Issue 1

THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

VOLUME 56, ISSUE 5

Bears take over Gattas Stadium

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

Hoco dance, game earlier than ever

BY RYAN KUPPERMAN Executive News Editor

Mirandola said.

Working with Zickel, Mount Prospect Police Department Commander Bob Smith and Police Counselor Chris Rondeau worked out a plan for parking and security.

They laid out comprehensive plans focused on ensuring player and fan security. Additional parking was set up at the Mount Prospect Village Hall and Randhurst Village.

Mirandola and the Bears also worked with Ticketmaster to plan out the best places to scan tickets.

“There’s a lot that you don’t see that goes into it that made the event a seamless experience for the fans,” Mirandola said.

After multiple site visits and constant contact with the Bears, plans for the practice were laid out.

Mirandola credits the efficiency of

The 2017-18 homecoming dance will be the earliest it has ever been at Prospect, taking place on Sept. 16. This means planning and preparation changes for students.

According to Frank Mirandola, Assistant Principal of Student Activities, and Student Council sponsor Lyn Scolaro, selecting a homecoming date on the calendar is directly correlated to when and how many home football games there are. This year there are four home games, which lines up with the usual four or five home games in a school year. The home games all take place during weeks, two, four, six and eight of the football season.

According to Scolaro, to properly decide the date, the assistant principals get together and look through various schedules of sports and activities and decide which week would work best for students and athletes.

Mirandola thinks the earlier date is the best option because it gives way to opportunity for better weather while still being able to prepare for the dance. He also feels that the pros are worth whatever challenges may occur with the earlier date.

According to Mirandola and Scolaro, weather played an influential role in deciding the homecoming date.

“There have been times when we’ve had homecoming mid-October or that last home game of the season, and it’s brutal,” Scolaro said. “Who wants to be in the stadium on a Wednesday night while it’s freezing cold? You don’t enjoy yourself.”

Scolaro believes that there are many other benefits to having the dance earlier. She thinks that at the at beginning of the school year there is a lot of energy, spirit and momentum from things like the Bears practice and the pep assembly. That momentum works to better incline students to attend the planned weekly activities, such as Color the Knight or the Backyard Bash, as well as homecoming.

Junior Serena Zhang also believes the beginning of the year is better for the dance.

“You get really hyped up at the beginning of the year, so that energy just keeps going [into homecoming],” Zhang said.

Scolaro said that at the beginning of the year, kids are looking for things to get involved in, such as helping set up, plan or attend homecoming.

Student Council Vice President senior Julia Drzewiecka believes another benefit of the early homecoming date for students is the slow pickup of homework compared to what the load would be in Oct. Although there are a variety of benefits, the challenges of having homecoming so early have included the amount of time students and

SEE BEARS, page 2

SEE HOMECOMING, page 2

FIRST ROUND PICK: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky warms up in front of 4,713 fans at George Gattas Memorial Stadium on Aug. 17. Fans were able to watch a full practice and get a glimpse of the upcoming season starting on Sept. 10 when the Bears play the Atlanta Falcons. “[Hosting the practice] was also a point of pride to say, ‘We are good enough to host the Chicago Bears,’” said Frank Mirandola, assistant principal of student activities. (photo by Leo Garkisch)

BY JACK ANKONY Executive Sports Editor

S

enior football player Anthony Burkhardt sat with his teammates on the sidelines of George Gattas Memorial Stadium awaiting the arrival of the Chicago Bears. When the team finally ran onto the field, it was a surreal moment for Burkhardt.

“It was amazing,” Burkhardt said. “I felt the little kid in me come out. … It was insane. Seeing them at our field was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Last year the Bears initiated Varsity Bears, a program in which the team would hold a public practice at a Chicagoland area high school. The inaugural program was held at Warren Township High School.

This year, the team chose to practice at Prospect, attracting 4,713 fans on Aug. 17.

HANDS TEAM: Bears wide receiver Kevin White catches a pass during practice at Prospect High School. (photo by Amanda Stickels)

“It created one of those memorable experiences that is really probably one of the highlights in the over 100 year history of the district.”

-Frank Mirandola, Assistant Principal According to Frank Mirandola, Assistant Principal of Student Activities, the event was a culmination of months of planning. In early May, Prospect received a call from the Bears to see if they were interested to be one of the schools considered to host the practice.

Throughout May and June, Mirandola and members of the Bears’ staff discussed initial plans for the event. According to Chicago Bears Talent and Event Manager Katlin Zickel, Prospect’s facilities and proximity to Halas Hall were the primary factors that led them to choose Prospect over a list of other schools.

“Knowing what our schedule was before and after that event, [Prospect] was a clear choice on our end,” Zickel said. “Prospect was willing to work with us and seemed excited overall for us to come in and take over.”

In late June, Mirandola was notified of the Bears’ decision. Finally, in the first weeks of July, Mirandola, Zickel and a number of other Bears staff members worked on planning the event.

A major step in the process was a site visit. Bears officials — including the head groundskeeper, head equipment manager, director

STARSTRUCK: Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright reaches out to catch a pass as the Prospect football team looks on in admiration. “It was insane,” Senior Anthony Burkhardt said Seeing them at our field was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” (photo by Amanda Stickels) of community events, vice president of operations and director of security — came to Prospect to examine the facilities.

Efficiency and safety were paramount in figuring out how to get the Bears from Halas Hall to Prospect. Mirandola worked with Zickel and other members to plan out where to park the buses while ensuring that the players would be able to connect with the fans.

The next step was for Bears Head Groundskeeper Ken Mrock to inspect Prospect’s football field.

He examined the overall playing surface, the seams, the cushion, the type of turf and made sure it was the safest playing surface possible to play on.

“He couldn’t have been more complimentary of our grounds staff — Miguel Rodriguez and Jose Gavina — and their maintenance,”

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News

September 8, 2017

prospectornow.com

BEARS: Practice behind the scenes CONTINUED from front page the process to his ability to work well with Zickel. “[The preparation process] was actually fun,� Mirandola said. “It was fun because we were able to sell the Bears on Prospect High School, and we know that Prospect has a great facility. It was just a matter of us showcasing our facility to them and showing them that, yes, we are the best fit for this event.�

The next step was to begin setting up the facilities. The Bears’ full time event-planning staff and an additional team of eight Bears staff members started at 10:00 a.m. and worked until the practice started at 6:00 p.m. “We basically have to set up the field to make it look like a Bear’s facility,� Zickel said. “We want to make sure that everything looks ‘Bears-y’ and it doesn’t look like Prospect, so we come in and kind of rehabbed the whole facility.�

In the months prior, Zickel worked with a group of creative designers to make signs, tents and coordinate the event’s logistics.

Lined along Prospect’s Kensington entranceway were Bears signs as well as tents, inflatables and signs inside the stadium. “While everyone is excited about the practice, our fans like to do other things,�

Zickel said. “We want to bring in other activities and entertain our guests across the board.�

Though setting up the event took months of extensive planning, Mirandola shows no regret in taking on the commitment alongside Zickel and members of the Bears organization. “People say, ‘Was it really worth all of the time and effort to see them practice here?’�

Mirandola said. “Absolutely, because it created one of those memorable experiences that is really probably one of the highlights in the over 100 year history of the district.�

On the night of the practice, Mirandola thinks the fans in attendance loved the ex-

BEAR DOWN: The Chicago Bears warm up on Prospects home turf on Aug. 17. This was the second time the Bears practiced at a Chicagoland area high school. Last year the Bears visited Warren Township High School. (photo by Amanda Stickels) perience. “It was also a point of pride to say, ‘We are good enough to host the Chicago Bears,�

Mirandola said. “Just having people walking from their homes, people tailgating, having fire pits in their driveways then walking over really created a great practice-day atmosphere.�

Not only did Burkhardt and the rest of the football team get to see their hometown team in person, but they also used the event as a learning experience.

The Knights focused on watching the Bears’ footwork, how the defensive backs

HOMECOMING: Student council prepares for dance CONTINUED from front page and staff have to plan the dance.

According to Scolaro, Student Council starts seriously planning in the summer and continues into the school year with five or six weeks of solid planning.

However, Scolaro says getting kids to meet and do proper organizing for the dance during the school year has proven difficult.

Even though the homecoming date has been on the books almost 10 months in advance, the plans were developed before the last school year let out. “It’s a killer because you have to do a lot in a short period of time,� Scolaro said. “But we have a really good group of kids [on Student Council], and they’re planning really hard, and they’re really up on their game.�

Drzewiecka said students who aren’t involved in planning the dance could be unaware that it is so early, and won’t have enough time to prepare.

For example, she has listened to students who plan to buy dresses jewelry and get makeovers, but do not have enough time to do it all before the dance.

