Issue #3 12-2-16

Sophomore wins state title P H aper

ighlights

Lahari Yelamanchili ‘19 garners 2A individual state tennis championship

by Sydney Hansen @_sydneyhansen

Down four to six in the third set tiebreaker at the 2016 IHSA girls state tennis finals, Lahari Yelamanchili ‘19 focused in on the match against Evanston Township’s Anastasia Goncharova. Though the match remained close throughout, Yelamanchili would win the match by two points and claim the Class 2A individual state title on Oct. 22. “[Yelamanchili is] one of the most consistent and tenacious kids I’ve ever coached,” varsity Head Coach Bill Wham said. “She’s playing to win—it doesn’t matter who her opponent is.”

After experiencing a knee injury as a freshman, Yelamanchili came into her sophomore season recovered from the injury, Wham said. Playing singles for the first time in her high school career, she went undefeated in the 2016 Lahari Yelamanchili ‘19 accepts state title for girls singles. (Yelamanchili) season with a 23-0 record.

Despite Yelamanchili’s perfect re- going to play,” Wham said. “This played doubles with Stefana Vasic cord, the state tournament is tough, year [LT athletes] wouldn’t know ‘16. The incredible duo recorded a and athletes sometimes do not know a third of [their] opponents because record of 31-2 for the 2015 season matches and tournament weekends and placed fifth at the 2015 IHSA their opponents, Wham said. “[Yelamanchili’s] game would defi- got rained out all of the time, leav- state tournament. nitely get her to the state semi-finals, ing LT short nine to 12 matches.” “[Yelamanchili] is a great douAs a freshman, Yelamanchili bles partner,” Vasic said. “She’s but you just don’t know who you’re

always super upbeat and positive which makes her a key aspect [of] the team.”

When not in high school tennis season, Yelamanchili plays tennis through the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Through USTA she plays individually in tournaments against other players from around the country, Yelamanchili said. As of early November, she is currently ranked first in the Midwest for U16 players and 30th in the U.S. for U16.

The opportunity to play alongside teammates at LT is a change of pace from what is typically an individual sport. “[My teammates] have been amazing,” Yelamanchili said. “I definitely could not have done any of this without them.”

Even though Yelamanchili is now a state champion with a desire to play collegiate tennis, she plans on keeping the same attitude towards tennis as before, Yelamanchili said.

“I’ll have the same attitude because it’s just really fun being on a team,” Yelamanchili said.

Weapon threats worry community Two unfounded reports in 10 days frighten LT community

thing is credible or if they haven’t seen something, don’t pass it on as fact.”

Weapon threats are rare at LT, but national statistics point to the administration’s rapid and

by Tim Mikulski serious reaction. In a 2015 Center for Disease @t_mikulski Control survey, 4.1-percent of students reported On a cloudy October Saturday, the West Sub- carrying a weapon on school property in the urban Conference Silver cross country meet at past 30 days. While a frightening number, it is South Campus was evacuated due to a reported decreasing rapidly—down from 5.2-percent in suspicious person with a possible weapon. Ten 2013, and from 11.8-percent in 1993. days later, an unrelated report following two Brian Budds, the Public Information Officer fights at SC resulted in 222 students missing for the Western Springs Police Department, said school the next day over safety concerns. Both that the police attempt to collect personal inforreports were resolved as unfounded, but the ques- mation during reports to help assure credition from students and parents bility while maintaining close alike remains: how did these sit- “We value and greatly communication with the LT uations escalate, and could the Other methods appreciate all the administration. administration have lessened it? include conducting interviews, “Student and staff safety is our support and sharing reviewing camera footage and primary goal, so we are going to monitoring public social media. of information the During the Oct. 15 investigatake the approach of making certain we take any threat like this Budds estimated approxstudents provide.” tion, seriously,” District 204 Superimately 20 regional police -Officer Brian Budds intendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea departments were involved. said.

“We value and greatly On Oct. 15, a report was made to an LT secu- appreciate all the support and sharing of inforrity staff member, who contacted the police. On mation the students provide,” Budds said. “The Oct. 25, the police were contacted first and imme- department encourages all students and staff diately reached out to the LT administration. Both to ‘speak up’ whenever they see or are aware of reports were based in speculation, Kilrea said. something suspicious.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t see that there’s any Local police departments were involved way to stop that, except for to have individuals closely with the LT administration throughout assist us to determine the credibility of the situa- the response. tion,” Kilrea said. “Or, if they don’t know if some“Our police department, and there was more

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than just Western Springs, helped put to bed some of these [reports] showing them as not credible because of physical investigation work,” Kilrea said.

There was an increased police presence at South Campus after Oct. 25, but returned to normal by that Friday. A conference was held with the administration and police to make that decision, Kilrea said.

An important change to be made after the events involves LT’s automated phone system.

“We learned about our software program we thought would be able to get the calls out immediately, and some calls were delayed up to an hour,” Kilrea said. “That’s not timely and this has since been rectified.”

Another significant takeaway was the impact of social media during incidents with unconfirmed details. English teacher Patrick O’Neil, a witness to the events on Oct. 25, spoke about social media amplifying rumors in an October interview with LION Online.

“I hope that kids stay off their phones,” O’Neil said. “I think that a lot of times, the social media aspect ends up making things worse.”

Kilrea said that going forward, these incidents would be an example to remind students about the need for responsible use and immediacy of social media.

“I can’t stress enough that social media can be an effective and efficient communication tool, but when inaccurate information is passed along, it can also heighten anxiety levels without any concrete or verifiable reason,” Kilrea said.

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

Page 2: Read about new classes and changes to the LT curriculum.

Page 3: What’s up with the car burglaries in Western Springs? Coverage on page 3.

Page 4: Get the full scoop on the recent career opportunity seminar at SC. Page 5: How are LT and LaGrange celebrating Christmas? Turn to page 5 for our holiday coverage.

Page 6: Do any parents deserve Dad of the Year compared to this Dad? Check out Odd News!

Page 8: LION’s Charlie Stelnicki ‘17 and Henry Groya ‘17 debate whether or not you should be worried about President-elect Donald Trump.

Page 10: How will LT boys basketball fare against Hinsdale this year? Page 10 has full coverage on returning players and expectations.

Page 11: Rhiannon Schuenemann ‘17 displayed great leadership for LT girls volleyball. Turn to page 11 to read more.

Page 12: Who is LION’s Athlete of the Month?

View page 12 for the answer.

Page 16-17: How does social media effect your personal body image?

LION provides the full coverage.

Page 18: Want to know the wackiest holiday traditions? We came together to find some of the most obscure stories that you have to read.

Page 19: Are you Type A or Type B? Check out the full coverage on page 19.

Page 20: Looking for new food combinations? We found the place for you on page 20.

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See the full story on page 4

32.8% of teens have used a cell phone while driving...

...even though it slows your reaction time to a 70-year-old’s.

1 in 5 of 16-year-old drivers has an accident within their first year of driving.

Crash risk for teens increases incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit.



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

3.7 times greater than the average driver. compiled by Spiro Kass and Tim Mikulski

Sources: dmv.ca.gov and dosomething.org

North Campus

A 16-year-old’s car crash rate is



4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558

NEWS

Page 2

Friday, December 2, 2016

First AP available to freshmen New, AP Human Geography, available for class of 2021

by Lea Voytovich @leaaa21 Beginning with the freshman class of 2021, LT will offer an advanced placement option for World History, AP Human Geography. The course will be an annual class at LT, whereas it is a semester course offered at the university level. There is no prerequisite, and any incoming freshmen may choose to take it.

“This change is due to many years of conversations including students asking for an option for freshman World History other than the prep level,” Global Studies Division Chair Paul Houston said. “Part of the benefit of taking this class is that it will teach students how to read, write, analyze and think like a college student, which will make students’ future AP classes a greater success.”

Students and parents have wondered why there is no accelerated option to World History. The addition of this class will give students more options and may ease the transition into harder classes in the future. Many other schools offer AP Human Geography to freshmen and the LT administration believes

that if students at other schools can do it, they feel like LT students can do it as well, Director of Curriculum Scott Eggerding said.

“Our hope is that there won’t be as much difficulty in general across the board as what we tend to see in AP European History,” Houston said. “Even though the students are a year younger, the material tends to be more accessible for people in general, and the fact that this course is half the pace should make it more accessible for younger students.”

The topics in the class are essentially similar to World History—the interaction between people and their location, Houston said. The class will entail both written and oral communication along with analysis and research.

“I do think I would have benefitted from taking an AP course before Euro. Euro is extremely grueling and some exposure to the AP systems and rubrics before Euro would have been great,” AP European History student Lizzie Scotty ‘19 said. “I would have a better handle on the expectations and already have most of the skills for a college course down if I had taken an AP before Euro.”

Since LT essentially gives students all the power to choose their own classes, there is no qualification prior to signing up. In the same manner, students may choose to take AP Eu-

ropean History, but they do not have to. The required history courses are World History or AP Human Geography, any of the U.S. history options, and civics. About a quarter of the incoming freshman class, 250 students, are expected to sign up for AP Geography, Eggerding said.

“We have concerns about freshmen taking AP classes, and we have concerns about people’s abilities to make the right choice,” Houston said. “We hope that we have designed the course and will continue to communicate it in ways so that people make good choices. If they make good choices, it should make a positive impact.”

Since class rank has been eliminated, taking an AP course freshman year may not be necessary for many students. The course will go deeper into material covered in World History, so students who are interested in history or want a challenge would benefit from this class, Eggerding said. It will also introduce another AP younger students to ease the transition into NC. “My biggest piece of advice for future AP students would be to follow the schedule and stay on top of the reading, especially in a history course,” Scotty said. “Taking an AP class is a big commitment, and you have to put in the work and effort to get the results you want.”

Civics brings change Christmas performance State mandates civics, changes LT electives

by Danny Kilrea @dannykilrea As a result of a new graduation mandate implemented by the state of Illinois, LT is requiring a new civics course for the class of 2020 and beyond. Some fine-tuning on how the course will be incorporated into student schedules is in the works.

“The school has the flexibility on where to offer [the civics course],” Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea said. “The way LT has its social studies alignment led our Global Studies Department to think sophomore year would be the best place to integrate the course.”

The current graduation requirement is completing a half-credit of another social studies course. This requirement will be removed for the class of 2020 and beyond and will be replaced by the civics course.

The new course will likely cause popular social study electives, like Global Relations, to drop in enrollment, he said.

It is still not known how this requirement will be met, Kilrea said. The administration is deciding whether the class can be substituted by another course, like AP Government.

Some students are not happy with the new state mandate, as they feel that it impairs their ability to take classes that interest them.

“I think they shouldn’t have made this elective change,” Caroline Trecartin ‘20 said. “Students should have the choice on which social studies elective they want to take. Electives are more or less the one class that students get to choose, and this class gives students less choice.”

The addition of the civics course for sophomores opened up discussion for how other elective requirements are met, Kilrea said. The proposal is to change the current requirement of students needing one practical and one creative art individually, to needing just one practical and creative art combined. With this change, the ‘other’ electives amount would go up to fiveand-a-half credits, contrary to the prior four-and-a-half credit requirement.

The purpose of LT’s proposition to change the elective requirement allocation is to allow students to go into more depth when taking electives, he said. Instead of taking an elective just to meet the graduation requirement, the new change will allow students to go past a certain surface level in different areas of their individual interest.

“This shift would enable students to have more freedom to take classes during their junior and senior years in subjects that interest them that they might not have realized they were interested in early in high school,” Vincent Zona ‘17 said. “I wish this was implemented back when I was a freshman.”

Explore future careers

Career speakers at SC help students explore interests, featuring military and law enforcement officials this fall

by Lea Voytovich @leaaa21

spreads holiday spirit

by Maddy Cohen over 20 years. Many of the actors have also @maddyc700 been a part of this annual production for Adult-special needs actors brought multiple years, she said. Actors Renee Vrholiday spirit to the Reber Cen- chota and Josh Hein have worked with Reter with their performance of “White Christ- hak-Grohne for over 15 years. mas.”

“The most exciting part is seeing all my “When I look into the audience and friends and family in the crowd,” Vrchota said. see the parents weeping, Rehak-Grohne received help from LT the look on their face is paraeducator Karen Johnson, the that they just can’t beassistant director, and from the lieve what their kids family members of the achave done,” director tors as well. The costume Christiane Redesigner, set designer, hak-Grohne said. and choreographer are “I know I have all family members of done a good job. actors and have worked I’m here to push with Rehak-Grohne for that envelope evover a decade.

Actors line up for the closing scene of the play. ery single time.”

“I like how he has (Maddy Cohen/LION) The producthe chance to be on tion of “White Christmas” was on Nov. 19 stage,” mother Julie Loftus said. “Many of the and 20 in the Reber Center. There were 21 kids have been doing this for years and come actors in the musical that consisted of from far away. There isn’t anything like this.”

LT graduates as well as graduates from The actors had been working since FebruHinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, River- ary, and practicing two to three times a week side-Brookfield and other schools outside since the beginning of school. While most of the district. them are from this district, some actors made a “I was nervous but a little excited,” ac- 45-minute commute to make it to practice evtor Doug Troops said. “The endings were ery time, Vrchota said. the best part.”

“I like to be with my friends,” actress BryOriginally created by her mom, Re- anna Laconte said. “’White Christmas’ is a hak-Grohne has directed this play for magical musical.”

Emma Sorrentino ‘17 started the Ca- ing first-hand what a day in the life of the reer Exploration Program that brings career specific career is like so it’ll help them prespeakers to SC during lunch periods. While pare for their future classes and jobs,” Sorshe began the program during the 2015-16 rentino said. school year, attendance drastically increased Before this year, SC had no guest speakat her law enforcement and military presen- ers—only NC did. Sorrentino was the first tation on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with five new student to suggest this type of unique opguest speakers. portunity for SC students, Nelson said. The “The goal of the club is to bring career program took immense planning by both speakers to SC so that students can make Nelson and Sorrentino.

