Volume 108, Issue 7
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Vaulter wins state title Paperighlights
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Matthew O’Malley 19 places first in state for vault, assists 3rd place team by Hayden C aesson and Mary Okkema @w zard_o _soz and @mary_okkema
Look here for some quick reads on this issue s features
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ck ng o the vau t event at the IHSA gymnast cs state meet at Ho man Estates H gh Schoo on May 12 Matthew O Malley 19 ed the pack as the first person to per orm n the event n wh ch he posted a season-best score Then began the wa t The ent re team watched as the rest o the compet tors per ormed the r vau t As gymnast a ter gymnast went the team began to rea ze they were w tness ng someth ng spec a “We were not sure what was go ng to happen but he d d the best vau t I have ever seen h m do ” Reno Sarussi 18 sa d “We had to s t there and wa t wh e 11 other guys tr ed to beat h s score When the ast guy went and m ssed h s vau t we a went nuts ” On the second day o the state compet t on O Ma ey qua fied or the fina s w th a score o 9 15 putt ng h m n n nth p ace O Ma ey sto e the show on h s fina vau t by earn ng a score o 9 5 that won h m the state t t e “No one expected h m to ust take t and w n but he had done rea y we at sect ona s ” John Quinlan 19 sa d “He went up and threw h s vau t and t was pretty much per ect At first t was a gradua rea zat on that th s cou d actua y happen Matthew seemed to be n shock ” Less than two weeks nto the season O Ma ey part a y tore a gament n h s e t ank e and bru sed bones n the ba s o h s eet H s ank e n ury kept h m out o compet t on or three weeks When he was ab e to pract ce aga n he had to get back to the bas cs Sam Dillon 18 and the new vau t coach John Brandt were key p eces n O Ma ey s recovery “Gett ng hurt was rea y rough I was out or three weeks ” O Ma ey sa d “I Continued on page 10
Matthew O Ma ey s ands a as he s a e champ on n he vau competition O Ma ey
Page 3 It s Raku est not “raccoon est ” Page 3 c ears up a m sconcept ons Page 4 What can t Will Moran 18 do? F rst Mr LT and now h s own p ay See h s work on page 4 Page 6 Shame on you you m ssed “Incept on” by The Eurythm c Dance Company I you d dn t m ss t re ve some o the great moments w th photos rom the show on Page 6 Page 7 The month o May s a about the sen ors We re keep ng t that way Sen ors are dom nat ng the op n ons gr d on Page 7 Page 8 W th 50 states n our beat u country t may be hard to figure out where to ve when you h t the “rea wor d” Sure we re a h gh schoo sta but we have suggest ons or you on Page 8 Page 9 No one kes heart rate days But shou d we keep do ng them? Read our op n on on Page 9
AP announces Legacy wall brings hope, positivity retirement
Page 10 I you ook to your e t you see a state champ on was crowned See the rest o the story and how other sports a red n state compet t ons on Page 10
Therese Nelson plans to leave LT at end of year
Boystown wall travels nation, LT first high school to present it
by Harper Hill @harpss42
by Christina Rossetti @c_rossetti6 Boystown, a neighborhood in Chicago, received a new addition in 2012: a decorated wall in honor of gay advocates and famous LGBT people in American history. They called it “The Legacy Walk”. It features icons and figures like Frances Perkins, Sally Ride, Oscar Wilde, Keith Haring, Walt Whitman and so many more. “Finally there existed a place where the contributions of LGBT people from all over the world could be put on public display in the heart of an international city that had opened its arms to its LGBT sons and daughters,” according to the Legacy Walls website. From there, founder of the Legacy Walk Victor Salvo and his team have worked relentlessly to raise awareness for the LGBT community. In 2014, their idea came into view: create a moving Continued on page 2
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C Associate Principal Therese Nelson plans to retire at the end of the 2018 academic year, bringing an end to a successful and rewarding career in education. “I’m so proud to leave here knowing where education has evolved, and I think one of the important things for me, or for all of us, is that we continue to move forward,” Nelson said. Nelson first came to LT almost 20 years ago. She had been teaching physical education at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora when she learned of a job opening for an assistant principal at SC. “I called my mom up who went to Nazareth, and I knew that was in the area, and asked her if [LT] was a good school, and she said ‘Oh my gosh, you’ve got to apply,’” Nelson said. “After interviewing, it felt really comfortable. When I was offered the job, it was an automatic yes. The opportunity to be here was amazing.” Nelson held the position of SC assistant principal for her first six years, until she was promoted to associate principal for the following 13 years. Throughout her career, Nelson has been one of the most important and recognizable faces at SC, Principal Brian Waterman said. “She absolutely loves this place,” Waterman said. “She loves the individual relationships she has with students. She’s so welcoming to families and students. When they come in and they think about this ‘big bad place’ that LT can seem like from the outside, she makes Therese Nelson. (Lonnroth/LION) it feel smaller.” Continued on page 3
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In memoriam: Tony Burkes, 1997-2017
Sudden death of LT transition student saddens community; students, faculty reflect on best parts of life, legacy
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Page 3: Did you miss the solar eclipse? It’s ok, we have a picture for you on Page 3. Photos above show Tony Burkes ‘15 playing basketball and at LT’s 2014 prom (left: Ackerman Suburban Life, top right: Furjanic, bottom right: Hallowel & James Funeral Home)
munity that shows how strong and resilient our student body and faculty is.” One of those resilient LT students, Hannah Bradbury ‘17, credits Tony as one of the people who saved her life. “Without Tony’s friendship, I do not know if I would be alive or healthy today,” Bradbury said. “He stood by my side through panic attacks and long absences and would call me to check in on the days I did not show up to school. He modeled authenticity, confidence, and compassion through the way he interacted with others.