Zhang sympathizes with students having difficulty getting prepared for the dance. “It’s a little stressful since I have four AP classes and I haven’t been able to do stuff,�

Zhang said. “Dress shopping is not a priority. I have to get everything [school related] done first, and then I have to worry about dress shopping. It’s pretty low on my list, and I barely have time.�

Although an early homecoming brings pressure to preparing in time, the administration as well as Student Council feels like it is a strong improvement compared to previous years. “It’s a lot more hard work on [Student Council] to crank out the same results we do every year in a shorter time span, but I think it’s a challenge we are all ready for,�

Drzewiecka said.

broke to the ball and how the running backs finished plays. “That is something that coach always emphasizes, to finish every play, so I think we definitely learned from that,� Burkhardt said.

During the practice, Mirandola worked as the point person for District 214 and Prospect. Because of his and Zickel’s thorough knowledge of the overall plan, they were able to work together to make the event as efficient as possible. “One of the great things with the execution of the event was that District 214 was

able to pool some of its resources [and set] up different parts of the venue in order to make sure everything was seamless,� Mirandola said. “Everything was at a premium, but the fan experience was the best.�

Zickel thinks the practice was a success because the Bears were able to come to the fans. Even for casual fans that might not watch every game on Sundays, Zickel says that this is a good way for all types of fans to conveniently come see the Bears. “It is in your backyard, so why not go out and watch it and see them?� Zickel said. “Now you have a way to personally connect with the team that draws you in to watch them.�

After the practice, members of the Prospect football team were able to meet and get autographs from Bears players like Zach Miller, Connor Barth, Pernell McPhee and Markus Wheaton.

Burkhardt says that watching the practice and meeting the players was a top ten moment from his four years at Prospect. “It is something that I will be able to tell my kids,� Burkhardt said. “I’ll be able to tell them I was right on the sideline.�

Mirandola thinks the success of the event is reflective of Prospect’s belief that anything is achievable. “It shows that we put ourselves out there.

We don’t fear failure. We don’t fear rejection.

We don’t fear the potential of something not going right. We are going to put ourselves out there,� Mirandola said. “We ask our students to put themselves out there. We ask our teachers to put themselves out there and take risks, and of course this was a risk. If there was bad weather they would have cancelled it for nothing.�

Being a part of this event made Burkhardt proud to being a Prospect Knight. “It kind of reinstates all of the great achievements our high school has and how great the high school really is,� Burkhardt said. “Most high schools never get a chance like this.�

On ProspectorNow.com SoundCloud helps aspiring artists find audience With the rise of internet streaming sites, student musicians now have an easy and convenient way to share music and express themselves. Juniors John Schultz, Colin Alberts and John Ruiz have taken advantage of this unique opportunity.

Mandatory no homework weekends A new district policy that came out with the new academic schedule of the 2017-18 school year, forbids teachers to give homework on certain holiday weekends.

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Vlogs inspire creativity Senior Emily Lasky, along with other students, has found inspiration to watch and create vlogs, based on the new vlogging trends.

DATES AND THEMES: The 2016-2017 school knighttimes dance was themed “Knight in the Roaring 20’s�. This year’s theme is “City Knights, City Lights� and it falls on Sept.

16, which is earlier than last year’s date, which fell on Oct. 8. (photo courtesy of Lyn Scolaro)

prospectornow.com

September 8, 2017

Features

P.E. department undergoes changes

3

Gym classes focus curriculum on cardiovascular endurance through use of circuit excercises

BY AYSE ELDES Copy Editor Starting this school year, the Physical Education (P.E.) department implemented curriculum changes with the leadership of Associate Principal of Student Activities and now P.E. Department Head Frank Mirandola.

Mirandola describes the changes as being “more definitive in what we want to do.” Classes are seeing an overall organizational change, including weekly schedules of what will be going on each day. While at least three days will be dedicated to getting individuals into their target heart rate zone with circuit exercises or running, other days will be active recovery days, where students focus more on moving and less on heart rate.

Staff involved in the P.E. department came together with Mirandola to discuss these curriculum changes for the year.

“The P.E. department has very passionate teachers who are excited about fitness and wellness,” Mirandola said. “We sat down and said, ‘What is our department about, what are our goals, what are our objectives?’ So we wanted to bring this idea under one umbrella. It really wasn’t a change; it was a formation of ideas and things that people are passionate about.”

According to Mirandola, the Advanced Weightlifting classes have been operating their classes this way for two years already.

Three days a week, students focus on weightlifting. On other days, the focus is on cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which includes intense anaerobic exercises followed by less intense recovery time.

“These skills [are] establishing a huge foundation for our students to live a healthy long life and love what they do,” Mirandola said.

P.E. teacher Aaron Marnstein teaches

freshman classes this year. While he observes better compliance in his freshman classes, he senses some resistance to the curriculum from upperclassmen.

“Once students begin to understand what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to show them, they still might not like it, but the hope is that they appreciate it and understand,” Marnstein said.

Junior Brandon Kviz feels more fit now that he’s getting more done in his P.E. class.

For Kviz, exercise is a main source of unwinding.

“It makes you feel healthier than sitting on your phone,” Kviz said. “For me, it’s stress relieving. It’s been more organized coming into the day knowing what you’re doing instead of the teacher saying ‘Oh, we’re running today.’

And you’re like, ‘Oh, what?’”

Kviz did enjoy the free choice days, where he could chose between basketball, softball or walking in his previous P.E. classes.

“I believe in [the new curriculum] completely. It’s not perfect; if I could choose, I’d choose more choice days,” Kviz said.

According to Marnstein, the changes vary across all P.E. classes, however. While students in regular P.E. classes may feel the fitness exercises more intensely, a Dance or Lifestyles class may feel more subtle changes.

“I think every leader leads differently; every leader has a different vision,” Marnstein said. “We have the ability to now take Mirandola’s leadership and take his drive and direction.”

Mirandola emphasizes the individual approach to fitness now.

“By including more heart rate monitor usage in classes, students will be gauged individually. This was one thing the P.E. department wanted to focus on,” Mirandola said.

The department had already planned

“These skills, they’re establishing a huge foundation for our students to live a healthy long life and love what they do.”

- Frank Mirandola Associate Principal of Student Activities and P.E. Department Head

GAINS: Junior Michael Shafis does a plyometric excercise during his P.E. class. Many of the gym classes have put a new focus on including plyometric workouts into the curriculum. (photo by Erik Velazquez) on allocating resources for more heart rate monitors. Mirandola compares the school’s Polar monitors to the Fitbit or other individualized fitness trackers. “[Fitness is] not about the collective whole; it’s about the individual. When you’re more active in classes you take after physical activity … it actually spikes your engagement and ability to learn that content.”

Because most students are not involved in a team or group fitness activity after graduating high school, Marnstein agreed that offering and individualized structure to each student’s workout prepares them for the future.

“They don’t have to worry about, ‘The whole class is running and I can’t keep up. I must not be working very hard,’” Marnstein

said. “So the heart rate monitor lets them work at their own pace ... so they can get the best out of their workout.”

For the future of the P.E. department, Marnstein sees changes naturally happening again in the future.

“I think physical education is always changing. Even in the classroom, [where] teachers are teaching the same subject every year, sometimes they want to change things,” Marnstein said. “I don’t see anything like that not happening in P.E.” Mirandola agrees that touch-ups may happen in the future. He believes changes in the P.E. department reflect healthier changes in the general Prospect community.

“Having a vibrant physical education program is really about having a vibrant school,” Mirandola said.

Club welcomes Turkish culture

BY NICHOLES SCHAUER Executive Visuals Editor International Club, French Club, Ebony Club, Italian Club and Spanish Club: every year Prospect High School sees an increase and diversity in clubs.

This year, spearheaded by junior Ayse Eldes and senior Medine Karamanli, Turkish Club will be sponsored by Dr. Jay Kyp-Johnson and join the list of these clubs.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Turkish club began meeting in the Prospect staff lounge in the commons with 15 students.

The club is already set on planning events for the Prospect community, such as participation in Prospect Gives Back and a Turkish music and food evening on Sept. 15.

Other plans include concession stands, creating videos for the morning announcements, a picnic and club meetings that introduce Turkish cuisine.

According to Kyp-Johnson, Prospect has seen a growing number of international students.

Among them is Karamanli, who performed for Prospect’s guitar club with Eldes last year and sang in Turkish on numerous occasions.

“Everybody plays English songs,” said Karamanli.

“But we wanted to show some dif-

ference.”

Last year when Eldes published an article for the Prospector about two Prospect students from Turkey, Kyp-Johnson approached her and Karamanli about starting the club. Both Eldes and Karamanli saw the visible increase in foreign students and believed this club could be a way to create a social platform for diversity.

“We wanted Turkish club to both spread information about Turkish culture and Turkish religion,” said Dr. Kyp-Johnson. “We also wanted it to be a place where students who are new to the area, and maybe new to America, could meet other Turkish students and feel more at home.”

Karamanli, who is heading the club, has the primary goal of promoting socialization among different students from different backgrounds at Prospect.

DIVERSITY: Turkish club meets around a table in the teacher’s lounge. The members are enjoying baklava as they discuss turkish culture. (photo by Nicholes Schauer) Karamanli and Kyp-Johnson are considering changing the club’s name to better reflect this reality.

“When you go each week, you learn about the cultures,” Karamanli said. “In Turkish Club ... it’s socializing and getting together with any nation.”

