we are much bigger across the board,” Sloan said. “Guys like Joey Brunner ‘15 (6-feet 4-inches), Connor Niego ‘17 (6-feet 7-inches), Jaquan Phipps ‘15 (6-feet 3-inches) and Sean Lannan ‘15 (6-feet 4-inches) provide a huge difference in size beyond the arc compared to last year.” Winning the WSC, however, has been no easy task for LT in the past, Harrison said. “Our conference is very tough,” Harrison said. “There are no easy games. Our biggest challenge will be playing to our full potential night in and night out.” Brothers Harrison and Connor and cousin Noah Niego ‘17 are prepared to make an impact on the team with their family bonds. “We definitely have a chemistry that can only be found in playing with family,” Harrison said. “It is a very unique experience that we won’t take for granted.” After a tough loss to Stevenson in the first round of the Thanksgiving Tournament, the boys defeated Argo, Hinsdale South, and Glenbard South to bring their record to 3-1. They play York at home tonight at 7:30.
After finishing the season 18-10 last year with a loss in the regional championship to Whitney Young, the girls varsity basketball team looks to improve its record this year by using their speed to gain an advantage over other teams. “We have high expectations this year, including being a top team in the conference and making a deep playoff run,” guard Gaby Galassini ‘15 said. Galassini is one of seven returning varsity players from last year, five of whom are seniors. However, the team lacks some depth due to an 11 man roster because some seniors are not returning in order to focus on other sports such as softball and club soccer. Also, only one girl from the sophomore team last year decided to try out for varsity this year. “I’m really disappointed they didn’t try out this year,” Head Coach Paul Krick said. “I thought we had a great season last year and was looking forward to them coming out this year.” With the graduation of last year’s seniors, including captain Kayla Morissey ‘14, the team also expects juniors and underclassmen such as Frannie Corrigan ‘16, Nina Scaramella ‘16, Clare Purcell ‘17 and Sidney Bugaieski ‘18 to step into bigger roles during the season. The youth of the team just adds to the fast-paced tempo that the squad wants to utilize. “We are very quick and we will be able to play a fast pace game that will serve as an advantage to us over other teams,” Corrigan said. “We want to be able to compete as one of the top teams in our conference by playing hard in each game.” Galassini agrees with Corrigan on this aspect The team started off the season with the LT Thanksgiving tournament at South Campus. In the tournament, the team went 3-0, defeating Depaul Prep 65-9, Shepard 61-24 and Downers Grove South 46-27. “Everyday we’re getting better. I know our girls want to challenge for the conference title and finish the season playing their best,” Krick said. “Our team has rallied around the concept of hard-work and teamwork. They’ve not only accepted it but embraced it. They realize we can accomplish more together than we can as individuals.” The team’s last game was away against Glenbard West on Tuesday, Dec. 2, which was past the LION’s deadline. However, the team next plays away on Dec. 6 against St. Joseph’s High School at 2:30 p.m. “We have high expectations this year, including being a top team in the conference and making a playoff run,” Galassini said. “Everyone on the roster can come into the game and provide something to the team.” Left: Varsity basketball players Harrison Niego ‘15 and Nina Scaramella ‘16 pose back-to-back. (Riley Carroll/LION)
Bowling looks to rebuild
Upcoming Games
Team looks to break through after losing graduating talent
by Michael Rasmussen @MikeRas55 After losing eight of its top varsity players to graduation, the bowling team is looking to rebound and rebuild. Although varsity failed to place in the Glenbrook North tournament on Nov. 8, junior varsity emerged triumphant. In a dramatic finish, Colin Temple ‘16 struck out the final frame of the last game to edge the JV squad to a narrow tournament victory. Varsity anchor Jack McGuinn ‘16 said that varsity’s loss wasn’t in vain, however. “Now we know where we stand compared to other schools,” McGuinn said. “We need to acclimate to our surroundings and adjust to how the lanes are changing.” During a long tournament, the once freshly-oiled lanes dry out because of heavy use. The ball then cuts and curves in the dry patches, resulting in gutter-balls and dirty hits. The team practices each day at Rolling Lanes after school, with focus on technique and strategy to prepare for close matches and adverse lane conditions. “Every single day we’re practicing spares. Whether it’s moving left and hitting marks or shooting at the 10-pin, we’re always working on something,” McGuinn said. According to McGuinn, new bowlers Marco Garcia ‘18 and Lindsey Arnston ‘15 have helped fill the void left by graduating standouts like captain Pat Mulvaney ‘14 and Mike Kicmal ‘14. McGuinn and Garcia serve as the team’s new foundation, as both aim for solid scores in the 260s on a game-bygame basis. McGuinn shot a team-high 621 in his three-game series at December 1st’s competition versus St Charles East.
LION compiled a schedule of some upcoming games both in the LT community and the Chicago professional sports world.
Basketball LT Boys:
Dec. 5: 7:30 p.m. at LT vs. York Dec. 6: 2 p.m. at United Center vs. Naperville North Dec 12: 7:30 p.m. at Downers North Dec 13: 5 p.m. at Sandburg
LT Girls:
Dec. 6: 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Dec 9: 6 p.m. at Proviso West Dec 11: 7:30 p.m. at LT vs. Downers North Dec 13: 6 p.m. at York
Chicago Bulls:
Michael Caplice ‘15 bowls during a game against Plainfield East on Nov. 11. (Garrett Ariana/LION) As of Dec. 2, the varsity team holds a record of 2-4, while JV is 2-3. Although the team’s record isn’t as robust as last year’s, the team placed 13th in the Silver Division at the Nov.22 Plainfield North Invite which had 48 participating teams, while beating Hinsdale Central by 309 pins on Nov.25. “The team has welcomed a lot of new talent but also recognizes that we need to work through the growing pains as a young team,” head coach Francisco Gamboa said. “Our team has the talent and work ethic necessary to make a run for state, but only if we can continue to improve and develop the necessary confidence in our abilities as a team.”
Dec. 6: 7 p.m. at United Center vs. Golden State Warriors Dec 10: 7 p.m. at United Center vs. Brooklyn Nets Dec 12: 6 p.m. at United Center vs. Portland Trail Blazers Dec 12: 5 p.m. at American Airlines Arena vs. Miami Heat
Wrestling LT Boys:
Dec. 5: 6 p.m. at York Dec. 6: 10 a.m. at Naperville North Dec 12: 6 p.m. at LT vs. Downers North Dec 13: 10 a.m. at Lockport
Hockey Chicago Blackhawks:
Dec. 5: 7:30 p.m. at United Center vs. Montreal Canadiens Dec. 6: 6 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena vs. Nashville Predators Dec 9: 6 p.m. at Prudential Center vs. New Jersey Devils Dec 11: 6 p.m. at TD Garden vs. Boston Bruins
Football Chicago Bears:
Dec 15: 7:30 p.m. at Soldier Field vs. New Orleans Saints Dec 21: 12 p.m. at Soldier Field vs. Detroit Lions Dec 28: 12 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium vs. Minnesota Vikings
Bowling LT Boys:
Dec. 6: 9 a.m. at Parkside Lanes vs. Oswego East Dec. 8: 4:30 p.m. at Rolling Lanes vs. Evanston Dec. 11: 4:30 p.m. at Rolling Lanes vs. Glenbard East Dec. 15: 4:30 p.m. at Lynwood Bowl vs. Thornton
Drastic difference The typical WNBA player makes a total of $72,000 a year while the average NBA player makes $5.5 million a year.
As the first quarter of the basketball season comes to a close, NBA fans across the country, I’m sure, have mixed reactions about the season thus far. From drastic injuries to our Bailey Blum superstars (Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook) to the shocking success of a LeBron James-less Miami, the league has been full of surprises. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all: Cleveland. I think everyone just got a little too excited about the Cavs. Obviously they have potential. They probably have the highest potential of any team in the league, with Kyrie Irving, James and Kevin Love each more than used to leading their own respective teams in the past. However, that’s exactly the problem Cleveland is facing now. They are all leaders. If Cleveland intends to be successful, which James has insisted on many occasions they do, then those three stars need to sort out the issues they have reportedly encountered in the locker room and learn to sacrifice and share the team’s workload. If they can do that, then they’ve got an NBA championship waiting for them. I’d also like to give a shout-out to Anthony Davis. Expect him to be a top five player in the league this year. The 6-foot 11-inch center played his first two years of high school as a guard and has certainly showed fans nationwide that he has retained most, if not all, of these skills with his slick ball handling and ability to command the court from beyond the three point line. Look for him to lead the New Orleans Pelicans even further this season and into the playoffs as he continues to grow as a leader on this up and coming team. Also, his pick and roll game with young star guard Jrue Holiday can only become more tenacious as the two grow and gain experience. Now, back home to the Chicago Bulls, who have started off the season strong. It appears as though Kirk Hinrich has finally learned to shoot the ball, and he’s come up big in close games for the Bulls. That’s going to be one of the best things about the Bulls this season. They have so many different players who have the ability to step up late in games from their bench. I was a little worried about Aaron Brooks being trigger happy from behind the arc, but he’s proven to be successful enough and puts up a fair amount of points off the bench. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah have the potential to become one of the most dominant duos beneath the basket league-wide. Once Noah fully recovers from his knee surgery and gets back into the swing of things, the Bulls should have no problem controlling the boards. Jimmy Butler really is starting to come into his own, and has shown improved maturity recently and can be counted on late in games. If Derrick Rose can stay healthy and play like he did before all his injuries, then I think the Bulls have the best team they’ve had since the end of the Jordan era. Look for them to be right in the hunt for the Eastern Conference Championship. This column only scratches the surface though. The Raptors have plenty of young talent in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry and could be this year’s big Cinderella story. The Warriors boast arguably the best backcourt in the league, with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson making three point shots look easy. And James Harden seems to have finally learned how to play defnese for the Houston Rockets. It looks like both Conferences will have a wide mix of teams that have the ability to go deep into the playoffs. So step aside San Antonio and Miami, it’s time for some new kids on the block.
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 11
A hour of vigorous swimming will burn up to 650 calories. It also releases endorphins, which help relieve stress.