Tony led the most perfect example of how to treat others with love and respect.” Hannah’s sister, Allie Bradbury ‘18, echos this sentiment and agrees that Burkes’ legacy at LT is one of love and inclusion. “You didn’t have to do anything to deserve Tony’s love,” she said. “When Hannah was struggling with her mental health, he was one of the first people who made her feel worthy of love. He saw nothing wrong with her, but everything great
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LT alumnus steals spotlight with political activism wing companions. “I think the protest put us on the map in terms of our concerns,” Fuentes said. “What you’re seeing in this country is a cultural genocide. When people go and destroy our statues, they’re destroying our heritage and they’re rewriting our history, and seemingly because it’s white people, it’s okay.”
Nick Fuentes ‘16 waves Trump flag (Fuentes) Throughout his time at LT, Fuentes was always vocal about his political beliefs, and he was never afraid to share his thoughts on any issue, student council advisor and Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said.
“We had a lot of political discussions over the four years I have known him,” Geddeis said. “I was always impressed with him, even from his freshman year. He was always very composed, charismatic and well spoken.” Since his start at LT, Fuentes strengthened his interest in politics through his large involvement in Model UN, his political talk show on WLTL and his creation of “The Nicholas J. Fuentes Show” through LTTV, all which brought his radical opinions to the attention of his classmates, he said. “It seemed much more civil in high school [than in college], and I think that owed to the fact that I was much more moderate on many issues,” Fuentes said. “Since then, I’ve gone much farther to the right and many more people are upset by that.” After his high school graduation, his activism in politics only intensified as he continued his education at Boston University, he said. “I didn’t want to go to a college where everyone would agree with me,” Fuentes said. “For me, college has a lot less to do with the education and more with the experience. I wanted to see how my convictions would stand with professors
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Unique club gains pilot status at LT, competing in fall Students form cyber security club, high interest in developing field by Grant Campbell @grantc_3100 On Aug. 30, the pilot club Cyberpatriots hosted its first meeting in the SC Discovery Center. Andy Schramka ’18 formed the new club, that will focus on the process of competing in nationwide competitions in cyber security. “Competitions are on weekends for six hours,” Roland Rondez ’18 said. “We have the opportunity of competing against schools all across the country. The goal of the competition is to create the most secure computer through a given check list.” The club uses software called VM Ware. This software serves as an emulator. “If I had to describe it, it’s [VM Ware} basically a computer within a computer,” Schramka said. “The great thing about it is any changes you make in the emulated computer won’t affect your actual computer.”
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ighlights
Page 2: LT alumni and former explorer of the year is trying to save the Boundary Waters. Read all about his progress on Page 2.
Graduate makes appearance at Charlottesville, causes dispute by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass On a warm, sunny morning near Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 17, hundreds of determined right-wing activists paraded to a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to protest its removal. Among them stood LT alumnus and former student council president Nick Fuentes ‘16 chanting the rally’s slogan “you will not replace us” in unison with the other protestors. “I was there to represent concerns of mass immigration, multiculturalism and historical revisionism,” Fuentes said. “The government of Virginia colluded with armed, leftist thugs to intimidate us and ultimately keep us from exercising our constitutional rights, but we showed up, we had a permit, and we were peaceful.” Fuentes, who has since been featured in Time Magazine, The Boston Globe, Morning Today on NBC, Fox News, and several other news networks, believes that the outcome of the rally was a success for himself and his right-
aper
Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features.