Kyp-Johsnon agrees.

“It’s our hope [that] all kids at Prospect will be welcome,” he said.

“This club is not only for Turkish people. Anybody’s welcome. …

More knowledge and more understanding is a better thing for our existence together.”

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4

Opinion

September 8, 2017

prospectornow.com

Violent rioting endangers identity Staff Editorial

J

unior John Neff held an anti neo-nazi poster, standing in protest with his family in downtown Arlington Heights. He had joined with the Northwest Suburban Peace and Education Project to protest against the recent white supremacy demonstration at University of Virginia on Aug. 12, when three people died and 35 were injured at a white nationalist rally.

“We’re the next generation, so it’s important for us to show where we stand,” Neff said.

Now, three weeks after the demonstration in Charlottesville, white nationalist and far right demonstrations have been countered by anti-racism rallies like Neff’s in Detroit, San Francisco, Knoxville, and Charlottesville itself. Principal Michelle Dowling showed support for students to be involved in such anti-racism demonstrations.

“Our country is built on the belief that we get to express ourselves as long as it’s done in a way that … [is] following guidelines and is done at a humanitarian standard,” Dowling said. “I think it’s great that

From the administrative viewpoint, she kids learn to assert their opinions and do emphasizes on the individualized approach it peacefully and lawfully and speak their minds out against things that they don’t to addressing problems that students have feel are appropriate or right. That’s what about race or gender. Instead of generalizing needs for everyone who identifies with our world is about. That’s how we become a specific group, the adminbetter by challenging istration focuses on indieach other.” vidual situations students In addition to bring to them. culturally inclusive “We do it as wanted clubs like Internationand by an individual beal, French, Italian, cause it’s more personal Spanish, Ebony and that way,” Dowling said.

Turkish club, Dowl“I think what we try to foing namely points to cus on here as an adminthe the Knights’ Way istrative team at Prospect program’s success in is that we’re a community addressing and discussing this topic with Voting results of the Prospector from different places and students as the best ex- staff in regards to this editorial. different beliefs and that every single person needs ample of structuring a to have a place, and needs to feel that they tolerant student body.

“I think because our community isn’t so belong,” Dowling said. “And whatever we racially diverse, but we have some diversi- can do to promote that, regardless of what it is, whether it’s a gender issue, this is a ty based on religion, definitely on culture and ethnicity, that’s sort of what we fo- school for everybody. And if we’re missing the boat on that, we need to figure out why cused on, just sort of embracing those difthat is.” ferences,” Dowling said.

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Against

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For

We the Prospector, join our administration in promoting an inclusive community in our school. Even though racially based political opinions may be expressed in mainstream news and polarized standpoints are showcased in current politics, communities, and other expressive platforms, we believe it is vital for our student body to continue emphasizing our acceptance of different backgrounds and opinions.

Although recent events taking place in areas of the United States or in international news continue to promote negative opinions with aggressive behavior, students in our school deserve to feel safe and accepted.

In order to prevent hateful behavior and the disenfranchising of diverse groups at Prospect, it’s vital that students take leadership in showing acceptance of such parts that make up the Prospect community. While many of us are still trying to gain a better understandings of ourselves, learning who the students around us are and how we fit in with them will showcase student community as a major value in our school.

Panic over North Korea crisis carries inaccuracy North Korean state media released pic- threat to the peace and stability of all U.S. allies in the region, including Taiwan, Japan tures on Aug. 24 as part of a report on Kim and South Korea.

Jong-un’s visit to his nation’s Academy of China has repeatedly come to North KoDefense Sciences. Unfortunately for Kim, rea’s defense since the Cold War, diagrams detailing two unbuilt and opposed Security Council acballistic missiles are visible in tion against them. Once in favor the background, marking the of the sanctions that motivated third time North Korea has acNorth Korea’s aggression in the cidentally released classified first place, Beijing has now begun information via photos of their calling on the United States to comSupreme Commander. pletely repeal the extensive sancRumors that the dictator had ANTHONY tions in order to end the crisis, but ordered for more rocket fuel ROMANELLI the current administration conand warheads have been con- Opinion Editor siders the nuclear development in firmed by magnified images of the unstable Kim regime to be too the charts behind him in the picgreat a threat to ignore. ture. The photo perfectly illustrates North China has become increasingly involved Korea’s reputation in the United States; hilariously incompetent, yet still incredibly in the crisis, but is understandably not eager to wage a war against the United States, its dangerous. top trade partner. In the event of a war, both The crisis is beginning to escalate, some pointing out a similarity to the Cuban Mis- countries would suffer economically. Interestingly, China has promised to distance itsile Crisis. What these people fail to realize self from North Korea should they make the is that the Cold War was a diplomatic game mistake of attacking first, according to this with much higher stakes. The United States official statement released by the Chinese has a counter-missile system in place, but Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 80% of the time it can be outmanuevered by “China should also make clear that if warheads.

Even so, the crisis isn’t as dangrous as North Korea launches missiles that threaten U.S. soil first and the U.S. retaliates, China the media claims, at least, not for the reasons they state. So, don’t go buying your will stay neutral ... If the U.S. and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow doomsday supplies just yet. Whether you the North Korean regime and change the polike him or not, Donald Trump’s not starting litical pattern of the Korean Peninsula, ChiWorld War III, and neither will Kim Jongun. The biggest thing the U.S. stands to lose na will prevent them from doing so.”

Our own allies of Japan, South Korea is its worldwide standing. It’s not a question of war. This is a question of our diplomatic and Taiwan are also pressuring to avoid a relations with the other nations of east Asia, missile launch at all costs, as they are in the direct line of fire and would provide much and by extension, the world.

The United States cannot fire on North easier targets for North Korea. A statement from Seoul warned that the South Koreans Korea without consequnce from China, a world power and North Korea’s only true are preparing a “military option” if diplomaally in the crisis. With the planet’s largest cy fails.

Despite our lack of formal recognition of standing military and a far superior nuclear program to North Korea, China poses a China’s rival, Taiwan, the Taiwan Relations

Online Editor-in-chief Amanda Stickels Online Sports Editor Wyatt Dojutrek

staff Editors-in-Chief Cassidy Delahunty Leo Garkisch Copy Editors Cole Altmayer Ayse Eldes Associate Editor-in-Chief Erin Schultz

Broadcast Editors Kate Hyland Claire Strother News Editors Ryan Kupperman Nick Egea Opinion Editors Allison Solhiem Anthony Romanelli

ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS: The stars of China’s flag shine above Kim Jong-un and his nukes. The North Korean dictator may have developed his weapons independently, but China provides its only diplomatic entry into the rest of the world.

(Cartoon by of Katie Hamilton) Act of the U.S. signed into law in 1979 says “defense services” must be provided in the event Taiwan needs to defend itself, and the North Korean missiles can easily reach the island nation. A Gallup poll found 15% of Americans cite North Korea as the greatest enemy to democracy, which can possibly lead to pro-war advocates gaining a following despite the wiser pro-diplomacy agenda of our current administration.

While North Korea’s capabilities are often derided here in America, they should not be underestimated, for not only can they cause extreme damage to key allies in east Asia, but also for the effect a strike against them would have in the international community.

Global politics is a balancing act, where no one gets want they want without consequences. The ideal (and least likely) situation would see Kim Jong-un back off and start disarming. Alternatively, the United

Entertainment Editors Grace Givan Jenna Koch FEATURES EDITORS Mandi Hall Mackenzie Noelle Sports Editors Jack Ankony Anthony Santangelo Staff Writer Megan Sulak Visuals Editors Nicholes Schauer Adviser Jason Block

States may have no choice but to repeal the sanctions. Yes, that would mean a safe America, but North Korea would be able to continue developing its missiles unopposed, further assisted by Chinese backing.

And finally, North Korea may strike first.

Anti-missile countermeasures are in place, and the United States could possibly remove North Korea from this Earth with its vast arsenal. The Kim regime would never to be an issue again. Problem solved, but at what cost? Twenty-five million unnecessary casualties because one fool thought he could challenge the United States.

Diplomacy is never easy. When it comes to protecting our country from its enemies, it is up to us to remain informed and encourage our leaders to take the diplomatic course of action.

Mission Statement The primary purpose of the Prospect High School Prospector is to report news as well as explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We, the Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions. The Prospector is published by students in Journalistic Writing courses. Some material is courtesy of MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

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Letters to the Editor Drop off letters to the Prospector in the box in the library, in Rm. 216 or email letters to prospectornow@gmail.com. All letters must be signed. Limit letters to 400 words. The Prospector reserves the right to edit letters for style and length.

prospectornow.com

September 8, 2017

Features

5

Principal’s Advisory fosters culture of change

BY CASSIDY DELAHUNTY Editor-in-Chief

W

hen now-Principal Michelle Dowling first came to Prospect 11 years ago as the Associate Principal for Instruction, she noticed that the administration was having difficulty hearing the concerns of their students.

“We didn’t have iPads back then, so it wasn’t as easy to push out information,” Dowling said.