Wrestling switches scene Despite practice location change, team hopes to continue success and bonding by Abby King @abigailann_01
The strenuous sport of wrestling has a unique way of unifying all those involved. Walking down the hallways, any student can point out a wrestler: the guy in sweatpants with a look of hunger and exhaustion on his face. But, this is only one perspective of this complex sport. The boys form a close bond brought together under the pressures that they face as a team. LT boys wrestling placed first in regionals last year and plans to go even farther this season. Due to NC construction the cafeteria
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“We talk a lot about being a family. It’s difficult when the freshmen and upperclassmen never see each other.” -Head Coach Griff Powell
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NBASeason
SPORTS
Countless calories
is currently in the Vaughan gym, where wrestling used to practice. The boys had to lug all four 1,700 pound mats up the narrow NC stairs to the upper gyms. This was actually a positive change in some ways, because the upper gyms were warmer, making it easier to lose weight, varsity wrestler Mac Casella ‘16 said. Despite the reduced gym space and divide between the upper and lowerclassmen, the wrestlers still expect to have the same close-knit community that they have always had. “It’s going to be a challenge for the freshmen this year to understand what a practice room is supposed to be like and the serious atmosphere that goes along with it,” Casella said. Even though the coaches had to separate the freshmen from the upperclassmen, it has not deterred the strong connection among players on the team. “We talk a lot about being a family,” Head Coach Griff Powell said. “It’s difficult when the freshmen and upperclassmen never see each other, but we still try to do things as an entire group. I say at the end of practice to the older guys, ‘go up to a freshman and introduce yourself; make them feel welcome.’” The overall unity of the team has greatly affected individual players involved. Jack Hollinger ‘15, currently enlisted with the Marine Corps and wrestling, spoke about the parallels between the two. “Wrestling is like a brotherhood,” Hollinger said. “I see all of the values and leadership traits I learn in the Marine Corps here
Top: John Mologousis ‘17 rides his opponent from Plainfield East and works for a cradle. (Gillian Dunlop/LION) Bottom: Zach Villarreal ‘17 sprawls, stopping his opponent’s attempt at a leg attack. (Gillian Dunlop/LION)
with these guys. There is a huge sense of community and unity on this team.” While all of the boys are connected, wrestling also offers the individual competition and chance to set oneself apart from the team. “That’s why wrestling is such a cool sport,” Hollinger said. “You get the team experience, but a large part of it is individual too.” The success they had last year only encourages them to do better this year, Powell said. The coaches work the boys every year so that they will peak at the end of the season in order to get the most people possible to the state meet. “We should be a top 10 team this year. We ended up top 15 last year. We lost some good guys, but we’re pretty strong. I think we’ll do better than a lot of people think,” Casella said. The boys have a meet tonight at York at 6pm. And a quad tomorrow at Naperville North at 10am.
Boys dive into swimming season Boys swimming begins year with their heads well above the water by Izy Scott @izy3213
Plunging back into the pool after a positive season last year, boys swimming looks to continue these steady strokes of success with seven returning state qualifiers. Head Coach Scott Walker hopes to help build a strong team foundation, as well. “I think we have a really good base in leadership this year,” Walker said. “They really are a very classy group of guys.” During practices and meets, Walker said he tries to keep a constructive atmosphere, especially important considering the demanding morning and afterschool practice schedule. “I try to stay as positive as possible,” he said. “I am a firm believer [in the idea that] you have to have fun in order to perform well. I always tell the guys that the swimming pool is their sanctuary. It is a place that they can go to where nobody can mess with them.” Being the LT boy’s swim coach for 21 years, Walker has gained reverence among the swimmers he coaches. This includes returning state competitors Ben Hewett ‘15 and Weston Credit ‘16. “Coach Walker is definitely a valuable mentor,” Credit said. “He has been around the sport his entire life and knows exactly what each of his swimmers are going through.” Along with high opinions of their coach, the swimmers are more than expectant of the coming season as a whole. Competing for various clubs during off-season, they congregated for a pre-season meeting early November then hit the pool and weight room on the 24th for the season’s first practice. “What counts most is individual improvements, and I think if we can get that accomplished and work as a team in that regard, state and sectionals will come,” Hewett said. Having lost 17 state-qualifying seniors last year, the team will look to the program’s underclassmen to help fill in gaps. “What I’m excited about is building upon the kids that went [to state] last year, along with the younger kids that are coming in with the Freshman group,” Walker said. “I think we’re going to be packing a lot of punch in about two years. So I’m really excited not only coaching for just this season, but coaching to build upon the season that comes after that.” With empty lanes to fill, the intensity of this season has
already begun to pick up, even in the short few weeks of official training that has been accomplished. The program as a whole has gained popularity and respect over the past years, trending towards another hard-working season to come. “Just recently kids have started to come in more prepared,” Walker said. “When I came in, swimming wasn’t really respected in the school. I think that they have developed with their behavior, and their representation in the school and community has helped us become something to talk about.” The boys’ next home meet is Dec. 5 against Glenbrook North High School, and with a clean slate, state returnees alongside underclassmen are ready to lead the team with fervor. “We have strong and talented group of freshman coming in this year,” Credit said. “I hope our team’s leadership and good work ethic will lead us [to state].”
The boys swimming team congregates in the corner of the pool, taking a break during one of its after school practices. (Izy Scott/LION)
Pirated prodigies In the 2008 Olympics in China, there was a large concern with female gymnasts doctoring their ages as you must be at least 16 to compete. Younger girls have an advantage as they are lighter and more daring.
SPORTS SPORTS Friday, December 5, 2013 Page 12
Scores
Highlights Profiles
Gymnastics starts season off strong with first win
with an 8.45, and Reagan Iffert ‘17 placed 10th with a 7.95. Iffert also finished 10th on beam with an 8.0. Julia Cozzi ‘18 also placed on beam, finishing fifth with a score of 8.3. All of these individual awards combined to bring the team to a first place finish at the invitational. With more new gymnasts than returning ones, the outcome of the by Brittany Grosser-Basile season is up in the air. The gymnasts are confident, though, that they @BrittanyGrosser will work well together to accomplish their goals and bond as a team, no matter what happens when it comes to state. The two-time defending state champion girls gymnastics team is “It’s impossible to tell how a season is going to go,” returning back in season. Three members of the multi-champion team remain, gymnast Kelly Ryser ‘15 said. “There are always surprises at every and the team is now joined turn, especially in a by many fresh faces, mostly sport like gymnasunderclassmen. tics. I know that the “Since our team is so team will be as close different from last year, we as we are each year have to view this upcomand we’ll really work ing season as a blank slate well together.” and avoid comparing it to The third gymnast past seasons,” returning returning this season gymnast Kelsy Kurfirst is Olivia McGann ‘15 said. “It’s a new season ‘15. It still hasn’t been and we’re a new team, so decided whether or our goals and expectations not she’ll compete must be unique to this this season, due to year’s dynamics.” her recent surgery on The team competed at her torn labrum. its first meet, the Hornet Kurfirst, a threeInvitational, at Hinsdale time individual South on Nov. 26. The girls champion who placed first with a 132.6. placed third all “I think the first meet around at state last went pretty well, conyear with a 37.60, sidering we have such hopes to qualify a young, new team this against for state both year,” Kurfirst said. “Every- Kelsy Kurfirst ‘15 competes in a meet at Hinsdale South on Nov. 26. (Grosser-Basile/LION) individually and as one was, understanda team. ably, a little nervous, and of course we made some mistakes, but “Although it’s still early in the season, one of our goals is to qualify I think overall it was a good learning experience because now we for state as a team,” Kurfirst said. “Individually, it’s always a goal of know exactly what we need to work on in order to improve for the mine to qualify for state, but as long as I perform the best routines I’m next meet.” capable of performing, I’m happy.” Kurfirst finished first for vault, beam, floor and all-around, for The team’s next meet is Dec. 6, when they will be playing for the which she scored a 37.45. Sonia Slusarczyk ‘18 placed fourth on bars Downers Grove North Invitational.
Reigning state champions compete in first meet, come out with a victory despite different team dynamic, new additions
by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana3 For nearly her entire life, Kimmy Vitek ‘15 was a gymnast. That is, until freshman year when an elbow injury subsequently ruined her career in gymnastics. With nothing much left, she decided to try diving and four years later, she finds herself prepared to go to Cornell University to continue this sport at a collegiate level. After being an extremely driven gymnast who would leave school everyday to practice for two and a half hours as a freshman, Vitek chose to transfer over to diving as it shares similarities with gymnastics. “At first I was just doing it as a ‘lets give something a try’ because I didn’t really have anything after gymnastics,” Vitek said. “I guess I just fell in love with the acrobatic part and it doesn’t hurt my elbow and it’s just perfect for me.” Kelly Ryser ‘15, a fellow diver as well as a gymnast, can clearly relate the two sports. “It is acrobatic and with gymnastics you get a huge advantage with your air awareness which you don’t get with a lot of other sports,” Ryser said. “You need to know where your body is in the air.” As a captain and a leader on the team, Vitek has tried to bring the swim and dive team closer, which has been a struggle in the past as they are two completely different sports that compete together. Many of her leadership skills come from the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation (JKB), which is a camp in Colorado that teaches high schoolers leadership so they reach out to other teens. “[JKB] gave me a lot of leadership skills” Vitek said. “Learning how to be a leader helped me get that position as a captain and be good at it.” Vitek received various offers from colleges to dive, which included University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, Brown University, Tufts University and Cornell University, three of which are Ivy League schools. It was mainly between Cornell and Pennsylvania and after she visited and liked the campus, she made her choice to attend Cornell, Vitek said.
