Plan sparks controversy Apartment complex will be built in place of abandoned Tischler Finer Foods by Abby King @abigailann_01
The 10-year vacant grocery store on the corner of Wolf Road and Burlington Avenue in Western Springs is scheduled for a long overdue facelift. Briefly famous as one of the sets for the major motion picture “Contagion,” Tischler Finer Foods and Breen’s Cleaners are back into the limelight as the Foxford Station plan, coupled with Tax Increment-Financing (TIF), begins to unfold. The Foxford Station plan proposes to demolish the abandoned grocery store and dry cleaners and develop a four-story, mixed-use building in its place. Mixed-use is classified as commercial and residential use. On the first floor, there will be 3,600 square feet of commercial space along with 66 indoor ground-level parking spots to cater to the three-story, 52-unit luxury apartment complex above. “Personally, I think a restaurant would be fantastic [in the commercial space],” Director of Community Development Martin Scott said. “In our community, people come out to support restaurants, so it would be great for our economy as well.” Out of consideration of blending into the Western Springs downtown landscape, the fourth floor will be pushed back six feet, creating the illusion of a three-story building. In order to be able to pay for Foxford Station and other downtown improvements, the village has proposed using TIFs. This plan would freeze the existing property tax for each individual property in the tax district at a base rate. Then, over 23 years, the village will gradually increase the tax on top of the base rate, and that money goes directly into the TIF fund. “The fund helps go back and reimburse a developer, building owner or a business owner to help them succeed,” Scott said. “It will help their building look better. This will help fill it rather than have it be vacant. And some of that money can also be used by the village to fix sewers or to fix roads.” However, there has been strong opposition to this plan. The purpose of a TIF is for distressed industrial urban downtown and industry blighted areas, not for high-density housing. By definition, Western Springs is not poverty-stricken. Since the Tischlers and Breen’s property have been vacant for 10 years, they have a relatively low property tax. “Fifty-two households will need police and fire protection and send their kids to school, but none of the increasd tax on that property will go to the school system,” Western Springs citizen William Derrah said. “It’s a way of ripping off the school district. It’s a way of getting a tax increase out of the village that nobody will see, because we will all have to pay for the services for these 52 rental households. Meanwhile the village board gets the diverted tax money and can spend it on projects.” Along with Senate Bill 16, which calls for suburban public high schools
A photo illustration depicts a homeless individual sleeping on a bench outside of the LaGrange Public Library, a fairly common occurrence. (Riley Carroll and Izy Scott/ LION)
Plans for homeless facility BEDS Plus requests zoning for three-story, 20-unit apartment, office building to fill vacant lot in La Grange by Brittany Grosser-Basile @BrittanyGrosser
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EDS Plus, whose mission is to help vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services, is in the public process of applying to the Village of La Grange to build a three-story building that will have 20 apartment units above the administrative and daytime support offices. “We’re providing longer-term solutions that reintegrate people into a community where they formerly lived,” BEDS Executive Director Tina Rounds said. A hearing was held for the zoning application on Feb. 10 for the building that would be located at 9601 West Ogden Ave., across the street from Brookfield Car Wash. Rounds, her lawyer and the building’s architect presented their requests to the commissioners. They explained what the facility would be used for, the zoning changes they were applying for and a detailed presentation of the architecture. In order to live in one of the single-person apartments, applicants must go through a screening process, and those living within 250 feet of the building are able to help with these screenings. BEDS won’t allow any felons or sex offenders, and will give preference to those with multiple cases of homelessness and people who have lived in the Lyons Township area. “I initially thought it sounded like a good plan, because BEDS is a good thing and the homeless people rely on BEDS,” Joe Dillon ‘15 said. “The only con I could see is how the community will adapt to having people who aren’t from the community coming here, because I feel some local businesses would not be happy.” The hearing was opened up to audience members who spoke both for and against the proposed facility. “I believe that this is a community of diverse housing and that we should be proud of defining our neighbor as not just those who can afford a large house next to us, but all kinds of neighbors,” La Grange resident Meredith Onion, who has raised her family across the street from one of BEDS’ overnight shelters, said. Among the people who spoke against the facility were two concerned small business owners, Brookfield
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Cafeteria, Reber near completion State Champion Despite unforeseen delays, project stays mostly on schedule by Joe Okkema @joe_okkema
Gazing into the NC courtyard, it’s hard not to notice the progress that has been made in constructing the cafeteria since the school year began. As construction continues to progress towards its foreseeable end, though, administrators remain hesitant to pinpoint an exact date the cafeteria and Reber Center will be open to the student body. “The things that we can control seem to be going well,” Associate Principal Kevin Brown said. “We’re always concerned about the things we can’t control though, so that’s why it’s hard to pin down a single date when construction will be completed.” Despite unforeseeable problems encountered during construction, like the discovery of several structural columns underneath the original wing of the building that were not included in blueprints, the project remains on the original schedule contractors and administrators settled on before construction began, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea said. According to the original contract, the major completion date of the project falls on March 25, but Kilrea and Brown emphasize that problems that might surface towards the end of construction make that date likely to change. “It’s our hope that students could be using these facilities
Technology at LT Check out what LT has planned for Tech Week and read about how technology continues to be more incorporated into the school day.
North Campus
NEWS, 5
after spring break,” Kilrea said. “But even when major substantial completion is done, small issues with things like the electrical system might arise and we need these unforeseen matters rectified before we occupy the space.” The original timeline established by contractors included extra time for unforeseeable setbacks, and administrators have been meeting with the contractors at least once a week to stay up-to-date on the project’s progress and any issues that have arisen, Brown said. “What I’m most satisfied with is the way our students and staff have handled the construction project,” Kilrea said. “I feel that as a whole, everyone has been outstanding. My appreciation goes to the students and staff because everyone has just been phenomenal.” The major components that have yet to be completed in the cafeteria include the pouring, leveling, polishing and sealing of the terrazzo floor, the completion of the roofing of the windowed area of the cafeteria protruding into the courtyard and the delivery and installation of the freezer and the cooler. The roofing could be installed, but some of the siding for that part of the building remains on backorder, Brown said. Overall, administrators are pleased with the progress of construction and they look forward to students being able to take advantage of the improvements each facility has gained. “If I were to compare this cafeteria to a car, it’d be a Cadillac,” Brown said. “I fully expect that it’s going to be a place that students want to be.”
Getting too soft? Mike Rasmussen ‘15 reflects on how society has lost its ability to take a joke and why it is so important that we get that tolerance back.
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OPINIONS, 7
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
Kelsy Kurfirst ‘15 placed first on uneven parallel bars at the girls gymnastics state meet. The team placed fifth overall. Turn to page 10 for the story. (Brittany Grosser-Basile/LION)
New lacrosse coach
Spring fitness
LT boys lacrosse hires a new, highly accredited coach with plans to lead the team to state with new practice tactics and film sessions.
Have the urge to get fit? Check out our interactive flow chart to determine which wacky health tip is perfect for your personality.
SPORTS, 10
PULSE, 18
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
NEWS
MUN members Celebrities Ryan Seacrest, Rainn Wilson and Samuel L. Jackson used to participate in MUN.
Returning renaissance Last year, for the first time in 20 years, LT Speech Team qualified for, and then placed at, state.
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 2
MUN travels to Harvard After participating in first-ever Harvard conference, MUN also hosts LYMUN by Drew Cushing @drcushing32
Twenty-one delegates from LT’s Model United Nations (MUN) club flew to Boston on Jan. 9 to participate in a MUN conference sponsored by Harvard University. Over 3,000 people from 36 countries were at the conference, which was located at a Sheraton Hotel nearby Harvard’s campus. “It was a new experience,” Faculty Advisor Andrew Johannes said. “I think they were excited, and I think that when they got there they realized it was going to be a lot harder than they anticipated.” LT’s MUN represented the nations of Peru and Indonesia at
the conference. On the first night, the students were in committee session until 11 p.m. “You really don’t get enough sleep because of how much you’re in committee,” MUN delegate Michael Gilger ‘16 said. “So you get really tired and you’re running purely on adrenaline, which sounds really geeky, but it was pretty cool.” While the club itself did not place overall at the conference, four LT students received awards at the conference in their respective committees. Gilger, Nick Fuentes ‘16, Cristian Gonzalez ‘16 and Danny Benson ‘16 all received Honorable Mentions in their respective committees. The LT MUN team also had to leave the conference early before the awards ceremony due to the huge snowstorm that was forecasted to hit to the East Coast. “Mr. John Cronfel actually texted me in the middle of my last committee session telling me I had to be in the lobby right
The staff, delegates and advisors of LYMUN. (John Cronfel)
then,” Fuentes said. “So I had to leave, and I made my big farewell speech and took off.” MUN’s next conference was its own LYMUN, which the club hosted and took place at SC on Feb. 28. More than 600 students from over 25 schools took part in the conference. “The best part of the conference was how we were able to dictate and steer the committees in the way we wanted,” Gilger said. “It was a hoot.” MUN’s next conference will take place at Northwestern from April 9-12.
Two LT debaters qualify for national tournament by Lauren Hucko @laurenhucko
As Faith Medlock ‘15 continued to one of the 19 lower chambers of the fifth Illinois Congressional Debate Association (ICDA) tournament of the year on Jan. 17, she thought all hopes for a spot in the Tournament of Champions (TOC) were lost. When speaking with other competitors, she relayed that four of 400 invitational-level debaters would be selected to advance to the TOC, but she did not believe she would be one of them until a judge told her otherwise. “I freaked out,” Medlock said. “I was super excited, and I wasn’t expecting it, but it was fantastic. I could barely speak.”
In the world of debate, the TOC is an ex- their debate career at LT.” tension of the invitational level of a debate Due to the caliber of debate in Illinois, tournament in which only the top debaters this year’s selection process for the national compete. At the Jan. 17 tournament, Med- TOC differed from past years. Rather than lock and other TOC debaters, including An- having six bids available within the ICDA ika Ranginani ‘15, received one of two bids there were 22 bids to accommodate the necessary to advance growing size to the national TOC of the tournathat will be held at “I freaked out. I was super excited ment, Medthe University of and I wasn’t expecting it, but it was lock said. “If a debate Kentucky in April. fantastic. I could barely speak.” coach cries, I “I was both excited and surprised,” was close to -Faith Medlock ‘15 Debate Advisor Jescrying,” Desica Lee said. “We have never gotten a bid, bate Advisor Thomas Swiontek said. “[The and it wasn’t anything that we were antici- girls] have been on the team for four years, pating. We’re definitely very excited for the and they have rarely missed a practice or a both of them because they have been work- tournament. I knew how important it would ing so hard since their freshman year, and be for them as an acknowledgement for all of this seems like a perfect way for them to end their hard work.”
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Two seniors earn bids to Tournament of Champions
Construction nears completion
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The cafeteria offers students an air-conditioned environment, more exposure to natural light than was available in the past, a more open seating arrangement (similar to a food court) and a space to be used by students for more than just eating. The largest improvements made to the Reber Center include a revamped and updated audio and acoustics system and an orchestra pit that does not require the removal of seats during use, Kilrea said. “Ultimately, I hope students can see why we did this and appreciate the benefits these facilities have to offer,” Brown said. In total, construction on the Reber Center and cafeteria made up about $11.2 million of the total project cost of $21.6 million that included projects at both SC and NC, Kilrea said.
Bridgett Turro ‘15 @BridgettTurro How many Hinsdale Central kids does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Two-one to put it in and one to make a video of it Katie Palermo ‘17 @thekatester223 “hey! I’ve got an ovary in the freezer if ya need it” my new catchphrase
Speech season ends
Aidan Van Nest ‘15 @aidanvannest If you’re ever in a slump just know I used to think 24 was the standard font size for papers
Looking forward to next year’s potential JV squad
by Mary Hadley @maryhadley22 This year for speech team was one full of medals—124 collectively won—and three first place trophies. “This is by far the most successful season we have had in my four years of participating in speech,” captain Deirdre Sheldon ‘15 said. “Not only have we won more medals collectively than ever before, but the effort and time that each individual participant put forward indicated the drive we had to succeed. This team practiced more frequently, spent more time on their pieces and asked each other for help more than any team I have ever seen before.” Speech team took a full team for 15 events to the regionals. Thirteen out of 14 individual events advanced to the final round, and six of those 13 events qualified for sectionals. At sectionals, only three individual events moved on to the final round, and none advanced to the state competition. That was where their season concluded. “This was very exciting, as only two years ago we were excited just to have one student advance,” Head Coach Kirsten Manthei said. “At sectionals a competitor must score in the top three spots in order to advance to state, and unfortunately, that didn’t happen for us this year.” Key members of the team that did well this season include: Sheldon, Steven Vogel ‘15, Riley Carroll ‘15 and Tim O’Malley ‘16. However, the whole team was collectively strong, including the newer members, captain Melissa Fuentes ‘16 said. “We have so many talented and hardworking individuals on the team, and many of them were first-year members, which was extremely impressive,” Fuentes said. “I’d say this is the best season LT Speech has had to date.” Even though the team did not make it to state, they are looking forward to next season. They hope to make some slight changes that will allow the team to be more prepared when they go to the state competition. They hope to add a few tougher tournaments to their agenda and may make two separate teams—a JV and a varsity team—so the varsity can become more competitive, Manthei said. “I can honestly say I am 100 percent confident in leaving the team in the underclassmen’s hands next year,” Sheldon said. “We have a very strong junior representation on the team, and I know that they are going to rock it next season. I pray that they can go to State and experience how awesome it is, but I especially hope they can learn more about themselves and public speaking.”
Medlock and Ranginani dedicated countless hours to research and observation, Lee said. “There’s definitely a lot of teamwork that goes into it,” Medlock said. “Everyone researches, and everyone shares their research, so it’s really important to rely on the team.” According to Swiontek, the girls are expected to advance to at least the semi-finals of the national TOC. “They are legitimate contenders, but [the national TOC] is very new territory for all of us,” Lee said. While many schools rely on politics to schmooze the judges, LT debaters have chosen to instead impress the judges with their skill, Swiontek said. “We have the reputation of being ethical and hardworking,” he said. “Faith and Anika are part of that tradition.”
Jon Wallace ‘15 @Off_The_Wall1 @LTLionNewspaper Isn’t there a wrestling meet we should know about? Dan Devine ‘15 @TheIrishCobra @SMACKHighIL it warms my heart to know that the entire nation will know who won that game. Like all of america. Even Vermont
Photos Krista Tenuta ‘15 @kristat88
“School in session”
Jamie Carney ‘15 @carney_jamie “dad: Jamie can I use the computer? me: sorry, dad I’m doing my homework on it”
Amazing art Dzine’s most recent exhibition took place in South Korea this past year and was entitled “Tunnel Vision.”
