Last year, 3,500 LT students were given a survey about their mental health and substance abuse habits. The following data shows the percentage of students who indicated they used these substances.
Freshmen: 41% Sophomores: 58% Juniors: 70% Seniors: 79%
Freshmen: 29% Sophomores: 46% Juniors: 52% Seniors: 58%
Freshmen: 16% Sophomores: 31% Juniors: 52% Seniors: 58% compiled by Tessa Voytovich
The results
While the issue of high school vaping has been thrust into the spotlight—with school
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Source: Illinois Youth Survey
LTTV wins national Emmy award Blackout 2018 basketball coverage makes history
In past years, the pool has been closer to 1,000 or 1,500 entries, making this year more competitive than usual. LT’s coverage was selected among by Harper Hill only four others for the “Live Events” category. @harpss42 “I think if [someone] who didn’t even know about sports production With no facts to back it up, LTTV advisor Bill Allan posted a note watched all five entries, it would be very clear which one is the most proon the station’s website in 2007 naming it the best high school television fessional looking and sounding,” Allan said. “It’s ours hands down. We are station in the nation. No one questioned or fought him on this statement. miles above the level of normal sports production.” For games, LTTV travels with a production truck that holds close to Now, 11 years later, this claim has evidence to back it up. LTTV was presented with a national Emmy Award on Oct. 18 for its coverage of the half a million dollars’ worth of equipment. This includes a Tricaster 8000 Switcher, a top professional broadcaster switcher with the ability to do in2018 Blackout basketball game. “It feels good obviously, you can’t deny that,” announcer Max Abra- stant live replays, live video roll-ins and freeze frames. All sounds are conhamson ‘18 said. “To see that your sports department was named the best trolled separately, and everything is done live. LTTV has high-end equipment, but it’s what the crew is nationally, that feeling is realable to do with this equipment ly indescribable.” that sets their production apart After winning first place in from others, Allan said. the Midwest Media Educators Sideline announcer Leo High School Video Festival, Bruni ‘20 agrees: “I believe LTTV was considered for the [the equipment] played a factor National Student Production in the outcome, but I think a Award. A clip from their live bigger factor was how experisports coverage of the 2018 enced everyone was with the Blackout game was nominatequipment. We were trained ed by the National Academy extremely well by Bill Allan of Television Arts & Sciences. and Paul Moorehouse ‘18 to “I’m honored that we even be ready for the game.” got nominated,” Allan said, When selecting the winner, before the announcement of not only is the whole producthe final results. “Just to hear tion reviewed, but there needs Tom Bergeron say ‘Lyons to be a compelling narrative, Township High School Black- LTTV students and staff nervously watch the presention as Tom Bergeron begins to Allan said. The judges are lookout Game’ and to see the clip announce the National Student Production Award winner (Kulat/LION). ing for a production that tells a and know that thousands of people all over the world are going to be watching that live will be an whole story from multiple angles. It is important for sound and audio recording levels to be spot on, as well as camera shots and directing. honor in and of itself.” LTTV was able to perfectly capture the moment Tyrese Shines ‘18 Current and former LTTV students and staff gathered in NC room 17 during eighth period on Oct. 18, eagerly awaiting the results of the awards nailed the shot that sent the basketball game into overtime, Abrahampresentation. They tuned into the live-streamed awards presentation son said. The astute directing, seamless replay and spot-on, passionate anhosted at Emerson College in Los Angeles and captured the celebratory nouncing only added to this coverage of the monumental play, setting LT moment—in their usual nature—on camera, and have posted the reaction apart from the other nominees. “I think we just had our A-crew on that game and everyone bought video on their website. “We exploded with cheers and excitement,” Allan said. “The whole into that game, so it was a very special night,” Abrahamson said. “It just shows that if you believe in what you do and you invest in what you do, group was elated.” There were 2,000 entries across the nation for a total of 15 categories. someday you might get that recognition.”
North Campus
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
Page 4: Speech coach takes on a new role and Page 4 covers it. Page 5: LT is big on supporting our own community as well as others. Read all about it on Page 5. Page 6: Did you like what you saw last issue? Flip to Page 6 for another look inside the People of LT. Page 7: The grid is fresh as always, so take a look on Page 7. Page 8: Have an opinion on the quality of our country? Check out what two of our editors have to say on Page 8. Page 9: Read about the staff’s opinion on two topical ideas at LT on Page 9. Page 10: There are 26.2 reasons to turn to Page 10, including LT student completing her second marathon. Page 11: Learn about the end of both girls’ and boys’ golf seasons on Page 11. Page 12: Another issue means another athlete of the month. Find out who’s featured on Page 12. Page 13:
Page 14-15: We are celebrating body positivity this issue. Come join us on Page 14-15. Page 16: Rush over to Page 16 to read our thoughts about Taco Bout It. Page 17-20: Check out our special election section for midterm coverage on Pages 17-20.
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A part of why she began using was that she saw all of this substance abuse occurring on social media and eventually started to wonder what all of the hype was about, she said. “I saw people posting on social media photos of them going to parties and drinking,” Carrie said. “You could obviously imply they’re at a party, so I tried throwing my own parties at one point and that’s how people started to know me.” When she started, she never expected to end up trying Xanax, Adderall and more of the “hard
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Page 3: Get the inside scoop on OPRF’s new documentary on Page 3.
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Staff vote: 14-10
Page 2: What is a Princess Party? Turn to Page 2 to find out.
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Our position: In order to help solve LT’s drug problem, the school should randomly drug test athletes and immediately expel drug dealers.
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StaffEditorial
Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features.
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by Lars Lonnroth @larslonnroth Carrie ‘19 has tried almost all the drugs under the sun. She has vaped. She has smoked marijuana. She has drunk alcohol. She has abused prescription drugs. She has even used LSD— once she did it at school. Carrie, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss her experiences, is also enrolled in AP and honors courses. She gets As and Bs, she said, even while going to school under the influence many days. But when she started using during the summer before sophomore year, what she was really trying to do was to fit in. “People in high school strive to be popular and cool,” Carrie said. “That’s what you want. Not a lot of things matter in high school other than grades, college and being popular. That is basically it. You want to be known, and that is how you do it—going to parties and drinking.”
drugs,” but at first she didn’t think that drinking and having parties were that big of a deal. “I was thinking ‘Alright, this is what people are doing, whatever,’” Carrie said. “I also didn’t think it was that big of a deal since parents drink. They go to the bar with their friends and drink, so I kind of did the same thing.” Some of those sentiments were reinforced by the results of the Illinois Youth Survey, which surveyed around 3,500 LT students last year and looked into the mental health and substance abuse habits of the LT student body. The survey, which most Illinois schools had the choice of taking, reveals that substance abuse at LT seems to occur at a higher level than other schools in suburban Cook County who also took the survey. “You can’t help but worry for our kids and the damage they’re doing to their bodies,” Assistant Principal Kris Costopoulos said. “When you’re unable to think clearly and make good choices, you’re putting yourself in harm’s way.” While some schools like Hinsdale Central didn’t take the survey, 31 local high schools in suburban Cook County did. Scott Eggerding, LT’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, was involved with organizing the survey through his involvement in the Coalition for a Drug Free Lyons Township. After analyzing the survey’s results, he said that there are a multitude of reasons why substance abuse may be higher at LT. “It’s hard to extricate the school and community and the behavior to simple causal factors,” Eggerding said. “But I think the data at least shows that kids are using and they’re trying things, some more than others.”
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Illinois Youth Survey underscores that drug use at LT exists—and exists at higher level than many other schools in area
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Substance abuse survey results spark concern at LT
Thursday, October 25, 2018
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Volume 109, Issue 2
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
NEWS
Page 2
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Family hosts parties for charity
Pop-up Princess Parties held by local family, profits donated to Lurie Childrens’ Hospital for cancer reasearch
dance. The party ends with Tessa, a theatre major who plays the main princess, teaching the children how to “act like a princess.” “We say that princesses are kind and caring and can do good in the world,” Mary Carroll by Mary Okkema Dougherty said. “All these children are doing good by donating to help somebody else. It’s not about just being pretty; it’s about doing good in the world.” @MaryOkkema Dougherty hopes to eventually have a big ball where children from all over the area can come with their parents and make a bigger impact. She also plans on bringing the princesses While walking past the corner of Cossitt and Spring Avenue in La Grange, one might noto the hospital to surprise the patients. For now, she will continue with the local parties. tice the giant white tent set up in Mary Carroll Dougherty’s front yard with a sign on the Despite the parties only happening fence promoting a princess party fundraisfor the past few months, the message has er. Although Dougherty’s princess parties already spread. People from outside comare filled with sparkles and glitter, there is munities have been coming to join in on a lot more magic to them than meets the the fun, Mary Carroll Dougherty said. eye. The prop store where she buys the cosThe parties are held on Saturdays for tumes has even offered to donate a few an hour, and a suggested donation of $20 props as the parties continue to grow. Her per princess. All proceeds go to Lurie Chilown hairstylist and a few others have also dren’s Hospital. Dougherty and her family offered to volunteer their time and serdecided to start fundraising when Kate vices to do the children’s hair. Many volPalermo ‘17, a family friend who was diunteers have been personally impacted by agnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic Lurie’s mission. leukemia, relapsed for the third time. “So many people are touched by Lurie’s “We all love Kate and the Palermos, helping them,” Mary Carroll Dougherty and what they are going through is just said. “Everyone has a story, and wants to awful,” Dougherty said. “At some point, help out. It’s a nice feeling.” you just don’t know what you can do for The date of the next pop-up princess people. They are fighting this battle, and party has yet to be determined. For more we can’t come up with a cure, so this is information, check out PrincessPartieswhat we can do.” byMC on Facebook. The parties began in August. In total These princess parties have brought there have been seven parties, and Doughfun and entertainment to the commuerty hopes to keep having them throughnity, which is a stark contrast to the reout the winter. The Doughertys have sponsibility that Palermo gained from her raised around $2,000. health issues. “We appreciate [the community sup“Having cancer has caused Kate to port] a lot and it means so much to us,” grow up really fast which makes it hard to Joan Vander Linde, Palermo’s mothrelate to kids her own age,” Vander Linde er, said. “It helps us feel less alone in our The princesses helping the children make crafts at the most recent party on Oct. 13 (Dougherty/LION). said. “She has had to miss lots of school fight.” and fun activities. She will always strugDougherty’s daughters—Katie ‘14, Tesgle with health issues from all the chemotherapy and radiation she has received. In the long sa ‘16, Georgia ‘19 and Annabel ‘22— star as the main princesses, Mary Carroll Dougherty run it has made our family closer and more appreciative of each other.” said. The parties consist of making crafts that follow the theme of the lead princess and eating To help support Palermo during her fight send, funny cards of support to Kate c/o Kate cupcakes that the princesses made. The children are encouraged to wear their own princess Palermo, 1140 W Wells St. Apt 1601, Chicago, IL 60610. dresses and tiaras. The princesses then go up onto the porch and teach the children a special
American Academy of Pediatrics releases controversial Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) policy
AAP writes contentious policy statement regarding multiple concerns of inadequate health care for LGBTQ children
by Tessa Voytovich @tessavoytovich
In a world full of changing societal norms, industries and sciences are constantly evolving. The medical field is not immune to this. One consistent ideal every doctor abides by is “do no harm.” But what happens when “harm” could be considered subjective? The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement on Sept. 17 regarding the care of LGBTQ children, called “Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents”. Gender-diverse is a term used to describe the different gender labels that are used today, and care for these types of children may entail practices that could be considered harmful. “Gender affirming care should not change anything in the doctor’s office but rather provide more positive interactions for children, adolescents and young adults with the health care system,” Chair for the Committee on Adolescence for the AAP Dr. Cora Breuner said. Transgender children face many difficulties, and often lack the mental health resources to cope with gender dysphoria, the powerful sense of disconnection from one’s assigned sex.
Some people believe that gender dysphoria should be treated as a mental illness and that doctors and parents should not encourage transgender children to identify as such. But the AAP’s statement was created in hopes of easing this stress and ensuring sufficient resources for these youth, doctors said. “I think [the statement] will normalize things for students who are or have experienced this. If we attach the stigma of a mental health condition to gender dysphoria, it would seem to be piling on to the mountain of social and emotional problems students may already be facing,” LT’s PRISM club founder Vikki Reid said. A controversial practice in the medical care of LGBTQ children is pubertal suppression. Pubertal suppression is the introduction of hormone-blockers, essentially “pausing” puberty, according to the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Some doctors think this is dangerous, along with gender reassignment surgery. This includes the doctors in another national organization of pediatricians, called the American College of Pediatrics (ACPeds). “We have all taken an oath to ‘first do no harm,’” Executive Director of ACPeds, Michelle Cretella, MD, and President, Quentin Van Meter, MD, said in reaction to such practices.
“There are many physicians and mental health professionals who know that so-called transgender pediatrics is dangerous propaganda that will permanently scar countless children both physically and mentally. We must not comply.” Since surgical treatments and hormone blocking can lead to irreversible results in children who are still forming their identities, some professionals believe that the statement is premature and more research should be undertaken before doctors obey it, ACPeds doctors said. “There is no rigorous science to demonstrate that transgender belief is any different from other disordered beliefs such as anorexia nervosa,” Cretella and Van Meter said. “There is no rigorous science to prove anyone is born destined to become anorexic and there is no rigorous science to prove anyone is born destined to be trans-identified. Despite such opposing views, the AAP continues to stand by its statement. “In general, we have received outstanding, excellent responses and support,” Breuner said. How a doctor must decide what to do when a young female patient says “I’m a boy” is guided by these organizations. Pediatricians must make the right choice: the stakes are high.
Sterigenics in Willowbrook faces lawsuits, protests Release of ethylene oxide puts community at risk for disease by Anna McCormick @annakmccormick
Sterigenics, located in Willowbrook and just 6.4 miles from LT, has been accused of releasing harmful and carcinogenic chemicals into the air. Residents of Willowbrook and nearby communities have responded to this threat by protesting and filing lawsuits against the company, ultimately in hopes of shutting it down. On Oct. 2, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, who used to have a financial stake in Sterigenics, called for Sterigenics to be shut down until there is further investigation, according to the Chicago Tribune. To reassure the community that presumed health risk will no longer occur, Rauner ordered his staff to refer the case to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and encouraged state Democrats to issue a court order to close down Sterigenics temporarily until there is more information about the risk. There is not enough evidence that Sterigenics poses a immediate threat, but what leaves residents concerned is the releasing
of ethylene oxide- a chemical that can cause breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma, according to federal records. In May, a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was released stating that neighborhoods around the facility of Sterigenics, a company who sterilizes medical products, have an increased cancer risk due to the company releasing ethylene oxide into the air. Ethylene oxide is a federally rated carcinogen, and poses a cancer risk 30 times greater than previously thought. The EPA measured ethylene oxide levels in nearby residential areas, and concluded the cancer risks in southeast DuPage are more than six cases of cancer for every 1,000 people, according to the Chicago Tribune. Furthermore, the census tract surrounding this Willowbrook facility has the highest cancer risk in Illinois, and the 19th highest cancer risk in the nation, according to the Law Offices of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. In response to concerned residents, Sterigenics claimed it would reduce the ethylene oxide emissions by 90 percent in July. On Sept. 20 and 21, a third party witnessed by representatives from the EPA, tested the equipment upgrades that back vent process
emissions. The test results showed that all test measurements taken in the outlets of the two emissions control systems were below the maximum limit. “Our Willowbrook facility achieves and exceeds the compliance requirements set by the U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA,” Chief marketing officer Kristin Gibbs said. Residents are left concerned because prior to these adjustments, ethylene oxide has been being released into the air for about 34 years. Ryan Feeney was one of many who filed a lawsuit against Sterigenics. Feeney grew up nearby Sterigenics, and attended Hinsdale South High School located just one mile from the company, his lawyer Ben Hensley said. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma his senior year of high school. Feeney is suing the company for the damages they caused him due to the release of a carcinogenic chemical, Hensley said. The damages include medical bills as well as emotional harm such as pain, Hensley said. “He spent his senior year of high school going through chemo instead of enjoying his last year of highschool,” Hensley said. Sterigenics has not responded to the law-
Sterigenics office is located in Willowbrook on Quincy street (McCormick/LION).
suit therefore; the court date is not yet determined, said Hensley. Furthemore, Andrea Thome has filed a lawsuit against Sterigenics holding them responsible for her parents’ sicknesses. According to her blog, both her parents lived in Willowbrook, unaware of ethylene oxide being released nearby. Her mother died in October of 2014 due to liver and kidney disease, and her father is currently struggling with a brain tumor. “There is no way in hell I’m going to sit by and let any other members of my family or community continue to breath in this toxic sludge,” Thome said in her blog.