“Instead of running different speakers in more informed decisions about their futures and be better prepared for college,” Sorrenti- different locations [this year], we switched no said. “I wanted to give the underclassmen to a panel discussion in one room,” Nelson said. “Emma stepped in the opportunity that I did not have.”

“The goal of the club is to as the projectatmanager South Sorrentino brings Camin speakers about bring career speakers to twice a year with pus and SC so that students can ran the the help of Associate show.

Principal Therese make more informed deciAs a Nelson. Last year, sions about their futures.” result, speakers included a physical therapist, the ses-Emma Sorrentino ‘17 sion was well-attended a surgeon, an archiand the panel worked tect and an engineer.

“I started this activity because I was extremely well.”

Nelson and Sorrentino select speakstruggling with my own experiences, and I was really confused about what I wanted to ers through their personal connections or do,” Sorrentino said. “I didn’t have time to volunteers. After setting theme and date, job shadow because I have so many different students can receive the information from their counselors, teachers or fliers that are interests and commitments.”

The presentations run during both lunch put up around the school. periods. During the A periods, the speakers “For students who know that they want sit on a panel and introduce themselves and that career, it can really make it or break it their careers. During B periods, each speaker because if they see or hear something they sets up a station with pictures, uniforms, and like or don’t like, it can excite them or sway personal information that students can visit. them,” Nelson said. “It’s another way for “I think students will benefit from hear- students to discover ‘their thing.’”

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Military and law enforcement panel at SC. (Therese Nelson)

NEWS

Friday, December 2, 2016

Page 3

Car burglaries disturb residents Residents unsatisfied with police help during local investigation

By Greta Markey @gretamarkey When a Western Springs resident received a call from the Western Springs Police Department informing her that her car, which was stolen the morning of Oct. 17, had been recovered in Chicago, she was surprised that the one item left in it was her son’s favorite baseball glove.

“He’s a really avid baseball fan and I guess finding his glove is one positive thing you could take from the whole situation,” the resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

Between 10 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 7 a.m. on Oct. 17, 12 motor vehicle burglaries and one stolen automobile were reported in the northwest section of Western Springs, according to the Western Springs Police Department Crime Alert.

Although no suspect has been named, Jenny Data, a Western Springs resident whose garage and car was broken into the morning of Oct. 17, caught the burglars on video, she said. The camera footage from her garage captured five African American males entering her unlocked car.

“The detective who I gave the footage to traced stolen credit cards to a Walmart in Indiana,” Data said. “They needed my footage to match the people from the surveillance cameras in Walmart to the burglaries in Western Springs.”

Both Data and the other resident of Western Springs reported that the Western Springs police did not do much to follow up with them on the investigation.

“It seemed like the police got what they wanted and left,” Data said. “I’m o.k. with that because this wasn’t a violent crime, but I would like to know if any progress was made. I don’t know if I’ll ever know if any suspects were apprehended, but I did give the police permission to press charges.”

The same concern is expressed by the anonymous Western Springs resident.

“To be honest, the police’s communication with everyone involved was disappointing,” she said. “I think that they’re just really understaffed.”

Western Springs Police Deputy Chief Brian Budds said that the police carry out thorough investigations and extensive follow-ups, and that the police have continued to heighten their presence throughout the town since the recent burglaries.

“These were crimes of opportunity,” Budds said.

“They’re very hard to predict, and it’s challenging with the limits of our available staff to maintain that heavy presence seven days a week, 24 hours a day throughout the whole town.”

Nevertheless, the Western Springs Police Department remains on high alert and urges citizens of Western Springs and neighboring towns to remain aware of this issue, he said.

“A vigilant and informed public is our best defense in stopping these recent cars being entered,” Kevin Simpson, Hinsdale Police Force Chief, said in a recent press release.

This graphic highlights the recent car robberies from Western Springs. The areas targeted ranged from Forest Avenue to Wolf Road.

Internet slows problems at LT

by Sydney Kaehler @sydneykaehler

At the beginning of the school year, there were troubles with the wireless network, mainly at South Campus. Although there are always small speed bumps with technology at Lyons Township, there are reasons why the internet has been especially slow. The systems administrators were able to diagnose what was going on, and that, to many students was what caused the “slow internet.”

“More traffic was added to the resources when we add district devices,” Director of Technology Ed Tennant said. “We have laptops and the computer carts, 800+ student devices and district devices.”

Tennant and the other Tech Coaches contacted the La Grange city officials, and the same problems seemed to be occurring on locations connected to the

same link as LT, like Saint John of the Cross school. To solve this, the village of Western Springs put in some upgrades and they tripled the band for the link. It is not that it will not connect, it is just that for now, it may take a little longer. This year especially there was more traffic, but there are always little things.

Callie Pogge, a Tech Coach at LT, also gave her opinion on this matter.

“While aware of the issues some staff are experiencing, the TEC Coaches continue to work to maximize available district resources to enhance instruction and support the staff,” Pogge said.

Students cannot do much to prevent these events, but they can wait for more than five seconds to say that it is broken.

“Be patient and wait for a few seconds,” Tennant said. “Clicking a bunch of times doesn’t solve anything.”

In regards to whether or not this had to do with any of the international hacking problems, the answer is no, Tennant said. LT considered it, but this issue was not caused by international hacking problems. None of these were affiliated with LT.

Homeless numbers remain steady History effects bell tower function something hits the newspapers, it becomes more evident too, so perceptions may be Recently, homeless programs in the La that it’s around more.”

Grange area have created tense controverThe La Grange Park Library serves sy. Approval of a permanent BEDS Plus roughly three to four homeless regulars evshelter at 9601 W. Ogden Ave. on April 27, ery day. La Grange Park residents and the 2015 brought both sides of the issue to vilhomeless are treated and served equally, lage board meetings. Even though services Buckson said. Internet access, educational have expanded over the past few years, classes and space are available at the library they have not attractto all people regarded additional homeless less of residential people and their pres“It’s tough to quanitfy status. The staff at ence has not been atthe library has made how many homeless a point not to judge tributed to an increase in crime. in any people there are because customers “[Homelessness is in] manner, Buckson just about every city,” they can be transient.” said.

La Grange Police Detec“At the most ba-La Grange Police Detective tive Ken Uher said. “It’s sic level, we provide Ken Uher tough to quantify how shelter. It’s not just many homeless people limited to homeless there are because they people,” La Grange can be transient. There’s definitely a presPark Public Library Executive Director ence, [but] it’s not a very high number.”

Kate Buckson said. “We provide a relaWhile the BEDS program has been cittively safe and comfortable environment ed by some residents as a driving factor in for people to come when the weather is continued homelessness by attracting peobad outside.” ple, the program has been positive in helpAs with other libraries along train and ing the area’s homeless population receive bus routes, the library serves, in some necessary services, Uher said. cases, as the main shelter of some home“[Homelessness] is consistent from the less people, Buckson said. The library also past years. I haven’t seen a dramatic inserves as a warming station during the crease or drastic decrease,” Uher said. “I winter months, providing a place to go for think there’s more of an awareness. If any of those requiring it.

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by Lindsey Hauch @lhauch20

another gear every time it swings in one direction,” Director of Buildings and Grounds When people think of NC, one of Kevin Mitros said. “It’s very difficult to rethe most common things that comes to pair. There are four faces on that clock that mind is the historic bell tower. The bell are all interconnected. For the most part, tower, first installed in 1928, has many they are consistent.”

Since companies no longer make parts recognizable features, including the bells which ring on the hour. However, to repair the clock, all the gears on it are students and staff have noticed the bell’s pretty much original, Mitros said. They have been maintained since inaccuracy, especial1928, for 88 years. In ly during this school “The bell tower and addition, there are year.

“All the years those bells are integral only about 10 men in the country who have I’ve been here we’ve to the history of LT and the expertise to repair struggled to make those bells and the I think the community these kinds of clocks.

“We use a compaclock work accuratethink of that as a ny from Cincinnati ly,” Associate Princalled Verdin Bells & cipal Kevin Brown familiar image.”

Clocks, and three years said. “It’s an actual -Assosciate Principal Kevin Brown ago, they asked us if watch made of gears we wanted to keep the and levers and pulleys; it’s intricate and imprecise as all nostalgic look, the original 1928 look, keep machines are. That’s the thing with all the sound of the bells but stop the winding and go digital to make sure the time disphysical watches; they lose time.”

The motors on the bells are new, but played was correct,” Mitros said. “We didn’t they are co-dependent through gears, pursue that because the sentiment in La pulleys and weights, Brown said. There Grange is to maintain the aesthetics of the are five little arms around the clock that original clock.”

There is additional pressure to replace go up through the holes in the ceiling to reach the hammers, and then the ham- the old system and get an electronic system, Brown said. But with almost everyone havmers hit and ring the bells.

“An electric motor makes the pen- ing their own phone to tell time, the clock’s dulum go, but the pendulum is turning original purpose is no longer necessary.

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by Brandt Siegfried @brandto13

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NEWS Teen accidents Literary magazine takes gold at national competition increasing

Friday, December 2, 2016

Page 4

Menagerie earns top honor, continues legacy in preparation for next issue

Problem of teen driving accidents continue to rise, despite Driver Education

by Sarah Grier @smgrier0 At the annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association competition, Lyons Township’s literary magazine, Menagerie, received the gold award in the magazine competition. This competition consisted of 6,420 entries produced by students at colleges and high schools throughout the United States.

“We don’t expect to win, but we have been fortunate to win six years in a row,” co-editor-in-chief Dheeksha Ranginani ‘17 said.

Menagerie is an 88-page literary publication featuring poetry, short stories and other forms of student-produced literature. This is complemented by the photography and artwork submitted by all grade levels. It is comprised of literary staff and art staff, with eight main student editors.

“I attribute the success to the co-editor-in-chiefs’ vision for the Magaazine’s theme and the staff’s work in bringing it to life together,” art editor Caroline Wuerl ‘17 said.

Menagerie also has two literary staff advisors, Joseph Maffey and Angela Gutierrez, and one art advisor, Mary Rohlicek. Even though it is a student-run publication, they help to guide the editors.

“The teachers have done this for so many years, and they give us so much great advice on how to run things better since they have seen past staff mistakes,” Ranginani said. “The teachers aren’t imposing at all, but they are great sources for advising us what not to do.”

The last issue’s theme—Multiplicity—conveys the idea of multiple elements brought together under a singular magazine. The staff worked together to create smooth, curved lines throughout the book.

The choice to accent pages with gray helps to tie together all of the diverse works of literature and art.

“A lot of the art work in the last issue was captivating,” Rohlicek said. “It was definitely one of our stronger art issues, especially the photography.”

by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass

The issue also had many strong literary pieces because of the immense number of creative submissions received from students; at the competition, the literary submissions account for approximately 40-percent of the scoring.

“We were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to finish all submissions in time,” Ranginani said. “The editors this year went through all 400 poetry submissions and cut the total in half before our first meeting, which was unprecedented.”

Despite losing many senior staff members last year, Menagerie hopes to continue its legacy.

“Our staff builds upon the strength of those seniors and new people who learned, listened, contributed, worked, shared, all step forward and generate new enthusiasm for a new magazine,” Gutierrez said.

The Menagerie staff has already begun preparations for the next issue, with deadlines for literature on Jan. 20 and art on Feb. 13, encouraging all students to submit to menagerie@lths.net.

“I appreciate the wide variety of art and genres that we are able to feature,” Maffey said. “The creativity of our student writers blows me away every year and last year’s edition was no different. I can’t wait to see what is submitted this year!”

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Staff of 2016-2017 Menagerie. (Deeksha Ranginani)

Recently, the number of teen the Centers for Disease Control driving accidents nationwide and Prevention, there have been has experienced an increase.

5,864 fatal driving accidents inAlthough this increase has been volving people between the ages supported by several sources, Jaof 16 to 20 in 2016 alone. This son Hlavacs, the Director of the number is nearly a 10-percent inLT Drivers Ed program, firmly crease compared to years past. believes that the number of teen Certain teens have been a part accidents have always been high. of this upward trend in our com“Accidents among teen drivmunity, including Tommy Pigaters are gento ‘18, who erally due to experienced lack of expe“I was changing songs his own car rience, and accident about on the radio and all of a one year after it’s been a problem ever sudden, I ran a red light he received since teens his driver’s liand hit a car.” were allowed cense. to drive,” “I was -Tommy Pigatto ‘18 Hlavacs said. changing songs “Our proon the radio gram here does far beyond what and all of a sudden, I ran a red other high schools and private light and hit a car,” Pigatto said. firms do.”

“It was a very scary moment, and In order to combat teen drivit taught me to avoid distractions ing accidents in general, Hlavacs while behind the wheel.” believes that LT’s Drivers Ed proTo avoid future distractions gram has been doing all it can to and teen car crashes, Hlavacs gave fight this problem. The program out a few rules-of-thumb to be includes nearly 40 class hours, aware of when behind the wheel. which is 10 hours more than the “Respect the speed limit, keep state requirement, in addition to your eyes moving and be aware three extra hours of behind-theof what is going on around you,” wheel practice, he said. he said. “You can’t control what Despite Hlavacs’ faith in the other people do on the road. All Drivers Ed program here at LT, you can control is your own envistatistics reveal a general growth ronment, so it is important to do a of teen accidents. According to good job.”

50% off Studio Time for LT Students

impact

Friday, December 2, 2016

Holiday Write Night brings new theme to tradition

by Christina Rossetti @c_rossetti6

With winter break right around the corner, LT looks to provide students with opportunities to serve the community. Continuing with the food drive and Holiday Write Night, they look to provide the community with many resources this holiday season.

Imagine the scene: a first grader sitting at a computer, writing and sending an email to Santa, awaiting his response. If this gets you all warm and fuzzy on the inside, Holiday Write Night is the place for you.

“This year’s theme is ‘A Beary Merry Christmas’,” head coordinator of Holiday Write Night Dorothy Cochran said. “Instead of doing Frozen like we did the last two years, we wanted to use the Cubs, so kids can wear Cubs or Bears clothing if they have it, instead of wearing Frozen dresses.”

Holiday Write Night is on Dec. 6 in the SC Discovery Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with and estimated 200 children signed up to write letters.