NEWS
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 3
Chasing clouds College of DuPage was the first in the country to have a meteorology program that offers students credit for storm chasing.
Mural value rises, artist’s fame grows Artist’s fame grows initial investment into Corral
by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs
When art teacher Maribeth Coffey-Sears suggested that artist Carlos Rolón be commissioned to paint a mural in the Corral in 1997, she had no idea how famous he would become. Rolón, who works under the name Dzine, has been featured in USA Today, the Chicago-Sun Times, the New York Times and more. At Six Flags in Gurnee, Dzine’s artwork is on the walls for the line to the Batman ride. “Being an artist is a privilege,” Rolón said. “How you use that gift is what truly makes the work and your story special. You have to be willing to take risks and accept failures as wonderful lessons to make your studio practice that much stronger.” His most recent exhibition in Illinois was called “Tradiciones,” and was on display at the Rockford Art Museum from Oct. 10, 2014 to Feb. 1, 2015. He also recently published a book titled “BOXED” about the intersection of art and boxing. “It’s important to recognize and appreciate not only art, but the beauty of the most mundane things people walk past everyday,” Rolón said. Rolón’s exhibition featured a white sculpture made by piling together bicycle parts. According to Coffey-Sears, the low-rider bikes are a common theme in his work, originating from his childhood in Puerto Rico.
“He’s a very established artist in the world now,” Coffey-Sears said. “He travels all over the world all the time.” Rolón’s studio has also recently worked on solo exhibitions in Singapore and Puerto Rico, as well as various other group exhibitions. In the future, Rolón is interested in producing a community-driven project in Chicago with local youth. When Coffey-Sears met Rolón through the ARC Gallery and Educational Foundation sometime around 1989-1990, Rolón was still a graffiti artist. ARC aims to help emerging, innovative art reach a wider audience. “He used to come to the ARC shows and he and I just became friends,” Coffey-Sears said. When LT’s student council applied for and received a $10,000 grant to commission an artist, Coffey-Sears immediately thought of Rolón. After that, they worked on the mural for four to five months, including weekends. Groups of students sketched panels and contributed ideas to the mural. “The mural is really quite valuable,” Coffey-Sears said. “There’s the cultural, historical aspect of it, to make sure it’s preserved and people know that it’s there.” LT art teacher Patrick Page has been working on preserving LT’s history by documenting old photographs and compiling important cultural records of the school. “LT had a mural from the 1930s until it got arbitrarily painted over,” Page said. “It’s when we don’t realize how great things are that they disappear.”
Dzine frequently draws images from his Puerto Rican childhood and incoorporates them into his artwork, such as the low-rider bike above entitled “Casa de mi abuela.” (Dzine Studio)
Plans in works for homeless facility Continued from page 1
Car Wash owner Bill Klump and Gemini Gymnastics Academy owner Chris Kozelka Campbell, whose businesses are located near the proposed location. “There is a perception, whether real or imagined, of the clients that BEDS Plus will cater too,” Campbell said. “They could be saints and the nicest people in the world, but I can’t say my customers would not draw conclusions about BEDS Plus and its proximity to my gymnastics academy. I would rather fail by something that we do in our business than to have an external force negatively impact the viability of my business.” The commissioners needed more information before they could vote, so another hearing is scheduled for March 10. They requested there be modifications for safety codes, an impact and traffic study and a new environmental assessment. “We’re having some healthy discussions [with the village board],” Rounds said. “Ultimately, they will decide if this is something we’ll be able to build.” A list of reasons for and against the facility that were stated at the Feb. 10 hearing can be found on www.lionnewspaper.com.
TIF plan sparks controversy Continued from page 1
like LT to reallocate money to the lower income public school districts, this potential loss in revenue might make school budget cuts that much more difficult. If the Tischlers and Breen’s stores are demolished, the Western Springs First Baptist Church parking will be affected too. “All of the asphalt between Tischler and Breen property has, since 1960, been permitted during business hours to use our parking spots and vice versa,” Spiritual Leadership Council member Don Whittaker said. “Now we are losing spots, because the west wall of this building will come down right on our property line, and we will lose 60 percent of the existing parking.” The two organizations have come to a compromise: the developer of the Foxford Station will create angled parking along 45th street to help combat the loss of spots. Several citizens made a survey and tried to circulate it throughout the Western Springs community a week before the public hearing on Feb. 13. Out of the 838 residents interviewed, 68 percent were against the MXD zoning plan, which applies to the Foxford Station development. Seventy-three percent wanted family housing to be kept at “medium density” which, according to the preferred 2011 downtown plan, is 17-30 units per acre. The project was passed by the village board on Feb. 23, despite the citizens’ protests.
Projected plan for Foxford Station on Johnson Avenue. (Village of Western Springs)
COD president receives large severance Questions linger on purpose, legitimacy of the president’s more than $750,000 buyout, former student question’s Board of Education’s motives by Ceili Doyle @ca_doyle18
Controversy has surrounded the severance package of the president of the College of DuPage (COD), following the Board of Education’s (BOE) decision to okay a $750,000 plus deal to have the president retire early in March 2016. The BOE voted 7-1 to pay President Dr. Robert Breuder $762,868 to retire from COD next year, as well as promising to name the college’s new Homeland Security Education Center after him, under the condition he behaves professionally in a way that is “not materially detrimental to the reputation of the Board and/or the College,” according to a Chicago Tribune article from Jan. 22. Erin Birt, head chairwoman of COD’s BOE, claimed the reasoning behind Breuder’s significant severance package was due to the college’s attempt to negotiate a deal that would release Breuder from his contractual contract with the board through June 30, 2019. “Several members of the Board felt they wanted to make a change in leadership,” Birt said. “Dr. Breuder was made aware of those feelings and offered to retire, and after months of discussion and consideration, the Board and president reached a mutual agreement that best served the College and community.” The severance package comes in light of claims against Breuder, saying that he has misappropriated funds, mainly comprised of taxpayer dollars, for the college. These allegations began to surface publically in June 2014 when the college lost close to $20 million in Illinois state funds. This money was denied by Governor Pat Quinn after Breuder allegedly sent emails saying that he would inform Quinn of COD utilizing these funds to construct a new “Teaching and Learning Center” in order to be “politically attractive.” Additionally, Breuder has been accused of mismanaging his expense account, including allegedly billing the college for his personal membership to a private shooting club. Jordyn DiOrio ‘11, LT and COD graduate and current senior at University of Minnesota, voiced her frustrations over Breuder’s alleged mishandling of funds. “I don’t necessarily think it would of been a deciding factor on whether or not I would attend COD, but it’s more a long the lines of not being able to hold the two-year institution to a certain standard anymore,” DiOrio said. “The education is worth it for the price, [but] now I will add it to the ever growing list of institutions with [allegedly] corrupt members on it.” DiOrio also raised concern over the BOE’s approval over Breuder’s severance package. “I don’t understand it,” DiOrio said. “Because this guy can’t control himself we’re going to reward him? We’re rewarding an [alleged] crook, and he probably has information that the Board doesn’t want him to release because it will ruin the reputation that they’ve built at the college, which I think must be the only thing preventing them from dropping him.” As of Feb. 11, Illinois lawmakers have decided to investigate Breuder’s early retirement plan by asking the president to appear before the recently formed panel from the Illinois Senate and answer questions. Right now it is unclear whether or not Breuder will stand before the panel voluntarily, but according to an article in the Chicago Tribune, “if Breuder declines to appear, state lawmakers could subpoena him.”
Crazy contests Beauty pageant names can range anywhere from the widely-known Miss America to lesser-known Miss Zombie NYC.
NEWS
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 4
Helpful hints The tickets for Mr. LT will cost $5 with a student ID and $7 without one. The pageant is scheduled to occur in the SC Field House.
Mr. LT returns, hoping for success Mr. LT is back with little changes, wants to live up to student expectations by Gillian Dunlop @gilliandunlop15
After raising $4,000 last year for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Mr. LT pageant returns on April 18 with high hopes for another successful year. “I think the show this year will be awesome,” Founder Joe Dillon ‘15 said. “I get giddy thinking about it.” According to Dillon and Student Council President Tom Cushing ‘15, students can expect a very similar format to that of last year’s. There will still be 20 contestants, 10 seniors and 10 juniors, and 20 escorts made up of junior and senior girls. Students can, however, expect a shorter running time and more audience participation. “It will be more of a process this year, because we have done it before,” Dillon said. There were a lot of unknowns last year.” Dillon and Cushing, along with a group of junior and senior boys, have been configuring the event, having meetings every three weeks since September to discuss ideas for the pageant, Cushing said. “It’s almost entirely student-run,” Student Activities Director Peter Geddeis said. “I’m just the producer. I do what I can and I’ll put on the directorial hat when I need to, but for the most part it is the kids doing the work.” Aside from planning the event logistically, Dillon and Cushing, with the help of Student Council, have been responsible for finding sponsors so 100 percent of the profits can go to this year’s charity: the Children’s Medical Research Foundation. Local businesses interested in sponsoring have the option of donating a gift or buying an advertisement, which would guarantee that their business will be mentioned three times during the course of the show, Dillon said. Additionally, the Kunkle family has offered to donate to the pageant in honor of their son, Jack Kunkle ‘14, who passed away last September due to brain cancer. Jack was the original winner of Mr. LT after securing the crowd with his stand-up comedy routine centering on his Cubs baseball cap. “That is what I have been thinking about [the] most,” Dillon said. “We want to acknowledge him, but it is really hard because it is a comedic show, and it is going to be even harder for the contestants to live in Jack’s shadow.” In addition to April 18 being the day of this year’s Mr. LT pag-
Bryce Hughes ‘15 and Dan Devine ‘15 interview Jack Kunkle ‘14 during Above: Bryce Hughes ‘15 interviews Ben last year’s Mr. LT pageant. (Riley Carroll/LION) Rimmele ‘14 during a round of questioning. (Riley Carroll/LION) eant, it would have also been Jack’s 19th birthday. “One of the things we try to be cautious about, as a staff, is a stu- Below: Bryce Hughes ‘15 and Dan Devine dent body’s reaction to any loss of life,” Geddeis said. “We will see ‘15 warm up the crowd introducing the where the script goes, but then I will take that to the administrators contestants. (Riley Carroll/LION) and certainly to the guidance department.” Another challenge for the pageant this year is in relation to the fact that both Dillon and Cushing will be graduating, leaving the pageant in the hands of the juniors and underclassmen. “If [the pageant] continues to go through Student Council, you have to find a guy who knows all the walk of LT,” Cushing said. “You do not want it to be a popularity contest.” According to Geddeis, there have already been some students who have exhibited leadership skills and are willing to take over the pageant. “I think it will turn into a core committee in the next few years and I will be in touch with whoever runs it,” Dillon said. In the meantime, applications for Mr. LT are scheduled to come out in early March and are due on March 18. Dillon hopes the cast list will be posted before spring break begins on March 30.
IMPACT
Lovely LEGOS “LEGO” is an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt,” which means “play well.”
Printing practices 3D printers have been used to print out guitars, weapons, jewelery, bicycles and even human organs.
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 5
Behind the Scenes: Technology at LT
Computers and basic software are available to all students, but LION compiled a few examples of technology that exists ‘behind the scenes.’ The air-conditioning and heating system rely on technology to regulate temperature.
“MakeyMakey” toys during Teen Tech Week will teach students about circuits. (Ranginani/LION)
Librarian prepares for Teen Tech Week Library adapts to changing technology by taking advantage of new three-dimensional printer, community Legos, various resources to expose students to high, low technology
AP Music Theory classes use programs to create multi-track compositions that in the past would have required a full band.
LTTV takes advantage of video-editing software in order to produce programs. Similarly, WLTL needs technology to broadcast their audio programs.
by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs
Teen Tech Week—a chance for students to use a 3D printer, take apart a computer and learn how to code—will be held March 8-14, in both the SC and NC libraries. “I don’t recall there ever being as big of a push to involve students in the library in that way,” Director of Technology Services Ed Tennant said. The idea of creating a Teen Tech Week was first initiated by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) in 2008, but it was NC Librarian Cheri Gogo who first brought the idea to LT. This year’s theme for the week is: “libraries are for the making.” The schedule for the week includes a combination of high technology and low technology events. These include: taking apart an old computer, learning to code, hands-on projects with products like “Squishy Circuits” and a Lego Building Contest. “Legos are pretty open-ended; whatever you come up with you can create,” Gogo said. “Sometimes we don’t think of things that have been around a while as technology, but Legos were quite an innovation when they started.” The 3D printer the NC library will use for Teen Tech Week was recently purchased using a grant Gogo applied for after noticing increased student and teacher interest when she hosted a 3D printer in the fall. “I’ve never used [a 3D printer] before, but I want to,” Michael Metz ‘15 said. “I think now [the library] is more up to date, advanced and trendy.” Geometry teacher Jeremy Vrtis immediately took advantage of the 3D printer as a teaching resource for his 3D geometry unit. “That’s the worst topic I teach every year because we didn’t have the ability to create,” Vrtis said. “Now that we have that ability, it becomes real when before it was theoretical.” During Teen Tech Week, all students will have a chance to design something for the 3D printer using the software TinkerCad. Gogo hopes to have as much student work printed as is possible, within time constraints. “Everything in school and in education has changed so much,” Gogo said. “Libraries also have to change—you have to always be thinking about what’s next.” In order to further increase student participation for Teen Tech Week, the library will be giving out candy to all participants and raffling off a portable charger each day, Gogo said. Students can stop by the library until 4:30 p.m. or during their lunch periods.
TEEN TECH WEEK SCHEDULE Source: Cheri Gogo
North Campus
South Campus
March 8: “Maker Monday” Students will work with hands-on projects.
March 8: “Maker Monday” Students will work on hands-on projects.
March 9: “Low-Tech Tuesday” Students compete with Legos and airplanes. March 10: “3D Wednesday” Students can learn to create designs and print using a 3D printer. Some student designs will be printed.
March 9: “Low-Tech Tuesday” Students can compete with other students using their paper airplanes.
March 11: “Throwback Thursday” Students will take a part an old computer to understand internal components. March 12: “Code Friday” Learn how to code games like “Flappy Bird.”
