Issue 5 3 2 18

Volume 108, Issue 5

Individual champions crowned

Henry Claesson ‘18, Spencer Walker ‘18 continue success; Walker sets state record

by Grace DeKoker @grace_Dekoker

Page 10 has the full story on the IHSA state performance from the boys swim and dive team along with these individual champions.

Friday, March 2, 2018

PH

aper ighlights

Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features.

Right: Spencer Walker ‘18 (middle) explodes off the wall to start the 100 yard backstroke. (Melanie Walker)

18th Annual All-school Assembly cancelled

Unifying school event will not be rescheduled to protect emotional, physical well-being of students

by Harper Hill between two others and interpreted it as a threat to the All-school As@harpss42 sembly. he All-school Assembly, originally scheduled on Feb. 9 but postIt was soon determined that the conversation was misunderstood. poned to Feb. 23 due to a snow day, was cancelled by administration Rather, it was a positive discussion about an event unrelated to the Allofficials out of concern for the emotional welfare of the student populaschool Assembly, Waterman said. tion, even after it was determined that there “At that point, we said there is no reason was no credible threat to the event. to believe there is any threat of safety to “In working with the police, we had no the school or All-school Assembly,” Waconcerns about physical safety, but we are terman said. also responsible for a student’s emotional That did not stop rumors from spreadwell-being,” Principal Brian Waterman ing among students, between parents and said. “And, I felt that our entire school and on social media about a potential risk to community was very emotionally fragile the safety of people attending or performand anxious.” ing in the assembly.

The decision to cancel was made reluc“Once that rumor got out, people were tantly, administration officials said, followscared or vicious, without ever having the ing a rapid sequence of events that began one facts,” Assistant Principal Kris Costopouweek after the devastating school shooting los said. “Even though we tried explaining in Parkland, Fla. Many students and families that there never had been a threat, there across the country have been left feeling inwasn’t a threat, the school was perfectly secure and concerned about their safety. safe—they were still very anxious about It started on Feb. 21 with multiple stueverybody being in one room.” dent reports of a potential threat to the AllThese rumors and Speak Up Line reschool Assembly, Waterman said. ports, coupled with the hundreds of phone Local police were alerted and, in cooper- Tony Burkes ‘15 dribbles up the court at the 2015 All-school calls and emails from community memation with LT administration, sought to in- Assembly. (Carroll/LION) bers, led Waterman to email LT parents on vestigate the origin of the information, Waterman said. It was quickly Feb. 22 reinforcing that there was no credible threat. traced back to one student who overheard a third-period conversation “While the student initially reported the Continued on page 6

T

Alumnus wins Super Bowl, inspires charity

Jake Elliott ‘13 T-shirts sold at LT, funds given to Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation

Page 2: Maintaining tradition, the senior class has already left its mark on LT with its senior gift. See the contribution on Page 2.

Page 3: Consumer Economics has shattered all prior expectations of summer school. Read all about the new online class option on Page 3.

Page 5: Shoutout to WLTL for its 50th anniversary! We wanted to know how they would celebrate, so we have the full scoop on Page 5.

Page 7: It’s the classic Page 7 Grid. Check it out.

Page 9: Who doesn’t love a random homework quiz?

We don’t. Read our opinion on Page 9.

Page 11: Another issue, another Athlete of the Month. Page 11 has a very talented athlete waiting for you.

Page 12: It might only be the second day of March, but we’re already thinking college basketball. See who senior editors Luke Lusson, Mikaela Larson, Grant Campbell and a surprise faculty contributor think will win the big dance on Page 12.

Page 14-15: Enough is enough. Flip to Pages 14-15.

Page 16: And the Oscar for Pet of the Month is...found on Page 16.

Page 18-19: Did your church league team make our power rankings? You’ll have to flip to our church league spread to find out!

T-shirt sales flourish at NC lunch. (Tuisl/LION)

by Isabel Tuisl @isabeltuisl Jake Elliott’s football career isn’t the only thing taking off lately. Along with Elliott’s Super Bowl win as the kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles, his T-shirt sales through LT and involvement with The Eagles Eye Foundation have raised money and awareness for causes in the community. All of the proceeds from the T-shirt sales went to the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation, which grants college scholarships to students.

Jeremy Vrtis, an LT math teacher, put together a design for Eagles T-shirts with Elliott’s name on the back.

“The shirt idea came from a suggestion [JoEllen] Gregie made on Facebook,” Vrtis said. “I took her suggestion and ran with it from there.”

Although Spanish teacher Gregie did not know Elliott personally, she saw the desire for Eagles merchandise, and took action, she said.

“While reading Facebook posts from colleagues talking about buying Eagles clothing I thought, ‘Why not make it more personal by creating our own Jake Elliot LT Spirit Wear to honor his success, and then donate any profits to the philanthropy of his choice?’” she said.

North Campus

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Jake Elliott receives historical portrait. (Weber/TAB)

The goal was to have the shirts affordable, and ensure any profits would go to the charity of Elliott’s choice, Vrtis said.

“I think [the philanthropy] is a responsibility that comes with the [professional] position that I’ve been put in, but I’m happy to help the community as much as possible and I love giving back,” Elliott said.

Vrtis asked P.E. teacher and Assistant Varsity Football Coach Jason Brauer if he thought it was a good idea to sell the T-shirts, and he agreed.

“Jeremy started the conversation with me and we’ve created a lot of T-shirt designs here at school so we were able to get a good price for them from the T-shirt [company],” Brauer said.

Student Activities Director Peter Geddeis posted an Instagram message and a simultaneous tweet to Elliott, and Elliott quickly picked the KJO Foundation. Elliott quoted the tweet not long after, indicating his choice of the KJO Foundation, Geddeis said.

“Elliott was two years older than Kelli, but Brauer said they both played tennis and did know each other,” according to the publication My Suburban Life.

The T-shirts were originally only sold to LT administration and staff, but the decision was

Students gather to support Elliott. (Waterman)

made to bring the sales to students and the rest of the community. Brauer and Vrtis reached out to Geddeis after the staff pre sales ended, to discuss the logistics of selling to students, Geddeis said.

“We were hoping for a good number of sales, but the community support was something that snowballed into a huge number of T-shirts,” Brauer said. “[It’s great] to see the support that the school has, [as well as] the community, for a former player and a great cause.

In the first few days of sales, 1,300 shirts were sold. On Friday, Feb. 2, there were 100 shirts sold per lunch period, and the supply met the demand for each period, Vrtis said.

“Additionally, the KJO Foundation had their own sales. It has been a wonderful level of excitement and generosity,” Vrtis said.

The KJO Foundation spent $4,000 on T-shirts, and then sold 1,000 of them for $15 each. In total, $15,500 was raised by the foundation via T-shirt sales and donations. LT numbers are separate but they are sending the foundation a check for around $1,200. Including the school’s amount raised, a combined total of $12,700 was donated to the foundation.

“It was really a wonderful experience to bring the community Continued on page 4

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

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Page 20: We know you can’t get enough of church league.

So we have another page of coverage for it. See our favorite tweets on Page 20.

Church league coverage begins on Page 17.

4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558

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Friday, March 2, 2018

Class gift honors SC administrator

Class board beautifies campus to honor AP Therese Nelson

by Lars Lonnroth @larslonnroth When returning from the weekend on Dec. 18, students saw the facade of one SC entrance transformed. This year’s senior class gift—an enormous decal depicting the head of a lion—was plastered onto the windows overlooking the doors of the SC pool.

But on top of beautifying the campus, the class gift had additional sentimental significance: it is dedicated to a long-time LT administrator.

Therese Nelson, the associate principal at SC, has worked at LT for 19 years. Noting her three decades working in education, Nelson has indicated that her retirement is likely coming within the next few years. When she eventually retires, her legacy will likely live on as the senior class board made an idea of hers a reality with their class of 2018 gift.

In 2013, Nelson approached paraeducator Jacqueline Alberico and teacher Raymond Burtner—who were at the time co-sponsors of the 2014 class board—about a potential class gift for that year.

“She asked me, ‘have you thought about a gift [for this year]’ and I said, ‘no we haven’t thought of anything,’” Alberico recalled.

“And she said, ‘well, we’ve been trying to get something on the windows of the pool…

[We] would really love to get something on those windows.’”

Alberico agreed.

Initially, the plan was to install a stained

For their class gift, the senior class board placed a lion graphic above the SC pool entrance. The class board dedicated the graphic to administrator Therese Nelson. (Lonnroth/LION)

glass window in the location where the lion is currently displayed now, but the 2014 class board quickly realized that it would be too expensive. That year’s class board was already committed to doing something with stained glass, so the idea fell to the side.

When that class graduated, Alberico proposed Nelson’s idea to the class board of 2018, who were on board with the plan.

“It was unanimous,” senior class board President Amaria Clarke ‘18 said. “For those of us who know Ms. Nelson, she is great and is really encouraging. It was never a ‘maybe not.’ It was always a ‘why not?’”

Considering all of Nelson’s service to LT, it is right that she is honored in this way,

Alberico said.

“She has done so much for this school with transforming both campuses—and especially SC—into an environment that is so welcoming,” Alberico said. “She really just revamped the campus where it is so inviting.”

Over the past three years, the class board held a variety of fundraisers to raise the required revenue. They sold T-shirts, candy and held an array of other events.

The senior class board of this year worked on the assumption that the project would cost $10,000, but that estimation was higher than reality, Alberico said. The project was cheaper than they expected, only

costing $6,400.

According to Alberico, the money left over from the project will go to either a senior-only class event or may be syphoned off to help pay for this year’s prom.

While being cheaper than expected, Clarke said that her class gave something that will be a part of the school for years.

“I think the reason we got so excited about this class gift and [why] we just knew that this is something that we wanted to do, [is because] coming from middle school our class gifts were minor,” Clarke said. “We were like, ‘This is something that is big.’”

According to Tom Sitkowski, manager of Bannerville U.S.A—whose company put up the decal—the lion graphic is a Translucent Vinyl Decal. That format allows light to pass through and illuminate the image when there is light on one side of the decal but not another.

According to Alberico, the company guaranteed that it would last at least 10-15 years at its current quality. After those 10-15 years, however, it could fade slightly. But Alberico said that these type of decals are often blown up on buses, and—unlike buses—the class gift will likely last longer as it is not in direct sunlight.

Even if there may be a risk of it fading, Alberico does not think that it is much to worry about.

“There is no guarantee,” she said, noting the class gift is hidden away from much of the sunlight that would cause major fading.

“Even though it [may] fade, it will not take away from the striking nature of the image.”

State law no longer requires daily P.E. Illinois mandates P.E. classes three, not five, days a week

by Greg Smith

In the fall of 2017, the Illinois General Assembly changed the state’s requirements for daily physical education in schools. Although LT students’ schedules for the 2018-19 school year are already set, the new law and ambiguous guidelines caused confusion and uncertainty.

The state no longer requires P.E. five days per week. That number has been reduced to three. This law is not likely to change the amount of P.E. that LT requires for graduation and as a part of its curriculum, Physical Welfare Division Chair John Grundke said.

“We also know about the importance that P.E. has and the fact that when you are physically active you’re going to learn more, and it’s good for your brain,” Grundke said. “Knowing all that, we don’t think there’s going to be a huge change, but we always take a look at our curriculum and see what is best practice and what we could offer that our students and our community would be interested in.”

For instance, a group of P.E. teachers from LT recently attended a self-defense curriculum seminar, Grundke said, and LT is considering adding a self-defense course as a P.E. option.

In addition, schools may now excuse students in grades 7-12 from P.E. “on a case-by-case basis” for involvement “in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program,” the new law says.

The law also allows excusal from P.E. for juniors and seniors to take classes required for high school graduation or college admission, or if they are in an interscholastic sport. These excusals were previously allowed under the law and are used by LT, Curriculum and Instruction Director Scott Eggerding said.

Maggie King ’19 has applied for a P.E. waiver for the 2018-19 school year in order to fulfill her practical art requirement with AP Computer Science, she said.

King would not have room in her schedule to take P.E. and finish the practical art requirement, so she hopes her application will be accepted. Such an excusal is allowed

under the law, since King must fulfill the requirement in order to graduate. She is a threesport athlete, and has an athletic study hall in the fall and in the spring. King would not have an athletic study hall next year, since she hopes to have another class in her schedule rather than P.E. “Cheer doesn’t count as a sport to get athletic study hall,” she said, “but I’m still committing roughly the same amount of work and time to it as I do in other sports.”

Previously, the law allowed excusal from P.E. for participation in a for-credit marching band program for grades 9-12 and it still does. LT, however, does not excuse members of marching band from P.E., Eggerding said.

Some area schools do so to varying degrees.

Although the law uses the terms “interscholastic” and “extracurricular” separately, it does not define them. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has said that under the new law, excusals are only allowed for school-related activities, according to a post on the website of the law firm Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn, which specializes in school law. ISBE is expected to issue clarification about this clause but has not said when it will do so, the firm said.

The exclusion of non-school-related athletic activities means that members of groups such as club hockey cannot currently be excused from P.E. to athletic study hall, just as they could not be under the previous law, Eggerding said.

Due to the lack of clarity in the new regulations, LT is not currently considering changes to its curriculum, Eggerding said. However, LT will observe and consider the courses of action other schools follow and take into account new information from the state as it is released.

P.E. teacher and Assistant Physical Welfare Division Chair Joann Pyritz echoed Eggerding’s sentiments.

“LT is always careful and thoughtful prior to making changes to its curriculum,” Pyritz said. “These principles will continue to apply as LT considers how these new regulations may impact its curriculum, and it is still uncertain whether and how these changes in the requirements will have any impact here at LT.”

Special Education provider LADSE selects director Ellie Ambuehl looks to lead, provide special education services

by Taylor Schmitt

Ellie Ambuehl will become the new executive director of the La Grange Area Department of Special Education, or LADSE, on July 1. She was approved for the position in January

by LADSE’s directing board, a group consisting of administrators from the cooperative’s 15 member districts.

“I’ve always had an interest in helping others,” Ambuehl said.

“That is what special education is all about, so it has been a great fit for me.”

Currently serving as LADSE’s assistant executive director, Ambuehl has been working in special education for over 20 years, she said. After starting as a special education teacher for students with more significant needs, Ambuehl moved into administration at elementary and high school districts including Skokie/Morton Grove, Darien, and New Trier. Even though this is her first official year working for LADSE, Ambuehl has worked with them before as a Director in Darien District 61.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to leading this organization,” Ambuehl said. “My experience to date has been at the district level, so I’m excited to work with this larger group to help meet their needs.”

LADSE is a special education cooperative with 15 school districts, including LT, that allows schools to access services for students with special needs, including occupational therapy, school psychologists and other specific services, Ambuehl said.