“The major thing [student volunteers] need to do is make sure they’re really going to be here,” Cochran said. “That’s part of the problem, sometimes I’ll have maybe over 400 signups, but only 250 show up.”

Signups for high school students to help with Holiday Write Night are in both the NC and SC Discovery Centers, as well as foreign language and English classrooms, Cochran said. Orientations run Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 in either campus’s DC. “At a student council meeting my freshman year, my friend and I signed up for this committee and I am so glad I did,” organization committee member Eileen Bergman ‘18 said. “Without it I wouldn’t have known what it was outside of the extra credit for my English class.”

Page 5

Food drive brings hope to the holidays

by Christina Rossetti @c_rossetti6

In Illinois, one in seven people struggle with hunger according to Feeding America. Each year, the LT community attempts to help lower that number by having its annual food drive.

“I don’t think people realize how many people out there need help, and I don’t think they realize how much donating has dropped off in the last couple of years,” head coordinator of the Food Drive Dorothy Cochran said.

Donations at LT have decreased in the last three years, going from 92 boxes in 2013 to last year’s 37 boxes—only seven coming from NC, Cochran said.

“Even if everyone brought in one can, there’s more than 4,000 kids here,

400 to 500 staff members, one can each, that would be a lot of food,” Cochran said.

The LT Food Drive runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, accepting donations in each classroom, and at Holiday Write Night on Dec. 6. Any canned, non-perishable food item is accepted if they aren’t expired.

“I thought it was a great thing to help with the food drive, because it helps out our community and it is something that really makes a difference around the holidays,” Food Drive committee member Elsa McMahon ’18 said.

Committee members have hopes of increasing their donations this year to at least 50 boxes McMahon said.

LT participates in Secret Santa

by Juliana Halpin @jhalps315

The spirit of giving is in full swing as the LT community comes together to participate in the 2016 Secret Santa program.

Student council worked with the Community Nurse Health Association to organize LT’s participation in Secret Santa program. This group provides medical services to community members through doctors, dentists and nurses who donate their time and services to families and individuals who cannot afford health care.

“It is amazing to see the generosity of the community,” head of student activities Peter Geddeis said. “The gifts start pouring in and you can see people’s faces light up as they walk by [the gifts].”

This year, the LT community adopted 145 children, making it LT’s second largest year in participation. Families, classes and clubs who participate in Secret Santa adopt a child and are given lists of their child’s interests for gift ideas. The group then spends around $100 per child on gifts, school supplies and other necessities. The gifts are delivered to the Community Nurse Heath Association and distributed to the families participating in the program.

“Student Council knew going into this year that it was unlikely that we would see the same overwhelming response as last year,” Geddeis said. “[Student council is] thrilled to have coordinated LT’s second-largest- ever response to the Secret Santa program.”

La Grange celebrates Holiday Night

by Juliana Halpin @jhalps315 La Grange will be filled with trolley rides, petting zoos and an outpour of community members looking to celebrate the holiday season as the La Grange Business Association prepares for its 25th annual Hometown Holiday Night on Dec. 3.

“I think it’s an event that really brings people together as well as instills a sense of pride in the neighborhood,” Executive Director of La Grange Business Association Nancy Cummings said. “This event in particular highlights everything that make La Grange so different from other areas. On this night, it really does feel magical.”

The Hometown Holiday Night kicks off at 3 p.m. with a free viewing of Elf at the La Grange Theater.

Throughout the day various other activities take place throughout Downtown La Grange, including a performance by LTHS Madrigal Choir. The holiday night comes to a close with the Holiday walk from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with around 60 businesses participating in holiday open houses or as sponsors of the event. “[The Hometown Holiday Night] is an opportunity for neighbors to come together; for our store owners and restaurant owners to celebrate with customers and to enjoy the wonderful sense of community that thrives in La Grange,” Cummings said. “It’s also a great opportunity for residents to support the many small and independent businesses in the neighborhood who call La Grange home.”

NEWS

Page 6

Refugee Representative In a scene that perfectly fits the 2016 election, a state representative was reelected and arrested on the same day. Representative Dick Marple of New Hampshire has had a warrant out for his arrest since October, when he failed to show up for a court hearing for driving without a license. A police officer recognized the fugitive outside a polling place, and arrested him. Later that night, Marple was reelected for his fifth term in the state House. We’re not quite sure how this is going to work out for him.

Joking Jackpot A New York casino is in danger of being sued after refusing to pay out almost $43 million on a slot machine malfunction.

The machine, which has a set jack-

pot of $6,500, told Katrina Bookman that she was only due the $2.25 in balance she had on the machine, and offered her a steak dinner to compensate. Under state laws, a malfunction voids all bets, but Bookman claims that because the machine was still on the floor, it should still pay out. At least Bookman has the selfie with the screen that she took after winning. It’d make a great profile picture.

Plane and Simple This guy just earned Dad of the Year. When his 3-year-old daughter, dressed as a doughnut, still wanted to trick-or-treat on a cross-country flight, he passed out notes asking for help from his fellow passengers. The flight attendants gave each person a few pieces of candy, and the doughnut walked up and down the aisle during the flight, trick-or-treating each row. Each passenger was reportedly very excited to participate, and the little girl was reportedly ecstatic.

Scat Settlement An Australian man’s toilet break led to one of the biggest archeological discoveries on that continent ever. Clifford Couthard pulled over in a mountain range with archeologist Giles Hamm to use the bathroom and stumbled upon a 49,000-year-old abandoned Aboriginal settlement. A settlement this old in the southern part

Friday, December 2, 2016

of Australia could change the scientific consensus on the prehistoric settlement of Australia, which could have major scientific ramifications. Hamm perfectly described the moment: “A man getting out of the car to go to the toilet led to the discovery of one of the most important sites in Australian pre-history.”

Priceless Picture A priceless 18th Century statue in Portugal was shattered and irreparably damaged after a selfie-taking tourist knocked it down. After destroying the 300-year-old statue of Saint Michael, to make matters worse, the offender then decided to post a picture of the carnage to Facebook, with the caption “It’s the price to be paid for free entrances on the first Sunday of every month”. I’m sorry, you just killed history. Don’t joke about it. Portuguese officials are still unsure if the tourist will be charged with a crime.

Compiled by Phil Smith Illustrations by Sydney Kahler Sources: yahoo.com, upi.com, foxnews.com, news.sky.com

Want one of your tweets featured in the next issue? Follow us on twitter @LTLionNewspaper. To be eligible to have your tweets in our paper you have to follow us. So if you think you are funny, clever or witty enough to have your tweets in here, follow us and keep the tweets coming!

Kenna Hansen ‘17 @keenton 0 37 I could be 40 married with children and I’d still have to sit at the kids table

Claire Purcell ‘17 @purcell_claire 9

Mattigan Kelly ‘18 @MattiganKelly 1 33 love when people say “omg I haven’t started my homework yet” at like 7 pm like I haven’t done September’s homework yet, you’ve got time Nick Wójcicki ‘17 @nickwoj98 0 36 A few mammals and I are searching for a place to hibernate. Hmu if you know of a cozy location where we can crash at until warmth returns.

0 Michael Ahrens ‘18 @moahrens 22 Police: sir you cant be in this crime scene Me:*shows Mu Alpha Theta math honors society membership card* Police: my apologies, detective

Zoe Forsyth @ElanizZoe 0

When you’ve got plans flawlessly lined up for the weekend and they all fall through but you still tryna have a good time

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0 I feel ya mom

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Friday, December 2, 2016

opinions PageSevenGrid

Page 7

GuestColumn

Welcome to the ~Holiday Themed~ Page 7 Grid, or to many people, the only page in the whole paper.

Here you will see your classmates try to be funny, and maybe even make you laugh!

What’s on the fourth floor?

All I want for Christmas is _______.

Who would make the best Christmas album?

What Secret Santa gift would you give to your teacher?

A purgatory for all the souls lost to the weight training track in gym

For people to know that Megan Beumer, Peyton Hammon and I are the ACTUAL @S00pluv3r

Phantom J (John Prescott’s alter ego)Santa Slays in his Sleigh with Phantom J

I would get Mr. Maffey an ominous cloak made out of the finest horizontal corduroy material

A photo album of every student’s freshman yearbook photo... just in case

A quilt with my 3rd grade yearbook photo embroidered on it

Donald TrumpIt’s a White Christmas after all

A pet fish, for Ms. Gutierrez

Hallways and doors that lead to nothing like the doors in “Monsters Inc.”

The All School Assembly to be rocking this year with me in it

I would make one and call it “Y=Xmas/New Years” and give it to my math teachers

I’d give a statue to Mrs. Condon that has different bugs and animals on it

A secret charging station where the robot teachers recharge their battery at night

For Mr. Bailey to wear an elf costume

Stefan JevtovicSerbian Santa

I would get Mr. Stormont a razor

The keys to all of the locked bathrooms

An outlet next to my bed so I can charge my phone and lay down at the same time

Rudolph’s old friends“We’re not all bad”

A storm trooper toaster to Mr. Ranft

Siobhan Callahan ‘17

Fred Moody ‘17

Sunsiree Phipps ‘18

Aidan Leibforth ‘19

Ryan Green ‘20

Ben Lafontaine, Teacher

David Hasselhoff’s soul. And all the old VHS cassettes from the North Campus library

A full head of luxuriant hair. Like Fabio, or those kids in One Direction

It’s already been reI would give Mr. Newcorded. John Travolta comb a giant bust of and Olivia Newton his favorite president, John- This Christmas.

Martin Van Buren. (Mr. The cover alone is only Doyle already has one of a hint of the nightmares Thomas Jefferson) that lie within... compiled by Thomas Atseff and Sydney Kaehler

LION’sMissionStatement LION is a newsroom for journalism students designed to serve the community of Lyons Township.

It is LION’s responsibility to cover the events and issues that may have relevance to the readership in the community. LION will attempt to cover all aspects of the school; however, coverage will greatly depend on the item’s news value. News value is determined by timeliness and how relevant the item is to the majority of the newspaper’s readership.

LION editors reserve the right to determine the news value of content.

LION will clearly identify sources of news, except in cases when it is clearly necessary to protect the source’s identity. LION will avoid sensationalizing the news. LION does not invade the personal privacy of sources.

Each issue of the paper will feature two lead editorials. Although they are written by individuals, they reflect the viewpoints of the staff.

The LION staff strongly supports the First Amendment rights to freedom of press and opposes censorship in any form.

LION is written primarily for LT students and faculty. LION makes every possible effort to correctly spell the names of sources. All facts must be checked for accuracy by the writer. Any unverified information will not be printed in LION. Most of what is published is the work of individuals. The writer’s name will be printed by every story, except for the editorials. The entire staff is responsible for all content that is published. Administrators have a non-review role and do not control the content prior to publication.

LION strives for the highest standards of accuracy in its presentation of material that time allows. The staff accepts responsibility for the accuracy of these facts. Rumor, gossip and innuendo are not included in a story appearing in LION. Sources interviewed for a story will be given the opportunity to look through their interview notes and verify their quotes prior to the printer’s deadlines. Every reporter and other member of the staff will face the ramifications for any inaccuracies presented in his or her story.

LettersToTheEditor This letter was submitted by Jose Bravo ‘16, a Hispanic-American student.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

- Emma Lazarus, “The New Colossus” I love this country. I love what is had stood for. I love the deep faith and hope of it has in freedom and diversity. But on election “morning” on Wednesday, I was anxious, then angry, then disheartened. My mind could not wrap around the fact that somehow a man, who built his campaign insulting people left and right, had won the presidency of our republic. My father is an undocumented immigrant, as is my mother, and many of my family members as well. Years ago, I remember sitting in my fourth grade class, smiling upon hearing that then Senator Barack Obama had won our mock election. He gave hope to my family. That after working for decades in the shadows, they would finally have a path to citizenship in the land they called home. And although President Obama was unable to fulfill that promise he did accomplish something, he helped us remember, “Yes we can.” Now everything that Obama and so many others have fought for, is on the brink of being shattered. That this country built by and for immigrants (be it English immigrants,

African, Scottish, Irish, Italian or Latin American) has chosen someone that promises to deport millions and ban millions more, shows us where we really are at. This election revealed a sort of “white-lash,” meaning mostly blue-collar white men fear they’ve lost “their” country to women and minorities.

But Obama showed the world that America could overcome its fears and prejudices. The president-elect shows the world the size of his hands. This is personal to me because this privileged billionaire insulted my father, my mother and instilled fear in my brothers. My heart was shattered when my 9-year-old brother asked me with whom we would have to move in with. But what hurts me more, is that there are millions of Americans who agree with him. That is why I participated in the first Anti-Trump protest organized by Josh Leak ’17. And that is why I have protested in school, to give voice to the voiceless that have been silenced by the vocal minority and to show our nation that we are not a nation of hate and divisiveness.

And yes, I understand that we cannot change the past, but we must take time to reflect: is this who we are as a nation? My fellow Americans, it is time to start working together instead of creating division. Let us look past “us” and “them.” It is not about Democrats or Republicans.

It is time to unite as one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Look at any issue of People magazine or US Weekly, turn on your TV, check Twitter or Facebook, or look just about anywhere Juliana Halpin and you’re almost certain to find a celebrity’s name in the headlines.

The sad part is, a vast majority of these articles, stories and commentary are negative. Whether it’s Kim K’s weight gain (while pregnant), Chrissy Teigan’s food choices or Justin Bieber’s social media decisions, the media loves to over analyze and criticize celebrities and their choices.

Now, I love binge watching “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” just as much as everyone else and I’m not saying there’s anything wrong that, apart from my sinking grades (kidding mom!). However, people often become overly interested in the lives of celebrities, myself included, idolizing them and often forgetting that they are humans just like us.

More often than not, these celebrities face public ridicule for doing things that are a part of every day life and are far from uncommon among the general public. According to the Huffington Post, 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Yet, when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed for divorce, it was suddenly the end of the world. Headlines everywhere talked about the shocking divorce and people had no problem weighing in and voicing their opinions.