“Any time we wanted to get information from kids, it was a survey; it was a piece of paper you would write on.”

Because of these growing concerns, the administration formed Principal’s Advisory. Dowling says the club still holds the same purpose now as it did 11 years ago: to give students an easy way to provide the administration with feedback.

For senior Julia Kupperman, these reasons are exactly why she decided to join Principal’s advisory in her junior year.

“Any problems I had, I wanted to make sure they were heard,” Kupperman said. “I wanted to have a voice.”

One issue that Kupperman is particularly adamant about at Principal’s Advisory is the lack of paper student planners. After the school stopped providing them for students, Kupperman made sure that her opinion on the subject was clear. “[The administration] was under the impression that [since] we have the iPads now, we’re more into digital [planning],” Kupperman said. “But when we took a vote, almost everyone in my period

WRITE OFF: Students help each other with essays in the old writing center in the library. After the library became the Knights’ Learning Center, thanks in part to Principal’s Advisory, student tutoring became a larger effort and moved from individual labs out into the main area of the library. (photo courtesy of The Crest) said that we liked [the planners] and wanted to keep them.”

The planners have not been reinstated, but Kupperman is confident her voice has been heard.

Even though she is hopeful for the return of paper planners, Kupperman says being a part of Principal’s Advisory allowed her to understand some of the issues the administration might have with bringing back planners. For example, Kupperman says that bringing back planners would cost a lot of money that the administration might not necessarily want to spend.

“Every day we have Principal’s Advisory, it is reiterated that our opinions matter,” Kupperman said. “They don’t have to hold [Principal’s] advisory, but they do because they want our feedback.

They want to make sure they’re

doing the best for the students and the school.”

According to Dowling, students like Kupperman are exactly the reason she believes her group is valuable for the student body.

For example, before the Knights’ Learning Center (KLC) became what it is now, Dowling says that it was more of a social meeting place for students than a study area.

“The overall vibe [of the library] five years ago was a place for socialization,” Instructional Assistant for Student Services Lauren Collins said. “It was loud, talkative. It was kind of chaotic. [It was] not really a place for learning.”

When students in Principal’s Advisory asked for a quiet study area in the school about five years ago, the library became the KLC.

However, Dowling says the original change wasn’t helpful to students. Students in Principal’s Advisory told her that the new setup was too strict: students couldn’t sit with their friends, it was too quiet, and it took too long to get in and out due to students having to check in and out of the KLC. “We decided to go with the approach of doing that structure and the rigidity with it because it’s hard to get kids to change their routine if they know the library as a place they can go to instead of... the commons,” Collins said. “Kids did not like the first couple weeks where we were asking a lot of questions.”

After the administrators discussed these issues with the students in Principal’s Advisory, the KLC became what it is today.

“Principal’s Advisory gave us a

ton of tips on how to make a program that we thought was a great idea more meaningful to kids,” Dowling said. “We know what we need, but we don’t know what you need.”

According to Kupperman, being a part of Principal’s Advisory gives her an efficient, formal way to present her concerns. Kupperman feels like she might not have this kind of outlet were she not a part of the group.

However, according to Dowling, administration will listen to the concern of any student whether or not they present said concern at Principal’s Advisory. Dowling recalls instances of students walking into her office in the middle of the school day and presenting an idea to her.

“If it’s a great idea, and I think we can do it, and it would benefit our kids and our community, we go at it. Principal’s Advisory just gives a vehicle that’s maybe a little bit easier,” Dowling said. “There are a lot of times when you are all so busy with your school work and activities that you’re not thinking, ‘Oh, I want to go see Dowling and talk about [my concerns].”

Despite this, Dowling encourages any interested student to become a part of Principal’s Advisory.

“We hope that the kids that come to Principal’s Advisory are leaders for the building,” Dowling said. “I want kids who are involved in all different kinds of things to be involved in it because it gives us a better perception of how school’s going for every kind of kid. … If I have 150 kids showing up to Principal’s Advisory, that’s 150 opinions I can get in a very short amount of time. It’s extremely helpful.”

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In-Depth

September 8, 2017

Students Embrace Veganism

BY MANDI HALL Executive Features Editor

W

hen senior Colleen Crosby first thought about what it meant to be a vegan about a year ago, she heard arguments against it. She watched YouTube videos that were critical of a YouTuber, Sorsha, for being a vegan. Her interest piqued, and Crosby began to watch Sorsha’s videos, eventually deciding to go vegan herself despite her former doubts.

“The more I watched [Sorsha], the more I got inspired,” Crosby said.

Vegans are similar to vegetarians in that they don’t eat meat, fish or poultry.

However, vegans go one step further and don’t eat or use products made using animal products such as dairy, eggs or leather. According to The Guardian, veganism has been becoming more and more popular over the past few years, particularly among teens.

Sophomores Maria Neri and Ella Reckamp decided to become vegans after watching a documentary or a YouTube video about how animals are often treated on farms. Reckamp in particular likes to seek out documentaries on Netflix, her first documentary being “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.” “[Documentaries] remind me of the cause that I’m fighting for,” Reckamp said. “It reminds me why I’m vegan, and it gives me more force and makes me want to stay vegan.”

Reckamp, Neri and Crosby can’t stand the thought of animals being harmed, so they want to do their part to protect them.

“Just looking at chicken or beef, I just kind of envision that that was once a living thing and that it had a life before it got killed,” Crosby said.

There are many documentaries and articles that talk about how animals are mistreated on farms. For example, some farm animals have very small and unsanitary living spaces and are sometimes abused by their farmers.

“I just can’t believe that humans would do such a thing to animals,” Neri said. “[Humans look at a dog and say], ‘Oh, it’s so cute; I would never eat it.’

And those same people eat a cow. It’s still an animal.”

Senior Alex Kanter, who is a vegetarian, says she stopped eating meat when she saw a YouTube video of a baby cow getting kicked by a farmer. Neri also says that calves are taken from their mothers so their mothers can be used to produce milk, which is why she chooses to be a vegan over vegetarian.

“When it comes to dairy, there’s still animals being harmed,” Neri said, “and I didn’t feel like I would be content with that, so I had to go all the way.”

According to Crosby and Neri, becoming a vegan is not as easy as flipping a switch. One’s entire diet has to change, which takes both time and dedication.

“If you really want to become vegan, you need to ease into it,” Crosby said. “Obviously if you’re a meat-eater and you want to start becoming vegan, you’re not going to eliminate everything that you can’t eat all at once.”

There are also a lot of medical aspects to consider when becoming a vegan. According to Men’s Health, 91 percent of vegans have to take supplements to ensure they’re getting necessary vitamins, and many struggle with fulfilling their necessary protein intake.

“You have to research,” Neri said.

“You have to know what you’re signing up for, [but] it’s not as hard as it sounds.”

In particular, Crosby talks about a meat replacement called seitan, sometimes referred to as “gluten meat” that she eats on a somewhat regular basis to help her get the protein she needs. Crosby often uses seitan as a meat replacement in an orange chicken recipe.

She also likes “tofurkey” sandwiches; tofurkey is a turkey replacement made from tofu. Neri likes Mexican cuisine and Pad Thai. In fact, both Crosby and Neri enjoy finding new vegan recipes to try.

“It’s fun to find vegan alternatives for something you never thought could be vegan,” Crosby said. “Even finding vegan recipes on Pinterest is fun, or using vegan cookbooks.”

According to Neri, certain aspects of life might become more complicated upon becoming a vegan, such as having family meals or going out to eat.

Neri, Crosby and Reckamp’s families eat a lot of meat, so each had to talk

with their families about their decision to go vegan. But all say their families were generally supportive. Reckamp’s father, who grew up eating a lot of meat, was wary at first, but eventually understood his daughter’s reasoning.

When it comes to watching people eat meat in front of her, Crosby is sometimes bothered by it, though she doesn’t protest.

On the other hand, Neri has accepted that people grow up different ways with different traditions, and for some people it’s very hard to imagine a life without meat.

Neri’s attributes her family’s heavy inclusion of meat in their diets to their Mexican heritage. While her family members haven’t turned vegan themselves, Neri noticed them eating somewhat healthier since she herself became a vegan two years ago. While she’d like to see others become vegan, Neri understands that people have different views on the matter.

“At the end of the day, it’s my life,” Neri said. “And of course I would love to see other people try to not eat animals, but I can’t change their views. So

I’m fine with it.”

According to Neri and Crosby, many people label vegans as people who are over the top about animal rights or that they are very devoted and disciplined people. Neri says that adults often react defensively when she tells them she’s a vegan, and Crosby says she even gets some crude comments about her lifestyle.

“Sometimes [people] say, ‘Oh, I could never be vegan,’ and it kind of bothers me a little bit,” Crosby said. “But I feel like I can’t say anything because that used to be me.”

Restaurants can also be an issue for vegans. Reckamp says that she can usually find something to eat, but sometimes the restaurant’s chef will come out and discuss specific options with her.

But Kanter believes it’s worth the struggle.

“Go for it,” Kanter said. “No matter what, I think it’s a great idea just because I love animals so much, and I think even if it’s one person, it’s changing a life. It’s changing your life.”

