LION ISSUE #4

Bell schedule updated Proposal closer to finalization, staff discusses future

by Ceili Doyle @ca_doyle18

“We take a pro-active approach when it comes to identifying and preventing violence,” LaGrange Police Chief Renee Strasser said. “Community member vigilance, pro-active policing methods and technological advancements have all played an important role in keeping our community safe.”

Student Assistant Program Coordinator Jeanne Widing works with students and the school to prevent, intervene and provide support to those involved in threatening situations. If a student is involved with violence, a team of counselors, assistant principals and social workers are arranged to consult and work with the student on a regular basis to determine what violations took place, she said.

“I think that LT has been successful at making sure the student has the appropriate support they need,” Widing said.

Each situation that involves a LT student is taken on by the school and police department as a case-by-case occurrence. Many of the altercations are handled based on the severity and are kept confidential.

The upcoming 2015-2016 school year is already proving to be another year of change for the LT community. The newly established potential bell schedule has morphed from the previously reported frontrunner.

The change includes switching from a schedule with a start time of 7:40 a.m. and a dismissal time of 3:02 p.m. to a schedule with a 7:45 a.m. start time and a 3:05 p.m. dismissal, while still keeping the addition of a 25-minute study hall in the middle of the day, either followed by or preceding a 25-minute lunch.

This reallocation of minutes is due to concerns raised by teachers, students and administration alike about previously allowing only three minute passing periods in between the 25-minute study hall and coinciding lunch.

“Most the research currently suggests that schools should be starting later if anything because of sleep patterns,” Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. “It was pretty obvious, when reviewing the earlier proposed schedule, that a three minute passing period during the lunch/study would not work. If we are giving students and staff three minutes to be in a study period by a certain time, then we are essentially cutting into their lunch.”

Student response to the newly proposed schedule, specifically in regards to a later dismissal, is positive thus far.

“I think that since we get out at 3:04 p.m. on late start days already, it’s not a new concept and as long the start time stays the same, I’ll be happy,” Andrea Branz ‘16 said.

While the Board of Education has reviewed the new proposal for next school year’s bell schedule, nothing is finalized yet.

“Although the board does not officially approve bell schedules, they are pleased with the proposed schedule,” Waterman said.

“Currently there are committees looking at the proposed schedule, as well as the intervention piece and at what the roles of the teachers will be in this process. In addition, any propsed schedule will need to be discussed and negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process that the [Lyons Township Education Association] and District #204 Board of Education will undergo this spring.”

Amy Johnson, LT Teacher’s Association’s Chief Negotiator and English teacher, alongside her negotiating team has compiled a list of very definite questions the administration needs to address in the coming weeks.

“We need answers to some very specific questions that we have provided to Director of Curriculum Scott Eggerding and to

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This is a photo illustration and a staged altercation. No students were harmed in any way (LION/Riley Carroll).

Recent gun violence in LT area LaGrange Police, LT work together to prevent violence in and out of school

by Gaby Sabatino @gabysab8

Late Nov. 21, the LaGrange Police Department reported a shooting that involved a 16-year-old LT student. According to the Suburban Life, the student was shot once in the leg following a verbal argument between two groups of people.

Even though the investigation is still ongoing, there is no evidence that this altercation was a result of gang violence.

“I can neither confirm nor deny that it was gang related violence,” LT’s Police Liaison, Officer David Rohlicek said.

“We do not have enough facts to support that claim.”

In light of recent occurrences, including the Jan. 26 drive-by shooting of a 22-year-old male in LaGrange on the 50 block of Washington Ave., these altercations present the possibility of increased violence in the LT community. Police have yet to confirm whether both shootings were gang related. The LaGrange Police Department and LT have been working closely to identify the violence that takes place.

Uncertainty surrounding test tentatively resolved

State decision allows formation of tentative schedule for testing freshman, no longer juniors

by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema

After months of uncertainty about the implementation of the state’s newest standardized test, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment, a tentative schedule has been outlined for LT’s administration of the test.

Due in large part to a lack of communication from the state, administrators were unable to accurately plan the testing until early December, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said.

“The information has been extremely late in coming,” Assessment and Research Coordinator Katherine Smith said. “This has caused a huge burden in terms of communication within the school district, to parents, to students. Unfortunately information we communicated is now entirely incorrect due to the state’s changes, so that has been incredibly frustrating.”

As the schedule currently stands, testing will occur on portions of five days in March and April and will test all students in English I and Algebra I. While the majority of students in these classes are freshmen, some students repeating these courses may also be affected.

“This format is only for this year, and maybe only for this month,” Eggerding said. “We’re hoping that it will at least hold until after the test is administered.”

After the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that schools could test freshmen rather than juniors, schools were given only a week to plan out how they would administer the assessment. For this reason, while three quarters of Chicago area high schools are testing freshmen, others will test juniors, Eggerding said.

“I think the major reason we did not want juniors to be tested is all the testing that is already happening with the ACT and AP tests,” Eggerding said.

While the test is intended to be electronic in order to offer a more interactive approach for

Student Musicians Check out some of LT’s most prominent and up-and-coming musicians and bands as they search for success.

North Campus

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NEWS, 5

Senate Bill 16

2015 PARCC Testing Calendar Curious as to what LT’s PARCC schedule will look like? Testing will take portions of five days in March and April occupying sections of first and second as well as ninth and tenth periods. Testing in March will consist of performance based assesments in Algebra I and Language Arts, while April will see the administration of four end-of-the-year assesments. Both sets of assesments are mandated by state legislation to occur during these specific time periods of the school year.

March Monday, March 16, 2015 Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Language Arts PBA 7:45-9:15 (Periods 1-2) Algebra I PBA 1:11-2:59 (Periods 9-10)

April Monday, April 27, 2015 Algebra I EOY 7:45-9:20 (Periods 1-2) Language Arts EOY 1:11-2:30 (Periods 9-10)

Language Arts PBA 7:45-9:30 Language Arts PBA 7:45-9:00 (Periods 1-2) (Periods 1-2) Algebra I PBA 1:11-2:45 (Periods 9-10)

Tuesday, April, 28, 2015 Algebra I EOY 7:45-9:15 (Periods 1-2) Language Arts EOY 1:11-2:30 (Periods 9-10)

PBA-Performance Based Assessment EOY-End of Year Assessment

Source: Scott Eggerding Director of Curriculum and Instruction Compiled by Joe Okkema

students, administrators have received state approval to administer a paper version. Though this will cost the school more money, as testing centers will need to be set up in the SC Corral and possibly several gyms, issuing a paper test will significantly lessen the amount of instructional time students miss, Eggerding said.

“From an assessment perspective, I wonder how you are going to compare the scores of

OPINIONS, 8

Turn to page 8 to learn about the future of LT’s state funding and hear both sides of the argument with our Point/ Counterpoint.

100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus

Continued on page 3 LT Weirdos Meet the men behind the state’s rowdiest student section. Explore what it is to get weird with our feature on the LT Weirdos. 

SPORTS, 10

Blackout Looking forward to the blackout game?

Check out a preview and history of one of LT’s most popular sporting events.

PULSE, 18

4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558

Old origins Business Professionals of America was founded in 1966 and was known as the Office Education Association.

NEWS

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 2

Classic credits In 1928, 16 credits needed to be earned and students had to attend their entire senior year to graduate at LT.

Change made in study hall policy Policy rewritten, students allowed to have athletic, regular study hall

by Brittany Grosser-Basile @BrittanyGrosser

The previous policy regarding a student’s ability to have an athletic study hall in addition to a regular study hall had been lightly enforced. It had been lightly enforced up until last semester when administration began denying athletic study halls to those who already had a study hall in their schedule. This policy was recently changed, however, when the necessity of it was called into question.

The policy previously stated “the student must have a full schedule (periods 1-10) without a study hall for any of the 2 options,” with the two options being to take another credit course or to have an athletic study hall. This meant that stu-

dents who had scheduled a regular study hall could not have an athletic study hall in place of Physical Education.

“Following deliberation and discussion [about whether or not to allow students to have both], there was consensus to make the change and rewrite the section,” Director of Curriculum Scott Eggerding said.

The previous policy has been waived and the section was rewritten for the following school year’s Academic Program Guide (APG) in the Physical Welfare section, allowing students that participate in IHSA athletics to be exempt from gym with an athletic study hall in addition to a regular study hall.

“Really, it just involved revising the current policy to match what we’ve always been doing,” Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. “It makes sense that if we have a student involved in an academic course load along with athletics and extra-curricular activities, and they’re struggling to find a

time to study and complete projects, why would we hold that against them?”

The change in the policy makes it easier for students, like Tommy Kaptur ‘15, who have heavy course loads to simply sign the form for an athletic study hall while already having a regularly scheduled study hall.

“It makes more sense since that’s what they’ve always been doing,” Kaptur said. “If it had always been enforced, it wouldn’t be as big of a deal, but since they just suddenly changed it, it was bad for people that scheduled a lot of hard classes thinking that they could get two study halls.”

The rule first showed up in the APG in 1994, because previously, students only had to schedule six periods per day and the current graduation course requirements were not in place, such as having four years of English and three years of math.

It had been decided that in order meet the requirements, students could only have one study hall, Eggerding said.

BPA competes at regionals, prepares for state Business based club sends majority of participants on to state competition, hope to advance to nationals

by Grace Gumbiner @grace_gumby

Business Professionals of America (BPA) competed at regionals Jan. 9 at Lewis University in Romeoville. The regional competition determines who advances to state in individual and team categories. This year, BPA brought 66 students, 47 of which will be moving on to the state meet, in 22 different categories.

“We’re pretty consistent with numbers every year,” BPA Sponsor Krista Wilcox said.

“These students compete in events with testing, presenting skills and pieces they may have to pre-submit.”

Every participant in BPA competes in two events: one team and one individual. The top two teams in team events make it to state, top five students in testing events, and top three in project-based events. This year LT received first in 10 events, second in 12 events and third in seven events.

“This year we have more kids using old practice tests at meetings to prepare for competi-

tion,” BPA President Dani Gresge ‘15 said. “We’ve made more of an effort to get everyone motivated to do well this year.”

Five schools attended the regional competition, among them Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South and Willowbrook. “[Hinsdale Central] has had the same sponsor for many years and have built up a large program,” Wilcox said.

LT does consistently well in categories such as administrative support, which earned second place at nationals last year, interview skills and database applications. The administrative support team, which consists of Gresge, Sheila Dunne ‘15, Amy Launspach ‘15 and Kay Stoettner ‘15, will be moving on to state, also having advanced to state and nationals the past two years.

“It is great to see so many students succeed at the regional and state competitions and move on,” BPA Sponsor Julie Bryar-Smith said. “We are also proud of students who compete in new areas, even when they do not move on, because they challenged themselves, tried a new subject and learned something new.”

The club organized a group trip to Feed My Starving Children for the first time in the fall, and plan to organize another volunteer activity for the spring. The state competition will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Oakbrook Feb. 26-28.

School addresses violence

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Continued from page 1

“I think the most important thing is that we try to look at what the root cause is in the situation,” Widing said. “We try to look pass the consequence and see what we can do to help the student.”

Often the students that are suspended for violence-related issues are offered an alternative suspension program so they are given the opportunity to reduce their punishment. Social workers meet with the students to discuss decision-making strategies and are also given personal support. This program offers a more long-term approach to those who find themselves involved in violence.

“I would say that three fourths of the students that decide to take the alternative program come out with an understanding that they need to make changes to their behavior,” Widing said.

Strasser, Rohlicek and Widing have all agreed that over the past several years, students have done a better job with staying out of violent altercations and are more receptive to getting help in order to cope with their current situation.

“Over the years, many of the LaGrange Police Department’s high school resource officers have undoubtedly prevented potential violence by bringing students together in peer-mediated small groups to talk, ask questions and air their grievances,” Strasser said.

Bell schedule updated Continued from page 1

Superintendent Dr. Tim Kilrea,” Johnson said. “Questions such as: Where are kids going during this time? When are interventions decided? Where are teachers going and what are they doing?”

According to Johnson, the goal is to have all parties involved with establishing the bell schedule in agreement, by late January-early February. They will also focus on answering what the positions of teachers will be during the lunch/ study period.

All of these preliminary questions need to be addressed in order to begin collective bargaining negotiations between the teachers and administration, as the contract between the teacher’s association and the Board of Education ends this June.

The teachers’ attention isn’t focused as much the finite details how many minutes a period is compared to knowing how students will be spending their time during the lunch/ study period and what resources will be available to them from teachers.

“Our primary concern isn’t a shaving of minutes here or there, but is this [25-minute study hall] going to help students,” Johnson said. “They’ve said that they’re stressed, but is this going to help them become less stressed?”

Gabby Granada ‘15 @gibgranada Hoping “I enjoy a nice pair of slacks and a good renaisance era novel” will ring in the college roomies on fb Wish me luck Dan Devine ‘15 @TheIrishCobra I tell my mom I do awful things all the time so when I tell her I actually did do something awful she’ll laugh and pour me a glass of milk

Claire Sullivan ‘15 @claire_sully3 “Me and Leonard are Penny and Seaweed from Hairspray” -Ginny Schoder

Katie Kober ‘15 @KDiddy47 my version of self-control is not letting myself eat my DiNico’s until I get home

Mardi Sramek ‘15 @the_mardles level im at rn: inhaled an entire king sized kit kat bar within the span of 2 mins

Photos Aidan Van Nest ‘15 @aanvannest Meanwhile in Enviornmental Science

Krista Tenuta ‘15 @kristat88

when school gets canceled and you’re just kinda like

Alienated adults About seven percent of K-12 students had at least one parent who was an unauthorized immigrant in 2012.

NEWS

Friday, january 30, 2015  Page 3

Shattered glass

This field trip, one of the largest at LT, is open to every single chemistry student, making it significantly bigger than any other school day

by Gillian Dunlop field trip at LT. Due to the number @gilliandunlop15 of students attending, LT also brings along one chaperone for every 10-11 The fourth annual South Campus students as an attempt to ensure the chemistry field trip commenced on Dec. students’ safety and remind them of 1, bringing more than 650 LT students and their responsibilities to represent the 100 chaperones to the Museum of Science school in a positive way. and Industry (MSI) so that students could “I was really worried they were explore the vast array of scientific findings going to cancel the field trip,” held at the museum. The usually calm field Westrick said. “I thought it was trip was overshadowed, however, by a really fun and having that experience shattered mirror. with friends was really great. MSI is a At some point during the day-long pretty fun place.” field trip, a group of LT students, who will LT did not want to punish all remain anonymous due to confidential because of the actions of a few, nature of student discipline, were roughWaterman said. housing and consequently broke a mirror, No new leading the museum to shut down the exhibit “I was in the mirror regulations have been discussed in regards until it was cleaned up maze and I just heard to how this field trip due to safety reasons, ‘run, they called will be handled in chemistry teacher Erica the years to come. security!” chemistry Flounders said.

“I was in the mirror student Katie Westrick trip. According to Waterman, there maze and I just heard ‘17 said. will most likely be ‘run, they called no changes in how security!’” sophomore the trip is set up or an increase in the chemistry student Katie Westrick ‘17 said. number of chaperones present.

Despite this incident, however, LT plans “I think this was an extreme on continuing to have the field trip next case of some guys messing around,” year, and will remind their students again Westrick said. “If there was a that a field trip is simply an extension of chaperone watching you the whole the classroom, Principal Brian Waterman time, I don’t think you would get the said. same experience.”

“As a school we recognize that Although LT offered to pay for unfortunate incidents can sometimes the damages done, MSI insisted on occur on field trips, and we work covering it, and fully intend to have diligently to make sure students are LT back next year. aware of the behavioral expectations, as “We have a great relationship well as ensure that each experience is a with the museum,” Waterman said. learning opportunity,” Waterman said.

As for now, LT students and staff “An incident like this could happen on any can expect very little changes to be given field trip, yet it is important to note made in regards to the sophomore that most of our field trips occur without chemistry field trip to MSI. any unfortunate incidents.”