“[Cornell] is a competitive team and Kimmy’s a very hard worker,” Coach Christy Williams said. “She dives even better when she’s with better divers so I think she’ll rise to the occasion, be focused and perform well.” As she prepares to attend Cornell, Vitek plans on being able to adapt to the difficulties of being a student-athlete along with her fellow divers. Along with practicing six days a week for three hours, Vitek will have dry lands and weights three days a week keeping her busy. “It’s definitely going to be hard [being a student athlete] with Cornell’s academics,” Vitek said. “It’s not going to be an easy place, but I think that since everyone there is going to be doing the same thing, I’ll be able to feed off that and figure it out pretty quickly.” Over the span of these last three years, Vitek has not only progressed as a teammate but also as a diver and a competitor. A huge part of being a good diver is the mental aspect of it. It’s vital to not get down after having a bad dive or a bad meet as it can impact the rest of your dives, according to Williams. “I’ve seen her mentally progress by getting up there with a lot more confidence and experience and believing in herself,” Williams said. “Nerves got the best of her. Now she’s been in bigger meets and gotten experience. I can tell when she gets up there and feels more confident.” After placing second in conference this year, the diving team performd in preliminaries and semifinals Nov. 21 at Evanston High School. They advanced and went on to finals on Nov. 22. After qualifying, Vitek placed eighth in the individual state competition with a score of 298.60. Her teammate Ryser placed just two spots behind her with a score of 281.00. “Overall, I was content with my performance,” Vitek said. “During preliminaries, I dove very consistently and was fourth going into finals. I messed up on my 2.5 somersault a little in finals which put me in eigth. I wish I could have hit that dive, but overall I was proud of how har I had come. Our hard work really did pay off.
Diving developments Competitive diving developed from experimental gymnastics in the 18th century when both Swedish and German gymnasts began performing various complicated tumbling routines while diving into water.
WrestlingWarriors As the fall sports season ends, high school athletics transition into my favorite season: wrestling season. PerJoe Rossetti haps I should say the winter athletic season, because there are other sports that compete, often drawing a bigger crowd and performing better, but maybe I’m a little biased as a member of the wrestling team. I’d like to see attitudes toward wrestling as a sport as well as wrestling in terms of the teamstart to change. The one thing that constantly sticks out at me is the attendance at meets. It’s great to look out at the bleachers during a football game and not be able to see any metal. It’s fantastic that home basketball games are consistently packed with fans. But where is the student section at wrestling meets? Where are the screaming fans as Mac Casella ‘16 throws his opponent to his back, or Zach Villarreal ‘17 gets a take down to win with 15 seconds left? I mean after all, the boys basketball team competes during the mens wrestling season. I get that wrestling can be gross and basketball is obviously preferred by most LT students, but with a shared fieldhouse for home meets, I expect nothing less than a packed student section for the wrestling team. With only four home meets this year, I’m not asking for much. It’s simple math: there’s one athlete on the mat for the wrestling team and when you are both physically and emotionally drained, all you have out there is yourself. Under the spotlight, dazed, exhausted and angry, I can’t tell you how much looking up and seeing the team chanting your name helps. The uncontrollable roar of the 150 members of the program is often what allows an athlete to reach within himself. Imagine this, but with the crowd of a basketball game. There’s another thing that bothers me, more than attendance at our meets. Why is it that wrestling is commonly associated with two men groping each other? I get it. There’s a lot of physical contact. Yeah, we compete in singlets, basically naked, but that’s just part of the sport. It’s a throwback to the ancient Greeks and the origins of the oldest sport in the world. But even today, we like to embrace our God-given bodies and show off how comfortable we are with our sexuality. But I don’t see how you could associate fighting with something sexual. When you’re out there on the mat, you are trying to kill your opponent – but with rules. I’ve sweat on my opponents, bled on my opponents, and my opponents have done the same to me. But the reality of it is, that’s what makes the program better. It’s intense, it’s high pace, and there is no greater judge of what shape you think you’re in, both mentally and physically. Each day in practice, members of the team break their bodies down to the point of exhaustion, leaving everything that they have on the mat. This is what it takes to make the gains. So if you still want to watch the boys flop around on the basketball court because they were bumped, it’s your decision. But if you want to watch the men work at an intensity that you’ve never seen before, then you’ll be matside. Expect big things from the team this year. Individuals in the program have really been working hard this offseason, and even early on, there is a noticeable difference in the intensity of the room. The team has the potential to send numerous individuals to the state tournament, where all will have a shot at placing. I can sleep well at night knowing that the team has a chance at a top four finish in state, which could be the highest finish out of any winter sports team.
Sequels
Disney dynamics
‘101 Dalmatians’ and ‘Peter Pan’ are the only two Disney cartoons with both parents alive throughout the cartoon.
Selective star
About 1,400 actresses were interviewed to play the role of Scarlet O’Hara in the 1939 movie “Gone with the Wind.”
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 14
We’ve all seen at least one of these classic movies, but what about what happens after? Take a peek at these creative, obviously realistic follow-ups made by four students at LT and evaluated by four LION staffers.
Daniel Kilrea ‘18 Meghan Bulger ‘17 - Napoleon Dynamite: - 21 Jump Street The Sequel What is the plot?
Dave Stormont is the new guy in town and is the only one in the school that can grow a beard. He decides to run for student council president but is forced to shave his beard if he wants to win.
When a rare necklace goes missing, a string of robberies comes “afloat” on the high seas. This leads the captain of the ship to call in a detective team to investigate the cruise singers, who may be hypnotizing their audiences with slightly out-of-tune covers to classic R&B hits.
Ellie Sovcik ‘16 - Twilight
Bryce Hughes ‘15 - The Lion King
It’s basically just “Love Actually,” but half the people are vampires, the other half are people, they’re all looking for love.
When Pride Rock runs out of money, the rich bullies from Pride Rock down the Rufiji river come to purchase Simba’s land. Now, Simba and the gang must join the national animals dance competition in order to win the million dollar prize in Lion King 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Setting? Science Courtyard at South Campus
Who plays the characters?
Why should we see it?
Quinlan
“As much as I have held bated breath on a Lion King sequel, I have to go with Kilrea’s Napoleon Dynamite. I am a Storm-beardfollower through and through, plus I have always been of the opinion that small ogres live in the pale expanse of Storm’s chin. I would like to prove this true.”
The never-seen chin of Stormont, his group of friends, who call themselves snowball and his friend who just wants to fit in, Henry Groya ‘16.
To finally see the chin of our new class president, Mr. Stormont.
Hit the seas on the epic ship, S.S. Jump Street. This ship has everything: games, a whirlpool and burglars!
Join Bruce Jenner and his ponytail as this dynamic duo fights crime while still looking great! The eternal bond between Bruce and his famous hairdo is everlasting and powerful in this Oscar-worthy showcase of strength and valor.
Who wouldn’t want to see Bruce and his ponytail fly in the sea breeze of the Atlantic? Plus, the soundtrack filled with covers of nautical classics is simply off the hook!
Most
“I’m have to choose none of the above, because of my profound hate for sequels. My one exception of course is the greatest movie of all time: Karate Kid Two, which continues moments after the first karate kid ends, yet Ralph Macchio is three years older. Brilliant directing. But Quinlan is shouting at me, so I’m going to go for Bryce’s.”
England.
Africa.
All of the people from “Love Actually” except Kiera Knightly’s husband’s friend (he’s just creepy and needs a new sweater) and with an emphasis on Colin Firth.
I would have John Klafta ‘15 (impersonating Chris Rock) voice a giraffe who can’t dance but learns how to. David Fiflis ‘15 would voice the main bully from the evil pride rock because he’s basically Bradley Cooper.
It’s British rom-com meets American trends. Plus, if you’ll already be watching “Love Actually” a million times this December, why not mix it up?
People would come to see this movie becasuse the only thing they love more than sequels, are sequels of beloved childhood films. Also, it’s just a parody of pretty much every movie from the ‘80s.
Ariana
“I feel like Danny Kilrea ’18 is the go to. Who knows what hidden in Dave Stormont’s beard...a jungle gym, leftover pizza crust, Greenland?”
Breen
“As a sucker for both terrible movie sequels and magnificent ponytails, I’ll go see Meghan Bulger’s ‘17 creation, in search of a few laughs and also some Kardashian cameos.”
by Gaby Sabatino and Garrett Ariana @gabysab8 @garrettariana3
Aries- (March 21- April 19): Try to restrain yourself from making a sarcastic comment about this being the fifth week in a row you’ve seen a #mcm of your best friend’s boyfriend- It’s for the best. Taurus- (April 20- May 20): Those advent calendar chocolates are tempting but try not to eat them all while binge-watching a marathon of Christmas movies; seeing “Elf” for the third time in one week on Netflix isn’t healthy, trust us. Gemini- (May 21- June 20): While you may be intelligent, don’t let your lazy habits show during the gym final—slacking the heart rate test suddenly won’t be amusing when you realize you have a B+ in gym. Cancer- (June 21- July 22): Your time is here. You will finally have the confidence to take your long time classroom crush out for a romantic, love-filled Saturday night in DTLG. Fountain, here we come. Leo- (July 23- Aug. 22): When you’re feeling down this month, feel free to drown your stress in the sound of Christmas music. Because at LT, Christmas only means one thing: we’re halfway to summer break. Virgo- (Aug. 23- Sept. 22): Even if you might look calm, cool and collected for your big presentation, think about giving your teacher a heads up if you think you may pass out and take the podium with you. Libra- (Sept. 23- Oct. 22): Even though you love attention, the 1 a.m. trip to Taco Bell with your pals does not require more than a minute of getting ready—this is a food run, not Homecoming. Let’s tone it down a bit. Scorpio- (Oct. 23- Nov. 21): Although you are very persistent on convincing everyone you might have Ebola, don’t worry, no one is at harm. It’s just the notorious bubonic plague. Sagittarius- (Nov. 22- Dec. 21): Despite your usual luck, your good fortune will be soiled after realizing (while laying in bed) that your final English essay of the semester is due first period tomorrow. Better get typing. Capricorn- (Dec. 22- Jan. 19): Your persistence to go holiday shopping will come back to haunt you after you get KO’ed by that soccer mom behind you that wanted that toaster oven a little more than you did. Aquarius- (Jan. 20- Feb. 18): Keep it real. Odds are you’re already super cool and great to be around. Good luck will come soon (Side note: both writers are Aquarius). Pisces- (Feb. 19- March 20): Try to restrain yourself from making a rude comments to your drunk Uncle Al during Christmas dinner. You may have already heard all the stories about his glory days in college, but try to keep your sanity (at least for a while).
Josie Dunne ‘15 has been working with famous song writer Liz Rose who has also collaborated with Taylor Swift.
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 15
LION‘Scopes
In desperate need of some guidance? Enjoy yourself as you read our predictions. (Note: The following are for entertainment purposes and are not to be taken seriously.)