LADSE also runs programs for students designed to address more intensive needs, which are located in classrooms in any of the 15 member districts.

“Educating kids with disabilities can be challenging, and we serve as a resource for schools in addressing those complex issues,” Ambuehl said.

LADSE has been serving the community for 61 years and is the oldest special education cooperative in Illinois, Ambuehl said. LT was a charter member and has been utilizing LADSE’s services to provide increased support for special education students since its inception.

Dr. Timothy Kilrea, the superintendent of LT, is the chairman of the LADSE Directing Board that selected Ambuehl for the position.

“The most important part of special education is serving the individual needs of each child,” Kilrea said. “I think that [Ambuehl]’s good for the job because she has experience at the pre-K level through high school, which makes her a well-rounded candidate. She’s also coming out of a high school, so she’ll understand better how to enhance the services that member districts already provide.”

While not many changes will take place immediately, Ambuehl will be tasked with supervising LADSE’s budget and administrators in the member districts who supervise teachers and LADSE’s services, she said.

“Our goal is not only to offer specialized programs but to provide support to individual districts so that they can expand their capacities to meet student needs within their local districts,” Ambuehl said.

Top: LADSE’s C. Lewis Martin Center. (Lonnroth/LION) Right: Ellie Ambuehl, new Executive Director of LADSE.

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Friday, March 2, 2018

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Hilarity ensues in spring musical ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ sees success despite setbacks

by Camilla Breen @c_breen125

The spring musical has been a staple at LT for many years, and this year’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” was no exception.

On Feb. 15-17, LT’s theater program performed the comedic and dance-centric musical, which presented many new challenges for the cast members, most of whom were accustomed to more dramatic shows, cast member Alyssa Frey ‘19 said.

“This is different [from all our previous shows] in a lot of ways,” Frey said. “We’ve got a smaller cast and it was very dance heavy, which is something I haven’t really experienced here through the musicals.”

Riley Dominiak ‘18, who played the role of Janet Van de Graaff, and her sister Bridget Dominiak ‘04 adopted the role of choreographers to aid other cast members in honing in on their dance skills. Riley has been teaching dance since eighth grade, she said, which helped her to lead the cast in that area.

“Since we’re sisters, we communicate our ideas to each other easily,” Riley said. “It’s very fun to work on [the show] together.”

The show, set in the 1920s, is about the Man In The Chair, played by Jack Doherty ‘18, who listens to a record, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which in turn comes to life,

Frey said. It incorporates several ostentatious characters and gaudy scenes into the script, and transforming into the characters and upholding the over the top personality for the entire show was a struggle for the cast during rehearsals.

The recent flu season caused many cast members to miss rehearsals, Frey said. Their first rehearsal at which everyone was present happened only nine days before opening night, director Eugene O’Reilly said.

However, the setbacks did not stop the cast from working their hardest to put on the performance and perfect their comedic timing, O’Reilly said.

“The show itself is very fast pace so you need to be ‘on’ at all times to make sure that you get the jokes out for the audience,” Riley said. “A funny show like ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ is a whole new kind of acting, and it enabled me to broaden my horizons.”

Every day after school since December, the cast rehearsed the show by vocally warming up, running through scenes and eventually running through the whole show each night, Frey said.

“My favorite part of rehearsal has been laughing and joking [with the cast],” O’Reilly said. “It is an incredibly funny show, and I knew we had the right people [for it].”

A collection of moments captured during the annual spring musical, featuring Clark Anderson ‘21, Riley Dominiak ‘18, Alyssa Frey ‘19, Gabe Michor ‘18, Elaine Tracy ‘19, Jessica Jareczek ‘19 and Jack Doherty ‘18. (Breen/LION)

Business Education offers Consumer Econ online

New course hopes to offer more flexibility

by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass Late January is always a stressful time for busy students like Emma Dahl ‘19. The first month of the calendar marks the time period in which incoming freshmen through current juniors have to decide which classes to enroll in the following school year, while being mindful of graduation requirements.

Luckily, students now have a little more flexibility after a recent decision that allows Consumer Economics to be completed online. Now, Dahl is able to take more classes that she is interested in during the school year, rather than having Consumer Economics occupy a valuable schedule slot.

“Online consumer is an amazing option for me,” Dahl said. “I will be able to put Choir back in my schedule, a class I previously needed to remove to fulfill other requirements.

I will also be able to take Organic Chemistry. Without taking Consumer online, I would have had to choose between Chemistry and Choir, and now I am able to take both.”

This summer, students will be able to fulfill their Consumer Economics graduation requirement by taking the Illinois Virtual School online course. After years of turning students away from Consumer Economics summer school due to maximum classroom occupancy, this new option will allow all interested students to complete the course over the summer, Global Studies Division Chair Paul Houston said.

Unlike the summer school course that takes place over three weeks, students are able to complete the course over the span of 10 weeks between June 7 and Aug. 16, which might be a factor that some students may struggle with, Consumer Economics teacher Joan Kizyma said.

“I certainly don’t think that everybody is a good candidate for taking an online course at this point in time,” Kizyma said. “It really depends on the student.”

riculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding ensures that the online course adequately covers the content of the class, he said. The course is composed of eight separate units, which consist of economic systems, finance, credit, transportation, insurance, basic consumer purchases and finishes off with a financial simulation. Additionally, students will participate in a mixture of readings, written assignments, discussions, quizzes, tests, projects and cumulative exams, according to the Illinois Virtual School website. A main difference, however, is the price students have to pay to enroll in the class.

While normal summer school enrollment is $195, the cost of the Illinois Virtual School course totals up to $225.

Although the course is thorough and interactive, there is still skepticism that the online class will successfully come Emma Dahl ‘19 plans to take Consumer Econ online. (Kass/LION) to fruition.

“There are many benefits [of the course], but we’re specAs a teacher who has instructed this class for over 30 years, Kizyma believes that in-class participation serves the ulating,” Houston said. “We’ll see. It may be a huge hit, it might be a mix or it might be problematic.” course well for pacing purposes, she said.

In order to keep problems to a minimum, Eggerding will “I could forsee a lot of students thinking that they have a lot of time to do everything, but will wait until the last min- be conducting focus group surveys before and after the course ute and not be able to pull it off,” Kizyma said. “It’s not like with students who are taking the class, he said. The surveys a classroom situation where I’m testing on a certain date or will ask what the student’s expectations were beforehand, whether or not it met their expectations and what challenges collecting homework on a certain date.”

Similarly, Dahl expects that her greatest challenge will be and benefits came along with completing the course. With finding the discipline to complete the course at a substantial this information, administrators will then decide how to manage the course offering in the future. pace, she said.

When looking at the broad spectrum of the situation, “I expect the course to be a judge of my motivation and test my procrastination,” Dahl said. “It’s a lot easier to do Houston believes the online course serves a purpose of helpyour work while you’re in a classroom than it is when it’s ing students accomplish as much as they can in four years, a beautiful summer day and you’re at home on your com- he said.

“LT is a great place with tons of great offerings and not puter.”

Nonetheless, Kizyma affirms that she thinks Illinois Vir- enough semesters to take it all,” he said. “That is why so tual School will teach the course material sufficiently, and many kids try to take summer school classes. We have a lot that the online option serves well for students who are look- of kids with talents, interests and aspirations. They want to get a lot done in four years of high school, and this allows ing to free up their schedules, she said.

As far as the mechanics of the course, Director of Cur- them to do that.”

Virulent flu sweeps the nation, concerns faculty

LT aims to keep students, staff healthy in face of influenza outbreak

by Grace DeKoker @grace_dekoker

The winter months are known as the prime cold and flu season. However, this year’s flu has been uncharacteristically aggressive in the past three months, according to the Center for Disease Control. The influenza virus is currently the cause behind one in every 10 deaths in America. While many people use “flu” as an umbrella term, there actually are several different strains of influenza. The most common strain has been H3N2, Antonio Pangan M.D., Medical Director for Loyola Center of Health at Burr Ridge, said.

“The problem is the H3N2 virus changes a little quicker over time,” Pangan said. “[CDC officials] choose the type of virus to go into the vaccine, but by the time it comes out, the virus has changed.”

One of the reasons H3N2 has spread so quickly involves the method in which the virus attacks. Overall immunity is weakened, leaving the respiratory tract more susceptible to other types of infections, such as pneumonia, Pangan said.

Coupled with a vaccine efficacy at only 30-33 percent, the flu is striking an inordinate number of patients this year.

When a highly contagious virus is present in crowded school environments, it can wreak havoc on student attendance. Sheer number of ill students forced Aurora’s Illinois Math and Science Academy and Komarek Elementary School to close for multiple days in January, with over 15 percent of each school’s student body absent.

On Dec. 9-10, 2014, Nazareth called off school to prevent further spread of infection, and allow those who were ill to recuperate, Nazareth Principal Deborah Tracy said.

“It was not just students, but faculty [missing school],” Tracy said. “The quality of education was in question for those who were even able to come.”

Luckily, the two day hiatus was enough to get the majority of their students back in class, and they were able to finish the semester as planned.

At LT, attendance office reports that the school has not succumbed to mass numbers of absences in recent months.

SC nurse Julie Loftus believes LT may be staying under the radar of the virus.

“Both health offices are in contact with the attendance offices,” Loftus said. “We track reports of the flu, fevers [and] stomach viruses; it can be tricky to receive data [on the specifics of students’ illnesses].”

On Feb. 1 of this year, the attendance was at 94.17 percent, whereas last year on the same day it was 95.28 percent, Loftus said. This discrepancy is not significant enough to blame influenza, though “there certainly have [been] people in the community who have been seriously affected,” Loftus said.

Part of the reason behind LT’s continued high attendance may be the preparation that the health service and buildings and grounds workers have done. “High-touch” areas like keyboards, doorknobs, handrails and desks receive special disinfection attention, Loftus said. LT health services also offer free flu shots to faculty.

The flu season can often carry into late spring, and many

health officials believe we are in the midst of its peak; the good news is that it will soon fall, Pangan said. However, there still will be many new cases diagnosed in the next few months.

If a student exhibits any flu symptoms, it is wisest to just stay home, Pangan said.

“It’s the best service you could give to those around you,” he said.

source: Dupage Country Health Department (Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report) compiled by Grace Dekoker

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Diplomat, activist speaks at LYMUN IV conference First African American female senator kicks off Model United Nations competition

by Greta Markey @gretamarkey

Almost 700 students from 33 schools’ Model United Nation (MUN) programs gathered in the Reber Center at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 for LTMUN’s annual LYMUN conference. This year, LTMUN Secretary General Jack Dudley ‘18, with the help of Patrick O’Malley ‘18, arranged for former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun to present as the opening speaker.

“We had been super interested in getting a politician speaker because so much of MUN is about politics, and [Braun] is such an amazing public figure,” LYMUN Secretary General Miles Hession ‘18 said. “It’s amazing we were able to get her. She was a part of the Year of the Woman in 1992, which is such a powerful movement. In the era of #MeToo and the Women’s Marches, it’s so encouraging to have strong, powerful women Former Senator Carol Moseley Braun speaks about the necessity of student activism. (Sigfried/LION) speaking up and empowering other women to use their voices, too.”

Braun was such a powerful speaker because of her rich history in run endeavor that starts [with] planning and ends at the running activism, Hession said. Along with marching with Dr. Martin Luther of the conference. Miles and Lauren were integral to the success of King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement, she was also the first Afri- LYMUN; they did a wonderful job.”

Although very similar to last year’s LYMUN conference, some can American woman elected to the United States Senate in 1992. Club leaders decided to ask her to speak due to her connection to politics both club members put in extra effort to improve the conference for this year, Johannes said. For example, Carl Volz ‘18 created a vidnationally and internationally. eo for the opening ceremony in addition to his “Some of our past speakers have job of coming up with crisis situations. just been diplomatic officers, and After the opening ceremony, the delegates their experience comes solely from split up into 20 committees where they debated being abroad,” Dudley said. “Braun world issues, negotiated with other teams and has a background in domestic afeventually passed a “UN Resolution” to end the fairs—the city of Chicago, the State session. of Illinois and the federal governHaving spent three years as a member of ment. Not everyone involved in MUN, Dudley has discovered the key skills MUN is going to go into the dip-Carol Moseley Braun, Former needed to thrive at a conference. lomatic corps, but any American Illinois Senator “Even though the United Nations is not citizen has an invested interest in built to be a competitive party, I would comlearning about American politics.”

Many students around the country find inspiration through Braun’s pare MUN to any other academic team where you’re trying to win political past, and Braun encourages high school students to take their first place,” he said. “MUN also teaches you how to lead a group as efficiently as possible. Being able to speak confidently and lead own actions regarding what they care about.

“Laws have been passed because of young people,” Braun said. “Young effectively are the two pillars of being successful in a MUN compeople have a history of starting movements that change the world. I petition.”

After another successful LYMUN conference, Braun had a mesthink [recent student activism] is so inspirational to me, because I see in sage to send to high schoolers looking to pursue a path similar to it a potential for changing the world.”

Along with organizing LYMUN’s opening ceremony, which Braun hers.

“Understand that life is about reaching outside of yourself to spoke at, Hession and LYMUN’s Chief-of-Staff Lauren Crawford ‘19 had the responsibility of ensuring that crisis staff was coordinating with make things better for somebody else,” she said. “If you stop nathe chairs to plan great events, assigning positions to 700 students and velgazing and get involved with the community, you can’t help organizing committee chairs to create the background guides and mate- but get involved with public affairs on one level or another. Diplomacy just happens to be on an international level, but there are rials needed.

“The most fulfilling thing about being a MUN sponsor is the oppor- national and local issues as well.” tunity to see students take on new challenges and responsibilities,” LTMaddy Cohen and Spiro Kass also contributed to the reporting MUN sponsor Andrew Johannes said. “LYMUN is a completely student of this article.

“

“I think that [recent student activism] is so inspirational because I see in it a potential for changing the world.”

Friday, March 2, 2018

Elliott’s victory

Continued from Page 1

together to support Jake and remember his time at LT while also raising funds for Kelli’s foundation to help young people live their dreams through college scholarships, trips to Camp Tecumseh, and holiday gift giving to the children of Maryville Academy,” John O’Laughlin, Kelli’s father, said. “To think during the biggest two weeks of his life, Jake thought of Kelli and her memorial foundation, it was thrilling and somewhat humbling. We were very grateful for Jake to select us.”

The T-shirts could not have been sold at a better time, and consumers were not disappointed with their purchase. The Eagles won their first Super Bowl title on Sunday, Feb. 4, in Minneapolis. Elliott made three field goals and assisted two of the three extra-point attempts. Ultimately; the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33.

“It was terrific for an athlete like Jake and it was terrific for the team,” Bill Wham, varsity coach for boys and girls tennis and Elliott’s tennis coach for two years, said. “They weren’t particularly expected to do anything this year but they did well. Going over there from the Bengals, Jake didn’t know what to expect, but the Eagles had a [fantastic] season.”