NEWS OPRF documentary LT receives permission discusses inequality to split from treasurer
Thursday, October 25, 2018
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Racial inequality at OPRF, Hinsdale Central is highlighted in ‘America to Me’ multi-part documentary series
by Grace DeKoker @grace_dekoker
At LT, the 2016-17 demographic reported that 72 percent of students were Caucasian, four percent were African American, 19 percent were Hispanic, and 1.8 percent were Asian. Another two-percent were two or more races, and less than one percent identified as American Indian. Contrastingly, Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRF) prides itself on its diversity, with about one half Caucasian students and one quarter African American. It was this diversity that inspired acclaimed filmmaker Steve James to follow the school’s teachers, parents and students for a year. In his documentary, “America To Me,” it is revealed that OPRF, which is widely regarded as a diverse and progressive school, has issues of race-related tension. “We have been working and challenging ourselves in terms of racial equity for years,” OPRF Principal Nathan Rouse said. “Racial equity has been at the forefront of our professional development.” James’ goal was to take a deeper look into “race and equity and their impact on the quest for racial parity at Oak Park River Forest High School,” according to the OPRF website. Some of what was found through filming boiled down to stereotypes. White students making assumptions that African American students did not belong in AP or Honors classes was one instance that demonstrates the lack of equity, OPRF AP Physics teacher Aaron Podolner said. While the documentary mostly followed students, a few teachers were featured as well. Two of Podolner’s students, Charles and Jayda, were highlighted in the documentary. Another reason for Podolner’s feature was his policy centered on equity in
STEM-based classes. “There is prejudice that white students may not think black students are as smart,” Podolner said. “But what I do, I check to see if a black student has an answer right, and if they do, then I call them up to demonstrate. It boosts their confidence, and reaffirms that they belong in the class.” Podolner’s attention to racial equality in his classroom is a newer focus for other OPRF teachers, and now many other teachers are making conscious efforts to correct stereotypes. “A key belief of our equity leaders at OPRF during the past 10 years is that teachers are not yet ready to talk about race in their classrooms,” Polodner said in a reflection of one episode. “The way we talk about race at OPRF is at a 30,000 foot level, like history, but never down to classroom conversations,” he said. These classroom conversations are important; racial inequity could be a factor impacting standardized testing scores on the national level. The average ACT score across the nation in 2016 for African American students was 17.8, but was 23.8 for white students, according to ACT Inc. Six percent of African American students passed all four ACT benchmark scores, while 34 percent of white students did. OPRF has a variety of pre-existing programs, alongside a few in progress, that focus on ensuring all students receive the same education regardless of race, Podolner said. “[We need to] get real, [and] talk about the actual things that are going on, Podolner said. “[We need] to be less worried about saying the wrong thing, and get to the bottom of what is happening.” The 10-week documentary series airs on the Starz network on Sundays at 9 p.m.
Youth Survey results Continued from Page 1
administrations across the country working to combat its growing prominence—the survey highlighted that alcohol is still the most abused substance at LT. The survey found that 79 percent of last year’s LT seniors had drunk alcohol within the past year, and 36 percent of the senior class had a binge drinking episode, defined as drinking five drinks in a row, in the two weeks leading up to the survey. “The binge drinking is of great concern [to me],” Eggerding said. The numbers were significantly higher at LT in comparison to other participating schools in suburban Cook County. According to the data, only 57 percent of seniors surveyed from the Cou had drunk alcohol during the past year and only 21 percent had engaged in binge drinking within the two weeks before the survey. While alcohol is by far the most abused substance at LT, Costopoulos also added that vaping is still a source of concern. According to the results, 58 percent of last year’s seniors had vaped, in comparison to 33 percent in suburban Cook. The survey also revealed 29 percent of last year’s LT freshman had vaped, on top of 46 percent of sophomores and 52 percent of juniors who had tried vaping, as well. “It didn’t surprise me because, sitting in the AP office, I deal with it on a daily basis,” Costopoulos said, noting that she once possessed a large box full of vaping devices the principals had confiscated. “I’m very concerned about vaping because it’s a slippery slope to marijuana usage.” The number of students the AP office has caught for vaping offenses has gone up around 400 percent in the past two years, Costopoulos said, which she only expects to rise. While the overall vaping data does not differentiate between vaping tobacco or marijuana, the survey notes that 70 percent of LT students who had used marijuana tried it in vaporized form at least once. The silver lining, however, is that most LT students are not using hard drugs, Eggerding said. While 52 percent of juniors and 58 percent of seniors have tried marijuana, not many students are using heroin or other serious drugs, the survey shows. “The positive out of the data is that it doesn’t show students using hard drugs,” Eggerding said. “That’s a very small percentage. Less than one percent of students have tried heroin. It’s not even in our top 10.” Eggerding noted that the prescription drugs being abused may even be for potential academic purposes. “The biggest prescription drug [abused] is not OxyContin—it’s Adderall,” Eggerding said. “It’s people getting someone else’s ADD medication to stay up for a test. It leads into ‘I’m stressed and worried and wanting to do better, so I’m taking drugs.’”
The cause
While this data can seem shocking, the trends at LT are not unique. In fact, Suniya Luthar, a professor of psychology at Arizona State University, thinks LT’s results fit clearly into a growing trend among high-achieving high schools across
Legislation gives LT power of financial control, investments management
by Mia Bonfiglio @miabonfiglio A new law is in the process of being passed in the Illinois legislature that will allow Lyons Township to separate from the Township Treasurer Office (TTO)—an office that manages finances and investments for schools in the district—once all litigation is complete between two parties that was in existence when the bill was originally introduced. “This is long overdue,” Superintendent Timothy Kilrea said. “Most large high schools like LT already have that autonomy. LT’s desire to separate from the TTO is the right course of action for our taxpayers because this is a duplication of services and it will save taxpayer dollars.” The Chicago Tribune reported that the bill was passed on May 31, allowing LT to finance themselves and invest however they wish. This new legislation will give school districts the ability to manage their own finances and control costs, which will ultimately help save taxpayers expenses of the TTO, House Minority leader and Republican Jim Durkin said. Cook County is the last county where this type of government entity exists. “For years I have been working on this legislation and am proud to say we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement this year that allowed us to end this wasteful layer of government,” Durkin said. “The continued operation only fuels the public’s disdain for inefficient government.” A past agreement between LT and the TTO allowed LT to perform certain functions in house, like controlling finances as they got larger and the TTO would pay them for their services, Kilrea said. LT faced
the nation. “Overall, nationally, [substance abuse] rates have not gone up, if anything they’ve gone down slightly,” Luthar said. “The one subgroup in which this remains a significant issue and perhaps is on the rise is with young people. From what I know, substance abuse is not a national trend, but it certainly seems to be among kids in high-achieving, relatively affluent settings.” Both Luthar and the LT administrators noted that there is not a simple cause why substance abuse is higher at LT and at other high-achieving high schools across the nation. But Luthar believes, based on her research, that the most apparent causes of this trend is the same thing that she has attributed to these schools’ appeal: their focus on producing high-achieving students. “The biggest thing is probably the unrelenting, constant pressure to achieve and accomplish and distinguish oneself,” Luthar said. “As a result, two things happen: they say, ‘we work hard and we play hard.’ And sometimes they use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate when there are feelings of stress and pressure.” While the survey results showed that depression rates among LT students are in line with those in our surrounding area—with 35 percent of juniors reporting that they experienced sadness or hopelessness everyday for two weeks—Eggerding said mental health still likely plays a factor. “Even though ours isn’t higher, I think a lot of kids are using substances to self-medicate or destress or just trying to figure out a way to feel better for whatever reason,” Eggerding said. With the pressure put on students from parents, teachers and even students themselves, Eggerding added that “it all leads to people sometimes coping or choosing or trying something that may not be the best choice.” Costopoulos, however, cautions against putting all the blame on school stress. “Kids might use [school pressure] as an excuse, but there are so many better ways to deal with stress,” Costopoulos said. “You work so hard on your grades, you get your paper done, you take your AP test. That doesn’t mean you should go out and get drunk.” But another aspect that Luthar touched on was the parental mentalities in high-achieving communities like LT. In a piece in The Washington Post, Luthar wrote that students in high-achieving high schools often “say their parents would treat” substance abuse “infractions more leniently than other errant behaviors, such as delinquency, academic indolence or insolence to adults.” According to the survey results, 33 percent of LT seniors said that their parents would find drinking an alcoholic beverage once to twice a month “very wrong,” in comparison to 48 percent of seniors in suburban Cook County reporting the same thing. “There is this pervasive feeling in our community that it’s a rite of passage and that everyone does it,” Costopoulos said. “But none of that is okay. It is illegal to drink under 21; it is harmful to drink under 21.” Furthermore, Costopoulos said that many students in affluent communities often see alcohol use as an aspect of their
Jim Durkin works to assist all people in Illinois in various ways (jimdurkin.com).
a lawsuit from the TTO claiming LT owes them money and that this agreement never existed, despite the two parties agreeing to LT completing the services the TTO was supposed to do. “We essentially already finance ourselves,” LTHS Business Manager Brian Stachacz said. “It is my stance that the tasks involved with them [TTO] are certainly tasks we are capable of completing here at LT.” LT is paid to do the same things the TTO does, like financing themselves, but additional fees are paid to them, Kilrea said. Over the past five years, LT has spent over $1 million in fees to the TTO with little in return. Other schools in the district have paid legal fees of more than $2 million. Currently, there are no issues in relations between both parties in terms of working together, other than LT’s belief that they are paying an exorbitant amount for services that are not utilized, Stachacz said. “I want them [the community] to know that this is an awful lot of money from the local school districts being spent on legal fees and diverted away from educating kids,” Kilrea said.
parents’ lifestyles. “In homes of affluence, [parents] are going to have parties and they’re going to have alcohol,” Costopoulos said. “They’re going to have wine with dinner. It’s what the kids see.” In those households, it is also easier to gain access to alcohol from their parent’s liquor cabinets, Cotsopoulos said. That is supported by the survey, which found that 42 percent indicated they have gotten alcohol from their parents. Additionally, 35 percent took alcohol without permission. A large part of the problem is the fact that many don’t think that these schools, like LT, are a place where rampant substance abuse could be a problem, Luthar said. “I think the bigger issue is the sense of disbelief,” Luthar said. “How can it be that these students are excelling so much all the way around academically and in their extracurriculars? How could they be miserable and binge drinking?” She added: “There’s a lot of focus on a school’s ‘academic report card’ with test scores and colleges to which the students go—and parents tend to focus a lot on this and not the school’s overall mental health. And the reality is, they coexist.”
Working on a solution
While there are means of punishing students for substance abuse occuring on school grounds, the school’s reach does not extend much beyond that. As a result, what the administration is doing to respond to the survey’s results is working to inform the community about current substance abuse trends. “The way I see our role as a school is to collect the information, share the information and bring in professionals and community leaders to say ‘Hey, what can we do about this?’” Eggerding said. As a result, a forum is scheduled to occur Nov. 6 at the SC PAC called “The Truth About Vaping,” which seeks to inform members of community on the dangers of vaping and how to better identify substance abuse in kids, Eggerding said. “I think the most important thing is that we’re not coming out with this data saying we have the solution,” Eggerding said. “This is what our kids are telling us, and are we OK with that? If the community is OK with that, there’s nothing much we can do. But I don’t think our community is going to look at this and say, ‘Yeah, this is us.’” While some parents do enable teen substance abuse, some of them are likely just unaware about the current trends in how students use drugs and alcohol, Luthar said. “These are by no means negligent parents as a group,” Luthar said. “These are often people who went to good schools themselves and want the same thing for their kids—they are caring parents.” While parents play a role in this issue, substance abuse in high-achieving communities is an accumulation of factors such as the college application process, teachers, peers, coaches and even students themselves, Luthar said. As a result, Luthar thinks it may be time to reevaluate the amount of emphasis we put on pushing students further and further. “By and large, most of us are trying to do what is best for our kids,” Luthar said. “We slip up sometimes. Collectively, as a society, we appear to be slipping up, given some of these recurrently documented and deeply troubling trends.”
NEws
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Thursday, October 25, 2018
Coach Kirsten Manthei steps down After 16 years of dedication to team, coach resigns position by Nina Shearrill @ninashearrill
For the past 16 years, speech coach Kirsten Manthei has dedicated her time to coaching high school speech teams. Starting 14 years ago at LT, she began working as an assistant coach, helping turn a group of five students into a team of over 50 promising members. Early on this season, she announced she would be stepping down as head speech coach. During her speech coaching tenure she taught classes such as Interpersonal Communication (IPC) and Speech Arts, in addition to spending most of her weekdays and Saturdays coaching and going to tournaments, Manthei said. Due to such a packed schedule, she has had to miss out on a lot of quality family time. She will continue to teach as he takes on a part time theatre directing position. “My husband’s birthday is in early February around the time of sectionals,” Manthei said. “We’ve never celebrated his birthday on his birthday. We’ve always had to celebrate it on a Monday before. [After I leave], I promised him we’ll have a big party on that weekend.” For the last 16 years, speech team has occupied most of her free time, she said. As her two young children continue to grow up, they have begun to become involved in several activities. With her son in band and sports, and her daughter in dance and theatre, she wants to be able to be around more for the events she usually missed out on, she said.
Kirsten Manthei talks with team member Riley Egan ‘19 during a weekly practice (Shearill/LION).
“[My family] is very excited. They definitely support me, but I’d be gone most Saturdays and it has been difficult,” she said. This year marks a decade of her being head coach, Manthei said. Early on this season she announced her decision, even though this has been in motion for months now. “I had been contemplating whether or not [2017-2018] would be my last season, but after taking [Pilar Valdes ‘19 and Miles Hession ‘18] to state, I did not just want to leave,” she said. Due to her love for both theatre and speech, the decision was not easy for her, she said. Both theatre and speech are
large commitments, but there are very few Saturdays, if any, that require a theatre rehearsal. Furthermore, the time needed to produce a show spans a few weeks, whereas a speech season usually starts in August and ends in February. “I’m really going to miss my students and practicing; but [theatre] is my dream,” she said. Before working for LT, Manthei obtained her degrees for teaching and theatre, she said. When applying to work at LT, her original plan was to become a theatre director. “When I applied I was offered a teaching position for IPC,” she said. “I ended up falling in love with IPC and speech.” After one of the former theatre directors could no longer maintain his position following the 2017-2018 school year, a position became available. With her new position, she jumped at the chance to direct “Game of Tiaras,” which opens Nov. 8 and closes Nov. 10. “It was the next natural step for her,” LT Theatre Director and Teacher Lawrence Keller said. “She’s been wanting to direct since she’s gotten here. With her theatre background, organizational skills, and her ability to work with diverse groups of students, I can’t think of anyone better suited for the position.” As for the speech team, assistant head coach Sarah Pouls will be filling the vacant position. “She is very qualified,” Manthei said. “She just is focusing more closely on the intricate details she will have to deal with fully as head coach.” Pouls has been coaching the team for over five years and has been taking a lead role as the transition from coaches moves forward, Manthei said.