March 10: Participate in hacking T-shirts activity in the open area of the library. March 11: “Throwback Thursday” Students will have fun with old technology and take apart an old computer to understand internal components.
March 12: “Code Friday” Learn how to code games like “Flappy Bird.”
Security cameras at LT will continue to be upgraded in order to better protect the school and students. Aviation classes take advantage of simulation technology to practice so they are prepared to pilot real airplanes.
LT switch to oneto-one ‘inevitable’
Administration considers best software to provide tools for students while remaining conscious of costs to students, parents by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs
The ultimate switch to a one-to-one system, where each student at LT is provided their own computing device is “inevitable,” according to Technology Coach Jeremy Vrtis. Vrtis notes that students are using technology more and that increased usage creates a “digital inequity” for students who don’t have the same computer resources at home. “As these freshman get to senior year, we’re going to get to a point where everyone will need some kind of equalizer,” Vrtis said. The LT administration still needs to take time to research which devices and software will be best for students Ed Tennant, director of technology services said. “In a school the size of LT, it’s not a decision we make lightly because we’re talking 4,000 of those devices,” Tennant said. With such a high quantity required, even a $500 device would cost the school $2 million, Tennant said. Additionally, LT still has to find a Learning Management System (LMS), which is a software that would help create classroom interaction online and act as an access point for online resources. The administration is looking for an LMS that would integrate with the current Infinite Campus software. “We don’t want to push a lot of financial burden onto our families,” Tennant said. “We are very respectful that the families are already paying taxes to this district so we want to make a good, sound, responsible decision.” As a PC-based environment with a strong relationship with Microsoft, it’s unlikely that LT will switch to either Chrome Books or Macs, which are currently being used at LT feeder schools McClure and Highlands respectively, Tennant said. This may be an opportunity for students coming from these schools to learn to adapt to different software environments. “I found switching from Mac to PC to be very easy as I was already using a PC at home,” Highlands Graduate Larry Pettrone ‘15 said. “The operating systems may have a different layout, but they do the same basic functions.” According to Tennant, adaptability to different forms of software could be a valuable skill in both college and later in the workplace. If students learned how to transition, they would be better prepared to deal with technology updates in the future. “We’re in an age of technology and it only makes sense for schools to start switching over to computer devices,” Pettrone said. “Having a device made writing papers and communicating with teachers even easier.” The specifics of which software or device is used will not have a significant impact, Vrtis said. The most important factor in aiding student learning is ensuring that students and teachers are comfortable using that technology alongside the curriculum. “The big buzzword now is a flipped classroom, and we have a few flipped classrooms here that run really well,” Vrtis said. “I think you need a hybrid of both, where you have all these electronic resources to show you the applications of what you are learning. The discussion and the investigation, that still needs to happen in class.”
Random Chatter
NEWS
Random Chatter “If you didn’t have that hairy chest, I’d think you were in the WNBA.” -Rory O’Donnell ‘15
“Philosophy club? Isn’t that the one with the rocks?” -Ivana Vukanic ‘16
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 6
WLTL’s 32nd Annual Rock-a-Thon was the most successful yet, raising $31,543 for the radio station from Feb. 13-16. Throughout the four day fundraiser, members of WLTL’s staff were continuously on the air playing music and doing ridiculous stunts (such as a mustard bath) for donations. (Will Most/LION)
From the luck of the Irish in American football to llamas on the loose, this issue of The Breakdown covers all things green and everything in between. compiled by Ceili Doyle Feb. 17- The admissions office at Carnegie Mellon mistakenly sent 800 rejected applicants an e-mail saying they had been admitted to the university’s prestigous computer science graduate program. The university then sent a follow up e-mail: Just kidding!
Feb. 1- Two Irishmen from Dublin, Richard Whelan and Paul McEvoy, snuck into Super Bowl XLIX. The lucky lads managed not only to get into the stadium, but snagged two seats in the front row, valued at 25 grand a pop, for free.
Feb. 26- Two llamas spread havoc by dashing in and out of traffic in a residential area of Sun City, Ariz. Evading authorities and bystanders alike, the llamas were finally lassoed after an hour of terror, and were guided into a waiting horse trailer.
Feb. 26- The “terror owl” has been on the prowl in small Dutch villages for the past few weeks. This highly aggressive eagle owl has attacked several citizens. The attacks have prompted city officials to hand out umbrellas to civillians for protection during the evening hours.
Feb. 18- If you found yourself too busy to attend a full length mass for Ash Wednesday, clergy at the Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio, offered parishoners a drive-thru ashes option. Unfortunately, this ash doesn’t come with a side of fries.
Sources: Yahoo News, Tribune News Service, ABC News, Instagram
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OPINIONS Friday March 6, 2015 Page 7
PageSevenGrid
Want your opinion heard? Get it published in the paper! Submit any opinionated piece as a freelancer and you may see your work in our next issue.
Welcome back to the land of the Page Seven Grid, where procrastination is the all-powerful king that reigns over his dynasty of each square. It legitimately took me a week to write this punchline.
GuestColumn No joking matter
How soft are we? To many of our nation’s outspoken, older folks, we millennials are softer than a batch of Your teacher just gave you After I found out freshly-baked cinnaYou’re invisible for a day. My first-born child will a D on your most recent pa______________, I mon buns –a bunch of What’s the first thing be the reincarnation of per. What do you plant in latte-drinking, self-obcried myself to sleep you do? ___________ sessing, starry-eyed their backpack for revenge? every night for a week. philosophizing, entitled Summon Cthulhu [ed. wussies (Isn’t that what The all mighty Cthulhu Warning: the following is Michael Rasmussen each generation says A figure of Cthulhu so about its predecessor?). was reborn into our an image of Cthulhu] But here’s a relatively they may speak in their The all mighty Cthulhu. world. [ed. Fatherhood new and concerning opinion, something that penance. of an octopus demon will might hold some truth: we can’t take a joke. do that to you.] Chris Rock won’t even perform at college Nick Valdivia ‘15 campuses anymore, telling the The Vulture that kids are becoming too conservative “in A series of smaller their social views and their willingness not to Walk with people on backpacks, with a note offend anybody…You can’t even be offensive Kanye West’s self the beach so they’ll saying “I’m not mad, That I’ll be in the grid on your way to being inoffensive.” After I esteem, but also Beck’s think Jesus is walking read his interview, I dismissed the trend as just disappointed” in the modesty. with them. perhaps being only a college thing. Maybe it’s smallest one. just the university atmosphere. They’ll grow Bess Connelly ‘15 out of it. Nope, the aftermath of this year’s All-School assembly bolstered my anxiety. Apparently Dan Devine ‘15 and Bryce Robert E. Lee (but not I wasn’t invisible (see Hughes’ ‘15 comedy routine was too racy. Go about my normal because of the racist pt. 1). [ed. Should I be A Joe Biden Chia Pet. Three jokes in particular were allegedly inapday- just without pants. part). worried?] propriate enough for multiple administrative meetings concerning their performance to Ellie Sovcik ‘16 take place in the following week. A few members of the audience allegedly didn’t take kindly to Devine calling freshmen “Hobbit Gremlins”; Hughes jokingly asked A copy of “The Interview,” With any luck, Chris DJ Chappy didn’t perFollow John Prescott ‘17 Devine to KOH, and that allegedly upset some which is basically the same Scotty ‘15. form at Dubstock 2k14. around and heckle him. students and faculty for mocking the act of move as Ryan Temple ‘13. two guys asking each other to the dance. Even Devine’s joke about women gaining a few Tim Mikulski ‘17 pounds after pregnancy was met with disgust. My peers weren’t profane; they didn’t call out any one person specifically (as if I’d plant tree sap on it. [ed. The dress is actually Marley from “Marley Board a plane heading to calling out Freshmen as a group actually Nice Christmas Vacation supposed to be white and Me.” North Korea. hurts anyone’s feelings) or discuss anything reference.] and gold. particularly controversial (unless a simple joke Mary Devine ‘18 about post-pregnancy weight gain is considcompiled by Will Most ered controversial nowadays). To interpret their joke about the dance as a mockery of the gay community is reading too far into a simple stunt that was purely intended to call attention to the upcoming dance; it would This letter to the editor is Aidan Hunt’s ‘16 response This letter to the editor is Ross Leavitt’s ‘15 response to Lion’s editorial “Breaking down party lines.” The editorial have been equally effective if a guy and a girl to Lion’s Joe Rossetti’s Issue 4 sports column “Red argued that party gridlock must be broken, specifically presented it. The comedians’ only mistake Rivalry.” The column argued that LT students with a proportional representation system. was performing at a high school. Maybe the shouldn’t attend popular rivalry games such as In the staff editorial, “Breaking down party lines,” the author sugbasketball and football games over other athletics wise, old social commentators are right about gested that a proportional representation (also known as PR) system in when they couldn’t be sure that LT would be victosomething. rious over Hinsdale Central. our Congress would prevent gridlock and the legislature could be more Due to Hughes and Devine’s performance It is practically embedded in our Lion DNA to feel a burnefficient. However, PR creates more gridlock and, while Congress is not at All-School, the Mr. LT pageant will be ing hatred towards Hinsdale Central. Whenever us schools efficient now, a PR system will make matters much worse. under a microscope, and freshmen jokes will meet for athletic competitions, there are sure to be high levels In the staff editorial it stated that “Congress could start by enacting allegedly be limited at next year’s assembly. of adrenaline running through the bad blood felt by all weara proportional representation system” so that “compromises would be Two events that have ignited unity, passion ing blue & gold or red & white. Yet, these feelings always seem reached with greater ease and efficiency.” This could not be further and fervent spirit within our school walls are to run highest at basketball, football, and soccer games. from the truth. PR systems allow for more parties, which means people now being censored. As Americans, we can’t deny that these three sports are get their voices heard, but the amount of parties that are created is when The LT-Central rivalry has escalated much more popular in our culture than others such as wresthe problems arise. tremendously over the past few months, so tling and gymnastics. It’s unrealistic for us to change the more We will look at a country, Israel, which has implemented PR. In obviously our fans are pretty fiery. Perhaps popular games we attend based on whether we think they’ll Israel there are 12 major parties that all share some power in the legisthe problem is that we don’t know our boundlature, not unusual in PR systems. The most dominant party, headed by aries – of course excessive swearing and joking win or lose. Benjamin Netanyahu, has just over 23% of the electorates’ votes. The Our girls gymnastics are incredible; back-to-back state about recent local tragedies, or following Red other 11 major parties combine for almost 70% with a bunch of minor championships makes us even more proud. Our wrestling is Nation’s leader home from Andy’s shouldn’t also very impressive and it’s no secret they work their butts off parties having approximately 7%. It is clear to see how PR will not help be socially accepted – that stuff lies in the all season. I agree with you, Mr. Rossetti, in your opinion that Congress if the goal is to prevent gridlock. An article in The Guardian black area – yet it has happened, so censorship we should support all of our sports teams because yes, they do states that “Israel is dogged by a perpetually hung parliament thanks to seems to be the only option, even if it’s stuff PR” and as a result will often lead “to mid-term collapse of governments that only mildly pushes the boundaries. perform very well. I do not, however, agree with your statement “How can we make such a big deal about the game when and early elections.” Nothing gets done because moderate groups at the Maybe we ourselves, as LT students, aren’t we can’t even be sure that we are going to win?” middle of the spectrum have to coalesce with radical groups at the end going soft. It could be the culture perpetuatOne thing that makes me so proud to don blue & gold is the of the spectrum. This may sound like compromising but when moderate ed around us, which makes us feel guilty for union created between all LT students during sporting events, groups do not act radical enough, the groups on the end of the spectrum laughing at Devine’s pregnancy joke, to give a particularly those against Central. Whether you’re a freshman withdraw support, the government stops working, nothing gets done, tame example. If we’re raised in a culture that or a senior, the mutual hatred for our arch rival is what we and early elections are held. This makes passing relatively non-partisan condones being easily offended, of course we thrive on when supporting our teams. One of the best things laws a challenge which is why Giora Eiland, a former national security won’t be able to take a joke, and eventually about sports is the unpredictability of the outcome. Nobody adviser for Israel said, “Designing policy in Israel is like writing poetry we might not be able to say anything meanreally knows who’s going to win each game, and that’s what while standing on a ball.” Obviously, implementing PR in Congress will ingful at all. makes it exciting. Whether we win or lose, we can hold our not help the gridlock it is experiencing. The idea that comedy is one of the most heads high because through it all, we are Lions. Whether we Some will say that the case I made with Israel is an anomaly. The important components of a healthy, demwin by 50 or lose by just as much, we attend the games to let European countries that have implemented PR have much less gridlock ocratic society certainly isn’t new. We can our athletes know that we support them and have their backs than Israel and can pass legislation relatively quickly. However, what try all we want to label our jokes as black or and that is the factor, Mr. Rossetti, that you failed to address. works for various European countries will not work for the United white – between tasteful or crude, between Sports aren’t just for winning and losing; they’re about go- States. Europe is incredibly more uniform in regards to race, religion, teasing or taunting, but that’s never going to ing out and showing support for your teams. Maybe we should language, and social class than the United States is. Therefore, if the happen. The essence of comedy lies within support our other teams more often, but you can’t ignore the United States implemented PR there would be many small factions a gray area. And this isn’t a political issue, as fact, Mr. Rossetti, that LT students do all we can to make sure fighting for power, unlike in Europe where it’s more homogeneous, and many would lead us to believe. The talking our brothers-and-sisters-in-arms have a Bluenami to wash our- absolutely nothing would get done. heads can whine about the rise of radical selves off after having to step foot in Hinsdale Central. Obviously, there are benefits to a PR system, for instance, it will feminism and those obnoxious liberals causing So, Mr. Rossetti, I have a question for you: lead to people having more say in the government. There should be a America’s perceived loss of machismo all they How can you write an article about “making such a big discussion to be had in Congress on switching the electoral system but want, but this “wussification of America” is deal” when you can’t even be sure that anyone is going to we need to get the facts straight. PR will not reduce gridlock, it will do purely social, and it starts with our ability to agree with you? quite the contrary. take a joke.
LetterstoEditor
Write in and make your voice heard. 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange, Ill. 60525 LION reserves the right to edit all letters.
OPINIONS
Random Chatter “Instead of a salad, can I just get a bowl of croutons?” - Matt Walsh ‘16
Random Chatter “Get up, put some pants on, and get out there, girlfriend.” -Natalie Whalen ‘15
Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 8
Should LT have the right to access our social media passwords?