by Greta Markey @gretamarkey
T students and faculty joined together on Sept. 1, 2017, by wearing blue to honor the memory of transition student Albert “Tony” Burkes ‘15. Burkes’ death, which occurred on the night of Aug. 24, came as a shock to many LT community members. As an M.V.P. of the LT Special Olympics Basketball team and an active member in Best Buddies, Burkes’ impact on the community has been vast and meaningful. “Tony’s unwavering enthusiasm and ability to see the bright side in every situation is something I will always remember about him, and I’d venture to say that many others would have that same belief,” Special Olympics Basketball coach Abby Shapland said. “It’s impossible to think of Tony and not smile yourself. That, to me, is his legacy.” Although many people are able to remember the joy in Burkes’ life, it is common to see people struggling with death, LT Principal Brian Waterman said. A crisis team comprised of counselors and social workers meets after every student death to identify the individuals at LT who would have the most difficult time coping with and recovering from the loss. “Everyone experiences grief in their own personal way; however, it was extremely heartening to see so many members of LT wearing blue to honor Tony’s memory.” Waterman said. “It creates a sense of com-
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Schramka has participated in the Cyberpatriots organization, hosted by the Air Force Association, since eighth grade. He eventually left his former team with the goal of starting a competitive club at LT. “I wanted to have a team to compete with while also teaching other students,” he said. “Hopefully, I can inspire other competitors to continue with the club and become more engaged with cyber security.” Despite being declined his sophomore year, Schramka was determined to form the club. He submitted a form for organization again his junior year. When it was accepted, he then needed to find a faculty advisor. “Many of the computer science teachers had already committed to other clubs,” club advisor and director of LT Technology services Ed Tennant said. “Mr. [Michael] Vasich and I have the resources to provide these students with successful technology skills and new security knowledge. It was a natural fit.” Both Tennant and Vasich are assisting Schramka not only in teaching the material to
interested students, but also inspiring interest in new students. “We have an opportunity to foster interest and pass along knowledge,” Tennant said. “We need to build a bond amongst other clubs at LT to strengthen the community. Human networking is crucial for student and school success. The more bridges you can build with people of common interests, the better your network of support will be.” Competitions begin in late November and continue through January. The first two competitions are preliminary rounds to determine the team’s tier. “We won’t be the national champions,” Tennant said. “We will give our best effort in the competitions, but we want to learn the process of competing first.” Given current student interest, the club has enough members to have multiple competitive teams, each consisting of five to six competitors. Each competitor has varying knowledge, according to Schramka. Some students are well
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
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Page 4: Don’t miss the school fashion show organized by Isabelle Sistino ‘19. Full coverage on Page 4. Page 5: Curious what LT did this summer? Turn to Page 5. Page 6: Don’t forget to add us on snapchat! See what you missed on Page 6. Page 8: Greg Smith ‘19 and Maddy Cohen ‘18 square off in the first issue’s Point Counterpoint. Page 10: LION’s own Danny Kilrea ‘18 is one of the top runners in the nation. Read all about it on Page 10. Page 11: Girls Swim and Dive looks to improve on state performance from last year. Read our season preview on Page 11. Page 12: Which LT alumni was recently drafted into the NFL? Find out on Page 12. Page 14: How addictive is sugar? Read our full analysis on Page 14. Page 16-17: Our first theme page is all about feminism. Full coverage on Pages 16-17. Page 18: Did we really land on the moon? Read this and other conspiracy theories on page 18. Page 19: Have you ever believed that teachers live at school? They don’t, but they are in bands. Check it out on Page 19. Page 20: Flip to our newest feature: Pet of the Month!
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CYBER SECURITY COMPETITION TIMELINE
Qualification Round one: Nov. 3-5 Qualification Round two: Dec. 8-10 State Round: Jan. 19-21 Semifinals: Feb. 9-11 National Finals Competition: April 15-19 SOURCE: uscyberpatriot.org
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Jack Kunkle ‘14 serves as influence for main character in new book as tribute to his fight with cancer, adversity
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nderson’s Bookshop in LaGrange hosted author Jordan Sonnenblick’s book signing of “The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade” on Sept. 25. Community members filled the seats of the local bookstore to learn more about the book that appeals to middle school students and others. Maverick, the main character, is inspired by Jack Kunkle ’14 and his ongoing response to hardships. Jack battled brain cancer starting in sixth grade, and later passed away the summer after he graduated in 2014. “I was surprised [when I first learned about the book],” Jack’s mom, Ellen Kunkle, said. “We had seen how he touched the lives of so many people around him, but it never occured to me that Jack’s life would affect others beyond our community.” Jack first encountered Sonnenblick’s writing through “SuperSibs!”, an organization that reaches out to siblings of cancer patients. Jack’s sisters Leigh and Emily Kunkle were sent Sonnenblick’s book, “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie” after Jack’s first diagnosis in sixth grade. His sisters liked it so much that they encouraged Jack to read it. “The experience [Sonnenblick] wrote about felt real,” Ellen said. “It was spot on with cancer drugs and the tough experiences that we could