PROFILES Far from Dunne Senior signs record deal in Nashville
Jammin’ Josie
Christmas creation
The city of Nashville, Tennessee was founded on Christmas Eve in the year 1779.
O
By Claire Quinlan @cquinlan97
n the evening of Oct. 1, Josie Dunne ‘15 grinned as she sat “Josie sings so much around the community so everyone knows at her kitchen table, surrounded by her parents, random her,” O’Neil said. “She works hard for what she does, and everything friends and household pets, and signed approximately 75 that has happened in her music career has been positive because of papers, formalizing her record deal with Warner Music Nashville. this.” With this deal, Dunne is required to write two full songs per Dunne’s biggest performance thus far, however, has been far bigger month, and she has three years to create her first album. Addi- than pet parade parties. Last year she opened for Ingrid Michaelson, tionally, she must create another album every one and a half years Michael Fronte and Allen Stone in Austin, Texas, at a Whole Foods following this first album for a maximum of nine years. event. “Record companies are such huge helpers,” Dunne said. “They “That night was the most excited I’ve ever been,” Josie said. “I was are like a bank and they have a ton of connections. Their main job shaking backstage, honestly, and I don’t truly ever get nervous. It was is to nurture your talent. It is so huge for this to happen huge.” to me of all people, and I think it will help my music The list continues for Josie’s musical credentials, including singbe solid and respected.” ing at the Santa Anita Racetrack in California and singing at the Josie’s father Marty Dunne agrees, citing opening of the Kelli park in 2012. She believes this is because of the record executives for their helpfulness and Jimmy’s presence in her career thus far. desire to start up new artists in the business, “He has been invaluable in my career,” Josie said. “None “The process was so wonderful and the of this would have happened, I would have never signed with executives are so generous and kind,” Marty Warner if it hadn’t been for his mentoring and advice.” said. “They feel that people will respond Jimmy, however, credits LaGrange and LT to his and Josie’s to her and their promotion people will try success. to create a very wholesome, easy-going, “La Grange has great, rich soil, and I can’t imagine super-honest image for Josie.” there is a better place in the country to experience high Early on, however, Josie would not school than LTHS,” Jimmy said. “What an astounding have dreamed of this fateful day. Accordlaunching pad for kids into college and the rest of their ing to Marty, she was an “almost inaudilives.” ble” young girl when she received an Additionally, Jimmy says unofficial voice lesson from a cousin. Josie has a fantastic Freshman year Josie performed in the musical taste full a “Dunne Family talent show” where ented of talshe stunned her uncle, singer/songartists writer/businessman and LT-hallwho have strongly influenced of-famer, Jimmy Dunne. He is her unique sound. Her bedroom is walla big name in the music induspapered with vinyl record covers of artists try and has written songs for from the fifties, sixties, seventies and eightthe likes of the late Whitney ies—artists from decades before she was born. Houston, as well as received “I still can’t figure out who told her to like these Grammy, Emmy and CMA people,” Jimmy said. “Who told her who Sam Cook nominations. and Sarah Vaughn and Stevie Wonder were? They “I heard the seed of somehave been her Justin Biebers growing up. They are who thing very, very special and she has been listening to since grade school days.” important [that day],” Jimmy said. With these artists pushing her sound forward, Josie Soon after, Josie flew to Los developed a style of her own, by learning from what Angeles, Calif., and recorded a trio audiences have responded well to in the past and melding of songs that were then produced together music she is attracted to. by Jimmy and Stephan Oberhoff, an “I’ve heard that a true musician appreciates every genre award-winning composer, vocalist and of music, and this has stuck with me,” Josie said. “There are producer. good aspects to every genre of music, and what I attempt to do “She got amazing feedback from the is infuse what I love about each genre into my own music. I mix music industry,” Jimmy said. “It has to do country lyrics with R&B melodies and the catchiness of a pop song, with so much more than her voice. It has to and smash them all together to the songs I write.” do with her soul, because that’s where she’s Josie’s mother Marcy Dunne credits her success to Josie’s realsinging from and dreaming from. There is ness in her songs and attitude. a richness, complexity and confidence in “She is 100 percent authentic,” Marcy said. “She is so comfortable her lyrical and melodic choices that I have being herself, and people are drawn to that quality in her music.” never seen in a 17-year-old before.” Thus, Josie has made a name for herself locally as well as regionAs her young musical career proally, citing music as her identity at LT and elsewhere. gressed, Josie expanded more community “People know me as the music girl now,” Josie said. “It is someevents, networking to make herself known thing that I can write my college essay about, it is a big part of who I in the area and open up even more opporam and how people know me, and I love that.” tunities. But for now, Josie plans on going to college in Nashville and song“I have actively sought out opportunities write for the majority of her time while she is down there. O’Neil is and people who might love what I do,” Josie impressed by the huge success of her friend. said. “I have become more business oriented “It is still so surreal to know that Josie is actually signed,” O’Neil with the whole thing, because it has become said. “I have been listening to her sing at local events for years and now more than just hopes and dreams at this point. there’s talk about her doing tours and making albums and its still hard I want to make a huge impact on the people I to picture things like that actually happening.” perform for.” Josie agrees, and is humbled by the upward slant her career has taken, Close friend Shannon O’Neil ‘15 agrees, citing planning to create three albums by the end of college. Josie’s persistence as the reason for her immense growth over “Music and songwriting will be all I do,” Josie said. “Fingers crossed that the past years. O’Neil was present at Dunne’s signing party in these albums are successful, and that I am truly happy and staying sane, that Nashville, and has gone to countless shows. is the dream.”
www.lionnewspaper.com
Don’t forget to visit our website for additional stories
Consistent consumers According to a Pulse survey of 210 LT students, 31% of students go to Chipotle for a meal twice a month.
Bulking burrito When ordering at Chipotle, you will receive 70% more food if you ask for a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side; plus the tortilla is free.
CHIPOTLE
Friday, December 5, 2014 Pages 16 and 17
Mraz manufacturing
Wheelchair woes A customer in a wheelchair successfully sued Chipotle becuase their counters were too tall, denying the customer the full “Chipotle Experience.”
Jason Mraz supplies many of his homegrown avocados to Chipotle stores from his farm outside of San Diego
$
El F aro
6136 South Archer Rd., Summit If you’re searching for cheap and authentic Mexican food, El Faro is the place for you. With quick service, giant burritos and classically spicy flavors, El Faro is a great (and bigger) alternative to your Chipotle burrito.
Although your bowl is pretty simple, you certainly are not! A natural born leader, you choose to promote your ideology through the choices you make, whether that is in relation to your “bowl,” or passing out bracelets in the morning.
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6510 Joliet Rd., Countryside As a sit-down restaurant, Fajitas is slightly pricier. Nevertheless, it’s well worth shelling out the extra cash for the most delicious and authentic Mexican food around.
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In the past few years, Chipotle has surged ahead in popularity of its previous owner, McDonald’s. Chipotle’s revenue has risen 11 percent from $2.73 billion to $3.04 billion this year, while McDonald’s profits dropped 30 percent, according to the Huffington Post. This increase in profits has stemmed from people’s belief that they are eating healthier, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) products and can feel good about what they’re eating, according to the Madame Noire website. “I love the home-grown aspect of Chipotle,” Katie Kober ‘15 said. “I broke off from McDonald’s because of the quality of their products and their integrity.” Kober has had an obsession with Chipotle since she was 6 years old, growing up with the chain in Akron, Ohio. Her ideal date is being blindfolded and brought to Chipotle. “I even want my wedding catered by Chipotle,” Kober said. “Chipotle can pretty much fix everything.” Bridgett Turro ‘15 shares Kober’s passion for Chipotle and would do almost anything for a Chipotle burrito. “One time I wrapped myself completely in tinfoil to get a free Chipotle burrito and had to waddle down the line,” Turro said. “No wonder burritos don’t go anywhere.” Despite Chipotle’s overwhelming popularity, there are still a
Faji ta
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La Cab
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9438 Ogden Ave., Brookfield
few who are not big fans. “I feel like Chipotle is nothing special,” Madeline Schaeffer ‘16. “It’s just non-authentic Mexican food.” When given the option, Schaeffer would choose McDonald’s over Chipotle. Chipotle has higher quality ingredients, but they still find a way to make her not feel well after she eats it, Schaeffer said. “I think the hype is too high for what it is,” Schaeffer said. The burrito bowl has been a large contributor to this teen obsession. Chipotle now sells more burrito bowls than burritos and has started a food bowl trend at other restaurants. The option of gluten free and protein over carbs has been appealing to many customers, leading to their success. “I feel sick after eating McDonald’s,” Turro said. “But Chipotle is fresh and clean, and the colors are like a Mexican fiesta.” When talking about convenience, the wait time is relatively the same even though McDonald’s has a drive-thru. In terms of price, Chipotle is far more expensive, with burritos often exceeding $10 when guacamole is added with a meat option, whereas $5 can buy you cheeseburger and fries at McDonald’s with money left over. However, it seems that Chipotle’s organic ingredients from local farmers, and nonGMO grown options are more important to Americans than the price. “You can’t put a price on love,” Turro said.
While some of the flavors are slightly more Americanized, this tiny taco joint fully makes up for it with piles upon piles of warm, homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients, which pair to create tasty tacos.
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Taco
Taco
5538 S La Grange Rd., Countryside
If you’re searching for a greasy, late night carry-out place, Taco Taco is the place for you. With big (albeit greasy) portions, the quick service and great flavors create a wonderful option.
Reviews by Lidia Breen @lidia_breen
Costly clothing In a lifetime, an American woman will spend $125,000 on clothes. 3,000 items—271 pairs of shoes, 185 dresses and 145 bags.