LT students break mirror while on chemistry field trip

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PARCC schedule changed Continued from page 1

students who took the test on paper, without ability to drag and drop and access information and those who had those abilities online,” Smith said. “I’m a little skeptical about the validity of the whole thing at the end of the day.”

A major concern about administering the test is the disruptions it will cause to Physical Education classes and athletics without the use of likely all of the SC gyms, Smith said.

“I am impressed by the rigor and level of thinking PARCC requires of students,” Language Arts Division Chair Karen Raino said. “I worry about the frustration levels students may feel, however, especially if they are English language learners or reading below grade level.”

The prolonged uncertainty surrounding PARCC, while frustrating, has also reflected poorly on the Common Core education policy as a whole.

“I think the way the test has been rolled out has almost tainted the whole concept of Common Core and the test, even though Common Core has a lot of potential,” Eggerding said.

Though a finalized schedule appears to have been created, opinion of the PARCC remains low.

“I’m extremely frustrated by the entire implementation of PARCC,” Eggerding said. “The fact that it is already January and we are just now pretty sure what’s going on in March is just unforgiveable.”

Though testing is set to begin in almost two months, administrators have yet to see what the test will look like. Though several difficult sample problems have been released, this uncertainty prevents curriculum from preparing students for the test.

“It goes against everything we’re doing in education now,” Eggerding said.

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Major museum The MSI is the largest science museum in the Western hemisphere and the second largest cultural attraction in Chicago.

Township Treasurer’s office files complaint against LT LT District 204 continues to attempt to sever ties with the state instituted Township Treasurers Office, awaits Senate approval over pending bill

by Lauren Hucko @laurenhucko

Since the early 1800s, Lyons Township High School has been affiliated with the Township Treasurers Office (TTO) which, by law, handles the finances of area schools. In 2013, the TTO filed a $4.4 million complaint against LTHS for allegedly failing to make required payments, which was dismissed by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sophia Hall in September 2014. Following this dismissal, the TTO responded with another complaint, requesting $4.7 million from LTHS for the same reason.

“This is a very serious issue,” Superintendent Timothy Kilrea said. “It is one that has taken a lot of attention and a lot of financial resources away from students, but it’s one in which our Board of Education feels is the right direction to be in.”

After more than $1.5 million allegedly went missing at the hands of the TTO over a span of two decades, the Board of Education (BOE) reexamined the relationship between LTHS and the TTO. LT’s BOE, along with multiple Cook County school districts, has ultimately decided to attempt to break ties with the office in order to establish more local control over their district’s funds, Kilrea said.

“Our Board of Education has been very responsive and responsible with tax-payer dollars,” he said.

According to the president of the Trustees of Schools for Lyons Township, Mike Thiessen, LTHS District 204 has not shared the proposed agreement nor the minutes from the full board meeting in which the school board discussed and affirmatively voted on the purported agreement.

“The lawsuit continues to work its way through the court system,” Thiessen said. “We feel confident in the facts of the case.”

The money owed by LTHS is essentially owed to the fellow districts who make up the TTO in addition to LTHS, Thiessen said.

“It’s really a discussion about what is the most effective way to handle school financing in Cook County,” Principal Brian Waterman said. “We have a model in place where the TTO is heavily involved, and I think there are some school districts in the area that are simply taking a look at that model to see if it is, in fact, the best way to handle things.”

Many districts such as District 102 (Lagrange), 103 (Lagrange Park) and LADSE (The Lagrange Area Department of Special Education) have undergone lengthy litigation to break ties with the TTO, and LTHS is currently attempting to do the same. In May of 2014, two bills regarding the separation were unanimously passed by the Illinois House of Representatives and are now awaiting the state’s Senate approval on an indefinite timeline.

“By no means are we saying it’s a bad office,” Kilrea said. “We’re saying it doesn’t make sense for LT, because we haven’t used their services in decades.”

According to Kilrea, other Cook County school districts’ finances have become more complex as a result of their growing resources and size. Due to this change, the services of the TTO are no longer a necessary tool for many districts.

“We are paying for services [that] we are not receiving,” Kilrea said. “That is the major part of this issue.”

New immigration policy sparks enthusiasm, doubt

Policy favors migrants speaking more common languages like English, Spanish

by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs

President Barack Obama gave a national address on Nov. 20, announcing his Executive Order with the intent of fixing the country’s immigration problem.

“Today, our immigration system is broken—and everybody knows it,” Obama said.

Obama focused on a three-pronged approach that plans to tighten up border control, speed up the process for high-skilled immigrants and deal with undocumented residents.

Most of the media attention surrounding the bill has focused on the component of his plan that targets those undocumented residents, with particular emphasis on the Hispanic community. The bill offers legal safety from deportation for undocumented parents of U.S. citizens.

Teresa Alvarado ‘15 is an oratory coach for the National Hispanic Institute at LT, and explains the mixed reaction from the Latina community.

“I remember sitting on the couch next to my brother,” Alvarado said. “As he kept on talking, my brother grew a little disappointed and in contrast I grew really happy.”

For Alvarado, the executive order was long anticipated. Ever since Obama was elected, she listened to his promises to help immigrants.

“Everyone should have a right to have happiness,” Alvarado said. “It’s one of the rights given to citizens in the Declaration of Independence. All of these children are United States Citizens – and would you say that being happy is having your parents be deported?”

For many others, however, the executive order can seem risky. Those like her brother question the power of Obama’s executive action after he leaves office, she said.

“Obama’s only in charge for a couple more years,” Alvarado said. “What happens in 2016? After people take advantage [of the program] the U.S. government

Barack Obama announces Executive Order in San Dimas, Calif. (Tribune News Service) will know where they live and know their names.

That’s why some people are hesitant.”

Eighteen percent of LT students are Hispanic, based on data taken from the Chicago Tribune. Assistant Language Arts Chair Toby Casella works as part of the English Language Learners (ELL) program at LT. He works with students who have recently come to the United States.

“Most of our students [in ELL classes] do speak Spanish, but [they are] not all from Mexico,” Casella said.

At LT, there are currently 11 different native languages among those students in ELL classes. These include German, Gujurati, Tagalog, Arabic, Polish and Czech, Casella said.

“Some parents and some families are afraid because they don’t know the system,” Casella said.

Access to information is a key factor in determining which immigrant populations within LT would take advantage of the executive action, Casella said. Some populations have stronger media outlets, such as the prevalent Hispanic community. Those migrants who speak more obscure languages like Tagalog would have a harder time taking advantage of the executive order.

Francisco Gamboa has worked with the ELL community for 10 years, helping students grow their English language knowledge.

“Providing an education for our newcomers can only continue to strengthen our community,” Gamboa said.

Productive power Research shows that those who exercise regulary are more productive than their sedentary peers.

NEWS

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 4

Morning motivation Reasearch suggests that exercising in the morning improves sleep habits, which in turn, promotes greater weight loss.

Assembly downsizes Workout offered SC fieldhouse open to community for fitness

Student Council cuts special guest from All-School assembly

by Dante Stefanini @DanteStefanini

by Michael Rasmussen @MikeRas55

Due to falling dance attendance over the past few years, Student Council does not have the necessary funds to feature the usual special guest at this year’s All-School Assembly.

“It’s obviously not something that I’m thrilled with,” Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. “But we have financial responsibilities to our students and we have to make sure that Student Council ends up in a good financial situation.”

Ticket sales to both the King of Hearts and Homecoming dances have been declining recently, with Homecoming attendance dropping from over 3,100 attending students in 2011 to 2,554 last fall. Student Council receives all of its funding from the two dances.

However, Geddeis said that the exclusion of a special guest allows more student groups to participate. He also noted that the assembly will be “radically different” than last year’s.

Former Principal David Franson performs with drumline in 2014. (Elaine Smith/LION)

Jim Cornelison sings Star Spangled banner in 2014. (Dayna Larson/LION)

“We can put on just as good of a show by tapping into our students,” Geddeis said.

Students can expect assembly staples like the gymnastics routine, the wrestling and swimming tug-of-war and a poms performance. Eurythmics will also make an appearance, and Special Olympics basketball players will participate in the traditional shooting contest between the boys and girls varsity teams, Student Council President Tom Cushing ‘15 said.

The budget cuts for the All-School Assembly are a strong indicator of what’s to be expected in future Student Council events. According to Geddeis and Cushing, all occasions during this school year will be scrutinized with the bottom line in mind.

For example, Student Council plans to trim the budget for King of Hearts and Senior Citizen’s Prom by cutting back on refreshments.

Even with a smaller budget, Cushing still believes that the All-School Assembly is one of the most important student-run events of the year.

“It’s really the biggest event that we get to organize and probably the most important because we put it on for the whole school,” Cushing said. “It really reflects LT’s school spirit and it’s a great way for kids to get involved.”

Ever since the construction of the South Campus field house and swimming pool ten years ago, LT has strived to make both facilities available not only to students but to the community, as well. When the weather gets cold and the track surrounding Bennett Field is no longer in use, residents of the LT district have the opportunity to workout in the field house every weekday from 6-7 a.m.

The open field house provides the public with a suitable area to exercise during the winter. Just like the outdoor track, there is not any supervision, so it is a train-at-your-own-risk deal. Although there is no official supervisor, Athletic Director John Grundke said that both security and custodial staff check in on the workouts to ensure the public’s safety.

When the school opens the pool to the public, however, it is required that there are lifeguards on duty.

“We’re assuming people will be responsible and not do anything silly,” Grundke said.

Although the field house is open without supervision, the weight room requires a supervisor at all times. A few years ago, there was an incident that occurred during a supervised after-school weightlifting session where a student got his hand pinched in a machine and lost a finger. There is a much greater risk of injury in a weight room opposed to a gym, especially without supervision.

“We don’t allow people in the weight room without supervision for that specific reason,” Grundke said. “We don’t want to put people in a position where they could hurt themselves.”

On three separate occasions, this reporter attended the early morning workouts in the field house, only to find nary a fitness enthusiast exercising at that hour. However, swim team member Matt McDonnell ‘15 claims there’s usually a turnout. Part of the swim team’s early morning workout regimen takes place in the field house on Tuesday and Thursday, and McDonnell said that he usually sees one to two people exercising.

“I don’t think enough people are taking advantage of it,” McDonnell said. “Hopefully more people will discover the opportunity and attend the workouts.”

Swedish starts Spotify formed in October 2008 in Sweden, it now has 60 million users and 15 million subscribers.

IMPACT

Harvard home The first House of Blues was opened in Harvard Square, Boston in 1992. There are now 12 clubs in North America.

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 5

Second go-around goals

by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608

From a young age Makayla Bailey Hillard ‘18 has had a passion for singing. Hillard recalls her grandmother telling stories of her singing Mariah Carey on top of tables in her diaper when she was younger. Hillard is trying out for “The Voice” on Feb. 22 in memory of her deceased grandmother, she said.

“I’m not nervous because I’m doing this for not only me, but for my grandmother because she’s my biggest inspiration,” Hillard said.

Hillard first tried out for “The Voice” two years ago while her grandmother was going through chemotherapy. After not making it, she is now ready to improve her mature vocal chords in order to advance in the competition in honor of her deceased grandmother, she said.

“I’m trying out for ‘The Voice’ because my grandmother always told me to make use of my talent,” she said.

Her grandmother coached her in singing ever since she was a little girl, Hillard said.

Because Hillard watches “The Voice” frequently, she knows what to expect. If she were to make it, she would pick Pharrell Williams as her coach.

Hillard will sing “Listen” by Beyoncé because it enhances her voice and gives people chills when she sings it, she said. “[Bailey’s] talented, confident and has such an engaging smile,” Hillard’s counselor Kris Costopoulus said. “I think she would have a great stage presence and that is a huge part of being successful on a show like ‘The Voice.’”

in the

Musicians making Intertwined in the mix of interests shared by the LT student body is a passion for music. Although it is not as common as other activities, the musicians of LT have worked tirelessly to perfect their craft and make impressive music for all to hear.

Celine Marie works with Fall Four

Capital Soiré thinks of future

by Mary Hadley @maryhadley22 These past couple months have been full of new experiences for the young singer Celine Allan ‘15, known as Celine Marie. She collaborated with a band on a Christmas song, performed the song live on stage and is going to be putting out new covers on YouTube, all of which are helping her gain more recognition as a performer.

Allan and the band, The Fall Four, worked on their cover of the song “All I Want for Christmas is You” over Thanksgiving break and recorded a music video that accompanied the song.

“Working with Celine for the Christmas song and video was very cool,” Kyle Dee, lead singer of The Fall Four, said. “I’ve always wanted to do a duet, so we were super excited to make it happen. Celine is an excellent singer and our voices complimented each other very well.”

Allan performed with The Fall Four at one of their gigs on Dec. 20 and sang their cover of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Dee and Allan are used to performing live in different ways: Allan is not used to performing with a live band and Dee is not used to working with another main vocalist and trying to do harmonies. He is used to doing all the melodies while his other members back him up. They had to practice before the performance to figure out all the different parts, Allan said.

“It was really fun and a good experience. It was not super serious, but I was really happy they asked me to do it,” Allan said.

Besides working with The Fall Four, Allan also plans to start posting new videos on YouTube of her covering different songs. They will be called “Live Sessions.” She will be posting one each month and hopes to start by the end of this month or next month.

“Being able to get more music out to the public has been awesome,” Allan said. “When you record your own songs in a studio, it is only publicized based off of what you make of it. Covers are different because people can just search the song and different covers will pop up, so it is a way to get more people to notice my singing.”

Allan is also planning to work with The Fall Four again soon. They are going to do a live, in-studio cover as a part of her live session series.

by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608 With the recent release of a six-track extended play (EP) “2:30 Definitely,” Capital Soirée is looking forward to playing its biggest show yet at Chicago’s House of Blues on Feb. 15. The EP is the band’s follow-up to its 11-track debut album, “Steve’s Basement,” which was released in November 2013.

“I think it’s pretty insane [to play the House of Blues] because we’ve always had the dream to play [there],” Max Romero ‘15 said.

“Now it’s happening and we couldn’t be luckier.”

Capital Soirée has had the opportunity to play shows at venues such as the Metro, Bottom Lounge and Beat Kitchen, Jimmy Kourafas ‘15 said.

“We’ve had so many great experiences with this band, mainly thanks to everyone who comes out to the shows and listens to our songs,” Romero said.

Kourafas, Romero and Steven Rejdukowski ‘15 became “Community Service” in 2012. The band changed its name to Capital Soirée this summer after realizing that they could not upload songs onto iTunes or Spotify because a rap group already owned the rights to the previous name.

“We thought [the name] was a little childish, and we couldn’t keep it anyway, so we decided to change it up,” Romero said.

The band is currently working on their second full-length album, which they hope to release sometime in the fall of 2015.

“We are completely independent, so we find our biggest challenge to be funding for the studio time,” Kourafas said.

The three members write, track and sing all the songs themselves; with the exception of Christian Naval ‘15 tracking the cello for the song “The Words You Said.”

The senior band members plan to stay local for college in order to focus on the band and to continue releasing music.

“My favorite part of being in Capital Soirée is being able to write and perform with my best buds,” Kourafas said. “It seems a little cliché, but to me it’s pretty important.”

Mammoth Nation Along with the other rock stars of LT, these students have pursued their interests in music and have found great success.

Read on to learn what the future holds for these impressive students.

•Members: Alex Robles (guitar), Brandon Rodriguez (drums), Braydon Westerhof (bass) and James Kowalski (vocals and guitar), formed two years ago •Greatest Achievements: they are in the Gorilla Music Battle of the Bands finals at Reggie’s Rock Club on Feb. 22, and they recently completed a rap collaboration with rapper Pinqy Ring.

•Plans for the future: To record and play music and to continue working on their recorded album

Caleb Baron ‘16 •Plays guitar, piano and ukulele •Greatest achievement: He played at the House of Blues in 2013 •Plans for the future: Writing and recording an EP or a full length album •“Honestly, I’m in this whole music thing for the pleasure and the memories. I’m not trying to get signed by a record label, I’m not trying to make a profit. All I want to do is jam with my friends and hopefully put on a great show for people to have fun with us as well.”