New investment club Student wifi expected is approved by LT prior to end of year School-endorsed pilot club to move forward this year
to buy, sell, trade stocks and mutual funds using fake online money in a program called the Stock Market Game. The club will give students exposure to what the market is like By Dani Almase in reality. The students will learn from their @AlmaseDani mistakes in the simulation so they will be After hearing about investment clubs in less likely to occur in the future in reality high schools around the area, Andrew Scho- when it matters. The club will examine current trends drof ‘20 was confused as to why one of the biggest high schools in Illinois did not have in investing and follow specific stocks, LT one. He and four other boys decided to pro- Business Education teacher and sponsor of pose the creation of an investment club here investment club, Ryan Gerenstein said. The students will get a chance to compete at LT. The stipend committee agreed to move with other clubs in the state and possibly the country on the online forward with the proposal on Oct. 4. It will be “After a couple years, program. The members will be able to set up their a pilot club until DecemI believe this club will own profile via the Stock ber 2019, Student Activity Director Peter Gedbe the most popular Market Game simulation, and compete against one deis said. A pilot club is club at LT.” another within the club. a trial run for about one -Danny Koch ‘20 Furthermore, the club as a year to try to establish whole will be able to create interest among students. The committee will come together again, and a profile together to go up against other investment clubs in the state and possibly even decide if it will be a full status club or not. “After a couple years, I believe this club the country. “The goal is going to be to improve stuwill be the most popular club at LT,” Danny Koch ‘20 said. “Investing and the stock mar- dents’ knowledge of the stock market and ket is something that will affect everyone in the world of investing, have some fun, comtheir life, and knowing strategies is import- pete, and walk away with an appreciation for ant. Also, our feedback on this has been huge. how investing works and how challenging it can be,” Gerenstein said. People are really excited about our idea.” The first official meeting for the club is The investment club was founded by Koch, Schodrof, Greg Smith ‘19, Cooper planned for Nov. 1, and meetings will be takSchodrof ‘22, and Colin Koch ‘22. The five ing place every other Thursday after school boys convinced the committee to make the at NC in room 329. “I think it will be a very successful club investment proposal a pilot club by getting 60 student signatures for their petition and because a vast majority of the school stu70 verbal confirmations from students saying dents will invest in the stock in the future that they will be attending a meeting, Dan- years, so why not start now and build a good ny Koch said. The club will allow students base of knowledge,” Andrew said.
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Students able to access school resources online, up to three devices per student by Taylor Schmitt @TaylorSchmitt15
LT is expecting to be able to provide students with access to free wifi by the end of the 2018-19 school year. After preliminary testing that will give access to some staff, the network will allow students to connect multiple devices at school. “Our goal is to make sure that we do it right and well, and so that when we do make it available, that the experience is going to go as smoothly as we can hopefully make it,” Ed Tennant, Director of Technology Services, said. “But definitely this school year is the thought.” The decision to implement student-accessible wifi was made prior to the summer of 2017, Tennant said. However, delayed grant funding slowed down the project. The tech team made use of that school year to plan, and anticipates rolling out the service before the end of the school year. The goal is to give students more convenient access to resources that will assist them in the classroom, such as Canvas, Tennant said. They arrived at the decision through listening to students, staff and through observing the way students have become more comfortable with technology. “At some point, students are coming to our school understanding how to use technology and we’re adapting to the way students are already coming to us and the way that they prefer to learn,” Joseph Maffey, an English teacher and faculty tech coach, said. Tennant also expects to test the service
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Wifi At LT Pros
Cons
Access to school resources
No access to H-Drive
Multiple devices per person
Cell connection not improved
Convenient
Have to bring own devices compiled by Nicole Klein
using a small number of staff members before letting students connect, he said. The goal is to troubleshoot any issues that may present themselves quickly and make the transition smoother for everybody. “I want to make sure that it’s a good experience for [students], not a frustrating experience,” Tennant said. “Planning and proper testing is going to move us in that direction.” The administration hasn’t specified a limit on the number of devices a student might use, but they expect students being connected to the network with two or three, insluding district-owned devices, at the same time, Tennant said. While students will be able to utilize their personal devices at school, there would be certain limitations. Cellular reception would not be improved by connecting to wifi, Tennant said. The connection will give smartphones and tablets internet access, but not access to the cellular providers’ networks. Students will also not be able to access their H-Drive on the LT server from their personal devices, Tennant said. This is because the connection will only provide internet, not access to LT’s internal files.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
IMpact
Page 5
The LION would like to recognize some individuals and clubs for their outstanding efforts to aid communities in need. Read below for full coverage of their innovative, charitable work.
Paraeducator helps Puerto Rico Mary Ann Rivera travels to Puerto Rico to donate much needed school supplies by Grace Kulat @gracekulat
After a successful first trip to donate school supplies to schools in Puerto Rico, paraeducator Mary Ann Rivera plans to make another trip to donate the 400 backpacks she has in her basement. When most people go on vacation for their 30th anniversary, they don’t end up donating 84 boxes of school supplies and 214 backpacks to Puerto Rico. But after hurricane María devastated Puerto Rico, Rivera and her husband decided to do so. “Originally my husband had surprised me with a trip to Puerto Rico for our 30th wedding anniversary. We have not been back to the island for a long time and wanted to see how the family was holding up after the hurricane,” Rivera said. According to USA Today, when the storm hit the shore on Sept. 20, 2017, it was a Category four hurricane. The commonwealth estimated that it will take $139 billion, including $33 billion for housing, to rebuild the damage done. “Most of the struggle is happening in the towns that are up in the mountains,” Rivera said. “They are the last to get any form of relief from the government. Kids have been affected by all of this and I wanted to be able to let them know that kids here are thinking of them, that teachers and other educators care about them.” According to the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), debris from María and 41,000 landslides shut down all but 400 miles of Puerto Rico’s 16,700 miles of roads, cutting off municipalities across the island. “I have family members who are educators in Puerto Rico,” Rivera said. “They had been telling us how bad the
Mary Ann Rivera holds up backpacks that she bought to deliver to a school that suffered the effects of hurricane María (Rivera).
situation was for the kids at the schools. Many schools were closed due to the severe damage from the hurricane.” According to FEMA the United States government allotted $600 million dollars to fund the department of education, so that they could rebuild schools and help schools with sup-
plies. Rivera donated items that are essential to a student’s success in school such as crayons, pencils, notebooks, tissues, disinfectant wipes and backpacks. “The original thought was to take two suitcases of school supplies since we were flying Southwest and we could take extra bags free,” Rivera said. “That didn’t end up being the case. We ended up with 84 boxes and 214 backpacks.” Rivera received donations from several LT teachers, as well as teachers from all over Illinois In addition to donations of school supplies, Rivera also received monetary donations from teachers, schools, and friends, totaling $6,700. “These donations went towards shipping costs and purchase of school uniforms and water for some of the towns that still did not have proper running water,” Rivera said. Rivera said that she and her husband did the bulk of collecting the donations and packing the boxes. “The best thing about us is that we both have big families,” Rivera said. “We had the boxes delivered to my husband’s cousin’s home. Once we got there the family made arrangements to use one of the local church social rooms to sort out the school supplies and fill the backpacks.” Rivera and her husband wanted the children to receive the backpacks directly because Rivera said that she had heard stories about packages that have been sent not always ending up where they are supposed to. “When we went to the towns to give out the supplies, both the children and the teachers were very grateful,” Rivera said. The great reactions from the people in Puerto Rico have encouraged Rivera and her family to continue to donate. They plan on going to Puerto Rico again soon to donate supplies that they already have and more that they plan to collect. If you wish to donate school supplies you can contact Rivera at mrivera@lths.net.
Two McClure alumni Choir collects money create tutoring service to make a difference ‘Learning to Give’ donates profits to different charitities
“It’s rewarding for all the tutors to feel like they’re accomplishing two different things,” Dedhia said. “They’re helping kids, by Diane Makovic and they’re also giving back to the communi@dmakovic8 ty in a unique way.” Fenwick student Ronan Kristufek ‘21 As McClure alumni, Kristufek and Dedhia had the opportunity to fill in for one of his also reached out to Principal Dan Chick to dad’s tutoring jobs in October 2017, which is ask him to help market their business, Chick when his love for tutoring began. said. “The second I finished the session, I knew At a shoe drive put on by “The Home 2 I wanted to continue tutoring,” he said. “I Home Project” (H2H), Kristufek met Janelle loved teaching others, and I wanted to create Towne, Towne said. Towne is the creator a business that our town could benefit from.” of H2H, a local Western Springs nonprofit This expethat collects furnirience sparked ture and donations Kristufek’s interto give to families est in founding transitioning from Learning to Give, homelessness into a student-run tua new home. Later toring service in on, Kristufek called the western subTowne to tell her urbs that tutors that H2H would be students in grades the beneficiary of K-10 and gives tutoring proceeds, all the proceeds she said. A few earned to local months later, Krisstartup charities, tufek called Towne Kristufeksaid. Sophmore students Ronan Kristufek and Mira Ded- to tell her he had After talking hia start charity tutoring (learningtogive.com) $1,000 to give to to his parents and her charity. putting this charity out there, Kristufek “I’m just really impressed by them,” asked his close friend and LT student Mira Towne said. “Not only just the fact that they Dedhia ‘21 to help him run the new orga- have their own business, but the fact that nization. they want to take the money that they make “In order for any of this to happen, I need- and donate it to something so that they creed a partner to help me organize it,” he said. ate something bigger is just so amazing com“Mira was my first and obvious choice. She is ing from kids that age. I’m so blown away by brilliant and very good at organization, com- their generosity.” munication, tutoring, and the list goes on. I Learning to Give has expanded to include believed that the person who I could trust five tutors who work with 10 students in tothe most to help me set up this large daunt- tal, Dedhia said. Each tutor does on average ing risk would be her. And looking back, I’m two to three one-hour sessions a week, split sure I made the right decision.” between school nights and weekends. They Learning to Give was created with two recently started their second session with different goals in mind, Dedhia said. These the start of the school year and have already goals were to tutor kids around the western raised $200, Kristufek said, suburbs, and then to donate the $25 per sesFor more information about Learning to sion back to the community. Give, contact learningtogive5@gmail.com.
Students raise money for charities, volunteer at FMSC
said. They are hoping to make this an available annual trip. “It was fun and interesting,” Scriba said. by Nicole Klein “It was amazing to see everyone come to@nicolecklein1 gether, and it was a charitable and bonding This year, LT choir wanted to do its part experience.” to make the world a better place. They deThis year, they want two all choir trips cided to give back by taking donations and and want to plan more volunteer trips for helping out at Feed My Starving Children. individual choir classes, Mirabile said. They “We chose to become more charitable be- are considering going to Feed My Starving cause not only does it impact the LT choir Children again or somewhere new. community to bring everyone together and “I was wondering what we could do to provide empathy, but it also benefits the rest further encourage a culture in which beof the world at the ing considerate same time and of others is just helps people give the norm,” Lyda back to those who said. “When have less than us,” there are 50 peoChoir Board Presple that meet ident Hayley Mievery day who rabile ‘19 said. practice this, you By early Octocan feel it in the ber they collectroom and it can ed $127 for the spill over outside Red Cross, choir the room.” teacher ConFor the past stance Lyda said. two years, choir They are curput on a dodgerently collecting Lauren Tabour ‘20 contributes money to growing ball tournament for the American funds to help make a small difference (Klein/LION). in November, Cancer Society, and students will choose a Lyda said. This year on Nov. 16, the teams charity for each of the coming months. will also be competing for who can collect “Students are reminded every day that the most money. 75 percent of this money they can donate a little money,” Lyda said. will go to a charity that works to help ref“Through the year, we’ll see that even ugees, and the remaining 25 percent will though individuals only donated a little, as a go to choir to cover some of their expenses group we made a bigger impact.” throughout the school year. Choir will also be collecting donations at “When we take action to help others, we their concerts, Lauren Scriba ‘19 said. feel empowered, and we see that we actually “Choir allows students to do what they can make a difference, especially when we love [singing], while it also strengthens their take action with a group,” Lyda said. emotional intelligence and ability to give During choir last year, Scriba had many back to the world,” Mirabile said. different ideas, spent plenty of hours planBesides collecting donations, choir stu- ning for the Feed My Starving Children field dents also volunteered at Feed My Starving trip, and launched the student donation efChildren. About 75 students and 15 adults fort, Lyda said. went to Feed My Starving Children to pack“You can always do something to help age food on Sept. 10 after school, Mirabile someone out,” Scriba said.
NEWS
Page 6
Thursday, October 25, 2018
With a school as large as 4,000 people, the LION Newspaper does not always represent every student. Now, we are sharing the stories of a few, in hopes of making some place so big seem a little bit smaller. Read below to learn about people of LT. compiled by Camilla Breen
“Fishing is really boring. But I do it because it’s the one hobby I find truly relaxing. Sitting on the boat, just hearing the sounds of the birds and the water, and hanging out with my dad and grandpa (who I don’t get to see very much) is really relaxing. I mean you fish to catch fish, but it’s also a reason to spend time with family. I’ve been fishing since I was two; there’s pictures of me and my dad sitting on a pier at our lake house from when I was really young. Until I was 12, I was only able to fish at our lake house in the summer, but then my grandparents took me to Canada for a week and a half, and every year since then we’ve gone. My lake house and Canada are my two biggest places that I love to go; it’s what I look forward to in the summer. It’s the only time I get to spend a long time with my grandparents and I really value that.”
Joe Schuler ‘19
“Starting out at LT, I never would’ve thought that I’d be involved in all the clubs I’m in now. LT has so many clubs and there’s really always been a place for everyone. I started SAVE promise club, and I also do OSB, student council and cheerleading. I really enjoy having a leadership role, and I truly believe in the intended purposes of each club I’m in. Joining all these clubs just sort of happened naturally; I’ve always been drawn to helping the school and the community so it was a no-brainer for me. I also lead sixth graders during Wyldlife, so [the time commitment] adds up. I have a study hall during school that really helps, but besides that I’ve learned that that I can’t procrastinate and I have to really study hard. As for time to myself, there isn’t a lot. When I do have time to myself, I just like to hang out with my dogs or listen to music to de-stress.”
Molly Davies ‘20
Quinn Riordan ‘21
“My [biggegst] influences would have to be my parents. They really encouraged me to challenge myself inside and outside school and helped me gain a work ethic that has really helped me so far. I guess I’m influenced most by them when it comes to school. My parents encourage me by just letting me know that I’m capable of doing hard things like taking difficult classes. If it weren’t for their encouragement, I probably wouldn’t really be trying too hard in school or challenging myself with different classes like English and AP Human Geography. They’re tough because they really require a lot of thinking to be successful and I can’t just repeat what I’ve been told. They’re tough, but I enjoy them anyway. I’d rather take a difficult class that’s interesting than an easy class that’s boring. I think I’ve benefited from them because now I have a good work ethic and it makes school a lot easier.”
@lionnewspaper
@ltlionnewspaper
@wltlradio
“If I could, I would tell my younger self that I don’t need to worry so much about everything. When I was younger, I was so shy and anxious, but I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older that I don’t need to be so fearful of situations. I’d also tell her to have more confidence in myself. I started to be more outgoing after I started playing music, basically since fourth grade. You have to push yourself when you’re out there on stage, and it sort of forces you to have confidence. Performing and expressing myself through music has really helped with that. I do School of Rock, a music program where we perform and sing classic rock, but also I’ve started songwriting recently. School of Rock is really cool now because I’m in the houseband so we get to play some really fun gigs.”
Wolfgang Burtner ‘21
@ltlionnewspaper
LT prepares for mock election by Maggie Kahn
Twenty One Pilots returns with another attention-grabbing album by Isabella Sorice
“Tootsie” previews success on Broadway by Liz Gremer
Thursday, October 25, 2018
opiniOns PageSevenPhotoGrid
Page 7
GuestColumn
Is the razor right?