PawsUp
n to hall pass lanyardsIt’s pretty comical considering we were absolutely outraged when they became a thing. n to Jersey Thursday- the socially acceptable way to whip out that Cedric Benson jersey that’s been in the back of your closet.
LION polled 267 students regarding a recent Illinois Law, which allows high school administrators to demand students’ passwords to monitor possible cyberbullying.
Do you feel you have ever been a victim of cyberbullying?
Yes 16%
No 84%
n to John Travolta- a walking public service announcement for the dangers of Botox. nto watching people fall on the ice- Karma will get me eventually, but for now, I’m content to enjoy your bruised tailbone. nto the Mars One colonization expeditionbecause the people who would willingly take a oneway ticket to Mars with low chances of survival are exactly the kind of people we need to isolate from society. nto seasonal foods- I wouldn’t drink a milkshake that tastes like toothpaste any other day of the year, but in the name of St. Patrick’s Day, I can’t pass it up. nto the Devil’s Advocate-
for highlighting some of our best work in their “Mean Tweets Video.”
PawsDown
n to Brendan Swinehart only getting the car for two years- that’s really the lease they could do?
n to a “Springtime in
Paris”themed KOH- if it’s negative seven degrees in Paris in April, I’m pretty sure they’d lose all their tourism revenue.
n to the walk from the parking spots by West Field to NC- the trail of frozen tears. nto the absurd amount of senior superlativesAYSO trophy-mentality is taking over Tab. nto Chicago sports inju-
ries- as if the weather isn’t depressing enough.
nto people who can’t take criticism. nto people who didn’t like that last paw- you’re not funny. nto seeing fights in school- I’m sorry you need to resolve this blood feud here and now, but I’m going to be late to class. nto R3PL4C1NG letters with NUMB3R5-it’s just C0NFU51NG. nto Paws that don’t finish as you’d expect them giraffe.
No 72%
I am not opposed 10%
What aspect of this new legislation are you most opposed to?
Yes 28%
It’s violation of student privacy 61%
Its inability to fight cyberbullying 8% No cause justifies this 44% Its extension into extracurricular areas 21% Report from the LT Speak Up Line 8%
Reports of alleged cyberbullying 38%
Should administrators have the right to access students’ social media accounts if they are implicated in instances of cyberbullying?
What constitutes a “reasonable cause” to access a student’s social media account?
Suspension due to disciplinary problems 10%
Point
Don’t pass out our passwords As of Jan. 1, 2015, Illinois state legislature passed a new law that gives school administrators the right to acquire students’ social media passwords if they are suspected of cyberbullying. The law also tasked school administrators to thoroughly investigate cases where students were Dante Stefanini intimidated, threatened or harassed online even if the cyberbullying doesn’t happen during school hours or on school property. Am I the only one who feels like this is getting a little out of hand? I am quite aware of the traumatic effects that cyberbullying can have on teens, and I realize the state is trying to keep high school students safe from bullying that can lead to depression, anti-social behavior and suicide. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but if you are getting cyberbullied try this: close your laptop or turn off your phone. Instead of schools babying students by fighting their battles for them, how about you take matters into your own hands and stop using the social media websites that are causing you so much grief? Having
access to a student’s Facebook will accomplish nothing. If administrators want to observe a student’s activity on Facebook, the information they want access to is public and available to everyone. This year we’ve collectively witnessed the rise and fall of social media applications such as Yik Yak and Streetchat, where anonymous posting provided a camouflage for cyberbullies to wreak havoc. There was no way to track who bullied whom, yet people managed to overcome this “cyberbullying epidemic.” Both apps have lost their momentum and have become another demonstration of how fads come and go. Schools are allowed to violate our Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches or seizures because they are responsible for doing whatever they can to protect the student body. The main purpose behind the new cyberbullying law is to minimize destructive behavior associated with it. Who or what are they protecting, exactly? When someone calls me a mean name over social media, I don’t turn to vandalism or arson to cope with my teenage angst. I take a deep breath, count to 10, and pay that person a visit myself.
CounterPoint
For safety’s sake Following the exposure of events like the National Security Agency’s domestic spying scandal, it’s only natural that people rush to defend their right to privacy now more than ever. The Fourth Amendment does indeed guarantee protection against “unreasonable search and seizure,” so Joe Okkema it’s no surprise that Americans have regarded their privacy as an integral part of their Constitutional rights. And for the most part, this insistence on such a right is justifiable, defendable and rational. Furthermore, this right should not be taken for granted, as the commodities it offers are almost unimaginable to citizens of less democratic countries. Yet, in the instance of new Illinois legislation allowing school administrators to demand access to a student’s social media accounts if they are suspected of cyberbullying, the health and well-being of a student needs to be preserved rather than these conveniences. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in the United States in 2013, a suicide occurred every 12.8 minutes. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.
When you consider that the AFSP reports that bullying increases the likelihood of suicide attempts in teens by as much as nine times, it becomes obvious that addressing the issue of suicide in young adults directly involves addressing the prominence of bullying, particularly cyberbullying, in our culture. This new legislation directly combats the epidemic of cyberbullying, and so it shouldn’t be ruled outrageous because it extends school authority outside of the classroom. Rather than focusing on what one feels this legislation might be taking away from students, one should look instead to the benefits it offers. While bullying is easily reported, it’s often hard to prove that someone truly was a victim without basing claims on hearsay. With the passage of this law, administrators can now establish clear and concrete proof of bullying through tweets, messages, texts, etc., and thus discipline those students who are truly at fault. Addressing objections to this legislation’s alleged violation of personal privacy, it’s important to recognize the purpose of social media: to present yourself to the virtually the entire Internet. By using social media, you have already willingly relinquished a significant amount of your privacy, and if you truly are bullying someone, then you do not deserve the little you have left.
Will’sWord Cracking down on course selection
Walking through the halls of LT in the month of March, you tend to hear a sound. It is the sound of pens nervously clicking and feet tapping restlessly. It’s that time of the year again, when seniors await the Will Most final and often most gruesome steps of their college decision, as juniors prepare to take ACT tests and struggle to balance their most difficult coursework, sophomores load their schedule up for the cursed junior year, and freshmen eagerly await, to well, not be freshmen anymore. Somewhere, lost in all of this commotion and anguish, one thought never seems to occur: the thought of how we can make our high school experience more enjoyable. Adults are quick to say that high school and college are some of the best years of your life and, to a degree, I believe them. We will never be this free and young again. But lately, we’ve been shackling ourselves with this collective idea that high school is just an audition for college. I’m very aware of this lie. I fell for it for four long years, and by the time I figured it out, it was too late. There were too many classes I wanted to take: Improv, Art History, Psychology, Philosophy and the list goes on. Instead, I spent tireless hours trying to create that perfect schedule, the one that all colleges were looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I love so many of the classes I’ve taken here. I’ve loved every second of my time in LION class as well as the WLTL Management. The English and Social Studies departments have always gifted me with amazing teachers and along with my interest in the studies, I’ve enjoyed every day in class for both subjects. At this point in time, my math and science teachers are feeling a little left out. Believe me, it’s not your fault. I’ve just never really connected with your classes. I’ve never really dug in deep on a physics or math problem and have rarely found myself enjoying about learning the subject. That’s my problem, not yours. So what’s to say I shouldn’t have pursued Art History or Psychology? It surely would have looked less attractive on my transcript, but I would enjoy myself more, and engage myself in something that genuinely interested me. I would expand my knowledge base and learn something that didn’t leave me scratching my head, scrambling to catch up to the future doctors and engineers of the world who were already steps ahead. It’s a genuine regret of mine. There are thousands of classes I wish I had taken at my time in LT, and I’ll never have the opportunity to take these classes as I focus more on my major and gen eds during college. So please, I beg you, don’t make the same mistakes that I made. I know my class selection has been limited due to my commitments to LION and WLTL, but I know many friends who are in APs just for the sake of being in them and are hating it. They committed classes purely for the sake of making their transcript more impressive and are now wishing, just like me, that they had made their schedule more enjoyable as opposed to more challenging. Maybe I’m too late for some of you. Many juniors have submitted their schedules, and these include AP classes that they have no interest in taking. But there is still time for you underclassmen. Don’t be afraid to ask your counselors if you can change your schedule, because at no moment in high school should you be taking a class to make your transcript look just a bit better when your passions lie in completely different places.
Random Chatter
“Do you ever just wake up naked?” - Bridget Flynn ‘16
OPINIONS Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 9
Random Chatter
“You know what? I think I did hit someone in the Cheesecake Factory parking lot.” - Mary Sullivan ‘16
AnotherView
StaffEditorials
One for one is for all
Over time, every major industry and the internet and a word processor, which institution has shifted away from using are simple applications that can be found paper. Businesses share information and on any computer. If a student needs to forms over email, newspapers have shifted use a high level application like Adobe their content to a digital realm and even Illustrator, then they can use a LT owned book stores have begun to offer fewer desktop. It’s a simple problem that comes books, and more e-readers. So why then, with a simple solution. do high schools stand pat, offering larger Besides that, the one-to-one system is text books than ever and allowing students nearly flawless. It could encourage all asto develop troubling back problems as they signments to become digital, which opens up a lot of advantages in terms of how lug around their pounds and pounds of assignments are assigned, completed and paper? checked. Students can simply go home, LT has finally made the right decision, complete the homework which would be and is wisely headed towards the paperless posted on school web page, finish it on direction in the next few years, hoping their device and send it to have one personal right on back to the teachlaptop or tablet for each Our Position: The school er. No way the student student. It’s a direction moving towards a system where every student in the or teacher can misplace that few other schools school has laptop or tablet the assignment, and five are heading in, which will not only increase effiminutes aren’t wasted in makes it all the more ciency and productivity, but class the next day, swoopcommendable on LT’s streamline every process of ing around checking if part. the everyday school day. everyone has completed The concerns with their assignment. the system are obvious, Mentioning how flawless that system namely that there will be an inability for is almost makes you forget its other simple some students to obtain such devices, but that qualm is really unfounded considering advantages: it’s great for the environment, it helps save the backs of those who have there are many easy-to-use laptops that been lugging around 20 pound backpacks cost a little less than what one’s books will to and from school and it creates more cost at the start of every year. If LT needs organization for every single student and to make an exception and cover some teacher. In terms of efficiency, having a costs, it would be no different from the device for each student will streamline price tag they would see with books at the every important function of a school. start of the year. LT’s movement towards a system where One might also argue that some each student has an electronic device is the wealthier students will have access to right one and it is only a shame that they better computers and therefore will create didn’t make the decision sooner. It’s time a technology-wealth gap. They claim this to face the reality that many schools have gap would allow them access to better applications and because of that advantage, been afraid to face for years now: we are moving towards a paperless world, and we they will perform better in school. This are some of the last people to join it. issue is ridiculous, as most classes only use
Staff Vote: 20-6
Hating on registrating In a school of 4,000 students, one can able to announce next year’s staff around only imagine the amount of time it must spring break, allowing any students taking take to organize everyone’s class schedthe prerequisite courses second semester ules. Even with computerized systems, the a chance to demonstrate their skill level amount of one-on-one decision making before decisions are made. As administration has moved the deadline for course and time spent mulling over the abundant classes offered at LT makes course selection selection sooner, these clubs have been an enormous battle on all fronts. Alongside forced to decide on their new staffs earlier, increasing the difficulty in achieving one the sheer difficulty of picking out courses of these positions if one has to take the for next August in early February, the fear prerequisite second semester. looms that one will be trapped in a class Of course, one has to be mindful that an one does not like, for the ability to switch earlier course selection helps counselors, so one’s schedule is even more challenging that they are not bombarded with comthan reading every page of the Academic plicated schedules late second semester. Program Guide in an hour. That is why it is unreasonable to expect students to know However, it is important to point out that LT has a strict policy when exactly what classes it comes to switching out they would like to take Our Position: Course regof a class, making it near the next year when they istration should be pushed impossible to switch one’s have barely begun their back in order to allow stuschedule around once it second semester of the dents more time to decide their course selection for the has been implemented into current year. next year. This will allow for the computer. Although As any person can specialized class decisions it might seem like the attest, it is impossible to be decided later, and for counselors are gaining an to know where one advantage by having course will be six months from students to have a more accurate understanding of selection earlier, if they are where he is now. The later emailed by hundreds future is unpredictable, what they will want to take of unhappy students trying and it is a lot to expect next year. to change their classes, from students that they know exactly what they want to take half a how much time is really saved? As appreciative and grateful as one year before they will even begin the class. should be to counselors and really anybody Particularly with students entering their greatly affected by course selection, it junior or senior year, trying to intertwine comes down to whom the courses are for: the necessities for college admittance the students. There have been too many and their own personal desires into their course selection when many things are still occasions where students immediately regret their course decisions because they undecided, can create a situation that is were unaware of some key factors in relaextremely challenging. This year, students tion to future classes in February. As stuwere asked to begin looking at courses for dents, we need more time to explore our next year in December. That is absurdly early and poses unecessary stress on options and figure out what the next step students who hadn’t even taken their first is in our high school careers. We should semester finals yet. not be expected to decide how we want Take any student trying out to be to spend a whole academic year, when we on WLTL, TAB or LION. Up until just have barely gotten through half of the one recently these clubs/classes have been we are currently in.
Staff vote: 25-1 C ontact
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Lacrosse legends The rules for lacrosse were invented in 1794 when a game between the Seneca and Mohawk tribes was played.
SPORTS
Lengthy leaps
Friday, March 6, 2014 n Page 10
Before 1937, professional basketball games would start each possession with a jump ball, causing the games to last much longer.