Trance •Members: Nick Chomko (keys), August Domanchuck (guitar and vocals), Jared Frank (bass and vocals), Ryan Gorey (drums), Ally Lubera (vocals and guitar), been together for three years •Greatest Achievement: Wining the Illinois State Teen Battle of the Bands Championship •Plans for the future: The band would like to stay together for as long as possible, plan on recording and releasing original material

Cloud Nine succeeds

by Ceili Doyle @ca_doyle18 Cloud Nine is currently riding out a wave of success after a second performance at the House of Blues Chicago on Dec 22.

The band is made up of juniors Jake Pallisard ‘16 (lead vocals/guitar), Ike Husemann ‘16 (guitar/vocals), Matt Bonistalli

‘16 (drums) and eighth grader Luke Pallisard ‘19 (bass/ vocals).

The three juniors created the band in August 2013 and added Luke last winter.

Since its formation, the band has been playing shows around the Chicagoland area; their first show was last April at the LaGrange restaurant QBBQ. The largest venue for Cloud Nine, however, was the House of Blues downtown.

“Our booking agent called and we were available to play again,” Bonistalli said. “Our last show at the House of Blues was harder to get people to come, because it was during summer. This time we figured it would be easier to sell tickets, because we could ask [kids] at school.”

The winter show at the House of Blues was a unique experience for the band, because they performed a set list that included original songs: “Selfish Love Songs” and “Daddy’s Money,” and they closed out the night with a cover of Led Zepplin’s “Rock n’ Roll.”

“This show was vastly different from the first one, because this time we unveiled our own original songs which were fun to play and see the crowd react to,” Husemann said.

Cloud Nine plans to release a five-track Extended Play (EP) at the end of January that will be available on their Facebook page, Jake said.

If the band continues to play shows frequently there might be an opportunity for the juniors, alongside Luke, to take a gap year before college and try their luck playing at more venues, Bonistalli said.

As of right now, Cloud Nine does not have any permanent plans beyond graduation, but all the band members expressed interest in pursuing music outside of high school, whether individually or as a group.

“We actually had this conversation recently, as a band about what would happen after high school,” Bonisatilli said. “As for me, if this band doesn’t work out I’d for sure want to do something with music as far as recording in a studio.”

Random Chatter “The only thing I lost in gym class is dignity, not weight.”

-Rachel Bielski ‘16

Random Chatter

NEWS

“Wait aren’t stop signs optional?”

-Sophie Allison ‘16

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 6

The LT student section took to the courts for the Bluenami varisty boys and girls baseketball games against our rival Hinsdale Central on Jan. 9. The girls scored the win over the Red Devils 53-25. Unfortunately, the boys heartbreakingly lost 66-57.

(Lidia Breen/LION)

Luckily to combat the beginning of the new semester, there is also a new edition of The Breakdown here to catch you up on the world outside LT. compiled by Ceili Doyle Jan. 16- West Palm Beach, Fla., Police and hospital officials at St. Mary’s Medical Center have agreed not to charge a teenager who posed as an anesthesiologist around the hospital for a month. After being caught in the OB/GYN exam room it turns out the teen was not a medical professional, but rather a patient who had refused his meds.

Jan. 14- A man in Northern California, digging for his wallet through the trash, was scooped up along with the rest of the trash by a garbage truck and taken along for the ride to the landfill. Miraculously the man survived the journey by using chunks of wood to propel himself forward to avoid the compacter.

Jan. 7- The slogan “Je Suis Charlie” was adopted by journalists and patriots of freedom of expression around the globe, in support of the 12 slain journalists who were murdered by two terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the office building of Paris, France’s satirical magazine “Charlie Hebdo.”

Jan. 15- A Chicago strip club, the Admiral Theatre, was recently awarded the Albany Park Neighbors’ six “Block Star Business” award given to establishments who “keep the neighborhood clean and presentable,” providing a new face to those known mostly for their bodily assets.

Jan. 17- With gas prices at their lowest in several years, the national average has continued to dip for the past 106 days to $2.17 a gallon. The lowest price can be found in Missouri where prices average around $1.77 a gallon.

Sources: ABC and Yahoo News

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OPINIONS

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Get it published in the paper! Submit any opinionated piece as a freelancer and you may see your work in our next issue.

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 7

PageSevenGrid

GuestColumn

This is the Grid, an international sensation due to its A-List celebrity, the guy who reads your daily announcements, Tim Parzyck ‘15. If only his amazing sideburns could be communicated over the intercom.

If you could be the spokesperson of a company, what would the company be, and what is your slogan?

Dena Stamatelos ‘15

Hipsters just revamped instant messaging, what’s your username?

My company offers care and assisted living to seniors suffering from senioritis and unmotivation and my slogan is “Get your mojo back today!”

Sims4life

If the Oscars made an award that only you could Dr. Waterman’s nickname win, it would be Best in college was __________. __________.

Actress at sleeping with her eyes open

Future Anderson Cooper

Trojan Condoms: A name synonymous with impenetrable defenses.

NotACop_WhoLikesDrugs? :D

Performance by 5 raccoons in a human costume. [ed. I never would have guessed. What a performance!]

The Silver Panther (Because he was such a party animal)

Arranged Marriages Co. and my slogan is “Matches Made in Heaven”

urbangroutfitters

Soft Smile (keeps the ladies on their toes)

H2Bro

Apple and the slogan is “What does it matter?

You’ll buy it anyway!

wmost@wltl.net [ed. This is not the email of the Opinions Editor]

Supporting Role in a Low-Budget Horror Film

Cool-Hand McStudley

Chicago Cubs. “We’ll get there one day.”

flowercrown123

At bringing hockey into irrelevant conversations

Waterboy

Tim Parzyck ‘15

Tommy Sopic ‘16

Michael McInerey ‘17

Mikaela Larson ‘18

LetterstotheEditor This letter to the editor is Dani Gresge’s ‘15 response to Lion’s review of Taylor Swifts album, 1989.

A review in the most recent issue of the LION on Taylor Swift’s album “1989” caught my immediate attention. I believe many of the claims made in the article call for rebuttal. For some reason, I took the mere half of a star attributed to the album personally; after all, Taylor Swift has been my go-to-gal for all things boys since ‘06.

How would you like to be constantly compared to your middle school self? I’m guessing you would prefer to be judged for your current choices (and, let’s face it, appearance). Yet still many critics of Taylor Swift hold her to her initial 16 yearold sweet country girl phase. Many reprimand her for rapidly transitioning out of this lifestyle and genre via “Red” and “1989,” unaware that this change took place gradually many years ago.

Her first album “Taylor Swift” did indeed have country origins. Her subsequent four albums have become increasingly less cookie-cutter country and more authentic Taylor Swift. So what Swift gave us with “1989” is the purest form of herself. She has literally and figuratively moved away from her country roots in Nashville. This is the very motivation behind her trailblazing single “Shake it Off.” And the most beautiful thing is that along with her unique and refined musical style, her lyrics and just as eloquent as ever.

The music is undoubtedly more synthetic than ever, but it is exciting and unique. Instead of a weak country guitar, Swift utilizes heavy bass and electric chords to support her deep-reaching lyrics, and I say more power to her. As for her accused lack of vulnerability, I completely disagree. She has never been more vulnerable! She addresses the very criticism that the previous review avidly argued. “Got a long list of ex-lovers, they’ll tell you I’m insane;” “I stay out too late, go on too many dates, that’s what people say...;” she’s all about vulnerability.

Every song is a different ingredient of her recipe for a wonderful and unpredictable salad of emotions (“magic, madness, heaven, sin”). She weaves in light-hearted dance tunes with heart wrenching ballads and (her usual staple) a few angry girl anthems. Her songs put to a melody the exact feelings that us teenage girls (and beyond) could never put into words.

I also would like to completely disqualify the claim that Swift is portraying her life as perfect. She pours her heart out, declaring “I hung my head as I lost the war;” “baby now we’ve got bad blood, you it used to be mad love;” “people like you always want back the love they gave away.” And, yes, Swift aims, like all other artists, for profit. She’s just better at achieving this than most because her music is superior. Don’t believe me? Get yourself a copy of “Forbes.” For those readers who are completely oblivious to Taylor Swift’s music, listen to her song “Style” and let me know if it doesn’t revive your soul. She’s just that good.

Five stars.

compiled by Will Most

A Defense and Reassessment of Modern Feminism by: Caroline Lupetini ‘15 I am a feminist. I believe in “the social, political and economic equality of the sexes,” as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie put it in her TED Talk (more often recognized in Beyoncé’s “***Flawless”). However, as an adamant member of this movement, I must recognize that it is one whose goals are often misconstrued by its name and by so-called members who have lost sight of their objective in being a part of this movement. Because of the root “fem” in “feminism,” a connotation of man-hating and female supremacy is often accused of it, and this accusation is one perpetuated by women who do hate men. If one’s goal is to crush men and boys, to put them through the years of oppression that women went through – that we are still going through – one is not a good feminist.

It must be noted that every injustice committed against women, every law restricting the freedom of our bodies, our right to vote, our inability to inherit property, was perpetrated by men. But feminism will not advance its cause by hating men, like how Civil Rights made no gains by hating white people. Furthemore, feminism will not advance the place of women by simply separating women from men, as is the philosophy of women’s colleges. Yes, there must exist organizations to advocate for women, however, we, as feminists, must encourage women to excel on the same playing field as men, not create another game for women entirely. Women should compete with each other for “jobs and accomplishments,” Ngozi Adichie said in her TED talk, but women must also realize that to learn, work and innovate as a group, one must work with men and woman together supporting each other.

The oppression of women still exists, from victim blaming to school dress codes to the social stigma of women being “bossy.” Women must work towards a common goal of eradicating systematic mistreatment by our laws and our male peers. Yet, more often than not, women end up mistreating each other over working together to solve the problems that plague all women. “Slut-shaming” is the most common form of this: ridiculing a woman for her own choices with her sexuality. If she is being safe and responsible, we must be neutral towards her decisions, not revile them. No woman should think that she is better than another “because I don’t sleep around like her.” Similarly, it is poor feminism to suggest that Muslim women who choose to wear a hijab or burqa are oppressed and should not wear their cultural or religious garb. Effective feminism must be inclusive.

I am not seeking to define feminism for all feminists, nor suggest that every feminist follow my own criteria for effective feminism. I am assessing a movement I am wholly a part of objectively and looking to improve its strategy in reaching its goals. Lady Lions, I encourage you to find your interests and excel at them in a setting surrounded by your peers – all of them. Gentlemen Lions, recognize that your female classmates might find themselves with challenges that you may not understand. Challenge yourself to be understanding and sympathetic; be aware of the unique problems that might one day (if not already) face the women of LT and give your support toward improving them.

Blame Game As we begin the monotonous grind of another second semester at LT and students get acclimated to new students and new classrooms, it’s hard for me not to harp on those Joe Okkema students who feel academically victimized by their teachers. Everybody knows someone who is rather vocal about how it is their teacher’s fault that they aren’t doing well in a particular class.

Throughout my four years at LT, I have heard many students convince themselves and others that they did not earn a certain grade in a class because of their teacher’s wrongdoing.

Frankly, I find this argument to be naïve and wildly irresponsible.

My first objection to this line of reasoning is that school is supposed to be challenging. While some classes are more difficult than others, and no two teachers share an identical teaching style; the bottom line is that school is designed to challenge students academically. The difficulty of a class might very well depend on which teacher a student has, but to expect to pass a class without applying yourself is wishful thinking.

Although rather cliché, the simple fact is that life is not easy, and if education aims to prepare students for the real world, it seems logical that school should be challenging. If you want to succeed in life, you have to apply yourself. Likewise, you can’t expect to reach your academic potential if you don’t take a class seriously.

Now, it would be ignorant if I did not acknowledge the fact that there are subpar teachers in schools everywhere.

Teaching is like other occupations in that it’s not for everyone. Just as there are bad lawyers, so too are there bad teachers. And if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in a class taught by someone who probably should have stayed an actuary, rather than teach children, then it is perfectly reasonable to say that you are at a slight disadvantage. But as unfortunate as that is, if you really want to achieve your potential, you shouldn’t let that circumstance hold you back.

Believe it or not, there are other teachers out there, and thus multiple solutions to the problem. And if there is any place you’ll find other teachers capable of offering meaningful help, it’s here at LT. Our school is a place teachers want to work at, and therefore the administration can select higher caliber employees.

Furthermore, teachers here want to help you. And if you’re so unmotivated that you’re repulsed by the idea of seeking out help, just remember you live in the twenty first century. The Internet is a beautiful thing, and if you can stalk a person on every form of social media known to man, I have every confidence that you’re more than capable of finding educational and instructional resources for any subject you could possibly imagine.

What this entire argument comes down to is self-responsibility. If you know that come May, you’re going to be unhappy with a “C” on your report card, then it’s your responsibility to ensure that that doesn’t happen. Complaining to your parents and having them write “strongly-worded emails” or convincing them to confront your teacher at conferences to give them “a piece of their mind” is juvenile. Some of you can or will soon be able to elect the next president of this country, and if you can’t even take responsibility for your grades, even I might be able to hold office. And trust me, no one wants that.

Write in and make your voice heard.  100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange, Ill. 60525  LION reserves the right to edit all letters.

Random Chatter “Grocery stores relax me.”

- Emma Shippee ‘16

OPINIONS Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 8

“Tell him to serenade me with ‘Dominic the Donkey’.”

- Jake Walczyk ‘15

Should the state cut LT’s budget to fund inner-city schools?

PawsUp

there for me and they are my favorite thin

n to Uncrustables-

undoubtedly the most important invention of the century.

n to Super Bowl partiesnothing says best football game of the year like having to explain to Mrs. Davidson five times why the offense moved forward 15 yards when they didn’t even catch a pass. nto turnips- a fratstar’s favorite vegetable. nto the school giving us that cold dayDr. Kilrea Dr. Chillrea nto Snapstories- a good way to remind people just how many friends you have. n to “flow” dying out.

Joe Rossetti’s fake flow (see below to the right) is a sobering reminder of an awful trend of long greasy hair.

nto brunch and linnerThe socially acceptable way to eat four meals a day. nto being lonely-Now I have more time to scrapbook pictures of my cat. nto Gillian Dunlop’s stone cold mug.

PawsDown n to getting a papercut

and realizing that you in fact, do not bleed blue and gold.

n to housepets that only like you for your food :(

n to U of I reminding me how many days there are until my admission decision- You don’t have to count for me and if you did, I wouldn’t be too worried about the result of my application. n to photography-they say a picture is worth a thousand words but you know what else is? A thousand words. nto Spotify- a great product, but a business model that revolves around the company annoying the customer.

nto putting gate at the end of every scandalwhat does the word gate have to do with deflated footballs? nto Vine- somehow turning six seconds into two hours of procrastination.

nto John Boehner’s tanit’s so orange, I’m not sure If I’m watching the State of the Union or a rerun of Jersey Shore.

Will’sWord Respect the ‘Rents

The dynamic between parents and their children has always been a delicate one. The best relationships are grounded in trust, mutual respect and acknowledging each other’s ideas.

This perfect dynamic rarely exists and family Do you think Yes relationships can suffer How do you Donations 20% that LT would All if people aren’t treating think the state 20% be able to the each other justly. should better keep the same above With a glance at fund schools in amount of spe35% No Will Most impoverished today’s culture, it cialized classes 80% areas? doesn’t take long for offered if it one to notice how this flawed dynamic is lost funding? prevalent in our society. Flip your TV over Well-funded Cut to TLC or any other reality TV channel, schools donate None back on and there is a very reasonable chance you their excess of the funding will see a flawed family dynamic in play, funding above 80% 17% with children screaming at their parents 6% or vice versa. And while these fights can Less make for intriguing shows, they plague club our society with broken portrayals of how funding Are you Yes 46% families should look.