Fashion Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 18
Bikini blowup The bikini was named because its creator belived the revealing suit would create a shock like that of the atomic bomb.
n hio Fas
M a n y of the classes here at LT meet the requirements o f students planning on going into a variety of fields, including science, math, business and art, preparing students hoping to pursue a career in such subjects following graduation. However, students interested in the fields of fashion and design must be content with only one fashion class offered at LT and use a single, beginning-level class as the bulk of their fashion experience. LT’s fashion and interior design course is one-semester long and includes studies of both fashion and interior design. “I know a few people that would actually prefer it to be a whole year long so it would be one semester fashion and one semester interior design,” fashion student Chloe Wesley ‘15 said. The fashion and interior design teacher, Nancy Schwerin, has been teaching this class for 13 years and educates the students on varying concepts and techniques including the history of fashion and the creation of original designs. Nevertheless, Schwerin agrees that by the class would be more beneficial to students if it were longer. Ga “[By offering a year long class] we could go deeper into the projects,” by Schwerin said. “Right now, we just touch upon all the different areas.” Sa ba Students seriously considering pursuing fashion as a career often look for outside tin classes and programs to extend their knowledge in the field of fashion design and business o @g and wish for more in-class experience at LT. ab ys “I have had a bunch of other experiences, so I thought by taking this class it would be fun,” ab 8 Morgan Vickery ‘15 said. “But I think it would be beneficial [for the class] to focus on just fashion.” Since the class has combined both fashion and interior design, there is less time to focus of specific areas of each subject. However, the class does provide students with beginner knowledge needed to pursue the art of fashion. “I think [the class] gives them a good representation of what would be expected of them,” Schwerin said. “It would be great if we could extend it and give more options to the students.”
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Awkward affair
Napoleon’s wife had an affair. Distraught, he wrote a letter. It was intercepted by the British and published.
fails
Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 19
Matt Fisher ’15
Timothy Spitsberg It was my second year at LT, the first day of school, and I was wearing a black wool suit. Well, until the first three minutes of my very first class when, while bending over for a piece of chalk, I burst a giant hole in my suit pants.
Embarrassing encounter
@notmattfisher
Basically any time I try to answer my teachers questions in calculus is embarrassing.
The most common embarrassment is forgetting someone’s name while introducing them to another person.
Maddie Kirklys ‘15 @mkirklys
I felt exhausted one day after second hour and thought running down the stairs really fast would make up for it. Instead, I tripped on the first stair and face planted at the bottom of the staircase, all while dragging two others with me. It was casual #sorryguys.
The students didn’t really know how to react, and neither did I, but eventually we all laughed, I grabbed a stapler and tried to ‘repair’ them (fail…), and then I just took my suit coat and wrapped it around my waist. This solution would’ve been ideal…well, except for the pit stains already huge and gross because of my 1st day nerves and how hot an August day it was. I had to pretty much give up on my ‘English is hard and scary’ thing at that point, and so instead I started every class by telling them the story of how I ended up looking so stupid on the 1st day. I decided I might as well embrace my real personality at that point, and I reminded all of my classes as they left that no matter how nervous they were, they couldn’t do anything dumber than split their pants. It turned out to be a great year, and I bet none of those students ever forgot me, or, at least, my 1st day outfit.
Gaby Sabatino ‘16 @gabysab8
One day in LION class I spotted a fellow staff member (Joe Rossetti ‘15) trying to take my lunch. Without knowing that the floor was slippery and wet, I ran for it and embarrassingly fell right on my back. But don’t worry, my LION friends reassured me by laughing hysterically and then helping me get back on my feet. Nothing like some LION love.
Online Stories this Issue Please check out... The Fitz and the Tantrums review and The Club Athlete of the Month
Festival fun LT Theatre Board presents the annual Donna Mavros OneAct Play Festival in the South Campus PAC. Directed solely by LT seniors, the one-acts will run Saturday Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., free admission with ID.
Friday, December 5, 2014 Page 20
GET OUT Weekend Entertainment Reviews
Weekend Weather Friday
Cloudy High: 38 Low: 32
Saturday
Sunday
Cloudy Cloudy High: 38 High: 39 Low: 30 Low: 33
‘Mockingjay’ soars above expectations Reviews Album: T Swift’s ‘1989’ Newest “Hunger Games” movie continues trends of predecessors
by Claire Quinlan @cquinlan97
by Riley Carroll @Riley_Carroll_
RIP to quality Tswift country tunes of strength and frequent tears. Her frustrating new album “1989” is full of catchy though dull, Claire Quinlan repetitive and uncreative beats that are empty of vulnerability and make it clear that Swift is going for chart-toppers rather than heart-consolers. From the first single “Shake It Off” to the synthesizer-heavy “All You Had To Do Was Stay,” Swift’s career shift marks steep decline.Listening to her screechy complaining, conformist and shallow lyrics is like eating a huge donut: easy to digest but leaving you feeling empty and disgusted immediately after. She has migrated from raw and genuine to smooth and perfect, projecting an image of a girl who just doesn’t care, even though we know she does. Or did. Progressing through the album, each song is crazy catchy with the same base beat, making listening to it sound like one long foot-tapping trip into a preteen room of the future. “I screamed so loud” she sings, “I watched you leave.” Those are not the lyrics of a unique songwriter standing apart in sameness. Instead, Swift has become the monotony of the top 40. Bottom Line: Taylor Swift is no longer my go-to friend after a breakup or confusing love. She is the artist I will go to when I want to forget and try to make life seem perfect and foolproof, a life full of low drums and back-up singers chanting over and over and over again that the “haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate....” Well, I guess I will.
A common trend in the film industry is to convert novels into films and unfortunately, many of these conversions are nowhere near as good as the original work. Luckily, “Mockingjay Part 1” is definitely not one of those films. In a culmination of directing, acting and screenwriting brilliance, “Mockingjay” is able to captivate its audience and truly send them to the dystopian society that makes up Panem. With a surprisingly short list of credentials, “Mockingjay’s” director, Francis Lawrence, could easily be overlooked, but after watching the film, it is clear that his directorial talent far surpasses what his history in film would suggest. Lawrence infuses his directing style, which utilizes major points of juxtaposition throughout the film, but one of the most notable and memorable moments occurs within one of the very first scenes. As the movie’s heroine and physical embodiment of the revolution, Katniss Everdeen, sits in a plane on her way to see her destroyed district, the sound of the ship’s deafening engines resonates throughout the theater, but once the plane lands and leaves her alone in the ruin, there is only silence. Lawrence opts to shock the audience with the absence of any soundtrack at this point
Nov. 21-Dec. 24ChristkindlMarket, Daley Plaza, All day. Dec. 5- Hinsdale Christmas Walk 4 p.m. Dec. 5-31- ChristmasLights, Brookfield Zoo, 5 p.m. Dec. 8- Wilco, Riviera, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8- Justin Timberlake, United Center, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12- Dubstock II, the Corral, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21- Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, United Center, 6 p.m.
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Concert Review Check out Ceili Doyle’s review of the Nov. 22 Fitz and the Tantrums concert. North Campus
/out of five Paws
and forces them to understand the depth of this silence. The moment remains memorable because its silence causes one to think about what that moment means and the argument it makes, instead of just blindly watching a meaningless plotline unfold. By incorporating an array of scenes similar to the one above that feature both Lawrence’s style of contrast in sound and lighting as well as his artful execution of the style throughout the movie, Lawrence allows the audience to truly feel the film, rather than merely watch it. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence aids in the director’s vision by once again portraying the interesting and dynamic character of Katniss Everdeen. Jennifer’s performance in “Mockingjay” served as a reminder of her immense talent as she depicted a vast assortment of raw emotion while her character was at her weakest point and also while Katniss was at her strongest, showcasing a wide range of talent. Not only did Jennifer shine, but so did her supporting actors. With seasoned veteran actors such as Julianne Moore as Alma Coin, the blandly monotonousleader of District 13 and the Rebellion, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Woody Harrelson cast alongside Jennifer, there
Let them eat [bundt] cake Nothing Bundt Cakes offers many different sizes of cakes, including this Chocolate Chocolate Chip “bundtini,” which is about the size of a cupcake, and costs $3.99, (Riley Carroll/LION).
New chain provides fresh dessert option by Lidia Breen @lidia_breen Kate Moss once said, “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” I recently learned that this is false: cake tastes much better than skinny feels. Specifically, Nothing Bundt Cakes, at 30 N La Grange Rd., which tastes a heck of a lot better than skinny—or anything else. From the moment you walk into the small chain-bakery, you are immediately greeted by a bubbly and helpful staff. They quickly answer any questions and show you around the tiny store, which sells both desserts and household baking goods, and hand out free samples. The helpful staff will then bring you to the small display case in the front of the store, and talk you through the eight flavors of cake and the four sizes. Flavors include: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, White White Chocolate, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot, Lemon, Marble, Pecan Praline and Cinnamon Swirl. All flavors come in three
sizes, ranging from personal sized “bundtlets” for $3.99, to 10-inch cakes, starting at $31. Made with fresh and real ingredients, the cake itself is rich and decadent and slowly melts in your mouth. The most popular flavor, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, is phenomenal: the rich cake baked with full chocolate chips, which provide the perfect amount of contrasting “crunch” to the rich flavor of the cake itself. The White Chocolate Raspberry flavor is a pleasing combination of the rich vanilla cake and a sharp raspberry aftertaste. The only negative thing to say about the cake itself would be the frosting. While the taste of the frosting is fantastic, the sheer amount of
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525
it plopped on top of the cake overwhelmed the flavor, and some customers surely will end up scraping off the rich excess frosting with their fork. One thing is certain about Nothing Bundt Cakes—it tastes much better than skinny feels. Kiss your jean size goodbye. Bottom Line: Withholding frosting abundancies, Nothing Bundt Cakes is an amazing addition to La Grange, and provides a fresh new dessert option to a bakery-less town. Because of its extremely small size, Nothing Bundt Cakes only offers carry-out and delivery options, perfect for a flavorful and rich on-the-go dessert.
Club Athlete of the Month Alex Ross ‘15 is the Club Athlete of the Month for December. Learn about his successes on the tennis court during the off-season online.
State Finalists Boy’s Cross Country placed 3rd in the state this year. Read about their accomplishments online.
is no question why the acting throughout the entire film was so immaculate and memorable. While the director and actors were more than exceptional, it would be difficult to praise just them. A major part of the film’s success lies in its impressive adaptation from book to screenplay. As a fan of the “Hunger Games” book series, I expected to be disappointed by something left out or misrepresented in film, but I did not once during the film question whether or not a moment had occurred in the book. While the film is phenomenal, the run time (2:30) is relatively long for a part-one installment of a two-part movie. The point at which the film actually ended set up the beginning of the next film very well, but the last 20 minutes featured several points where the film could have ended earlier and achieved the same goal. It felt as if there were numerous places towards the end where moments seemed to build to culminate in the ending, but the film would continue. It almost felt as if it was trying too hard to keep the audience on its toes. Bottom line: “Mockingjay” lives up to the books as well as the hype; it is not only an interesting movie, but also a work of art regardless of its run time.