Often times, celebrities are held to a higher standard. More is expected from them simply because they are in the public eye, and we feel we understand them better than we actually do. Every celebrity is still a mother, a father, a daughter, or a son. The only difference between celebrities and us is that they have to live their lives on the cover of magazines.

When Justin Bieber decided to deactivate his Instagram to avoid the hateful comments he and those close to him were receiving, the world reacted with anger and dismay. Fans quickly took to Twitter to remind him who “pays his bills” and to explain “the difference between saying he loves his fans and actually showing it.” While everyone was quick to jump on the “Justin is a horrible person and hates his fans” bandwagon, they were also quick to forget the detour he took in Guatemala to help build a school, or the charitable donations he makes to Pencils of Promise or just about any other good deed he has done upon stepping into the limelight. Despite his continuous acts of selflessness, the public wants to scrutinize him and devalue his good-doings for what seems to be a logical and arguably necessary act of “selfishness.”

Had it been any other social media user out of the public eye, people would support their decision to remove themselves from a toxic environment. In a day and age where social media plays a large role in everyday life, we are constantly reminded to turn off the screen and step away if it becomes too much. Yet, when our beloved celebrities take our own advice, people act as if the world is going to spin off of its axis.

People often feel a sense of entitlement to know what is going on in the lives their favorite celebrities, arguing that their support as a fan is what pays celebrities’ bills and keeps them in the limelight. However, it is important to remember that celebrities are equally as entitled to privacy and to make their own decisions, whether fans agree with them or not. Over the fame, the money and all else, celebrities are human.

Instead of criticizing celebrities and holding them to a higher standard, we should focus on bigger issues that are more relevant to our own lives.

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

opinions

Page 8

Friday, December 2, 2016

What is the next step?

ImportantIdeals

LION interviewed 318 students about their opinions on the result of the recent presidential election.

PawsUp n To Mu Alpha Thetabest $15 I’ve ever spent.

(You get a sticker!!) n To “Sweet Caroline,” the dad Block Party anthem. nTo Joe Biden and Barack Obama- have you ever seen a VP and President make frienship bracelets for each other?! nTo the fruit snack business- I am singlehandedly funding the Boys Bowling Team. nTo kids who wear their IDs around- you are the backbone of LT. Thank you for following the rules and regulations. nTo Holiday dinner- a food coma has never felt so good. nTo Thanksgiving/ Holiday Clapback- the best way to shut down the aunt who always asks if you've grown. nTo the Mannequin Challenge- thanks for turning my spacing out in class into a meme. nTo the kids table- the only way to avoid talking politics, so who’s the real winner?

PawsDown n To yawning- I am not crying! I promise! n To bathroom vandalism- helping me learn unnecessary vocabulary. nTo tourists- you guys

How do you feel about Donald Trump winning the 2016 election?

26% Disappointed

23% No emotion

15% Excited

20% No Opinion

36% Afraid

44% No

What issue do you want Trump to focus on the most?

12% National Security

14% Donald Trump

27% Environment

14% Other

Do you feel optimistic about the next four years?

11% John Kasich

10% Immigration 11% Health Care

36% Yes

16% Hillary Clinton

26% Jobs

39% Bernie Sanders

20% Other

Who would your preferred president be?

Point

It’s time to Make America Great Again

This year’s presidential election shocked the country when businessman and celebrity Donald J. Trump was nominated as the next President. This came as a surprise to the nation, because a majority of political polls and media Henry Groya outlets favored Hillary Clinton to run away with the nomination.

Trump had and still has many critics, including most media outlets, acclaimed Hollywood actors and the majority of urban and suburban public schooling institutions. He is perceived as a racist and sexist individual who only wishes to bring the “white man” up, however this is simply not true. Trump’s number one objective, as stated in his victory speech, is to unify the country.

Many of those who claim that Trump is a racist and a sexist are in fact incorrect. Trump won 42-percent of the female vote and won the white women vote, according to pewsresearch.org. Furthermore, Trump received 29-percent of the Hispanic vote, winning more than Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008. Claiming that Trump is racist is again incorrect considering millions of voters who voted for our current African-American President Barack Obama ended up voting for Trump.

When liberal America can get past the fact that our next president is not a “sexist, racist pig,” he and all of us can truly begin to make a positive impact on this country. Trump is actually not the radical social conservative a vast majority of Americans perceive him to

are no different from LT students in the hallways. n To typing @student. lths.net. Every. Single.

Time. nTo automatically flushing toilet seats- you know I’m still here. nTo having homework over Thanksgiving breakOn Nov. 8, a plurality of electoral as Ross from FRIENDS college votes were won by a businesssaid: “We were on a man who used a populist message to break!” capture the dissatisfaction the white nTo Snuggies- you aren't working class has felt for years. fooling anyone. You are a The election itself was incredibly backwards robe. nTo conspiracy theories- Charlie Stelnicki polarizing. Day after day, for over a year, our differences were shoved into Fidel Castro and Shia our faces. The election is now behind us, but those LeBouf are not the same same issues are no more resolved with this change of person, and the moon is party in the White House. not a hologram.

Civic engagement and open dialogue are our only nTo church league way through this tumultuous time. basketball Twitter beefPresident-elect Donald Trump won fair and square settle your arguments on within the system we have, making reactionary qualms the court. about the electoral college a moot point. If we want to nTo the Saint Pablo seriously scrutinize it, the time for that is in two years, tour being cancellednot in the aftermath of an election one may not be happy with. As therapeutic as it may be. no amount of #PrayForKanye peaceful protest in the streets will change anything. nTo the words moist, Do not let any media source or any friend, tell you slither, phlegm, ointthat this election was a blowout or a landslide for the ment, crusty and Republicans (like campaign manager Kellyanne Conchunky- existing for the way did, in an Orwellian way, on Twitter). sole purpose to make us Not only did Republican margins in Congress uncomfortable. shrink, but his opponent won the popular vote by more nTo Walmart goldfishthan 2,400,000 votes. Let that sink in. A number of that aisle can never be Americans equivalent to the population of New Mexico unseen. favored a candidate who lost the electoral college. nTo the discrimination of His winning margin in key Midwestern states that Long John Silvers- it was Obama won twice were 12,000 votes in Michigan and never given a chance. less than 30,000 in Wisconsin. He does not have an nTo raisins- why you unalienable protection from criticism because he won gotta ruin trail mix? the highest office in America by the skin of his teeth.

be. He does not want to completely eradicate the option of abortion for the female population. He claims that in instances where it is harmful for the woman or rape abortion is justified. Additionally, many left-leaning thinkers believe he plans on giving guns to anyone who wishes to have one, again this is false. Trump plans on enforcing stricter background checks for individuals buying guns and plans on expanding psychiatric care to try and diminish attacks on the public. The policies stated are not radically conservative by any means.

I believe our president-elect will improve this country by working with both the Republican-controlled Congress and the Democratic minority. He will cut deals with foreign leaders and bring jobs back to America. Trump will cut taxes on the middle class, thereby increasing economic activity and the growth of small business. Furthermore, the president-elect will work with our allies in the Middle East in order to destroy ISIS. Meanwhile, he will pass effective legislation with the help of Congress that benefits both sides of the aisle.

Trump easily could have not run for office and lived out his days comfortably, but instead he gave up his billion dollar lifestyle to make a sacrifice for the country he loves so much and its people. Trump ran for arguably the most stressful and important job in America and says that he will not take more than one dollar as President. Our next president will work for all Americans, no matter the sex, no matter the race and no matter the sexual orientation. He is simply a man on a mission to Make America Great Again.

CounterPoint

Don’t panic and don’t sit out

Now, I’m not here to talk about how I think the (frankly, pathetic and out-of-touch) Democratic party needs to clean house and completely change its face after their embarrassing losses at the state and federal level in 2010, 2014 and now 2016. I’m not here to voice concerns about what Trumpian cabinet appointments and SCOTUS nominations could mean for the poor, women, LGBT individuals and other vulnerable members of society. I’m here to talk about how we move forward through this assuredly divisive era.

We move forward, (together), by participating in civil discourse. We, the rising generation, will be a bulk of the electorate in the coming years. It is our duty now more than ever to invest time and energy into informing ourselves from reputable sources, forming opinions, and standing by them vocally and intelligently.

We have to get out of our personal echo chambers and talk to those who disagree with us. With social media, it’s easier than ever to enter a polarizing bubble.

It is imperative that we do not let harsh rhetoric deter us from standing up for what we believe, but also listen to those who disagree with us.

Personally, I’m petrified about what the next four years may yield in terms of the environment and global relations. I have spent hours reading about Trump’s transition team. I will be an avid watchdog of this administration throughout my college years, and I encourge all others who share my worries to do the same.

Politics are cyclical in nature, and I believe that our shared democratic ideals will survive this turn.

Yet we will stagnate as a nation if we do not stop painting each Trump voter as racist and portray liberals as unpatriotic crybabies. If we go down that path, there is no road we can share moving forward.

“Life isn’t fair.” “Be realistic.” We are all taught these mindsets by all of our parents and teachers from a very young age. We are told not to dream, Thomas Atseff not to hope, but rather to constantly wallow in “realism” and “practicality.”

Even worse, those who don’t accept the constant dismissal of hope are painted as crazy and naive.

Apathy is dangerous; it is the root of stagnation. When we discourage idealism, we promote apathy and perpetuate inaction. Even if certain goals really can’t be reached, we can’t begin discussing progress with a compromise.

There is a famous quote that says, “if you ask for a full loaf of bread, maybe you’ll get a half of one. If you ask for a half a loaf, maybe you’ll get lucky and get crumbs.” Too often, we rule out the possibility of grand, important and needed change, instead looking for small, incremental change, and we are ultimately given nothing.

In the United States, we are constantly told by those who want to stagnate progress that many ideals are unreachable. People say that public college will never, and can never, be free, even though in countries like Germany have achieved that goal. In America, the richest country the face of the earth has ever seen, we are told that we will never have healthcare for all. Those dreamers, it’d be ridiculous to think that we could afford the healthcare of Canada and Europe—or even Costa Rica!

Now, it is fine to disagree with these platforms for political differences, but the apathetic notion that reachable goals are unreachable is no longer a strong or suitable argument.

When president John F. Kennedy said that America would go to the moon, I’m sure skeptical people said that it was impossible, that he was too radical. People say the same things about idealistic goals in today’s time, when in reality, the radical idea is that they are unrealistic, that we should not even try to reach them.

One of the problems causing this apparent apathy towards others and our world is the fact that most people aren’t even aware of the issues that plague us everyday. Right now, 50 percent of all people in America are poor or living in poverty or with low income. When I tell people this, no one believes it at first. But go ahead, google “Is half of the U.S. poor,” and the answer will be a resounding “yes.” It seems preposterous, doesn’t it? Well it is; half of the people in the richest country in the world should not be living poor or in poverty. And yet you have to actually search to find out this grotesque, absurd statistic, because no one talks about it.

Wealth inequality is not the only undercovered issue in the U.S. and the world, though. The list goes on and on, from the destruction of our planet through global warming to the United States’ abuse current and past abuse of Native Americans. Sometimes, this lack of reporting isn’t the media’s fault.

Right now in North Dakota, journalists are being jailed for their coverage of the construction uction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the protests against it.

Barack Obama has used the Espionage Act six times to prosecute journalists for exposing war crimes within the U.S. government. Not only does the media need to inform us about these topics, they need to be allowed to do so.

Many times we agree on what our ideals as a country and planet are, and yet few of us actually work toward them. Even if these ideals seem distant and unlikely, we have to at least try to reach them, because if we don’t (and this sounds obvious), they will never be accomplished. We often forget this, many of us have the idea that they will somehow just be met eventually—which is true, unless we forget to actively work toward them.

So, no one should be afraid to be idealistic, or to be a dreamer. People may call you radical, or naïve, but the bigger our dreams are, the more we will accomplish.

OPinions

Friday, December 2, 2016

StaffEditorials

Let’s talk about sex

Page 9

RandomChatter “And that is the recipe for puke.”

For our entire lives, we have been exposed to Sex Ed does not have to be an elective, or the topic of sex. We have heard it in songs, seen even a more in-depth unit in Health class. it in movies, watched it on TV and we have read Although those would help, it would not solve about it. One of the more popular occurrences the issue of ignorance at its source. Sex should was in the movie “Mean Girls,” which came out not be something to be embarrassed of. It in 2004. In this movie, it shows a Sex Ed lesson shouldn’t be ignored the way it is now. If Lyons where the gym teacher blatantly states “if you Township students were to be in an environhave sex, you will die,” and then flings condoms ment where a blind eye wasn’t always turned around the room. Obviously, this scene was dra- to sex, then maybe they would be more careful. matized for the sake of comedy and entertainIf students knew that abstinence wasn’t the ment. But how would we know what an actual only option and once everyone accepts that it Sex Ed lesson is like? We wouldn’t, because we is a natural occurrence and know that nearly barely cover it in any class or elective. half (46.8-percent) of all high school students In the Health classroom sophomore year, we reported ever having sexual intercourse and that cover dating violence, mental teens will not be staying abstiOur position: LT should go health, drugs, alcohol and then nent, then the next step would be more in-depth with sex cover multiple STDs. This is easy (Do Something Campaign). education so students have not only on the Health teachThen we could have the class, the information about options ers. This goes beyond that. If elective, or the extra unit. other than abstinence. teachers only mumble “just For both adults and students, don’t do it” at us because sex is an embarrassing it is not embarrassing. Health teachers seem and weird topic to cover, then that is just being to be comfortable with talking about syphilis, unrealistic. Sex is not a topic that can be swept herpes, and even talking about how to contract under the rug. We can’t just scratch the surface those STDs. Why don’t we do what they did in of Sex Ed. Inevitably, a percentage of teenagers “Mean Girls?” You won’t die if you have sex. But are going to be sexually active. Uncomfortable why don’t we pass out condoms? Why aren’t we or not, that is the fact. taught how to put one on, or other methods of If students and teachers are aware of this, contraception? Health teachers do a good job, why are we stigmatizing this subject? We all but the curriculum can be better. We all learned need to face reality. Some students are sexually in class that the number one way of contracepactive, so rather than teaching students to be tion is abstinence. But that is unrealistic, and we abstinent, which will do nothing, why don’t we need to teach about the issue at hand, which is teach them to be safe? A couple that is taught safe sex. No dodging the subject, barely covering safe sex is better than a couple that doesn’t know it or anything. It’s true—knowledge is power. anything because they were taught to only be When people are understanding and actually abstinent or not touch other people. know what to do, the school would be better.