Soda Tax Controversy

BY AMANDA STICKELS Online Editor-in-Chief

The Cook County sweetened beverage tax that was instituted on Aug. 2 has been under fire since before it was put into place. After a judge dismissed a lawsuit that blocked the tax for a month, Cook County citizens have paid one cent per ounce on sweetened beverages, according to the Chicago Tribune.

However, the tax may be on its way out already, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture threatened to withhold about 87 million dollars from the Illinois government because the tax violates Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps, rules. It also faces a repeal vote at the Cook County Board meeting on Sept. 13.

Social science teacher Christine Stanford criticizes the tax for its inconsistencies, as the tax not only affects soda but also any non-alcoholic beverages that are either sugared or artificially sweetened, which includes sports drinks, any juices that are not 100 percent fruit juice and lemonade that contains sugar.

The government claims that it is for health reasons, but Stanford says that this can be seen as inconsistent because some of the taxed beverages are not unhealthy. Stanford cited that many people drink gatorade while exercising and that the tax also includes diet sodas.

According to illinoispolicy.org, 87 percent of Cook County residents disapprove of the tax and 80 percent believe that it is a cash grab created to raise money rather than to improve public health.

Even Prospect has felt the effects of the sweetened beverage tax, as the prices of drinks in the vending machines and cafeteria have risen. Prospect also had to pay extra in taxes while buying drinks for concessions during the Bears’ practice in August.

Stanford plans to discuss the tax with her AP Economics class during their supply and demand unit, where she will use it as an example of an excise tax, which is a tax on a specific product.

September 8, 2017

er Wh

t? Staf Prospec t a ed s llow e rule a y h l t l es ua act iscuss d o d fo e is

BY MANDI HALL Executive Features Editor

Allergies According to science teacher Deb Conners, allergies are always a problem when it comes to having food in the classrooms. Certain kids can’t be in the room with specific foods, and it makes allowing food in the classrooms a more complicated issue than it appears. Even if no students in the classroom during a certain time don’t have allergies, it is impossible to know if another kid who has an allergy will be in the classroom later in the day.

“I know we can’t put [students with food allergies] in a bubble,” Conners said. “But at least I can control my classroom and know that I’m trying to give them a safe environment if everybody agrees there’s no food.”

In the classroom While the rule is technically that no food is allowed in the classroom, Dean of Students Mark Taylor sympathizes with students who like to snack during the day.

Cleanliness English teacher Elizabeth Joiner usually allows food, so long as her students respect any allergy issue and clean up. However, she is very careful to keep her room clean to avoid mice and cockroaches.

“I get the fact that the day is long,” Taylor said. “Our lunch periods start a little later and a little later. A lot of kids get up and don’t eat breakfast, so it’s a difficult [issue]. I usually don’t eat lunch during the day, but I’ll snack.”

“I think for students [eating helps] to maintain alertness and to be comfortable,” Joiner said. “Sometimes it’s healthy to have a small, clean [snack]. ... I think your brain needs to have nutrition, and our schedules are sometimes as such where you’re eating once after five hours, and you need to eat something.”

Knights’ Way

Commons According to Dean of Students Mark Taylor, after the commons were remodeled in the summer of 2015, Prospect decided to give students a “test run” to see if they could allow food in the new commons. Because of the new carpet, padded seats and a multitude of chairs and tables in the new edition of the commons, the custodians had a hard time cleaning up trash and spills left by students. However, since many students still left their trash from food, this year administration had to be firm on the rule of “no food in the commons.”

It was also announced that in this coming school year, Knights’ Way leaders have been asked to not bring food to their classrooms on Knights’ Way days. The request came from administration.

“Knights’ Way is not about food,” Assistant Principal Frank Mirandola said. “Knights’ Way is about developing a culture. Knights’ Way is about students leaders, and Knights’ Way is about building a better Prospect each year, and food doesn’t really fit any way into that.”

In-Depth

7

8

New Teachers

September 8, 2017

prospectornow.com

Great start for Gibbel

Cirrincione teaches, travels

BY AYSE ELDES Copy Editor

BY AMANDA STICKELS Online Editor-in-Chief

N

ever in a million years did Prospect’s new Spanish teacher Christopher Cirrincione think he would be a high school teacher. Although he knew he wanted to work with kids, it wasn’t until high school that he decided on teaching in that setting, where he could specialize teaching in his favorite subjects: history and Spanish. “[I enjoy teaching because] I get to see a bunch of students and share something I’m really interested in and very passionate about,” Cirrincione said.

Now teaching Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 at Prospect, Cirrincione is in his third year of teaching. He continues to coach the congressional debate team at Elk Grove High School, where he previously taught World History, Human Geography, U.S. History and Spanish.

Although he later pursued Spanish after studying abroad in Spain, Cirrincione’s interest and focus in college was in European history. He often connects his passion for history to his Spanish classes by giving historical backgrounds to cultural lessons they have.

When a teacher strongly recommended adding Spanish to his college experience, Cirrincione was changed by the six-months studying abroad. Already fluent in Italian, he took Spanish classes and earned his Spanish teaching certificate while staying with a host family in Spain. Currently, he is working toward his master’s degree in Spanish education. The experience also continued his love of travel, which has now taken him to 27 countries in total, having visited all continents other than Af- r i c a and Australia.

Cirrincione caught

After graduating from Prospect in 2007, Special Education teacher Lindsay Gibbel knew she wanted to be a teacher. Gibbel participated in the Education Academy as a student, which allowed her some experience in teaching at local middle schools. This class evoked her love of teaching and, 10 years later, inspired her to return to Prospect as a teacher.

“I had a great experience here while I was a student,” Gibbel said. “ I had great teachers while I was here. It was a fun experience … so I wanted to contribute back to the school.”

Not only is she contributing back to the school as a teacher, but Gibbel also coaches tennis, basketball and badminton — all of which she participated and had success in as a student. During her time at Prospect, she helped the tennis team win a sectional title, became an all-conference and all-area basketball player and won the state championship in badminton singles.

Now as a teacher, she works with some of her former coaches and teachers, who Gibbel said have been role models to her. She is excited to pass on to her students the values and positive experiences they have given her.

“This is where my home is,” Gibbel said.

“I have so much pride for this town and this school, everything about it, the kids that are here and the staff here. I had the opportunity to come back and apply for a position, and it was a no brainer.”

GONE GLOBAL: Cirrincione takes a selfie with his family in Greece during a trip in 2015. He has now been to 27 countries. “I do love a good selfie stick,” Cirrincione said. the “travel bug” in high school when he joined a travel group for a five-week trip to Eastern Europe. His favorite countries to visit are Spain and Italy, primarily because he can speak the languages. In addition, Cirrincione enjoys visiting family in Italy, describing it as “a little bit like going home.”

Cirrincione also brings his love of travel into the classroom by bringing pictures and videos from countries he teaches about, such as Peru and Machu Picchu. Currently, Cirrincione’s favorite thing to do when traveling is trying new food. He recently traveled with his family to Prague over the summer, where they tried a cuisine presentation with different courses of food.

“I like that there’s always something new to do and something to find,” Cirrincione said. “If you don’t travel, it’s harder to get out of your bubble.

When you travel you force yourself out of your bubble, and you try different activities and foods and you meet different people.”

In addition to his peculiar Diet Coke addiction, Cirrincione’s color-coded teaching system gains attention from coworkers and students. Each course has a different color assigned, and each unit has a different title font and color. Cirrincione has his students adjust their folder colors in Notability according to his color system.

So far, the beginning of the year has gone smoothly. Cirrincione highlights a notable first impression from Prospect as a whole.

“When this opportunity came up, I was very excited for the ability to come here,” Cirrincione said. “It’s been an easy transition because of that. Not only that, but the students are so nice, flexible when I’m s t i l l learning the ins and outs of Prospect. It’s really been great.”

Tole talks love of math

BY AYSE ELDES Copy Editor

is nish teacher Chr FUN FACT: Spa eon the U of I Hom Cirrincione was r. senior yea coming Court his

ROME: 2016

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Baker roams back to Prospect halls

BY NICHOLES SCHAUER Executive Visuals Editor Life Studies teacher Marie Baker grew up with and graduated from the same elementary and high schools as Lindsay Gibbel, Scott Winters and Robert Riebel: all three of which are also members of Prospect’s teaching staff.

A 2006 graduate of Prospect High School, Baker will be joining the teaching staff of Prospect for the 2017-18 school year. This

Nelleson back in choir room

BY NICHOLAS EGEA News Editor Choir director Jeffrey Nelleson returned to what made his own experience at Prospect unforgettable: show choir, various musicals, drumline, orchesis and a play. He attributes his ability to connect to his students to his past experience in the same activities.

After Prospect, Nelleson studied Music Education at the University of Illinois before beginning his teaching career at Addison Trail High School.

Nelleson still teaches at Addison Trail but comes to Prospect after school to direct the choir.

The beginning of his Prospect involvement had been better than he expected. Nelleson feels at home when he steps into the band hallway.