relate to. [Sonnenblick] created a real story that was accurate unlike other books we had read.” After Jack read the novel, he was inspired to personally reach out to Sonnenblick and sent a fan letter, she said. “In the letter, he told me that my book made him feel like he wasn’t alone being the bald kid in sixth grade,” Sonnenblick said. “He found a touching way of complimenting me on what I had done, and I could immediately sense that he was a special person.” From there, the two kept in Jack Kunkle and Jordan Sonnenblick pose together. (Ellen Kunkle) touch as pen pals, and Jack would also reach out to Sonnenblick requesting signed ple happy, and make sure that everyone came books for other cancer patients Jack knew, Son- together,” he said. “He was brilliant, witty, hilarious and never cruel, judgmental or harsh in any nenblick said. “The big thing about Jack was he always asked scenes he did.” The first Mr. LT competition occurred during other people what he could do for them,” he said. Jack’s senior year. He entered, and was crowned “He was a superlatively selfless person.” Jack’s passion for the performing arts began in the first ever Mr. LT, performing stand-up comfourth grade and continued during his tenure at edy as his talent. “Despite his size and tough life, he was able to LT, his father, John Kunkle, said. During his treatment, he was able to maintain accomplish so much through his fun-loving spirhis helpful character towards classmates and fac- it,” Theatre Board sponsor and playwriting teacher Lawrence Keller said. “There may be future ulty, Improv Teacher Mike Kuehl said. “He looked at it as his job to make other peoContinued on page 3
DACA rescinded, causes disorientation LT DACA participant concerned for future, unsure of how policy changes will affect her by Brandt Siegfried Secretary of the Department of Homeland Se@brandto_13 curity Elaine Duke at the direction of the president, rescinds the DACA program. The For the nine months President Donald benefits will continue for a grace period of Trump has been in office, immigration six months until March 2018. For those issues have received a front and center who only know the United States as seat in the national policy debate. Ever their home, including Emma Wise ‘19, since announcing his candidacy for DACA is an important part of life. president in June 2015, Trump has “I’m not an illegal immigrant, I engaged with immigration, favoram a U.S. citizen, but I am a part of ing stronger restrictions and more DACA,” she said. “It’s all so confusborder security. ing to me. I’m not an illegal immiThe Deferred Action For grant, but for some reason I am Childhood Arrivals propart of DACA.” gram, commonly known Uncertainty has been a as DACA, is not safe large part of Wises’ expefrom changes. DACA rience with DACA, she was established in 2012 said. She was born in by President Barack Uzynagash, KazakhObama. It effectively stan, and was brought allows people illeto the United States at gally brought to the 10 months after she was United States as chiladopted by her mother. dren to receive pseuShe was naturalized do-legal protection. as a citizen after her The program defers DACA recipient Emma Wise ‘19 (Rossetti/LION) arrival, meaning she is a deportation for qualifying illegal immigrants, while granting them U.S. citizen. The international adoption process, the legal ability to work through three-year re- however, is full of complexities. “[The whole adoption process] was in Rusnewable work permits. A Sept. 5 memorandum, issued by Acting sian, and my mom doesn’t know a lick of it,”
Wise said. “It had to be translated to English, which took a lot of paper work. My birth certificate says I’m Russian, but my adoption certificate says I’m from Kazakhstan. When I was born I was Russian, and by the time I was adopted I was Kazakh.” Paperwork inconsistencies with the nation of birth have created other issues, especially when traveling out of the country. “We go to Canada a lot, and when we have to cross the border it takes a long time,” Wise said. International travel is not the only thing for which Wise uses her passport. Passports can be used to prove citizenship, and she carries her card with her everywhere as a safety measure in the event she has to use it to prove her citizenship. “I have to carry my passport around at all times,” Wise said. “People ask for it if I’m doing something and if they think I’m an illegal immigrant, they have the right to ask for my card. That’s why I have to have it. I still carry it around just in case because I don’t know what will happen. This world is crazy.” To attempt to mitigate the confusion, Wise’s family is consulting an immigration lawyer. The confusion comes from DACA enrollment while concurrently possessing U.S. citizenship.
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Organization provides platform to give back
West Suburban chapter raises money for small charities, next event welcomes high schoolers
Practice Round: Oct. 6-17
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
Life of alumnus inspires author Paper ighlights by Grant Campbell @grantc_3100
by Greta Markey As Western Springs resident Caitlin McNeily drove in her car shortly after the 2016 presidential election, she realized that instead of being frustrated with events, like the election, that she couldn’t control, there was instead a way she could help give back. Inspired by her husband’s organization, “100 Men who Give a Damn” in Chicago, McNeily decided to create a west-suburban organization titled “100 Women who Give a Damn.” This program, now consisting of over 100 women, holds events every few months where each attendee donates $100 to one local charity selected via a voting process. “Every woman at the event is there to give of their time, to give of their hearts and to give of their mental energy,” McNeily said. “I think
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that giving people a place to remember that making a difference doesn’t always have to be so emotionally charged is important nowadays. It can also be thoughtful and kind and easy, like the events we put on.” Each event consists of five-minute presentations from three different local charities, McNeily said. After the presentations, each woman has the opportunity to vote for which charity moved them the most. The charity that receives the most votes is then donated $100 from each of the women attending the event. With around 100 women attending each event and each donating $100, the organization is able to raise around $10,000 at each gathering. “Our goal is to make a large difference for a smaller charity,” she said. “There are so many
Page 12 He s a uture o ymp an and he m ght a so be one o your c assmates (dramat c gasp) Danny Kilrea 18 s the LION s AOTY Pages 14-15 I scream you scream we a scream or ce cream (on Pages 14-15) Page 16 Sure our sta s domnated by dog owners But who doesn t ove dogs? See a the sen ors pets on Page 16 Pages 17-20 We have rece ved word that a 23-yearo d man ch d was d scovered n the fie d house ra ters Not rea y but you know what s true? L On on s back and better than ever F p to Pages 17-20 to see the creat ve gen us o Brandt Siegfried 18 and others