A couple of weeks ago, I got into a huge debate Georgia Dougherty with my parents. They were annoyed because I didn’t What would you name If Dr. Waterman was a Finger sized legs, or leg Invent a new flavor of want to shave my legs. I was the next Crayola Crayon vine, what vine would sized fingers? annoyed because I didn’t want toothpaste color? he be? to. I’ll present this like a court case. My parents’ side: I should shave my legs because it’s hygienic and people will cast The blanket dancing once, Leg sized fingers, that Donald Trump spray negative judgments on me if I accompanied by Dr. Kilrea would make for a bomb Pumpkin Spice tan orange do not. My side: I shouldn’t feel and Mr. Brown track season pressure to shave or be judged based on the hair on my legs. Katherine Aubert ‘19 Also I just don’t feel like doing it sometimes. So, onto the evidence. My mom says I should shave because it’s hygienic. But I Impossible, Vine is dead Aquamaroon Ice on my teeth feel just as clean with hair on Leg sized fingers [ed. note: blasphemy] my legs as I do without. It’s kind of like if you had hair on your arms. On the other hand, David Henderson ‘20 some women love the feeling of freshly shaved legs against their sheets, and I am also all for that. Finger sized legs- I already When there’s too much Here’s where the argument have long legs and shopping drama at school, al LT drinking fountain/ Mariano’s chicken tenders gets tricky, though. My dad for jeans makes me want to you gotta do is walk sinks- a pale yellow flavored brought up the point that if cry sometimes awayayayayayyyyy I walked into a prestigious law firm, looking for a job, Molly Corrough ‘21 my interviewer might take a look at my furry legs and make assumptions based on Finger sized legs because them. Although this may not What are those you can still do everyday be morally right, it might be [ed. note: not sure if he’s Sparkling Pink Peach true. They may immediately tasks like play Fortnite referring to the Vine, or is make the assumption that I [ed. note: a very fresh man] unaware of what Vines are] am unprofessional. There are certain standards that clients Ben Peterson ‘22 may expect, and I wouldn’t be meeting them with my “look.” And the firm needs the clients Finger sized legs- leg sized to stay in business. Maybe I I think he’s secretly a dancfingers would be too heavy to would be hired if I shaved my er, he could rock the “Take Nutella toothpaste! Basic bone beige carry around, plus I could fit legs to seem more competent, on Me” vine into Barbie pants! which presents the argument: Should I indulge in a standard Sylvia Tanious, Anatomy Teacher that I don’t necessarily believe compiled by Grace DeKoker and Greg Smith in if it will help me get a job? I think no, as long as I’m not harming anyone with my choices, I should be able to What’s heard in the halls This letter is from Brandt Siegfried ‘18 (Twitter @brandto13) in response to express my own body however doesn’t stay in the halls. the Point-Counterpoint feature on socialism in LION’s Sept. 21 issue. I want. In the LION, point-counter-point carries on a rich academic tradition every issue. Even if neither side emerges Here, in the Random Some women feel like shavtriumphant, I believe that the litigants ought to adhere to a principle that maintains the integrity of debate: inteling their legs is an obligation . Chatter Box, LION comlectual honesty. In other words, one should not lie to or mislead readers to win the argument. Unfortunately, Pilar My friend Elaina (who stopped Valdes’ piece from Issue 1 “Counter-point: The little ism that could” reeks with intellectual dishonesty, and I would piles some of the funniest, shaving last year) remembers like to correct the record. weirdest, and most ran- when she began to shave She opens by comparing a runner stopping to help her fallen competitor to socialism. This analogy is blatantly around seventh grade, and it dom comments we hear. seemed to her “a requirement false, more akin to private charity: a voluntary transaction between individuals. Socialism is a diametric opposite: a large-scale, government-enforced transaction via a bureaucracy. The rest of this piece is riddled with emotional rather than a choice.” Most “Why don’t we call arguments that distract from the real argument and insult the intelligence of LION’s readers. girls don’t grow up seeing leg gravity earth succ?” Valdes continues to explain how “socialism in its purest form does not work,” but she has a better solution: demhair on most grown women, Mark Jareczek ‘19 ocratic socialism. As she explains it, the government does not own the means of production in democratic socialism, which makes shaving seem like but provides “basic rights and necessities” to its people. Here she argues for a free market to achieve the results, but a standard one must conform an interventionist government to redistribute them. Redistribution of the results does not generate any new wealth, to. but moves existing wealth around. In such a system, the free market that the government relies upon for tax dol“How do you like... In ancient Greece, no body lars disintegrates and leaves the government fatally without a revenue source. The socialist system is not one that wash a blanket?” hair was a symbol of status. “works,” but rather one that devolves into universal poverty. -Hanna Good ‘19 The first time women were Additionally, Valdes cannot legitimately claim that “the system of capitalism” in America is not working withpressured to shave was in the out citing any metrics to measure success, so let’s look at a few. The 2018 Human Development Index ranks the 1900s, during an Anti-Under“I just feel like everyU.S. in the top category of “very high human development.” The U.S. recorded its highest median income ever at arm Hair campaign. Sleeveless one needs to get tear $59,039 in 2017, and the average income was even higher. The Pew Research Center found that worldwide 95% of dresses were trending and ads gassed at least once Americans earn enough to be considered “middle income” or above, and 56% fall into the highest income category. urged women to ditch armpit in their life.” If success depends upon the well-being of the people at large, data suggests that average Americans are performing hair. Around WWII, a shortage -Caroline Ansexceedingly well. of nylon meant no stockings. combe ‘19 Continuing to bait readers into baseless emotional arguments, Valdes claims that we have “a great system for Women started shaving their straight white males.” This opinion cannot be justified factually, even if it sounds empowering. She claims everylegs in order to be deemed so“I’d have to agree, body who is not a straight white male actually possesses a “disability” that prevents them from succeeding, and cially acceptable while walking my favorite person in I believe we should all be legitimately offended by this prejudicial supposition. Capitalism, by the way, is prejuaround. my family is my cat.” dice-blind in that it seeks, by nature, the best individuals regardless of physical qualities. My verdict: do whatever -Ben Lynch ‘19 Moreover, Valdes absolutely butchers her explanation of rights. Here is the truth: Your rights come from God, you want! I actually often and you receive them by nature as a human being. You possess your rights in the state of nature, the name for the shave, although that one time theoretical place where humans exist before they institute government among themselves for the purpose of proI didn’t and my parents saw. tecting their rights. If you disagree with me, you disagree with the Founding Fathers who affirm my statements in If you want to let it grow, the Declaration of Independence: all men “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” (emphaHave an opinion on a story or the let it grow! But, you might sis added). Further evidence for the Founder’s assertion that our natural rights come from God can be found in “The world? Bring a letter to NC Room have to deal with the fact that Farmer Refuted” by Alexander Hamilton. Education and healthcare are things that we do as humans, but they do 220, Mr. Scales’s mailbox, or email some people are not yet very not exist in the state of nature. God created men with liberty and a right to defend their property, the actual sentiit to Greg Smith at smi504661@ open minded about body hair. ment that Jefferson argues in the Declaration of Independence. d204.lths.net. Make sure the con- Hopefully one day people will To conclude, Valdes argues we need to change our mentality to socialism, “simply a state of mind in which the tent of the letter is appropriate, be able to do what they want needs of other come before our own.” I disagree: we already care about the needs of others. $410 billion in charisign it with your name and make with their bodies (as long as table contributions from 2017 demonstrate that Americans as a whole do care about others, and a capitalist system sure to put down your email! LION it doesn’t harm or inhibit the enables such generosity. Capitalism is not a concept that leaves a mysterious group of people “to the wayside,” it is reserves the right to edit all letters. people around you) without by nature a system where everyone grows wealthier through a series of voluntary transactions; this is how we take any consequences, but I think Not all letters will be published. care of everybody without the consequences of universal poverty from socialism. we are well on our way.
Welcome to the Page Seven Grid, which some of you may know as the only page in the paper. This is where we can watch people (attempt 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 or unique question, bring it to Room 220 and maybe you’ll see it in here next issue!
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Opinions
Page 8
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Is America exceptional? LION surveyed 308 students on their opinions on American exceptionalism.
PawsUp
n To $3 Chipotle “Booritos” on Halloween— never has a costume pulled together in 2 minutes tasted this good. n To Shane Dawson’s Jake Paul series— making me reevaluate all of my friendships. n To Lil Wayne’s new album—“Don’t Cry” ironically has me crying in the club. n To those Pillsbury sugar cookies with the pumpkins on them— you’re not that good, but I’ll eat you anyway. n To Halloween—the one day a year I can wear a “sexy Mitt Romney” costume and get away with it. nTo El Internado’s return to Netlfix—team Marcos all the way. n To Monstober—the only reason Disney channel hasn’t gone completely down the drain. n To parent teacher conferences—my parents may find out I’m failing, but at least I get the day off. n To dog accounts on Instagram—so many good bois. n To the PSAT memes— so much for not being allowed to talk about the test #booked. nTo “Venom”—the best rom-com of 2018.
PawsDown
n To the Hinsdale student section being bigger than ours—it was a home game, c’mon... n To the people who give out raisins on Halloween—why you gotta do me like that? n To Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson calling off their engagement —we knew it was coming, but it still stings. n To people that don’t wear socks in the gymnastics gym—did we ask to smell your corn chip feet at 8 a.m.? n To LT’s heating system —it’s about as consistent as my mood swings. n To teachers who assign homework on test days—I appreciate the effort, but it’s not happening. n To the power outage—I hate to admit it, but some of us are still scared of the dark. n To first quarter grades—thanks for the (not necessary) reality check. n To the Midterms— yeah, they’re important, but if I see another campaign ad, I’m going to lose it. n To WLTL music in the halls—stop playing Free Bird, it’s not that good.
47%
of respondents said they consider America to be exceptional.
97%
35%
said America is exceptional because of the unique freedoms and/or opportunities Americans enjoy.
said America could be improved, whether or not they believe America is exceptional.
The best country on Earth
America is, and always has been, the best country on the face of the earth. No country is as free and as rich as America is, and no other country has done more to propagate its blessings throughout the Greg Smith world. Although it’s not perfect, it is by far, as Abraham Lincoln once said, the “last best hope of earth.” It’s important to recognize what America does and has done for the rest of the world. Not that its influence on the world has been perfect, but no other country’s influence on the world around it has been better. Here’s why. The last century saw bloodshed beyond the scope that the world had ever seen before. More people died at the hands of evil people than had died in all the world’s history before 1900. It was the military intervention of America that decisively won both world wars and stopped the Holocaust. America stopped the Soviet Union from spreading its communist, totalitarian, and murderous evils throughout the world. America is the most powerful force fighting terror and has been for the last two decades. No other country could have done what America did in the past, and no one can provide the kind of world leadership America provides today. Our geopolitical enemies such as Russia, China, and Iran would love to see us sit in the backseat because we are all that stands between them and immense power to form their geographical spheres of influence according to their wills. When America makes a foreign policy mistake, it is because it does not take a stand for what is right. In 2015, America (i.e. President Barack Obama, without approval of any treaty by the U.S. Senate) entered into a deal with Iran. The deal gave Iran about $150 billion, only in exchange for slowing its nuclear program by a decade at most. The Iranian governmetn is an open terror sponsor whose explicit goal is to eradicate Israel, which is the most democratic country in the Middle East. This agreement, which is strangely similar to the one Neville Chamberlain entered into with Nazi Germany in 1938, could have resulted in disaster in the region and the world. Thankfully, America recently withdrew from the agreement, taking a stand for democracy, human rights, and global stability and security. A nuclear Iran is something that no one else besides America, and scary few in America, would be willing to prevent. America was exceptional from its founding. No other country had ever before been founded on the notion that people had certain freedoms that were given by God before the state even existed. The people did not exist to serve the state, but the state existed to serve the people and protect their individual rights. Beyond that role, the state had little
reason for existing, so although bad individuals will always try to usurp the power of the state for their own ends, the system America’s founders put in place has always foiled those bad actors and kept the structure intact for posterity. The simple idea that reordered the importance of the state and the individual eventually allowed for limitless economic, social, and ideological potential to be realized. Without governments encroaching on productive and meaningful individual activities, a society becomes an environment for the best of humanity to emerge. What makes America great is also the classical liberalism it embraces. Classical liberalism is not something that is natural. It is not based on preference towards or against any particular gender or racial group. It’s the idea that all people are capable of virtue, but also evil, regardless of their background and should be evaluated as individuals. The biggest problem with America today is that people have lost gratitude and appreciation for these values. People are all too often complacent and ignorant. Their complacency comes from ignorance of how much worse off they and the world could be without America. They think they see a problem and an easy fix, but all too often that fix involves tearing town the system or parts of it that protect individual freedoms. The structure to our public life and discourse contribute to America’s greatness. We enjoy freedom in our private and public lives because the basis of the American miracle is the realization that total ideological homogeneity and coercion into action determined by an authority is not necessary to create a virtuous society with a somewhat common culture. This sort of “live and let live mentality” put into practice works if a few conditions are met. The first is that when given choices between good and evil, people will generally choose what is good if those surrounding them do the same. In the Declaration of Independence, the phrase “pursuit of happiness” does not mean whatever is expedient and whatever makes us feel good now. Thomas Jefferson, a student of history’s great minds, knew happiness as Aristotle knew it, which is the pursuit of what is good and meaningful. Psychologist Jordan Peterson points out that what is meaningful is usually, if not always, the opposite of what is expedient, so expedience is the opposite of happiness. America’s freedoms are designed to let people pursue what is good freely, as God created us to do, except the government adds the stipulation that pursuing what is bad, should one choose to do so, will be punished if it harms others. And beyond that, all that the American system needs in order to stay great is to stay in place.
I am grateful to live in America. Not many other countries would grant me the opportunities that America does, like being able to vote on the leaders of the country, nor would I be able to pursue my dreams like I can here, like getting an education Grace DeKoker so I can become anything I want to be. It is a nation preaching freedom, which includes freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. You can’t be punished for criticizing the government—it is encouraged to voice one’s political views, to make your voice heard for the sake of making our country better. That is why I have to make my voice heard; I love America, yes, but I love it so much that I simply cannot be happy with where we are at as a nation. America doesn’t rank very well on the world stage. We are seventh in literacy, 27th in math, 22nd in science, 49th in life expectancy, and 16th in corruption. We are within the top 10 most racist countries, top 20 for gun-violence per capita, and one of the only countries that does not offer paid maternity leave. We lead the world in at least two categories though, number of incarcerated citizens per capita, and defense spending. Thirty four percent of all billionaires are American, yet the U.S. poverty level is the highest in the developed world. What is happening? What is to blame for these frightening statistics? Bipartisanship. At least partially- the division of the United States into two wildly different political parties leaves our nation divided on nearly every major issue, and unless the three branches of government all have a majority of the same party, it is unlikely much change can happen. George Washington’s Farewell Address advised against a party system, for fear that it would divide the country. His prediction was unfortunately correct, as people are compelled to declare themselves Democrat or Republican, even if they only agree on a few main goals of the party. Politicians can end up falling into the party that would advance their own agenda, versus what may be best for the country or for a majority of citizens. Voters will end up circling a
party on their ballots, not a candidate, because in the end, they want the people in power to help them individually, not the country as a whole. Such a fact makes me truly sad, and it hurts to see my country become so divisive. Politicians have become so self-serving to their agenda that they often look past basic morality for the sake of getting what they want. The most recent example is the Brett Kavanaugh hearings; Dr. Christine Blasey Ford came forward, told her story not for attention, but because she felt it was important enough to risk the ridicule and mockery she would receive. Despite her testimony, the Senate voted 50-48 to appoint him to a life-long position on the Supreme Court. He could be affecting decisions made on abortion, gun control, and presidential control of agencies. America was founded on strong principles: freedom, democracy, equality. The founding fathers’ ideas of such principles were certainly skewed for the era; I’m not saying they were flawless people. But when such ideals are put into a modern lens, the results are still disappointing. Yes, children have the opportunity to get an education- but without gun laws, they risk being shot and killed sitting at their desk. Yes, laws prevent workplace discrimination, but the wage gap between men and women is still twenty two cents. Yes, we live in one of the wealthiest countries, but over 40 percent of college graduates have not paid their loans off by the time they are 35. Yes, America is land of the free, but not for the immigrant children locked in cages, not for the sexual assault victims’ whose stories fall on deaf ears, not for the women and minorities who still are treated inequitably. I think America can be exceptional. I think if we sort out corruption in our government, listen to the complaints from our citizens, and focus on upholding the same values our country was founded on, real progress can and will be made. The U.S. is surviving, we’re doing alright- but why settle for mediocrity? Why not strive for exceptionalism? With the right people in power, and a strong backing of American citizens, we have made strides before. We can do it again.