“It has always been my dream to be a show choir director,” Nelleson said. “Having the same passion as the kids always helps.”

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will be the sixth year of her teaching career.

Baker graduated from Eastern Illinois University, a school which she attended for their coveted basketball program. Certified in Consumer Sciences, Baker will be teaching Foods 1 and Foods 2 as well as co-sponsoring FCCLA with Amy Collins and coaching girls’ basketball. It was Baker’s own Prospect teachers that inspired her to pursue a career as a high school educator.

Baker spends time outside the classroom traveling and has seen a long list of distant places such as Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, Paris and London. She’s excited for her first year.

“I had such great experiences with them,” Baker said. “I think it’s going to be a great year.”

Irish dancing has topped the list of unique talents for math teacher Katina Tole, who has Irish danced for 17 years. Starting at five years old, Tole continued to dance in college and after graduating from Loyola in 2016, she didn’t want to take any chances. After assistant teaching in Niles last year, she applied to as many openings she could find. Her interest in teaching began in sixth grade, when she was inspired by her math teacher’s ability to connect class material to the real world. Tole is now teaching math at Prospect, where she is also assistant coaching Orchesis and dance team.

“Once I got into [Prospect’s] atmosphere I just love how it was very close and everyone cared. … It’s a team effort,” Tole said.

Prospect High School welcomed a total of 19 new additions to staff this year. To read more about our new staff, go to...

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

Rebecca Schilz becomes third girls’ athletic director in school history.

To read more, turn to...

Page 11

Science classes welcome Mathews

BY NICHOLES SCHAUER Executive Visuals Editor Although new to Prospect High School for the 2017-18 school year, science teacher Geraldine Mathews has been teaching for 13 years. For 11 of them, Mathews had taught at Palestine High School and Francis Parker Middle School, Chicago. After taking a break from teaching for six years, she became a resource assistant at Wheeling High School. This year, Mathews will

return to the classroom once again.

Mathews first majored in chemistry and aspired to do environmental work.

However, in her junior year, she began tutoring middle school students and discovered a hidden passion for the art of teaching.

“I really liked helping them see what was going on in science and seeing that light bulb all of a sudden go off in their brain,” Mathews said.

In 1998, Mathews went on to earn a teaching degree at Northwestern Universi-

ty, a school which she attended due to its unique study of both the urban and suburban teaching environments. Mathews will be teaching Physics and Chemistry at Prospect.

Outside of the classroom Mathews enjoys reading, dance classes, yoga and spending time with her family. She also resides within the Prospect area.

“If you see me at Costco or Target, don’t be afraid to say ‘hi,’” Mathews said.

prospectornow.com

September 8, 2017

Senior adapts to new school, environment

Features

9

New student moves from Greece to Mt. Prospect, learns to balance old life back home and new life in United States George and Niki. Zois, on the othters nearby, and everything is er hand, has American citizenship within a very short distance, so but won’t be able to reconnect with we like it very much. We’re very his parents and Niki until next close to the highways, we’re very Tears fell like water breaking summer because of his enrollment close to the airport, so I think [Mt. through a dam. Senior Niki Lazar- in the military.

Prospect’s] one of the best places to is’s lips trembled as she said goodKalliopi had already visited travel to.” bye to her family at the airport in Mt. Prospect back in June with Since George and Niki arrived Athens, Greece. Niki’s mom, Kalli- George when they were looking in mid-July, there was plenty of opi Lazaris, for a house, time to go out and explore their also crying, so she will new town. held her already be They took multiple trips to Chidaughter, somewhat cago and drove around Schaumwishing she familiar burg, Oakbrook and Rosemont to never had with the see what it was like. to let go as area when On Aug. 16, Niki got the chance she sent she comes to experience her first day as a seher daughin Septemnior at Prospect High School. Yet, ter halfway ber.

Niki, from the moment she pulled up, it across the however, was already completely different world. didn’t come than her old school back in Greece.

Niki’s to Mount Prospect and didn’t “It’s weird when you don’t know brother, 18-year-old Zois, her know what to expect the environanyone in such a big school,” Niki grandparents, uncle, and 5-year- ment to be like what she has seen said. “It’s exciting, but [it makes old poodle Jojo said goodbye too, in movies. me] nervous at the same time.” before 17-year-old Niki and her Luckily for Niki, Mt. Prospect As the day continued, she realdad, George Lazaris, became faces is just like any other ized that the facilities in the sea of other travelers, all set town seen in movies and organization of for different destinations. set in America accordthe school were differ“I was feeling really excited being to her. ent too. There are a cause I really love travelling and I With every house lot more clubs and aclove airplanes,” Niki said. “It was made of different mativities students could my first big trip out of Europe, but terials and having a participate at Prospect.

I [also felt] sadness because I had to front lawn, it was very The classes were even say goodbye to everyone I love.” unusual for Niki. In different.

George and Niki came to the Greece, every house In Greece, the stuNIKI LAZARIS United States on July 15, 2017 be- was made of cement dents stay in one room cause of Epiros USA, a Feta cheese and bricks and there while the teachers importing company for which weren’t many front would move from class Niki Lazaris George works. lawns. George and Kallito class. Because the stuEven though the family said opi decided on a three-story yellow dents stay put, classes would stay goodbye back at the airport in house in Mt. Prospect, which is in with each other the whole day and Greece, it didn’t mean it’d be the a convenient location for all three were all the same age. Students last time they would be together. of them. would also stay after school for Due to not having American citi“We liked it very much, very, extra lessons in Greece, whereas zenship, Kalliopi will have to wait very much,” George said. “We many students at Prospect do not . until September to move in with have a couple of commercial cenBecause Niki is a senior, she noticed lots of differences between Senior Career Paths in Greece seniors here and seniors in Greece.

Seniors in Greece choose from a list of career paths like the For seniors in Greece, there are one listed below for what they want to pursue in their life. Once four different pathways a senior the career path has been chosen, the senior then takes the redecides to take depending on what quired classes which they are then tested on at the end of the they want to study in university, year to be accepted into universities. which is college in Greece.

They can either take a path in CAREER COURSES mathematics, psychology, economics or to be a doctor.

Math, Physics, Chemistry For each pathway, the senior Mathematicians has to take certain classes and at the end of the year, the senior Ancient Greek, Latin, History Psychologists takes an exam based on the specific classes he or she had taken.

Physics, Biology, Chemistry Doctors Universities then accept students based on their performance Math, Theory of Economics, Economics on that exam. Colleges in the UnitComputer Science ed States accept students based on

BY MACKENZIE NOELLE Features Editor

“I had to say goodbye to my friends and family one more time and this time was more difficult because it’s so far,” Niki said. “It was so hard.”

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Junior Shawn Wagner The Boyfriend

Junior Molly McDermott The Subject

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UNKNOWN TERRITORY: Senior Niki Lazaris walks through Prospect’s hallway going from class to class. Four months ago, she was walking through her school back in Greece before she to Mount Prospect in July. (photo by Mackenzie Noelle) their GPA and standardized tests.

“I speak English, but not at the level to go to school; I’m struggling a little bit to follow the contemporary leads because I can’t express [my thoughts and feelings] the way I want to,” Niki said. “The most difficult thing is being away from your friends and family.”

The Lazaris family already went through a move when they lived in Cyprus for four years.

In Cyprus, Niki met her best friend, Eleni, with whom she talks every day. Next summer, though, she plans on returning to Europe

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for a visit and to meet up with Eleni.

Between the twists and turns of moving, Niki has experienced many emotions.

From nervousness to excitement to every other emotion, it has been a ride like no other.

Although she’s excited for her year at Prospect, a part of her will always stay in Europe.

“I had to say goodbye to my friends and family one more time and this time was more difficult because it’s so far,” Niki said. “It was so hard.”

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Entertainment

September 8, 2017

prospectornow.com

Students, teachers reflect on summer books the years. The list used to be four novels and background work. Now it is some mythological and Biblical excerpts, one novel and a t was a perfect day for senior Alyssa Shakespearean tragedy.

O’Connell at Myrtle Beach, South Kruse said that the reason she gives the Carolina. On a sunny, 80 degree day, particular summer reading books is because O’Connell opened the Shakespearean trage- of their usefulness for the AP test in the dy Othello to enjoy in the slight breeze. spring. In addition, she believes it would be Othello was part O’Connell’s summer extremely difficult to fit these readings in reading for AP Literature. The class had to throughout the year due to time constraints. read excerpts from the Bible, “Mythology” Required reading during the year also

by Edith Hamilton and one out of six novels may not be a bad thing for some students. of choice.

Junior Emma Eggebrecht does not mind asO’Connell finished Othello in South Car- signed books because she doesn’t think she olina and completed the rest of her readwould have time to read otherwise. Howeving requirements er, since required throughout the reading usually course of the sumcomes with annotaA Prospect Favorite: The mer. tions, she does preGreat Gatsby “ [ R e a d i n g fer reading without during vacation] doing classwork actually worked because she finds it According to the Center for Learnout because I remore enjoyable. ing and Teaching of Literature, “The ally like reading Like EggeGreat Gatsby” is the ninth most widely brecht, senior Piotr Shakespeare, and it taught book in high schools. At Proswas fine because I Klos believes annothought it was easy pect, it has been part of the curriculum tations bring down to read and kind the level of enjoyfor longer than the 16 years English of fun,” O’Connell ment in a book. He teacher Michael Andrews has been said. sees consistently teaching at Prospect. In fact, it is AnH o w e v e r , stopping to annodrews’s favorite book that he teaches.