Elliott is also part of The Eagles Eye Foundation, the team’s charity that helped 70 LT students on Jan. 29 by administering free eye examinations and giving glasses to students in need.

“A lot of the NFL teams [donate to different communities], and we were fortunate to be the recipient of it, and receive a very generous gift to students who needed it,” Brauer said.

On top of everything else that Elliott is currently doing, he appeared at the LT Blackout game against Glenbard West on Feb. 16.

His connection that he still feels to the LT community has left an impact on many, even those who did not personally know him.

“It’s not every day that one of our athletes plays in a Super Bowl,” Gregie said. “Once Jake chose to support the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Foundation through the T-shirt sales, it was only natural that the entire community would rally behind Jake and Kelli Joy.” Vrtis never met Elliott either, but is definitely appreciative of him, he said.

“His story is amazing,” Vrtis said. “I’m proud that he is both a Lion and an Eagle. Fly Eagles Fly.”

“

cOMMUNITY

Friday, March 2, 2018

Page 5

While February may be the shortest month of the year, it was packed with LT events.

Between fundraisers, athletic and academic competitions, cultural celebrations and performances, students have kept busy in this chilly weather. In case you missed any of the fun, read this page and check out lionnewspaper.com.

WLTL celebrates 50 years of broadcasting

Radio station welcomes alumni, management to anniversary gala

by Pilar Valdes @pilarvaldes55 In a corner of the basement of NC lies WLTL, but its always been about the people LT’s very own student-run radio station, that are involved,” Thomas said. “[It] is a veWLTL. Founded in 1968, the radio station is hicle that we are using to teach communicelebrating its 50th anniversary on April 21 cations, which hasn’t changed over the past at the Sheraton Lisle, with a gala for current 50 years.” and past management members.

The celebration the station is planning Since its beginning, the radio station for on April 21 will be much larger than the has tripled in size. The station was founded commemeration with current mangement by two students, and was originally in the and students, Thomas said. There is an exVaughan building, supervisor Chris Thom- pected turnout of about 350 to 400 guests at as said. the gala event, Thomas “In 1968, the radio said. was started from nothDuring the day, WLTL ing and now we are alumni are invited to take thriving,” promotions a tour of the studio. In adcoordinator Riley Egan dition, video director Al‘19 said. “The medium exander Kuptel ‘18 crehas changed so much ated a video presentation and we have still manthat will be shown in the aged to stay relevant NC Reber Center at 3 p.m. and popular among the that day, Egan said. student body.”

“The current managers Isabel Cabrera ‘20 and Mila MaFejcek ‘20 Not only has WLTL host a weekly radio show. (Valdes/LION) have done a lot for WLTL changed physically, but and we’re really proud of the station has adapted to new technology. it, and we hope the alumni are proud of it WLTL now features live, on-air shows, too,” Egan said. “We want them to be impodcasts and pre-recorded shows, as well as pressed by what they’ve helped to build over expanding the station’s social media pres- the last 50 years.” ence, Egan said.

As the radio station continues to grow On Jan. 5, the managers celebrated the and evolve, one constant has remained static station’s actual birthday on air by featuring a throughout the years: the passion of the peosix-hour podcast that supervisor Mike Bak- ple involved. er created, featuring the most interesting “The technology will change, the way events and popular music from the past 50 we deliver content will change, but I hope years, Egan said. Additionally, throughout the people stay the same,” Thomas said. “I the year, the station has featured music from hope there is always this love of the commuall of the decades that WLTL has existed. nity that they were in involved in whether “It’s always been about the people that it’s the 50th anniversary or the 75th or the are involved. Radio is an important aspect of 100th.”

LT embraces diversity, explores cultures at LT

Black, Multicultural Club hosts Taste of LT Soul, unites community

by Georgia Dougherty @georgiadoc6

For the third year running, the Taste of their food in hopes that they will attract peoLT Soul planned to bring together students ple to their restaurants, the purpose of the and clubs of numerous backgrounds for a Taste of LT Soul is to entice people to learn celebration of their respective cultures. more about a culture by trying their food.

The Taste was set to take place Feb. 27 af“The Taste is a way to celebrate diversity ter school in SC D-103, Black and Multicul- and open the door to different cultures and tural Club advisor Elizabeth Watkins said. what they eat,” Shearrill said. “LT has miThe Black and Multicultural Club first orga- nority groups that aren’t always representnized the event three years ago, and works to ed, so this is a chance to showcase some of put it together each year. the other cultures and to remind people that “[The Taste] is orgaalthough we aren’t in every nized to show diversity,” club and we aren’t always she said. “It’s important on the front page, we still because students can learn exist here and we have our from each other.” own voice and our own culThe clubs that planned ture.” to participate included Not all clubs present National Hispanic Instiwere heritage based clubs, tute, East Asian Culture PRISM leader MacKenzie Club, PRISM, as well Thomas ‘19 said. For inas several others, all of MaryAnn Rivera helps at the 2017 stance, PRISM planned to whom planned to bring Taste of LT Soul. (Siegfried/LION) have a table at the Taste significant foods to the and celebrate their diverevent to represent their cultures. For ex- sity with rainbow cupcakes. ample, Black and Multicultural Club served “We have our own culture as well. At the collard greens, caramel cake, chicken wings Taste, we were able to represent that along and “a bunch of different soul foods,” Black with the other cultural clubs,” Thomas said. and Multicultural Club President Nina She- “Gay history has its own culture, which I arrill ‘20 said. think is important and should be represent“Food brings people together,” she said. “I ed at LT.” need food, other people need food, we need The Taste was meant to celebrate differfood to survive. The easiest way for peo- ent cultures, Shearrill said. ple to learn about other cultures is through “LT has many different groups of students food because it’s so simple. It doesn’t require from many different cultural backgrounds,” talking or a conversation, just an appetite.”

Watkins said. “We should all know and unThe Taste of LT Soul mirrors the Taste of derstand each other’s background. HopefulChicago, Shearrill said. Similar to the Chi- ly we can all grow to learn to respect other cago food vendors that give out samples of cultures.”

The plunge was delayed due to ice shards in the water, but Students and faculty pose in their festive attire at the edge of the water commenced as planned an hour later. (Campbell/LION) after the Plunge on Feb. 17. (Campbell/LION)

Students represent LT through their themed outfits and an LT flag they carried into the water. (Campbell/LION)

Students, faculty plunge for Special Olympics LT students, staff participate in Polar Plunge, contribute more than a third of total donations to support local athletes

by Grant Campbell @grantc_3100

Dressed in their “LT Weirdo” themed costumes, groups of students prepared to jump in the freezing pit on Feb. 17, ready to prove to their supporters that their donations would not go unnoticed. They lined up to plunge first; however, a volunteer declared the freezing water to be dangerous with scattered sharp pieces of ice, so their trek was delayed more than an hour.

The plungers were ready the moment the delay was lifted. Through the efforts of Aviation teacher Dave Root, Paraeducator Brian Wolf and students, they blew their previous record of $14,000 out of the water by surpassing their set goal of $20,000. Their overall effort of $23,565 was a significant portion of the $65,042 raised for the event. “[Special Olympics Illinois] makes it easy to fundraise,” Root said. “They give us a link that we can copy and paste to send it out.

The link was used in a more effective way than door-todoor solicitations for donations, Wolf said.

“We reached out to people on social media,” he said. “It’s

the best way to get to people. This was also the largest group we’ve ever brought [to the plunge].”

The school group consisted of students in Root’s aviation class as well as other supporters from the community.

“Mr. Root [my aviation teacher] set a huge goal, so I decided to join the great cause,” Angelina Kapp ’18 said. “I volunteer for Special Olympics because of events like this. It’s the community stepping up to create these events and then fundraising so they can continue this.”

In their sixth year plunging, Root and Wolf set a high goal, but accomplished it quickly and effectively. Their approach was different this year as they incorporated new events to raise money and awareness, Root said.

“We threw a couple of parties outside of school this year for our friends in the city that brought in some great numbers,” he said. “A few students were even able to break the thousand-dollar mark. We normally have one every year, but we had multiple this year.”

Student engagement was the largest thus far, and some

students took a different approach to fundraising this year, Wolf said.

“We had one student clear driveways [of snow] this winter in exchange for donations,” Wolf said. “If we can get civic engagement that way, it helps a lot.”

In addition to benefitting Special Olympics Illinois, all donations stay in LT’s region, Root said. These funds support Special Olympic competitors, an organization that students experience as the closing act of the all-school assembly.

“When you get to see the ending of the assembly when the Special Olympics basketball teams play, you see 4,000 students going crazy,” Wolf said. “These donations directly affect the smile you see on the athletes faces who wear their medals in the hallways.”

Due to the success of the event and the overall strong presence, Wolf and Root hope to continue plunging for their tenures at LT. “My goal is to continue to plunge until I retire,” Wolf said.

“We want to keep doing this, and get more people involved.”

NEWS

Page 6

Friday, March 2, 2018

Whenever an important event happens at LT, the LION Snapchat has it covered. Here are some snaps from the week of Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, otherwise known as the craziest week in the history of LT. LION’s EIC and Art Director with Carol Moseley Braun at LYMUN IV

Power goes out at NC Brandt and Pilar’s reaction to a cancelled All-School :(

Boy’s Swim and Dive wins second at state!

Student led walkout at NC

If a student would like to promote an LT-related event through the LION’s snapchat and to be potentionally featured in our next issue, please contact Kas503525@student.lths.net for more information.

Compiled by Spiro Kass and Greta Markey

Make sure to follow LION on Snapchat to keep up to date on what’s happening around the LT community!

@lionnewspaper

Liz Murphy ‘14 @lizmurph12

Josie Dunne ‘14 @JosieDunneMusic 129 31 Maggie Nutter ‘17 @MaggieNutter

1

Yo guys why is math always the color blue. Like it can’t be red or orange or yellow it’s always been blue. Did we ever get taught that or was it slowly engraved in our souls by the govt. stay woke

47

Tim Mikulski ‘17 @t_mikulski

12

270

GUYSSSSS, “Old School”, my first single ever comes out this Friday (2/2). Who’s excited?!

1

MY DAD: what are you kids laughing at?

ALL 4 MIKULSKI CHILDREN AT THE SAME TIME IN BEAUTIFUL PERFECT HARMONY: it’s a vine

99

We are the LT girls We wear our hair in curls We don’t smoke or drink That’s what our parents think AND WHEN WE KISS THE BOYS WE MAKE A LOT OF NOISE WE ARE THE LT GIRLS FROM ILLINOISSSS LTHS LTHS we are LTHS LTHS woowooooo

Council leaders again in eighth period and inAssembly cancelled formed them he had made the executive deciIf you say Jesus backwards it sounds like

Continued from page 1

conversation as a threat, at this point in time it has been determined through investigation and collaboration with police that no threat was made either verbally or through social media,” Waterman wrote.

Waterman also made a schoolwide announcement during fourth period on Feb. 22, explaining that the safety and security of LT was not in any physical danger.

Waterman followed this announcement with a sixth-period meeting with student council leaders, including President Brandt Siegfried ‘18 and NC Vice President Pilar Valdes ‘19, to discuss the student council members’ comfort levels going into the Allschool Assembly, Waterman said.

“We left that meeting with the understanding that we were going to have the All-school Assembly,” Waterman said.

During that same period, a NC walk out, consisting of about 50 students, took place outside of the school. These students were advocating for gun reforms and school safety. They then brought the protest inside, in which 300 students joined together to walk the hallways of the school, Costopoulos said.

“They were banging on lockers and got loud, and that was frightening to other kids,” Costopoulos said.

Waterman reflected on the decision to run the assembly after seeing the NC walk out and considering the emotional status of the community.

“I think one could argue maybe it’s the best time to have the assembly because we do need to come together,” Waterman said. “The other argument is, with the national discussion going on after Florida, is this the best time?”

Waterman followed up with Student 10

sion to cancel the assembly, he said. He then followed this meeting with an announcement to the school about the cancellation.

“One of my responsibilities as a teacher, as a principal, is to always ensure that students are safe—that students are safe physically, safe socially, and safe emotionally, and we are always looking out for the well-being of our students and staff,” Waterman said in an announcement to the school on Feb. 22.

There are three components to ensuring students feel safe at LT, Waterman said. Physical safety, social/emotional safety and student engagement.

“I think that’s what is coming out of the Florida situation more than anything—the need that we have to connect with [our] kids, all students, in a meaningful way, because that sets them on a path for success,” Waterman said.

Along with working to protect the well-being of students, LT will undergo a critical security review. SC has a full time resource officer on campus, but NC only has a part-time officer. NC increased police presence to full time during the period of concern in order to ease the students’ minds, Costopoulos said. The current safety drills, available entrances and police presence will be thoroughly reviewed and discussed with students, staff, administration and local police officers.

“It’s a beast to cover,” Costopoulos said.

“All the doors and everything, but we’re doing our best. We have already met to put new safety measures in place to combat this. There is always something more we can do.”

Although the decision to cancel the assembly was made out of concern for the emotional safety of the students, many felt they did not have much of a say in whether or not this was the best decision.

“I told [Waterman] that to me cancelling the All-school doesn’t protect our emotional safety,” Valdes said. “To me, cancelling it instills a sense of anxiety that shouldn’t be there. I don’t think it was the right decision. I understand why the decision was made and I have to respect it, but the assembly, if anything, would bring us all together in these turbulent times in our country and around the world.”

The hard work and dedication of many Student Council members as well as other clubs and acts will not go unnoticed, Valdes said. Student Council met on Feb. 23 to discuss a way to recognize these efforts in the whole production.

“I feel bad for our student population that this unifying event was ripped away from them,” Student Activities Director Peter Geddeis said.

Friday, March 2, 2018

opiniOns PageSevenPhotoGrid

Page 7

GuestColumn

Women mean business

“You belong in the modeling business, not the College of Business.”

I can still picSarah Grier ture the smirk of a middle-aged bus If two celebrities could What should be dyed green driver as he looked me up and down IHOP names a stack of Try to spell out what a sniff for St. Patrick’s Day that while saying these words to me. I felt be your parents, who pancakes after you. What is sounds like. violated. I was at the “Women Mean isn’t already? would they be and why? it called?

Business” camp this past summer at the University of Minnesota. I was Martha Stewart and supposed to feel empowered about Snoop Dogg because entering a male-dominated field; this man had, in 11 words, reminded me they’re the happiest Irish Bulldogs.

Dave’s Snack Stack. of the judgment I will face in my Phhiiiiissssshhh couple in the world, and future career. family dinner would be While this type of interaction is delicious.