-Mr. Murphy

“OH NO! It’s Squilliam Fancyson!”

-Kyle Cattin ‘18

“The thumb isn’t even a finger, that’s how great it is.”

-Matthew Narbutis ‘17

“My gift either has to have four wheels or four legs.”

-Miles Hession ‘18

“Are you kidding me? Q-Zips? I thought we were talking about Q-Tips the whole time..”

-Sophie Pigman ‘19

Staff Vote: 17-11

“You will probably want to rip your eyes out, but you get like, $11 an hour.”

Late start? Great start One of the most annoying experiences at wake up later. This disruption in the circadian LT is arriving to school on time on a late start rhythm means that teenagers will become natWednesday. On any other day, this would be urally tired by 11 p.m. or later for many. We expected. But every other Wednesday, howwill also tend to wake up later after the day for ever, we have late start. This particular Wednes- everyone else has already begun. This means day, the halls are void of life. Yes, you missed that even though we are awake early in the out on an extra hour of sleep, and now you have morning for school, we are mentally asleep, and to wander around aimlessly pretending to be a this causes our lethargic behavior as opposed to busy non-loser. energetic young children and adults. Decimated On a typical late start day, the school start academic performance in the morning when we time is delayed until 8:45 a.m. Classes are are biologically asleep is not only inefficient, but adjusted from 48 minutes to 38 minutes and also unfair to us. dismissal remains at 3:05 p.m. Buses run approxToday’s teenagers also suffer from an unusuimately one hour behind, and activities after ally high amount of stress. The American school are held as normal. Teachers are required Psychological Association finds that stress is to attend Professional Learn- Our position: LT must adopt extremely common among ing Community meetings late start every Wednesday to teens and that school is the in the hour students are not promote the health of its stu- driving cause of this stress. at school to exchange ideas, One of the best-recommended dents and continue positive establish course schedules and interactions between teachers. solutions to stress is additional to maintain uniform curricsleep. The Association reports ulum, among other things. Students utilize the that sleep is important for physical and emoextra hour for a vast variety of purposes, from tional well-being. sleeping in to getting breakfast with friends. The Clearly, late start provides students an late start no doubt provides an immensely posiopportunity to reduce stress and to sleep longer, tive opportunity for students and staff alike. which improves academic performance. This Studies show that the average high school cannot be twisted as a negative. LT must adopt student requires approximately nine hours of late start every Wednesday to promote the sleep per night for optimal academic perforhealth of its students and continue positive mance, according to the National Sleep Founinteractions between teachers. We realize that dation. The Foundation also reports that only an extra hour once per week may not comabout 15-percent of students actually sleep pletely solve student sleep issues, but we don’t sufficient hours every night: a dismal finding. expect it to.

Between over seven hours of school per day, It is most certainly a step in the correct direcchallenging course loads and dedication to tion for our school to continue to foster a comextracurricular activities or sports, high school fortable environment that works to support its students have a hard time finding the time to get students when they need it most. It also allows the necessary amount of sleep. an opportunity to regain some lost productivity Teenagers also have an additional struggle every morning when students might as well still with a distorted biological clock. According to be in bed in their head. It will provide a positive researchers at Stanford University, the teenage constant in our life that promotes good health brain develops to naturally fall asleep later and and good habits.

Staff Vote: 28-0

1. Insufficient sleep leads to depression, unattractiveness, skin aging and weight gain.

2. A National Sleep Foundation poll found 87 percent of U.S. high school students were getting less than recommended hours of sleep on school nights.

3. Most middle and high school students need about nine hours of sleep per night.

C ontact

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-Patti Cesarini ‘20

“What could be more applicable than the art of war?”

-Ethan Mangerson ‘17

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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.

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Page 10

sports

Friday, December 2, 2016

CommercialComplication

With the return of star seniors, addition of skilled sophomores, varsity boys basketball team aspires toward successful season, beating Hinsdale Central at Pack-the-Place

by Adam Janicki @adam_janicki_

Y

ear after year, one of LT’s most anticinew juniors and skilled younger guys like Nolan Niego ‘19 and Tyrese Shines ‘19 pated rivals, Hinsdale Central, plays the are going to bring a lot of energy to our game,” Bright said. “Year after year, Hinsdale LT varsity basketball team on the Lions’ is always a solid, competitive team. I don’t think they’ll be as good this year because home court in front of thousands of fans. On Dec. they no longer have their star big men and the experience they had before.”

16, the two high-caliber teams will be competing in Both the wildness of the Weirdos and the sheer number of students share a the Pack-the-Place game. While this matchup is typprofound impact felt by every member of the team. ically scheduled as the Blackout game, the team will “I know Pack-the-Place is usually a family event, but since it is such a instead host that event in January versus Glenbard West. huge game, I think that it’s going to attract a lot more students,” Cannistra Despite changes in their schedule, the team finds itself in said. “Hopefully, the fans come out and support us because we build off a position destined for success. their energy, and it contributes to our success.”

“I think that we will be very competitive this year,” varDespite what may seem like one of the toughest games of the year, essity Head Coach Tom Sloan said. “We have several players pecially when there is close to 9,000 people watching a heated rivalry with experience returning from last year and when we played game, the team is ready for both of their big games versus Hinsdale, over the summer, they did a good job of defending and playing Shines said. well on both ends of the floor.”

“This year, we have some very demon-like players on our team Following a summer filled with rigorous technical training and who aren’t afraid of anything,” Shines said. “We won’t back down intense conditioning exercises, the team has further gained an edge to anyone. Hinsdale may be competitive, but we are too.” over its opponents. Guiding the team this year will be experienced As the date approaches, it’s important that the team conleaders Connor Niego ‘17, Noah Niego ‘17, Eli Bright ‘17 and Frankcentrates on one game at a time, Bright said. With a surplus ie Cannistra ‘17. Adding to the depth of the team, Sloan has brought young players on the team, focus will be key. up an array of talented players from the 2015 sophomore team. New ac“This year, we got a better skill set and we are more quisitions include: Matt Piento ‘18, Nate Rusk ‘18, Robert Spencer ‘18, focused than ever,” Bright said. “Every day, we are going Lazarius Williams ‘19, Nick McColgan ‘19 and Ryan Barker ‘19. to be competing with a passion and pushing ourselves so “When the time comes to play tougher opponents, especially Central, the when it’s game time, we are ready to win.”

LT students rally for their Lions in the 2015 Blackout game versus Hinsdale Central. ( Via twitter user @LTspirit)

All-conference captain leads team Senior volleyball player reflects on dedication and performance of team, looks toward playing competitive volleyball in college

by Henry Groya @henrygroya

A

s Rhiannon Schuenemann ‘17 steps on varsity, Pyritz has seen draonto the court, her powerful presence matic shifts in her confidence is immediately felt by her teammates, and growth in her skills. coaches and opponents. Schuenemann has been At the end of the regular playing volleyball since she was in the first grade. season, Schuenemann racked She was introduced to the sport by her babysitter’s up a total of 212 kills, 208 digs daughter, who was an avid player and now plays and 47 aces. According to Pyritz, at the professional level. these are incredible statistics for Schuenemann led the varsity team to a 4-2 a high school athlete. In addition conference record, helping the team earn third to her physical skills, Schuenemann place in conference. The team lost to Carl Sandhas developed strong leadership burg High School on Oct. 27 in a regional playoff skills in order to set an example game by a score of 25-23. for the teams’ underclassmen, “In the end, I was disappointed with the Pyritz said. result, but overall, I was satisfied with “She consistently perthe team’s performance throughout forms at a high level and this season,” she said. always contributes to the Being a two-year varsity starter, team,” Pyritz said. “Her Schuenemann does not consider teammates followed her herself as an overbearing leader, lead on the floor.” but rather she thinks of herself as Besides the high school one who leads by example season, Schuenemann spends the majorand experience. ity of her year on a travel team, First Alli“I was more of a siance. This season begins a few weeks after lent leader,” she said. the high school season and goes until July.

“I thought the younger Players like Schuenemnan practically play teammates could rely and look year-round with very few breaks. up to me.”

“She always kept the team under control,” According to Schuenemann, teammate Mariah Robinson said. “We could her teammates would refer to always count on her for good passing and as a her as the powerhouse of the defensive force.” team because her teammates Currently, Schuenemann does not know could always trust to pass the where she wants to play in college, but she ball to her. plans on playing at the Division One Level.

Schuenemann has also “She is an all-around player, she is able managed to build a great reto play all phases of the game,” Pyritz said. lationship with her Head Coach “She is an explosive hitter, serves aggresJoann Pyritz. Over the past two years sively and passes consistently.”

Striking facts Rhiannon Schuenemann ‘17 had 212 kills,

208 digs, 47 aces throughout the course of the season.

Schuenemann has been playing volleyball for 10 years. (since first grade)

Schuenemann has not decided where she is playing in college but she plans on playing Division 1

I’ve never been much of a baseball fan, but when the Cubs made it to game seven of the World Series, I couldn’t not watch.

Lucy Schaefer Zipping up my backpack, knowing full well that my homework would not be getting done, I sprawled out on the couch at 7 p.m. and prepared for history to be made. What I did not anticipate, however, was the game taking five hours to reveal a champion. No, that was not a typo. Five hours.

Of course, we must account for the rain delay and the fact that baseball can sometimes be a slow sport. But five hours? Surely this must’ve been a onetime thing, something that only occurs in game seven of the World Series. As much as I would like to say that, it’s simply not true. The commercialization of collegiate and professional sports has reached its peak, and the viewers are paying the price.

Our parents remember a time when the only commercialization of athletes consisted of champions being plastered on the front of a Wheaties box. Now the NFL airs a required 20 commercial breaks per game, each either a minute or two long.

If we do some math, we find that we can spend upwards of 40 minutes watching big-time companies desperately try to scrape up any last cent by promoting pointless products. This is being facilitated by none other than the suits of the NFL, or any other professional sports entity for that matter. There’s no surprise as to why: big corporations want big amounts of money. But since when did the National Football League care more about money than football? The irony doesn’t end here.

The NCAA generated $912.3 million in 2015 alone. What used to be a means of fostering a greater sense of community and spirit towards a university has grown into an exploitative mammoth of a corporation. It can be argued that capitalism has destroyed the purpose of collegiate sports.

Any references to college athletics providing the means for athletes to gain a higher education are, in many cases, empty ones. Instead, these athletes are being used to further teams in national ranks, while their education suffers. This trend has been seen across the board from the University of North Carolina all the way to UCLA, with major cheating scandals and extreme standardized test score gaps between athletes and general students becoming commonplace. The integrity of these athletes and schools has been sacrificed for what seems like the overarching theme of this column: money.

If we take a second to examine the main motive behind winning, it’s no longer to win. The goal of these entities is more to continue playing as a means to generate more revenue. It’s disheartening for me to see athletes dedicate the bulk of their lives to becoming collegiate or professional athletes, only to become the puppets of sports industries.

There is so much more value to sports than the money. The athletes exemplify hard work, dedication, strength and skill, and these qualities are to be celebrated through their outstanding gameplay.

When we think about the true purpose of a sporting event, it’s puzzling to try to piece together why the game itself has become a mere fraction of the event.

Newsflash: I didn’t come all the way to this Pacers game to see the Kiss Cam. Every organization needs a source of income. But when we sacrifice the overall focus of a sport just to squeeze in another ad, we begin to repel viewers instead of attract them. Also, we cannot forget to stress the word student in student athlete. It’s immature of big-league corporations to hold athletes to a different standard for their own monetary benefit; in fact, it’s detrimental.

Hopefully, some time in the near future, big corporate businessmen will realize their selfish actions are hurting the athletes and, in turn, the game itself.

sports

Friday, December 2, 2016

Page 11

Boys swim and dive begins season Team looks to repeat success in new season; crucial swimmers, diver from 2016 state championship will return

by Grant Campbell @grantc_3100

returning four state finalists, Walker said.

Despite the returners, swimmers do have college on their minds. One returning team member, Scotty, a dominant diver for the team last season, has just committed to dive for Indiana University.

“I’m super excited,” Scotty said. “They are the top team in the nation this year. It’s awesome to train with the best technology and best coaches available.”

Swim and dive will also rely heavily upon the reigning Coach of the Year, Coach Walker. Walker received this prestigious award after winning the state title, seen as impossible for an under the radar team like LT, Hammond said.

“Anything that happens to me is the reflection of who I Head Coach Scott Walker motivates team. (Phil Smith/LION) surround myself with,” Walker said. “There’s three legs to a seamless transition into the season, especially with the in- the team triangle. The parents, the players and the coaches. tense expectations for practices. Although the goal is monu- Once you have this, you have a tendency to be unstoppable.” mentous, the swimmers are up to the task, Vitek said.

“We are all super excited and anxious,” Vitek said. “We all know that the high school season means getting up early, “The upperclassmen created four hour practices and forever sore muscles. Yet for some reason, I look forward to it every year.” a ‘this is what we do’ and Although the team’s approach will not change, it must re‘this is where we belong’ place members that graduated last year. Without graduated state competitors Weston Credit ‘16, Chris Phillips ‘16 and atmosphere.”

Ben Breitenbucher ‘16, the team will look to returning state swimmers to account for the gaps, Hammond said.

-Head Coach Scott Walker This task will be more manageable, given that LT will be

“

“

Last season on Feb. 26-27 2016, the varsity boys swim and dive team capped off its state championship season by jumping into the pool with team members and team supporters.

“It was surreal to the highest extent,” varsity boys swim and dive Head Coach Scott Walker said.