Girls flip to strong finish in state Senior gymnast named state champion on bars, team places fifth overall
vault with a 9.725, third on the balance beam with a 9.50 and fourth all-around with a 37.70. “I took a risk by throwing in a new skill on floor, and by Brittany Grosser-Basile although I fell on it, I don’t regret my decision at all,” Kurfirst said. “I could have played it safe and done the routine I’ve been @BrittanyGrosser doing for the past two years, but my coaches and I decided that The girls gymnastics team finished in fifth place it’s my senior year so why not go all out. I’m proud of myself with a 143.725 at the state meet at Palatine High School for making my other routines, and overall I felt like this was a on Feb. 21. Kelsy Kurfirst ‘15 brought home four great way to end my high school career.” awards, including her fourth career individual state title. This was the second time Kurfirst has been the state cham“I’m really proud of the team’s performance at state,” pion for bars, the first time being her freshman year. SophoKurfirst said. “These girls have come such a long way and more and junior year Kurfirst fell during her routines which they’ve improved so much since the first meet of the season. prevented her from medaling. I’m extremely happy to walk away as fifth in state, and “Bars has always been one of the toughest events for me, although it’s not first, it’s still something to be very proud of.” both physically and mentally, and I’ve had to work twice as Kurfirst placed first, along with two other gymnasts, on hard on bars trying to get back the routine that I knew I was uneven parallel bars with a 9.70. She also finished third on capable of doing,” Kurfirst said. “I’m proud of myself for finally
nailing my bar routine again in state competition and now I can honestly walk away from high school gymnastics with no regrets.” With Kurfirst’s success in her routines, she was able to improve the team’s overall score from Friday to Saturday, moving them from sixth place to fifth. “Other than the fact that the girls handled themselves with class under pressure, a highlight was when Kelsy helped improve our team score,” gymnast Kelly Ryser ‘15 said. Many LT students and community members showed up at the meet to support the team. “One of the reasons why I love high school athletics so much is because of the incredible support you get from the community, and I’m so lucky to have friends, teammates and family who are always there supporting me,” Kurfirst said.
Senior Kelsy Kurfirst’s state gymnastics medals
2012- Uneven Bars- 1st (Tied)
2013- Team- 1st 2013- All-Around- 2nd (Tied) 2013- Floor- 1st 2013- Vault- 2nd 2013- Balance Beam- 3rd (Tied)
2014- Team- 1st 2014- All-Around- 3rd 2014- Floor- 1st 2014- Balance Beam- 3rd 2014- Vault- 3rd
2015- All-Around- 4th 2015- Uneven Bars- 1st (Tied) 2015- Vault- 3rd 2015- Balance Beam- 3rd Source: Suburban Life
This year, Kelsy Kurfirst ‘15 took home four medals including an individual state title. This was an amazing way to culiminate her high school career. In her four years at Lyons Township, Kurfirst has acquired two team state titles, four individual event state titles and 15 medals in total. Kurfirst has left an obvious legacy with the program, and will continue gymnastics next year at Cornell University.
Basketball moves on in Regionals Basketball team seeks to keep hot streak rolling as one seed in IHSA Aurora East Sectional Tournament; individuals step up, team works through injuries, hopes to extend state berth by Izy Scott @3izy3
The LT boys basketball team has earned a Conference title with a record of 10-2 and a bright-looking future as they continue on in the state tournament. Its first game of the season ended with a bitter loss to Stevenson High School, but following the defeat, the team accomplished an eight-game win streak, paving the way for the team’s conference success. “To start our season against Stevenson helped to quickly show the kids what elite varsity basketball is like,” head varsity boys basketball Coach Tom Sloan said. A heavy loss with a score difference of 32 points against Stevenson, however, may have been the motivation needed to turn the tide in LT’s favor for the rest of the season. “The kids really do trust themselves,” Sloan said. “They trust their teammates, and they rally around each other when times like that come up.” The players’ only day off during season is Sunday, and their two-and-a-half-hour practices cover basic endurance, strength, technique, strategy and special plays in order to prepare for game situations, Sloan said. And with an undefeated overtime record, the team has proven to be prepared for high-stress situations. “During practices, we try to bring as much energy as possible so we’re in shape and ready for games, so it makes the games seem easier than practice,” point guard Danny O’Malley ‘15 said. “We’re ready to go and give ourselves the best opportunity to win.” From the boys’ pre-game huddle to after-practice bonding, the team has created a strong cohesion among themselves which translates on the court. “Everyone has a good time and we all enjoy being around each other, so there’s definitely a strong positive atmosphere,” forward Joey Brunner ‘15 said. Positivity has been an important factor, especially when key player Sean Lannan ‘15 received a wrist injury early in the season. This setback, however, gave opportunities to others on the team.
Jaquan Phipps ‘15 fires up the basketball team while in a huddle at the Blackout game against Hinsdale Central. (Izy Scott/LION)
“When Lannan got injured, that was a big hit to our team because he was one of our starters,” Brunner said. “But a lot of the others stepped up and we were able to get some other guys more minutes, which helped improve other players on the team.” Overcoming injury and persevering to gain a successful record, the boys are on their way to a well-earned run in the state tournament. “We have a lot of interchangeable parts,” Sloan said. “Different guys can play different positions and a lot of different guys can shoot, which poses problems for the other team when they play us.” On March 3, the team played the winner of Proviso West and Glenbard South, which occurred after LION’s print deadline. If it wins, the team will advance to the finals. “Each level along the way [to state] is a goal that you can’t accomplish without the one that’s come before,” Sloan said.
Gymnastics hopes to start strong Boys gymnastics team looks to uphold state ranking, overall success by Gaby Sabatino @gabysab8
When Ken Su, former head coach of the boys varsity gymnastics team, started working with the team nine years ago, the program was in a period of rebuilding and working hard to move its way up in the state rankings. Now, the team is coming off of last season with a third place finish at state and currently faces new challenges with the loss of several teammates and a new Head Coach Sam Zeman. “Coach Zeman is a great leader for the team,” gymnast Gabe Thalji ‘15 said. “He knows how to motivate the kids and he understands when things need to be accomplished.”
Zeman has been the assistant coach for the past four years under Su, but has stepped up this year to lead the team back to state. Zeman has coached the LT team before and has helped tremendously with the team over the past couple seasons, Su said. “The LT gymnastics program has been very fortunate to have such great coaches like Coach [Joseph] Conway, [Chad] Jaros and Zeman,” Su said. “In particular Coach Zeman has been invaluable to LT boys gymnastics for the tireless dedication he has put into LT gymnasts, and I can’t think of a better coach to lead the program in the future.” Despite the transition from one head coach to another, as well as the loss of some key teammates, the team is still expected to continue its success and make it back to state this year “It’s going to be a lot harder being that basically the whole state team last year was seniors,” gymnast Brian Roggensack
‘16 said. “But there’s no reason why, with the guys we have now, that we can’t go back this year.” Chris Rediehs ‘15 has been a vital member of the team for the past three years but has decided to compete with his club team this season. However, the team plans on working together to make up for the lost talent. “Even though we were a driving force last year, I believe that we can bring the team together to hopefully place higher in state this season,” Thalji said. The team hopes to carry on the traditions that have brought them success in the past and use the strong team dynamic to keep on improving throughout the entire season, Roggensack said. The boys will kick off the season on Friday, March 6 at their first meet hosted by Hinsdale Central. “Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline,” Su said. “Precision, consistency and delayed gratification are all important parts to achieving success in this sport.”
Great girls UNC has won an astounding 16 national championships in women’s soccer since the first U.S. college tournament in 1982.
FoulPlay All my life, I have grown up under the same guideline: cheating is not ok. Cheating has consequences. And for the majority of my existence, minus a few “strategically” won Bailey Blum poker games, that has been the case. It’s a societal norm that applies to everyone, no matter who you are. And as Little League CEO Stephen Keener unfortunately reminded us all, it even applies to our hometown heroes: Jackie Robinson West. On Feb. 12, the Jackie Robinson West little league team, crowned national champions at the Little League World Series this past summer, was stripped of its title and its wins during the tournament due to cheating, after the Little League International discovered that the team used falsified boundary lines. This is because, in Little League, you are only allowed to recruit players within your specified region. For example, someone from Hinsdale wouldn’t be able to play for the LaGrange little league team (not like we’d want them to anyway). Basically, what this means is that JRW created false maps of where its certain region was so that it could recruit players from outside its region. With a wider recruiting zone, the team was able to draw talent from a larger area and build the best team possible. What they did was obviously wrong. The Little League International had every right to strip the team of its U.S. title, and frankly, it was the correct thing to do. As an organization founded upon fair play and equal competition, voiding JRW’s victories was the best thing for it to do in order to maintain the high integrity of the league. And what better way to teach the rest of the league that cheating is not okay, no matter who you are and what the stage is? While that is all true, what makes me mad isn’t that they cheated. What makes me mad is thinking about how all of the hopes and dreams of those boys can just vanish at the blink of an eye. And it’s not even their fault. There’s no way these boys had any idea that they were cheating. Imagine if you were on a little league team and you saw someone you didn’t know. You wouldn’t just assume that they were from another town, or that they were illegally placed on your team. You would just think you hadn’t met him before and not think twice about it. There’s no way cheating ever crossed any of these boys’ minds. Even if it did cross their minds for some absurd reason, at 11-13 years of age, they would have been aware of the potential consequences. This puts the blame on the adults running the JRW team. The team’s manager, Darold Butler, was suspended from Little League events and the Illinois administrator in charge of the district for Little League, Michael Kelly, was removed from his position. All rightfully so. It’s heartbreaking to think that these boys, who were just out there playing baseball and doing what they know best and having the time of their lives on national television, lost everything because of foul play by the adults. It’s another sad example of overzealous parents becoming too committed and involved in their children’s sports and not remembering to take them for what they truly are: games. But unfortunately, that’s how it happened, and Little League did what they had to do. Despite petitions being started to reinstate JRW’s wins, they will be to no avail. Although I know everyone agrees that the boys deserved these wins, nothing will or should change, because rules are rules. Hopefully next year, the adults will play fairly and Chicago can once more prove that they are the best team out there.
SPORTS
Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 11
Superior shuttlecocks In the badminton world, the best shuttlecocks are constructed using the feathers from the left wing of a goose.
Lax hires new head coach
Program goes through revamped practices, has high plans for state tournament
for the 2014 season. Duffy has also coached the USA All-Stars and the Irish National Team to elite international victories. “His experience definitely has brought him a lot of respect from the guys,” Matt Faucher ‘15 said. by Bailey Blum Although tryouts only started this week, prospective team mem@ultimatebailey bers have been doing morning conditioning three days a week since After winning conference for 11 straight years and competing in early February, a routine Duffy started in order to better prepare the multiple state final four and elite eight matchups, the boys for the upcoming season. LT boys lacrosse team is set on achieving its goal of “If we condition now, we won’t have to do it in pracwinning state for the first time in the program’s histice,” Faucher said. “It’s better this way, because then tory, and new Head Coach Tim Duffy plans to lead our actual practices are just focused on lacrosse and not them there. running sprints.” “I’m looking to push the program to the next level,” Duffy also plans to utilize film sessions, a process Duffy said. “It’s consistently been a top five program never before utilized by the program in the past. in the state, and this year we will be looking to raise “[Film sessions] are a big part of my philosophy,” the bar.” Duffy said. “In my eyes, around 80% of our success Despite a serious long-term goal, Duffy emphasizes during games will be attributed to how well we prethe importance of being short-sighted throughout the pare. Film gives us the ability to scout our opponents long season. prior to contests and also provides an opportunity to “We will take it one day at a time,” Duffy said. learn from what we’ve done in the past. It’s absolutely “The most important thing is continuing to work invaluable as a coaching tool.” hard, win our battles and challenge ourselves The team looks to be led by Faucher, who is enterNew Head Coach, Tim Duffy. every day.” ing his fourth year on varsity and has committed to Duffy took over the boys lacrosse team after former Head Endicott Col- lege to play lacrosse, as well as a stellar defense led by Coach Bill Kalbfleisch retired last year. Duffy was previously the Alec Cohen ‘15, Jake Walcyk ‘15 and Jack Walton ‘17. coach of the Fenwick boys lacrosse team, where he coached for nine The season starts March 21 with a home game against Maine South years and was named the Chicago Catholic League Coach of the Year at Bennett Field.
Badminton begins season Lin looks to defend state title, earn third consecutive by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608
The LT varsity badminton team looks to improve upon its second place finish from last year despite the graduation of seven seniors, creating a less experienced team. Stephanie Lin ‘15 looks to represent LT again with her third consecutive individual first place state title. “We are going to be young in experience but that will only make us grow stronger over the next three years,” Head Coach Susan McClenahan said. “It’s going to be a building process, just like any [team] goes through when they have that kind of shift.”
Lin, who has been on varsity since freshman year, looks forward to leading warm-ups and cheers as a senior this year and also sharing her knowledge with the younger team. “We lost a lot of strong players,” Lin said. “It’s going to be a lot of younger players coming in because there are a couple varsity carry-overs, but I feel like it’s a chance for me to share my knowledge and experience.” Lin trains year round for about eight hours each week at Midwest Badminton Club. Her coach, Ilian Perez, used to be ranked number one in the country, she said. “Since she has outside training with drills and training of a higher caliber, we are going to let her lead more to show others what it’s like to train at that level because that’s how you become a champion,” McClenahan said.
Last season, the team had an undefeated regular season and then received fourth place in the state tournament, resulting in second place overall, tying them with York High School. “We are hoping to maintain what we’ve done there or of course to improve our placement in the conference tournament this year,” McClenahan said. McClenahan has been coaching varsity level badminton for five years and enjoys a smaller team because it allows everyone to really get to know each other, she said. “Badminton is a challenging sport, more difficult than people realize when just watching,” McClenahan said. “The game is fast, requires good shot selection, strategy and reflexes. It’s great exercise and the girls really have fun.”
Teams look to new talent Young talent shows promise, team looks to additions for leadership, successful season
Girls soccer looks to underclassmen to fill void in varsity lineup, meet team standards
by Abby King @abigailann_01
by Lauren Hucko @laurenhucko
The LT boys varsity tennis team is preparing for a successful spring season. After taking 10th place in state last year, the boys are ready to come back and work to be in the top three this year. Despite the loss of four graduated seniors, young talent will be prevalent on the varsity squad, varsity tennis player Mitchell DeBoer ‘15 said. “I have very high expectations for the team this season,” Head Coach Bill Wham said. “With this kind of talent, the boys should have high expectations for themselves too.” Alex Ross ‘15 and Gianni Ross ‘17 will be an instrumental part of the team’s performance this season, specifically with single matches, Wham said. Alex and Gianni have not played the past two years for LT due to club tennis but will be this season. Alex has verbally committed to play at Vanderbilt University next year. Gianni has traveled all over the country playing tennis and is ranked fifth nationally in the UTSA 16 standings and top 200 in the world. “I feel like the harder I practice, it will just get me ready for tournaments.” Gianni said in an interview with Rob Valentin on High School Cube News. “I look to win every match flawlessly, but that never happens.” Another factor contributing to the boys’ season is the new tennis courts at SC. But, even with the finished courts, the frigid Chicago weather has forced the boys to practice from 9-10 p.m. at Score, an indoor tennis court, during the beginning weeks of the season. “I think we are all just excited because the old courts had a bunch of cracks in them,” DeBoer said. “This year they are all new and there’s space where you can watch, so hopefully more people will come.” Since Jack Wennerstrum ‘14 has graduated, the number one doubles seat is open and will most likely be filled by sophomores. They will have to work on the communication aspect and gain experience, but it is not projected to hurt the team ranking-wise, Wham said. “Some years we lose up to seven seniors, and that has a huge impact on the team,” Wham said. “This year, I think we would have the chance to do just as well as we did last year, not even including the Ross brothers, but when you add them in, we become a force.” The informational meeting for tennis tryouts is March 17. The first home game is April 8 versus Hinsdale South.