Not quite there
Common Culture Taylor Swift just endorsed Phil Bredesen in the Tennessee Greg Smith U.S. Senate race. While this may sound like blasphemy to some: I do not care in the slightest. Swift is a musician, some would say a talented one. And while I may like some of her songs, I don’t care what she thinks about politics. For reasons that escape me, Americans confuse celebrity and cultural success with competence. Actors, comedians, athletes, and the like seem to think that the way they see the world is deeply important. A lot of people treat politicians as celebrities, so to some, it may seem natural to trust celebrities for political advice. The fact of the matter is that we take these people far too seriously, as do they. This trust is misguided, mistaken and sad. First of all, making money from singing or acting obviously doesn’t make one any smarter. Arguments from authority have always seemed lazy and annoying to me, especially when there isn’t really much footing for the authority in the first place. I don’t care at all what Mark Ruffalo or Amy Schumer think about politics. They rarely try to convince people of anything or go beyond saying their opinions like they’re just the truth and don’t need any evidence. I will still go on enjoying Ruffalo’s work, because he is a decent actor. I will continue to pay no attention at all to Schumer, because she has never made me laugh. There’s very little that is not involved in politics these days when it comes to media and entertainment. We can’t enjoy very much together as Americans once could. And now more than ever, we need things that can make us laugh and be entertained, no matter our political opnions. “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno was completely different from the show now with Jimmy Fallon, and from Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and “Saturday Night Live.” Today’s late night show hosts only focus on advancing their political agenda. Their work only has the potential to reach half the country, at best. Even worse, there cannot be something that Americans with diverse viewpoints all tune into each night and can discuss and enjoy together as long as Kimmel, Trevor Noah and Colbert only have one topic to tell jokes about. The way politics has leaked into entertainment and colored nearly all of it one way or another is similar to the deterioration of a common set of universally agreed-upon facts that used to exist in politics. When no one media outlet is trusted by everyone to report the whole story fairly, it’s no wonder that our discourse will become polarized and tiring. Celebrities are free to say whatever they like. But they, like all of us, are more than capable of saying dumb things. Just because someone might make good music or movies doesn’t mean they’re right on politics.
Opinions
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Page 9
AnotherView
StaffEditorials
School safety success In recent years, school safety has become a bility of a student pulling the alarm in attempt to hot issue in our country. Schools now have to be funny isn’t enough reason to stop this system deal with fears of a shooting increasing as well as from being in place. The police pull boxes are ensuring students have the best education. Now, similar to fire alarms, they alert the school students around the country worry about their about an emergency. The only real difference is own safety in school. that the Blue Point alarm reads a prerecorded The LT administration has implemented new message from the administration and starts a security measures this year through the Blue lockdown rather than an evacuation. Students in Point system that would keep the school safe in the past have tried to pull pranks by pulling the the event of an emergency, while not making fire alarm, but it never made people question the students uncomfortable on a daily basis. Other importance of fire safety. schools across the country have tried meaThe text alerts are also incredibly beneficial sures such as clear backpacks, because students would want to but these security measures Our Position: Ensur- know what is going on in the event did little to improve school of an emergency. If students receive ing school safety is safety and only made students a message directly from the school an important part of explaining the emergency, then uncomfortable. LT took a difeducation. The LT ferent approach that kept daily they will be less likely to spread administration has student life the same and only rumors that only increase anxihelps in the event of an emerdone a great job keep- ety and blow the situation out of gency. proportion. When students hear ing students safe at The Blue Point System school and ensuring directly from the school, they feel introduces two new features to safer and more comfortable. Anxtheir well-being. the school including pull boxes iety increases when students don’t to alert the police and set the know what is happening and giving school into lockdown, and a text alert to stuteens information can help the student body dents when the system is activated. Both features remain calm should an incident arise. will have a positive impact on the school and Some people argue that the new security the students throughout the year and in years to measures are unnecessary because there is not come. a great likelihood that an emergency will occur The pull box was a smart addition to campus at LT. However, knowing that the school is safe security because in the event of an emergency, keeps students calm. However unnecessary it the police would be contacted through the pull may seem to some, the new measures will be box instead of waiting to be called in by a stuimportant to continue keeping LT safe for every dent or staff member; or be radioed in by an student and staff memeber at the school. on-site police officer who might be away from School safety is crucial because when stuthe scene of the emergency. dents are calm and comfortable, they learn Some worry that students will pull the police better and they will continue to grow. LT has alarm as a prank. High schoolers may be young done a good job by not only implementing and still maturing, but they generally understand school safety measures, but also implementimg that school safety isn’t a joke and that the new measures that don’t take away from the school alarms are here for good reason. The slight possiatmosphere.
Illustration by Olivia Janik
Staff Vote: 19-5
Clean the place up It’s unfortunately been well known for quite venues for their trade. some time now that LT has a serious problem The second is random drug testing of all athwhen it comes to use of marijuana, nicotine letes. LT is a public school, so it cannot randomly products, and alcohol. But the LTHS administradrug test all students. But when students partiction and the LT community have just recently ipate in a sport, they agree to be drug tested for obtained precise information about just how bad steroids. The school should be able to test for use it is. of other drugs at least one time per season per The results of the Illinois Youth Survey that team. Those who fail should be suspended from LT students took last semester came back to the the team for the remainder of the season. administration at the beginning of this school This rule sounds harsh, but it’s really all year, and LT’s data have recently been released about putting pressure on coaches. Coaches to the public. The data reveal that substance already do a great deal for their athletes. But all abuse rates for LT students are much higher than too often, if something is not obviously affecting for surrounding school districts. According to an athlete’s performance, it tends to be less of a a report on the data that was concern. Substance abuse needs submitted to the school board, to be in the forefront of coaches’ Our Position: In order minds. And if their athletes are “Nearly half of LT seniors have to help solve LT’s drug using, it needs to be a problem for experienced 2 or more conseproblem, the school quences due to substance abuse the team. that indicate they may benefit The last measure is the immeshould randomly from a substance abuse assessdiate expulsion of dealers, includdrug test athletes and ment. (Consequences include ing those found in possession of immediately expel use alone, forget things while “dealer quantities” of controlled drug dealers. using, been told by family and substances (i.e. 10 grams of friends to cut down usage, marijuana or less). The easiest, gotten into trouble at school or with the law, or simplest, and fastest way to address drug dealers driven/ridden in a car driven by someone who is to make their lives difficult and remove them was high).” from school. With this rule in place, the cost of The LT administration has come up with sevdealing will become too high, and the supply eral ideas as to what to do about these problems. will dwindle. Without as many students who are Although the surest ways to stop or curtail youth highly motivated by profit selling drugs to each abusing substances start in the home and with other, students will not have the same access to the family, there are several steps that LT can drugs as they do now. take today that will all create a healthier enviThis last measure may be the harshest. Some ronment for LT students. may object, saying it isn’t fair to force someone The first is the random use of drug-sniffout of a public school. So those who successfully ing dogs inside school buildings and on school complete rehab and satisfy any criminal penalty property, where the LT administration has most which may be imposed by the law can then be control. This can and should be part of a larger re-admitted to school. If they still will not follow partnership with local law enforcement to create the rules, their right to a free education can be a meaningful and clear presence in our schools satisfied with online classes. Their privilege of and ultimately to achieve a drug-free environattending a regular school should not be placed ment in our halls. Having dogs constantly in the above the well-being and success of their peers. boy’s bathrooms—which we all know are havens Our drug problem will obviously never stop. for drug use—is no one’s first choice, but once But we should address it at its source, clean up it becomes clear that students can and will be our school, and reclaim it. And even though searched in school if an animal smells drugs on these actions will not yield immediate results, them, in their backpack, or in their locker, users they should be taken without delay. In the long and dealers will either stop or find alternative run, we can and should take back our school.
Illustration by Tommy Layden
Lion The Voice of Lyons Township Students Since 1910
Open Forum The opinion section of Lion is a public forum. Opinions expressed in columns and letters to the editor are the opinions of individuals. Letters to the editor must be signed and represent only the views of the signed writer. Editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the entire Lion staff. The idea for the staff editorial will come from the Opinions Editor or suggestions of the other editors and staff members. One writer will compose each editorial. Advertising Display advertising rates begin at $30 with optional discounts available. Call (708) 5796403 between 2:10 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for further information. Subscriptions Yearly subscriptions can be purchased for $10. Lion 2018-19 Staff Grace DeKoker, Editor-in-Chief Greg Smith, Managing Editor of Print Content, Opinions Editor Pilar Valdes, Art Director/Design Chief Taylor Schmitt, Isabel Tuisl, Managing Editors of Online/Social Media Content Lars Lonnroth, Managing Editor of Breaking News/Multimedia Coverage Harper Hill, Mary Okkema, News Editors Hayden Claesson, Sports Editor Camilla Breen, Georgia Dougherty, Pulse Editors Nina Shearrill, Business Manager Diane Makovic, Copy Editor Grace Kulat, Isabella Sorice, Photographers/Reporters Dani Almase, Mia Bonfiglio, Liz Gremer, Olivia Janik, Maggie Kahn, Nicole Klein, Tommy Layden, Anna McCormick, Tessa Voytovich, Reporters Jason Scales, Advisor Ryan Darrah, Assistant Advisor
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sports
Page 10
Student runs marathon
Brynn Colwell ‘19 crushes previous time from 2017 by over 25 minutes after training by Tommy Layden @layden_tommy Brynn Colwell ‘19 had been playing club soccer for seven years, and tennis for her first two years at LT, when she decided to completely devote herself to a new goal: running the Chicago Marathon. Whereas most high school students were resistant to running the mile in gym class, Colwell gave up aspects of her social life to run three to eight miles a day. “In the moment I would be sad about missing social events, but I realized it did not matter in the bigger picture,” Colwell said. Colwell found a mentor and running partner in her father, Mike Colwell. Last year he ran his 20th marathon alongside Brynn who at the time was running her first. “She was not attending football games on Friday nights to get to bed early so she could get up early on Saturday morning to go on long runs with me,” he said. Along with the support of her father, the Brynn Colwell ‘19 runs with her dad at the Chicago Marathon, Oct. 7 (Colwell). rest of Brynn’s family has also been very supBrynn began training for this years mar- finished in four hours and 50 minutes, 28 portive. On weekends, Brynn’s brother and mother, Braeden and Kim, adjusted their athon in early June, whereas previously in minutes faster than her previous time. “I liked being able to run with her and plans to allow Brynn and her father to go to 2017 she began her regimen in mid-July. In addition to her delayed start, she was side- really it is just making memories,” her dad bed earlier. “[Brynn ran the Chicago Marathon] lined in September for two weeks with a stress said. For Brynn, another marathon is not on because she enjoys setting very high goals for fracture in her foot. The race was only four herself and she has always been exposed to it weeks away and she was not able to train as the horizon for next few years as she shifts frequently due to her injury. her priorities towards her college years, but because of her dad,” Kim Colwell said. “My goal for this race is to beat my time running will always be a part of her life. In 2017, the hot and sunny weather at the “The fact that she decided to do this not marathon proved difficult to race in, but this from last year: of five hours and 18 minutes,” year they were glad to see weather forecasts Brynn said before the race. “ I have trained a once, but twice still amazes me. I always lot harder and it will be great to see my family thought she would do a marathon but never of rain and low 60s. “My one concern was that she would go and friends at the finish and have that feeling at this age,” Kim said. “I have complete faith that whatever she decides to do in the future, out way too fast and lose pace or end up going of accomplishment.” At the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 7, Brynn she can make it happen.” slower,” Kim said.
Girls XC prepares for state meet State meet takes place in early November this year, following 3rd place finish last year by Dani Almase @AlmaseDani
Maddie Cranny ‘20 ran a 19 minute race for the three mile regional conference course at Katherine Legge Park on Oct. 20. She helped her team finish at second place, only two points behind Downers Grove South. The regular season for the girls cross country team ended on Oct. 13 when the team ran the conference meet at Proviso West High School, head girls’ varsity coach Alex Lyons said. Sectionals will be taking place on Oct. 27 at Midlothian Meadows. The state meet will take place Nov. 3 at Detweiller park in Peoria, Lyons said. Fourteen runners are put on the card to run in the state meet, but only seven of the girls are chosen by the coaches to actually compete. The other seven athletes are alternates in case one of the competing runners gets injured. “At this point, we do less not in terms of training necessarily, but I coach a lot less because I
XC runners race past coaches to warm-up for their meet (Dickett/TAB).
don’t think they need to hear a lot,” Lyons said. “They spent the last six to eight months preparing well, they know what to do. My only job is to stay out of their way and make sure they know to trust themselves.” The athletes have been preparing for state by lowering their training volume, Maggie Abbs
‘20 said. They have concentrated on keeping their bodies healthy by maintaining daily various self care routines such as band exercises and using rollers. Mentally, they have been doing breathing exercises to stay level headed and calm. As the state meet approaches, the team is headed into the
series with open minds, Cranny said. They are not focused on any specific places. “I think that the more they can stick to who they are and what they normally do the better they will be,” Lyons said. “People get into trouble when they try to go to the state meet and do something different or special. As long as they remember to approach the race the same way they have the rest of the year.” There is one last meet after state, Nike Cross Regionals, Cranny said. It is the following weekend after state. The race is in Terre Haute, Ind., and is for qualifiers for the national championships. However, the meet is optional and not an official function. Lyons does not get the opportunity to coach the girls for this race. “I’m proud of how our team has performed this season,” Abbs said. “We have fostered an accepting community on and off of the course and because of that we have had strong races.”