Kyle Cattin ‘18 common, it is often brushed off, no matter how the unwelcomed harassment impacts the woman being Childish Gambino “complimented.” I would’ve forgotten these words after the camp ended, and Kesha, because Snsnsnsffff Parus Pancakes.

Toothpaste. but I accidently recorded the entire they’re modern exchange. legends.

That night, we had a discussion Amanda Parus ‘19 about harassment in the workplace and I showed the video as an example.

The video traveled up the adminTaraji P. Henson and istration until the president of the Donald Trump. I think Robert Downey Jr. University had seen the video; he was green might be a more Ssssnnnffffff Paneens. because I’m obviously not appalled that this man was working fitting color than orange. for them. He told me a verbal harasssassy enough. ment complaint was filed, and this Nina Shearrill ‘20 man’s job was terminated because it was directed to a minor.

I felt guilty that I caused this man to lose his job; that was not my intent.

Will Smith and Sandra Our faces should be dyed But I was not asking for this. No one Ssssnnnuuhhhh Bullock because they’re The tilted towers. green. is asking for it. My conservative busichill. ness casual clothes argued the exact opposite of his statement. I was being Sebastian Perez ‘21 judged on what he viewed below my collared shirt and black suit pants. By Roger Federer and definition, I was a victim of verbal Oprah Winfrey. Roger harassment. could help me on the I am aware that this is historically My head.

The big floppy.

S.N.I.F.F. tennis court and Oprah the best time it’s been to be a wommight buy me a new an, but it’s frustrating to witness the Sam Robinson, French Nissan Altima. insignificant effect from the massive Teacher annual Women’s Marches. It’s time compiled by Sydney Kaehler and Greg Smith for the women’s movement to focus on the treatment on women, not only argue over policies. It’s time for women to end the cultural prejudice arguWhether it’s a cafeteria conversation gone wrong or something you LT Paraeducator Stephen Klir sent this letter to the editors of the ing that girls cannot achieve the same overheard in the hall, LT kids say weird things. If you’re upset that Lion Newspaper about what he experienced on a recent trip he and as males. Statements like, “a female something that you or a friend said isn’t featured, you should email it his wife took to Mexico. In it, he explains the benefits and value a president would be too emotional” or to kae503519@student.lths.net or Snapchat it to @lionnewspaper. good education carries. “women belong in the home” must stop. The thing holding women back For those of you who do not know me, I have been in just is physical appearance. about every class that LT has to offer, as I am one of the Paraedu“I’m basically in love with myself.”

Studies show that pornography cators here at LT. Yes, I am exaggerating a bit but not by much. is one of the biggest factors to this.

-Kosta Katsoudas ‘19 In my 11 years here, I have heard many students bemoan, “When According to a recent study by the am I ever going to use this…?” Well, I am here to tell you that American Psychological Association, on a recent trip to Mexico, I did indeed use many of the skills, 90 percent of children ages 8 to 16 knowledge and curriculum that is taught here.

“Everything is backwards and upside have viewed porn and the largest conFor Winter Break, my wife and I took a tour of the state of down.” sumers of porn are 12 to 17-year-old Mexico, called Guanajuato, located almost geographically in the -Abby Ahrens ‘18 boys. This explicit content is affecting center of Mexico. the development of young boys.

At that time, the U.S. dollar was trading at 20 pesos/$1. My A 2015 collaborative study was wife would often ask me to convert the Mexican prices into U.S. performed by Indiana University to dollars. Since I was using the camera on my phone, I did not “When I die, I want to be ‘re-incarceratlook at the neurological impact of porwant to switch to the calculator. ed’ as these pancakes.” nography. One of their conclusions So, I used some mental math: I took the Mexican price, dividwas that consumption of pornograph-Leo Bruni ‘20 ed it by 2, and then divided it by 10 (moving the decimal place ic material is associated with sexual one to the left). No, I didn’t exactly assign it “x”, but nonetheless, aggression, among males and females. the analytical process was the same. My wife was amazed that I The associations were stronger for “I am buttering my toast.

I will NOT be could do it so easily. verbal than physical sexual aggression, impeded upon.”

When you go to Mexico, you have to try the street food. Who although both were significant. can pass up tacos, especially with those freshly-made, corn torti-John Quinlan ‘19 Perhaps the reason the #MeToo llas? However, most of you are probably thinking “chicken, beef, movement is so large is that both or pork” as the taco meat. males and females view aggressive Joey Langan ‘18: “They’re watching In Mexico, the choices are a little more exotic: higado , liver; sexual tendencies as normal. I’m ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ in lengua, tongue; and usually, carnaza/cabeza; cow’s head—such pretty sure a pornographic film does as the cheeks. I suggest you try it, before you criticize it. If you there.” not involve a line actually asking for have ever taken a Foods and Nutrition or Culinary Arts class, you Dan Nyhan ‘18: “No, that’s ‘Hamlet’.” consent. I’m not here to argue for the will have learned about certain cuts of meat, the fat they may banning of all porn. I am writing to contain, the texture, taste, toughness, and protein value. show the culture being bred in AmerNext, let’s talk Spanish. Although I already speak Spanish, ica. No one should get a free pass for I always look for an opportunity to expand my language skills, sexual harassment. Although uncomsuch as listening comprehension and vocabulary. So, when I fortable, it is necessary to talk about. travel, I keep a small notebook and write down new words and Have an opinion on a story? Are you passionate about someWe need a health unit on consent phrases (I could use my phone to store that as well, but I didn’t thing in the world or school? Any news? Opinions? Want to and respect for partners rather than want to take up memory). clarify something? Anything you want to tell us? tie dying T-shirts or watching “Cool Or often times, when my hands are full, I use this technique: I Write us a letter! Simply bring a letter, of any length, to NC Runnings.” repeat the new word (outload) at least three times. In addition, Room 220, put it in Mr. Scales’s mailbox, or email the letter to Time’s up on letting others dictate I also will ask people to repeat the word slowly, allowing me to Sydney Kaehler at kae503519@student.lths.net and you may see success based on physical appearances. hear all the syllables and where the stress falls on the word, for it in the next issue!

Time’s up on not respecting others. example, Jalostotitlán (a city northwest of Guadalajara and West Make sure the content of the letter is appropriate, sign your We need to be the generation that of Guanajuato). letter with your name and make sure to put down your email! stands up to this societal pressure.

I could go on to the subject of science and music, etc… but I LION reserves the right to edit all submitted letters, and Girls don’t just belong in the modeling think you get the point. unfortunately not all letters will be published. business; they belong in the boardrooms of America.

Welcome to the Page Seven Grid, which some of you know as the only page in the paper. This is where we can watch people (try to) be funny. Your classmates are asked a series of questions, to which they respond with the most humorous answers. If you have a funny question, bring it to Room 220 and maybe you’ll see it in here next issue!

LetterToTheEditor

RandomChatter

WriteUsALetter!

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

Opinions

Page 8

Friday, March 2, 2018

SydneySays Living presently

PawsUp

n To watching people slip on ice- Karma will get me later, but for now I’ll laugh at your bruised tailbone. n To the “Skip Intro” button on Netflix- saving me the eternal 12 seconds of waiting. n To iMessage “reactions”- letting me leave people on read without feeling mean. n To the morning announcements- we didn’t know there were so many ways to say “have a good day!” n To pears- thicc apples. n To seasonal foods- a shake that tastes like toothpaste sounds horrible every month of the year except for March. n To the ever popular “Huji” app- making 2018 basic girls feel ~retro~ n To the “Jones’ BBQ & Foot Massage” phone number starting with “708”- giving us the hometown pride we all deserve. n To the “baked” version of chips- the “20% less fat” lets me eat that 20% later in the day. n To those who planned the All School Assemblyyour hard work does not go unnoticed #soft n To mozzarella stickswho knew putting a crust around string cheese would be so delicious?

PawsDown

n To Fortnite Battle Royale- you got “Victory Royale #1?” Cool, no one ever asked. n To the Snapchat update- at this point, it would probably be easier to send messages by carrier pigeon. n To Kim Kardashian naming her baby “Chicago”- love the shoutout, but not from you. n To Chicago weather- I don’t care if it’s warm or cold, just pick one and stick with it. n To Seaworld- I watched BlackFish, I know your secrets. n To parking lot seagullsor as the beach seagulls call them, “delinquents”. n To private Snapchat stories- thanks for the invitation, but I’d rather not see you eat cereal every morning. n To roommate searching- it’s like speed dating, but you actually have to “date” them for a year. n To the FBI agent watching me through my computer- you know I’m crying right now, why don’t you help me? n To the walk from my parking spot to schoolit’s the trail of (frozen) tears.

Congress’s debate over immigration and DACA LION polled 260 students about their opinions on whether DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) should be renewed and if we should build “the wall.”

I don’t know enough about DACA to make a decision

Do you support the proposal to build a wall on the United States’ southern border?

If DACA should be eliminated, should its recipients be deported?

Yes

DACA should be eliminated entirely

It should continue as is

No

To what extent should DACA continue to be supported as a government policy?

Still supported, but tougher restrictions put in place

No

No Yes

Does the government have the right to Yes implement travel bans/restrictions on specific countries?

Ever since Donald Trump emerged in the political scene, his campaign promises have been focused on solutions for the immense illegal immigration problem in the U.S. Some of the ideas include building a wall and greatly reducing DACA. Trump’s main goal is to reduce the number Hayden Claesson of roughly 13 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the U.S, yet people are still strongly against the idea of building a wall. The truth is, the most effective way to reduce illegal immigration in the U.S. is to proceed with building a border wall and trashing DACA once and for all.

The illegal immigration problem in the U.S. is the worst it has ever been, with undocumented immigrants costing the U.S. an average of $113 billion annually, and $52 billion spent on schooling for children of illegal immigrants, a majority of those protected by DACA, according to FOX news.

When President Barack Obama overreached executive power to create DACA in 2012, it was intended for kids brought to the U.S. by their parents without their knowledge. DACA gives these parents an opportunity to bypass

the proper process of coming to the U.S. The cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2015 was $725, while the cost to apply for DACA was $465. While looking at these prices, the question comes up, if someone is going to come to the U.S, why wouldn’t they just become a full time U.S. citizen?

Another thing that must be addressed is border security.

Ever since Trump’s campaign began, he wanted to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The truth is that, historically, walls work well. In 1996, Congress passed a bill to build a double layer border fence in the San Diego corridor along the border. While this fence only covered 14 miles, the immigration rates dropped 95 percent, according to NPR. While building a wall would be a pricey endeavor, with estimates as high as $21 billion, according to CBS, illegal immigrants cost the U.S. more than that. Another plus of building a wall is that it would provide jobs for those building and managing the wall.

While a majority of Americans are against these ideas of repealing DACA and building a wall, it seems that with the sheer number of illegal immigrants in the U.S, there are no other options.

As Americans, we are citizens of a melting pot country. The Statue of Liberty is inscribed with a poem that promises protection over the tired, poor, huddled masses; however, today we live in a political climate that shuns these immigrants when they need us most. America was Greta Markey built on outcasts, on diversity. Why are we all of a sudden trying to ignore that?

President Donald Trump’s administration supports two political actions that would brand America as anti-immigrant: they want to build a physical wall on the U.S.-Mexico border as well as end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary job protection for immigrants who came into the United States when they were under the age of 16.

Both propositions, if followed through, would hurt the American population and its relationship with other countries. They do not reflect the values of many American citizens; rather, they reflect the skewed perception of immigrants that our country’s leader holds.

Trump’s desire to build a wall is a futile attempt to stick by an unrealistic promise he built his campaign on. It will

cost $70 billion to build, as well as $150 million to keep up each year, according to the New York Times.

Among being massively expensive, the wall presents another fundamental problem with Trump’s conflict resolution skills—he would rather build a wall than converse and compromise with Mexico. This refusal to cooperate on international problems sends a message to other world leaders about America. It sends a message of stubborn disregard.

Additionally, these dreamers function as working, tax paying citizens. Eliminating these 700,000 people from our working class could be extremely detrimental for the wellbeing of the American economy. According to Business Insider, dismantling this program could cost us up to $8 billion of annual Gross Domestic Product.

And this doesn’t even take into account the toll of uprooting the program dreamers have relied on to build their lives over the past six years. By deporting 700,000 immigrants and punishing them for a decision they, or their parents, made to better their lives is just heartless.

Almost every American can trace their heritage to immigrants. We assimilated them into our country centuries ago.

Today, we need to shed our nationalistic tendencies and embrace our country’s diverse American dream.

At every turn, congressional Democrats have mishandled DACA negotiations. They have defined themselves by the increasingly indefensible position of opposition to President Donald Trump at all costs, no matter what he says. And although he is flawed, he Greg Smith has handled the negotiations correctly.

Trump is not likely to deport any of the DACA recipients, since that would be the biggest political blunder possible in this situation. His amnesty offer was extremely generous, since Trump’s also includes those who were eligible for DACA but did not register. The deal Republicans have offered is sensible, even if the U.S. does not continue to offer DACA. We can have it both ways. The government should not be in the business of splitting up families, but it has a right and a duty to protect its citizens by securing the border.

Deporting millions is neither practical nor productive.

Democrats would welcome the political benefit that would come from images of immigrants being loaded onto buses and sent back to Mexico and other countries, but the cost of such an effort would ultimately be greater

than the benefit it would bring, which would be small, if any. Under Trump’s proposal, all of the so-called “dreamers” would be given a pathway to citizenship. The offer of citizenship could be good political posturing; Trump wants to make the public think that keeping the border un-secured is more important to Democrats than protecting the rights of these “dreamers.”

Democrats also insist that a wall, for whatever reason, would be ineffective at stopping illegal immigration. Their logic is unclear. Walls of 14 feet or more tend to keep people on one side or the other. They may also not be interested in securing the border and be afraid of a wall actually working. If that is the case, Democrats are trying to steer the debate away from whether to secure the border, and they seem to be succeeding.

Securing the border from illegal immigration should be a priority for the federal government; as Trump pointed out in his State of the Union, there are crimes committed by illegal immigrants, and this should not happen at all.

Although the U.S. is a nation of immigrants, it is a nation of citizens. If our government is for the people, it should take every measure possible, while respecting our freedom, to ensure our safety.

I’m the youngest sibling.

And as I’ve gotten Sydney Kaehler older, my family position has gotten even more luxurious. I get to do things she didn’t get to do, and I know what NOT to do since she tested the waters before me. As nice as these things are, every rose has its thorn.

Throughout my childhood, I was constantly pining to be as old as her. For instance, in early childhood, I had to go to bed earlier, or I couldn’t do stuff with her because I wasn’t “old enough” yet.

I counted down the days until I was finally old or tall enough. The only thing I never had to worry about was being big enough (I was 35 pounds at age 1, so being “big enough” was never a problem for me).