South Campus
Winter: Sledding Hills by Dante Stefanini @DanteStefanini
/out of five Paws If this year’s winter is anything like last year’s, the Midwest is in store for some of the coldest temperatures and heaviest snowfall to date. For many, winter Dante Stefanini accompanies a threemonth long depression, a time when a person has nothing to do except binge on Netflix, hibernate, and suffer from a lack of social interaction. Instead of moping about and longing for spring, make the most of your winter because it is too long to waste. So take advantage of old man winter’s dandruff and pick up a tube, toboggan, garbage lid, or cafeteria tray and start sledding on the two best hills around. Enjoy the Elmhurst Park District sled hills from Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (weather permitting). Three lighted sledding hills are available for use at Berens Park, Crestview Park and Eldridge Park. You won’t find these types of hills in your backyard. They are extremely large, steep and worth the trip for any avid sledder. The next hill is not for the faint of heart or people who still get tucked into bed. Simply go east on Cermak Road, keep going until you reach the Eden Lanes Bowling Alley in Broadview, when you approach the bowling alley you will see an overpass. There is a hill next to the overpass that locals have christened “Suicide Hill.” The hill is teeming with trees and boulders, so I only recommend it for hardcore sledding experts.
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
On the Court as it is in Heaven 2014-2015 Church League Season Preview
CONGO
GLC
Congo Chatter “If I had to compare Congo hoops to anything, it would be the goonies.” - Patrick Duncan ‘15
True Champions
No matter what sports I play or will continue to play in the future, there will always be a special place in my heart for basketball. Michael Grace It’s a game that requires quick mental thought, endurance and a mutual communication with your teammates. Today we watch guys like Lebron James or see clips of the greats like Bird, Jordan, or Magic and are mesmerized by the way they play the game. Kids imitate them on courts across the world, but the reality is that only a small percentage really “make it.” So, what happens to the ones who never made it? The ones who didn’t make it to the NBA, who couldn’t quite get that college basketball scholarship and finally the ones who didn’t even play high school basketball, but instead showcased their talents somewhere else? This, my friends, is the beauty of Church League. To the common spectator, it may simply look like a bunch of sub-par athletes running around an empty grade school gymnasium, trying ever so hard to put a worn out Evolution ball through an orange metal hole. Although the majority of outsiders would most likely say the same exact thing, Church League truly is so much more. It’s the feeling you get, lacing up those old gym shoes as you take the court with lifelong friends, having the pleasure to bear your parish or grade school’s name across your chest. Old rivalries from childhood are resparked while new ones ignite as each game goes by. One second you are caught in hysterical laughter at an air ball that hit a someone in the crowd, while the next you find yourself screaming at a kid you went to school with in sixth grade because he just made a turnover in a one point game. The diversity of people is something impossible to find any where else. Finding a division one football player, a musician, and a kid who got a 36 on the ACT all in one place doing the same activity may seem like an impossible task until you walk into that quiet gymnasium on a cold Saturday night to find that all three are on the same team. I love this game and I love this league. Unfortunately, after this past football season I was told I would have to have shoulder surgery and would be unable to play this year. Days went by and reality finally hit for me. There is nothing I want to do more than be on that court with my best friends playing basketball in such a pure form. Sure, the games might not compare to the ones our peers play at the IHSA level, competing for the state title, but it doesn’t matter. Those games are our state titles, the few parents in attendance are our screaming fans and that ball is what brings us together every winter in hopes of capturing the glorious title of Church League Champions.
Church Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 22
SFX Hickey
by Drew Cushing @drcushing32
One of three St. Francis Xavier senior teams this season, SFX Hickey is looking to come out on top. Led by strong players such as Aaron Smith ‘15, Chris Cooper ‘15, Tom Hickey ‘15, Luc Leo ‘15 and Trevor Edgerton ‘15, the team plans on playing a fast-paced game. “I would definitely say our team has a run-and-gun play style,” Cooper said. “[And] that’s complimented by excellent rebounding, ball movement, and great shot selection.” The team is stacked with size, athleticism, talent and unselfish players that focus on a team effort from everyone. The team was able to add to its size from previous years with the addition of Smith and Cooper, who played for a different team in the previously. This SFX team definitely has the capability and talent to make a run deep into the playoffs, and its players really believe they can do it as well. The team’s unselfish play will be a key factor in its success this season and many expect Hickey to be critical to the offense. “I believe our team has an extremely bright season ahead of us,” Cooper said.
SFX Kuchler
by Dante Stefanini @DanteStefanini
The Saint Francis Xavier Kuchler squad had a lackluster performance last season finishing with a record of 2-8. Player and team leader Matt Benz ‘15 is especially excited to begin his final season of church ball and is determined retire as a champion. The team has plenty of talent in both the offensive and defensive aspects of their game. Emmett Corrigan ‘15 is considered one of the top rebounders in the league, and with the addition of players Billy Spartz ‘15, Matt Walsh ‘15 and Jon Hudson ‘15, their shooting game is expected to be one of the most dangerous around. “My hopes are to improve on last year’s sub par season and grab my second ring with a new and improved group,” Benz said. As a sophomore, Benz was a part of the SFX Dillon team that won the underclassmen league championship. Due to the team’s salary cap, he was traded to SFX Kuchler where he is now considered one of the seasoned veterans by his teammates. Although the entire team isn’t SFX alumni, Corrigan feels a strong connection to his alma mater. “To represent my middle school feels great,” Corrigan said.
SJC Light Blue
by Michael Rasmussen @MikeRas55
If there’s a true contender to throw SFX Hickey off of its topranked throne, SJC Light Blue may be the only team with the strength and determination to do so. The team’s strategy is based on relentless rebounding and sweet-shooting from beyond the arc. The squad also hopes its big bodies in the paint, particularly 275 pound all-state Nazareth football guard and senior center Michael Owens, will lead the team to a championship. “We’ve got probably the biggest team in the league and we all know how each other will play,” veteran forward Jake Heinz ‘15 said. “Our size, defense, [and chemistry] are phenomenal.” SJC Light Blue’s chemistry is derived from years of combined experience, since many players have balled together since elementary school, and although senior team-members like Owens, sharpshooter Teddy Hans and forward Kevin Forde have branched out to parochial schools Nazareth and Fenwick, the squad remains cohesive. “We’re just going to out-body and out-work you because we’re too big to handle,” Heinz said.
SFX Dillon
by Michael Grace @_michaelgrace After an embarrassing 2-8 record last season, this SFX squad has plenty of returning veterans in Joseph Bruni ‘15, Ben Gawthrop ‘15, Daniel Niedermeyer ‘15 and Joe Dillon ‘15. Although these players had a rough go they are no strangers to winning games since they took home the underclassman title as sophomores. The Falcons rely on the perimeter shooting of their undersized guards and ability to score in transition with Bruni and Niedermeyer. What the team lacks, they make up for in experience. This team has plenty of leadership on the court, but also from the bench under legendary coach Keith Dillon. “He really knows how to get a team riled up,” Bruni said. “He just knows how to draw up a great scheme to win a game.” With more players coming to the parish, this team will have a different look this year with new additions and the absence of players who have been with the program for the past three seasons. Keith will be forced to use all the his tricks in order to bring his team together and take home another Church League Championship.
First Congregational
by Will Most @Will_Most
Congo Hoops is a team filled with intrigue, but with tons of question marks. The whole team is almost entirely missing its starting five from last year, so many of its key players didn’t see as many minutes as other players on top teams did. Congo is highlighted by a slew of great athletes such as Danny Thomas ‘15, Patrick Duncan ‘15 and Liam Sharkey ‘15. Congo also has a talented incoming junior class, who, led by the quick slasher Nick Econamo ‘16, was a frisky team in last year’s freshman-sophomore playoffs. “If I had to compare Congo hoops to anything, it would be the goonies,” Duncan said. “We are just a rag tag group of washed up athletes and goofballs who are going to find a way to come out on top at the end.” Congo’s self described rag tag group has one fundamental flaw, however: lack of big men. The team’s tallest player is Duncan, who will likely play on the perimeter, presenting problems when it comes to rim protection and rebounding. Therefore, Congo’s success depends on just how strongly they move the ball, shoot the three, and work in transition. Congo’s success will possibly come down just to who they are playing, and how well the opposition can exploit Congo’s lack of prescence in the paint. Look for teams like SJC Light Blue, SFX Kuchler and SFX Hickey to have a field day with Congo. Any other matchup, Congo is a dangerous team that could beat anyone in the league. One things for sure, however, Congo Hoops is going to be a fun team to watch. “We’re out there to have fun,” Sharkey said. “And everyone knows that having fun leads to championship.”
First Presbyterian Chatter “As long as there isn’t a refrigerator on the other team, Liam Purcell ‘15 will be an impact player.” - Alex Kimberling ‘15
Player to watch: Tom Hickey ‘15 Coming back for his final year in Church League this season, Tom Hickey ‘15 is projected to make a huge impact for his team. Playing for one of the senior SFX squads, Hickey is expected to be a main player due to his size of at least 6-foot 5-inches and his deadly shooting from beyond the arc. “He’s extremely long and can get blocks and steals because of it,” teammate Aaron Smith ‘15 said. Hickey is an overall good shooter and playmaker so expect him to be a real threat both offensively and defensively on the court. He can play any position on the court and also plays an important position off of it as the official prayer leader of his team. Due to these assets, expect Hickey to be an extremely valuable leader in both playing and praying.
Player to watch: Emmett Corrigan ‘15 The Saint Francis Kuchler squad will look to Corrigan as a saving grace this year after finishing last year’s season with a dismal 2-8 record. Tipping the scales at a whopping 6-foot 2-inch 175 soaking wet, this big body’s strength is rebounding and overall aggressiveness in close quarters. Don’t be mistaken by his lack of jump shots outside a three foot radius of the hoop or his inability to properly complete a left handed layup; this animal is a presence in the paint one could only conjure up in a night terror. “Corrigan is a force in the paint the likes of which this league hasn’t seen in decades,” teammate Matt Benz ‘15 said. Corrigan claims that with the addition of players Billy Spartz ‘15, Matt Walsh ‘15 and Jon Hudson ‘15 their shooting game will become one of the team’s strongest aspects.