What would agreement All 39% be the biggest Today’s youth, the primary consumers with Senate the No disturbance in of the media described above, have carried Bill 16? above 61% budget cuts at the actions they have seen on TV in to real 46% LT? life by disrespecting their parents on a regVariety of ular basis. And while teenagers deal with courses their adolescence rebelliously, that does 20% not warrant the constant contempt parents Job have received over their children’s “rebelLoss lious period.” Many teens blame their 10% parents for everyday problems, call them by their first name behind their backs or mock them and their actions on social media. It’s absolutely unjustified. These are the people who give you everything Senate Bill 16’s proposal to distribute state funds Looking beyond our own school, elementary “based on local ability to pay” is a schools such as Cossitt and Congress Park would have and in return they are mocked.

It’s quite unfair actually, because seemingly good idea. It makes sense their funding cut as well. It is ignorant to assume that parents are a really easy targets for kids. that areas with more affluent residents those schools as well as our own could withstand They too often become the scapegoat for should give part of the funding that having some of their money taken away. There will problems that teens usually create themwould normally go to their local public always be new maintenance problems and technoselves. When problems go wrong in their logical developments to keep up with, whether it schools to a school in an impoverished everyday lives, teens are quick to say: “My be a heating and ventilation problem or a computer area. It makes sense until the realizamom dropped me off late.” “I can’t come tion hits that this bill is not as fair as it program necessary for testing. The schools will need over because my dad grounded me for no seems. money for that, and it would be disadvantageous Gillian Dunlop reason.” Parents are never there to defend LT is located in an area with high to defer their money to other schools if, in the end, themselves, to explain that she offered to property taxes. Many people pay a lot more problems are created. give you a ride earlier, but you wanted to of money to live in the surrounding neighborhoods Now with all of that said, there is no dispute that watch TV instead. It’s simply easier for of LaGrange, Western Springs, LaGrange Park and every child, including those in impoverished areas, you to deflect blame onto them instead of Burr Ridge just so their children can be eligible for should have a quality education. I am a firm believer accepting that a problem was your fault. enrollment at LT. It is obvious that our school prothat every person has the right to be educated, but I really believe in this generation. In vides a quality education to its students, and it would the way to go about helping these schools is not by the last issue of LION, it was addressed be unfair to take from that, especially since people are cutting the funding of others. That would be counterproductive. Instead, the state should look into cutting in the editorials that Millennials don’t paying a lot to reap the benefits from it.

Additionally, by cutting our funding, teachers may back on other well-funded programs, therefore help- deserve the bad reputation they get. I wholeheartedly believe that. This generaing impovershied schools without hurting others. have to be laid off. A school with limited funding tion is hard working, active in their comI, too, believe that it is incredibly sad that some cannot justify hiring teachers to teach specialized munities and learning more in school than schools cannot afford to give to their students textclasses such as ceramics and fashion interior and their predecessors ever did. But all of those books, and if the state is disheartened by this as well, design, for example. Although some may argue that things ironically contribute to the disrethen they should search for more solutions to this those classes are a superfluous way to spend a school’s growing problem. Redirecting another school’s funds spect that the youth today are struggling money, they are very important to students who is not the answer. Senate Bill 16 is not the only option with. Today, teens feel pressured to do as want to continue with a career in that field and to much as they can. The pressure, created by for education reform; it is simply an idea that looks the teachers who teach them. This bill does not just parents, colleges and fellow students alike good on paper, but in practice will fail and create concern the quality of education for students; it also has led many to run from activity to activmore problems than it solves. affects the livelihood of teachers. ity and take on challenging coursework. A schedule like this can wear anyone thin.

Too often when we’re broken down from difficult activities, the people we see the most, our parents waiting at home, suffer The proposal by Senate Bill 16 to redistribute state schools where young children are never exposed to from our poor attitudes. It’s a mistake funding is a great idea. Senate Bill music. Some students will never learn to read basic many students make, and I’m definitely 16 has the potential to have a large notes or play instruments, simply because of lack of part of the guilty party. It’s just the costly impact on impoverished areas, which, funding. There are schools without basic technology, circumstance of a generation feeling like based on our state’s current regressive such as computers or laptops, which today’s society they have to do more and more. public education funding system, would deem basic necessities. This is an injustice to As much as I’ve addressed how the receive less state and local funding the education of so many students. Unfortunately, family dynamic can be flawed on the than more affluent areas. I am in full these aren’t even worst-case scenarios. children’s side, many times it’s a two-way support of Senate Bill 16’s proposal to Some schools today operate without textbooks. street. Too often parents fail to accept Joe Rossetti “overhaul the state’s current regresHow can students be expected to be productive and when they are on the wrong side of the sive funding system into a progressive learn if the school doesn’t have the means to propargument and will escalate the conflict erly provide students with information? This doesn’t system,” where the majority of state funding will be to a point that no conversation between make sense. It is illogical that some schools can have “means-tested and distributed based on local ability parent and child should reach. Huge fights four computer labs, new software and new facilities, to pay.” can break out about someone not doing a while other schools in the same state are struggling Would it be truly detrimental to our school, or chore or refusing to walk the dog. These to get by without any computers, a threatened library fights are caused by rising tension and a the education that Lyons Township provides, if some and no textbooks. state and local funding were cut? The reality is no. lack of understanding between child and I understand that residents of the Lyons TownI think that the football team could survive with parent. Regardless of who creates this ship School District pay higher taxes to live in the one less uniform. I think that LT would still be able tension, I feel that it is too often reaching surrounding communities such as Burr Ridge and to offer a fantastic education with 15 fewer classes. dangerously high levels.

Western Springs, just so their children can attend I think that LT could still function on a day-to-day All these factors are tearing apart a LT. I understand that these residents are paying more relationship that is arguably one of the basis without the newest edition of Microsoft Office.

LT has made recent superfluous expenditures. Our to receive the education LT has to offer, but at some most important that many will have. It point, the injustice is just too much. school was not in need of a new cafeteria or a new has to get better. Shelter, food and eduWe live in the United States of America, where Reber Center. Both were functioning perfectly. We cation are so embedded in our lives that the expectation is equality for all, and based on our live in a world of want, not a world of need. Let’s try it becomes easy to forget that our parents current regressive education system, this “equality” to think beyond our own school. are the people who provide it for us. They for all is not possible. The only way to truly attempt There are schools that use cafeterias as gymnasigive us everything we need and while they ums or have gym class outside because they do not to create equal academic opportunities is to regulate don’t ask for much in return, the least we have the funding to build a gymnasium. There are state funding and base it on need, not want. can give them is a little respect.

LION polled 309 students regarding Senate Bill 16, which proposes to cut LT’s funding by two million in order to fund more needy schools.

n to erasers- always

Random Chatter

Point

Keeping our resources

CounterPoint

Share the wealth

Random Chatter

“One thing led to another and my uncle was running naked through the mountains with his llama.”

- Ellie Sovcik ‘16

OPINIONS Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 9

StaffEditorials

Random Chatter

“If you’re at Six Flags and you see an old couple without children, you’re probably in for a wild ride.”

- Andrea Branz ‘16

AnotherView

Breaking down party lines

Ideally, the United States would have a operates is vital to keep the United States bipartisan government that operates in the government functioning at a level that meets interests of the people; however, the current the standards of the American public and situation in Congress tells a different story. the world at large.

Legislators tie up important bills in petty Congress could start by enacting a proarguments over party policy, and not enough portional representation system. Current gets done. winner-take-all elections put too much Members of Congress operate within power into the hands of one party. Proporrigid party lines. Republicans in Congress tional allots a percentage of the seats in the receive pressure from the conservative right House and the Senate to whatever percentto enact more reactionary legislation, while age of votes a party received. For instance, Democrats push against these measures with if the Republican Party received 30-percent their own liberal agendas. of the vote, the Democratic Party received These party divisions pose serious prob50-percent, and a smaller third party relems for efficiency within Congress. Legislaceived 20-percent, the Republicans would tors stand by their political beliefs come hell hold 30-percent of the seats, the Democrats and high water, and stubbornly refuse to 50-perecent, and the smaller party would compromise on any issue. Over the past two hold 20-perecent. This allows for both the years, this has posed multiple problems for minority party, as well as smaller parties that the 113th Congress. have no chance of ever winning against the In October 2013 the government Republicans or Democrats in a winner-takeshutdown because the Republican House all election, to still influence legislation and demanded the spending policymaking.

Our Position: Proportional bill for the next fiscal Since the House of Reprepresentation in Congress resentatives is technically year include measures would create a vast imthat would defund an example of proportional Obamacare. In response, provement on the current representation in Congress, Senate Democrats rejected dragging partisan politics many claim that enacting any bill that would harm and would expedite the proportional representation all the Affordable Care Act, passage of the important throughout Congress would legislation. or “Obamacare,” in any be excessive. However, the way. Their inability to inability of Congress to operagree meant that no spending bill was passed ate efficiently is proof that the House isn’t before the end of the fiscal year, and govern- enough, and proportional representation ment programs across the country were shut needs to be more present in Congress. down. According to the Wall Street Journal, Proportional representation would both more than 800,000 workers were furloughed allow for more of the electorate to be heard during the two-week period. in Congress, as well as reduce partisan polThe Office of Management and Budget itics in Congress by introducing third, and reported that the 2013 government shuteven fourth or fifth parties into the House down cost the U.S. government more than and Senate. Compromises would be reached $2 billion. The Republican Congress will be with greater ease and efficiency, and Conat odds with Obama for the next two years, gressional deadlock would begin to release and depending on the next president, the its chokehold on American policy.

114th Congress could be as unproductive Senators and Representatives need to put as the 113th. If the United States wants the needs of their country before those of to maintain its position as a major world their respective parties when they work in power, it cannot afford to squander time and Congress. If there is a way to avoid any trivresources over Congressional disagreements. ial arguments in the American government, Changing the way Congress currently policymakers need to find it, and fast.

Staff Vote: 25-1

Cash flow too low

In statewide debate, increasing the rates be added into the state economy. The of minimum wage within Illinois has been more money workers make, the more consumers spend, and therefore more money is the forefront of economic strategies sought being put back into the economy. out to help improve the lives of those supported by low-wage incomes. It would stimWhere the wages are set currently, the ulate growth by injecting more money into annual minimum wage income amounts a struggling economy that does not provide to around $17,000 a year. Thus, if a single the working population with the necessary mother with two children works a fullresources to better their standard of living. time job that pays minimum wage, her The Illinois House of Representatives family would be living below the poverty and Senate have both supported the decilevel. How do we expect our working class sion to raise minimum wage starting in the to thrive when the state limits them from new year. However, Jan. 1 came and went making economic progress? The time has with noindication of the state government come that the government takes action taking any initiative in changing the current and gives the people of Illinois what they minimum wage of $8.25 per hour. deserve.

When the House and Sen- Our Position: The state Although many people ate voted on the bill in May of Illinois must raise its support the increase, some of 2014, around 62 percent standard minimum wage still believe that by raising of the House and 69 percent in order to stimulate eco- wages, companies forced to of the Senate voted in favor nomic growth and provide pay their employees more of the higher minimum wage the working class with a are being negatively affected in the process. However, of $10.65 per hour for adult foundation that enables workers. Furthermore, in the them to promote a sustain- employees are estimated to make an additional $4,992 following Nov. 4 election, able lifestyle. per year and that excess 63 percent of the voting income generates an increase of money population within the state also favored the coming back to local and large businesses. passing of the bill. The people have spoken.

Let’s set aside all economic benefits With a majority of the Illinois population and focus solely on human dignity. Adults being in favor of the raise, the government that work full-time should not be living in needs to stop dragging its feet and begin the poverty. The government needs to acknowlincrease. edge and vitalize the working class, not It is clear to a majority that the economy could stand to benefit with an increase only to strengthen our economic situation in minimum wage, but what exactly does but to improve the lives of the 100,000 Illinois have to gain? people working full-time and still lacking The main improvement that comes out the resources to live a sufficient lifestyle. of this bill is its ability to boost the economy Illinois cannot continue to go on this way. and inject more money into circulation.

The increase is inevitable and is a fundamental stepping-stone in the betterment of our According to the Economic Policy Institute, in passing this bill, about $2.5 billion will state’s future.

Staff Vote: 13-13

Ed. Note: In the event of a staff vote tie, Opinions Editor

Illustration by Bryce Hughes

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SPORTS

Sizeable support Indiana has the largest student section in the country, seating 7,800 students per game at Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

HalfwayNBA As the halfway point in the season approaches and the All-Star weekend prepares to commence in New York, the NBA is as fast-paced and dynamic as always.

The Cleveland CavBailey Blum aliers have been graced with the return of King James from his injury, and for the first time this season look as good as we expected them to be. LeBron’s usage has skyrocketed on the court, up five percent from before his injury. It’s been paying off for Cleveland, who is riding a six game win streak since his return.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season is the Atlanta Hawks; no team is hotter than they are right now. The team rests comfortably atop the Eastern Conference with a 37-8 record and has won ten straight games against the Western Conference. Mind you, this is no easy feat, as the West has long been considered a much stronger and deeper conference than the East.

Yet, no one seems to be taking the Hawks seriously. This could be accredited to their history of first round exits in the playoffs in recent years, or their lack of a true All-Star. However, the Hawks are doing exactly what the San Antonio Spurs have done so well this past decade, and look where they ended up: four National Championships and a leaguewide sense of respect.

So what exactly are the Hawks doing right? To start, they are thriving under second-year coach Mike Budenholzer, who was previously the assistant coach for the Spurs. His experience appears to be rubbing off, as the Hawks’ new system looks eerily similar to the Spurs, characterized by similar exceptional spacing, constant ball movement and side to side swinging to offset scrambling defenses.

The Hawks are receiving contributions from every single member of their squad, with seven players averaging eight or more points per game and no one averaging more than 34 minutes.

Keep an eye out for them as the season wears on, as they make an excellent case to be a contender for the NBA Finals.

As far as our home-town team goes, the Bulls are struggling as of late and can’t appear to find the groove they had a few weeks ago. They rest at fourth place in the East, and have only won four of their last 10 games. They appear to have had a problem recently with playing down to their opponent’s level. Blowout losses to the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets were genuinely embarrassing to watch coming from a supposedly top-tier team in the league.

If they expect to advance deep into the postseason, that’s something they’ll need to overcome.

Internally, Jimmy Butler is playing out of his mind both offensively and defensively, even nabbing an Eastern-Conference Player of the Month Award for December. He has basically secured the Most-Improved Player of the Year Award already with his stellar play.

The Bulls’ frontcourt is a bit of a mix right now, with Pau Gasol averaging a solid 18 points and 12 rebounds per game versus a struggling Joakim Noah whose knee surgery is obviously still bothering him. Regardless, the X-factor has proven to be rookie Nikola Mirotic, who was the MVP of the ACB League in Spain (arguably the second strongest league in the world behind the NBA) at age 22, the youngest in league history. Give him a few more years and he will be a dominant force for the Bulls.

As the season continues to progress and the trade deadline steadily approaches, keep an eye out for big trades and roster changes as teams do everything they can to make the playoffs. A homecourt advantage would be huge for the Bulls, because if one thing is for certain in the postseason, it’s that every team steps their game up to a whole new level.

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 10

Extended event A 1912 wrestling match at the Stockholm Olympics lasted 11 hours, causing the victor to forfeit his next match in exhaustion.

Weirdos revive LT spirit Student section brings large student crowds to events

by Michael Rasmussen @MikeRas55

The rejuvenation of the LT boys basketball student section started with just a few guys who loved basketball. Michael Grace ‘15 and Joseph Bruni ‘15 led the early development of the Weirdos in early 2013, encouraging their friends to attend the sophomore basketball games.

The original Weirdos wore ridiculous outfits, such as blueman suits and banana costumes, and began the group’s well-known

ambition of getting wild, rowdy and weird at important basketball games.

Word spread, students began to flock to games and the Weirdos centralized their leadership. The group is currently run by the Weirdos Board of Directors: Bruni, Grace, Spencer Decker ‘15, Brendan Swinehart ‘15 and Emmett Corrigan ‘15. They’re each former LT basketball players who meet before big games to coordinate themes, outfits, flyers, chants and posters.

The group’s recent success has spurred the development of other student sections within the West Suburban conference, while also making itself known as one of the most rambunctious groups in the state.

For example, the Weirdos reignited LT’s rivalry with Hinsdale Central into a conflict as fiery as it has ever been in the last decade, with both competing student sections packing Hinsdale Central’s gym to maximum capacity at the Bluenami-themed game on Jan. 9.