O’Connell and her tate interrupts a “It never gets tiresome,” Andrews friends’ initial reacreader’s tempo, in said. “I’ve taught it so many times. I tion to the reading turn taking away list was very differpractically have the book memorized. from the book. ent.

However, acAnd every time I teach it, it’s a dif“When we saw cording to English ferent experience because a different the list last year, I teacher Michael group of students will bring something think all of us said Andrews, there are else to it that I had never considered.” to ourselves, ‘OK, very beneficial efAccording to Andrews, the reasons why did we sign up fects of annotating. why “The Great Gatsby” has been part for AP Lit?’” O’ConAndrews undernell said. “Like of the curriculum for so long is bestands that the exmost of the kids perience of a book cause of its timeless themes, relevance in that class liked could get bogged to American history and quality of to read, but at the down with over-anwriting and imagery. same time we were notating instead of like, ‘We are just usfreely reacting to ing our summers to what you are readread four books.’” ing. But he finds it very important to teach Students have different opinions about annotation skills since they can be used to whether or not required readings during jog a student’s memory regarding what they the year and summer are enjoyable. Some have read the night before. This way, readalso disagree on whether the workload ing is more than “letting your eyeballs go that comes with these books are necessary. over the words,” as Andrews puts it.

Sometimes, curricula can be changed and Choosing books is not just up to individexcessive amounts of assigned work gets cut ual teachers. According to Andrews, alll down.

Prospect English teachers are part their According to AP Literature teacher Karown Professional Learning Communities en Kruse, the curriculum’s summer reading (PLC) team. These groups discuss what they list has actually been cut down throughout want to emphasize in classroom lessons and

BY GRACE GIVAN Executive Entertainment Editor

I

Go To Propspectornow.com to read the first installment of the prospector's comic strip

READING AT THE BEACH: Senior Alyssa O’Connell does her summer reading on vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Many highschools require students to read Shakespeare, with three of the five most popular required reads being Shakespeare plays, According to the Center of learning and Teaching Literature . “Reading during vacation actuaally worked out because I really like reading Shakespeare,” O’Connell said. (Photo courtesy of Alyssa O ‘Connell) decide on what books to teach. The College Board is also a factor for teachers like Andrews to cater their lessons around. According to Andrews, the teachers end up setting up objectives as a whole, but they go about them individually in other ways such as giving different reading quizzes and posing different questions in class.

According to Andrews, there is sometimes even a need to reverse what the PLC has decided in the past and change the books in the curriculum.

“Maybe you are not seeing the success level that you want,” Andrews said. “Maybe you have some other ideas and want to try something else to see if it works better.”

For example, last year Andrews was plan-

ning to study “The Crucible” in class, but decided to read “Of Mice and Men” because it was a better fit for the aftermath of “The Great Gatsby.”

“Books are a way into empathy,” Andrews said. “You spend a lot of time in other people’s shoes, you consider points of view that are unfamiliar … and you’re able to see things in a broader point of view.”

Q: What is your favorite form of artwork?

A: I like realisic art and more cartoony art.

Q:What do you like about art?

A: It can give you a freeedom of expression in a way that you can’t really get when talking to someone ... you know people say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Q: Is art only for talented people?

JenniferDeSalvo-Sophmore

A: I think anyone can do art. I mean, you look at modern art; that doesn’t take a lot of skill. You just pick a couple colors and put shapes on a page. It’s an expression of your emotions and how you feel, and you can do that in any way.

prospectornow.com

September 8, 2017

Sports

11

Girls’ golf hits early season success

BY WYATT DOJUTREK Executive Online Sports Editor

O

n the seventh hole at the Palatine Hills Golf Course on Aug. 19, junior Amanda Stein hit her tee shot that bounced on the green and ended up rolling into the hole.

This was the second hole-in-one that a Prospect golfer hit under the leadership of head coach Jim Hamann.

The other one was hit in 2006 by then-senior Samantha Polanzi.

Hamann thinks that this is a moment the girls will cherish forever.

“It was truly incredible to see,” Hamann said. “I don’t think these girls should ever forget the moment where one of their teammates hit a hole-in-one.”

The Knights are currently 3-1 in the MSL with wins at Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove and against Lyons Township at Cog Hill Golf Course.

Hamann believes that the Aug. 29 match against Buffalo Grove was important for the development of the team.

“That was a big win for us last week,” Hamann said. “ I think that [sophomore] Kelly [Kavanagh] and [junior] Emily [Fleming] played really well, so that was big for us.”

Senior Margherite Pettenuzzo shot a 41 while Stein and Fleming earned a 42 to help the Knights get their third win of the year.

Hamann thinks that the previous meets at Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove and Lemont allowed the Knights to grow as a team.

“I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth,” Hamann said. “We played really well, scoring a 315 against Lyons Township.

That’s really good for us because it is showing the potential we have as a team, knowing the lack of playing during the summer months.”

Hamann believes that Pettenuzzo, Kavanagh and Fleming have been the team’s leaders throughout the year.

“Those are girls who we know are going to score well for us,” Hamann said. “They lead by example no matter if they had a good round or a bad round.”

While Hamann knows the top players in his lineup are the team’s strength, he also thinks that every golfer on the team’s attitude adds another strength.

“This team is just a really fun team to be around in general,” Hamann said. “It is truly a joy to coach each and every one of them every single day.”

Hamann believes that the team could still improve on their scoring, especially before the state tournament which CHIP: Senior Allison Buck takes a shot on begins on Oct. 13 in Decatur. the driving range at the Mount Prospect While the team will lean on their top Golf Course. (photo by Erik Velazquez) players, Hamann thinks it is important for the team to play well top to bottom. opposed to them just watching the varsity The team finished ninth in the 2016 state team as a member on junior varsity.” tournament last year, with 2017 graduate Even with all of the new golfers on the Kate Ponzi placing fourteenth with a score team this season, Hamann remains confiof 151. dent thinking Last season’s ninth that this group Hoffman Estates Invite place finish was the of girls can Results Aug. 29 Knight’s first appearfind success in ance in the state tourthe postseason nament since the 2014 meets.

• Team Total- 162 season, when the team “I think that • Sophomore Kelly Kavanagh- 36 finished fifth in the state these girls can • Senior Margherite Pettenuzzo- 41 of Illinois. definitely com• Junior Emily Fleming- 42 Hamann thinks that pete at the state • Junior Amanda Stein- 43 many of the new playtournament,” ers on this year’s team Hamann said. can help the team return “We definitely back to the state tournament in October. have the talent, our team has the grit and the “The underclassmen so far have played work ethic, so I think we can compete there, really well,” Hamann said. “I still think they and hopefully the girls think so too.” are adjusting to playing on the varsity level,

“This team is just a really fun team to be around in general. It is truly a joy to coach each and every one of them every single day.”

- Jim Hamann, Girls’ golf coach

OUT OF THE SAND: Senior Taylor Chantry hits a shot out of the sand during practice at the Mount Prospect Golf Course. The girls’ golf team is 3-1 in conference. (photo by Erik Velazquez)

Schilz becomes Prospect’s third girls’ athletic director

BY WYATT DOJUTREK Executive Online Sports Editor When Prospect girls’ athletic director Rebecca Schilz walked into Prospect for her first interview, she felt something that made her feel right at home.

“Prospect was just so welcoming,” Schilz said. “Whether it was administration, colleagues, teachers or students, it has felt like I have been here for the past ten years.”

Schilz comes to Prospect after spending 13 years as a physical education teacher and head girls’ golf coach at Lakes High School in Lake Villa, Illinois.

Schilz was also the assistant spring athletic director at Lakes.

Schilz replaced Jean Rezny, who retired at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.

Schilz only becomes the third ever girls’ athletic director in Prospect’s 60 year history.

Prospect’s other two girls’ athletic directors were Rezny and Jean Walker.

Walker had the fieldhouse dedicated to her in 2007.

Schilz was able to meet Walker last year.

“When I met [Walker], it was great to be able to put a face to the name,” Schilz said.

“She is pretty legendary around here, and she gave a lot of time into girls athletics.

Schilz thought Rezny was a great teacher, especially during the time when Schilz began her role as girls’ athletic director during the summer.

“Rezny did a really nice job helping me transition into the role,” Schilz said. “We had a lot of thorough conversations when she told me how she said things to people, and how she ran the program.”

According to Schilz, some of the challenges of her new job include developing relationships with not only the students, but the coaches, parents and communities of Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights.

Boys’ athletic director Tom Martindale believes that using the most of an athletic director’s free time you get is a critical skill when becoming an athletic director full time.