LT bowling team strives for state New varsity squad hopes to continue state-qualifying streak, following loss of key members by Anna McCormick @annakmccormick
Placing second in regionals and ninth in state last season, the bowling team strives to qualify for state for the sixth year in a row. Althought the team lost seven varsity bowlers this year, the team still believes it is possible to qualify at the state invitational on the last weekend of January, John Kane ‘19 said. “The ideal outcome is that the bowlers learn something, get better, have fun, and the varsity squad will take another trip down to state,” Kane said. Hard work and sacrifice will be necessary to make it to state, coach Gary Morrill said. Though strong bowlers such as Jackson Chadesh ‘20 and Daniel Hirstein ‘21 are
returning, because the team is not as experienced, the students must be willing to put in the work. “My goal is the same every year, and that is to compete as a team,” Morrill said. “If we do this then everything else takes care of itself. We always believe that we can make it far in the playoffs with an appearance in the state meet.” This season, the team will be focusing on strategy, and a lot of self-examination in order to make it to the state invitational, Morrill said. With more understanding of the game and by bowling on more difficult oil patterns, the players are better equipped for adjustments when the conditions of the lanes change. “We do not know what the patterns will be for playoffs so we practice on different
sport patterns which are harder than what we would normally see in competitions,” Morrill said. The tryouts were held in mid-October to split the players into three squads- varsity, JV, and freshman/sophomore, Morrill said. They practice five days a week unless a match interferes, and invitationals occur on Saturdays. “I do not put any importance on any match or invitational,” Morrill said. “It is about where we are at the end of the season and not where we are during the season. Although it is always nice to beat Hinsdale Central.” Every year the LT bowling team hosts the “Silver Pin,” where Hinsdale Central comes to Rolling Lanes in Countryside, LT’s home bowling alley, to compete, Kane said. “We have won in our house ever since I have been on the team,” Kane said.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Everyone who has ever attended a sporting event knows just how fun it is to be in a large Hayden Claesson crowd cheering on a team or an athlete. Everyone loves the feeling of being hyped up in a crowd and just having fun while trying to support your team, or even try to get inside the other team’s head. The best part about cheering is that every single person involved gets caught up in the shouting, chanting and even taunting that ensues. Cheering sections and the heckling they create are just a part of games and athletics for as long as anybody can remember; which is why when the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) made a 40 page (you read that right) list of things that student cheering sections can’t say, it came with some obvious backlash. Some of the rules included are that chants such as the famous “I can’t hear you” chant and “Booing of any kind” are frowned upon. The point of these rules is to provide a more friendly environment for the athletes and to promote good sportsmanship among the cheering sections. While I don’t agree with this course of action, I understand where they are coming from. People don’t want to get criticized for their mistakes and don’t like feeling down on themselves, and when people feel down on themselves they can tend to underperform. However, handling criticism is something that people have to deal with in everyday life, and people exposed to it while they’re young helps athletes learn to deal with these things better in the future. I think that taunting and heckling is something that create an exciting fan culture. It is simply a part of the fan experience that everyone just gets caught up in, and it takes no prisoners too. My favorite example of this was in the first round of the 2018 NBA Western Conference Playoffs when the Utah Jazz hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder in game four of the series. OKC’s star point guard Russell Westbrook got his fourth foul of the game, two more and he would be ejected. The Utah crowd was going crazy, but the star of this madness was was none other than former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who was holding up four fingers, just in case Westbrook forgot just how many fouls he had. I believe that sports are supposed to be fun, and having fun expressing yourself and your opinions for the game is what makes being a spectator so great. Despite all this, there is a line to be crossed. There is a large difference between a high school crowd collectively chanting their disagreement with a ref’s call with a synonym to a male cow’s feces and straight up offensive taunting of other players. An example of a line being crossed is in the documentary “America To Me” which investigated racial issues in the American education system at OPRF High School. In the third episode of the series, it recorded how players were treated at a football game against Hinsdale Central. During this game, a player who had a microphone on them recorded a player from Hinsdale calling him a racial slur. This type of thing is straight up unnaceptable in every way, shape, and form. While there are plenty of examples of fans getting silenced, the bottom line is this: fans interacting with the games are just another part of sports and helps makes sports great, and taunting opponents is just as much of the game as chirping and trash talk between players. The idea of schools and athletic associations trying to stop it only ruins part of the experience of sports. If sports leagues and schools try to silence fans, it’ll take all the “hype” out of games. Imagine sitting in the United Center watching the Blackhawks play, with everyone sitting in silence and clapping politely whenever a player scores. Sounds like a game everyone will be lining out the door to see.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
sports
Max Rockrohr ‘20, boys golf finish season strong Team has high expectations for individual performer by Liz Gremer @lizgremer
ish, York, Downers Grove North, and Glenbard West finished ahead of LT at the meet. Despite lacking consistency throughout Following an inconsistent regular sea- the season and conference meet, the team son, the varsity boys golf team headed into had high expectations going into regionals, regionals optimistically. Despite a fifth- Rockrohr said. “This year, we definitely have the ability place finish at the conference meet, the team hoped for more success during their to go on to sectionals, and we should win the regional,” Rockpostseason, which rohr said. “We have they accomplished plenty of good players, when Max Rockbut we haven’t been rohr ‘20 placed 13 able to put four scores as an individual at together yet.” state. At the regional At the state meet meet on Oct. 2, LT on Oct. 12 and 13, was represented by Rockrohr representthree seniors, one jued LT. After expenior, and three sophrienicng a snow day omores. Along with cancellation, RockKopecky, the team rohr shot a 74 . was accompanied by “I really wanted freshman-sophomore us to make it as a coach Bryan Hamilteam [to state] beton at this meet. cause it would’ve During the regular been very fun and a season, Michael Kogreat all around exzub ‘19 had been the perience,” Rockrohr consistency the team said. “However, it needed, Kopecky said. was cool knowing “Mike has been the that I was at state to guy so far,” Kopecky represent LT.” said. “Last year, Mike While the team went to state as an inhad some success dividual.” Kozub had this season, they Max Rochrohr ‘20 puts at a season meet. (John Grundke). played a major role on lacked the consisthe team during his tency that they first had in tryouts, varsity coach Brian Ko- past two years on varsity. As a junior, he was the only one on the team who went to state pecky said. “Everyone has had their highs and to represent LT. His experience with LT golf lows,” Kopecky said. “We have to have has been very rewarding, Kozub said. “My experience for these past four years four guys playing well, on the same day, so has been incredible,” Kozub said. “Not only we get a low score.” The team’s irregularity was apparent do I enjoy the golf aspect of this program, during its conference meet on Sept. 25. but being around the guys makes the experiHeading into the postseason, the team ence that much more fun and easier.” Following a second-place finish at replaced fifth in the conference meet, Kogionals, the team headed into sectionals on pecky said. “Hinsdale Central is the top dog,” Ko- Oct. 8 with determination to advance to the pecky said. “They have won at state six state meet as a team. Although they unforyears in a row. This year, our league is su- tunately did not meet this goal, Rockrohr still managed to make state as an individual per strong.” In addition to Hinsdale’s first place fin- player, Kozub said.
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Girls golf ends season with sectional qualifiers Girls golf team finishes the season without meeting goals
son said. The team practiced through their matches and tournaments, driving and short range time, and putting green time. The During the LT girls golf team regional girls also practiced during the off season by competition, Elizabeth Sommerfeld ‘19 playing at local courses and practicing their was overcome with emotion during her technique, Sommerfeld said. last round of golf for the team. Sommerfeld “We had a lot of moments where we was on the golf team for the entiriety of competed with teams that were close to our skill level,” her LT career. “It was just Sommerfeld really sentisaid. “It was mental,” Somreally special to win against merfeld said. [those teams].” “The juniors For Nora were emoKirby ‘20, the tional because most memothey knew the rable part of team wouldn’t the season was be the same playing Oak next year, but Park River Forit was a good est. The two end to the four teams played a years.” close meet that The season ended in a win began on Aug. through a tie 6 and endbreak, she said. ed on Oct. 13 “It really with the team proves how finishing 5-4 each stroke in dual matchcounts,” Kirby es and fifth in said. “It was the West Submemorable to urban Confersee our team ence, varsity accomplish coach Jeff that.” Johnson said. Nora Kirby ‘20 hits a ball at Broken Arrow Golf Course The biggest “Our varsity during conference tournament (Neil Kirby). worry going team was very happy with some big wins against Oak into the season was that the underclassmen Park and Glenbard West,” Johnson said. wouldn’t have interest and wouldn’t try out “We were all similar teams that could have for the team, Johnson said, but the team ended up having seven freshmen join. beaten each other.” “We have a nice group of juniors, sophAs the season progressed, the team’s skills improved, Sommerfeld said. The omores, and freshmen that had fun playgirls also became closer as a team through ing golf this year,” Johnson said. “I believe bonding activities such as pasta parties, [they] are willing to work to improve for breakfasts and joking around with their our team season next fall.” If the team works hard next season, they teammates during tournaments and during can pull off their goal of sending the whole practices. “This season, the team was really fo- team to sectionals, Sommerfeld said. This year the team only sent Kirby and Katlyn cused on bonding,” Sommerfeld said. The team built a community, improved Lambright ‘20. as golfers and had fun playing golf, John-
by Olivia Janik @livjanik27
Competitive cheer returns for third season Team continues diligently training for upcoming season, competions, all school assembly by Isabella Sorice @isabella.sorice
Coming back for a third season at LT, the competitive cheer team has been preparing since this past spring. Varsity coach Demi Korpan has been watching the members grow and develop their skills over the past three years, and sees that each year they improve more by keeping them motivated and engaged. “[The team] has been working very intensely during practices,” Korpan said. “There are different aspects that we
Mya Haskins ‘20 and Alexa Paterniti ‘20 enthusiastically cheering during Pink Out Game on Oct. 5 (Dekoker/LION).
are focussing on this year, such as all team tumbling.” Competitive cheer is made up of a few main events: stunting, tumbling, and a routine which combines all aspects of the sport, she said. Prior to their season beginning, the team held try-outs on Oct. 22 and 23. After adding new members the team will begin to create their routine, Korpan said. They have been practicing thoroughly, five days a week, with football and basketball game exceptions. “The team has improved the most in the area of stunts significantly, followed by tumbling, and then jumps,” Korpan said. There are six competitions in their season, starting in December. Competitive cheer will also be performing at the All-school Assembly in February. This year, the team is competing at sectionals during its regular season. “Competitive cheer this year has more talent, and we’ve progressed more in our stunting and adding to our routine,” Mya Haskins ‘20 said. Haskins ‘20 is looking forward to a season with new talent and the chance to improve her skills. “I enjoy learning new skills and trying new things during cheer,” Haskins said. With three returning members on the team being upperclassmen, including Alexa Paterniti ‘20 and Lexi Geraci ‘20, Korpan hopes they will be able to help guide the new team members. “All three of [the juniors] have stood out as leaders, since they know my expectations,” Korpan said. “They are able to
Team leads cheer during Pink Out Game on Oct. 5 (Sorice/ LION).
help lead the lowerclassmen in the right direction and keep them focussed on their goal.” Although the team is relatively new, Haskins has noticed their determination to improve, and how others are starting to take the team more seriously. “Even though it’s our third year, I’ve been getting comments from people saying how impressed by our progression they are,” Haskins said. “This recognition helps us stand out against other teams.” While no official schedule has been released, the team competes in its first competition in early December.
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SPORTS
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Scott Walker steps down as coach Boys swim and dive coach retires from coaching after three consecutive coach of the year awards, top three state finishes by Grace DeKoker @grace_dekoker
S
cott Walker has coached both girls and boys swimming at LT for nearly three decades, leading the girls team to their first state trophies, and leading the boys team to two consecutive state championships in 2016 and 2017. He won Illinois Coach of the Year award three times in a row, and in October 2018 he announced he would be stepping down from his position. His positive attitude, emphasis on work ethics, and student-before-athlete mindset changed LT swimming culture. His presence on the pool deck will definitely be missed, Walker’s son and former athlete Spencer Walker ‘18 said. Michael Walsh ‘19 has been swimming competitively for the majority of his life. Taking summer swim lessons, he can vividly remember the first time he pushed off the wall as a 4-year-old and swam a full length of the pool without any assistance. Walker, his coach at the time, was so ecstatic that he pulled him out of the water and bought him a slushie. “[Walker] is a great guy, he does everything the right way,” Walsh said. “For him, it was attitude and sportsmanship and work ethic, all of that came before winning. That’s not something a lot of coaches can say. For so many teams, it’s winning first, but for him, he did it the right way. That is what is great about him.” Walker has impacted more than just LT swimming; he has played an integral role in the area’s swimming community. Walker taught swim lessons to young children at La Grange Country Club, La Grange Field Club, and Western Springs Pool. He also coached club swim teams, including Lyons Aquatics and Academy Bullets. He is also a physical education teacher at LT, a position he will continue, and has been involved in LT aquatics for the past 24 years. “[Coaching at LT] means so much to me, because it has helped develop me into the person I am today,” Walker said. “I’ve had a lot of trials, tribulations, good times and bad times through all these years that have made me into who I am today, and I cannot forget that.” This year, his son Spencer is on the starting lineup for
University of Alabama’s swim team, and coaching the high school team means he has fewer opportunities to watch his son compete at the college level. “He didn’t want to coach this year and not give 100 percent,” Spencer said. “He’s a man of ‘if you can’t get 110 percent, why do it?’” LT swimming under Walker has been record-breaking, literally. A unique goal of his was to “clean off” the record board–that is, for swimmers to break every record on the board during his tenure, he said. His goal was achieved. When he first started coaching at LT in 1994, he initially coached the girls swim team. They felt as if they had little respect at the time, Walker said, and were not very successful. He fought to change that, and emphasized they needed to be involved in school spirit. “The best way of developing an identity is to train hard, and to start becoming a bonded team more than anything,” Walker said. “With that, the pride comes in with the team, and winning and swimming well comes after that.” The team grew closer than ever under Walker, and began dressing up together for Halloween, sitting together at lunch, and attending every football game with painted faces–all 60 girls. Over the course of a few years, their state finish jumped from 15th to fifth, and then they began to place in the top three. “When they started feeling good, like they meant something to the school and the school meant something to them, it just exploded,” Walker said. For a two year stint, he juggled girls swim team in fall, boys in winter, and boys water polo in spring. He did all this while earning his masters degree in education. The strain of pouring himself into so many different teams took its toll, and in 2009, he suffered a serious, life-threatening heart issue, he said. His chest pain turned out to be a ventricular tachycardia, and for 45 minutes his heart rate was 280. The doctors had to defibrillate him while he was still conscious, he said. “The next thing [I remember was] when I woke up I had a defibrillator,” Walker said. “My wife wanted me to stop coaching altogether, but my doctor said ‘You can’t do that to
Left: Walker gives speech at assembly after 2017 championship (Alison Credit). Mid: Walker hugs his son after he won state in 100 backstroke in 2017 (David Toney).
by Maggie Kahn @kahn_maggie
As boys varsity soccer struggled to take home a win at the beginning of the season, Ty Williams ’19 was moved from playing center forward and midfield positions to the centerback position on Sept.13 before playing Streamwood High School. After that change was made, the team won six consecutive games. “His calming effect has really helped our defense and our team overall,” head varsity soccer coach Paul Labbato said. Williams has been playing soccer since he was 2 years old. His love and skills for the game have only increased as the years have gone by. “[Playing soccer] is my favorite thing to do,” Williams said. “Every time I have the ball at my feet I just feel in the zone.” On Thursday, Sept. 20 the team brought home “The Silver Brick,” a symbol of the Hinsdale Central/LT rivalry that has gone on for years, varsity goalkeeper Mark Jareczek ’19 said. The team was proud to win the silver brick in a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils. “[Williams] has been a standout player in all of the games,” Jareczek said. “It’s got something to do with his leadership.” In past years, Williams has been exclusively committed to playing soccer on his club team, the Downers Grove Roadrunners, Williams said. He thought that since it was his senior year, he should play for his school team at least once in his high school career. “It’s definitely been different,” Williams said. “It’s been really fun being able to play with all of my peers and people that I’ve been at school with, but haven’t really played soccer with until now.” The LT team practices approximately five to six hours each week, cutting into both social and academic commitments, Williams said. “It’s helped me to manage my time since I play so much that I’m required to do both academics and soccer at the same time,” Williams said. Williams holds a ball during a scrimmage (Sorice/LION).
him, that’s his life.’” Even his doctor knew swimming was in his blood. Walker couldn’t bring himself to stop coaching, but he knew something had to go for the sake of his health. As a result, he cut back on his time on the deck. He stepped down from coaching the girls team to allow for a full summer that could be used to rest, and a smoother start to the school year. Walker still coached club teams, and poured his heart and soul into the boys team for the following nine years. In 2016, he led them to their first ever state championship. In 2017, he did it again. “[Winning state] is still a blur to me,” he said. “I’m still in shock we were capable of doing what we did, because what we did was truly historic.” Only five other programs in the IHSA have been able to repeat state championships the way LT did, Walker said. His motivation for swimmers drove them to beat their personal times, and work together as a team–the success would follow, and by driving the team forward like this, it made each swimmer feel important, even if they weren’t on the state team or even a varsity member. “We developed [swimmers] into something they thought they couldn’t be,” Walker said. “The coolest thing is watching a kid open their eyes and say ‘wow, I am a lot better than I thought I was.’” Walker was awarded Coach of the Year three times in three years, consecutively since the boys team’s first state win. After so much success in the past three years, it is difficult for many to imagine why he would choose to step down. More than just striving for state titles, coaching a large team well is extremely challenging. “I have to listen to my body,” Walker said. “With Spencer being away, where the team is at right now, it is a good time to transition. I want to be able to watch my boy compete in college, take the time off if I need.” Walker will leave behind a legacy of hard work and respect for the sport he loves. The new head coach has not yet been announced, though Walker is confident whoever is chosen will do well with the team this year. “I will always find a way to be coaching,” Walker said.
Walker proceeds forward after his name was anounced to receive his state championship medal in 2016 (Chris Johnston).
The amount of devotion and effort Williams puts into each day on the field stands out to his coaches as well, Labbato said. “He’s one of the hardest working players I’ve ever been around, and lots of kids work hard,” Labbato said. “Ty does it with a smile on his face and a focus that is hard to match.” Jareczek and Labbato both agree that Williams’ influence on the team has been unifying and beneficial to performance. “When he plays well, everybody rallies behind it,” Jareczek said. “The effort that he shows out there [encourages] everybody else to show that same effort.” For example, during a game on Sept.18 against Oak Park River Forest High School, a talented team, Williams only allowed the offense to attempt to score three times which ultimately led to a 1-0 victory for LT, Jareczek said. “[Williams’ defensive skills] were insane against such a good team,” Jareczek said. “The back line completely locked in back there.” Not only is Williams a leader on the field, but outside of soccer as well. During a tournament called the Pepsico Showdown, 13 players from all of the schools participating were nominated to be on the “All-Community” team, which highlights athletes that make a difference on and off the field, Williams said. Williams won the award. “I’m the president of Best Buddies at LT,” Williams said. “I love working with kids with special needs and give up a lot of my time to that, so [Labbato] thought that I would be a good candidate for that award.” It is evident that Williams is a prominent player in all aspects of life, Labbato said. “How much he cares about things that he puts effort into [stands out],” Labbato said. “He cares so much about the charities he works with, he cares so much about the team, and he cares so much about how hard he works on the field.”