What I’m trying to say is that I’m sure everyone, with or without siblings, has found that once you get what you want, you’re not satisfied for long. There’s always going to be something else you can’t do yet, and you’re so focused on what you can’t do that you don’t appreciate what you’re able to do right now. It’s hard to explain, but I’m sure everyone is familiar with this seemingly endless cycle.

It’s kind of like relative deprivation, and it’s when you have the perception that you are worse off than other people you compare yourself to. But in reality, you’re not.

I know everyone right now is probably like, “but how can you NOT compare yourself to or feel jealous of other people when we live in such a competitive area with great test scores and big houses?” Even if you weren’t thinking that, you probably are now.

You have to be happy with what you have right now, even if you don’t feel thankful for things that seem meaningless to you.

Right now someone probably wishes they could be in your shoes. Have you ever heard the saying “accept what you can’t change, and change the things you can’t accept?”

There are people that are going to colleges that I wish I could afford, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be spiteful over them. I’m not them. Accept what you cannot change, and you’ll be a lot happier with yourself.

You can change today.

Right now, every senior on the planet (including myself) is counting down until graduation, impatiently waiting for the days when we’re independent in college. Think back for a second. As middle school students we couldn’t wait to be in high school, as juniors we couldn’t wait to be seniors and now we can’t wait for college. We always end up wanting what we don’t have at the time, and then our lives become a series of countdowns and wishing. No one should live like that. And even though I’m taller than my sister now, she’s still four years older than me, and always will be. Your engaged life should be the primary focus-not the future. You’ll thank yourself later.

Opinions

Friday, March 2, 2018

Page 9

StaffEditorials

AnotherView

De-Schedule cannabis

According to the Drug Enforcement Admin- I, simply as a result of the incorrect information and negative perceptions that was propagandized istration, in order for a drug to be considered Schedule I, the substance must have no current throughout this time period.

Now, as medical cannabis is legal in Washington accepted medical use and a high potential for D.C. and 29 other states, including Illinois, the drug abuse. There are a variety of drugs that fall under this categorization which millions of Ameri- continues to be afflicted by harsh legislation that cans fall victim to each year, such as heroin, LSD complicates further research and development. The and Ecstasy. However, there is an outlier on the same Washington Post article notes that because of list that fails to meet either of the requirements the Schedule I classification, research and complimentary paperwork take four times longer to outlined by the DEA. As reported by the Washington Post, several complete than if the drug were to be Schedule II. Yet, sometimes further research is disallowed alscientists have discovered the medical benefitogether. This leads thousands of cence of cannabis over past reliant patients without answers, decade, including German Our position: Cannabis is whether it be potential benefits scientists in 2016 who disincorrectly classified as a covered the plant’s ability Schedule I drug and must be or danger that we are currently unaware of. to reduce the quantity and classified at a lower schedAlthough there will be a refseverity of hallucinations ule to allow more research in schizophrenic patients. for medical and recreational erendum taking place during the gubernatorial primary election Additionally, alcohol has understanding. that will poll opinions on whethbeen reported to be more physiologically and psychologically abusive than er or not recreationalized marijuana should be legalized in Illinois, state legislature has no impact on cannabis, which has been recreationally legal since the end of the Prohibition Era. So, why is scheduling. Even if the state of Illinois decides to marijuana classified as Schedule I and how is this deem marijuana legal for recreational use (which is classification impacting its medical implications? highly unlikely), Schedule I would still remain, and research restrictions would continue to suppress the The root of the problem boils down to the racist stigma the plant has carried ever since the plant’s medical implications.

Ultimately, cannabis has great implications mid 20th century. In the Netflix documentary “13th,” previous Nixon advisor John Ehrlichman in the treatment of major illnesses, but with the proclaimed that the 1970 war on drugs enforced current scheduling and legislation, these possibilities are unlikely to come to fruition. If legislators false propaganda to associate the blacks and snap out of their archaic mindset, understand the the hippies with substance abuse, purposefully potential marijuana holds, and reclassify the drug to resulting in the criminalization and disruption of those communities. As a result of this racially a lower schedule, we are likely to see a new era of medicinal cannabis in the near future. motivated war, the drug was deemed Schedule

Illustration by Sydney Kaehler

ComicStrips

Staff vote: 19-5

Boys will be held accountable

It’s a phrase that people usually don’t lose can get away with their actions, and it’s excused sleep over. It’s become just one of those things because of their gender? Not fair, right? Either way, people say, and that’s why it is so tolerated in it doesn’t work. It’s a double standard, and no one today’s society. The phrase “boys will be boys” is should have certain expectations solely based on something that, without intending to, gives boys their gender. (and men) a free pass to act out.

Yes, boys may act rowdy as they grow up, but People think of this phrase when, let’s say, this phrase is in no way a viable excuse for harmful two 5-year-old boys are flinging mud at each behavior in any context. They aren’t born as these other, but what was once just a “little saying” brutes who live to cause harm and make mischief— what didn’t mean anything has actually proven they’re allowed to cry. They are victims of bullying, to have extreme conseand sometimes their accusations Our position: The popular quences, including sexual are dismissed by “boys playful excuse for boys’ actions—“boys banter” or “locker room talk.” harassment, the dismissal will be boys”—should not be Although this phrase can reduce of bullying and hazing of other boys. If boys grow up tolerated because it gives boys the effect of boys bullying other a free pass simply based off of boys, the major problem of it is learning that their actions their gender. can be rationalized by using that it gives an excuse for the gender as an excuse, then sexual assault and harassment of we are creating a society without boundaries. women, which is not acceptable at all.

According to Oxford Dictionary, the phrase Men cannot be given a free pass for being rough “boys will be boys” is defined as “a phrase used or disrespectful towards a woman just because it is to express the view that ill-behaved or irrespon- their “nature.” Men aren’t born like this. They are sible behavior is typical of boys or young men taught, through a seemingly harmless phrase, that and should not cause surprise when it occurs.” wrong behavior is justified because of their gender.

It dismisses unacceptable behavior, and that is Are girls supposed to just brush off a catcall or a not okay. For those who don’t mind the phrase, sexual advance just because “that’s what boys do?” imagine if roles were reversed. Think about The bottom line is, boys should be held responthis perspective. What if the saying “girls will sible for their actions, just like girls are, with no be girls” was something that people said. Girls phrase necessary.

Staff vote: 20-4

Helpless homework checks For a class like math, teachers have considpaper, not reading any of the actual work. Anything erable liberties as to whether or not homework can be written to pass a homework completion is counted for a grade. Some teachers check in grade. This strategy does not benefit students and homework every day for accuracy and points, only wastes class time. others check in homework for completion and Careers will not have “homework”. Instead, some don’t even look whether homework is people do what they have to do to be successful at completed at all. So why is there inconsistency their job. College professors know this, and know that even if students complete homework properly, of assignment-checking among teachers?

Here is the reality: they still may not understand the Our position: LT Teachers material. Or, they may understand colleges do not babysit their should not check in home- the material without having to do students. It should neither work because it wastes time, homework. be a high school teacher’s does not reflect a student’s A simple solution is to let responsibility to check in homework, nor the student’s ability, and does not apply to students find what works best for the work world. fault for not completing one them. Maybe doing worksheets page of problems. In the end, and pretending that they will be homework inevitably inflates grades and does graded will help, but something like making flashnot accurately reflect a student’s ability to learn. cards can be just as effective.

In college, professors do not even exploit Time is limited. Everyone has to be dedicated to homework unlike high school teachers. They as- studying so that they can make their minutes of the sign a project relevant to the class, and only give day count. Study and work habits are going to make out a few tests each semester. Although teachers the difference in how someone does in college, not the one assignment they forgot to turn in last in high school are trying to help students form habits to be successful, homework is tedious and period. does not reflect a student’s performance on tests.

Students should be busy doing the work, instead In some classes, teachers look at the length of a of doing busy work.

Staff vote: 18-6 C ontact

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sports Boys swim places second in IHSA state meet Friday, March 2, 2018

Page 10

Continued from Page 1

LT and New Trier had been each other’s top competitors the entire state meet with their scores and top swimmers battling back and forth. The final score would be decided by the last event, the 400 yard freestyle relay.

The four best swimmers typically make up the relay, team captain Spencer Walker ‘18 said. For LT, it was Henry Claesson ‘18, Frank McCarter ‘18, Jeffrey Vitek 18’ and Walker, all of whom were team captains this season. This was the exact same relay from a freshman invite four years ago, Walker said, and four years later, they were now representing LT one last time.

To beat New Trier and become state champions for the third year running, they would need to win the final race.

Though Claesson set a team record in the first leg, and the team broke their own school record with a 3:03.05, they fell short to New Trier by just over one second, and subsequently placed second overall at the IHSA state meet.

“We knew we had a chance, that we could maybe pull off a three-peat,” Vitek said. “The odds were stacked against us, as we only had six swimmers and one diver. It was hard to accept, but we fought the hardest we could.”

In the 2016 and 2017 seasons, they had at least one swimmer per event in addition to their divers. Head varsity coach Scott Walker knew their numbers heading into Evanston would be a disadvantage, but he did not let it dishearten him, he said.

“Going into [the state meet] we had six guys, and that is not a lot,” Scott said. “But we had six great guys. I had a lot of confidence in what they could do, because their aura breathes confidence. I thought it was really cool that we had another opportunity to try and win another state title with six guys, and that’s been a dream. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other six.”

All qualified swimmers competed Feb. 23, and the top 12 from each event competed again Feb. 24. LT wanted to have as many swimmers in the top six as possible on Friday, Vitek said, because positions are locked after that. If a swimmer does not break top six in prelims, they cannot advance past seventh place in finals, regardless of their time.

“Friday is all business,” Vitek said. “It doesn’t matter about times, just place. It’s about who touches the wall first. That was our mentality, just touch the wall before the other guy.”

The 100 yard butterfly was “a critical point in the meet,” Scott said. In the preliminary heats, Vitek placed sixth and Claesson second, allowing both of them a spot in the finals heat. When Saturday rolled around, Vitek maintained his place and finished sixth overall, while Claesson rose up to tie for first place. When he touched the wall, “the pool absolutely exploded,” Spencer said.

Claesson tied with Michael Balcerak, a senior from St. Viator. The race was doubly exciting, since ties are a rare event in swimming as times are scored to the hundreth of a second.

“I felt loose; I was having fun,” Claesson said. “I just thought, this is my chance to really score some good points for the team. I was just going to try and get in there and race, and I knew it would just be a fun event.”

Claesson’s time of 48.60 marked LT’s first win of the meet, and it was a catalyst for the rest of the team, Vitek said.

Vitek swam in the same heat as Claesson, and finished just over a second after him, he said.

“When I finished my race, the first thing I saw was the number one by his name—I was so excited,” Vitek said. “I was so excited before I even saw how I did, and afterwards I just remember giving [Claesson] a huge hug.”

Just two events after Claesson’s win, Spencer defended his state title, and set the state record in the 100 yard backstroke.

He raced a grueling 1,700 yards over the course of the state meet, but despite this, he still managed to pull off a muchneed victory for LT. “I was expecting to [break the record], hoping to, but in the sport of swimming, there are a lot of surprises,” Spencer said. “You can’t guarantee anything. I had been under the time before, so beforehand I was just thinking to drop that sprint and hold on.”

The team placed in nine events besides Claesson and Spencer’s wins: individually, Claesson came in at ninth for the 200 yard freestyle; Michael Walsh ‘19 snuck in 12th

for the 50 yard freestyle; Sam Dillon ‘18 moved four places up to finish 22nd in diving; McCarter rose up three spots to place eighth in the 100 yard freestyle; Spencer finished in at fourth for the 500 yard freestyle; Walsh also placed fourth in the 100 yard breastroke.

Relays are especially important for the team’s overall score, as they are worth double the points of an individual event, Vitek said. Scott knew that LT’s relays were a strong advantage to the team, and in the end, 98 of LT’s 150.5 points came from their relay teams. Each relay event placed second overall, featuring Walker, Vitek, Claesson, and Jack Thorell ‘20 200 medley relay, Walsh, McCarter, Vitek and Claesson in the 200 yard freestyle relay, and the senior 400 yard freestyle relay of Claesson, McCarter, Vitek and Spencer.

All six swimmers qualified for automatic All-American status over the weekend, meaning that they are in the top one percent of swimmers across the nation.

“To have them all win that honor is something truly special,” Scott said.

“That meet was the best roller coaster ride you could ever be on,” Scott said. “The ups and downs, the twists and turns, the speed, the slowing down, all of it… it was fearful, it was joyous, and it was incredible.”

LT’s ultimate goal was to swim fast and put up a fight, Spencer said.

“We wanted to do it for more than ourselves,” Spencer said. “It was for our family, our friends, the seventy other guys on the team and the swimmers who’d come before us.”

They team’s chemistry is unconditional and unparallelled, Scott said. He has high hopes for next season’s batch of swimmers, but he has “drastically loved” coaching the seniors through LT swimming’s grand journey.

“From not scoring any points at the state meet, from being back to back champions, to then getting second, this experience has been incredible,” Vitek said. “We all gave it our all this weekend, emotionally and physically. I’m happy with how much we’ve improved, how much success we’ve had, and I really couldn’t be happier with everything we’ve accomplished.”

Boys, girls track readies for outdoor season Led by strong seniors, boys expect to contend for conference

by Harper Hill @harpss42

by Hayden Claesson @wizard_of_soz It was a hot day in late May at the IHSA girls’ track and field state finals. Renata Wingert ‘19 walked up to the starting blocks to lead off the 4x400-meter relay. When the gun sounded Wingert rocketed off the block and 400 meters later, passed the baton to Maggie Caplice ‘17. After three minutes and 55 seconds of running, Wingert saw her team finish second at state.

“It was wonderful to watch as you hand off the baton and get off the track and watch your whole team go,” Wingert said. “It was the best feeling to watch the last leg pass the team in second and cross the finish line.”

With the outdoor season beginning, girls track and field is looking to build on the success last season as well as the cross country team’s third place finish at state.

“I think now that the team has seen how well they can do in a competitive field I think they will have a lot of confidence and will be ready to go,” Sarah Barcelona ‘19 said.

This year the squad has a lot of expectations. The team placed 20th at state last season, with top performances out of Emma Fink ‘18 in the high jump, Sonia Slusarczyk ‘18 in the 100-meter hurdles and Emily Henkel ‘19 in the 3,200-meter as well as a second place finish in the 4x400-meter relay.

This year the team is looking to use upperclassmen experience to their advantage.

“I think the biggest thing is the confidence they have developed over the past

couple of years,” head coach Greg Frandsen said. “It always helps because you have to believe in yourself if you want to win.”

However confidence isn’t everything; the team puts in time during the offseason as well as practices every day in a very competitive atmosphere. Despite the team members looking to compete at the highest level, they still look to have fun whenever possible.