The Legacy Wall stretches the length of the NC Library basement. (Rossetti/LION)
Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features. Page 2: Former White House Advisor cautions us on the potential of legal marijuana. Curious what he has to say? Check out Page 2. Page 3: No, this LT alumni is not affiliated with Batman. Turn to Page 3 to read about his work with Gotham Greens. Page 4: Students have been seeking out official club status for an LT Chess Club. Full coverage on Page 4. Page 5: This new Community page features some of the community efforts to combat hurricane damage. Page 6: Don’t forget to add us on Snapchat! See what you missed on Page 6. Page 8: We’ve improved our point-counterpoint. Flip to Page 8 to read THREE opinions on what you can do during the Pledge of Allegiance. Page 9: As a newspaper, we love our freedom of speech. See what we mean on Page 9. Page 11: Did you know historic Coach Joann Pyritz is retiring this year? Read our tribute to her career on Page 11. Page 12: Who is this issue’s Athlete of the Month? See who it is on Page 12. Page 14: Are you interested in photography? We have some suggestions on how to improve your photos on Page 14. Page 16-17: The Good, the Bad, the Greek. Full coverage on Pages 16-17. Page 19: Confused about the tension with North Korea? We have a whole page to describe it on Page 19. Page 20: We have a spooky Halloween themed Pet of the Month on Page 20.
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
Source: Caitlin McNeily
Compiled By: Greta Markey
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
Volume 108, Issue 3
Senior wins individual state title D
by Grant Campbell @grantc_3100
Danny Kilrea ‘18 caps off dominant senior cross country season as 3A champion Danny Kilrea ‘18 finishes state meet in first place. (Submitted by @ColinBPhoto)
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espite missing the entirety of his freshman cross country season due to two stress fractures in his left leg, Danny Kilrea ’18 bounced back from injury to become a state champion in his final cross country season at LT. “[My injury] taught me how to take better care of my body,” he said. “If it did not happen to me, I would not be the runner I am today.” On Nov. 4, Peoria’s Detweiller Park was plagued with mud and faced serious rain the night before the race and during the race. While the conditions were not ideal, Kilrea was able to maintain his composure for one of the biggest races of his career. “I knew times would not be as fast because of the muddy course,” he said. “My plan going into the race was to compete.
During the race, I only thought about finishing. It feels great to be a state champion.” Kilrea finished with a time of 14:08, 14 seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Since Kilrea’s injury, he has dominated practically every race in his high school career. In addition to his natural talent, his teammates have noted his work ethic in and out of practice. “Everyday he comes to practice with a great attitude to get better,” varsity teammate Charlie Harders ’18 said. “He works hard and keeps his goals in mind to make sure that every day he gets close to the goal he sets. His competitiveness and passion for this sport allow him to have the drive and strength to win every race he’s a part of.”
Friday, December 1, 2017
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Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features. Page 2: Have you heard of “The Do It For Dominic Hero Fund?” If you haven’t, check out Page 2. Page 3: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live a life of poverty? McClure recently had a simulation. Read all about it on Page 3. Page 4: Special needs Theater delivered a great performance of Beauty and the Beast. We have pictures on Page 4 in case you missed it.
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Page 5: The community page is back. See what’s happening at the start of the Christmas season on Page 5.
“I was just really interested and wanted to go and see it for myself,” Kuntz said. Kuntz returned home to begin her freshman year at Savannah College of Art and Design, but did not feel satisfied with her time at the film Less than 24 hours after graduating from LT, Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 was school, Allan said. She decided to take another trip to Africa through Carpe Diem Edon a plane to Ghana, Africa, to volunteer with Light for Children, a nonucation, an organization profit organization based that runs gap semesters in Ghana that focuses on focused on volunteering, education, orphan preKuntz said. She spent three vention and health for months in East Africa and children. went to Uganda, Rwanda Throughout her tenand Tanzania and volunure at LT, Kuntz was inteered at local nonprofits. volved in LTTV as both “We would really just a student director and a be the hands and feet of filmmaker, advisor Bill whatever they needed done Allan said. During her there,” she said. senior year, she became After permanently leavinterested in documening SCAD, Kuntz enrolled tary filmmaking. in DePaul University and At the same time, continued to work towards she interned at a docher degree in peace justice umentary film compaand conflict resolution onny, What Took You So line, she said. For the next Long, which worked three years, she continued with Light for Children to go to Africa every three and produced documento six months and stay there taries about Africa. This for months at a time voluninspired her to go to Afteering at Light for Chilrica herself and help in dren in Ghana. the local communities “At LT I was always with the nonprofit, she Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 hoists her newly adopted daughter Ellie Grace. (Kuntz) involved in leadership posisaid. “[Kuntz] was really moved by that,” Allan said. “I think a lot of people tions and I was interested in volunteering and giving back,” Kuntz said. “I knew that my life passion was working with kids.” were, but Rebecca especially. Something clicked.” While in Ghana, she saw the need for an education center for chilThe summer before college, Kuntz spent three months in Ghana, working with Light for Children, Kuntz said. She spent the summer volunteer- dren, Allan said. She began to raise funds with the help of the LT community to build a multipurpose education center. Continued on page 6 ing and working with children through the non profit.