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Body Image
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Volume 109, Issue 2
The media’s concept of the ideal female and male body constantly changes and is subjective. The changing look of the desired body at different periods shows the evolution in tastes that society goes through throughout history.
The male body through the years: Ancient Greece (500-300 BC)
The female body through the years:
Ancient Greece (500-300 BC) The Greeks were much more interested in the ideal male physique, surprisingly. Aristotle called the female form “a deformed male.” Female nudity depicted in sculpture and art was rare compared to males. However, the trend of the female body in Ancient Greece favored plump, full-bodied women. Italian Renaissance (1400-1700) The ideal Renaissance body was a stark contrast to our ideal body today. The beauty of this time included full hips, large breasts and a round, voluptuous body. Today, people may have called Renaissance women “fat,” but in their time, their full figures were the height of sexiness. Victorian England (1837-1901) The Victorian Era, under the leadership of Queen Victoria, saw the beginning of corsets designed to cinch the waist and create an hourglass figure. Corsets physically restricted their movements, which was meant to flaunt their separation from labor, showcasing their wealth. Long hair was a symbol of status and femininity, so women rarely cut their hair. Roaring ‘20s (1920s) The right to vote, jobs from WWI, and speakeasies led to the introduction of the flapper. Flappers favored the androgynous look- flat chested, little to no curves, and a short, boyish haircut. Although women were dressing more comfortably, the ‘20s saw the beginning of a trend toward a thinner and more slender figure. Supermodel Era (1980s) The ‘80s ushered in an era of fitness, such as jogging and aerobics, thanks to Jane Fonda. The ideal woman of this time was muscular, tall, slim and athletic. This was illustrated in supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, who were leading pop culture through music videos and on the runway. Heroin Chic (1990s) The exemplary female body took a turn in the 90s. Kate Moss and Winona Ryder are the most popular examples of the “heroin chic” waif, ultra petite and androgynous look. The gaunt and unathletic image was largely a reaction to the Amazonian, uber-fit women of the ‘80s.
The new movement behind self-love ‘The Body Positivity’ advocates increased self esteem, self-admiration in both men and women by Isabel Tuisl @isabeltuisl Our bodies are made up of about 7 octillion atoms, according to the “Independent” publication. If all of our DNA were uncoiled, it would stretch out from Earth to Pluto and back, which is about ten billion miles. Despite how extraordinary we are, our society has seen heavily increasing amounts of negative comments about our own bodies. Contrary to the belief that the advocacy of body positivity has gained traction in just the past few years, the movement was officially founded as “The Body Positive” in 1996. According to thebodypositive.org, the founders, long-term psychotherapy practitioners Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott shared the passion to create a healing community and offer support to people who struggle with their body. Along with the founders of “The Body Positive,” many social media influencers and public figures ensure the advocacy and support of the movement as a part of their brand. Youtuber Carrie Dayton, who classifies herself as a “midsize” woman, is unapologetically proud of her overlooked body shape. She encourages others to love themselves unconditionally. She has a series on her channel in which she goes to various clothing stores, trying on the sizes that people assume she is, showing how measurements can vary in different stores, and to not label yourself based on dimensions of your body. Ashley Graham, an American plus-size model, is a body activist as well. She teaches people, especially young women, that society’s image of “perfect” is tainted and inaccurate. She has appeared on the covers of “Vogue,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “Glamour” and “Elle,” as well as appearing in many Levi’s campaigns. Additionally, Graham has appeared on “The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno,” “Entertainment Tonight,” CBS News, and was interviewed by NPR for her experience in plus-size modeling. Graham proudly smashes the stereotype that plus-size women should not be in the modeling industry. Alongside the support for plus-size people, “The Body Positive” also encouraged a movement in which people, especially women, take pictures of themselves with no makeup, in bikinis, displaying their disabilities, showing off their stretch marks and scars, using the hashtag #bodypositive to protest society’s ideas of beauty. They are sharing their stories and experiences with self harm, eating disorders, weight gain, effects of childbirth, and more to celebrate the experiences that have changed their bodies. Although the pros mostly outweigh the cons, there is still a dark side to the movement. Body positivity becomes negative when people turn a blind eye to their health to promote loving their body, and they are at an increasing risk of diseases and other serious health issues, the ‘Body Building’ website said. Mala L. Matacin, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at the University of Hartford, pointed out that as our society is coming into a more modern era, we praise plus-size celebrities for being strong, confident, athletic, and curvy, but if they start to lose weight, we shame them for caving to the pressures of Hollywood. This happened to Graham, specifically. With the widespread advocacy of “The Body Positive” movement in recent years, and the increase of outspoken celebrities using their platform to encourage change, hopefully statistics will start to shoot downward in regards to the amount of people who shame their own –and others’– bodies.
One word: BOOTYLICIOUS. Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian contribute to the ever growing booty trend. Today, women are shown as skinny, but healthy, with large breasts and a large butt, but a flat stomach. Lots of women get plastic surgery to achieve this look; however, with the growing body positivity movement, women and men are finally embracing what their momma gave them.
1800-1900 1400-1700
Talkin’ Body
Body image is an especially prevalent topic for high schoolers. We asked some students about their thoughts on body positivity. Quotes compiled by Pilar Valdes “If I’m happy with myself and my body and the way of my movements, my confidence starts radiating.” Jacki Duffy ‘20
“Choose to look however makes you feel best.” Genaro Giovingo Mino ‘20
“Body positivity is a good movement, especially for teenagers because we see so many unrealistic standards, and it’s inspiring to see people fight against them.” Taylor Schullo ‘21
Male athleticism was the center of Greek culture, with any hint of weakness on the body interpreted as undesirable and effeminate. In art, men were often depicted in the nude to show off musculature and grace of the male form. In short, men had extremely high beauty standards to live up to because Greeks were more focused on the ideal male physique than the female. Italian Renaissance (1400-1700) Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawing of the Vitruvian Man laid out how the ideal male body should look. Again, men had high standards. There was no fat or skinny; men were supposed to embody perfect proportions. Their bodies were also supposed to represent the connection between heaven and Eartheasy right? The Gilded Age (1800-1900s) The Gilded Age was similar to the “dad bod” trend happening today. Fat men were in because weight meant wealth. If you were overweight, it signified how you had enough money to avoid manual labor and food to eat. There were even Fat Men’s Clubs across the country, where you had to be at least 200 pounds to join- fat men were seriously fashionable. Roaring ‘20s (1920s) Shortly after the age of Fat Men’s Clubs, slim figures became all the rage. Men were being put in front of the camera in Hollywood and directors prefered actors with leaner frames. Men also had physically demanding roles, then, such as sword fighting and horseback riding, so slimming down was necessary for their jobs. Androgyny (1970s) From the corporate trend emerged an androgynous counter culture. David Bowie and Mick Jagger played with looks that were both masculine and feminine. Rockstars with long hair and skinny bodies set the trend in bell bottoms, jumpsuits, and high waisted pants. Muscle Men (1980s) A stark contrast to the ‘70s, ‘80s men hit the gym to reach a more hyper-masculine, gym-built body. Bodybuilding went mainstream and action stars like like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger rocked huge muscles. The ‘80s embraced a wave of heightened masculinity. Today A lean yet still muscular look is in style today, as shown by actors Zac Efron and Liam Hemsworth. The athletic and cut look that men are supposed to encapsulate may be the cause of rising male body image issues. However, the “dad bod” is on the rise. People are starting to appreciate the middle-aged man body. Regardless, the ideal male body will continue to transform, and who knows what will be in favor next. Sources: thelist.com and buzzfeed.com, compiled by Georgia Dougherty
Today
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1920’s
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2000-present 1960-1970’s
1837-1901
Opinion: Body image is (also) for the boys Male body image issues are often overlooked in the Body Positivity movement by Hayden Claesson @_wizardofsoz_
Whenever people think of the body positivity movement, their minds tend to drift to one of several places; whether it is Ashley Graham-the plus-sized cover model of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in 2016; the denouncing of supermodels and the unfair expectations they put on girls; even the over-sexualization that is seen on the big screen of female actresses. With the rapid growth of the body image movement there is a large aspect of the body positivity movement that I think deserves much more attention: men. Before I go any further, this is not one of those “Feminism is dumb and if the girls have a movement, we should have one too” columns. This is simply me saying my own opinions on male body image, based on my own experience with my body struggles. In order to write a quality column on male body image I did something that I have always hated: I weighed myself. It shouldn’t be that hard of a thing to do: just step on a piece of machinery and it tells you your body weight. However it’s more complicated than that, for me and many other people. That number means more than simply how much weight; to many people that number represents something greater, it represents the struggles people have with making unhealthy eating decisions and how they are perceived by society. I found out that I weigh 195 pounds. When you punch that into a BMI calculator along with my 6-foot 1-inch height, it says that I am overweight. This is hard for people, espe-
cially athletes like me, to hear. To know that you are always spending hours upon hours working hard on making yourself able to perform at your absolute best, seeing the word “overweight” can break a person. Body image is something that many men struggle with. In a survey taken by Healthday, anywhere between 20 to 40 percent of men have issues with their body and how others view it, or at least perceive how others view their bodies. Many studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between poor body image and mental health and poor body image leads to lower mental health. This lack of body confidence is something that can affect thousands of people across the United States. This is a problem that has no definitive answer, and the answer varies from person to person. People’s solutions for their body image struggles can fall anywhere between going on a diet and strict exercise regime for people who simply learn to love themselves for who they are. For me I took more of the first route and I have never looked back. At the end of my sophomore year I weighed just as much as I do now. The difference is that I am now three inches taller. My body fat percentage is much less and most importantly; I am significantly happier. So to all my fellas out there struggling with things involving their body, don’t feel down on yourself. Make a change, whether it be physical or mental, do something to improve how you perceive yourself. I can promise you that you won’t regret it.
1970-1980’s
1990’s
“I think it’s encouraging to see this movement progress. The fact that beauty has become a choice rather than a societal standard, and you can look at your body and decide that you’re beautiful, is really encouraging.” Elaina Simms ‘19
“The movement is really positive and brings people together and makes everyone feel better about themselves.” Zach Patrick ‘20
“Body positivity is a good thing because it also advocates for being healthy, and when you’re healthy you feel good about yourself and just feel better overall. Personally, when I’m in shape, I feel really good about myself.” Michael Mohler ‘19
GET OUT
Page 16
Mayan kitchen adds twists to tradition
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Trendy Latin fusion exceeds expectations
Brookfield’s Taco Bout It restaurant introduces unique style to basic Mexican tacos, highlights authentic cuisine
fresh and we ended up finishing them with a spoon when we ran out of chips. The next course was the “Altiro” tacos: tilapia with mango salsa, arugula, chipotle aioli, by Tessa Voytovich and Altiro vinaigrette, all in a gluten-free @tessavoytovich tortilla. Our waiter told us that they were First running a taco special that night, where thing’s first: I’m a huge foodie. I love each taco really only cost $1.50 instead of trying new things, and when I heard that the original price of about $3.12 per taco. there was a new restaurant in LaGrange, I Next came ravioli, which were a had to go check it out. surprise to see on the Altiro took the old menu. Three large Back Alley Burger venue ravioli came with at 1 S. LaGrange Road. I serrano pesto, topped wasn’t sure what to exwith jumbo shrimp, pect with Altiro, mainly and cost $11.50. because I didn’t know Again, we finished what “Latin fusion” off the sauce with our would entail. Let’s just spoons. Because the say I was more than plates were so small, pleasantly surprised. we ordered another I walked inside and round of tacos. We the ambiance immediordered them “al ately relaxed me. Only Altiro’s key lime pie dish with several camaleon” which came about three tables were toppings (Voytovich/LION). with shrimp, avocado, occupied, but it was a bacon, and garlic aioli. Tuesday night, so a huge crowd was not These turned out to be spicier, so beware if to be expected. The walls were gray, and you prefer mild flavors. But yet again, they featured variety of artwork. The furniture were delicious. was modern—some chairs were transTo finish up our meal, we ordered a key parent, some were patchwork. The tables lime pie which was $5.99. It had unnecwere circular, with succulents and candles essary sprinkles on top, but otherwise was atop. It created a relaxed and trendy ambivery tart and smooth. One point that the ance, which was also reflected in the food. key-lime pie made very evident was that The menu is an easy read: divided up you should make sure you are comfortable into an appetizer section, tacos, tapas, and with the people you come here with. The sides. I came with two friends, and we detables are quite intimate and some people cided to start with the guacamole trio that aren’t into sharing food; definitely not idecost $10.50. It had a small portion of fig, al for a first date, but it’s an awesome place jicama, and regular guacamole and came for close friends to catch up. The grand with a side of homemade tortilla chips, total for our five-course tapas meal was which were still warm. just over $56 for three people, so it doesn’t The presentation was incredibly artisbreak the bank either. All in all, the service tic. All three guacamoles tasted very was quick and accommodating and the food was amazing. I would return to Altiro Latin Fusion in a heartbeat.
Altiro opens up third location in downtown LaGrange
by Mia Bonfiglio @miabonfiglio
The cheese stuffed peppers were oozing and gave a strong sweet flavor; however, the slaw was a bit overpowering. The steak Mexican food is a long-time favorite of tacos cost $3.50 each and were cooked to mine, so when I heard about a new taco restaurant, I was very intrigued. However, perfection with beans, rice and slaw. The the last thing that came to mind was eating toppings together were a tasty match and the grilled steak was flavorful. Another grasshoppers. The new Mayan kitchen, extremely unique taco I Taco Bout It, located at 8819 tried was the eggplant and Ogden Ave, Brookfield, Ill., cactus taco with slaw, for offers a selection of unique $4. This unlikely duo was and adventurous tacos. The pleasantly surprising and restaurant itself is quite was definitely one of my fasmall, consisting of a kitchvorites on the menu. Lastly, en, a bar with a few stools, I ordered mango salsa, but and multiple picnic tables it did not come with any for outdoor seating. The chips. Although it could be best part about dining there added to spice up any of the is that you can see straight plainer items on the menu, into the kitchen where the I would have liked to have chef is cooking, which gives chips offered for the salsa. an authentic and rustic vibe The menu also offers a to the restaurant. Taco joint blends classic flavors, variety of burritos, burrito Rather than basic beef modern flair (Bonfiglio/LION). bowls, cemita sandwichand chicken options, their menu is very distinct. There were so many es, quesadillas and other taco options. Everything on the menu is under $10. The different options for $4. At first glance, only complaint I have is that the seating the grasshoppers looked very unappetizwas very limited and awkward since every ing, but the mango sauce on top evened chair at the countertop was looking out out the appeal. The grasshoppers were crunchy and salty; I would probably not go on the street. Other than that, I thought the spin on classic tacos was a fun way to back for solely the grasshopper. However, reinvent a menu, and would definitely go the stuffed pepper and steak tacos—both back for more. served on blue-corn tortillas—blew me away. The stuffed pepper tacos cost $4 each and were made with mild peppers stuffed with goat cheese, topped with a tomato sauce and slaw.
3/5
The grilled eggplant and cactus tacos from Taco Bout It in Brookfield (Bonfiglio/LION).
Altiro’s seared tilapia tacos with pico cucumber and mango salsa (Voytovich/LION).