“Track is super hard and the workouts are killer and all the time we ask ourselves why are we here,” runner Lizzie Scotty ‘19 said. “Yet at the same time we are always laughing and having fun.”

With a new season comes new beginnings and the team holds lots of underclassmen talent such as Kate Dickman ‘21 and Mia Shcwarz ‘21. However last year the team graduated a big group of seniors, including Caplice who ran on the 4x400 meter relay last season. Last year’s seniors brought both a physical and emotional presence that will be hard to make up this year.“The seniors last year were the main leaders of the team,” Scotty said. “We didn’t have a lot of seniors my freshman year so the class that graduated last year ran the show for a long time.”

The team has already kicked off the season with a meet against Lake Zurich, Lake Park and Marist on Feb 10 with a winning score of 71 points. The team’s biggest meets include the York invite on March 3.

Correction from Issue 4, Jan. 27:

“

“

Renata Wingert ‘19 prepares for the 4x400-meter relay at an indoor meet at SC. (Devine/LION)

After graduating large numbers, girls prepare to follow in state success from 2017 season

After a strong outdoor season last year, ners, which gives LT an advantage, Taylor capped off with an eighth place finish at said. Three legs of the 4x400 meter relay are state, the boys track team is training hard returning, including Ben Cranny ‘18, Grifonce again. The team members hope to fin Vizgirda ‘18 and Xavier Armand ‘19. take first in indoor conference and condi“A lot of us already have a tight bond tion themselves for the competitive outdoor and know how we run, so we know what season in March. we need to work on,” Armand said. “When “We return a good core of athletes that we’re practicing during indoor season we ran in state finals last year,” assistant coach have to critique each other a lot because Luke Taylor said. “[We are] trying to get that’s what will set us up for a good season.” them into form, so when they get outside The team has competed at three meets they are prepared for some more high cal- this indoor season. On Feb. 10, they raced iber meets down the in an Invitational Valroad.” entine Relay Meet at “When we’re practicing The coaches have Proviso West. The during indoor season, been emphasizing varsity 4x400 meter strength training and and 4x800 meter both we have to critique each conditioning, somesecond. On Feb. other a lot because that’s placed thing they have not 15, they finished first what will set us up for a focused on as much in in a home meet against the past at the start of a Plainfield and Benet. good season.” season, Taylor said. This In their most recent -Xavier Armand ‘19 will allow for a strong invitational meet on foundation going into Feb. 24 at Proviso outdoor season and help improve running West, they finished sixth. form.

“I think this team can surprise many “Last year we had a lot of good seniors people and really grow,” IHSA Cross Counthat graduated that meant a lot to the pro- try State champion Danny Kilrea ‘18 said. gram,” Taylor said. “They did a really good “We are not on anyone’s radar but have a job as far as leadership, and they were pretty talented group who can really accomplish talented. But we also have some upperclass- more and more as time passes and everyone men juniors and seniors that are doing a gets better.” good job right off the bat [this year].”

The boys’ next meet is at OPRF on March The team has many returning state run- 2 at 5 p.m.

Ben Cranny ‘18 anchors the 4x400-meter relay race at the Proviso West invite (Colin B Photo).

After receiving popular complaint, LION further looked into the validity of the boxing titles Antonio Perez ‘18 reported to win. After investigating, we can conclude that Perez most likely did not achieve the Silver Glove, Golden Glove, and junior national titles reported. We apologize for misleading our readers.

sports

Friday, March 2, 2018

Page 11

Poms succeeds at state meets Varisty team qualifies for IHSA state for first time in program history, wins Illinois Drill Team Association lyrical competition

by Mary Devine @marydwannab

Dating back to June 2017, the poms varsity girls were already preparing for their upcoming season. While everyone else was lounging around in the sun, the poms team was putting in hours of work for four consecutive days at their annual season kick off camp at Universal Dance Association at Wheaton College.

From then on, it was time to train, and the hard work paid off. On Jan. 20, LT advanced from the Mundelein sectional to IHSA state for the first time in poms history.

“There are no words I can use to describe the feeling,” varsity coach Mary Krosnjar said. “We were in awe and humbled by the opportunity.”

This season, the team did a few things differently. Each practice started with 30 minute high-intensity circuit training workout followed by stretching, Krosnjar said. This was implemented into their practices to help strengthen their endurance.

“We probably did the routine close to 1,000 times,” captain Linda Wilinski ‘18 said. “Dancing with people you love makes a huge difference in practice and on the court or field.”

The team grew closer as the season went on due to bonding activities like dinners, Soul Cycle in the city and pool parties, team member Emma Dahl ‘19 said. This then motivated them to work harder for each other.

“I think we all show leadership through our interaction with each other,” Dahl said.

“We all switch off giving corrections, raising spirits, and helping out other members of the team.”

First, the team had to make it past sectionals. Each poms team competes at their designated sectional, and only six teams advance to state, Krosjnar said. This was LT’s first time competing at state in Bloomington where the team finished in the top 25.

“Competing at state was like nothing we’ve ever done before,” Wilinski said.

“It was a whole new experience especially being with teams who go to state every year.

We felt like the underdogs in a sense but loved every second of it.”

On Feb. 11, the squad also placed first in the lyrical category and got the highest overall score in their division at the Illinois

Poms performs their IDTA first-place dance at the blackout basketball game. (Rossetti/LION)

Drill Team Association state competition.

The IDTA consists of 139 high school teams within Illinois, and LT brought home the results they hoped for.

“It was such a joy as a coach to watch them grow and get stronger with each day,” Krosjnar said. “This team truly had the desire to be successful and that is effectively what lead us to our seasons successes.”

Yet, even though their season has been coming to an end, the achievements they earned has shaped a completely new mentality for next year.

“My fellow juniors and I have decided that next year we are going to work just as hard if not harder,” Dahl said. “We want a team with the same drive, attitude and sense of family.”

Boys gymnastics trains for strong comeback

New coaching staff takes on season, hopes to return to state meet, contend for title; seniors develop skills, grow into leaders

by Mary Okkema @Mary_Okkema

LT boys’ varsity gymnasts left it all on the floor last year at the state meet, where they fought hard after winning in Sectionals. The Lions ended up placing second in state at Hinsdale Central, just 0.2 points behind Glenbard West, making 2017 the closest state meet in the 67 year history of IHSA boys’ gymnastics. This year, they’re back for redemption.

“We have unfinished business,” Varsity Head Coach Sam Zeman said. “We have a strong, disciplined team that believe in themselves and are hungry to improve on last years’ finish.”

The start of the new season brought about a lot of changes for the gymnastic team, he said. They lost two strong competitors in Matthew Hurd ‘17 and Alex Janicki ‘17.

There have also been some major changes in the coaching staff. The new freshman coach is John Brandt ‘12, a former LT gymnast, and Don Raymond is the new JV coach.

The two returning coaches are Zeman and Assistant Varsity Coach Tom Huml.

“We lost a large part of our team from last year,” Sam Dillon ‘18 said. “The returning members of our team are just as ready as I am to take the season by storm, and that determination has everyone super hyped up for our compe-

Marty Lanigan ‘20 mounts a handstand during a practice routine on the bars. (Tuisl/LION)

tition season.”

One of the main goals going into this season is to fine tune technique in their varsity members, a key example being the improvement of difficulty levels of the dismounts, Zeman said. The higher the difficulty level of the dis-

mount, the more points a gymnast will score on the routine.

“Gymnastics is such a difficult sport,” Zeman said. “Everyday I ask them to scare themselves, face their fears, accept some pain and keep going—and they do it. You have to respect that. It’s an honor to work with these athletes as they maintain a strong discipline and a hardcore work ethic.

That’s why we ranked so high last year.”

Many of the gymnasts have been training during the off season, Reno Sarussi ‘18 said. They go to a gym to maintain the strength they need to perform their routines. During the season they practice Monday through Friday 3:35 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

“I like being able to see the improvements [I] make [by] going in and working out, and seeing everyday that you are getting closer to perfecting a skill or your routine,” Sarussi said. “It’s motivating and a cool experience” Although seniors may lead the team this year, there are high expectations for the next four years due to a large freshman class.

“We are looking forward to strong additions to the team this year from freshmen,” Zeman said.

The team kicks off their season with the sophomore and varsity Hinsdale Central Invitational today, March 2.

by Grace DeKoker @grace_dekoker

The sun beat down at the IHSA track and field state meet last May, as sprinter and hurdler Sonia Slusarczyk ‘18 warmed up. She took off her LT headband—a longheld superstition—before competing in the 4x400 meter relay. The whole race was a blur, she said, but what she can remember is her teammate crossing the finish line in second place, and her whole team rushing to hug one another.

“We knew they could be very good; we knew they were among some of the best relay teams in the state,” head girls’ track coach Greg Frandsen said. “It’s always a matter of pushing yourself to the limit and not to be afraid to hurt during the race. Sonia ran great to maintain our position… it’s always exciting, to see the team cross the finish line, and to come out on top is even better.”

At the state meet in Springfield, Slusarczyk also competed in the 4x100 meter relay, followed by 100 meter hurdles, then 300 meter hurdles and she finished the state meet with the 4x400 meter relay. Her personal success has been critical to helping the team score overall, Frandsen said.

“It was the best because it felt like all that work we’d put in had really paid off,” Slusarczyk said. “My coach always makes fun of me for not smiling at meets, and I just remember my smile was stuck on my face [that day].”

On top of being a two-time state medal-

list, Slusarczyk has recently committed to From that point on, Slusarczyk has University of Miami at Ohio to run track poured her focus into running, she said. and continue hurdling.

In the fall, she runs on cross country “I’m so excited, I really like the coach to stay in shape, but track events and and think we can work well together,” sprinting are her standard domain. she said. “I spent the night with the Hurdling is a niche event in team and I absolutely loved all of track, and Sluthem. I can’t wait to race for them sarczyk has to next year.” train very speSlusarczyk was not always star cifically to see hurdler though, her freshimprovement, man year she competed Frandsen said. on the girls’ gymnasIn the indoor tics team, and iniseason, the only tially ran sprints event for huron the track dlers is the 55 team because meter, while she joined later the outdoor in the season, she high school season said. Her hard work offers 100 meter and combined with talent 300 meter, Slusarczyk landed her a spot on the Sonia Slusarczyk ‘18 said. state team that year, even jumps over a hurdle “It takes time to learn though she actually had during a race for her club form and technique, and little interest in hurdles team. (Slusarczyk) you’re always trying to refine until she competed with that technique,” Frandsen a travel team that following summer, she s a i d .

“The timing is so hard to persaid. fect, you have to hold and maintain form “[My coach] asked me to try it, and it was around the hurdles.” a little rocky, but it improved,” she said. “It Slusarczyk leads the team in more than takes a lot of coordination, but when I came just points though—she is a leader both on back to high school season, he had me hur- and off the track, teammate Lizzie Scotty dling right away.”

‘19 said.

“She leads us in workouts, she’s always in the front, setting a pace,” Scotty said. “She also is a great example to the entire team.

I know so many people, including myself, look up to her, and she is always looking out for us.”

Slusarczyk trains year round, and runs for Chicagoland Zephyr’s Track Club in the summer. Frandsen is her coach there as well, and through him she has seen the most improvement, she said.

“He’s fixed so much of my running form, from a practical point,” she said. “He juggles so much, but you still get attention from him. You know that he really cares about you, which is really nice.”

Coaching Slusarczyk both during her high school season and in off-season training is a unique experience, Frandsen said.

He has the opportunity to give her more feedback, and by working with her closely, build her confidence in her events.

Frandsen has high hopes for Slusarczyk final season, he said. She is set apart by her high intensity, he said, and a constant drive to be better.

“Her strength as an athlete is unbelievable,” Scotty said. “She’s indestructible.

Sonia never fails to meet and beat the times [Frandsen] wants us to be hitting.”

Girls sophomore and varsity track and field competes next at the York High School Invitational on Saturday, March 3.

March Madness

Page 12

With selection Sunday only nine days away, we figured it was only right to devote Page 12 to the best tournament in sports. Here’s all you need to know about the 2018 NCAA tournament.

2018 Tournament Sites

Past Cinderella Stories 2012-13 Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU): The Eagles busted many brackets in 2013 by knocking off twoseeded Georgetown as they became the first ever 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16.

2010-11 Virginia Commonwealth (VCU): Shaka Smart’s VCU Rams and their disruptive defense led them all the way to the Final Four as a six seed. By doing so, the Rams became the only team to date to go from the First Four to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament.

2010-11 Butler: As an eight seed in 2011, the Bulldogs upset their way to the National Championship, where they ended up coming short for the second straight year. Their run was highlighted by a 71-70 upset over one-seeded Pittsburgh in the Round of 32.

2007-08 Davidson: Stephen Curry may be a household basketball name now, but he wasn’t before March of 2008. His 32 points per game in the 2008 NCAA tournament led the 10-seeded Wildcats to the Elite Eight with wins over Gonzaga, Georgetown and Wisconsin.

This is the fourth time in tournament history that San Antonio has hosted the Final Four (1998, 2004, 2008 and 2018).

Personal Predictions Need some help judging the teams that are expected to make the 2018 NCAA tournament? Read our staff and faculty predictions below on expected NCAA tournament dark horse teams, overrated teams and players to watch.

Luke Lusson Sports Editor

Champion: Villanova. Like every

highly-ranked team, Villanova has certainly hit bumps in the road this season and has lost some bad games. However, they’ve beaten some top-notch teams handedly, such as Xavier (twice) and Gonzaga. Villanova is a well-rounded squad that checks all the boxes for a national championship-caliber team and the one-two punch of Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges will be pivotal in a deep March run.

Dark Horse Team: Florida.

Overrated Team: Virginia.

Player to Watch: Johnathan Williams, Gonzaga. Much like his Gonzaga team, Williams plays in the shadows of more talked about big men like Marvin Bagley Jr. and DeAndre Ayton. Williams, a 6-foot-9 forward, posts an impressive stat line of 13.6 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game and 1.1 blocks per game and his versatility makes him a tough matchup for opposing big men. Look out for this lefty forward and his Gonzaga team when the tournament begins.

Here are the results of LION Newspaper’s Twitter poll, where 127 people voted on who will win the title.

Mikaela Larson Sports Editor Champion: Virginia.

Dark Horse Team: Michi-

gan. The Wolverines have bounced in and out of the top-25 rankings throughout the season but have met their stride in this later half.

Although they’ve lost to North Carolina and Purdue, they held their own in both games losing one of their two games to Purdue by only one point. With German giant Mo Wagner at the helm, expect Michigan to bust some brackets on their way to the Elite Eight.

Overrated Team: Purdue. With losses to teams like Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State, they won’t be winning the Big Ten tournament, and certainly not the national championship. If Purdue makes it to the Sweet 16, I will be surprised considering they average 10.8 turnovers per game and do not have that much depth to their bench.