Despite the loss of 11 veteran players at the conclusion of the 2014 season, the new LTHS varsity girls soccer team plans to play cohesively in hopes of success. In order to build a team as strong as the LT varsity girls soccer teams have been in the past, the players are determined to develop a bond that will include the old and the new players alike. “We lost a lot of leadership from last year,” Head Coach William Lanspeary said. “We’re going to need players to step up and fill roles, and I think this year with so many new players a lot of it is going to be growing into their roles and gaining a lot of experience as the season goes on.” In previous years, the senior team captains have contributed greatly to the close relationship shared by the players. Their comradery off the field has translated to a unity on the field which strengthens the team as a whole, Kristen Janicki ‘15 said. “[The team] is definitely going to be a lot younger,” Margaret Lynch ‘15 said. “We’re really going to have to work on team unity early because there will be so many new players.” Many other teams in the West Suburban Silver Conference (WSC) also have a decent number of open spots for the 2015 season, Janicki said. “Every season is exciting, and this one there are just a lot of unknowns and that can be exciting in a different way,” Lanspeary said. This season the girls will compete in two tournaments—the Pepsi Showdown at Olympic Park in Schaumburg from April 11-18 and the Naperville North Invitational at Naperville North High School from April 23-May 2. They at least hope to advance to the quarter finals in both of the tournaments, Lanspeary said. Many teams who define the WSC, such as York, Oak Park and Downers Grove North, will pose a challenge to the team, but its toughest opponent will be Hinsdale Central. Regardless of its opponent, the team’s aim is always to win conference, Lanspeary said. “The ultimate goal is that we are healthy and playing our best soccer going into the playoffs,” he said. “If we do that, then we give ourselves a chance to make a pretty good run in the state tournament.” The season will begin on March 17 at home against Waubonsie Valley High School.
Great grappling After winning three consecutive IHSA individual wrestling state titles, Kris Williams ‘15 of Thornwood fell to Rudy Yates ‘16 of Carl Sandburg in the 126 pound state finals, ending his attempt at four straight titles.
SPORTS SPORTS Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 12
Scores
Highlights Profiles
Wrestling ends in victory Successful season ends early, team makes necessary gains, finishes ranked eighth in state by Drew Cushing @drcushing32
LT wrestling won its regionals by a total of 76 and a half points on Feb. 7. All 14 varsity members scored points for the team and 10 members of the squad qualified for the individual sectionals. Four of these wrestlers, Zach Villarreal ‘17, Johnny Mologousis ‘17, Nick Spacek ‘15 and Ezra Avery ‘16, were regional champions of their respective weight classes. “Team-wise, it’s probably the best regionals we’ve ever had,” Head Coach Griff Powell said. “We scored more points than any other team I’ve coached here at LT in the regional tournament. Overall, it was a great effort.” After regionals, the individual sectional meet was held at Downers Grove North on Feb. 14, where Mologousis placed second in the 145pound weight class and Villarreal placed fourth in 120-pound class. The two moved on to compete at the individual IHSA state meet held at the University of Illinois from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21. “I think the biggest challenge for me down at the state tournament will definitely be wrestling at one of, if not the toughest, weights in the state,” Mologousis said. “But I’m confident that I can place top six as I’ve been working hard all year for this.” At the state tournament, Villarreal took sixth and Mologousis placed in the top eight in their respective weight classes. “I think I performed very well and that was the main goal: to place, and I did, so I was pretty happy with it,” Villarreal said. “But I think I could have done better in a few matches, so I think I could have possibly taken fourth.” The team was practicing hard the past couple weeks in order to prepare the qualifiers for the individual sectional and state meets and also to prepare the 14 varsity members for the team sectional against Marmion on Feb. 24 at Shepard High School. “Our coaches trained us really hard for the events,” varsity starter Taylor Curlin ‘16 said. “We were put in a lot of live situations and were conditioning a lot to get ready.”
Zach Villarreal ‘17 wins at the state tournament. (Kristen Mologousis)
At the sectional meet, the team’s season ended with a 38-36 loss to Marmion. At the meet, nine out of the 14 varsity competitors were underclassmen. “I’m very proud of the way our boys competed throughout the entire season,” Powell said. “They improved each week, and really came together as a team. We return 10 of the 14 starters next year, so the future is bright.” The sectional loss caused the team to finish the season ranked eight in the state, a position it hopes to improve upon even more next season. “This season has definitely been one of our best in recent years,” Mologousis said. “I think we’re doing well because of how hard we’re working as a team, and I think it makes it easier and a lot more fun to be together so much. Doing so well since we’re so close, it’s like a big family, and when you have a team that’s close like that it’s great because it makes winning even better. And when you do lose, everybody is there for each other.”
by Joe Rossetti @joe_rossetti
As practice winds down after hours of relentless running, one voice dominates those of the fieldhouse. Even above the voices of her coaches, the voice of varsity girls track captain Mayra Baeza ‘15 can be heard as she leads her team through stretches. “Basically, she takes the girls through all their warm-up procedures,” Head Coach Greg Frandsen said. “She takes them through their weights, their stretching, their core and just being in the front during the workouts. The people in the front kind of set the tempo for everybody else. If they’re running hard, the other girls behind them are going to stay with them and run hard as well. Just her leadership. The confidence the other girls get knowing that she’s part of the group means a lot.” Baeza’s role of captain transcends her ability to lead the team in warm ups and cool downs. She also has an important personal aspect as well. “I think that she’s perfect to be a captain,” teammate Julia Wink ‘15 said. “The girls on our team love her, and they respect her. They feel comfortable enough to talk to her about any needs or anything like soreness. She makes everyone feel very welcome, and nobody feels out of place and it wasn’t like that when we were freshmen.” Baeza wasn’t always the runner or the role model that she is today. Much of this is a result of her confidence, which has developed over her three years on varsity. “[I’ve grown] with confidence,” Baeza said. “Freshman year, I didn’t think of myself as fast, and I would never be proud of my races if I wasn’t in first place. But I have grown to see that the sport is not just about getting first place, or getting a PR every time, it’s about everyone just working their hardest and making sure that we are still trying.” Baeza competes in a variety of races for the team. Indoors, she runs the 4x160, the 4x200, the 55, the 200, the 300, the 400 and the 4x400. Outdoors, Baeza runs the open 100, the 4x100, the 4x200, the 4x400 and the 200. This versatility may be what makes her such a good runner. “She’s willing to try anything, to push herself and to challenge herself to be better,” Frandsen said. “She’s our lead-off runner
for her relay teams. I have her do a lot of the tough combinations of events because I know she’s strong enough to handle it. She sets the tone for the rest of the group by how hard she works. The same characteristics for really good runners are all the same. They’re all willing to push themselves hard, and she fits the mold of our top runners. Pushing themselves, challenging themselves to get better every day.” Baeza suffered a quad strain early in the season, and competed for the first time on Feb. 26. Despite this injury and a missed week of practice, Baeza has bounced back and improved her times. Baeza, who doesn’t plan to compete in college, has set many goals for herself this season. “Honestly, we were very close to a record last year at school,” Baeza said. “We’re trying to reach it this time, and we’re trying to place at state. My goals are to become the best runner I can be.” Baeza trains year-round, participating in summer running, winter running, running on her own and she even gathered some of the other girls to run with herself and Wink in the preseason in and effort to constantly improve her performance. Although it may be difficult at times, she never backs off and always maintains her focus. “Running is kind of like a love-hate relationship,” Wink said. “I think that she, even though she says that she hates it, she loves it a lot more, and I think she gets a really big thrill out of it. I know that even if she hates what she’s running at the moment, she just puts all of her heart in it, and never gives up.” Despite her stand-out performances and ability to lead the team, Baeza is much more team oriented. She keeps her focus on the team and is able to see past herself. “Track is about competitiveness,” Baeza said. “It shows how much you want something. You don’t always have to be the fastest on the team, but depending on how much you want it, and how much you try, it’ll show how much the team means to you. People don’t really think that track is a team sport, but in reality, it is. Our team may not have a stud that can outrun every single person on every team, but our team is so strong.”
Neglected norms MLB rule 8.04 states that when the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball within 12 seconds of receiving it. If this rule is violated, then the umpire shall call a ball. Clearly, this has been overlooked.
Baseballblunder This is going to sound un-American. This is going to sound ignorant. So I’ll be blunt: Baseball is no longer what it used Joe Rossetti to be. It’s a changed game. Short of being played with nine members on each team, a ball and a Louisville Slugger, almost every aspect of the game has changed. The most upsetting part is that the fan base and the love for the game is no longer there. Look around you; each year more and more kids branch out and give up baseball to pursue other athletic opportunities. Now let’s expand the spectrum and think professionally. I could almost guarantee that many people would not be able to say that within the last year, they’ve sat down and watched a baseball game, live, on television. But there’s no doubt in my mind that when it comes to other sports, say football, that almost anyone you ask will tell you that they were one of 114.4 million viewers per minute watching Super Bowl XLIX. Why is that? I think it’s largely a matter of appreciation. Maybe people don’t understand baseball. There are no big hits that leave your opponent unconscious. There are no buzzer-beater, game-winning shots. Baseball is a game of attitude, a game of inches, a game of finesse. Baseball is a mental game; a test of one’s ability to remain focused at all times. But for many people, this is boring. These fans fail to realize what baseball is. And although nothing could change my opinion of this great game, I can see where these fans are coming from, and why they haven’t tried to appreciate baseball. The average time for a baseball game in the 2014 season was 3:08 hours, quite an increase from the average in the 1950s, which was 2:21. While I see no problem carving out four hours to go to a game, I could see how this may be boring to many people. But again, I think this goes back to the appreciation of the game. Most “fans” or recreational viewers don’t understand the way the game is played. They don’t understand the way the pitcher toys with the batter, trying to deceive him as he changes time between deliveries. They don’t understand the routines that the pitchers go through on the mound, and the time that this takes. And for these reasons, these “fans” don’t appreciate the game, because it’s too long. The MLB has caught on. With the steady increase in the average length of games, the MLB has introduced new measures to speed up the game, most notably, the pitch clock. A pitch clock will be used this season in Double-A and Triple-A games, but not the major leagues, because it has yet to be approved by the players’ union. The clock will require pitchers to throw within 20 seconds when a base is occupied, and 12 seconds when the bases are empty. Any infraction of this rule, and a ball will be added to the batter’s count. And to be honest, I’m all for it. Yes, the clock may take away from the routines of the pitchers, and may alter this aspect of the game, but like I said, baseball is a changing game. Clocks like these will force many pitchers to change up their routines, but that’s what is so amazing about this game. The pitchers who are truly great will learn to adapt and will learn to become even better. Pitch clocks have the potential to alter the game — for the better. Maybe more people will actually take the time to watch a game now. So at the end of the day, when pitch clocks come around to the MLB, don’t try to hold onto the past. Accept baseball for what it is — a changing game — and take the time to enjoy it as it once again rises to our undisputed national pastime.
Madness
Elite eight
In the first NCAA March Madness tournament in 1939, only eight teams competed for the championship title.
Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 14
Do you live for sports?
Are you mad for the month of March? If so, take this quiz to see how you should fill out your March Madness bracket this year.
Yes
No
and Riley Carroll @Riley_Carroll
It’s a super cold day. Do you...
Would you take an all or nothing bet?
Brave the cold?
Yes What do you cheer at the LT-Central Game?
Do you prefer...
You have an 89% in a class before the final. What do you do?
by Claire Quinlan @cquinlan97
No
Take the Tunnel?
Work for the “A”
Tournament titles
The team with the most championship titles since the NCAA tournament’s beginning is UCLA with 11 wins.
Practical Arts?
Creative Arts?
I believe the Devil is Dead
Take the “B”
Sing the ABC’s Which club would you be most likely to join?
Improv Society
Make your decison based on research
Make your decision based on the seed
Make your decision based on the mascots
You are a type-A, research-oriented team selector. You don’t love taking risks, but you do love winning that huge pot when you guess the final four perfectly. Look into each team to make sure you predict each upset to the T, and don’t sweat the small losses. Your method will pay off in the end.
You strike us as the typical low-risk March Madness bracket writer. Choose your teams based on seed—a traditional method that doesn’t bring great success nor great failure. Stay with this easy selction style and it’ll be smooth sailing (until that first Cinderalla story of course).
As someone with only a slight interest in sports this whole bracket thing is a little new to you, so your tendency to have a creative personality will bleed into your March Madness decision. By looking at the school colors and the originiality of their mascot you’ll be able to create the most beautiful bracket around.
Student Council
Make your decision by using your pet You excel at being random, so for your march madness bracket put your dog to work. Have it decide between two pieces of food that each represent a different team and fill up your bracket fom there. Not only will your bracket be unique, but you’ll finally see if your dog is truly your best friend.
Don’t put all your eggs in one bracket One in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808. Who in their right mind believes they can win anything one in ninequintillion? There’s a better chance that my beloved Chicago Cubs win the next seven World Series in a row, yet every March Madness tournament, about one in every 10 people in America try to fill out the perfect bracket. Who wouldn’t want to be the one to defy all odds? Although nobody’s ever gone perfect, I am going to help you be the one who does. First off, in the round of 64 games, there’s at least four teams you can immediately send to the next round. It’s a pretty safe bet to advance the 1 seed, given that there has never been a 16 seed upset in the first round. Two of the potential 1 seeds this year: Kentucky (with a dominant and big frontcourt) and Virginia (with their stellar defense) won’t be easy outs. Other hopeful top teams, like Duke, Wisconsin and Gonzaga, all have a huge advantage with their big men in the paint. The two Chicago natives, 6-foot 11-inch Jahlil Okafor and 7-foot Frank Kaminsky as well as 6-foot 10-inch Kyle Wiltjer, respectively, create a dominant post game. However, don’t bank on the fact that all these teams will be able to go far. In the history of the tournament,
by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana3
there’s only been one all 1 seed Final Four, however only twice has there been a Final Four without a 1 seed. In the 36 years that seeding has been around in the tournament, 26 of those times a 1 or 2 seed has taken the championship. The teams that get these top seeds almost always are in their conference championship. Momentum is extremely vital in the tournament as teams coming off cold streaks are unlikely to win even three games in a row, nevertheless six. Sixteen of the last 17 national champions have been in their conference championship game.