For this season, boys swim and dive is expected to be in the top five in state, he said. In terms of their approach for this season, the swimmers will change nothing, and have the same preparations as in years past. One factor in the team’s success last year was its experience and leadership with the upperclassmen, Walker said.

“It was one of the first times ever that we competed in the sectional and state meet,” Walker said. “The upperclassmen created a ‘this is what we do’ and ‘this is where we belong’ type of atmosphere.”

Although the team consisted of many upperclassmen last season, critical members returning include swimmers Spencer Walker ‘18, Henry Claesson ‘18, Ryan Hammond ‘17 and diver Seamus Scotty ‘17.

“One thing that helped our team last year was depth,” Hammond said.

One way top swimmers prepare for the season is by swimming for club teams during the offseason.

“All of the guys have been swimming super fast this offseason in club, and I’m excited to see what they can do and bring to the team,” varsity swimmer Jeff Vitek ‘18 said.

Offseason club swimming provides LT swimmers with

JV swimmer Henry Tio ‘17 swims freestyle during training. (Charlie Stelnicki/LION)

Compiled by Sydney Kaehler

Girls place high at state, set standards for future Girls swimming and diving proves successful at state; seniors guide young swimmers, lead the team to 10th place finish

by Luke Lusson @LukeLusson

“The state meet is extremely competitive and the fact that we finished tenth as a team is pretty special.”

The team qualified to swim in five final events on Saturday; it finished fifth in the 200 yard medley relay and eighth in the 200 free relay and 400 free relay.

In the individual events, Callahan Dunn ‘20 took ninth in the 200 individual medley and Mary Kate Gannon ‘17 claimed fifth in the 100 butterfly.

“Honestly, I thought we could have finished higher in the three relays,” Head Coach Kurt Johns said. “That wasn’t because we did a poor job, it was just that the times from other teams were just a little bit better.”

The team began the year following a 29th place finish at state last season, yet they set high expectations heading into this season.

“We tried to change our emphasis

from trying to get as many swims at state as we could to actually doing something when we are at state,” Johns said.

A group with plenty of great swimmers, the team faced the challenge of looking past the

incoming freshmen class on their way in.

One of the many talented young swimmers includes Dunn, who swam in all five state events this year for the Lions.

“Heading into the state meet I was

really excited because I knew I was going to swim fast and have fun,” Dunn said.”

This team is really close, so it was awesome to spend state with them.”

Mary Kate Gannon ‘19 practices her butterfly stroke. (Greta Markey/LION)

individual battle for spots, truly working as a collective whole, Johns said.

“There’s that inherent competition in high school swimming and sometimes that’s pretty tough,” Johns said. “We had a team with so much depth that it could have self destructed.”

Johns gives most of the credit to the seniors for keeping the rest of the swimmers focused on the team’s goals throughout the season. “[The seniors] were the leaders of this team,” Johns said. “It’s a good group of girls that did a good job of uniting the team.”

Despite losing the valuable seniors, Johns and his swimmers are confident heading into next year with plenty of talent coming back and an impressive

Points awarded at state

A

fter winning sectionals on Nov. 12, the girls swim and dive team placed 10th at the state meet a week later in Evanston, marking the team’s best finish at state since 2012.

“I think we did extremely well at state,” relay swimmer Paige Mitchell ‘17 said.

sporTs

Page 12

Friday, December 2, 2016

Harris opts to retire from football After accumulating several injuries throughout his years at LT, Northwestern, Matthew Harris ‘13 decides to retire

by Lucy Schaefer @lucy_schaefer3 After sustaining a long list of injuries, or what he calls “bumps and bruises,” LT alumnus and Northwestern University cornerback Matthew Harris ‘13 has decided to hang up his cleats and finally retire.

One of two freshmen “After every injury, you think to see the field, served what the effects could be in the as NU’s primary kick long-term and how that can impact your life,” Harris said. “It returner in 2013 just got to a point where I didn’t Finished third on team want to risk accomplishing my ultimate goal.” with 70 tackles in Although one of Harris’ goals 2014 has always been to reach the NFL, he believes his ultimate goal is to have his own family and become Led NU with four a successful, well-rounded indiinterceptions, 13 pass vidual outside of football. This breakups in 2015 goal seems very achievable in the eyes of his former LT varsity head Selected by teammates coach Kurt Weinberg.

“The bottom line is that he’s as team captain in very intelligent, and he’s got a lot 2016 of things going for him,” Weinberg said. “He’s going to do great things in life, and he’s got to take care of himself.”

Harris’ career at Northwestern has been successful ever since his first year, when he became one of two freshmen to see the field.

From that point on, he earned a spot as a starter who racked up a career total of 161 tackles, 26 passes defended and six interceptions. He announced his decision to retire in October of his 2016 season after sustaining a concussion. When informing his team of his decision, they erupted in a standing ovation, expressing their gratitude for all that he has done for the team.

“It was tough,” close friend and Compiled by NU teammate Keith Watkins II Lucy Schaefer said. “When he actually went up (NUsports.com) and said it in front of the team,

Matthew Harris (left center, in air) celebrates a touchdown in the 2014 game against Penn State. (NUsports).

it really hit home, right then and there. We realized he’s really not going to be playing anymore.”

Overall, Harris’ family, teammates and coaches have expressed nothing but support for his decision. NU Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald called Harris the night of the injury, telling him he supported whatever he chose, even providing other options in case he wanted to continue playing. Both the support from the NU community as well as the LT community has proven to be a great help, Harris said.

“I have to weigh my friends and family just because they’re the ones who have always been there for me,” Harris said. “But at the end of the day, it’s my life, and I’m going to do what’s best for me.”

Still, the decision was not easy.

Throughout the years, football has grown to be so much more than just a game, Harris said. His love for the game was something everyone understood, which eventually led him to be elected a team captain his senior year at NU. His selection for this position reveals how Harris has continually demonstrated incredible work ethic not only throughout the season, but ever since he stepped on campus, Watkins said.

The future for Harris is unclear.

He is currently majoring in learning and organizational change and plans to continue his education at a graduate business school. Football wise, he still wants to compete and contribute to the community, much like he did this past summer

when he received the NU For Life Irving Kabiller Memorial Award for Excellence in Character, Commitment and Community. This award provided him with a $5,000 grant, which he used to strengthen leadership skills for underprivileged kids in the Evanston and Chicagoland areas. Work like this is only the beginning for Harris.

“We often use [Harris] as an example of how to go about your business,” Weinberg said. “It’s not just about being a football player, you have to be a great citizen and someone who’s a positive influence. Ask anyone who had any dealings at all with Matthew Harris and they’ll say what a wonderful person he is. There’s no doubt his legacy still walks around here.”

by Mikaela Larson @mikaela_larson Connor Niego ‘17 joined thousands of other student athletes from across the nation in signing national letters of intent for collegiate athletics on Nov. 9, 2016. For him, it was to go play basketball at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

“I had wanted to play college basketball from a very young age,” Niego said. “My brother plays and my dad and uncles all played together back in college, so I grew up around it and knew there were opportunities.”

College coaches would come to see Niego during the club season with his team, the Chicago LockDown, who played through the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), varsity Head Coach Tom Sloan said. They also came to practices and games during the high school season.

“Last year, there was a lot of interest in the fall during intramurals,” Sloan said. “There would be coaches coming on a daily basis specifically to watch Connor play. Throughout the rest of the year and into the season, coaches would come to watch practices and games because they had heard of Connor or seen him play before.”

Although there were other offers, such as Wisconsin-Green Bay, Evansville and Winthrop, Connor liked Holy Cross the most based on the balance between academics and athletics.

“The whole student-athlete feel to college basketball is what I’m looking forward to most,” Niego said. “You get some of that in high school, but in college it’s just a whole other level.”

Something that differentiates Connor is that at six foot eight, ball-handling skills can often be lost, but he still manages to have great skill and shoot exceptionally well, longtime teammate and cousin Noah Niego ‘17 said.

“He can play any position,” Sloan said. “He can handle the ball like a perimeter player and he can shoot from inside and outside.”

Last year in his 27 games played, Connor averaged 16.44 points per game, while also picking up an average of 8.5 rebounds. As a guard, field goal percentage is usually lower than any other position, yet in his junior year season, he averaged just over 40-percent.

“One thing that I’ve constantly been working on and

feel like I’ve definitely improved on is my inside game and strength,” Connor said to the Chicago Tribune. “I’m trying to become an inside and outside player and create that ultimate mismatch problem.”

On and off the court, Connor has become a successful leader. He was a captain during his junior year season, as well as being a part of the Athletes Committed to Excellence, or ACE program, Sloan said.

“He’s like the glue that binds the team together,” Noah said. “He’s someone who the whole team can look up to.

He’s become the go-to guy.”

Connor is a second year captain along with Frank Cannistra ‘17, both of whom were chosen by the team with some input from the coaches, Sloan said.

“One of Connor’s best attributes is his ability to lead on the floor,” Will Higgins ‘17 said. “He offers up positive encouragement whenever we need it.”

For now, Connor is focused on the high school season and the objectives they have set.

“After the team was selected, all of the guys sat down and individually wrote down the goals they had for the team,” Sloan said. “Something that the kids always want is to win the conference championship and advance as far into the state tournament as we can.”

Last year, the team underperformed with only eight wins and 18 losses, and also found themselves unable to make it past the first round of state playoffs; however, this year there is hope, Connor said. “[The team] is big throughout the lineup,” Connor said. “Our onethrough-five guys are very skilled, both handling and shooting the ball well.”

There’s lots of versatile players on the team, making it easy to adjust plays and positions based on how the season goes, Noah said. “[The team’s biggest strength] is that we bring a lot of effort,” Higgins said. “[We also] compete each and every practice, and play for each other.”

The basketball team has their first regular season home game tonight, Dec. 2, against Downers Grove North at 7:30 p.m.

Turn to pages 16-17 for full coverage

Page 14

sleep

Friday, December 2, 2016

High school students get little sleep, results in several issues

by Spiro Kass @spiro_kass

For the past couple of years, the majority of high school students have shared one commonality: insufficient sleep schedules. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this trend among teens continues to rise. As high school students are increasingly buried with homework, extracurricular activities and stress, general lack of sleep has been a problem that negatively affects the productivity, comprehension and emotions of teenagers.

There is a general notion that a large workload is the sole cause of a student’s lack of sleep, but each student’s situation can be different. Most students are very diligent and want to improve, so they take the necessary steps to help them adjust to AP expectations and work, history teacher Jessica Drogos said.

“If students fall behind on the [class] schedule, then they may have some late nights closer to test dates or when essays are due,” Drogos said.

As a teacher of AP European History, one of the most difficult classes offered at LT, Drogos explains how teachers try to help students manage their time as efficiently as possible.

“The purpose of the unit schedules that [fellow AP Euro teacher] Keith Bailey and I give the students at the beginning of every unit is to help the students work out a time-management schedule so that they can complete the reading, note-taking and research before studying for their tests,” she said.

“On average, each Euro chapter is about 30 pages, and at the beginning of the year, students are not used to that volume of active reading.”

Teachers will do everything to ensure proper sleep and time management for their students, but Mariah Kulhanek ‘18, currently taking six AP classes, believes that her lack of sleep is inevitable.

“Two nights of the week, I go to bed around two in the morning,” Kulhanek said. “Another two nights I’ll be in bed by one, while one night, if I’m lucky, I’ll be in bed by midnight.”

The reason for her insufficient sleep schedule is mainly due to the enormous amount of homework she is assigned each night, Kulhanek said. On average, Kulhanek gets between three to five hours of homework a night, along with working two times a week after school and eight hours on Saturday. This ultimately minimizes her amount of sleep per day.

The effects of Kulhanek and other students’ minimal sleep do not simply cause drowsiness the next day, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Studies show that 46-percent of students feel sad every day while at school, and 73-percent of these students who expressed these emotions report to have less than six hours of sleep per night, which is about three hours less than the nine-hour suggested sleep time for teens. Therefore, the overall lack of sleep in high school students makes them tired and emotionally dejected throughout their entire day of school.

The problem of Kulhanek’s insufficient sleep schedule is responsible for her usual lack of alertness at school, Kulhanek said.

“I fall asleep almost every day in AP Gov,” she said. “I need to drink a lot of caffeine every day.”

As the problem persists, Drogos continues to im-

plement suggestions for how to combat this situation.

“I have many suggestions to help students become more successful in the class, whether it be with managing the workload or honing the skills of the course,” Drogos said. “Each student’s situation is unique, and I always welcome students to come in and talk with me about what they are currently doing and how they can improve.”

Many students have commitments to jobs, volunteering and work, which make it difficult to get the necessary nine hours of sleep each night a teenager needs to function, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Here are the schedules of three students with different activites and how much sleep they get.

compiled by Greta Markey

Profiles

Friday, December 2, 2016

Page 15

Magic man Teacher incorporates magic into his classes to keep students engaged

by Katie Palermo @thekatester223 Since the young age of 8, English teacher Frank Alletto has been fascinated with magic.

“My parents signed me up for a ‘magic class’ and I loved it,” Alletto said. “It was my hobby on and off for years, but it wasn’t until my 20s that I began performing as a side job.”

Along with teaching at LT, Alletto worked as a restaurant magician at TGI Fridays, Max and Erma’s, and Bennigan’s as a side job. His magic career came to a halt in his late 20s when he decided to go to graduate school. Five years ago Alletto started back up his side job as a magician.

“Currently, I perform at Fox’s Pizza in Hinsdale and Francesca Bellezza’s in La Grange,” Alletto said. “I also perform at public and private events, mostly on the weekends.”

While Alletto has no specific favorite magic trick, he believes that any magic trick that happens in the spectator’s hands are the most enjoyable aspects for everyone, engaging and amazing them.

“Don’t worry about ‘tricking’ the audience,” Alletto said. “Engage and entertain them. Make them laugh and forget about their daily tragedies. Surprise them and allow yourself to be surprised!”

For his students, magic isn’t a daily

occurrence in class, it is an end of the week gift. Every Friday is “Magic Friday.”

“Our class looks forward to Magic Fridays,” Ava Sengpiel ‘20 said. “We enjoy his humor and his tricks, and I will never understand how he does his tricks.”