Player to Watch: Lonnie Walker IV, Miami.

Grant Campbell News Editor Champion: Kansas.

Dark Horse Team: Michigan.

Overrated Team: Cincinnati. Who

would’ve ever imagined that the Bearcats would be incredibly high in the national rankings this year.

But, there’s one thing that I have to ask the AP poll, how can you rank a team in the top five nationally without a SINGLE win over a ranked opponent? The quality of wins should be a factor when deciding on the top five teams in the nation, and Cincinnati has NONE. Their only three matchups against ranked teams (Xavier, Florida and Wichita State) all resulted in losses.

The second this team faces better competition in the tournament, I believe they will lose.

Player to Watch: Collin Sexton, Alabama. Sexton is living in the shadow of Trae Young and that won’t change heading into March Madness. You may remember last year when the coveted match-up between Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox occurred in the Sweet 16.

I look at the Trae Young-Collin Sexton relationship the same way. Two talented guards with one receiving all the glory and the other playing with anger. Sexton, to me, is the more explosive guard. His ability to shoot is questionable, but he is the fastest guard college basketball has seen in a long time.

Add his finishing ability around the rim and active hands on defense, and I guarantee he single-handedly leads Alabama past the round of 32.

Chris Cabaj Asst. Athletic Director Champion: Michigan State. Easy one here, hard to bet against Tom Izzo and the Spartans. Michigan State might not win the Big Ten tournament, but they will get it done for Izzo’s second national championship. Just too much firepower and they have consistently gotten better over the year as expected. No repeats of Middle Tennessee State this year… Eat your hearts out Ann Arbor, the hardware is in East Lansing.

GO GREEN! Dark Horse Team: Texas Tech and Loyola Chicago. If Loyola Chicago makes it (sadly they will have to win the Valley to get in, even though they deserve an at large!), I pick them to make it to the Sweet 16.

But as far as winning the whole thing, Texas Tech. They are a sleeper because they haven’t done it yet. But this team is good, even after losing to Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Overrated Team: Wichita State and Gonzaga.

Player to Watch: Keenan Evans, Texas Tech.

Think you have the most college basketball knowledge at LT? Show off your bracket skills and join the Lion Newspaper’s bracket challenge on espn.com! Follow us on social media (@LTLionNewspaper) for more details on how to join the pool as the NCAA tournament approaches.

Friday, March 2, 2018

BringOnThe Madness

It’s finally here, basketball fans. The single most entertaining month in the world of sports: March.

There’s so many Luke Lusson factors that play into making March Madness one of the best, if not the best sporting event in the world.

Whether it’s the abundance of games, the bracket pools or the Cinderella story teams, there seems to be at least one thing about the Big Dance that we each love.

I love everything about March. But, what amazes me most is the continuous unpredictability of the tournament. We assume that higher seeded teams will run all over no-name schools, yet history says that’s not always the case. Thinking long and hard about these upsets leads me to a unique aspect of the NCAA tournament that most people forget about: its unknown aspect.

The reason almost all of us wrongly scribbled down Michigan State to beat Middle Tennessee in 2016 is because we didn’t know the first thing about Middle Tennessee’s basketball team. We knew - or assumed - that two-seeded Michigan State was a good team, but no one had either seen or heard of a team like Middle Tennessee and its star players Reggie Upshaw Jr. and Giddy Potts.

In other words, there’s unchartered territory when it comes to predicting the NCAA tournament. There may be teams and players each year that have huge capability, but we know nothing about them. Take Stephen Curry at Davidson, for example, or Gordon Hayward at Butler, or even C.J. McCollum at Lehigh.

The list goes on and on.

This characteristic of the NCAA tournament distinguishes it from other postseasons in sports. We know about the identity and rosters of eighth-seeded teams in the NBA, or Wild Card teams in the NFL like this year’s Jacksonville Jaguars. This knowledge gives us a clearer picture of what may unfold in these sports and their postseason. This to me, at least partially, explains why March brings along so much madness.

When it comes to this year, I think the national championship is completely up for grabs. There’s not one team that looks to be significantly better than the rest, or one team that everyone seems to be penciling in as their champion for their bracket. In fact, for the first time since the 1948-49 season, not one program entered the month of January unbeaten. That tells me that this year is completely wide open.

Sure, there’s a solid chance that this year’s national champion will be one of today’s top-ranked teams, but it could also be a team that no one has even brought up in the conversation. What it may come down to more than anything else is what teams are playing their best brand of basketball at this critical point in the season.

In a season like this, with no true number one team, it becomes tough to distinguish between the contenders and pretenders. When looking at the schools in the rankings, I see lots of teams that have boom or bust potential come tournament time. I know this sounds cliché, but hear it out.

There’s Duke, the fifth ranked team in the country, who has beaten top teams like Michigan State and Clemson, yet has also lost to Boston College and St. John’s.

There’s sixth ranked Kansas, who has beaten West Virginia and Texas Tech, yet has dropped home games to Washington and Oklahoma State. Even Virginia and Villanova, two top five teams, have suffered tough home losses (Virginia Tech and St. John’s). In essence, there’s many teams this year that have a mix of quality wins with bad losses, making it tough to predict who’s for real and who’s not.

I won’t be surprised to see these teams make Final Four runs, but early round aren’t out of the picture either.

Based on this, I see all signs pointing towards a large number of upsets coming this year. Predicting which ones will be the tough part, but I think there should be some serious fireworks in this year’s edition of the NCAA tournament. Buckle up: it’s March.

EN OU GH

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Page 14

SAFETY

Friday, March 2, 2018

Volume 108, Issue 5

Page 15

Sixteen days after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, high schools across the nation are still in shock. School is a place for all of us to learn, collaborate and grow. These killings have gone on for too long; we owe it to not only us, but the students to come, to create change. Enough is enough.

Let’s paint a new future.

Loaded terror

Since 1999, when tragedy struck Columbine High School in Colorado, there has been a substantial increase in school shootings in high schools and colleges. Take a look at some of the deadliest school shootings in the recent years.

April 20, 1999 Columbine High School, Colorado 13 dead

March 21, 2005 Red Lake High School, Minnesota 7 dead

April 16, 2007 West Virginia Tech, Virginia 32 dead

Febuary 14, 2008 Northern Illinois University, Illinois 6 dead

December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut 27 dead

April 2, 2012 Oikos University, California 7 dead

June 7, 2013 Santa Monica College, California 5 dead

October 1, 2015 Umpqua Community College, Oregon 9 dead

Febuary 14, 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida 17 dead

Compiled by Christina Rossetti Sources: Ny Daily News, ABC News, Newsweek, CNN, The Atlantic, LA Times

LT reflection: Are we safe?

“The hardest part to understand was kids killing kids.”

As school shootings continue to rise at tragic rate, mental health, security, gun laws become crucial topic of conversation within LT

by Lindsey Hauch @lhauch20

“It is the type of place where you can leave your car unlocked overnight and think it’s fine,” Gabby Topper ‘20 said.

Initially, does your mind jump to LaGrange or Western Springs? The LT community? Or how about Parkland, Fla. — the town where the deadliest school shooting in five years took place?

Topper describes the moment she discovered Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the newly renovated, gated high school just five minutes from her former high school, lost 17 students on Feb. 14. Along with disbelief and anger, she felt extreme surprise.

“Never would I guess something like this would happen,” Topper said. “I’ve been in the school before for sporting events and I would never feel unsafe there. Everyone was so shocked.”

A Lion Newspaper survey of 354 students indicated 93 percent felt always or mostly safe at LT. The benefit of attending a high school in a safe community, with supportive faculty, is a gift, but one that cannot be taken for granted.

“I’ve been told we have a nice area here,” Student Assistant Yolanda Rodriguez said. “Yeah, you do! But it doesn’t have to be a poor person, or someone from the city. If someone just snaps, that’s it. And if doors are open and you can just walk in, that makes it so convenient.”

Exit 5, 7, 8 and the field house doors at NC are open around 6 a.m. every morning, Rodriguez said.

“I walk into [North Campus] every morning about 6:15 in the morning, just walk right in,” Rodriguez said. “That’s scary. I walk up those stairs and my heart is beating a little faster every time I do. When I first started here, I would not know what to expect when going up the stairs. Now I’m kind of used to it, but in light of everything going on, I’m back to being sacred again. I don’t know why the doors are open.

Anyone can walk in.”

Rodriguez suggests implementing keycards for all students and staff to use to enter the building, a plan she deems necessary considering recent events.

“If you’re not a student here and you don’t have a keycard, you can’t come in the building,” Rodriguez said. “That is the most important thing to me. These doors need to be locked.”

In addition to the key card supplement, Rodriguez recommends reconstructing exit 5, the bell tower doors, to emulate SC. In 2015, SC underwent a large-scale construction project that allowed for a secure entrance to the building. To move the main office to the bell tower and have the power to buzz people in can be important for safety precautions, Rodriquez said.

“We never feel like we are done with security, it’s always something we have to update and reflect upon to make sure we are providing a safe learning environment,” Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. “We

-Columbine Shooting survivor

work closely with our local police and fire agencies to constantly update our emergency response plans every year.”

With no current plans in place to make major construction changes to the NC entrance, Waterman instead focuses on the school’s greatest security measure: the attention to mental health.

“Our number one defense is the relationship our adults have with our students,” Waterman said. “I think school shootings, really shootings in general, come down to mental health issues, and the support and relationships that we can provide to students are critical in that effort. We have to have the security measures in place and we have to make sure our school is supporting our students from a mental health aspect. You can’t have one without the other.”

Beyond mental health, another prominent feeling of safety at LT is the knowledge of having full-time Police Officer AJ Hull at SC. NC has a designated police officer come every Thursday, but not full-time like SC. “I feel a little safer because we have more security guards here,” Topper said. “There’s a police officer on campus and if anything were to happen, we have someone here now. A lot of Stoneman Douglas’s problem was getting people there to stop the situation. The Coast Guard in the area were helicoptering over just to get people there as fast as they could. We already have someone on campus that can help [resolve] a situation like that.”

While the presence of police can be comforting in the midst of a tense school environment, nationwide conversation has now turned to the idea of arming teachers and, more broadly, the concept of gun control. Lion polls state that 36 percent of respondents believe they would feel safer at LT if teachers were armed. Sixty-four percent believe the government does not impose enough gun regulations. Regardless of your opinion on gun control, it is clear that the trauma of a school shooting is terrifying. Topper recalls the experience of her friend, a senior at Stoneman Douglas.

“Bullets were flying off laptops, she saw people get shot,” Topper said.

“People were frozen and not really moving, but she was trying to hide people under desks. They have practiced what to do but when it actually happens, all bets are off. You hear about school shootings and gun control but then it happens in your ecosystem and you think ‘this is an issue’.”

Although school security and gun control can be emotional and difficult topics, they directly impact our futures as students, educators and community members. While there is debate over our rights as Americans and individuals, the right to earn an education, a freedom students elsewhere do not share, is vital. To walk into an institution of learning, whether as a student or faculty member, and not feel afraid for your life, is a privilege currently in jeopardy. LT joins the nation and arguably the entire world as we work towards the goal of ensuring our school is a safe haven, where learning — rather than fear — is the collective focus.

“We are here... were not stopping until something changes.”

-Tanzil Philip , Parkland Shooting survivor

“I don’t think that anyone should deny you your voice because you are young.”

-Dana Loesch, NRA Spokeswoman

“This is not difficult. These deaths are preventable.”

-Nicole Marie (Moretti) , Mother of Sandy Hook victim

“It brought the nation to its knees, but now that we have gotten back up how have things changed; what have we learned?”

-Columbine Shooting survivor

Lion surveyed 354 students regarding school safety and gun control.

Do you feel safe at LT?

Sometimes

6%

Mostly

46%

Never

1%

Always

47%

The government imposes:

Appropriate amount of gun regulations

25%

Too many gun regulations

11%

Not enough gun regulations

64%

Would you feel safer in school if there was armed protection on campus?

Yes

No 36% 64%

Holstering gun violence Maddy would never touch a gun; Brandt enjoys spending an hour at the range.

Us two have dramatically opposed positions on gun control, but in this honest reflection on the role of guns in America, we have created an essay about guns and safety. There is common ground on the gun issue, and, after thoughtful conversations, we know where we agree. While we cannot change America on our own, senseless gun tragedies must end, and this is our blueprint to begin to attack it.

by Brandt Siegfried and Maddy Cohen @brandto13 and @maddyc700

Gun ownership While we disagree on the scope and specifications for gun ownership, we both understand that gun ownership is something that many American families value. Sport shooting, self defense and hunting (within reason) are justified reasons to own a gun. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but those with mental illness should not be allowed to own a firearm.

It is imperative that gun owners are responsible, and take measures to adequately secure their weapons. Too often, children and teens are injured because their parents fail to properly store their guns. Safes, trigger locks and lockable gun cases are all methods that should be used based upon the needs of the individual, and guns should not be stored loaded.

Furthermore, increased education on firearms is vital in preventing tragedies. Community outreach events such as the National Rifle Association’s Eddie Eagle Program offer an imperative lesson for kids: stop, don’t touch, runaway, tell a grown up. Our children should be taught these steps to respect firearms from an early age so that they know what to do in the event that they would ever discover an unsecured gun.

Enforcement of laws Specific gun laws are an area of contention between us, but we hold that existing gun laws must be enforced better. The United States recognizes the rule of law, which means that existing laws must be enforced until they are changed or repealed. Administrative errors and lackluster implementation have failed every victim of school shootings.

The shooter at the Nov. 5 First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, was able to carry out his rampage because of an Air Force clerical error. As a service member, he had military convictions

“[The children] deserve to be safe, and we will deliver!”

-Donald Trump, President of the United States.

for domestic violence on his record. That conviction should have prevented him from buying guns under current law, but the proper form was never filled out. Twenty-six Americans lost their lives as a result. We believe gun violence would be reduced if our current laws were fully enforced.

School safety Unfortunately, in light of recent tragedies, the most important aspect for LT is school safety. The entry procedures at NC give us a sense of independence; however, with the state of our current society, more serious precautions need to be taken. Security appears to be light, and we question the ability of those entrusted to protect us to take action in the event of a live shooter situation.

The LT administration should continue to work with local police and emergency management organizations to develop plans to handle such an event. We think that LT should consider adding additional security personnel, such as a full-time Student Resource Officer at NC or designated armed security officers at both campuses.

Mental health is also an important issue for students. You should be aware of your own mental health, and pay attention to the health of others.

LT has a plethora of mental health services for students seeking help. Not only does each student have their own counselor, but each grade has a social worker dedicated to the mental health and well-being of all LT students. All students should feel welcome to discuss their concerns with a trusted adult, friend or teacher.