Player to watch: Brandon Vavra ‘15
There’s no better player in the league to run SJC Light Blue’s methodical, calculated offense than dynamic playmaking guard Brandon Vavra ‘15. According to rookie shooting guard Alec Messino ‘15 and veteran forward Jake Heinz ‘15, his guard skills are comparable to those of Clippers point guard Chris Paul. “Even though he’s small, [Brandon] has a creative play style, and he finds ways to get open and manipulate the defense,” Messino said. “He has an adept mind.” Brandon has been playing basketball since childhood, and Church League since freshman year. With these years of experience, he has continuously honed his scoring arsenal to become a deadly offensive threat. “I’ve got a mean floater and a deep three-point shot that cannot be stopped,” Vavra said.
Player to watch: Joe Dillon ‘15 Coming into this year is a dangerous SFX Dillon team. The squad features many veteran playmakers and is anchored by its big man, Joe Dillon ‘15. Although this group went through a rough previous season due to lack of experience in the Senior League, the team is eager to win a championship with its new found wisdom. The star linebacker of LT’s football team, Dillon has made use of his aggression throughout the years to emerge as one of the league’s top rebounders and leader in fouls. “We’re not in it to lose,” Dillon said. “We want to bring back a title.” After already tasting a championship and returning with veteran talent, Dillon and SFX Dillon could prove to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league this year.
Player to watch: Patrick Duncan ‘15 A 6-foot 3-inch lanky ginger scuttles across the gym, by far the most noticeable kid on the court. As he pulls up for a shot after driving to the lane, you begin to realize that the attention Patrick Duncan ‘15 receives is warranted. “He’s the kind of guy you just pass the ball to if you need points,” teammate Rory O’Donnell ‘15 said. Possessing both size and skill, Duncan, one of LT’s best varsity soccer players was also an A team basketball player in his freshman and sophomore year. Last year Duncan considered trying out for LT varsity basketball, as the team was lacking height, something that Duncan provided. Duncan perused the notion, but ultimately dedicated himself to his original team, Congo Hoops of First Congregational Church. Duncan will be one of the best players in the league, and the X-factor for a talented Congregational Church squad.
Congo Chatter “You just gotta wait until we mesh like a snowball.” - Liam Sharkey ‘15
Church Friday, December 5, 2014 n Page 23
First Presbyterian
by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema
As a rookie player on a first-year program, one might not expect much out of Mitchell DeBoer ‘15. That assumption could not be further from the truth. As the three-year LT basketball veteran takes his talents from the high school court to the holiest of holies, the junior/ senior Church League, his impact will most certainly be felt as he leads the dark horse First Presbyterian Church LaGrange (FBCLG) team in its debut season. “The only thing bigger than Mitch’s impact on the team is his neck,” teammate Alex Kimberling ‘15 said. “He’s going to win rookie of the year.” DeBoer’s ability to shoot beyond the arc, coupled with his experience as a big man during his time on LT, will give him a dangerous arsenal and plenty of scoring potential, making him a top player throughout the league.
Player to watch: Freddie Figge ’15
by Mike Flaherty @mikeflaherty96
Despite finishing last season with a 4-6 record, LCA, LaGrange Christian Assemby, has come into the season with the championship in mind. Along with returning veterans Fred Figge ‘15, Tyler Weiglos ‘15 and Mert Sezer ‘15, LCA has picked up key players Reese Dellios ‘15, Sam Conde ‘15 and Michael Kirsky ‘15 that will hopefully help produce a winning record this season. “Our team has a lot of pure talent. We are consisted of defensive specialists (God’s disciples): Sam ‘commando’ Conde, Timmy ‘Rex’ Nolan ‘15, Grant ‘Moses’ Thomas ‘15 and Luke Pigman ‘15,” Figge said. “With Offensive Specialist: Reece ‘strokin threes smokin trees’ Dellios.” Coming off of last season with no loss of 2014 seniors and surprising the Church League world with its ability to play last year, LCA will defiantly contend for the championship this season. Although in the past they have relied mostly on big man Sezer to make the majority of points and Figge’s superb ball handling skill, LCA, with the new additions, will be the team to beat this season. “I think LCA has an a very high chance of winning a championship. Almost as high of a chance as FC Munch has of winning the intramural soccer championship, which is practically a guarantee,” Figge said.
SJC Maroon
“I will have to save my one ejection for a special occasion, but it’s coming.” - Jack Melone ‘16
Player to watch: Mitchell DeBoer ‘15
In the program’s debut season, the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange (FBCLG) senior church league team will likely take more than one unsuspecting opponent by surprise, boasting an unexpectedly strong and experienced lineup for such a young program. Drawing on talent of former LT basketball players Liam Purcell ‘15 and Mitchell DeBoer ‘15, as well as church league players like Quinton Hughes ‘15 and Ben Higgins ‘15, the team has no shortage of veteran players who will control the floor. Coming off an injury involving an altercation with a refrigerator, Purcell’s experience should make him a leader for FBCLG. “As long as there isn’t a refrigerator on the other team, he’ll be an impact player,” rookie Alex Kimberling ‘15 said. While Higgins and Purcell should have little trouble controlling the boards, the physicality of rookie and offensive lineman Ethan McGahay ‘15 will also give the team an advantage over junior teams. Deemed the team’s “enforcer,” McGahay offers the team a unique dynamic.. DeBoer will almost certainly make his presence behind the arc known, and will make a dangerous combination with the ball handling skills of Hughes at guard. All things considered, FBCLG could likely be this season’s Cinderella story and even the most well established programs would do well to look out for this squad.
LCA
SFX Chatter
by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema
Player to watch: Tom Wennerstrum ‘15
Taking the courts of the holiest of holies once again, St John of the Cross’ Maroon Church League Team has high expectations for this season. “This year is more important than ever and we undoubtedly have the most heart to get that `ship,” veteran Matt Hennessy ‘15 said. Having lost the majority of last year’s starters to last year’s graduating class, the entire SJC program looks to this year’s seniors to step up and keep the championship trophy within their parish. This year’s leaders on the perimeter will most likely be Nazareth senior Matt Mara and junior Freddie Lockie. Mara has already proven himself as a capable shooter, and Lockie’s ball handling skills will be essential in running an efficient offense. Having lost most of its size, the team looks to Tom Wennerstrum ‘15 and Will Stahnke ‘15 to run the game in the post. Wennerstrum’s size and strength and will likely make him a monster on the boards. While Stahnke will also have his fair share in the physicality in the paint, he brings a more versatile skill set to the team with his three-point shot. “He’ll be getting the ball a lot down low as well as on the perimeter,” Hennessy said. Maroon will need this versatility as they go head-to-head with a revamped Saint Francis Xavier program and other opponents throughout the season.
SFX’s Jr. God Squad
by Joe Rossetti
Saint Francis Church League Basketball, referred to as the God Squad, is one of the few teams in the league where every member of the team is an actual parishioner of the church, playing for religious reasons, not for the hype of the league. “I play for God,” Jack Melone ‘16 said. “This is church league after all, he’s the best GM a player could ask for and never cuts any kids. But it creates a lot of pressure on the players as we are playing for the big man in the sky.” The God Squad likes to prepare for each game by scouting the other teams that play prior to it. The team then moves into the locker room to pray and enjoy some Christian rock music, mentally preparing for the game and aiding in team unity. “We have great chemistry and a hype factor that carries our team like the currents carry boats in the sea,” Jack Cushing ‘16 said. The team’s leading scorers are Matt Walsh (Fenwick) ‘16 and Jamie Thele ‘16. The team runs a unique style of play while on the court. “We like the fast break for our offense,” Cushing said. “Our technique for defense is all five defenders rushing the man with the ball at once, dubbed ‘maul the ball.’” The God Squad has some goals in mind for the season. “As a team our goals are simple,” Melone said. “Beat Cletus Red and beat GLC.”
St. Cletus Senior
Standing at a daunting 5-feet 10-inches Fredrick Figge ‘15 has returned to the carpets of the LaGrange Christian Assembly (LCA) to go Old Testament on the fellow teams in the league. Figge is a veteran player and although he has many other parishes trying entice the star point-guard to join their team, he has remained loyal to LCA. “I think LCA has a very high chance of winning a championship. Almost as high as FC Munch has of winning the intramural soccer championship, which is practically a guarantee,” Figge said. Figge’s ball-handling and shooting abilities can only be comparable to David’s sling-shot skill against Goliath. And LCA is indeed a David against many Goliaths, such as Saint Johns. However, Figge is confident that the defensive specialists he coins as God’s Disciples, will bring home the W for LCA this Church League season.
by Bailey Blum @ultimatebailey This season, the Saint Cletus seniors look to be a dominant force in Church League basketball. After a disappointing finish last season with only one win, the guys are looking to rebound and become a top-tier squad, something that could prove to be a huge challenge without star player Michael Grace ‘15, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. The team now looks towards shooting phenomenon Michael Caplice ‘15 to be a huge threat from beyond the arc and for Chris O’Shea’s ‘15 unprecedented finesse with the ball and lockdown hook shot to tear apart opposing defenses. With Grace out, look for Matt Flach ‘15 from Nazareth Academy to command the team from the point guard position. Chemistry between players will play a huge role on this year’s squad, as many of them have been playing together since middle school. For their senior season, the Cletus boys are hungry for victory and expect nothing short of a championship to top off their year. “Our goal is definitely to win the tournament,” team member Oliver Martinez ‘15 said. “And in big time fashion. Not beating teams by one or two, but pounding them. That’s what we are looking to do.” This won’t be possible without improvements on both ends, Martinez said. “We need to put in a little more work,” Martinez said. “We need to pass the ball a bit more and not have two or three people take over the game. If we want to win, it needs to be a team effort this year.”