Tricking the audience is not the goal of magic, Alletto said. Magic is not supposed to puzzle or ruse the audience; it’s supposed to engage them in a communal, not confrontational, way.

“By the end of the school year, it’s the only way I can get seniors to show up!” Alletto said.

Choker business combines fashion with charity LT sisters run national business, selling necklaces, other fashion accessories

By Lindsey Hauch @lhauch20 In the middle of summer 2016, sisters Lizzie ‘14 and Catherine Everett ‘17 started Giving Sol, a business focused around bringing awareness to specific charity organizations through the sales of choker necklaces.

“We both love creating things, jewelry and fashion so this was something we thought we could put our own spin on, and hopefully other people would like too,” Catherine said.

“We focus on spreading the word about the organizations that we support in order to bring awareness to them, and not necessarily the items themselves.”

With 20-percent of the proceeds given back to charity, Giving Sol chose certain charities that they were very passionate about, Catherine said. Each new launch has a different organization that the company focuses on for that specific season. The summer launch sponsored Glide, an organization fighting to end poverty and homelessness in San Francisco. Due to the effects on friends and family, the fall launch sponsored the American Cancer Society and the winter launch plans on donating to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research.

“We aren’t in it for the money,” Catherine said. “We just wanted do something to create a charity-based organization upon and also create jewelry that we would actually wear, that our friends would wear and something that would benefit not just us.”

After becoming popular in the late 1990s, the choker resurfaced most recently in 2015 and has been on the incline ever since, hence Giving Sol’s interest with the trend. The summer launch had six different types of chokers, while the fall launch added four other types. Each choker is priced between $12.99- $14.99 and can ship anywhere in the U.S.

“We are going to start moving into different types of jewelry, not just chokers because we want it to be more unisex and more available to people who maybe do not like that trend,” Catherine said.

While away at college, Lizzie handles the website: photo editing and social media aspect of the company, and Catherine focuses on processing the orders and making the necklaces.

“I make all the chokers myself,” Catherine said. “They’re all handmade, so I buy separate pieces that I think are the best quality products. I go to places around here in La Grange. I go to Circle of Stones and buy our beads and try to support the local businesses and make everything ourselves.”

Sales have become more steady due to social media posts, with almost two orders every day, Catherine said.

“We started off strong, but there’s been highs and lows in sales,” Catherine said. “By contacting models on social media, we’ve been able to spread the word about the company, which has been a good tactic to keep sales up.”

Venturing into the business world was always an interest for both sisters, Lizzie said.

“I have really enjoyed every minute of starting a business,” Lizzie said. “It has been an incredible learning experience that I will always be able to use in the future.”

Lizzie and Catherine both agree that this company is in its early stages and they are excited to see this business grow for Catherine (left) and Lizzie Everett (right) pose with their a long time. merchandise. (Lindsey Hauch/LION) “My sister and I have a lot of aspirations for the future,” To purchase the chokers and check Catherine said. “We can still do a lot more with Giving Sol and out the upcoming winter launch, visit the potential is really exciting for me. We want to continue www.givingsol.net. to use our resources that we have and try to make it better for someone else.”

‘This + That,’ popular online blog, takes off Student finds passion of blogging through design, photography

by Caroline Konstant @carolinekon

To check out weekly blogs, visit www.tandtblog.com

Instagram account, Pinterest page and YouTube channel. Pinterest and Instagram In a time when “pinning” creative DIYs (Do-It-Yourself projects) on Pinterest are the two platforms that drive the most traffic and the Instagram account has and oogling over aesthetic photos on Instagram is on the rise, blogs are skyrockalmost 2,000 followers. According to Garvin, the theme is minimalistic with a eting among creative-minded people. Molly Garvin ‘17 has taken her time to neutral color palette and warmer hues rather than cooler. create her own blog, ‘THIS + THAT,’ throughout her high school career.

“The aesthetic of my previous blog was never where I wanted it to be,” “My passion for blogging began as Pinterest was just becoming popular,” Garvin said. “I kept working hard on ‘THIS + THAT.’ It continuously Garvin said. “I really enjoyed scrolling through the DIY and craft posts, and changed until I found something that I was pleased with and knew other I thought to myself, ‘I can do this!’” people would love.”

Garvin’s first blog,“Love, Molly,” only lasted three weeks before her Molly works with her younger sister, Claire Garvin ‘19, who is friend Lauren Baukus from Colorado came to visit during the summer behind most of the recipes that go on the blog. Claire and Molly’s relaof 2013. The two girls, on a trip to the mall, stopped in at Paper tionship has been strengthened through working on ‘THIS + THAT,’ Source crafting store and were inspired to start a new blog together Molly said. called “The Lolly Project” (TLP). As time went on, Garvin became “I admire the way she works and how she manages her engrossed in blogging and posting about all of her adventures, blog,” Claire said. “We both get to mix our talents and passion whereas Lauren felt she didn’t have enough time to post interin photography, videography and style.” esting content. The two decided together that Lauren would Not only has the blog provided a creative outlet for back down from TLP, and Garvin would be on her own in the Molly, but she has also found it to be a way to earn blogging world. money. Through advertising agencies like Linqia, Molly “Once I became the sole editor of TLP, I was never is matched with large corporations to promote their really happy with the way it looked,” Garvin said. “So, products and ultimately is allowed to keep the merafter a bit of brainstorming, I set out and decided to chandise. The most expensive item she has promoted rebrand myself. From there I created ‘THIS + THAT,’ a has been a $200 backpack. collection of projects, recipes, favorites, and more, told Molly plans to keep blogging while in college, and through photos and videos.” although she is planning to be a nursing major, she aims Garvin tried to find her niche with this new blog to continue to blog on campus and share a bit of her life by posting a myriad of crafts, outings and projects. with her followers. The key to keeping it up next year Now she shares things like her weekend excurwill be time management and lots of planning. ‘THIS sions, picnics in the woods with friends, fall reci+ THAT’s’ posts can be scheduled to go live during the pes and Cubs game outings. week, so as long as she dedicates time on the weekends, “‘THIS +THAT’ documents my life and the blog will have posts published on a regular basis, through it, I am able to look back on what I did Molly said. years ago,” Garvin said. “Just by looking back “Some people really love running or painting or some at one post, all the memories can come flooding other hobby,” Molly said. “But ‘THIS + THAT’ is my back. It helps me appreciate all the hard work passion, and anything that results from the hard work I that I have done.”

‘THIS + THAT’ is not only a blog, but also an Molly Garvin ‘17 poses for a photo for her blog, ‘THIS + THAT’. (Garvin) dedicate to it is just a benefit.”

Facial features

Regular ration More than 1/3 of the people who admit to “normal dieting” will merge into pathological dieting.

In a survey, more than 40-percent of women and about 20-percent of men said they would consider cosmetic surgery.

self image

Grieved girls

Seven in 10 girls believe they are not good enough in some way including their looks, performace in school and relationships

Friday, December 2, 2016  Pages 16 and 17

When was the last time you looked into the mirror and was dissastified with the face staring back at you? Read on to discover all that LION has to say about body image in our school and nation.

Developing diets About 91-percent of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape.

LT alumna finds relief after body image struggle

by Hallie Coleman @hallie_coleman The world we live in today constantly revolves around the way we look. It is difficult to avoid the constant comparisons that we make with ourselves and others. Sara Nutley ’14 found herself in this situation not too long ago leading to her unhealthy obsession to be thin, spiraling into two eating disorders and an admirable recovery.

“In most aspects of my life, I am a huge perfectionist,” Nutley said.

“When I started to become interested in nutrition and fitness, this was no exception for me. I wanted to have the perfect workout routine and the perfect diet.”

Nutley suffered from both anorexia and orthorexia for three years. Anorexia is an emotional disorder that is characterized by the desire to lose weight. Orthorexia is

Mental health disorder

xia e r no

A

Low

Purging

self tee -esm

a disorder that is characterized by the obsession to be healthy by sticking to strict diets and exercise routines.

“As my body began to change, I became addicted to getting results from all my hard work,” Nutley said. “People praised my progress and my self-discipline, some even referring to me as ‘body goals’. It didn’t take long for my habits to quickly spiral into more obsessive, destructive behaviors.”

Like most, her recovery was not simple. It took multiple doctors, psychologists and a registered dietician and even then it took a great physical and emotional toll on both Nutley and her family.

“It was difficult to watch,” brother Matt Nutley said. “It was not my place nor was I in the right place to push her beyond what she was ready for. So as much as I wanted to help, I couldn’t; all

I could do was offer my full support. I felt useless and defeated knowing that she has pushed herself to such unhealthy levels and there was very little I could do. All I wanted to do was help.”

In the process of her recovery Sara gained 30 pounds and started her own blog to share her story.

“Sara has made amazing strides in her recovery, and I’m as proud of her as she is of herself,” Matt Nutley said.

“Her self-confidence is coming back as well as her healthy, and vibrant physical appearance and personality.”

Although she has recovered, today she still struggles with insecurities from time to time, she said.

“I smile more often and I see the world as a much better place when I’m not spending my day comparing myself to everyone else and being terrified of imperfection,” Sara said.

Social media’s effect on our body image

by Grace Palmer @gpalmz32

Body image trends:1900 to the present

by Spencer Levinson

Year after year, new trends develop about the ideal body. Often, these fads are considered to be unhealthy, while other times they too become cultural staples. Here are six of the biggest trends in the search of a better body since 1900.

1900: Corsets Corsets, first worn in the early 20th century, show an early obsession with body image.

These waist-trainers are meant to slim the wearer’s waist in order to achieve a more “perfect” body. Many corsets, however, are now known to be overly constrictive. Recent studies show that tight corsets can cause kidney and lung problems because of the prolonged external pressure exerted by the clothing.

1931: Face Lifts 1931 marks the year of the first public facelift.

Performed by a team of doctors, the project shows a new dissatisfaction with wrinkles and excess skin. Facelifts later began to touch the world of celebrities and movie stars, along with a popularity boom in the general public. However, cosmetic surgery is associated with a number of harmful complications, some of which include scarring, nerve damage and infection.

D

D E E IS T G T O RI M A

1950: Dietary Supplements

1960: Massage Belts

In the 50s, some of the first modern dietary supplements began to take flight. Egg based protein powders were invented by Irvin B. Johnson and gained quick popularity. Other supplements promised quick and easy weight loss. Most of these, however, were poorly regulated and became responsible for various health problems. The United States Food and Drug Administration now reports an average of 50,000 health issues every year caused by dietary supplements.

The iconic massage belt was the trend that swept the nation in the sixties. The belts were intended to vibrate away unwanted stomach fat, but were shown to be ineffective.

The non-factual claims from companies that sold the slimming belts were an early example of ambiguity in the fitness community. The belt signifies a new obsession with flat stomachs and toned abs in America, and the fad took the country by storm.

Before the days of social media apps like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, we were only exposed to the perfect bikini body and abs on billboards, magazines and commercials. With this, the viewer would often do a quick workout and soon forget about it. However, with the rise of social media and the media in general, we are constantly seeing these images of human perfection. Our anxiety then rises as we wonder why our bodies or clothes don’t reflect those we see all over our feeds.

When we first download the various social media apps our friends rave about, we soon become addicted to the reassuring, relieving approval of the retweets and thumbs up. After a while, we begin to rely on what other people are telling us rather than ourselves. This leads to the shocking statistic that 53 percent of 13 year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies according to the

1970: Body Building While the first body building competition took place in the late nineteenth century, the sport experienced a steep increase in popularity in the 1970s. Defined by rigorous training and determination, body building soon spread into the worlds of actors and athletes alike.

It increasingly intertwined with the world of anabolic steroid abuse which is responsible for a number of physical and psychological dangers including heart attacks, liver disease and kidney disease.

Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. This number grows to 78-percent by the time girls reach 17.

According to BBC, in 2013, two thirds of teenagers signed up for Facebook, where millions of images are shared everyday.

Not only does seeing these pictures potentially ruin a person’s self esteem, but they have also led to a 20-percent increase in cosmetic surgeries. People are getting so self-conscience because of social media that they want to physically alter themselves to fit the so-called “perfect” image.

However, social media has not brought upon only negative body images. With social media, we can inspire others with our posts, reconnect with old friends and discover something new about ourselves. Our body image may be damaged by the stigma of it all, however, once we get over all the likes and shares, we can realize being ourselves is the “perfect” we’ve been searching for.

2016: Detox Diets Conceptually, detox diets are simple. The goal is to purge one’s body of harmful chemicals and toxins, though many of these diets have taken on a reputation of doing more harm than good.

There are many forms of detox diets, including juice cleanses and prolonged fasting periods. Both of these examples deprive the body of essential nutrients and can contribute to malnutrition.

Sources: NBCnews.com, bodybuilding.com, deadiversion. usdoj.gov, books. google.com, dietspotlight. com, rheoblair. blogspot.com, wikipedia.com, robinsoncosmeticsurgery.com, healthline.com, readunwritten. com

festivities

Page 18

Friday, December 2, 2016

With the holiday season just around the corner, everyone is ready to celebrate through their own traditions. Here are some of the most unique, strange and funny traditions that LT students anonymously submitted to LION.

For years I have participated in quite an odd tradition. Every New Year’s Eve, when the clock strikes 12, I join a massive crowd of my neighbors and we stampede down the street in our underwear. It’s a race of sorts, and all participants must go barefoot and complete 10 snow angels at the end of the street, whether there’s snow or not.

I never thought this was strange growing up. I actually found it incredibly normal considering it was all I had ever known. The annual boxer run is a trademark tradition for the blocks of Franklin and Clausen of Western Springs.

However, I have stopped participating since my old and semi-overweight neighbor mooned his fellow runners.

Every year, my family decorates Christmas cookies and then enters them into a contest. We vote on the best ones using dollar bills and you keep the money you get. The one with the most money gets left on a plate for “Santa.”

Every Christmas we have a pet of the year award given out in our family. It is a big competition between the cousins and we all get really into it. It’s gotten pretty intense these past few years with people making songs, raps and campaign videos for their pets.