“Time management as an athletic director is definitely a challenge,” Martindale said.

“Because in this job there are things that just come and you didn’t know about before.”

Schilz has also developed a lot of critical knowledge from Martindale.

Schilz credits Martindale for being her teacher throughout the transition.

“I came in a lot over the summer to spend time with the girls’ golf team, and I already consider [Martindale] a really close friend,” Schilz said. “He hasn’t only taught me the ins and outs of the job, but also the managerial parts like scheduling, as well as balancing my workload, and making sure I’m spending time with all the teams in our athletic department.”

According to Martindale, he has taught

“Prospect was just so welcoming. Whether it was administration, colleagues, teachers, or students, it has felt like I have been here for the past ten years.”

- Rebecca Schilz Girls’ Athletic Director

Schilz the basics of the job by answering her questions and teaching her how to operate in Prospect as well as in the Mid Suburban League, and the IHSA. Martindale was among the first people to be able to meet Schilz during her interview process.

According to Martindale, the process in hiring a new girls’ athletic director included having a committee who would interview many qualified individuals.

This led to the final decision which was made by Principal Michelle Dowling and Assistant Principal Frank Mirandola.

Martindale liked what he saw from Schilz in terms of her preparedness for her first interview in attempting to become the new Prospect girls’ athletic director.

“She is a dedicated professional,” Martindale said. “She wants to do the best for this school, for her students and for the community.”

Martindale also thinks that besides a level of preparedness, Schilz brings another special quality an athletic director should have.

“She brings passion for what she does,” Martindale said. “I think she brings a lot of positive energy to girls’ athletics, and [she’s] someone who really loves working with young people.”

Along with her responsibilities as athletic director, Schilz continues to teach physical education, and is the assistant girls’ golf coach under head coach Jim Hamann.

“I’ve known Hamann for eight years,” Schilz said. “One of the things I always remember about the Prospect girls’ golf program is that they were always great sports and just good people in general.”

Even though Schilz has only been in charge of girls’ athletics for a few months, she is impressed with what she has seen so far.

“I think we have a really solid foundation at Prospect,” Schilz said. “We have some really good coaches. And we also have some really good new hires. ... I’m happy to be a part of the beginning of their careers.”

Schilz also wants to be there for the

NEW BOSS IN TOWN: Prospect welcomed new girls’ athletic director Rebecca Schilz. “I think we have a really solid foundation at Prospect,” Schilz said. “We have some really good coaches. And we also have some really good new hires. ...

I’m happy to be a part of the beginning of their careers.” (photo by Wyatt Dojutrek) coaches and players on each team as well.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to know each team and each girl who plays on that team,” Schilz said. “I know that all of these relationships develop over time, and I know that developing relationships with other athletes is part of my job.”

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Boys’ golf focuses on consistency

BY ANTHONY SANTANGELO Sports Editor

T

alent has been a major part of the boys’ golf program, producing state caliber players in former golfers Nick Tenuta and Robert Garmoe.

Tenuta placed third out of 112 golfers at state last year. With the graduation of these players, the team has had to fill very big shoes.

Juniors Jack Knott, Charlie Busch and senior Josh Kern have been the perfect fit.

Busch is the only returning player in the conference who qualified for state last year.

Varsity coach Tom Martindale agrees that the team has a new identity without these key players.

“It’s a lot different,” Martindale said. “It makes you reflect a little bit back and go, ‘Wow who were they and what did they do,’ and you shake your head. But in the same breath you [have] got to move on [to the] next play. We have moved different people into leadership roles. We are forming a new identity and it is one that is going to be good, it’s just different.”

The team has been able to put up with tough competition in teams like Glenbrook North, New Trier, Palatine and Barrington.

“In the meets so far, our meet at Glenbrook North at Sportsman Country Club, we played really well,” Knott said. “We bounced back from a rough day at Rolling Green. … The best part about our team is that everybody chips in here and there.”

At the Palatine invite on Aug. 24, the team tied Barrington at 161 and beat Palatine 161-173.

Senior Riley Kingston led the Knights with a score of 39, followed

by Knott and junior John Cantieri with 40.

“Day to day consistency and performance [is what we need to work on],” Martindale said. “To not fluctuate and go 78, 88. Somewhere 78, 82. [We put emphasis on] being very consistent within your own individual ability. We will get better if we do that. … What we are really looking for is each individual player to be consistent in their

SHORT GAME: Junior Jack Knott putts at Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estates on Aug. 29. Our goal is always just to stay positive and focus on the next task at hand,” Knott said. “I think we have a lot of energy and [the] ability to put our poor days behind us.” (photo by Erik Velazquez) performance when it counts.”

On Aug. 19 the team lost to New Trier by only six strokes.

Even though it was a slow start for the team on the front nine, they composed themselves to keep the score reasonable, which showed character, according to Charlie Busch.

Senior Nate Dunker was able to shoot a personal best of 76, while Busch produced a score of 77.

Knott, Busch and Dunker have continued to be the cream of the crop.

One of the first tournaments the

team participated in was a varsity combined with JV competition.

They ended the day at third place out of 10 teams.

Busch and sophomore Dylan Norton won the tournament along with Knott and sophomore Sam Ergastolo, earning a medal.

Martindale believes that working hard week by week will allow the team to do well once the playoffs start to come around.

“What we are trying to do is not get a big picture like we [have] got to [accomplish] this,” Martindale said. “It’s more like we are taking

Q. what do they contribute to the team?

[our goals] incrementally, so our goal is to try to get better every week, so by the time we get to the conference meet we’re better.”

The main struggle right now for the team is the lack of experience.

Due to the loss of many seniors, the team’s younger core has had to step up and allow the depth of the team to develop.

“We need to get more comfortable on the golf course,” Busch said. “I think we will piece it all together.”

Busch practices about two hours a day to become a consistent player and his hopes are to eventually play at the college level.

This allows Busch to be ahead of most people in the conference.

Last year Busch was named an All-Conference player.

This summer he placed first in a tournament at Palatine Hills through the Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA).

“Most of the people on the team are not playing bad, but we are just not playing where we should be,” Busch said. “I think the more and more we play the better we will get.”

A couple of notable additions to this team have created the urgency for players to try to show they can contribute to the varsity roster. “[I think that] Josh Kern is unique,” Martindale said. “[He’s a] guy who played football and now it’s his second year playing golf. [It’s] unique that we have two junior captains and a senior captain… Josh his only second year, [Junior Tyler] Preissing’s first year. The juniors are outnumbering the seniors.”

Even though inexperience is something that could weigh down the team, it doesn’t keep them from staying together and playing their best.

“Our goal is always just to stay positive and focus on the next task at hand,” Knott said. “ I think we have a lot of energy and [the] ability to put poor days behind us. Even if we don’t play well and we pick up a win, it’s still a win. That’s a big strength, our energy and unity as a team.”

Junior nets first ever hole in one

BY ANTHONY SANTANGELO Sports Editor On Aug. 19 the varsity girls’ golf team was going through a regular practice round at Palatine Hills Golf Course.

As junior Amanda Stein and other teammates approached the seventh hole, the team was conversing about people they know who have gotten hole in ones.

“I was saying my dad has had [a hole in one] and [varsity coach Jim Hamann] said that he had [a hole in one],” Stein said.

“I swung and [the ball] went up in the air and [Hamann] said, ‘nice shot’ and it hit the green and then it rolled in. I was playing with three other girls… and my coach was watching too so we all saw it go in.”

The team is looking solid this year with a record of 4-1.

They only lost to Loyola Academy by six stroke.

Stein shot a 40 at Palatine Hills on Aug. 24 which contributed greatly towards the blowout win against Palatine 164-203..

“Allison Buck and Taylor Gentri asked me if I ever had a hole in one,” Hamaan said. “I said yes I have had one… and the very next shot was [Stein] and she hit a really good one. “it bounced right next to the pin, rolled right into the hole, and we just went crazy. It’s an awesome accomplishment. It couldn’t happen to a better girl and it was fun for the whole team, not just [Stein].”

Who are the team’s impact players and

A.

[Senior] Kevin Shane is our goalie. He’s our wall in the net and he contributes by playing well, blocking shots and controlling the game from the back. I would also say [junior] Tengis Tulga. He’s our center defender, he really controls everything that is in front of him, so he’s big for us.

Q. What are your goals for the season? are looking to win the [MSL] East.

A.Q.We That is our main goal this year, and

everything after that we just [have] got to come to play.

Q.A.What game did the team play well all around in?

The second half of our game against

South. The first half wasn’t A. Glenbrook bad, we were down a goal, but we came back in the second half and played our game and came out with the victory.

Aaron Whiteman Year: Senior Sport: Soccer

are the team’s strengths?

Q. What Our strong bond. Our chemistry is realgood. We have a strong attack, solid and a solid goalie so all around A. lydefense, the field we are pretty solid. can the team do to improve the Q. What rest of the season?

A.

I think we can improve by communicating better on the field and also by playing our game during games, not the way other teams play. That’s more of an in game adjustment, but we just [have] got to play our game as the game goes on, go with the flow.