Standing at 6-feet 2-inches, Tom Wennerstrum’s ‘15 main contribution to the Saint John of the Cross Maroon Church League team can be aptly summarized in one sentence. “The kid is a BODY,” teammate Matt Hennessy ‘15 said. In his second year in the SJC program, the former LT wide receiver will likely use his size and strength to lead his team down low, securing rebounds and punishing smaller opponents. Wennerstrum’s dominance in the paint and his leadership abilities will allow him to shine as one of Maroon’s top players. “Tom brings a real great effort and atmosphere to the team,” Hennessy said. “He’s got a great attitude and with him on the court, we really gel together.” While the SJC program lost a large number of players in last year’s graduating class, including virtually the entire lineup of former champions, SJC Green, the church still boasts multiple strong teams that will no doubt be contenders in the postseason. Look to Wennerstrum and Maroon to fight for a top position on the courts.
Player to watch: Jack Melone ‘16 One would never guess that the well dressed, 6-feet 5-inch, 225 pound red-head Jack Melone ‘16 would be a scrappy player. “As a player, I am more of a grinder than a playmaker,” Melone said. “I like to bang bodies down low. I try to get into the opponents heads as much as I can, even if it means getting in foul trouble.” Last season was a break out season for Melone, who recorded five points on the season, with a game high of two. Melone lead the team in the number of socks worn during a game, with seven, a church league single game record. Melone also proudly lead the team in fouls, which definitely contributed to his presence on the court. “His game reminds me of a cross between Abdul-Jabaar and Scalabrine because he’s got the big red hair and is a mental motivator for the team,” teammate Jack Cushing ‘16 said. Melone might have to change his style of play this season. A new rule states that with two ejections, a player is suspended for the season.
Player to watch: Michael Caplice ‘15 At 6-foot 1-inch and bringing 156 pounds of force to the court, Michael Caplice ‘15 looks to make a significant impact on the court for the Saint Cletus church league squad and carry them deep into the playoffs. His team attributes much of his substantial influence to his vibe on the court. “He is such an impactful player because of his attitude,” teammate Jake Rohrbacher ‘15 said. “He is positive at both practices and games and never really gets down.” Caplice often starts at shooting guard for Saint Cletus and has proven himself to be one of the dominant shooters on the team through his relentless consistency. He poses a momentous threat for opposing teams from beyond the arc with his knock down three-point shot. Caplice could not be more optimistic about the season and the Saint Cletus team this year, and believes they will go deep in the tournament. “I hope to bring good leadership and lot of W’s this year,” Caplice said.
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Underclassmen teams stay driven Teams face pressure while still keeping high spirits due to renewed sense of fun competition, supportive fans
by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana Driven by passion, heart, skill and encouragement, all of the freshmen and sophomore church league teams are motivated to be the best of the best this year. These devoted, lighthearted athletes, each representing their respective churches, are hungry for a championship. After a championship from the sophomore team of Grace Lutheran Church (GLC) this past year, the upcoming sophomores have a lot to live up to. Joey Rohaly ‘17, a starter on last year’s 2-6 freshman GLC team, believes it’s going to be difficult to fill the huge shoes the previous sophomores left. “We’re probably going to be pretty bad,” Rohaly said. “However, there’s always faith in each other and in God. We do have some good new players coming in. We have Sam Bradley ‘17 and Scott Garrow ‘17 who were both on the Freshman B Basketball team.” Besides GLC, the Saint John of the Cross (SJC) team that contains an abundance of players in their farm system is projected to be a contender. The five or more teams that represent their church are anticipated to be led by Connor Pasko ‘17, Phil Metcalf ‘17 and JP Remijas ‘17. “Our motto is: ‘All threes, no D’,” Pasko said. “I was 3-15 last year from the three-point line. We’re not afraid to shoot the three, but it occasionally hurts us.” This different style of competition allows the athletes all around LT to have a fun time while also being very spirited. This renewed sense of competition and fan support is what keeps the league going. “I do it all for the babes, man,” Jack Schaefer ‘17 of First Congregation of Western Springs (Congo) said. “I’m just trying to pull babes.” Congo, another strong team, who was eliminated in the semi-finals last year in the Freshman-Sophomore league, hopes to continue their success with the addition of several former McClure basketball players joining the team. “My plan is to shoot threes all day and swish them,” Tyler Byrne ‘18 of Congo said. “Every single shot. With my eyes closed.” Congo Head Coach Geoff Wolszon, who has been a part of the team since he played in high school, wants to be able to transform this team of three-point shooters into a versatile group of players. “We’ve got some height that the other teams are going to have to deal with,” Wolszon said. “[Evan Kupec ‘17] is a 6-feet 3-inch beast with a post game. That’s going to make us tough to match up with.” Regardless of who takes home the title this year in the freshman-sophomore league, it’s sure to be a season filled with bloodshed, new friends, new enemies and heart.
Church League Schedule
Featured below is the December Church League Schedule for the 2014-2015 season. Source: SJC Athletic Coordinators
Dec. 6 @SJC
5:15: SJC#4 vs. LCA 6:10: SJC#3 vs. SJC#5 7:05: SCL#5-jr. vs SJC #8 8:00: SJC#6 vs. CONGO
@SFX 6:30: SFX#6-jr vs. SFX#7-jr 7:30: SFX#8-sr vs. LCA#2 8:30: SFX#9-sr vs. LCA#1
@PDL 5:00: SFX#3-soph vs. GRACE-f/s @REC 5:45: SMR#1-fr vs. SMR#2-soph 6:00: SFX#4-soph vs. GRACE-soph 6:45: SJC#2 vs. SFX#1-fr 7:00: SFX#5-soph vs. SCL#2-soph 7:45: SCL#3-jr vs. FPCLG
Dec. 13 @SJC 5:15: SJC#4 vs. SJC#5 6:10: SFX#10-sr vs. LCA#1 7:05: SJC#6 vs. GRACE 8:00: SJC#8 vs. SMR 8:55: SFX#9-sr vs. LCA#2
@SFX 6:30: SFX#1-fr vs. SFX#2-fr 7:30: SFX#6-jr vs. SFX#8-sr 8:30: SCL#1-fr vs. GRACE-soph
@PDL 5:00: SCJ#1 vs. SJC#3 6:00: SFX#7-jr vs. FPCLG 7:00: SCL#3-jr vs. SCL#4-sr
@REC 5:45: SFX#5-soph vs. CONGO 6:45: SJC#2 vs. SCL#2-soph
Dec. 20 @SFX 6:30: SCL#5-jr vs. LCA#2 7:30: SFX#7-jr vs. SMR 8:30: SFX#10-sr vs. GRACE
Check out lionnewspaper.com for updated info on Church League throughout the season.
Congo’s Creation Here’s an inside look at what Congo Hoops is going to look like this year on the paint. They have an aggressive three point game in Tyler Byrne ‘18, Griffin Wasz ‘17 and Jack Schaefer ‘18 while still being a force down low with Evan Kupec ‘17 and Zach Nichol ‘17. Tyler Byrne ‘18
Evan Kupec ‘17 Griffin Wasz ‘17
Zach Nichol ‘17
Jack Schaefer ‘17
Girls just want to have fun Local church league connects with more community members by expanding offerings to girls, creating relaxed atmosphere by Abby King @abigailann_01
Although still in the shadows compared to the boys, girls church league has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, leading to a lot of spirit from the players. One of the main reasons for the creation of girls church league basketball was to form an atmosphere where girls could have a good time. The league is offered at St. Francis, the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, St. John of the Cross and St. Cletus during the spring. Each church has one team, and they play each other every Saturday at the Western Springs recreational center. There are no restrictions for who can sign up, besides that the participant must be in high school and female. “I like the goofiness of it,” four-year St. Cletus church league participant, Kacie Ryan ‘15 said. “Everyone can be themselves, and that’s a really cool atmosphere. It’s not that big of a commitment, and a lot more easy-going than the guys’ league.” A notable difference between the girls and boys league is the seriousness and rigor of play. But, despite all of the costumes for game day, roughhousing and joking around, it does not take away from the fact that the girls fully participate on the court. “Our skill level isn’t necessarily as high as boys league,” co-president of PF and church league player at First Congregational Caroline Kralovec-Kirchherr ‘15 said. “We have a wide range of skills, but it’s still fun, and we do actually try to win.” Compared to the boys church league, the girls are extremely underrepresented. This year, St. John of the Cross will have a total of eight boys teams: five frosh/soph and three junior/ senior, while the girls will only have one team of all grade levels combined. “Other churches should get their girls more involved,” Kralovec-Kirchherr said. “Nobody knows about it, but it’s a lot of fun.” Church league has also offered an outlet for girls from different schools and grades to reconnect at least once a week. “It’s a great way to stay in touch with people that go to different schools than me, or girls from middle school that I don’t see as often,” Ryan said. Over time, the league has gradually steered off the religious-based mentality and has become more of a social activity to make new friendships, and connect people as a community. “I met a lot of upperclassmen I hadn’t spoken to before, so it was really cool playing with them and getting to know them better, ” First Congo player Maddie Green ‘16 said. “I’m not too good at basketball, but we just went out and had a good time.”
Church League 2013-2014 Highlights Game of the Year
Performance of the Year
Upset of the Year
compiled by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs
Disappointment of the Year
SFX O’Hea beats SFX McKenna 41-39 (Feb. 8, 2014) for its first win of their year.
Vuk Radosavljevic ‘14 scored 37 points against St. Mary’s, despite losing 53-47 (Dec. 7, 2013).
St. Cletus Jr. beats Grace Lutheran 35-33 in overtime, knocking them out of playoffs in the first round (March 1, 2014).
SFX Dillion, the previous year’s underclassmen champions, who lost to St. Cletus Sr. 56-40 (2-7 Regular Season).
LCA beats Grace Lutheran 63-60 in overtime (Feb. 1, 2014).
Nick Sagastume ‘14 (Fenwick) scored 32 points to beat St. Mary’s 69-64 (Jan. 18, 2014).
Thanks to Paul Nora ‘14 scoring 16 points, SFX McKenna beats SFX Yellow 46-4 (Jan. 11, 2014).
SJC Maroon, losing to Congo 49-40 in the quarterfinals (8-1 Regular Season).
North Campus
100 S. Brainard Avenue
La Grange, Ill. 60525
South Campus
4900 Willow Springs Road
Source: Steven Campbell ‘14
Western Springs, lll.