And when the Weirdos didn’t attend a game at OPRF on Dec.19, OPRF’s student section repeatedly chanted “Where are the Weirdos?”

The Weirdos have made a name for themselves in the suburbs, but will they leave a legacy?

“We’re going to be remembered as the kids who brought school spirit back to LT,” Corrigan said. “Now basketball games are a huge event.”

Student section at the Bluenami game against Hinsdale Central on Jan. 9 (Lidia Breen/LION).

Wackiest Weirdos: Here’s a brief look at a few of the main Weirdos

Joseph Bruni ‘15 As one of the section’s two original founders, Joseph Bruni ‘15 has been one of the greatest influences in shaping who the Weirdos are today.

He organizes the meetings,

Brendan Swinehart ‘15 One of the most important members of the Weirdos Board of Directors is their creative mastermind, Brendan Swinehart ‘15.

He designs the Weirdos’ flyers, in addition to helping

and like many of the other members on the Board of Directors, he finds his impact most important during the games.

“I just scream at the top of my lungs,” Bruni said. “Constant spurts of screaming. When I go home, I can’t talk. I try to drink some tea, but I don’t really like it. So it doesn’t help.”

Whenever Danny O’Malley ‘15 scores, Bruni said that he loves to chant “He’s a fifthyear!”, as an acknowledgment of O’Malley’s resemblance to a grown man.

“Just cheering on our friends and giving them the extra edge in games is a really good feeling,” Bruni said.

Yelling and chanting with his loud, imposing figure, Emmett Corrigan ‘15 is the Weirdos’ enforcer.

“If there’s anybody heckling and getting on people individually, it’s Corrigan,” Bruni said. “He’s like the police of the Weirdos.”

Corrigan loves getting loud.

If the student section gets quiet, he’s usually the guy who starts chanting something in the hopes that it will catch on.

“Being a part of [the Weirdos] makes me miss the game,” Corrigan said. “But it also makes me cheer harder to make sure LT wins and my old teammates succeed.”

with the mobilization of the group on game days.

“I’m always thinking of new ideas,” Swinehart said. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”

Last year, with the help of his fellow Weirdos, he was instrumental in taking top recruit Simmie Cobbs’s head out of the game in LT’s win against OPRF last season.

Swinehart also exemplifies the definition of a Weirdo with his lively, energetic school spirit.

“Brendan just never stops jumping around,” Bruni said. “I like it, but other people might find it a little weird.”

Spencer Decker ‘15 is a Founding Father of the Weirdos; he was alongside Bruni at a soirée in senior Dante Stefanini’s ‘15 basement on a cold December night, when the organization was originally conceived.

If anything gets Decker excited, it’s humiliating opposing players, specifically because of what they’re wearing.

“You just see guys wearing ankle socks or big guys wearing low-tops,” Decker said. “Another thing is wearing Under Armour basketball shoes. That’s amateur.

Eighth-grade stuff.”

But he also said that there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing an opponent miss a

Emmett Corrigan ‘15 One of his favorite moments as a Weirdo was last season was when the student section collectively sang their rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot” at the Blackout game versus Proviso West.

Spencer Decker ‘15 dunk, which allows him to use his favorite chant—“You can’t dunk!”

“It’s a rare one, so it’s humiliating,” Decker said.

Wrestling team finds success in season After significant wins, team looks to individual, team state tournaments

by Abby King @abigailann_01

As the 2014-2015 LT wrestling season draws to a close, the long road to state begins. The boys have had a successful season winning dual meets against Marist, Conant and Dekalb. The team also won the Barrington tournament for the first time in several years. The wrestling team is now looking forward to individual regionals on Feb. 7.

“I think we could win regionals, but as for sectionals it will be tough,” varsity wrestler Mac Casella ‘16 said. “If we win the matches that we need to I think we can pull through and hopefully make it down as a team to state.”

After finishing 16th in state last year, the boys have worked to become top 10 in the state rankings. The combination of coaching and adequate facilities to practice in has pushed the boys to reach their fullest potential in the sport, varsity wrestler Zach Villarreal ‘17 said.

“Getting pushed in the practice room and making my weight is the hardest part about wrestling to me,” Villarreal said. “[My coaches] push me. They make sure I’m not standing around and being lazy.”

Even though the practice space has changed, the boys are still able to improve their skills.

“The practice space isn’t really a big deal for us,” varsity wrestler Elias Garcia ‘17 said. “We just need a place to work out and train.

Some schools aren’t as fortunate to have what we have.”

The boys expect an even more successful season next year. While the underclassmen have had to transition from different wrestling clubs to the LT team, the cohesion of the boys has gone smoothly and there is good team chemistry, Casella said.

“We have a lot of young talent on the team,” Casella said. “I think we will be a lot stronger next year, yeah we are losing some seniors and their leadership, but as far as wrestling I think we are going be pretty solid next year.”

The individual regional, sectional and state tournaments will take place over the next three weeks after the Glenbard West away meet, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m.

Horrific history Soccer was invented in London’s Newgate Prison by prisoners whose hands had been cut off for crimes of theft.

Boys swimming looks to compete Winning every conference meet, team is ready for what is next, hopes to advance far into postseason

by Mary Hadley @maryhadley22

So far this season, the boys swim team has yet to lose to a conference opponent. This has helped them prepare for the upcoming post season, and they hope for an even better finish in state than last year.

“We are doing quite well, we are extremely competitive internally,” Head Coach Scott Walker said.

“Whoever we swim against does not matter, because the kids have to compete against themselves and their teammates, which helps keep everyone honest in their training and in their competing.”

With the help of Spencer Walker ‘18, who broke a school record before ever swimming in high school, and returning state finalist Weston Credit ‘16, the boys tied Hinsdale Central on Dec. 19, a team that has a chance to rank in the top three for state. This year’s team looks more talented than any in recent past, Lucas O’Bryan ‘15 said.

“When we swam against [HC], we knew were the clear underdog, but we also knew we possessed immense depth,” O’Bryan said. “The whole meet we owned second and third in almost every event, with a few incredible wins sprinkled throughout. After that meet, being able to make a team of Hinsdale’s caliber nervous, I knew we had something special.”

The team is going to continue its training and stay healthy, which will allow the swimmers to continue to set themselves up to perform well in the end, Walker said.

“With how well the team has done thus far, I’m beyond confident that we will perform above and beyond expectations in the post season,” O’Bryan said. “We’ve consistently swam well at championship meets, a huge testament to Coach Walker and the rest of our coaching staff. It’s such an exciting time and personally I can’t wait to see it all unfold.”

Tonight and tomorrow the team will swim at home for the Lyons Township invitational at the SC pool.

The post season will start Feb. 6.

Girls gymnastics breaks records As the season winds to a close, team has eyes on the sky as new members hope to make an impact in postseason

by Brittany Grosser-Basile @BrittanyGrosser

Despite the majority of the varsity girls gymnasts being new members, the team has had a record breaking season and has earned five first place finishes at meets.

“The biggest challenge has been becoming a team,” Kelly Ryser ‘15 said. “With a majority of newcomers, it was difficult for the team as a whole to become accustomed to practicing and competing with each other, but we are all getting very close as a team.”

The team began the season with a 132.60 at the Hornet Invitational at Hinsdale South. Since then, the team has improved its top score to a 144.85, the greatest improvement in the state, Ryser said.

“I look week-by-week and day-by-day,” Head Varsity Coach Kari Karubas said. “My goal is always to be ready for the state series. I know that we’re always competing against ourselves and the best were capable of from our last meet.”

One of the most recent meets was the Mari-Rae Sopper Invitational at Fremd on Jan. 17, where LT placed second with a 144.65.

“The Fremd invite, historically, is rarely a good meet for our team, but I think that this year we were able to take long strides, maybe not in the team score but in being good teammates and being there for each other,” Ryser said. “At Fremd, we really looked like a team.”

In addition to strengthening their team bond, the gymnasts have been breaking records this year. The record boards were updated after last season, but Karubas believes they may need more space to accommodate the records being broken this year. Kelsy Kurfirst ‘15 has broken records for all-around scores, her highest this season being a 38.45, and Julia Cozzi ‘18 got a 9.5 on floor.

“Every year has really surpassed my expectations as a coach,” Karubas said. “I can’t compare this season to seasons in the past; I can only compare to how we started and I’m very pleased. We’re on track and very strong with a good learning curve.”

The conference meet is Jan. 31 at York.

SPORTS

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 11

Archaic athletics In ancient gymnastics, bulls were used instead of vaults for certain events, and all competitors participated in the nude.

Intramural soccer soars Club popularity reaches new heights as playoffs wrap up

by Bailey Blum and Garrett Ariana @ultimatebailey @garrettariana3

As the harsh wind and bitter cold of winter descend upon the Chicago suburbs, so does a new, driving passion that encapsulates hundreds of LT students every year. For these students, winter brings more than the typical basketball, swimming and wrestling seasons.

Starting in late November, more than 200 athletes lace up their indoor soccer cleats and storm the field in one of the most competitive and entertaining environments of the year: Intramural Soccer.

Intramural Soccer is held multiple nights a week at the SC Fieldhouse, with five 30-minute games per night. In addition to the normal soccer players at LT, the club also features teams built from other sports such as football and cross country. Intramural Soccer has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years, causing an increase in the number of teams from 12 to 24, Co-Supervisor of Intramural Soccer Paul Labbato said.

A “league” format with playoffs and a championship, co-ed teams and a limit of three varsity players per squad to avoid team stacking has resulted in a competitive yet extremely fun vibe on the field, Labbato said.

“One goal [of intramural soccer] is that a lot of kids play soccer growing up and really like it, but they turn to other sports and end up dropping it,” Labbato said. “This is a really nice outlet for those kids who used to play and liked it but play a different sport now.”

Finishing the regular season in first place with a league-best 5-0 record was Munch FC, led by LT JV soccer member Freddie Figge ‘15 and co-captain Jon Wallace ‘15.

“We’ve been successful because we’re big bodies,” Wallace said.

“We work out.”

Trailing close behind was “2 Dudes 1 Ball” and “LT Futbol”, who tied for second place with a 4-0-1 record. While these teams secured first-round byes, none of their fates were certain due to the playoff format and the potential for upsets. For some teams though, it’s not all about the glory. A unique aspect of Intramural Soccer that sets it apart from other intramurals is, in addition to the combination of competition and fun, a fierce sense of community and love for the game.

Luke Pigman ‘15 attempts to outrun opponent Nikolas Darrus ‘16 in an intramural soccer match. (Blum/LION)

“The thing that sets [intramural soccer] apart is the fire,” Wallace said. “It’s the passion; the sense of competition. But most of all, the bodies.”

Semifinal, championship results The Strobes justified its finals apperance after dominating the semifinals, defeating AP Physics FC by a score of 4-1. Big Time Academy fell to the Munch Boxers in penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie, setting up a Strobes and Munch Boxer final.

After an early goal from John Mazur ‘16 put Strobes in the lead, Pat Duncan ‘15 of the Munch Boxers responded with a goal of his own, making the score 1-1. Regulation time ended in a 1-1 tie, sending the game to penalty kicks, where Mazur, Camillo Drobny ‘16 and Nick Economou ‘16 scored, sealing a championship victory for Strobes.

“Overall our team played very well throughout the whole game,” Economou said. “Strobes FC, the legacy lives on.”

“It’s just devastating,” Big Time Academy player Danny Thomas ‘15 said of his semifinal loss. “Every year I come out here and put in the work and it just ends like that to a bunch of Munch Boxers. But good season to them.”

Basketball finds success Girls look to sense of unity to carry team

Boys basketball seeks conference title

by Grace Gumbiner @grace_gumby

by Michael Grace @_michaelgrace

The girls varsity basketball team has found its groove this season, starting off with a 13-2 record. The team has experienced minimal changes this year, playing with mostly returning players and a few new additions, including Gabby Vidakovich ‘17, Claire Purcell ‘17 and Sydney Bugaieski ‘18.

“The girls understand what we are trying to do now,” Head Coach Paul Krick said. “Our ability to identify and react to situations is much better.”

The team’s biggest loss was player Kayla Morrisey ‘14, but others have stepped up and continue to mesh with the team. The girls have great team experience playing with five returning seniors.

“Everyone’s playing on both sides of the ball and putting in the extra effort for the good of the team,” point guard Gaby Galassini ‘15 said.

The girls hope to win conference and have a deep run in the playoffs, after losing at regionals to Whiteny Young last season, Galassini said. The team celebrated a big win over Hinsdale Central, beating them at Central 53-25 on Jan. 10.

“We’ve been really good at involving the whole team,” shooting guard Nina Scaramella ‘16 said. “We’re a better team because it’s our second year together with the same coach.”

In order to reach their maximum potential, the players want to make sure they focus on improving their rebounding and boxing out down low, while staying focused and not getting too confident as the season continues into the playoffs, Galassini said.

It also helps that we have strong free-throw and three point shooters, Scaramella said.

“All of the players make an impact on the court, because they are dedicated and hard working,” Krick said. “They believe in and support one another.”

The girls will play the regional game on Feb. 17.

With the season in full swing, the boys basketball team has managed to establish a foothold in the West Suburban Silver Conference with a 12-4 record and a dark horse bid for a conference title. Although the team has been struck with the misfortune of the loss of pivotal big man and three-point specialist Sean Lannan ‘15, the group has managed to climb the state rankings and surpass numerous pre-season predictions.

“Our goal is to win conference,” Harrison Niego ‘15 said. “We have put ourselves in a good position through the first half of the season and our goal is to win it.”

Much of the team’s success can be attributed to Head Coach Tom Sloan, as Top: Harrison Niego ‘15 drives into the lane in the boys basketball game against Hinsdale he has led this undersized group to a top 20 state ranking, with the potential of Central. (Breen/LION) making a playoff run. Through instilled Bottom: The girls basketball team huddles together in preparation for its game against confidence and tedious preparation, Sloan has continued to emerge as a driving force Hinsdale Central. (Breen/LION) for this group’s season.

“He prepares us week in and week out for our games,” Niego said. “He pushes us in practice and makes us better as a team.”

After finishing a month long string of road games, the team is set to compete on its home floor and finish the season strong. With the help of the home crowd, the LT Weirdos and the bitter taste of a loss to Hinsdale, the Lions have been out for blood, attempting to win out the rest of their conference games to have a shot at taking home a championship.

“The Weirdos contribute in ways people don’t understand,” Jaquan Phipps ‘15 said. “They give us energy and something to play for. They say they’re Weirdos but they’re really family.”

All roads en route to the West Suburban Conference title will seemingly meet on Feb. 13 for the Blackout game as LT and rival Hinsdale Central have proved to be the powerhouses of the conference, both looking to capture a championship.

Stadium stars The first Special Olympics were held in Chicago, at Soldier Field in 1968, including all track and field events. Athletes from the U.S. and Canada participated.

SPORTS SPORTS Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 12

Scores 

Special Olympics Pack-the-Place draws crowds, white team heads to state

by Joe Rossetti @joe_rossetti

Left: Transition students Will Medina and Michael Deveno sprint down the court. (Lauren Hucko/LION) Top: Tony Burkes ‘15 pumps up the crowd. (Melrose Buckler/LION) Bottom: Trevor Bouma ‘15 palms the basketball. (Melrose Buckler/LION)

“We’re going to do really good,” white team member Will Medina ‘15 said. “We need to just keep on moving, passing around, keep trying those fake passes and maybe one day, coach will let us do some three pointers.”

The white team seems to be taking the necessary steps to prepare itself for the state tournament, March 13-15. Although the brackets have not been released yet, both coaches and players have high expectations.

“They’re hard workers, they’re excited, they’re enthusiastic and I’m confident that they’ll perform well,” Shapland said. “They all just really really love basketball.”

For some players, making it down state has been a goal of theirs for many seasons.

“Thanks go to the coaches,” white team member and Transition program student Michael Deveno said. “It’s my last year too, so we’re finally going down state. We’re ready to win. Hopefully we win.”