Another round of 64 trend that I’ve noticed is the 12-5 upset. There seems to be something special about those 12 seeds. In the last three years, they have pulled out the upset three out of four times. If you are going for the perfect bracket, be looking out for a Cinderella team as well. Last year, we had a very special case with two of them in the championship with 7 UConn and 8 Kentucky, but be on the lookout for consistent defenses that could make a deep Final Four run like the Wichita State, Butler or VCUs of the past four years. Despite how strong the 1 and 2 seeds may look, there will almost certainly be some underdog to sneak in at least the elite eight, if not further. In the big dance, 15 feet can make or break you. I’m talking about free throws. A team that can consistently feed someone when it’s crunch time to hit these easy buckets at the line will succeed. Nothing is more devastating than to see the team you pick blow a game because they can’t pick up a couple of late points. There’s a reason that nobody has ever made a perfect bracket. If it was that easy, they’d call it Hinsdale’s basketball team. I have learned one definite thing from this tournament: be ready for the most unpredictable roller coaster of a month your life has ever seen. Choose wisely, LT.
Prominent percentage
Loyola Medicine is one of 3% of hospitals to earn a national ranking in a specific specialty.
PROFILES Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 15
Soda sensation
The first thing that Liza requested following her surgery was Dr. Pepper, her favorite carbonated drink.
Looking into the Light
One year later, Liza Gabrek ‘15
continues to make big steps in recovery by Lidia Breen and Izy Scott @lidia_breen @3izy3
S
pending months in the hospital undergoing multiple surgeries and rigorous therapy could have seemed a daunting task for Liza Gabrek ‘15. But, in the midst of working to regain the ability to walk, speak and move the left side of her body, Gabrek found the time to exercise her love of Spanish and befriend a maintenance worker named Leo. Leo gave her some small advice that turned into a philosophy to live by: Ve a la Luz, or “ look to the light.” This forward thinking philosophy became the mantra that the Gabrek family lives by as they undergo the trying process of helping Liza recover from a stroke. “One of my favorite cards that we got said ‘find the sunshine and then you will not see the shadows,’” mother Elaine Gabrek said. “Look towards what’s in front of you and keep working towards that. Be positive.” On April 15, 2014, during an LT soccer game on Bennett Field, Liza suffered a stroke and was rushed to LaGrange Memorial Hospital. When her condition worsened, the on-call doctors at LaGrange realized that the situation was “out of their hands” and decided to move her to Loyola Hospital, father Pete Gabrek said. When she arrived at Loyola, she was immediately taken into a four-hour long neuro surgery which preceded a five-week stay at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Loyola. An angio-gram revealed a diagnosis of the hereditary condition MoyaMoya, which had caused the complications of Liza’s stroke and seizure. The Gabreks found that they were in good hands when they discovered her surgeon was a world-renowned expert on MoyaMoya, Pete said. MoyaMoya means “puff of smoke” in Japanese, and it describes how the condition looks when observed on an MRI. With MoyaMoya, instead of strong, divided vessels transfering blood to an area of the brain, the MoyaMoya vessels are small, thin and jumbled intertwining vessels that do not allow efficient blood flow to the brain, resembling a puff of smoke, Elaine said. Liza’s condition is unique in the sense that the MoyaMoya was only found on one side of her brain, when it is typically bilateral. After surgery Liza was unable to speak—she communicated through writing— and had limited mobility, but the Gabreks knew she would be okay during a simple game of catch that they were playing with a ball that strengthened her grip, two and a half weeks after surgery. “We were playing catch for about 15 minutes, and I think she just got sick of it,” Pete said. “So, instead of throwing it back to someone she just threw it behind her. It was early on, she couldn’t talk and one eye was still shut, but we knew that she was going to be okay.” After five weeks at Loyola, she moved to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), in downtown Chicago where she began intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy centered around regaining function of the left side of her body and walking again. The high intensity and vigor of the therapy that she was going through was often a challange that she needed to overcome daily, Liza said. “I don’t think I could make it through the whole entire day without me needing to take a break,” Liza said. “That was definitely one of the most difficult things.” The entire Gabrek family credits support from the community as a driving force behind getting through the recovery process with so much success. While they were in the hospital, still multiple fundraisers were held by community members and various soccer programs, including Liza’s club soccer team, Windy City pride. Childhood friends and neighbors arranged to bring dinners to the family—bringing almost six months of food to the family— and the LT soccer team held a 5v5 tournament in her name.
LION ‘Scopes
by Garrett Ariana and Gaby Sabatino @garrettariana3 @gabysab8
Have you been questioning your fortune too often? Well, kick back, relax and let the LION experts predict what’s in store for you this St. Patrick’s Day. (Note: The following horoscopes are meant for entertainment purposes only and are not to be taken seriously in any way, shape or form.)
“We have no experience with this, and we didn’t ask for this, but we just do what we can,” Pete said. “So between family, friends, community and the school district we all did it together, it wasn’t just us. We couldn’t begin to do this alone.” Although her therapy is still intensive, she has made enough progress to return to school to finish out her senior year. She takes math and Spanish at school, and is fulfilling the rest of her other requirements through home-schooling, in which she has tutors come to her house. Socially, Liza has stayed involved in the LT community with enthusiasm by continuing to work with LT’s Yearbook Tabulae staff and gracefully accepting the 2014 homecoming queen crown. “Coming back to school was actually kind of a relief, because I got to be back with the people that I’ve been around these past three years,” Liza said. “I actually couldn’t wait for it because it was like I was being back with my family again. And LT’s like a family to me. It’s a good support system. Not only the school but some of my teachers that I haven’t seen in a while were really supportive of me coming back, and when I got elected for homecoming queen, that was really cool just being elected, because it showed how the community had come to support me and show me that they really do care.” One of her current teachers and home tutor during first semester, LT Spanish teacher Amy Huckstadt, has been impressed with Liza’s enthusiasm and determination in school. “She’s super determined and motivated to learn,” Huckstadt said. “She never gave up. And after all she’s been through, it would be easy not to put forth as much effort, but she goes above and beyond. I think that she is very inspiring to people.” As for her future plans, Liza plans to attend Loyola University in Chicago to study nursing, which wouldn’t have been her chosen path without the influence of her experiences this past year. She had always wanted to be in the medical field, but after her accident the nurses that aided her recovery helped her to narrow her focus to mainly the nursing field. “[The nurses] provided a personal aspect to my recovery. They were my personal translators and explained what the doctors were saying,” Liza said. “Because of them I had a better form of understanding of what was going on in my stay. I could not be more thankful for them, and that’s a massive part of why I want to become a nurse.” Although Liza has made incredible steps forward in her recovery, she does acknowledge that there is a long way to go until she’s fully recovered. But, until then, she continues to “Ve a la Luz,” and tackle challenges: “[The most difficult part of the recovery] is still to come,” Liza said. “It’s almost been one year since my injury, and I’ve come so far, but if I take this realistically, I have so much farther to go. In the big scale of things, what I’ve accomplished is like a pea size compared to a huge planet size of what I have to do. I am so up to the challenge. I’m going to take it head on.”
Aries- (March 21-April 19): In an attempt to spend your St. Patrick’s Day in the city, be careful not too get too wild and fall in the river and dye...your clothes green.
Gemini- (May 21- June 20): You’ll have to try to cheer up, ghosty! This is the one day of the year you can actually celebrate your blindingly pale skin without being charged with a public disturbance notice.
Taurus- (April 20- May 20): Relying on your luck when it comes to your Bio test will not do you good when you realize that you totally bombed it. Guess the club won’t be going up this Tuesday.
Cancer- (June 21- July 22): One of the highlights of your day will be the endless snapchats you get from your drunk Irish Grandma, talking about how much she loves making soda bread.
Leo- (July 23 - Aug. 22): Even though you may not be Irish, this day will bring you good luck when the kid who always reminds your teacher to collect homework is absent. Your after school nap ended up not coming back to bite you!
Out of luck and don’t see your horoscope here? Check out the remaining months online at lionnewspaper.com
www.lionnewspaper.com
Don’t forget to visit our website for additional stories
Rapid resurgence In 2011, record sales for vinyl grew 39.3% in comparison to the sales in 2010 and has been steadily growing every year since then.
Grandfather gramophone In 1857, French scientist Leon Scott developed the “phenoautograph,” which used a vibrating diaphragm to record sound waves, similar to the LP.
Tunes
Rampaging releases
Friday, March 6, 2015 Pages 16 and 17
Spotify startup
Record Store Day, April 18, has already initiated many new vinyl-only releases for that day, further proving the high vinyl demand.
The streaming company was launched in Oct. of 2008. As of September 2010, the service had approximately 10 million users.
by Bailey Blum @ultimatebailey
At schools and in living rooms across the country, a battle rages: retro versus tech, vinyl versus streaming. Both ways of accessing music have incredible staying power and the debate itself attempts to illustrate how important music is to the human spirit. With your own preconceptions in your back pocket, read on to be musically entranced, whether it be on the iPhone or record player.
Since I’ve begun using vinyl the summer after my sophomore year, I have discovered something more than just “music”: I’ve discovered an experience, something unlike anything else in the modern music world. There’s so many different aspects of vinyl that make the experience almost transcendent. It starts with the tangibility of a 12-inch album cover, coupled with the variety of booklets that come layered with full-page lyrics, glistening artwork, and band bios. Then there’s the feeling of reverence that overtakes you as you delicately slide the record from its sleeve and place it on the turntable. After gently dropping the needle onto the track and setting it into motion, the faint scratches that accompany every record fill the speakers and your ears, and the soft humming of some Simon and Garfunkel track follows soon after. There’s something natural, organic and utterly human about the warmth of the sound vinyl provides. The drums, guitar, and bass are all perfectly separated and represented in their own right. And as you read through the lyrics of each track and the stories of the artist’s life, you begin to feel an even deeper connection to the music surrounding you. It’s beautiful, really. It’s an experience that something like streaming just doesn’t provide. There’s no doubt that
by Michael Rasmussen @mikeras55
Last November, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean removed their music from Spotify, the world’s leading music-streaming service. Although Aldean removed only his most recent album, “Old Boots, New Dirt,” Swift opted to remove her entire catalog. Fellow country artists Justin Moore and Brantley Gilbert (both signed to label Big Machine, along with Swift) soon followed T-Swizzle’s lead. Each of these artists pulled their music for the same reason that acts like Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Beyoncè have notoriously kept their music off of streaming services over the years – there’s simply not enough cash to be made from streaming alone. Swift shared her thoughts in a July Wall Street Journal column. “Music is art, and art is important and rare,” Swift wrote. “Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for. It’s my opinion that music should not be free, and my prediction is that individual artists and their labels will someday decide what an album’s price point is.” Swift, the second highest-earning female artist last year, made $496,044 from domestic streams in 2014–less than a fraction of a cent per play. Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine, said the label earned more money streaming video on Vevo. Swift’s newest album, triple platinum certified “1989,” sold 1.287 million copies in its first week of release after she pulled her music. Yet Spotify’s leadership remains resolute that its artists are fairly compensated. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek wrote in a blog post responding to Swift’s removal of her music, “That’s two billion dollars’ worth of listening [which Spotify has paid out to artists since its inception] that would have happened with zero or little compensation to artists and songwriters through piracy or practically equivalent services if there was no Spotify – we’re working day and night to recover money for artists and the music business that piracy was stealing away.”
by Clare Mikulski @ClareMikulski
LT students who most often access music through a streaming website or app.
We surveyed 206 LT students regarding their music habits and preferences from both NC and SC. Here are the results.
the portability, ease of use, and unlimited song choices streaming services bring are great. Of course it’s appealing, in any place and at any time you can grab a file from the cloud and play it. But that’s the root of the problem: songs have become just that: a file. And what vinyl does so well is give us a constant reminder that these songs aren’t just data on a computer. They are an art form, an expression of emotion that details the lives and hardships of an individual artist or band. I’m not saying vinyl should take over streaming. It’s not practical; you can’t take it with you wherever you go. But this way of experiencing music should never be lost, because it does serve as a reminder of what music once was and is always supposed to be: an art.
LT students who most often use Pandora--the most popular of all streaming sites, followed by Spotify at 24%.
LT students who usually access music through downloads from iTunes.
LT students who access their music most often through illegal downloads.
LT students who most often access music through vinyl records.
There is a camp of people that rush to decry Spotify as ruinous to music’s integrity. They create their stronghold of aural snobbery, building up walls of Crosley record players and their parents’ vinyl. What these so-called “musical purists” fail to realize is that by refusing to enjoy Spotify, they surround music with an ugly cloud of elitism based in economic and geographic inequality. “Authentic” music (vinyl, CDs, and iTunes downloads) costs an obscene amount of money when you consider how many free options exist. Take The 1975’s eponymous album as an example: the vinyl version costs $29.98 and the iTunes download costs $17.99. Why would you pay so much money for this album when you could listen to all 39 songs for free on Spotify? This is an issue that goes beyond where high school students spend their allowance. If someone who is struggling financially is told that they aren’t true fans of a band because they can’t afford to own the vinyl or the CD, they’ll feel excluded from that musical community. Music should be a way for people to escape the problems that plague them on a daily basis, not something that necessitates payment. Spotify is a free, easy and unpretentious way to enjoy music, without shelling out a fortune. Some argue that Spotify’s quality is terrible compared to that of a CD or an iTunes download. That is a weak excuse that music snobs use to bash the music-streaming service. The application’s quality, while different from the sound you get from a record player or a CD, is comparable to the quality of the music that you spend a lot of money on. Considering that Spotify is mostly free, the quality is excellent. Others try to put the spotlight on the money Spotify allegedly takes away from artists. According to an article Rolling Stone published in Aug. 2012, musicians don’t obtain the majority of their revenue by selling recorded albums; tours and advertising are their main sources of income. However, it isn’t just superior economically, but geographically as well. Because you attend Lyons Township High School, you are #blessed enough to live close to the bustling metropolis of Chicago. We are a mere train ride or freeway away from countless record stores, neighborhood music shops and incredible venues of all sizes. You have access to a veritable Mecca of music. If you live in rural North Dakota, 20 miles away from the nearest grocery store, you aren’t going to be able to get your hands on all the vinyl and CDs you want. As long as you have the internet, Spotify allows you to access an unimaginable amount of music, even if you live in the boonies. Spotify isn’t destroying music but expanding its limits. Anything that makes music more accessible to anyone with a Wi-Fi connection is good enough for me, and good enough for all the stuck-up hipsters in your local Urban Outfitters.