Page 6: If you didn’t already know, the LION seniors killed it in Dallas. Check out our trip in the Snapchat box on Page 6.
LT alumnus improves Ghanaian community Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 brings home daughter after six years of volunteer work in Ghana by Pilar Valdes
Beverage tax canned Tax on sugary drinks repeal to go into effect today, Dec. 1 by Grace DeKoker @grace_dekoker
“100 Women who Give a Damn” has held two successful events so far, and their third event is coming up.
small organizations that do such good work, and a $10,000 donation could be more than what they raised all of last year. Although it may seem disappointing to the charities that Approximate amount of money donated to “Share didn’t get selected, the opportunity to raise our Spare” in the organization’s March 2017 event. awareness for their organization means that generous women who were moved by their presentation often reach out and donate to them as well.” Approximate amount of money donated to “Cal’s The decision to keep “damn” in their title, Angels” in the organization’s August 2017 event. although initially debated, has helped McNeily and her team become more recognizable and gain an online presence, she said. The group initially had thoughts that it would turn The date of the next “100 Kids who Give a Darn” away charities, but has yet to experience any problems or complaints. Additionally, since event, which will be held at the Capris Banquet Hall in no other organization had used “damn” in Countryside. High schoolers are encouraged to attend.
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The Board of Cook County Commissioners reached a decision regarding the highly contested tax on all sweetened beverages on Oct. 10. After months of pressure from their constituents, the commissioners took a vote which would repeal the beverage tax, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R- Palos Park) said. The board voted 15-2, ruling that as of today, Dec. 1, the penny-per-ounce tax on drinks with added sugars or sweeteners would be rescinded. “It was the general public that absolutely helped drive the repeal,” Morrison said. “I was the lead sponsor, I wrote the ordinance to have it put in, but I very likely could not have gotten it repealed. The citizens of Cook County placed a lot of pressure on my elected colleagues, which helped to encourage them to vote against the tax.” Morrison was immediately against the beverage tax, and voted against it from the get-go, he said. The initial vote was 8-8, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (D-Chicago) tipped the scale. She was one of the tax’s largest proponents, though several drink companies and most citi-
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zens of the 17th district opposed it. Small businesses faced an immediate threat, as the tax would impact their sale and distribution of most offered beverages. The expected revenue was anywhere from $90170 million, Morrison said. In his tenure as a commissioner, he had “never experienced anything like [the soda tax]; no tax issue has had this negative of an effect.” Additionally, a lawsuit was filed by the Illinois Retail-Merchants Association earlier this year challenging the constitutionality of the tax. The Illinois Constitution states that taxes must be evenly applied; the specific target on the soda industry was hard-hitting, opponents say. “Any tax that segments a small section is bad tax policy,” Morrison said. “A government should never sue a resident or resident organization for something like that. It was my last straw.” Yet with the repeal, the promised funds disappear. In order to begin paying off the state’s debt, Preckwinkle has proposed the elimination of several mid-level management positions and vacant positons. “Without revenue, we are left with no other option,” Preckwinkle wrote to the county’s commissioners. “It’s not a case of not wanting the money to go to Cook County, it’s a case of appropriating the money… we have to live with money issues, with political issues, with taxation, but I personally don’t think that tax looked at the big picture,” LGBA President Kathy Dierkes said.
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
Page 8: What do you think should happen to the $20 bill? We have some ideas of our own on Page 8. Page 9: Everyone hates the reminder emails about submitting proof of meningitis shots. See how we feel about vaccines on Page 9. Page 10: This former LT runner dominated his first marathon. Read all about it on Page 10. Page 12: Remember Chris Herren from health class? He came to talk to South Campus. Full coverage on Page 12. Page 14: Want to reminisce about the 2000s? Flip to Page 14. Page 16-17: Will we ever make it to Mars? We talk about it on Pages 16-17. Page 19: Sexual harassment is always coming up in the news. We decided to cover this topic too. Flip to Page 19.
JEA/NSPA Results
by Harper Hill @harpss42 The following current LION reporters received national recognition for their work at the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association convention, held in Dallas from Nov. 16-19. The JEA national write-off consisted of 48 contests with a total of 1,581 student journalist participants.