By Anika Ranginani @a_rangs

When Jaquan Phipps ‘15 first walks into a room, the first thing you notice is his huge smile. That smile makes the 6-foot 3-inch varsity basketball co-captain, who may otherwise seem intimidating, extremely approachable. That smile would also help you understand how Phipps’ status as a role model makes him just as invaluable to his team as his strong play on the court.

“Jaquan always has a positive attitude which makes him a great role model,” co-captain Harrison Niego ‘15 said Contributing to key plays late in the game with mental toughness and a contagious energy, Phipps makes a significant impact on LT basketball. He averages around 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, Head Coach Tom Sloan said.

“He’s a great leader,” Niego said. “He pushes everybody to be better and that’s what you expect from a strong captain.”

During the Dec. 31 game against DePaul Prep, Phipps made a decisive three-point play during double overtime to secure another win for LT, Sloan said. “[Jaquan] rarely sits,” Sloan said. “He plays throughout the game and shows a lot of determination even if he’s fatigued.”

Originally playing baseball and football, Phipps moved from the city in second grade and began playing for his first basketball team in seventh grade. For Phipps, basketball was more exciting than baseball, but he emphasizes the importance of a team.

“The best thing about any sport is being with the team,” Phipps said. “They’re not only a team, they’re like a family.

There’s a special bond. You play as one; you hang out as one.”

Phipps and Niego have been playing together since seventh grade.

“We’re like brothers,” Phipps said. “Blood couldn’t make us closer. That connection we have on and off the court really helps; we have confidence in each other to make plays.”

Check out the Lion Newspaper’s website for in-depth coverage and interviews from the Special Olympics Pack-thePlace basketball game.

Highlights  Profiles

Crowd encourages teams After winning its district tournament and qualifying for the state tournament scheduled for March 13, the Lyons Township Special Olympics white basketball team took on Riverside Brookfield (RB) at home in the Pack the Place event, held on Jan. 22. The white team competed along with the LT Special Olympics blue and gold teams, which took on Leyden and Hinsdale Central respectively.

“It was awesome,” Special Education Case Manager and Head Special Olympics Basketball Coach Abby Shapland said. “There were over 700 people that attended over the course of the three hours from 6-9 p.m. It truly was a sign of great school and community support. The players had such a good time, and you could see it as they played. We ended up with two ties and a win.”

The blue team’s game ended in a tie against Leyden, the gold team’s game was victorious over Hinsdale Central and the white team also finished in a tie against RB. Although the teams weren’t as successful as they hoped to be on the court, the Pack the Place event was largely successful.

“I think it’s great to expose these kids to a big event like that,” Shapland said. “But more than anything, the spectators are impacted the most. They see the kids out on the court, playing their best, trying their hardest, and ultimately, that’s what counts.”

While the Special Olympics program is a basketball team, there are many important aspects to the program besides what happens on the court. The Special Olympics program teaches the athletes skills that they can use not only to be successful in a game, but to be successful in everyday life.

“With the Special Olympics program, you’re getting a population of students that are really out there looking to have a good time, looking to develop friendships and to be a part of a community,” Shapland said.

“Not that other teams don’t have that, but, I think for this group, it’s about having a true high school experience.”

The team practices once a week on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. Practices begin with a normal warm-up consisting of running, active stretching and sprints to elevate the athlete’s heart rates. The team then practices layups, shooting and works on drills that will benefit specific areas of gameplay. Practices like these may offer the white team confidence as it begins to prepare for the state tournament.

Online olympics

Jaquan’s team-oriented nature carries into how he plays during practice and during games. According to Sloan, that attitude helps the team succeed.

“He’s not selfish,” Sloan said. “He can use his athleticism to get to the basket and score or create shots for his teammates.”

That athleticism requires hard work. Phipps practices basketball every day, including the off-season, when he plays on an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team with Niego.

All the practice has paid off in better ball-handling, passing and shooting, Sloan said. Phipps plays both forward and guard.

“I really improved my overall game. I didn’t want to be one-dimensional, which makes me a key player,” Phipps said.

The only difference between in-season and off-season is that he works out and lifts more during the off-season, he said.

“It’s great to see what you’ve worked so hard for,” Phipps said. “Seeing it paying off on the floor gives you the confidence that you didn’t waste your time working out.

You actually deserve this.”

Phipps’s hard work, energy and confidence encourages younger players to work harder and to play better in the long run, Sloan said.

“When the best players are the hardest workers, players know they can’t slack off,” Sloan said.

“That’s a really good example for Jaquan and the other guys to set.”

This season, Phipps’s favorite game was the Bluenami game at Hinsdale Central on Jan. 9, where so many LT fans showed up that the police had to stop letting students in because they had reached the building’s capacity.

“Our fans are on the court with us,” Phipps said. “They give us energy when we don’t have it and confidence when we don’t have it. Weirdos motivates you to make the school proud.”

RedRivalry

Not only as a proud athlete for Lyons Township, but also as a proud student, I hate Hinsdale Central. I hate the Joe Rossetti school as much as the next guy, but I love the rivalry. It does amazing things for our school. It forces us to work harder in terms of school spirit and as individuals, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Most notably, the rivalry transcends into student athletics.

As each season moves into full swing, Lyons Township is offered multiple opportunities to go head-to-head with its closest rival and hopefully obtain bragging rights. The only problem is: the biggest games don’t always go our way.

I’ll take Lyons Township over Hinsdale Central until the day I die, but I think that the student body should support all of our athletic teams.

This year, the biggest crowd at a Lyons Township football game was when the team took on Central. All week I listened to players rant about how Hinsdale was going to get destroyed and about how our team was going to bring home a win, but to their disbelief, LT was defeated by the Devils, 37-23.

The biggest crowd in attendance at a Lyons Township boys soccer game was when the team took on Hinsdale Central in the IHSA Sectional Semi-Final game at Bennett Field, where the team lost, 1-0.

This was the second time that the team lost to Hinsdale last season, yet the game still drew the biggest crowd.

And now, in the height of the winter athletics season, the hype has transitioned to the boys basketball team, which took on the Red Devils on Jan. 9.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest LT student section at a game this season, was at this game. While I was hoping for a win, I was never entirely sure that LT would be victorious. Yet again this year, the Lions were defeated 66-57 at Hinsdale, despite the massive support from the student body. How can we make such a big deal about the game when we can’t even be sure that we are going to win?

And to make matters worse, the boys basketball team was scheduled to play Hinsdale Central during the same season that both the boys wrestling team and the girls gymnastics team were scheduled to compete against the Devils.

Last season, the wrestling team was victorious over Hinsdale in the dual meet at home, and, already this season, the team has placed higher than Hinsdale at the Barrington Invitational, which LT won, and at Hinsdale’s own Invitational, in which LT finished fourth. The girls gymnastics team has shared similar success. Last season in its competition against the Red Devils at home, the team was victorious, beating the Devils 149.2 to 130.65. LT took on Hinsdale on Jan. 19 and was also victorious: 142.90 to 138.80.

Perhaps I’m biased, but these should both be sporting events that are hyped up. Unpopular competitions shouldn’t be forgotten, and in my opinion should get just as much attention as the football game or the soccer game received, or that the basketball game is now receiving.

It’s a sad reality that all of our teams aren’t supported equally, especially against our school’s rival. And it’s even more upsetting when the teams that are overlooked and not acknowledged are the teams winning.

The student body should find a way to support all teams, because the added support of the screaming fans can often have a bigger effect than one would think.

And it shouldn’t take our conference rival to draw a huge crowd at the games because a lot of times, its the smaller competitions that matter the most.

Pulse

Turn to page 16-17 for coverage

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 14

A study conducted by Cornell University showed that hot cocoa contains more antioxidants than wine and tea.

chocolate

Chocolate cure The Swiss people comsume more chocolate per capita than any other nation on earth 22 lbs. per year.

Sweet Swiss

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Cafe Calbay

6

24 West Burlington Ave, La Grange For a cheap, classic hot chocolate smothered in whipped cream, this railroad-side locale is the place to go. With a diner feel and kind waitresses, it is the perfect first destination on your cocoa adventure.

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Peet’s Coffee & Tea

5100 Main St, Downers Grove Peets is a small chain with a warmly-hued joint right across from the tracks in Downers Grove. Their delicious peppermint hot cocoa is steamy and light with loads of chocolaty foam, making for a lip-smacking time for all.

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Mindy’s HotChocolate

1747 North Damen Ave, Chicago To finish your cocoa crawl, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate has a multitude of different hot chocolate options; each one rich, thick and tasty and topped with homemade marshmallows well worth the trek downtown.

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2

Starbucks

3

Starbucks Coffee offers hot chocolate with a rich natural flavor, a hint of mocha and light whipped cream to sweeten every steamy sip.

Peppermint hot chocolate is available as well, which emits an aroma that makes you wish it were December again.

38 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange

Transition Perks is a coffee shop with a great cause and excellent warm winter drinks. Their simple self-serve hot chocolate is a quick, easy and inexpensive option at their ideal location five minutes from either campus by car.

1062 Hillgrove Ave, Western Springs

Transition Perks

by Claire Quinlan, Lidia Breen, Izy Scott and MelRose Buckler @cquinlan97, @lidia_breen, @3izy3 and @amrbucks608

Egg Harbor

Gateway Square, 777 North York Rd, Hinsdale Served in a signature bulky mug, Egg Harbor Cafe serves hot chocolate with dense whipped cream stacked high above the rim and topped off with rainbow sprinkles. Extremely chocolaty in flavor, the syrupy deliciousness with a hint of salty goodness warms your body after one gulp.

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PROFILES

Traveling team

Plex Media has a team employees from 11 different countries including South Africa and Denmark.

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 15

LION‘Scopes

Combing through life

by Garrett Ariana and Gaby Sabatino @garrettariana3 @gabysab8

If you passed Rodger Combs ‘14 on the street, clad in his white lab coat, you wouldn’t guess that he is an 18-year-old full-time employee of Plex Media Server, college-diploma-less and making $90,000 a year doing what he absolutely loves.

Amidst the harried nature of senior year applications last year, and after receiving a score of 36 on his ACT, Combs was still nervous about college acceptances because of his lack of interest in homework throughout his years at LT. “My grades were generally abysmal because I avoided doing homework in favor of working on assorted software projects for fun,” Combs said. “I hoped that I’d be able to bank on excellent standardized test scores, but I was very afraid of the possibility that I wouldn’t be admitted to a good school.”

During winter break of his senior year, Combs fixed some of the problems on a portion of the software he owned and sent those changes back to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Plex Media Server.

Pricey painting The Mona Lisa, located in The Lourve Museum in Paris, France, is worth around $780 million.

Wondering what this Valentine’s Day holds in store for you? Kick LT graduate gets job at back and relax as we predict your computer software firm, love life. (Note: The following are begins professional career for entertainment purposes and

by Claire Quinlan are not to be taken seriously.) @cquinlan97 Aries- (March 21-April 19): You will embrace your individuality and go lone wolf as a strong independent woman who don’t need no man in her life!

Taurus- (April 20- May 20): Your hospitality towards others will consume your night as your friends bring all their dates over. Flowers at each table: $50. Food for the whole squad: $200. A hole in the wall: Priceless.

Gemini- (May 21- June 20): Your creative date idea in downtown will have your significant other saying that you’ve done well and that you should move in—even though they’re still living with their parents and are in high school.

Cancer- (June 21- July 22): Although you’re looking forward to a first date with your new boyfriend/girlfriend, you might get in trouble with the po-po as you’re caught speeding anxiously to see them.

Leo- (July 23 - Aug. 22): The tide will turn when your confidence takes over at the supermarket as holding the door open turns into a date.

Virgo- (Aug. 23- Sept. 22): Despite being such a detailed, don’t overstress about sporting the fuschia or green cinnamon apple shoelaces on your fresh new J’s—it might cut into your speed date time at the local bakery.

Libra- (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): You will be a disappointment when your long-time bae forgets to buy you the right kind of chocolates; these ones give you diarrhea.

Scorpio- (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Your much awaited date with the amazing “Sam,” whom you discovered on farmerdatingservice.com, won’t turn out so well when you find out that he or she is missing a couple of teeth, as well as a credit card. I guess you’ll have to explore the dine and dash option this time.

Inspiration through art

LT art teacher finds artistic sparks in tragic life events, explores creativity

by Abby King

@abigailann_01

Maribeth Coffey-Sears, an LT art teacher, has shown her art pieces around the world, pieces that were inspired by her emotional journey of reuniting with her birth mother to find more information on Sagittarius- (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): This Valher son’s rare genetic disorder. entine’s Day, you won’t be able to get over your pride and give into a night filled with She started her professional artistic really bad rom-coms. Instead, just watch plain career immediately following college, comedies, that way you won’t have to cry over your showcasing and selling her artwork at loneliness. the ARC, the oldest cooperative gallery in Chicago. However, she has also enjoyed Capricorn- (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): While teaching and seeing the artistic abilities in you may be distrusting, please don’t ruin the night by rudely interrupting your her students. dog’s date that you set up with that poodle “Even with just a short time in her across the street—even though you wish it was you. class, her experience has really benefitted Aquarius- (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Despite your my art,” ceramic arts student, J.D. Fallon ‘16 said. “Whenever there is something independent personality, you won’t be I don’t like about my piece, she always in emotional trouble come Feb. 14. Real people are boring anyway, and the hot knows just how I can fix it to make it the robot you made over winter break will suffice. way I wanted it to look.”

Coffey-Sears received her bachelors at Pisces- (Feb. 19 - March 20): Your laziness University of Illinois at Champaign-Urwill defeat your motivation to go out and find someone to spend a day with. Instead, bana and then worked for her masters at National Louis University. While working you’ll be stuck swiping left on Tinder, looking for the Kate Upton of LaGrange Park. on her doctorate at Northern Illinois Uni-

Rodger Combs’ professional portrait at Plex Media. (Plex Media Service)

Impressed with his work, Combs was later offered a full-time position at Plex Media Server starting right after graduation.

“I no longer cared about being rejected from colleges,” Combs said. “So I found that my life became far less stressful.”

The least stressful aspect of his day, LTTV, was a class in which Combs thrived in and contributed much to. In total, Combs took at least one TV production class each semester of high school, and invested even more time as an upperclassman in an independent study with LTTV advisor Bill Allan.

“My hardest thing with Combs was to somehow make the class engaging and challenging for him,” Allan said. “He very quickly moved up through the ranks of LTTV, and started doing some serious projects for us.”

Combs ended up rewiring the entire versity, she fell ill and was forced to take a year off.

Only a few years after her biological brother died due to a rare liver condition, her son, Dylan Coffey-Sears, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder with symptoms similar to type one diabetes, but did not react the same way to treatment. The doctors told Maribeth that her son’s disorder was also the source of her sickness, and encouraged her to find her biological mother to find out more information on her family lineage.

“When they found [that the genetic disorder] was the source of my illnesses too, all of the pieces of the puzzle were coming together,” Maribeth said. “Only five families in the world have the same genetic condition, so it’s very rare. That is one of the reasons the doctors wanted me to find my birth mother.”

With many unanswered questions regarding her son’s illness, she began the search to find her birth mother and answers to these mysteries. Maribeth ended up meeting her biological mother and found out valuable information about her family line. She also met her 12 other extended siblings who still remain in touch with her today. This life-changing experience will continue to influence her artwork for the rest of her life, she said.

One of her larger sculptures at the ARC gallery captures her prayers for her son to get well. It focuses on Dylan in a sarcophagus wrapped in gold, because he is very precious to her, she said. He also has an Indian headdress covering his head,

LTTV control room and their truck, as well as writing a program called an Optical Character Recognition, where a staff member can train a camera on a scoreboard, and the program turns the video into data, meanwhile updating the graph system live. He also bought an exposed circuit board and programmed it to be able to take live stream from the LTTV website and convert it into video for the cable channel, allowing the school TV station to be able to stream from all over the world.

“By junior year, Rodger was doing projects so outside of the curriculum that, for me as a teacher, I had to come up with huge projects that students would normally never touch,” Allan said.

Now, Combs works as a contracted software engineer and transcoder for Plex.