The prestigious award is given out on Christmas Eve, but up until then, everyone is very competitive.

With 44 first cousins, family parties can be a little hectic. Thanksgiving has 12 full sized turkeys, baked, smoked, deep fried and broiled.

Easter egg hunts in the spring take up entire neighbors’ yards and houses. But the best party is Christmas. My grandma cooks up a storm, but the highlight for me and my sweet tooth is her homemade egg nog. She used to make a creamy, heavy egg nog, but one year she messed up the recipe and over whipped it. It became like a whipped cream, and needed to be eaten with a spoon. That’s how we’ve had it every year since—solid egg nog, excessively creamy and delicious.

Every Christmas Eve we gather with our close friends and family for a party.

Christmas trivia is held, and it gets super heated. Along with the trivia the other strengths are tested. Silent communication (charades), calculation (a really hard math problem with no scratch paper) and strength (arm wresting). We’re a loud bunch and it gets pretty rowdy. Another aspect of the tradition is dressing “tranny santa” the mannequin. He is top half black, and his lower half is white.

We dress him in a tree skirt, a loose fitting santa jacket, and a wide bedazzled belt.

To top it off we have a janky long white beard and a santa hat.

My family is Jewish, so Christmas Day is pretty much just another day to us. Just like Jews in the movie, we go to the city and see a movie in theaters with super comfy reclining seats. Then, we go to a fancy steakhouse and spend hours there talking, eating and laughing, just having fun. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

My family is Croatian and it’s kind of a European thing to slow cook stuff. So we buy an entire lamb (only the head is cut off) and we roast it for seven hours. Then, all of the dads of the families carve the lamb into little pieces, but we gather around them because the skin is the best part.

They tear some off and give it to us.

Every single Christmas my grandma receives countless fruitcakes from the people in her retirement home. So, when my grandma comes into town for Christmas dinner, she strategically places the unwanted fruitcakes throughout our house.

So. Many. Fruitcakes.

For Chanukah, my dad always hides our gifts and gives us really obscure hints to find them.

Whether it’s in our piano, dishwasher or a pillowcase, he always finds a new place.

It sounds fun, but as a 7-year-old, it got a little frustrating.

types

Friday, December 2, 2016

Page 19

Don’t know your type? Take this quick test to see which category you fall under.

In a survey of 218 LT students:

How do your friends describe you?

a) Competitive. b) Carefree.

Why do you play games? a) To win. b) To have fun.

How often do you procrastinate?

Indifferent 25%

a) Never, it stresses me out too much. b) Why does it matter? I’ll get it done eventually.

What drives you? a) Me, myself and I. b) Other people.

B 33%

A 42%

Individuals who are type A are ambitious, rigidly organized, highly status-conscious, sensitive, impatient, anxious, aggressive, precise, and concerned with time management. Often high-achieving “go-getters.” They push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence.

AP Physics C

Woodshop

Human Anatomy

Debate Team

Student Athletic Training

Do you accept failure?

a) After crying, I start to feel a little better. b) I definitely don’t like it, but there isn’t anything to do about it now.

What kind of projects do you prefer? a) Essays. b) Art Projects.

What is a character trait you cannot stand?

Model United Nations

a) Laziness. b) Impatience.

Do you prefer group projects or solo projects?

a) Solo projects- I have complete control, no one can mess it up. b) Group projects- The more people there are, the more people can catch a mistake.

How do you deal with stress?

a) It may not be the healthiest way, but I get my work done. b) I get stressed, but it’s pretty easy to handle it when I’m doing my work.

Do borderline grades bother you? a) Yes. b) No.

Individuals who are Type B tend to be more patient, steadier, more creative, enjoy achievement more, and don’t get wrapped up in details.

They have a greater tendency to disregard physical or mental stress when they do not achieve.

Mostly A’s: Look in Type A box

Mostly B’s: Look in Type B box

Drawing & Painting

WLTL compiled by Maddy Cohen

Creative Writing

Scuba Diving

Philosophy Club

Lions Den compiled by Sydney Kaehler

Type A? Type B? Both.

Some people believe in horoscopes and astrology, others base beliefs in logic In this time of newfangled crazes like BuzzFeed and other online quizzes and old(er)-school trends like daily horoscopes, there never seems to be an end of quick ways to definitively identify yourself.

Personality quizzes are particularly popular (be honest, we’ve all taken “What Disney Princess are Charlie Stelnicki you?”) The one we are focusing on today is based on the Type A/Type B personality theory.

Based on this theory, dedicated and ambitious (but also impatient) people are assigned to Type A and more relaxed, easygoing people are Type B. Type A personalities usually make lists and find satisfaction in marking things off of a “to-do” list they’ve made.

Type Bs are creative when they problem solve, but are often less successful than their efficient counterparts.

The terms themselves come from a 1994 experiment by

a tobacco company. The employers categorized workers in several companies by their working habits. The competitive and ambitious persons were placed in group A, and their less motivated peers were put in group B. The study concluded that people in group A were more likely to develop heart disease.

That may sound shocking, but I’m here to tell you to that you won’t get a heart attack just because you might like to make lists and keep your room tidy.

The first reason is because the experiment that started all of this hubbub about Type A and Type B was a documented attempt by the tobacco company to distance tobacco from heart disease. They believed that if they drew a line between Type A and heart disease, they could promote the idea that it was one’s personality and not toxins that caused cardiovascular issues. This finding has been debunked and has been replicated with much larger sample sizes, all affirming that your personality does not cause future heart disease.

The second is that you are not actually Type A or Type B. It is important to remember how fluid personality in this sense can be. When one feels a sense of worth or value, they’re likely to invest more time and focus, but when they get home, they may lose that sense of high-intensity stress and chill to the max.

If we think of personality types as a Venn diagram, we may all find solace in this split that was founded on unfortunately unethical science. At times, we can all be tuned in and focused, knocking tasks out like Mohammed Ali, but at other times, we all can take a seat on a couch and roll with the punches as they come.

If you lean towards Type A, make a new friend who likes to live a less structured daily life. And if you are Type B, maybe it’s time you learn a few lessons from a friend who gets all of their homework done on time. Either way, I hope you learned something about what makes you tick, and maybe you’ll take tabloid horoscopes a little lighter from now on.

You Can’t Take it With You LT Theatre Board will present “You Can’t Take it With You,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, in the Reber Center on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors and free for students with a student ID.

Weekend Weather

Friday, December 2, 2016  Page 20

Friday

GET OUT

Saturday

Sunday

Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Rain High: 40 High: 39 High: 40 Low: 32 Low: 29 Low: 31

Weekend Entertainment  Events Calendar

Naf Naf Grill goes above and beyond

’

Oak Brook restaurant’s Mediterranean food stands out through quality, simplicity

by Tim Mikulski @t_mikulski

sauce to personal preference alone, but the pita is a must-have.

In a saturated market for Mediterranean lunch joints, restauA surprising favorite for me was the Veggie Feast ($9.99). rants go to great lengths to try to separate themselves from the Easily enough to serve two people or for the next day’s lunch, pack. Naf Naf Grill thankfully forgoes the pretense of trying to stick out, and instead stands out just as simple, delicious Mediter- this vegan platter is a bowl of hummus, tabbouleh salad, baba ganoush, purple cabbage, and topped with any ranean food. sauce and plenty of falafel. I have never First walking into Naf Naf Grill at Oakbrook Terrace, been one for vegan dishes, but the Veggie I noticed that the restaurant was very open. The Feast was by far the most surprising part seating and serving areas were very similar to of my trip. Between the perfectly seasoned Chipotle: a counter at the front to walk along salads and sauces, the smooth hummus (a as the server builds your meal and rings you refreshing alternative to the grainy variety up at the end. However, this openness also found in many shawarma restaurants) and extends past the counter. The entire kitchen the pita served alongside it made a more and bakery area is in plain sight, a nice full and enjoyable meal than any greenschange of pace from so many restaurants based dish I have tried in the past. that hide what goes into the food—plus, seePita and falafel are a staple of any Meding pita being made is as entertaining as any iterranean restaurant, and at Naf Naf Grill TV to hold your attention in line. they encapsulate the restaurant’s simple That cooking area isn’t as bustling as you excellence. The pita bread ($.75), served might expect. Just like the menu, the kitchen is somewhat pared down. Spinning shawarma Naf Naf Grill’s Veggie Feast. (Mikulski/LION) with almost every meal, is baked fresh every hour and is always soft, warm, and roasts and the falafel fryer take up a sigsavory. Similarly, many meals come with the falafel ($.50). The nificant majority of the space, the pita bakery is nestled in the fried chickpeas and fava beans meld with the wide collection of corners and the rest is distinctly open. That said, there’s no spices across the hummus or any of their sauces, and I found an shortage of options on the Naf Naf menu. While the centerpiece unexpected but pleasant taste of cilantro as well. The Naf Fries is no doubt their chicken shawarma and beef kifta, it is served in ($1.99) were yet another hit, more closely resembling chips than myriad ways: hummus bowl, pita or dinner plate, and with any fries. The fries were made from scratch, had plenty of salt, and of the many extra vegetables or sauces.

The chicken shawarma pita ($6.79) was the centerpiece of my were cooked to just enough crunch to offset the delicious softness visit. I had heard quite a few recommendations for this pita sand- of the pita.

Bottom line: Naf Naf Grill is a restaurant that now has over 10 wich, and every one of my expectations were met. The meat was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and the accompanying vegetables filled locations in Chicagoland, but I was met with unparalleled quality out the pita to a delicious whole. I tried both the tahini and green I would never have expected from a chain. Mediterranean food is hot sauce, and I can’t give either the upper hand—both sauces are no rare sight, but Naf Naf Grill’s simple dedication to quality and simplicity sets them a cut above the rest. fantastic, and shape the whole taste of the sandwich. I leave the

Frank’s on First satisfies cravings -La Grange Holiday Walk: Dec 3, 3-8 p.m., Downtown La Grange -ZooLights: Dec 3-Jan 1, 4:30-8 p.m., Lincoln Park Zoo -Christkindlmarket: Dec 2-23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Daley Plaza -Winter WonderFest: Dec 3-Jan 8, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Navy Pier -Ugly Sweater Run: Dec. 10, 11 a.m., Soldier Field -New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Dec. 31, 12 a.m., Navy Pier -MLK Museum Day: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium -Santa Claus Run: Soldier Field, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.

-Meet Barney the Elf: Greenhouse Theater 2257 N Lincoln Ave., Nov. 29-Jan. 1

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Special Education Read about the adult special education program’s performance of “White Christmas” at the Reber Center.

North Campus

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Unique food offered at great price for all high school students

by Grace Palmer @gpalmz32

Mac and cheese is a classic meal, but when put sauce) and the Hillbilly Dog for $3.95 (Chili and on a hotdog, it feels like we’re on another planet. creamy coleslaw with mustard and onions), I had a At Frank’s on First in downtown Hinsdale, crazy hard time deciding on my fateful first dog. I finally combinations like mac and cheese or bacon and chose the Chili Mac dog, a loaded hot dog with chili pulled pork loaded onto a hotdog are a common and mac and cheese on a pretzel bun for $3.95. I occurrence on the menu. was almost more excited I decided to check out about the price than the these twisted hotdogs actual dog until it was and hoofed it on placed in front of me. I over to Hinsdale. sunk my teeth into the I went to the loaded and overflowrestaurant on a ing hotdog and was Wednesday night, pleasantly surprised. so, as expected, it This four-layer bite wasn’t too busy. was beaming with We stepped in flavors ranging from from the outside the soft bun, the juicy and yet I felt like hotdog and chili, and I only walked the creamy mac and through a doorframe cheese. Although these and was still outside. flavors created a wonderful taste Frank’s on First’s Packer Dog. (Palmer/LION) Patio furniture and little bud masterpiece, the chili was a umbrellas made me feel as though I was at a real little too spicy for my sensitive taste. After demolhotdog stand on the streets during summertime ishing the filling dog, I then moved onto the Loaded in Chicago. Looking beyond the tables, I noticed Fries for $4.25, which had cheddar cheese sauce, that the kitchen where they create and craft their chili, bacon and sour cream thrown on top. When hotdog combinations is visible to all. After talking the fries were shared among my friends, they were with the owners, I soon understood the reason for consumed so fast I couldn’t even remember what the open kitchen: they were honest, pleasant and they looked like. Like the hotdog, these fries were so welcoming that they did not feel the need to not shy on flavor combinations and pleased all who hide anything from their custumers. got a taste before they disappeared.

After looking at the seemingly thousands of opBottom line: A great place to get Chicago style tions on the menu, like the Packer dog for $4.95 (a hotdogs with a twist, teenager-budget friendly and bacon-wrapped dog with grilled onions and cheese a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere.

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Swim Strong

Add LION on Snapchat for updates on school and community news.

SC: lionnewspaper or scan this icon (left) with your mobile phone.

Read of Callahan Dunn ‘20 impressive start to her freshman season, placing the best out of the varsity swim team.

100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525

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South Campus

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Are you ready to try to tackle the challenging and mainly chaotic word jumble? Well, you have turned to the right page!

It will take all your brain power and concentration to take down this puzzle. Use your inteligence to unscramble these winter-themed words for the bragging rights that you can earn by cracking this chaos. Find the hidden word by unscrambling the highlighted letters below in the various words. Stumped or want to review your answers? Go check out lionnewspaper.com to see this issue’s scramble’s solution.

1) RFCAS __ __ __ __ __ 2) ENMSITT __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 3) GGGNOE __ __ __ __ __ __ 4) CAKUFRITE __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5) WOSPLNWO __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 6) GDDSENLI __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ FINAL WORD: At Holiday Write Night, Jack Frost met up with Sally Snowflake. He didn’t recognize her. She was wearing four pairs of ___________. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Trump’s Victory

See our point of view about why Trump beat Clinton, despite previous polls, in the Presidential election.

Puzzle created by Caroline Konstant

Album review

Look at WLTL operations manager’s view on A Tribe Called Quest’s newest album relased, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard top 200 albums chart.

4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558