Suspensions due to alcohol rise Paperighlights
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Look here for some quick reads on this issue’s features. Page 2: Find out how the EpiPen crisis affects LT. Page 3: Get the scoop on SC’s lockdown on Oct. 15. Page 4: Kairos? Snowball? PF? Read the secrets of all of the different retreats. Page 5: Snackers, a Western Springs favorite restaurant, has officially closed its doors, and will be replaced by Salted Fig. Page 6: Odd News and the Twitter Box make their anticipated return. Page 8: What’s the deal with safe spaces? Two LION staffers face off over the controversial topic. Student section at the pink-out football game versus Hinsdale Central. (Katie Palermo/LION)
Repercussions of alcohol use at football games include stricter security policies, increased attention
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alking into Bennett Field Friday Oct. 7, students may have noticed some changes upon arrival. Due to recent alcohol abuse at school events, security at football games has increased. While it is not a new policy that students cannot bring in unsealed drinks, the emphasis on enforcing this rule has increased through the checking of bags, and throwing away any open drinks. “We started enforcing the policy of not allowing kids to bring in outside beverages. It’s always been the policy, but we were too lax in enforcing it,” Assistant Principal Kris Costopoulos said. “We had some issues at the first game that made us concerned for our students’ welfare. We decided to get back to enforcing the policy to help keep all of our students safe.” The number of students suspended due to alcohol use in the first quarter of the 2016-17 school year has almost reached the total amount of alcohol-related suspensions of the 2015-16 school year, according to the AP office. Last year, 14 students were suspended, while in the first quarter of this year there have already been 12—two freshman, three sophomores, and seven seniors. “If there is even one person using alcohol, then I say it’s an issue,” Assistant Principal Adam Davis said. “That’s why we take it so seriously.
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“If there is even one person using alcohol, then I say it’s a problem.” -Assistant Principal Adam Davis
We try to make sure we are present and available so kids see us as a deterrent to not make poor choices prior to coming to a game.” LT administration has taken notice of this increase. In order to combat the issue of alcohol use, the administration brought attention to the suspensions in the first game. This resulted in the tightening of the rules and keeping policies and practices the same, Davis said. “Our goal at football games and other special events is that kids have a great time and stay safe,” Principal Brain Waterman said. “That has always been our goal and will remain our goal.” Students who are under the influence face an automatic 10-day suspension. While there are alternate suspension programs, such as attending a drug and alcohol program, the suspension is still recorded on a student’s internal LT record. While the infraction does not go on a student’s permanent record, high school records can affect their careers.
Athlete and activist Q&A by Charlie Stelnicki @c_stelnicki
It has been nearly two months since the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a silent protest about discrimination and racial violence. It has connected professional and high school athletic fields to the streets of our nation.
North Campus
Recently, players from Glenbard West have taken a knee in solidarity with Kaepernick. Although no LTHS athletes have participated in similar protests during the National Anthem, the issue has proliferated our national dialogue. Here are some thoughts from our student body.
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by Lea Voytovich @_leaaa21
“We want students to know that making smart decisions is important,” Davis said. “High school students may not realize that their records stay with them. While it doesn’t necessarily follow them to college, it can impact them later on if a recruiter comes and asks for their high school record.” Jobs that require checking of high school records include any kind of military position, law enforcement, government positions, such as the FBI, and legal professions. “I’ve been an assistant principal for 10 years, and I have had potential employers come to check on an LT graduate’s high school record,” Davis said. “This probably happens at least five to seven times a year.” Underage drinking is not a new problem, but different classes have their own personalities, so the attitudes and decisions of students on alcohol varies, Costopoulos said. “Anyone under the influence makes bad choices, especially kids because they don’t realize how al-
cohol will affect them,” Costopoulos said. “Students might think they are fine, but they’re not. Alcohol can make an already tense situation (like the Hinsdale game) potentially dangerous, and we’re just trying to protect our students.” Any time LT staff notices that a student is under the influence, the police and the assistant principal investigate it first from the perspective of the student’s safety, then supporting the student and then the consequence, Waterman said. “I think the most effective way to combat alcohol use is continual conversation and little events throughout the year that reinforce the dangers,” Waterman said. “It’s that cumulative effect of all the things that happen during a school year and the dialogue students and their parents are having at home that teach the lesson.” There are many activities and opportunities for students to participate in at LT, which can help minimize the use of alcohol. Events like Operation Snowball, town hall meetings, Red Ribbon Week and community service events, along with sophomore health units educate students and influence their behavior, Waterman said. “Snowball definitely helps students learn about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and provides
Page 10: Read an opinion piece on the recent increasing trends of drinking-related suspensions at home football games. Page 11: Varsity football’s season continues as they begin playoffs this year. See their plans for moving forward in confrence. Page 12: Flip to read the sports profiles on some of LT’s most interesting and best athletes. Page 14: The Quesarito, Jamba’s strangest flavors and a unique McDonald’s burger get their own page, covering fast food secret menu hacks. Page 16-17: Global warming is a political and social topic that’s gaining traction. Read our in-depth coverage on it. Page 20: LION’s jumble word puzzle, Caroline’s Chaos, breaks back into the paper. Page 21: The election special section starts with a look into Illinois’s competitive Senate race between Mark Kirk and Tammy Duckworth. Page 22-23: Here’s the big one: Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton, in this year’s circus of an election. Check out the candidates’ views, their VP picks and our take on the crazy election.
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Question: What are your thoughts on the silent protest during the National Anthem started by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick to raise awareness about racism in the U.S.? “I feel that what he’s doing isn’t good or bad. What Kaepernick feels is that our nation still treats people of color in a very disturbing way. Being a person of color himself, he feels the need to not stand.” -Hasahn Austin ‘17, varsity wide receiver
“In my honest opinion I think what they’re doing is very stupid. I do admit that there is racism in our country, but that doesn’t mean that not standing for the National Anthem will do anything. Men and women are fighting for our freedom every day. It is really sad Kaepernick can’t at least stand for that.” -Ben Bryant ‘18, varsity starting quarterback
100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus
“I think he is perfectly justified. Colin chose a very bold way to protest. A lot of people that aren’t black can’t fully comprehend what it’s like to live in America as a black person. Colin is a trailblazer. Without him, who would inspire more people our age to stand (or sit down) for what is right?” -Josh Leak ‘17, student activist
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558