Pulse Editor, Camilla Breen ‘19
Give this playlist (and others) a listen our on Spotify: lionnewspaper
5/5
1.) Shrike by Hozier
7.)Everytime by boy pablo
12.) Fine By Me by LOUD HOUND
2.) Silver Lining by Mt. Joy
8.) Fangs by Matt Champion
13.) Down Time by Faze Wave
3.) Drunk on Halloween by Wallows
9.) When I Look Into Your Eyes by khai dreams and Lanie
14.) still feel. by half •alive
4.) All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar 5.) YEAH RIGHT by Joji 6.) Creature Kind by Kito, Broods
10.) Lovesick (feat. A$AP Rocky) by Mura Masa 11.) Attention by Herrick & Hooley
15.) Fallingwater by Maggie Rogers 16.) Violence) by dijon 17.) Up In Hudson by Dirty Projectors
Want your pet to be featured in the LION? Send a photo of your pet with a short bio to val505305@d204.lths.net for a chance to win!
Type of Pet: Horse Age: 8-ish (you’re not supposed to ask a girl her age) Weight: 1500 pounds Owner: Liv Ohm ‘19 Hobbies: Pretending to be loving so she can get that extra carrot, jumping logs, licking your hand
Fun Fact: She is pigeon-toed Editor’s Rate: 12.5/10 We love an equestrian queenie. North Campus
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525
South Campus
compiled by Pilar Valdes 4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
With the Midterm elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate coming up on Nov. 6, the LION has decided to give readers an in-depth look at what seats are up for grabs, and what that means for the political future of America. Turn to pages 18-19 for more information. Analysts expect congressional races to gauge president’s approval
by Lars Lonnroth @larslonnroth cross the country on Nov. 6, voters will head to the polls to determine the makeup of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. While most don’t take as much interest in the midterm elections, many analysts see this years, election as a critical indication of how voters perceive the performance of President Donald Trump’s first two years in office. “More often than not, midterm elections are a referendum on the current presidential administration, whether we like it or not,” Scot Schraufnagel, chair of the Northern Illinois University Department of Political Science, said. “If there is a partisan swing one way or another, it is usually in response to the chief executive.” Only 40 percent of respondents to the October Investor’s Business Daily IBD/TIPP poll approved of President Trump’s job performance (poll margin of error: +/- 3.3). While Trump’s support among Republicans remains rather steadfast—with 84 percent saying they approve of the president’s performance—there are still questions as to whether or not the president’s unpopularity will have an impact on the electoral results on Nov. 6. “I think the real drama is, will pro-Trump sentiment or anti-Trump sentiment carry over to congressional races or will it really not make much difference one way or another?” LT government teacher David Kruiswyk said. “Does [this contempt] translate into votes?” According to Tobin Grant, chair of the Southern Illinois University Department of Political Science, Trump’s approval ratings could impact the outcome of the election based on the impact it has on who turns out to the polls. “One of the reasons why Trump would play into this— and any other president, but particularly President Trump— is that if he is unpopular and really causing angst among Democrats, then they’re more likely to turn out because of that and Republicans might be more likely than normal to stay home,” Grant said. With Trump’s negative approval ratings and opposition from the left, many Democrats are hoping to make gains in congress on the back of a so-called “Blue Wave.” Democrats are hoping to take control of the House and the Senate from the Republicans, which would have massive implications for
A
the nation’s political landscape. “I have to say that the most interesting thing [about this election] is this concept of the anti-Trump blue Wave,” Former LT Student Council President Brandt Siegfried ‘18 said. “It’s something all the analysts are talking about.” Siegfried, who has been heavily involved with politics in Illinois and is intending on studying politics at Hillsdale College, added: “You definitely see a lot of progressive energy in the cycle so I think the question in November will be how strong this wave is in terms of achieving electoral results for either party.” Furthermore, many analysts are looking at the significant amount of progressive energy that is being seen in younger voters as well.
The Youth Vote
In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., young people have taken to the streets for protests like the March for Our Lives. The Parkland shooting survivors also embarked on a bus tour over the summer seeking to get more youth registered to vote and ultimately turnout on election day. According to a recent poll from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, more young people are following the congressional midterms than in previous years: when asked, 34 percent of 18-24 years polled said they were “extremely likely” to vote in the midterm elections (poll margin error: plus-or-minus 2.1). Based on previous years, however, there are significant hurdles to actually seeing young people turning out in greater numbers, Kruiswyk said. “I hate to be cynical, but we’ve had efforts to increase youth turnout in past years,” Kruiswyk siad. “They were really good at getting kids out to political rallies—and in some ways getting young people registered to vote—the problem is that those young people didn’t actually follow up and vote on election day.” On the other hand, Republicans have seen a possible source of optimism in the results of the October IBD/TIPP, which showed a 4 percent jump in the president’s approval rating.
Kavanaugh effect
The poll came in the aftermath of the highly-controversial confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavana-
ugh, whose confirmation was slowed after multiple women came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment. The poll suggested that the Republican gains were a result of “Republicans who saw the proceedings as a ploy by the Democrats to slow the nomination process,” Raghavan Mayur, president of the company that conducted the poll, said. “I think, to some extent, it did energize the Republicans,” LT Government Teacher Jessica Lee said. “However, the fact that they won won’t give them the urgency to come and vote because they got their guy.” On the other hand, Lee thinks that Democrats would likely be more motivated to vote, as a result of their outrage with the Kavanaugh confirmation. “What will happen is that Democrats are going to come and vote because they are very upset,” Lee said “Generally, angry people vote more than happy people, and you see that anger in Democrats.” If Democrats were to take control of either body of Congress, they would have a better means of opposing aspects of Trump’s legislative agenda in the same manner as the Tea Party Republicans during the 2010 midterms and the following sessions of congress. The Tea Party came into office riding on the back of opposition to former President Barack Obama’s signature piece of health care legislation, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama Care. In 2018, Democrats are hoping for similar results in their court. At the end of the day, however, Lee thinks—with the 2020 census allowing state legislatures to redraw district— the real potential consequences of Democrats or Republicans making gains in flipping legislatures. In many states, the number of seats Democrats need to flip to do that is rather small. “That can have an larger in the greater political landscape than the House and Senate,” Lee said. “There are 17 legislatures seats that are up for reelection in eight states that can flip the legislatures in Democrats’ favor.” She added: “Having these states drawing the districts, that could set the stage for Democratic controlling the house for the next 10 years.” The perception that voting in the midterms elections is a futile endeavor is disputed by almost any political scientist you could talk to. No matter what side of the aisle someone sits on, their votes in a midterm election can play a significant role in shaping the politics of America. Turn to pages 18-19 for LION’s comprehensive coverage.
Page 18
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Midterms
Volume 109, Issue 2
Page 19
On Nov. 6, people across the country will be rushing to the polls to vote for whom they want to represent them in the 116th Congress. All of the seats in the currently Republican controlled House of Representatives are up for grabs, along with 35 seats in the also Republican controlled Senate. Below, the LION Newspaper has displayed the current makeup of the 115th Congress, and highlighted some contentious races in both chambers. compiled by Pilar Valdes
The House of Representatives of the 115th Congress has a Republican majority, with 235 Republicans, 193 Democrats and seven vacant seats. In the 2018 Midterms, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election. In order for Democrats to gain a majority, they will have to maintain all 193 seats they have now and gain 14 seats.
California’s 10th, 25th, 39th and 45th districts are generally regarded as tossups in the 2018 midterms. All of those districts are currently under Republican control.
The Senate of the 115th Congress has a Republican majority, with 51 Republicans, 47 democrats and 2 Independents, who vote Democrat. In the 2018 Midterms, there are 35 Senate seats up for. There are 25 Democratic seats, two of which are heald by independents, and 8 Republican seats up for election. For a Democratic majority in the 116th Congress, the Democrats would need to maintain 49 seats and gain two Republican seats.
Nevada is the only state where the GOP is defending a Senate seat in a state that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 election. The incumbent Dean Heller (R) is running against current U.S. representative Jacky Rosen (D). A change in party in Nevada could indicate a change in party majority in the 116th Congress.
source: www.ballotpedia.org
Minnesota’s first and eighth districts, which are currently held by Democrats Tim Walz and Rick Nolan, repsectively, are considered to be tossups because it voted for Donald Trump in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama in 2012.
Incumbent Heidi Heitkamp (D) is running for reelection in the North Dakota Senate race. She is opposed by U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer (R) The large margin by which Donald Trump won the 2016 election by causes many analysts to believe that North Dakota is one state that is likely to flip in the 2018 midterms.
Jeff Flake (R) is not running for reelection in the Arizona Senate race. Kyrsten Sinema (D) and Martha McSally (R) and Angela Green (Green Party) are all running for election. Arizona is generally considered a toss up because of the growing Latinx population and the margin by which Donald Trump won the 2016 election.
Virginia’s seventh district, is likely to be a tossup, with a contentious race between incumbent David Brat (R) and Abigail Spanberger (D).
The second Congressional district in Kansas, which covers most of the eastern part of the state, is expected to go either way in the midterm elections. Incumbent Lynn Jenkins (R) is up for reelection against Paul Davis (D) and Kelly Standley (Libertarian).
The 2016 electoral map is expected to impact how certain states swing in the 2018 midterms.
layout and design by Pilar Valdes
MIDTERMS
Page 20
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Why “the youth vote” will not carry much significance in the upcoming midterm elections or in any general election Politicians, voters, and pundits seem to be constantly concerned with the “youth vote.” To me, this really makes no sense. Greg Smith While the number of young people may be statistically important in deciding an election, ideas and opinions that are only informed by social media hashtags and buzzwords are irrelevant and only dumb down our discourse. They’re unlikely to give us better government. The way that young people’s opinions are formed in this country is horribly wrong. Youth are not taught to think critically and discuss ideas as much as they are to vilify those who they perceive as attacking outgroups. Meanwhile, staggering sums of money chase full mobilization of, let’s face it, flakey-at-best youth support for one issue or candidate or another. It’s as if these organizations like MoveOn.org are selling the Froot Loops of political thought. They’re
not trying to get you to think or be convinced, all they want you to do is obey. I really can’t see how any person with two brain cells to rub together can actually think that President Bill Clinton did not commit perjury. The case was pretty cut and dry. But when Clinton was impeached in 1998, MoveOn came onto the scene. Their basic premise was that it didn’t matter if he lied. Anyone who believed otherwise was stuck in the past. You like Clinton and his policies but don’t think it’s a good idea to leave him in office because such a thing would compromise the integrity of our institutions? What kind of backwards person would think something like that? Just move on. We really are and should be better than this. We don’t need these political action groups brainwashing kids to believe that their opinion is morally superior and doesn’t need to be evaluated critically or supported by actual evidence. What it comes down to is this: We are
currently in a time where a great deal of people, particularly the young, believe that certain opinions are deeply evil and constitute a grave threat to public safety and well-being (*cough* Cory Booker [D-NJ] *cough*). It isn’t just in the halls of the US Senate, it can be seen when protesters get to be angry mobs and then the media tries to cover for them. On the internet, there has been a dramatic increase, in recent years, of what those of us in the business call the reductio a hitlerium. This is where after a period of time in an online argument, one party decides (correctly or not) that Hitler believed the same thing, so you are a Nazi. There can be absolutely no way you are not one. Thankfully, people change, and so do their opinions. I have written things and will write things that, with the benefits of bygone years, I will cringe looking back on because I will realize their stupidity. Even though I know I’m not and never will be right about everything, I do my best to find
where the other side is right and admit when I am wrong. Not only does this make my arguments stronger, but it will eventually (hopefully) make the refined ideas I propose ones that can be used to make the world better. I’d like to use that to preface what I am about to say, which is, admittedly, harsh. If someone is not willing to concede the goodwill of their opponents, I don’t think that person is able to have their opinion changed, or if they can change, it could take a miracle. So when they’re wrong, they’ll stay wrong. Those people will, of course, hopefully change and be able to see why another person might disagree with them even if they still believe they’re right. But until then, I really want as few of them going to the polls as possible. Young people have bad judgement. We are bull-headed and stupid, and I am sometimes a prime example. If the youth allow themselves to be too consumed in their youthfulness, their opinions are not only irrelevant, but they are destructive.
Why young voters are on the verge of having a sweeping impact in 2018
When I was younger, I would fake sick every election day so that my mom would have to take me with her when she voted. Since I was young, the people at Pilar Valdes the polling place let me go into the voting booth with her, and if I was really lucky, she would sometimes let me push the buttons. I love voting, and I’m not even old enough to vote yet. As of Oct. 25, 2018, there are 192 days until I can register to vote. There is a short list of things I am going to do on my 18th birthday—including getting a tattoo and piercing my nose (sorry Mom)— but, most importantly, I am registering to vote. I am more than disappointed that I cannot vote in the midterms this year, but I am heartened knowing that my eligible classmates are rushing to the polls. Our generation is one of the most politically conscious and active generations this nation has ever seen, and our true power lies in our vote. No matter your political alignment, your voice matters and deserves to be heard. The same goes for your age. Just because you are only 17 or 18 years old doesn’t mean you
can’t have a well informed opinion about politics. Policy impacts young people just as much as it impacts older people, so they should be able to have just as much say in who gets to craft those policies. That is why the youth vote is so crucial: why should a 65-year-old man decide what I get to do with my body? By encouraging the youth vote, more young candidates will run and in turn, there will be more policy that actually represents the people who will be alive to see it enacted, and the people it will actually affect. I agree that sometimes young people are misinformed. But generally, the kids who are misinformed are not the ones rushing to the polls. Not to mention, that argument is very weak considering that age does not necessarily equate itself with ignorance. Just as there are young people that are misinformed, there are older people with the same level of misinformation. So why are they somehow more qualified to vote simply because they have been alive longer? Just because I am a teenager does not mean I don’t know what I’m talking about. The mindset that teenagers shouldn’t have an opinion on politics, or that their opinion is invalid because of their age, is toxic. It causes
young people to be discouraged and strengthens the already rampant culture of political apathy that exists in the United States today. If anything, teens should be encouraged to form a political opinion. Squashing any views or ideals that a teen has as being “idealistic” simply because they are a teenager only leads to political apathy among young people, which is the last thing this country needs. Everyone’s opinion matters. Taking teens and young people’s opinions for granted is a mistake, because at the end of the day, young people are our future. There’s no denying it. That’s what happens. We grow up, you grow old, and we take over what older generations once had control of. It’s life. So yes, the youth vote matters, and arguably more than any other vote. If there are people who are making laws that will impact the world for years to come, the people who will actually be alive and contributing to society should be the ones picking those lawmakers: that means young people. Encourage involvement in politics, don’t squash it. Encourage the formation of political opinions. If you still don’t think teenagers and young people should have a voice in politics: watch out. It’s happening anyways.
Early voting locations and times for Cook County
...
Requirements to vote: You must be a United States citizen
You must be 18 on or before Nov. 6 You must have lived in your election precinct at least 30 days You are not serving any sentence of confinement in a penal institution/jail You have not claimed the right to vote anywhere else
Register in person: 1.
2.
3. 4.
Register Online: 1.
Brookfield Village Hall Hodgkins Village Hall 8820 Brookfield Ave., Brookfield 60513
Oct. 25 to Oct. 27 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 4 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 5 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Campus
2.
8990 Lyons St., Hodgkins 60525
Oct. 25 to Oct. 27 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You must know your Illinois Driver’s License or State ID number, the last four digits of your social security and the date your license or ID was issued. Start the Online Voter Registration Application on the Illinois Online Voter Registration website.
https://ova.elections.il.gov/ compiled by Anna McCormick
In order to vote early and mail the ballot, you must fill out an online application on the Cook County Website and have your driver’s license/state ID, adress, and last four digits of your social security number available
Nov. 5 early voting is not available at the Hodgkins Village Hall
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525
Register to vote either in person at your village township office, register by mail by completing the Illinois Voter Registration Application (available online at www.elections.il.gov), or register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Clarify you are registered either by receiving a letter of clarification in the mail or checking yourself at the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Use the Illinois online polling place lookup tool to look up where you can vote. New voters must bring two forms of identification, at least one of which has your registered address on it. All other voters should bring an ID in case an election official challenges your registration.
South Campus
You must provide your email address (available in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Chinese).
The mail ballot must be postmarked no later than Nov. 6 and be received no later than 14 days after the election day. The last day to request a mail ballot is Nov. 1 The grace period for voting registration ends Nov. 5 compiled by Olivia Janik
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558