Sydney Kaehler ‘18- Honorable Mention in Editorial Cartooning Luke Lusson ‘18- Excellent award in Sports Writing Greta Markey ‘18- Excellent award News Editing/Headline Writing Spiro Kass ‘18- Excellent award in Editorial Writing Mikaela Larson’18- Superior award in Commentary Writing
Caroline Konstant ‘17, Sheridan Speiss ‘17, Grace Palmer ‘17, Maddy Cohen ‘18- Honorable Men-
tion for two-page spread in May 2017 issue
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
I s s u e 4
Volume 108, Issue 4
PDA causes discomfort, debate Students, faculty, administration weigh in on affection in hallways by Grant Campbell and Greta Markey @grantc_3100 and @gretamarkey
The one time that NC Student Assistant Yolanda Rodriguez witnessed an intense public display of affection (PDA) occurred at SC. As she was coming down the stairs one passing period, she proceeded to discover two underclassmen engaging in physically romantic behavior at school. “They were really getting into it,” Rodriguez said. “I told them ‘Guys! What are you doing?’ [I broke them apart] and told them to get to class.” Out of 186 random student surveys at NC, all but three students have seen PDA at LT, with over 85 students encountering PDA at least once a day. Despite the overwhelming presence of students w h o have
98.4% of 186 LT students surveyed have witnessed public displays of affection (PDA) at LT.
88.2%
viewed acts of PDA, the extremity and type of PDA they witness often vary in intimacy. While there is not a formal definition of PDA, there is a plethora of intimate actions that fall under its general umbrella. These actions range from hugs and hand holding to physical groping of a significant other. Locally, Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park has banned hugs on school grounds, according to TIME. “[At LT], there are no policies that address [PDA] specifically,” Principal Brian Waterman said. “Some clubs and activities will include guidelines related to PDA in their field trip procedures, but that would be specific to a club.” Rodriguez confirmed that the student handbook does not explicitly contain any policy regarding these displays of affection. Though it lacks an official policy, Rodriguez believes that avoiding these public displays should be considered common courtesy, she said. “We have 4,000 students, and the actual number of students who are ‘consequenced’ for this type of behavior is relatively small considering our enrollment,” Waterman said. “ We believe it is best to handle each issue individually in the AP office. It’s one of those things that when we notice it, we address it and ask [them] how they think they’re making other students feel.” In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools are tasked with creating environments free of harassment among students, TIME reported; however, many LT students feel uncomfortable with the PDA they see in the hallway. Seventy nine of the 186 interviewed students feel some-
what uncomfortable with the PDA they encounter, while 46 indicated that their level of discomfort is extreme. “I just don’t want to see two people cuddling or making out by my locker when I have places to be,” Sydney Weber ’18 said. “There are better places to do that.” Whether or not preventative action is taken by faculty all depends on the extremity of PDA. “It depends how profound it is,” Rodriguez said. “If you’re there making out, we’ll tell you to stop, because you really shouldn’t be doing that. Stuff like that you keep in private, not where everyone’s looking.” There are numerous different opinions regarding PDA and the emotions people feel surrounding
Continued on page 6
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If you’re there making out, we’ll tell you to stop, because you really shouldn’t be doing that. Stuff like that you keep in private, not where everyone’s looking.
of the surveyed students are at least somewhat uncomfortable with seeing PDA in the hallway, while 24.7 percent are extremely uncomfortable.
of the surveyed students see PDA at least once a week at LT, while a little under half of the interviewed students see PDA daily.
Yolanda Rodriguez Student Assistant
Suburban crime escalates, unsettles community Recent crimes in LaGrange, Western Springs shows increased criminal activity
four culprits to escape the car and run away on foot. The police were able to capture three of the four suspects, meaning there was a fugitive on the loose within the LT district. This led LT and proximal district administrators to commence a soft lockdown for the safety of the students, Principal Brian Waterman said. “When things like that happen, we get our leadership team together—[Superintendant Tim] Kilrea, myself and the associate principals— While walking north along Ashland Avenue toward Cossitt Elementaand we discuss the information we have and ry School on Sept. 14, 2017, La Grange resident make an informed decision using student Laura Reilly suddenly heard the faint sound safety as our number one priority,” Waterman of sirens approaching from the distance. Soon said. enough, bright police lights were flashing far Beginning at around 12:30 p.m., the lockup the street, and it was not long until Reildown continued until the Western Springs ly spotted several police cars chasing a vehicle police notified the school that the fourth fugiwith a detached bumper dragging along the tive was captured. School was then dismissed pavement, emitting a terrible screeching noise. at 3:10 p.m. It was not until the group of cars sped past her when she comprehended a chase was occuring, making a large thud against a parked car on Crime continues their way past. Police chases and crimes that put the lives Struck with fear, Reilly traveled to the back of residents in danger are extremely rare ocof the parked car to notice that the wheel of currences in La Grange, Western Springs and the suspect’s vehicle had fallen off and crashed surrounding towns, according to the Neighinto the rear end. Luckily, that car was there to borhood Scout. Relative to other parts of protect her; otherwise, Reilly could have been the country, the crime index of LaGrange is severely injured. 73, meaning that La Grange is safer than 73 “Within the blink of an eye and without percent of U.S. cities. The same source gives even realizing what’s happening in front of me, Western Springs a crime index of 95. AlI totally could have gotten nailed by that tire,” Damage parked car received after wheel detached from though it is rare to hear about violent crime in she said. “It seemed like it was happening in suspect vehicle in the midst of hot pursuit. (Reilly) both communities, criminal activity continslow motion. I was in disbelief.” ued to stir the local area after the police chase After nearly injuring Reilly, the Chicago Tribune reported that the poin mid-September. The LaGrange Police Department was contacted for lice chase continued until the subject vehicle crashed into a motorcyclist this story, but did not comment or clarify whether or not recent crimes on Plainfield Road adjacent to Fuller’s Car Wash, which prompted the display an increase compared to the general Continued on page 6
by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
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Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features. Page 2: Coverage on protests at Glenbard East, grassroots activism and the 2018 March to the Polls all revolving around President Donald Trump on Page 2. Page 3: LT’s American Sign Language class educates first responders to better equip them for dealing with emergency situations.