Chicago communities Chicago is home to 77 neighborhoods each with its own attractions, arts, culture and dining.
The chi Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 18
Gathering Greeks
Chicago has the third-largest Greek population of any city in the world.
From bookstores to candyshops, we sent LION reporters to our favorite parts of the city to dig up some hidden gems unknown to us suburbanites. Read on to learn more about the eclectic options that define the city of Chicago. Enjoy.
Logan Theatre, Logan Square
Artopolis, Greek Town
by Lidia Breen @lidia_breen
by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608 306 S. Halsted Ave.
2646 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago Built in 1915, the Logan Theatre provides a vintage movie experience, where one can go to see the newest hits or attend one of the events where classic movies are displayed. Complete with original bar, lounge and theaters, the Logan Theatre is the perfect place for one to travel back in time to a old-fashioned movie cinema to kick back, relax and enjoy a good ol’ moving picture.
Seminary Co-Op Bookstore, Hyde Park
In the heart of Greektown sits this two-story casual bakery, café and agora, Artopolis. Not only do they serve staple Greek foods, they also incorporate other Mediterranean dishes. Artopolis also offers a large selection of rich and decedent European-style bakery goods and breads that will surely wow your taste buds. This unique Greek dining experience is reasonably priced and will leave you satisfied.
by Michael Grace @_michaelgrace
5751 S. Woodlawn Ave If you ever find yourself wandering the abodes of Hyde Park and are in need of a good read, Seminary Co-Op Bookstore is the perfect apple for all you bookworms out there. A popular destination for many college students in the area, Seminary Co-Op is home to over 100,000 titles, catering to every reader’s wants and is a provider of textbooks for the world-renowned University of Chicago.
Windy City Sweets, Boystown by Clare Mikulski @ClareMikulski
3308 N. Broadway While high schoolers aren’t able to enter most of the nightlife establishments in the East Lakeview neighborhood of Boystown, walking around and seeing the vibrant sights the neighborhood has to offer is enough. If you need a blood sugar boost during your adventure, head to Windy City Sweets. With a wide variety of old fashioned candies, homemade fudge and ice cream, this sweet oasis is a great place to warm up in Boystown.
Aji Ichiban, China Town by Amy Lacny @amylacny
2117 S. China Place “Munchies Paradise” reads the writing on the window of Aji Ichiban, an oasis of candy among the chaos of China Square. Its selections range from dried fruit to dried squid and fried anchovies. Botan rice candy, wasabi Kit-Kats, and Zotz-like hard candies line the walls, and coolers behind the counter boast Eishindo jello and custard cups. All foods packaged in-house are available for sample and items are reasonably priced, allowing you to experience the variety.
Fitness
Sensual sweat
Regular exercise is linked to better sensuous activity, because it can improve body image, self-esteem and overall fitness.
Friday, March 6, 2015 n Page 19
by Grace Gumbiner and Claire Quinlan @grace_gumby @cquinlan97
You’re looking for a way to get in shape for the spring...Let’s try a new... Food
Diet
Exe
rcis
You’re going to the movies. Which movie do you see?
Thriller: Something to keep you on your toes and maybe awake at night
Rom-Com: You’re a sucker for them even though they’re the same thing every time
Action: You need something to keep you awake
Go on a nature hike to Starved Rock
You show up in your ‘Murica shirt with firecrackers and (of course) a Go-Pro.
en
You show up, veggie platter in hand, ready for a night of playing Settlers of Catan.
Check with other people to see who’s going, then decide.
Your dream vacation:
Chugged as many bottles of sprinkles as you could
It was a low-key night
Skydiving in the middle of the pacific with the extra challenge of finding shore. :)
Little Italy or Chinatown You’re picking a restaurant for dinner: What type of place do you pick?
What is your favorite color scheme to wear?
Driving up to Michigan and hit up a small beach town
Chill Bae cheats on you over the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day. Your response?
Thai/ Chinese food Earth Tones: dark greens, deep reds and browns
Enthusiastic
Organic and natural foods
Vision Diet
See-Food Diet
Paleo Diet
Trying to cut down on fast food? Restaurant chains use colors on the yellow/red spectrum to make their food more attractive to people. Try wearing blue to cut back.
You are definitely not the picky type, so you won’t mind trying the new food brought about by other diets, so as long as they didn’t force you to stop eating your favorite snacks.
Looking to live a simpler life style? If so, the paleo diet is perfect, using foods only available to the first humans of the earth, such as meats and vegtables. It’s good for your inner caveman.
Gluten-Free
Laying on a beach for days and days and days
Describe your personality in one word:
Dangerous
Fast Food
ROYGBIV all the way
gim
What did you do on Valentine’s day?
Stay home and watch Netflix all day
Millenium Park
Reds/ yellows
e Re
It’s Friday night and your friend is having some friends over and invites you. Your reaction?
You’re home alone during the day on Saturday: What do you do?
Going to Chicago, where do you go downtown?
Museum Campus: Aquarium, Field Musuem, Science and Industry, Planetarium
Wallowing walks By the time most people are 50 years old, they will have walked an average of 75,000 miles.
Parkour
This terrifying Jump on the exercise regitrendy train of gluten free, either men, inspired by due to a “gluten military obstacle sensitivity” or just course training, for kicks, to avoid entails getting excessive amounts from point A to point B in the of carbs, and try quickest way new ways to make possible. desserts or meals.
It’s fine, I still have Mr. Peaches, my goldfish. He’ll always be there for me. At least for the next two months :/
Treadmill Dancing Just as you are a weird version of the typical student, this exercise routine is the cool (but totally inadvisable) version of indoor treadmill jogging, inspired by a YouTube video.
You’re angry, but you get over it after a few pints of ice cream. Trust no one.
Zumba As the lazy teen you are, you need Zumba: a combo of Latin and International music set to embarrassing dance moves that are sure to get you moving.
It’s fine, you were about to break up with them anyway.
Surfboard Yoga Mimicking the movements of surfing while on solid ground, this exercise class series offered throughout Chicago is a perfect match to your chill, go-with-the-flow personality.
Julius Caesar Performance dates are Thurday, Friday and Saturday March 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m in the PAC. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children and Seniors, and free for LTHS students with ID. The doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Friday, March 6, 2015 Page 20
GET OUT Weekend Entertainment Events Calendar
Weekend Weather Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunny High: 32 Low: 21
Cloudy High: 43 Low: 29
Cloudy High: 45 Low: 33
Reviews Discovering your inner yogi
Movie: McFarland USA by Anika Ranginani @a_rangs
New yoga studio offers a fun, rewarding experience
/out of five Paw Prints
by Dante Stefanini @DanteStefanini
Core Power Yoga opened in La Grange at 1 East Burlington Ave, La Grange, in late August and has seen a surge of residents in the area who have made the switch from their Hinsdale location due to proximity. Every member at the yoga studio has made the commitment to increase their overall flexibility and core strength while reducing stress in a positive and overall friendly environment. Now I am in no way, shape or form a flexible guy or a yoga buff. However, I can honestly say that after just one session, I see how people can get hooked on the euphoria and inner peace you experience during a workout. The room was heated to a toasty 90 degrees for my Core Power 1 beginners course I took. They also offer more intense sessions for the more experienced yoga-ite (I believe that’s the correct nomenclature) such as the Core Power 2 or Hot Fusion courses, where the studio is heated to 101 degrees with a 40 percent humidity level and includes a more difficult series of moves demonstrated by the instructors. Seeing as how awful those two courses sounded and descriptions from other members I spoke to who used the words “hell” and “inability to walk,” I was glad I chose the beginner’s course. My instructor, Nosa, gave me a tour of the entire studio prior to the workout. The studio includes both men’s and women’s locker rooms, four separate yoga studios and a shop where
March 7 - British Invasion, City Winery, 7 p.m. March 9 - Chicago Bulls v. Memphis Grizzlies, United Center, 7 p.m. March 10 - Panic on Cloud 9, The Second City Mainstage, Tues. - Sat. 8 p.m. March 12 - Bo Burnham, The Vic Theatre, 8 p.m. March 14 - St. Patrick’s day parade, 12 p.m. March 17 - Chicago Blackhawks v. New York Islanders, United Center, 7:30 p.m. March 29 - The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Grant Park, 6:30 a.m.
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Next, we moved to a few slightly more difficult positions that provided an intense stretch for long periods of time. We were given breaks periodically to make sure not to strain any muscle group to the point of exhaustion. We incorporated crunches and other abdominal exercises closer to the end, and afterwards we were told to lay down in the darkened room while the instructor came around and placed a moist lemon lavender toilette on our foreheads (completely magical). Bottom Line: I had a great experience. The staff was kind, the studio was clean and I felt like a new man after it was all over. The rate for the first month is $88, and everyone is entitled to a free one-week trial session. If you get the chance, give it a try; I highly recommend it.
Old theater offers new, different experience
Outside entrance to Tivoli Theater. It showcases relatively recent films at reduced prices. (Carroll/ LION)
by Riley Carroll @Riley_Carroll_
In a world full of movie theaters that have obnoxious pricing, worndown seats and an overall unmemorable experience, the Tivoli Theatre, located at 5021 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove, a few blocks from the Metra tracks, offers a refreshingly unforgettable trip to the movies by offering a new and different setting. Walking up to the Tivoli, it is easy to be charmed by the vintage look of the front entrance that could have been taken straight from the theatre district downtown. This charm is not lost when walking in through the doors. The lobby is like a blast from the past with ornate molding on the walls and an almost 1920s feel, which would make sense due to its establishment in 1928. With ticket prices of $4 for matinees and $5 after 6 p.m, Tivoli easily blows rival AMC’s ticket prices of $10.85 out of the water. The same goes for the concessions, which took much less money out of my pocket than if I went to an AMC theater.
Brendan Swinehart ‘15 makes the half-court shot at the Blackout game versus Hinsdale, winning a car.
you can purchase workout gear and yoga mats. They also have towels and mats that you can rent as well as water available for purchase, because if you don’t bring a water bottle, you are bound to pass out (or at least I would have). We started our session with some deep breathing exercises to ensure we had a proper breathing pattern for the rest of the time. We then began some simple beginner poses with in-depth instruction that facilitated finding the right form. Throughout the session, the instructor walked around the room to make sure that everyone was comfortable and aided all of us with our form. At one point, I felt that he was a little too close for comfort, but he did help me achieve the proper stretch in downward dog and other poses.
Downers Grove theater shines
Blackout half-court shot
North Campus
Core Power Yoga Studio in La Grange has a boutique of men’s and women’s active wear. (King/LION)
Boys’ Swimming
Check out the boys’ swimming great success at both sectionals and state meets.
But these prices are certainly not the only selling point, because walking into the actual theater is an experience that cannot be achieved by the typical all-black walls and seats that so many theaters offer. The Tivoli’s main theater gives its goers the opportunity to watch a movie in a venue that seems as if it was built for performance. There are ornamented walls full of blues, golds and deep reds as well as an actual stage with red curtains that seem as if they would open up at any second to showcase a play. Watching a movie at the Tivoli is as good as seeing it performed live because of the amazing environment. While the theater presents a
helpful staff and a prime location that is very close to the Metra tracks, it does have a major downfall. The theater only has one actual viewing auditorium so it can only have one, or on occasion two, depending on their rotation, movies shown at the theater at a time. The movies change about every week and this weekend, Tivoli will be playingAmerican Sniper and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Bottom line: The Tivoli Theatre, while giving a small selection to choose from, offers both extremely reasonable prices, an accessible location and an actual experience that will stay with you even when you leave the theater.
Support for Palermo
Once on this Island
Read about the changes in this year’s musical due to the Reber Center construction.
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525
South Campus
Sophomores show support for Katie Palermo’s ‘17 fight with leukemia by wearing orange to school.
At a time when immigration is controversial in politics, “McFarland USA” brings back a 1987 true story of redemption to remind people that being “AmerAnika Ranginani ican” is about more than having a U.S. citizenship. When Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) arrives in McFarland, Calif., he enters a world that seems to be a microcosm of Mexico, with Mexican flags flying from cars and a background score of Mexican musical influences. He eventually overcomes cultural barriers to gain the trust of his students as he initiates a cross country team that goes on to win the state championship. The cultural clash between the White family and their surrounding community elevates the production beyond just another cliché, Disney-inspired film. Director Niki Caro shows the struggle of families in one of the poorest areas in America. In the film, the community revolves around almond-picking. When White spends a day in the fields, he tells his students it was the hardest day’s work he’d done in his entire life. Instead of viewing the Mexican community as outsiders, Caro illustrates how their hard work embodies the American spirit. Bottom Line: “McFarland USA” may be predictable, but the movie finds strong American spirit in an immigrant community we wouldn’t expect.
Parade: St. Patrick’s Day by Mike Flaherty @mikeflaherty
/out of five Paw Prints Here in Chicagoland, St Patrick’s Day has been transformed from a family holiday meal of corn beef and potatoes to a boisterous and incoherent jig throughout the Mike Flaherty streets of downtown. As the suburbanites flock to gander at the green river, occasionally the president of Ireland himself makes a speech that the old people watch. But to truly take part in the festivities and become “Chirish”(Chicago Irish) one has to know where the real shamrockers are. First off, you need to know which St. Patty’s day parade is not a knockoff. The real parade is on March 14, at 12 p.m. along Columbus Drive, so join the band of pro-Irish enthusiasts who swarm the streets with their intense love for the Land of Clovers, much like the IRA. The parade itself isn’t just bagpipes and bar crawl. Although, the Chicago-dwelling Shannon Rovers (Bagpipers) led by the Grand Marshal William Hite will lead the parade. Shortly after they pass is the St. Patrick’s Day Queen and Court. The crowned 60th Queen is Lauren Corry. Before the parade, please attend the annual dyeing of the Chicago River at 9:30 a.m. While you may be tempted to storm the bridges overlooking the river, the best place to watch the dyeing is between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. Bottom Line: If you’re feeling lucky and want to go hang with the Irish, please go downtown to the St. Patrick’s day parade.
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558