This means he is responsible for fixing bugs in the media encoding portion of the software, improving compatibility, adding new features and answering questions on the support forums of the company. All of his work he is able to do from home, working on his own personal schedule and communicating with his team via Skype.

“This only really worked out for me because I ignored my studies in high school and focused on what I enjoyed doing,” Rodger said. “And for most people, that isn’t a sound career decision. There are plenty of fields that really do require years of specific training that you can’t get in high school. But for software engineering, college just doesn’t have to be a prerequisite.”

One of Maribeth Coffee-Sears’ several pieces of artwork, inspired by her son, that is currently on display at the ARC in Chicago.

(Coffee-Sears)

symbolizing their Indian grandparents. In addition to that, he has bindings around his body in reference to the intricate genealogy that Egyptian families were known for recording.

“I love doing research,” Maribeth. “I think that really supports my artwork. It comes from a place with history.”

Her ultimate aspirations are for a museum to buy her work for their collection and to make an impact on others through her painting, scupltures and other art forms.

“The whole essence about my desire to be in a museum collection is that I made work that’s worthy of that,” Maribeth said.

“That peers have said this should be kept [in a museum]. This is something that our culture cherishes, and for me to be able to make something that could qualify on that level that’s important to me.”

www.lionnewspaper.com

Don’t forget to visit our website for additional stories

Intoxicated invasion

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assault

Common charge

A study completed by Sarah Lawrence College asserted that at least 50-percent of all sexual assault cases are associated with alcohol.

Every 21 hours, there is a sexual assault on a college campus, and the most vunerable time for most girls is in the first week of school.

Friday, January 30, 2015  Pages 16 and 17

Silent suffering

Creepy Cinematography

A study done by Eastern New Mexico University found that less than 50 percent of all cases of sexual violence are reported to the police.

At the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, a live-action movie will be shown where viewers enter an assault situation from a girl and guy’s perspective.

Sexual assault is not a UVA problem. This is just where the issue has come to the forefront.

Q&A

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No means no

-Letter to the Editor to the University of Virginia Cavalier Daily Newspaper from a junior student

compiled by Riley Carroll @Riley_Carroll

With a sudden focus on college campuses’ responses to sexual assault cases, no one could give us a better take on the subject than current college students. Freshman at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) Cassidy Klump ‘14 weighs in on sexual assault in college along with Sophomore at the University of Virginia (UVA) Malcolm Dunlop ‘13, each bringing their own views to the table.

Q:

What is your response to the recent focus centering around the sexual assault at UVA? Dunlop:In terms of the article itself, I think it did a huge disservice to a lot of different people. It completely, in my opinion, mischaracterized the Greek Life here at the University of Virginia. It mischaracterized sexual assault survivor services here. Ultimately, it offended the people who are most negatively affected by what is, I think, the most egregious example of shoddy reporting in recent American history: sexual assault survivors. I really think this article did an enormous amount of damage.

Klump:Although the original situation [Rolling Stone article] and responses to it were questionable, I believe it succeeded in bringing the prominence of rape on a college campus out of the dark. People finally felt as if a change was needed to be made.

Q:

As a college student, has the topic of sexual assault become more prominent? If so, how?

D: Absolutely. I think one thing the article completely ignored was the level of education that is present at my school and at a lot of other comparable schools. UVA, as the article will point out, is under federal compliance review for sexual assault, so it has been offering programs and mandating programs for all incoming students on sexual assault. All fraternity members have to go to a presentation on sexual assault. The problem is that it’s a very difficult problem to quantify, explain and understand. I think there is a lot of information, but the problem is that it leads people in a lot of different directions in terms of how to adequately respond.

K:My family constantly is reminding me to travel in packs, watch my drinks and all the stereotypical rules women must follow in order to avoid rape. Before it was never even thought about. My whole life I spent walking to and from places, in the day or at night, with headphones in and never gave it a second thought. Now I would never be comfortable with doing that, because the fear of being assaulted while just walking down the street is a constant thought.

Q:Do you believe that colleges handle sexual assault cases well?

D:No, but it’s more complicated than that. Colleges offer a lot of report services and I am proud of that. In terms of responding, from a punitive standpoint, that is where the universities fall short, but I don’t think that that should be a university problem. At the end of the day, sexual assault is a violent crime the same way assaulting someone is a violent crime, and it needs to be handled by the proper authorities.

K:Overall, no. Colleges aren’t putting the victim first, instead just worrying about their public reputation. In order to save their reputation, they end up putting all the blame in the hands of the victim so there could be no real way to blame the school. In turn, it diminishes the severity of the sexual assault case, and it ends up falling under the radar and nothing happens.

Q:

A History of Campus Assault

by Claire Quinlan

What advice on the subject would you give to high school students entering college?

D:I would first off tell high schools that they need to start educating students about sexual assault earlier, because I came to college not really aware of the fact that this was a problem. In terms of what advice I would give to students, I would say first always look out for one another. This applies in high school too, because I think anyone who wants to pretend that high schoolers don’t drink is deluding himself. Have a buddy system and then, quite honestly, the one factor that is generally in play is alcohol, and you really need to think seriously about your alcohol consumption levels. I want to be perfectly clear here, because I don’t want to imply that people who are sexually assaulted are, in any way shape or form, at fault for drinking. The only person who is at fault is the person who assaulted you.

It has been shown, in repeated studies, that sexual assailants used alcohol in order to accomplish sexual assault. So I think people really do need to be aware of that the sexual assault problem is tied to the drinking problem and many of the numbers on this are key. That is an undisputable correlation.

K:First and foremost, while you should take all of this seriously, don’t be afraid to live your day-to-day life. Sadly, we do live in a world where we all must be aware of our surroundings at all times and try our best to make the smartest decisions for ourselves, but don’t let that hinder you. Find and hang out with friends you trust, always travel with a buddy and don’t let alcohol do all the thinking for you.

Duke

March 2006

African-American student Crystal Gail Mangum, who worked as a stripper and dancer, falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of raping her at a party on March 13 in Durham, N.C. The incident was called a hate crime and the lacrosse team was suspended. Eventually all charges were dropped and the three players were declared innocent. The story was exposed on the media however, and started a public blowback that was labelled reverse racism against the white lacrosse players and shifted the public opinion to a slight skepticism when it came to rape allegations.

Columbia

September 2014

Emma Sulkowicz claimed she was raped on her first day of her sophomore year of college at Columbia, and she started a movement that evolved into her senior thesis, “Carry That Weight.” Sulkowicz carries her mattress everywhere, urging her friends, police and campus administrators that her rape happened and that her rapist deserves to be punished, along with all other unprosecuted sexual assault criminals. Sulkowicz’s movement has led to mattress campaigns around the country, as students make demands for justice that cannot be ignored by anyone on campus.

UVA

November 2014

Sabrina Erdely published an article in “Rolling Stone” regarding the brutal gang rape of “Jackie” on the campus of University of Virginia (UVA). She felt silenced by her school’s reputation and friends who discredited her story. The story went viral, and it completely reignited demands for improved sexual assault policies on campuses worldwide.

The Post

by Lidia Breen @lidia_breen When I finished applying to colleges, I didn’t sit down for a celebratory ice cream or dinner with my family.

There was no talk about which college was my number one, or which ones we could afford.

No, the first thing we talked about was college parties: “Don’t take drinks from strangers or open containers, don’t drink too much, watch the way you dress, watch who you talk to, where you stand,” are the consistently repeated “don’ts” a woman might hear before going to college, and the warnings of worried parents have one underlying and implied message: don’t get raped.

I’ve always been dumbfounded by these warnings, and when my mother brought it up to me, I was no less confused. Obviously it’s smart to be safe at college, but I’ve always wondered why the priority is to teach people how not to get assaulted, rather than teaching people not to assault others.

Instead of handing out outdated and overdone warnings about rape that typically fall on deaf ears, why not hold a class for all high school seniors or incoming college freshman, regardless of gender, to teach a simple concept: anything but yes means no.

But, that’s just a consequence of the American rape culture we live in. And it’s something that needs to change.

When one out of every five women in America reports being sexually assaulted, 68 percent of rapes go unreported and a recent study published in “Violence and Gender” showed that 31.7 percent of men would force women into sex in a “consequence-free environment,” everyone must realize that there is a problem, and that something needs to change.

Why is legal ramification the only thing holding people back from violence? Why is there no emotional realization that assault would hurt a fellow human— someone with feelings, someone with humanity who would be incredibly affected by such an assault?

The first thing that will need to change in order for a crime like rape to be treated seriously will be its perception among the public. Currently, we exist in an environment where a crime like rape is perceived completely differently compared to crimes like murder or assault: when the issue of rape comes up, the victim tends to be blamed and seen as the problem, more than the actual assailant—who is often never found. About 98 percent of rapists will never spend a day in jail or prison.

It’s this process of “victim blaming” that creates the entire problematic rape culture that exists in America.

When the first questions by the public are “what were you wearing? What were you doing?” upon hearing about an assault, it places the culpability on the victim and makes it seem like it was their fault that someone else decided to violently assault them, like wearing a snowsuit would have made a difference.

The recent rape allegations at the University of Virginia (UVA) are a perfect example of the way that Americans are quick to turn on victims of rape, and turn someone from a victim to a liar in a matter of minutes.

But what happened at UVA didn’t show that the alleged victim was a liar—it was just the result of faulty reporting, not the result of a faulty source. And now, the victim at UVA will forever be remembered as a liar because she trusted the wrong person with a story, and was transformed from a victim to a vilified monster in a matter of moments and attacked by those that she had entrusted with her story.

Without substantial change to the American mindset that continues to passively dismiss sexual assault as a serious crime and place more blame on the victim than the rapist, we’ll continue to dig ourselves into a deeper and darker hole until rape is treated like nothing.

Classes are already being implemented earlier and earlier in an attempt to teach compassion and understanding about sexual assault, rather than just warning about the consequences—and they’re having an impact.

Hopefully, when my kids are on the way to college, I won’t need to feed them warnings about being assaulted, because an entire national mindset will be changed and sexual assault will be treated the same as other heinous crimes—instead of regarded as something that happens to someone who deserved it.

December 2014

As Washington Post reporters look into the story, discrepancies emerge regarding “Jackie”s alleged rapist, name of the fraternity in question, and existence of a party the night of Sept. 28. The Post then published a story: “How Rolling Stone failed in its story of alleged rape at the University of Virginia,” citing these inaccuracies and leading to a comment from Erdely and Rolling Stone: “In the face of new information, there now appear to be discrepancies in Jackie’s account, and we have come to the conclusion that our trust in her was misplaced.”

Rivalry riot In 2014 a LT student allegedly punched a Hinsdale Central student from a car window after LT lost a basketball game.

spirit

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 18

#Hashtag highlights Social media has allowed for themed games like last year’s #TourDeLT or Hinsdale Central’s #CodeRed.

LION honors the popular tradition of LT “Blackout” boys basketball games with in-depth coverage.

The Preview

Highlights throughout history 2009

by Michael Grace @_michaelgrace

For the past six years, one day every year, the North Campus Fieldhouse is consumed by a wave of patriotic LT students, sharing not only the common desire for victory, but also the simple attire of one color: Black.

The Blackout game at LT has been a storied tradition ever since its roots broke ground in 2009.

Although it is simply one game, each year has proved to capture defining moments from “The Dunk” of 2010 to “The Chant” of 2011. From an outsider’s perspective these may only serve as simple words that hang from the walls of the fieldhouse on banners above the student section, but to others they portray a window of memory to an unforgettable event during their LT career. This legacy will soon carry on as the Lions take on Hinsdale Central on Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the NC Fieldhouse.

“My favorite Blackout has to be when Dan LaLonde ‘09 dunked at the end of the OPRF game,” avid Weirdo Brendan Swinehart ‘15 said. “It sums up my memories of LT basketball and dreaming of one day being that kid to dunk in a game at that stage.”

As the seventh year of this tradition is right around the corner, with the theme being “The Black Sea,” it seems that this game, in particular, will be one for the books. Not only will fans have a chance to win a car at halftime through a half court shot raffle contest, but this year’s opponent is one who is notorious for

“

“We want revenge and we’re going to give it our all to make our school proud and get that win.”

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-Jaquan Phipps ‘15

being public enemy number one of Lyons Township.

During the last two years, the rivalry between LT and Hinsdale Central has grown to new heights, igniting record attendances at sporting events, with often heated disputes to follow. To raise the stakes even higher, this year’s game looks to be one that will decide the West Suburban Conference champion in front of an expected sold out crowd, after Hinsdale Central was forced to turn down spectators during the most recent matchup on Jan. 9 at Hinsdale.

“No matter if it’s the Blackout or not, it’s always a huge game when you’re playing Central,” star player Jaquan Phipps ’15 said. “We want revenge and we’re going to give it our all to make our school proud and get that win.”

With both the LT Weirdos and Hinsdale Central student section looking to be in full force, this year’s game could very well be a record attendance at the NC Fieldhouse since its opening in 1952.

“The rivalry is definitely the best in the state,” Swinehart said. “To win this game will be one of the greatest highlights in high school.”

Check out past Blackout T-Shirts and notable moments in Blackout game history. compiled by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana3

“The Beginning” LT 66 - HC 60 The game was created in response to a Hinsdale Central Whiteout.

2010

2011

“The Chant” LT 80 - OPRF 53 The game started with a loud “I Believe That We Will Win” Chant.

“The Dunk” LT 57 - OPRF 52 The largest crowd ever at a Blackout game was recorded.

2012

“The Donation” LT 47 - HC 58 The game raised $23,000 for the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin memorial fund.

2013 2013 “The Dark Night” LT 61 - OPRF 52 LT won against the higher-ranked OPRF.

2014

2015

“The Black Sea” LT- HC Come to the NC fieldhouse at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 to find out more.

“The Dark Side” LT 84 - PW 70 This game had the first Blackout rollercoaster at halftime.

Q&A with Coach Jason Brauer: How Blackout Started compiled by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana3

Coach Jason Brauer’s genius Blackout Game concept returns on Feb. 13 at the seventh annual Blackout boys basketball game. LION went in-depth in honor of this year’s “Black Sea” themed game against rival Hinsdale Central.

Q: What inspired you to start the Blackout game at LT? A:We played Hinsdale in 2009 and they did a Whiteout, so we decided to do a Blackout when they came to play us for senior night. It was a decent turnout at Hinsdale so when they came back here on senior night the seniors from the class of 2009 wanted to do a Blackout game in response.

Q: How did the themes start?

A: In 2009 they just had a generic logo and then in 2010 I came up with the AC/DC Back in Black idea and that’s where the whole theme thing kind of started. We’ve just tried to come up with some different themes to be able to sell more T-shirts and make a better design. This year it’s going to be pirate themed. There’s a graphic artist I work with that has come up with all of the designs dating back to 2009.

Q: Where do all the proceeds go for the money that you raise for the T-shirt sales?

A: In 2012, we decided to do a fundraiser for Kelli O’Laughlin’s Memorial Scholarship. All four years that she would’ve been in high school go towards her memorial. We raised $23,000 in 2012, $15,000 in 2013, $8,000 last year in 2014 and we’re hoping that this year we can get back to that $20,000 number.

Q: What’s been the best Blackout game that you’ve seen?

A: I would have to say 2010 vs. OPRF. We were undefeated at the time and about 20-0. Oak Park came in and they had only one conference loss. The place was standing room only.

We were up by three at the end of the game with about eight seconds left and they inbounded the ball, we tipped it and stole it and Dan Lalonde ‘15 had a breakaway, two-hand dunk as time expired. One thousand kids just erupted.

Q: How have you seen the student section get bigger and change over the years?

A: I would’ve never expected the Blackout game to be what it is now from what I saw in 2009. We filled the one section in the bleachers and we thought that was pretty awe-

some. I know from coaching against the OPRF coach that he said “Do you have to do that Blackout game against us again? Every time you do it, you beat us.” I’m anticipating and hoping this years’ game passes the crowd we had in 2010.

We’ll see what happens.

Q: How does the planning go as far as accommodating all of the fans you anticipate will be here?