Page 5: Many academic teams prepare for state competions. As their seasons wind down, we wish them luck on Page 5.
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Page 4: The Winter Olympics have come. While you enjoy curling competitions everyday, be sure to think of the work of this LT alumni who’s interning for NBC. See how he got the internship on Page 4.
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As he yea w nds down e s ake a ook a a he wo k L ON has accomp shed To he gh a e a o he page one des gns o he 2017 2018 schoo yea
I s s u e
Page 11 He s been here a year but a ter two years o great content he s graduat ng For h s arewe co umn Luke Lusson 18 g ves h s s de o the ordan-Lebron argument on Page 11
Page 6: What is the theme of this issue’s SnapChat box? You’ll have to go to Page 6 to find out. Don’t forget to add us: @lionnewspaper. Page 8: Trump officially reached one year in office last week. See three students argue over his first year on Page 8. Page 9: Don’t use up all of your cellular data in school ever again. Check out what we think of wifi being provided to students in school on Page 9. Page 10: The Bowling team is headed to STATE! Congratulations to all athletes. Read all about it on Page 10. Page 11: Who is this issue’s Athlete of the Month? You’ll have to turn to Page 11 to find out. Page 12: From fights to terrible hype videos: read the full scoop on the history of the LT Hinsdale Central Rivalry. We have it for you on Page 12. Page 14: It may not be the summer sports, but the Olympics are back. Turn to Page 14 to read about these icy athletics. Pages 16-17: Whether you have one, use one or know someone who does, read all the facts about fake IDs on Pages 16-17. Page 18: See LION’s list of top Netflix originals on Page 18. Page 19: PUPPIES! We’re just going to let Page 19 speak for itself. Page 20: Who says you need hair to be cute? Certainly not us—this issue’s pet of the month is featured on Page 20.
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
I s s u e 5
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.
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 Tony Burkes ‘15 dribbles up the court at the 2015 All-school Local police were alerted and, in coopercalls and emails from community memation with LT administration, sought to in- Assembly. (Carroll/LION) bers, led Waterman to email LT parents on
T
vestigate the origin of the information, Waterman said. It was quickly traced back to one student who overheard a third-period conversation
Friday, March 2, 2018
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Feb. 22 reinforcing that there was no credible threat. “While the student initially reported the Continued on page 6
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
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
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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
I s s u e 6
Volume 108, Issue 6
Students march, walkout In light of recent tragedies, students stand up to gun violence through national demonstrations
by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass or the past two months, there has been an outbreak sweeping across the country. Not a typical epidemic of some miscellaneous infection, but rather something far less tangible and far more empowering. From coast to coast, there has been an outbreak of student voices. Voices that are aggressively stirring our nation’s political forecast by shouting two simple words: never again. Ever since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, students have been gathering in cities and schools around the nation to protest against school gun violence. On March 14, exactly one month after the Parkland tragedy, there was a national school walkout memorializing the victims of the shooting. LT students participated by organizing a school walkout at both NC and SC, NC walkout co-organizer Taylor Koc ‘18 said. “I want something to change, even if it may never happen,” Koc said. “It’s starting a national discussion, and it’s sort of making people become more informed about it because they see it on the news so often, even if it’s not actually changing the current laws.” With a history of political activism, protesting for something she believes in is nothing out of the ordinary for Koc. Yet, there stands a large divide between her previous activism and the demonstrations she is currently participating in. Unlike before, walking out in regards to school gun violence is a topic much more personal and hits closer to home, she said. “[School walkouts] impact us as students, because [a shooting] is something that you don’t want to even fathom,” Koc said. “You don’t want to think about a school shooting happening at your school. It’s just really personal—we’re students and there are other students that are dying.”
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In the days leading up to the walkout, Koc, Pilar Valdes ‘19, Amanda Kural ‘19, Mary Beck ‘20 and many other upper and lower classmen got together to organize the memorial. Before the day of action, the students approached Principal Brian Waterman and assured him the walkout would be handled safely and appropriately, he said. “I was proud about how they handled themselves,” Waterman said. “I was proud about how they did it in a respectful way, a peaceful way and a civil way.” After the tragedy in Parkland, Waterman knew LT students were going
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558