Not a partisan issue Gun control is a controversial topic that causes strict divisions between those across the political spectrum. Regardless, this should not be a partisan issue; we are witnessing the slaughter of hundreds of people in the places they feel most safe. Compromise is necessary to make school a place that fosters learning, not fear. For the sake of the millions who interact with our nation’s schools every day, we need change.

“We cannot protect our guns before we protect our children.”

-Florence Yared, Parkland Shooting survivor

“To see young people come together around the whole issue of gun safety is just inspirational to me because it has happened before. Laws were passed because of young people.”

-Carol Moseley Braun, Former Illinois Senator

Oscars

Page 16

Friday, March 2, 2018

With the Academy Awards on March 4, LION has compiled all of the movies nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. The nine movies are presented below with their basic plot, main actors, a fun fact and Rotten Tomato scores. me r Na

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Me Call

Get Out

Basic Plot: Thriller following an African-American man who is visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend.

Main Actors/Actresses: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams Fun Fact: The entire movie was filmed in 23 days.

Rotten Tomato Score: 99%

Phant

compiled by Maddy Cohen, Greta Markey and Pilar Valdes

Darkest Hour Basic Plot: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill struggles to make decisions about Nazi Germany before WWII. Main Actors/Actresses: Gary Oldman, Lily James Fun Fact: Oldman spent over 200 hours to transform into a 65-year-old Churchill.

Rotten Tomato Score: 86%

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Basic Plot: After a murder goes unsolved, the mother of the victim attempts to take the matter into her own hands.

Main Actors/Actresses: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson Fun Fact: Sam Rockwell wore padding to make his character appear chubbier.

Rotten Tomato Score: 93%

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Score: 9 1%

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Lady Bird Basic Plot: “LadyBird” faces a strained relationship with her mother during her senior year of high school.

Main Actors/Actresses: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf Fun Fact: Held the record for the most “fresh” reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomato Score: 99%

irk

Dunk

The Post Basic Plot: The Washington Post must decide whether or not to defy the U.S. government to release the truth to the public.

Main Actors/Actresses: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks Fun Fact: President Nixon scenes use his real voice from the White House Tapes.

Rotten Tomato Score: 88%

iers II sold erman W W d

by G llie lows A surrounded l o F : t ile Plo Basic a beach wh n o nn k c stu es: Fio . ctress nard armies A / s r o Act Bon Main ad, Damien nally e h e r origi mprovised. t i o t c e Wh r i ei ed lm to b act: Th Fun F the entire fi d % wante ore: 92 ato Sc m o T Rotten

Type of Pet: Cat Want your pet to be featured in the LION? Send a photo of Age: 4 months old your pet with a short bio to Weight: 4 Pounds coh503730@student.lths.net Owner: Mac Most ‘18 or kae503519@student.lths. net for a chance to win.

Hobbies: Enjoys dribbling a tiny basketball Fun Fact: Can’t speak, actually is mute Editor’s Rate: 12/10 would pet if not allergic

compiled by Sydney Kaehler and Maddy Cohen

North Campus



100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525



South Campus



4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558

Page 18

THE LEAGUE

Friday, March 2, 2018

Why we love the game we play I can still vividly remember the first time I stepped onto the court. Being a cautious freshman, it took some getting used-to. It wasn’t until my second practice when my coach told me something that helped me fall in love with the league: “just go out there and have fun.”

Grant Campbell Every team I had been a part of before church league had one goal in mind: winning. Don’t get me wrong, these recreational teams play to win and the competition level is incredible. But the greatest part of the organization is how much the players enjoy themselves while maintaining the competitive spirit of young adults. I embrace every second because of how much it means to me to get an opportunity to play.

The amount of work that youth ministers and coaches put into organizing and running the league is absurd: drafting players, sacrificing week nights for practices and always thinking of ways to improve the league. On top of that, they do a great job of tying the league to its purpose: religion.

Keeping high school students engaged with religion is difficult, but parents do a great job of incorporating religion without going over the top. Players aren’t forced to express their beliefs, which helps them stay attached to their team and comfortable with each other. One thing that my church enforces is service. Each St. John of the Cross team is required to complete a service project; this, in my opinion, is more enjoyable than reading a Bible or other acts of faith that may seem dull to young adults.

It may be hard to believe that so many teenagers willingly sacrifice their Saturday nights for a recreational game, but there are plenty of reasons to explain why that happens.

The first reason is how the participants embrace every second of the season. Each team is required to distribute playing time equally among players, which gives all levels of talent a chance to experience the greatness of the game. It may be some players first time touching a basketball, while others have played their whole lives.

Off the court, players dish out respectful trash-talk in person, but also on social media.

For the three-month season, Twitter is flooded with predictions for each game, player rankings and hilarious polls for everyone to enjoy. There are even social media accounts for teams run by players updating the world on the results of their games. The connectivity of social media to the league’s players consistently attracts attention and further spurs our interest.

While there are certainly infinite amazing things that represent church league, there are some situations where the league lacks its stellar reputation.

Competitive spirit is always a fantastic benefit of our intense games; but sometimes competitiveness turns to frustration, aggression and desperation. Every team has a game when shots aren’t falling or they’re being outhustled. Instead of stepping up their level of play, they resort to playing reckless.

One game, my team was losing by 15 points, and the opposing team stole the ball.

Instead of playing legitimate defense on our opponent, my teammate extended his arms and shoved a player while he attempted a fast break layup. He flew three feet in the air and had to get helped off the floor. Immediately, my teammate was ejected with a flagrant two foul and showed no regret. Teams will experience a difficult matchup like the one we faced, but I hope that the league can improve on playing more responsibly and safely.

One of the more debated changes to this season are the new players entering the league. Many players who competed on the LT, Fenwick and other local high school basketball teams last year decided to join church league instead of continuing their endeavors with their affiliated high school teams. Don’t get me wrong, I completely support anyone who wishes to join the league, and I welcome them with open arms; however, some players were initially frustrated when varsity level players entered the recreational league.

“I was originally upset because the point of church league is to allow students who couldn’t play for their high school to have an opportunity to play basketball,” James Ramikorne ‘18 said. “But at the same time, it’s flattering to think that players are joining

Continued on page 20

Volume 108, Issue 5

Feel free to make predictions with a pen or pencil on this page! Send a picture of your completed bracket by this Sunday to cam503948@student.lths.net for your chance at a prize! Winner will be announced after the championship game.

(1) SJC Purple (16) St. Marys Sr.

(3) St. Cletus Senior

Page 19

(19) St. Isaacs Sr. (14) SJC Navy

(17) SFX Dillon

(22) SFX O’Malley (8) SJC Black

(24) SFX Cultra (25) St. Isaacs Jr.

(6) St. Cletus Farnan (11) Ascension

(9) SFX Expansion

(10) SFX Stenner

(5) FPCLG

(7) SJC Red

(12) St. Cletus Machaj (21) SJC Green

(27) St. Louise Jr.

(23) Congo Senior (26) St. Marys Jr.

(28) Methodist

(4) SFX Dunn

(2) St. Marys McDonough

(20) St. Louise Sr.

(15) SFX Cooley (18) SJC Orange

(13) Congo Jr.

#10: COngo senior Team Record:

2-8... But we never had high expectations for them.

Highlighted Player: Tyler Byrne (TByrne)

Team strength: Energy from players on the floor.

Team weakness: Mental

state after roughregular season.

#8: SFX Stenner Team Record: 5-4

Highlighted Player: Will Stenner

Team strength:

Piento’s shooting ability and Vytas on the drive.

Team weakness: Worst

Twitter account in league history.

Inconsistent and not worth anyones time.

#6: SJC Red

#4: SFX Dunn

Team Record:

Team Record:

Team Record:

5-4

5-4

5-4

Highlighted Player: Alex

Thiakos (the dollar store version of the Greek freak)

Team strength: Three-pointers.

Team weakness: Divide

between top players and role players. Benches win games.

Highlighted Player: Christian Van Tassel (CVT)

Team strength: High school basketball experience from multiple players.

Team weakness: Tough losses to begin the season but no talent issues.

#2: SFX Expansion Highlighted Player: Mac Most Team strength:

Size and athleticism from every player.

Team weakness: Too many

players from Nazareth Academy, not enough LT representation.

#3: FPCLG #1: SJC PURPLE

Team Record: 9-0 (the only unbeaten team in the league)

Highlighted Player: Cam Belden (CamyB)

Team strength: Best overall talent in the league.

Team weakness: A coach who will do anything to win.

ANYTHING. TO. WIN. THE. CHAMPIONSHIP.

#5: Cletus senior

#7: SJC Black

#9: Congo jr.

Team Record:

Team Record:

Team Record:

6-3

7-2

5-4

Highlighted Player: Sam

Highlighted Player: Lucas

Highlighted Player: Garrett

Highlighted Player: Michael

Hinshaw (Ginshy)

Mohler

Team strength:

Team strength:

Team strength:

Team strength:

Deboer (Debo) Getting hot from deep

Team weakness: No bodies

to get the boards.

Their bigs need some milk.

Herbeck (Herby) Depth in the backcourt who gets good looks from deep.

Team weakness: One of the largest rosters in the league.

Powerful frontcourt.

Team weakness: Ginshy loves to knock down smaller players and gets called for charges.

Team Record: 6-3

Easy regular season schedule. Records don’t mean anything when February ends.

Team weakness: Being an

all-junior team in a league of big dawg seniors.

The League

Page 20

Campbell’s Column Continued from page 16 [church league] instead of their high school team because it shows how much fun our league is and how strong our reputation is.”

It’s clear that we always want to play wherever we feel most comfortable, regardless of what people think. Many church league athletes and I fully endorse this reasoning, and hope that church league increases its prominence in our community.

“I think they should have played for LT,” Garrett Hinshaw ’18 said. “But I don’t think they enjoyed playing [for LT and other schools] and wanted to have fun instead. They chose playing with their friends in a more laid-back league. Most of the guys that played last year who are in church league now weren’t planning on continuing their basketball careers in college, so they figured they would have fun and take their talents elsewhere.”

Regardless of the few dirty plays here and there and the expansion of the league, I will always live and breathe church league basketball for the reasons I stated earlier.

Foul calls will be missed and our shots may not go down, making it easy to lose sight of what’s important. But with a strong foundation of 52 teams who incorporate equal playing time and generate endless memories for four years, I am proud of where our recreational league is heading, but sad that my tenure as a player for St. Johns has come to an end.

We’re certainly not NBA superstars, but we play with the same spirit as them. Talent, size and experience doesn’t define a player. It’s the heart and swagger we play with that embodies the entire league and makes it such a beautiful thing for a teams’ players, coaches, fanbase and parish.

“

Friday, March 2, 2018

Kicking off the postseason

Everyone has their own church league story. Presented below are reactions and opinions from church league players themselves.

Girls church league is a lot different from guys church league. We like being annoying and distracting the other team. Congo’s eyes are on the prize because we strive to win. Of course, we start ‘beef,’ breaking ankles and all, but it’s in good fun. Guys have genuine fights, and tend to hold grudges once the games are over.

-Sydney Kaehler ‘18, CONGO

”

“ “

Church leage is probably the most competitive thing there is—next to hunting and gathering thousands of years ago when the stakes were life and death—as they are in church league.

-Adam McGahay ‘18, FPCLG

”

Girls’ church leauge is super competItive. We make sure to keep our mind on the game all year long. Once the season comes along we are stoked. We make sure to practice each week to keep our skills on point so we are ready to take on each game every weekend.

-Emma Kimble ‘19, CONGO

”

“ “

There was a game against SFX Colley, I wasn’t there for it, which is why we narrowly lost, and I think we were winning for about half to three quarters of it, but they just barely won it at the end. But if I was there it would’ve been a real W. But, I mean it’s alright. I’m past it.

-Alex Saacke ‘18 on playing for the worst team in the league (Methodist)

”

Favorite church league moment is when my team, when I was a sophomore, went to the championship game. We lost to a St. Francis team with a bunch of varsity basketball players, but we made it to the championship and that was pretty impressive.

-Grace Luxem ‘18, ST. Cletus

”

So far, this year’s church league season has certainly lived up to the hype. With exciting upsets like Congo Jr. beating SFX Expansion, intriguing matchups and topnotch players, it’s been Luke Lusson a fun ride. But, now’s the time when the men come to play: playoff time. Team records and standings mean nothing anymore; it’s win or go home.

For seniors, it’s one last chance to etch their names in church league history and add the most coveted title to their church league resumé. On the other hand, juniors have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong and make some noise in a senior-driven league.

In all my years playing church league, I can’t recall a season with this many good teams. Realistically, there are about five teams that have a legitimate chance of winning the championship, and that’s not always the case. In fact, it’s rarely the case. There’s usually one or two teams that you can point out and expect to win it all by the time playoffs roll around, but not this year.

It’s not due to a lack of loaded talent at the top, but the exact opposite. SJC Purple, St. Mary’s McDonough, SFX Expansion, FPCLG and SFX Dunn are all teams that have the ability to win it all.

And teams like St. Cletus Senior, SJC Red and SFX Stenner have the potential to make deep playoff runs of their own and maybe even win it all. With talent in church league at an all-time high, there are so many possible scenarios in this year’s playoff bracket.

Aside from a few first round games, there really won’t be many pushover matchups for even the top-seeded teams. One or more of these top teams may be making early exits and that’s not entirely their fault. Numerous sleeper teams, such as Congo Jr., could emerge and knock off some powerhouses.

Regardless of what happens, I expect the finish to the 2017-18 church league season to be as epic as it always is. With so many well-rounded teams from top to bottom, this year’s playoffs certainly won’t fail to entertain.

LEAGUE SMACK-TALK Senior editors Grant Campbell and Luke Lusson have compiled their favorite tweets in this box just for you.

You may or may not agree with our choices, but we picked the most appropriate ones to share. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

6

SC Church League @SC_ChurchLeague

0

Shoutout to @alexkap11 for breaking his nose halfway through the second half and @jonah_o123 for making his first basket of many this season improving to a whopping 6% from the field this season #protectyourceilings

27

Church League News @Church_League

0

If you don’t sign with Big Baller Brand in 2k18... you should just leave Church League.

36

Garrett Hinshaw ‘18 @ghinshaw21

Barstool Church League @BarstoolCL

SJC Purple (9-0) @SJCPurple 9

1

8

0

0

Anxious to see how LT B-ball will do this year considering some of their starters wouldn’t even make the Church League top 15 list

14

Church League News @Church_League

Top 5 player Grarrett Hinshaw had a fabulous outing of 4 points, 3 air balls, and most importantly an L

0 Does your coach scrimmage and dominate a bunch of high schoolers? I don’t think so

Don’t sleep on Methodist. They have 7x the heart your team has.