A: We’ve tried discussing it but it’s still a question at this point. Hinsdale will probably fill one side and we’ll have the other two for LT fans and one for parents. But at the same time, it’s nice that we can be talking about having too many fans, as many as 4,200, rather than too few.

Q: How do you see the game changing or being different in the future?

A: It’s one of those things that every year I think to myself, “How can we top what we did last year?” and you just have to think of a better theme, or a new T-shirt, or the halfcourt shot we’re doing again this year or raffles. It’s something that I want to be a success. It sells itself at this point. I don’t have to do as much as I’ve done in the past because it’s become more of a tradition than just a game.

Time-wasting teens Teens spend over 7.5 hours consuming media daily. This includes surfing the web, texting, and listening to music.

Health

Friday, January 30, 2015 n Page 19

Tremendous texting

Girls send an average of 4,000 text messages per month while boys send an average of 2,800.

Techy teens exposed to serious physical effects

by Céilí Doyle @cadoyle_18

A

typical high school student spends, on average, seven and a half hours a day interacting with media on screens, by using cell phones, spending time on computers, watching television, playing video games or listening to music, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation study.

Seven and a half hours of constant communication and screen usage (anywhere from iPads to handheld video games) may seem like the natural progression of our technologically advanced world; however, the side effects to these never-ending electronic expenditures are incredibly damaging, even physically.

According to a CBS Boston report from 2012, ophthalmologist Dr. Matthew Gardiner, at Mass Ear & Eye Infirmary, sees a lot of patients with cases of “computer vision syndrome,” which is caused by spending too much time in front of a computer or smart phone screen. The disorder targets the eyes and renders them with fatigue and blurred vision.

Computer vision syndrome is rooted in teens and adults alike, who are focusing too intently on the screen in front of them and forget to blink.

These negative effects are not solely related to screens either as teens who listen to music on full blast with ear buds are more likely to develop tinnitus (a permanent ringing in the ear) or eventual hearing loss, according to Dr. Jennifer Smullen at Mass Eye & Ear. Tablets, such as the iPad, have also raised questions in regards to how users are becoming more prone to neck and shoulder discomfort, and a variety of other muscular problems down the road, after a study was released by Harvard University’s School of Public Health. The scientists engaged in this study noted how users who habitually placed tablets in their laps were subjected to a great deal more of strain on their necks in order to type or read text on the screen.

The largest concern for tech savvy teens in the long haul is constant thumb contact through texting.

According to Peter W. Johnson, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, repetitive texting can lead to serious ailments such as the development of Carpal Tunnel syndrome (numbness and loss of grip in the hand or forearm that has the potential to spread to the shoulders) and overall damage (both temporary and permanent) to users’ thumbs.

In the face of our modernized world, teens are constantly engaging on an electronic level socially or academically.

However, the physical side effects of this continuous technological consumption do exist and will remain a topic of conversation, as long as the future advent of new technologies for teens, small children and adults alike are concerned.

CONDITIONS:

Screen-sightedness

DEFINITIONS:

Short-sidedness due to screens.

Carpal tunnel synCTS can lead to muscle damage in drome (from texting) the hand and fingers.

Hearing loss (tinnitus)

Ringing in the ears that does not get better or go away.

Photophobia

A symptom of abnormal intolerance to visual perception of light.

Posture Q&A with David Stormont

by Drew Cushing @drcushing32

Do you spend hours on your technological devices? If so, you should be aware of potential consequences that this can have on your body and also what can help you maintain your physical health in the best way possible. Anatomy teacher David Stormont has essential tips and warnings to share with everyone.

Q. Do you know any harms or benefits that technology could have on the human body?

A. According to a physical therapist I have gone to, there have been more individuals coming in for neck and back issues as a result of being on their computers and tablets so often. This results in a reduction in the curvature of the spine, particularly the neck. The neck has a cervical curve that goes in concave, and often times this can lead to it straightening out or even becoming a convex curve.

Q. Do you personally believe that technological devices are substantially harming the human body?

A. No, I don’t think that technology is substantially harming the body. I think that the benefits technology offers can absolutely outweigh the negatives. When you see young kids growing up with digital devices and the internet, their brains tend to become wired in a way that they’re natives to this technology as opposed to it being like trying to learn a foreign language.

Q. Do you know any ways that can lessen the effects of these neck and back problems people are having?

A. Frequent breaks tend to be a recommendation. Being aware of the consequences and setting up a desk environment where people use exercise balls to sit on or someone actually standing. It’s becoming more and more common to have standing stations with computers higher up so you’re not looking down at them. Alternating standing and sitting, and moving around to exercise also help. Also stretching before, during, or after to ensure you don’t get locked

into one position for too long is what I would recommend.

Q. How do you think technology’s growing presence in our lives will be affecting our bodies in the long run?

A. The biggest risks physically have less to do with being on the computer or tablets all the time, it’s more to do with the distraction factor of being on a device. You miss out on things going on around you. You’re walking down a hallway and I’ve seen students fall down the stairs and walk into each other because they’re unaware of their surroundings.

Q. Do you know anything specific consequences on body parts such as the eyes?

A. There definitely is eye fatigue that goes along with it. I have not seen real information about changes on the eyes. But anytime you’re looking at something for that long, like reading a book or doing homework, or any devices, that is hard and can lead to eye fatigue which can lead to more headaches and to more migraines that could potentially lead to needing glasses later on.

But I haven’t seen anything that says if you’re on your device now, you’re definitely going to have glasses next year.

Q. Do you think that potential benefits exist?

A. Some research on technology and video games is pointing to both youth and adults having faster reaction times. I think it also can lead towards individuals being able to manipulate more than one set of information at a time so it can lead towards increased ability for problem solving. Those with more experience with technology tend to be able to flip their brain from one task to another quicker and more seamlessly, which is absolutely beneficial.

Q. What would you advise people to do with technology in general?

A. When I have down time, I tend to try to put technology to the side. Technology addiction is something that’s real and something that’s getting more and more common. How do you turn off, how do you get away from the devices? I like to exercise, I like to garden, I like to do those things so you should find something that you like to do that involves actual human contact so you can get a break from it every once in a while. There’s a challenge I give to my students every year, and it’s 48 hours without any devices, no technology at all. And typically most people don’t pass it. But ultimately technology should be used in moderation and people should be mindful of how much they use it.

The worse your posture when using technology, the more likely you are to cause yourself joint, back and eye damage.

Once on this Island

LT Theatre Board will present “Once on this Island,” this year’s annual musical. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19, 20 and two shows on the 22nd at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold before the show, and will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Friday, January 30, 2015  Page 20

GET OUT Weekend Entertainment  Events Calendar

Protein Bar packs healthy punch Eatery successfully presents new, tasty foods to indulge in

Bar-rito with a spinach and pesto quinoa bowl (Izy Scott/ LION).

by Izy Scott @3izy3

Walking into Protein Bar, I expected a buff, high-energy crowd coming from the LA Fitness just around the corner munching on kale and pounding down protein drinks, but instead the restaurant was flooded with casual business workers on lunch break ready for their daily dose of protein. With one glimpse of a customer’s golden and grilled “Bar-rito” and a waft of fresh veggies and sweet fruit, I was ready to go order my own and join the inviting sea of customers.

Faced with a menu of “bar-ritos,” salads, quinoa bowls, chilis and copious amounts of health-drinks, the Protein Bar presents mouth-watering options for all types of diners. After ordering from a menu presented on large wall screens, a pleasant staffer invited me to a complimentary sample of one of the restaurant’s protein juice cleanses. Fully informed on the different flavors and ingredients in their cleanses, the staffers knew what they were selling and presented a wholesome atmosphere to complement the natural lighting, open kitchen and modern edge of the eatery. With walls decorated by colorful designs, descriptions and digitized photos of the food, I was comfortably excited to try my meal.

The Spinach and Pesto Quinoa Bowl, complete with pesto-dressed chicken, perfectly cooked quinoa and fiber-packed spinach, packs a punch in the small, protein-loaded cup it is served in, satisfying my hunger in just a few bites. Hoping to be impressed again, I tried the Super Original

Feb. 2 - Destination Solar System, Grainger Sky Theater, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 - Unite on the Ice, Soldier Field, 5 p.m.

Jan. 30 to Feb 12 Chicago Restaurant Week, all day.

Feb. 10 - Chicago Bulls v Sacramento Kings, United Center, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13-15 - University of Chicago Folk Festival, Mandel Hall, all day.

Feb. 14 - Fleetwood Mac, AllState Arena, 8 p.m.

Feb. 18 - Chicago Blackhawks v Detroit Red Wings, United Center, 6:30 p.m.

GetConnected lionnewspaper.com

@LTLionNewspaper facebook.com/ LionNewspaper @ltlionnewspaper Subscribe to LION Newspaper

Bar-rito which contains hunger-satisfying ingredients like all-natural chicken, black beans and avocado to name just some of what you can find in one of many signature Bar-ritos. However, despite a glistening appearance and a tangy aroma, my tortilla-wrapped package was overpowered by guacamole and tasted bland after a few chews compared to other options on the menu. Being the lower-calorie burrito on the menu, though, there were more flavorful options for those with adventurous taste buds like the Buffalo Bar-rito which tasted crisp from the restaurant’s Super 6 Salad Mix, yet savory from the vegan Buffalo sauce and hint of blue cheese.

I was unsure of how flavorful the Superfood Vegan Salad would be, but I was pleased to find that the citrusy lightness of the Creamy Chia Dressing kept everything from the chickpeas to the marinated tofu to the toasted pepitas crunchy and flavorful.

Paired with a pineapple-sweetened Hi-5 raw juice or a cold, espresso-infused Millennium



Perk and a sweetly dense coconut walnut chocolate chip blondie, the Protein Bar knows how to give your stomach a meal as well as leave you with plenty to take home for later.

Sure, you can get a burrito or a smoothie from a multitude of places that have supposed healthy ingredients, but for the same decently cheap price, Protein Bar offers new ingredients, flavors and health benefits that live up to its statement that they “do healthy… healthier.” With nothing over $10 or 600 calories, and vegan and gluten-free items clearly labeled, their presentation and delivery is impressively tasty. The Oakbrook location is on 2040 York Road and only open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but is open seven days a week and offers delivery and catering options, so the food is easily accessible.

Bottom Line: While kale and tofu might not be your go-to foods, the Protein Bar offers meals with healthy labels and delicious tastes that will fill your belly yet somehow leave you wanting more.

Vistro delivers with much variety

Hinsdale bistro: unique, tasty seasonal experience

back into the wood-fire kitchen where the food is prepared, increasing the excitement and anticipation

by Lidia Breen of the experience. @lidia_breen While the menu can at first By living in the western suburbs, seem overwhelming in options, don’t worry: just relax and ask the specifically the LT area, we are the fortunate few who are blessed to be helpful and experienced staff what they would order. They’ll be sure to living in the epicenter of Chef Paul deliver with an enormous amount of Virant’s ever expanding culinary empire, with Vie located in Western delicious food and facts about where Springs and his newest—and best— the dishes originated. culinary expenditure, Vistro, just a stone’s throw away at 112 S. Wash“The variety of plates ington St., Hinsdale. served creates a perfect Vistro is a more casual and small plate bistro to stop modern dining experience than one into after a long day or the would find at Vie—but don’t for a perfect family dinner atmosecond think that there is any sacrisphere.” fice of quality or integrity of the food found at Vistro.

Staying true to its philosophy of The staff first directed us towards fresh, local farm to table ingredients, the appetizers: the West Loop Vistro employs a wonderful and Salumi was delectable. The salty and seasonal rotating menu that employs aged prosciutto-like meat contrasted fresh and timely ingredients in order wonderfully with the spicy arugula to stay fresh and keep customers’ and sharp parmesan cheese, all taste buds piqued. placed on top of a toasted piece of The restaurant itself is a perfectly bread to provide the ideal amount of acceptable place to bring kids and texture to this stupendous appetizer. large groups. With an elongated The Beet salad was the perfect interior that gives a full view of the combination of root vegetables, bistro, one can sit at the bar and gaze with a bit of crunch thrown in with

“

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100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525

the pistachios. The citrus on top created a must-get salad.

The fried chicken ($23) was artisanal: juicy and tender with a rich beef gravy on top, paired with light biscuits and bacon braised kale. It all came together to form an incredibly satisfying main course. While some fried chicken options may come to the table greasy and unappetizing, Vistro’s creation was in perfect amounts juicy and crunchy, a reason in and of itself to make a return trip.

The cheaper, and smaller, entrée option of the mac ‘n cheese ($6) was steaming hot, straight from the wood-burning oven and was delicious and perfectly cheesy.

Though one will probably be stuffed to the brim after a meal at Vistro, don’t stop after your main course. The homemade soft serve ice cream is a must-try, and, paired with homemade chocolate sauce or caramel, it was the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever experienced.

Bottom line: While Vistro may present some fairly pricey options— some of the entrees can reach $28— the variety of plates served creates a perfect small plate bistro to stop into after a long day or the perfect family dinner atmosphere.

Athletics Editorial

See what gymnast Chris Rediehs ‘15 has been up to since placing third in state last year.

Discover how LT’s Black and Multi Culture Clubs celebrated MLK Jr. Day in a special Corral event.

North Campus

SuperFood vegan salad, coconut walnut chocolate chip blondie and Millennium Perk drink (Izy Scott/LION).

Club Athlete

MLK Tribute

Inside of the modernly decorated eatery (Izy Scott/ LION).

Are high school athletes doing permanent damage to their mental and physical health in their effort to “suck it up for the team?” 

South Campus



Weekend Weather Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Cloudy High: 27 Low: 22

Cloudy High: 34 Low: 25

Flurries High: 25 Low: 10

Reviews

Album Review: “Evermotion”

by Guster

by Will Most @Will_Most

/out of five Paw Prints Any artist will tell you that all they strive for is to emulate the human experience. Artists hope that with years of work and preparation, they can portray a glimpse of the raw, fleeting moments that are life. As art became a business, however, this goal was nowhere in sight.

But, in the less popular genres of music, such as indie rock, desire to recreate the feelings of life endures. Guster belongs to this group, and the band’s newest album “Evermotion” depicts the most human thing of all: evolution.

Guster has long been known as the benchmark of acoustic rock, using thoughtful lyrics accompanied with a wide array of instruments, but primarily the acoustic guitar. “Evermotion,” Guster’s first full-length EP in five years, breaks the mold. Acoustic guitars are replaced with synthesizers and computerized sound. Lyrics like “Saviors keep saving, Movers keep moving” in the track “It Is What It Is” send a clear message : Guster has moved on.

For fans of classic Guster this can be disheartening, but just like people, the time came for Guster to grow up.

Bottom Line: Guster has broken its acoustic rock mold, and it’s only fitting that the last words of the last track, “Farwell,” are “I’m free” in a computerized voice. Guster “Evermotion” is a movement beyond their earlier work.

Movie Review: “Unbroken”

by Mike Flaherty @mikeflaherty96

/out of five Paw Prints

Jack O’Connell stars as Louie Zamperini, a American B-24 Bombardier and a former Olympian in an inspiring and true account of a soldier’s Mike Flaherty life in the Pacific Theater during World War II. During a rescue mission for a crashed B-24 plane, Zamperini’s team goes down due to the mechanical failure in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

After coming to terms with his watery imprisonment, Zamperini must battle starvation, the elements and must importantly going insane.

Despite what critics say about director Angelina Jolie being too big in the film industry to switch to being behind the camera, the scenes she creates truly capture the hardships faced

by Zamperini during his nearly 50 days adrift at sea.

Another aspect that Jolie highlights in the film that makes “Unbroken” a must-see is Zamperini’s feelings of selflessness for his other crew and allies once he is captured by the Japanese troops and placed in a detention camp.

In one iconic scene of defiance, he Album Review forces all his fellow allies in the camp Noah Lennox, to punch him repeatedly in order to save one of his tortured friend’s life a.k.a. Panda Bear, delivers in from Japanese execution.

Bottom Line: The settings and his promising album, “Panda charisma of “Unbroken” are not only Bear meets the inspiring, but make it a must-see of the Grim Reaper.” New Year.

4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558