Issue 6 21-22

THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

VOLUME 61, ISSUE 6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

Supporting Ukraine

Subhead this is a

Prospect community comes together to aid Ukrainians ALYSSA SCHULZ through donation Editor-in-Chief ALYSSA SCHULZ Editor-in-Chief

P

sychology teacher Emily Snyder was driving past the Ukrainian Center in Palatine as she does on her way to and from Prospect every weekday when she decided to stop inside.

Although Snyder had no ties to Ukraine, nor did she know anything about the center, she nonetheless felt “compelled” to go inside.

“It was definitely a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Snyder said. “I [wanted] to do something to help, even if it was as simple as donate[ing] money.”

A woman at the center told Snyder that they were hosting a medical supply drive on March 5, and suggested that Snyder collect supplies from her classroom, which Snyder immediately agreed to.

“She asked me if she could give me a hug,” Snyder said. “She was just so … moved by how much community support that they had experienced.”

Although Russia invaded Ukraine nearly two months ago on Feb. 24, many people in the Prospect community have shown support for those affected. This includes anything from simply showing support by flying Ukrainian flags to donating items like Snyder.

Snyder was impressed by all the staff and student donations that were collected in just one week, and when she drove to drop off the donations at the Ukrainian center she stated that the supplies “filled the entire back of her Pilot.”

Senior Grace Behles, who donated hydrogen peroxide, surgical masks, Neosporin, Band-Aids and gauze, contributed to the drive because she wanted to donate to an organization that she knew would go directly to help Ukrainians.

“As I was donating the bags [of medical supplies], I realized that this is really going to help,” Behles said. “Maybe not like a dozen people, but it still could help quite a few. It’s just nice to know that I’ve made an impact, even if it’s not a super large one.”

According to US History and AP US History teacher Mike Sebastyen, a large reason why the Prospect community, and Americans in general, have been so supportive of Ukrainians during the war is because of the American public’s knowledge of the Cold War. SEE UKRAINE ON PAGE 2

photo illustration by Bella Brouilette and Alyssa Schulz

What’s inside?

Opinion

INDEPTH

ENTERTAINMENT

Sports

Knight Media Staff discusses suicide prevention, mental health action (page 4)

gender identity struggles, new flordia law makes future unsure (Pages 6 & 7)

video game movie adaptations make progress, still have further to go (Page 9)

top five underdog moments in prospect sports history (page 12)

2

NEWS

APRIL 20, 2022

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

Sophomores dodge parking pass DEAN CARLSON News Reporter *names changed for confidentiality

S

ophomore *Allie Letchim was parked in the back of the Prospect parking lot after her classes, just like any typical day. However, her day diverged from its normal path when she found a parking violation pinned to her car. Letchim was not alone, as many other sophomores received parking violations for breaking the rules and parking in the back lot.

Letchim’s continued parking in the lot led to Dean Nicholas Olson finding her car and giving her a slip of paper as a warning, also known as a violation, which offers a list of possible offenses that can be checked off.

From the start of the year, Letchim has received two violations in total.

“There wasn’t any fee or anything; it was just a paper,” Letchim said. “It honestly didn’t bother me that much because it was just a warning. It wasn’t like I was actually in trouble.”

An email sent to the student body clarified that sophomores have never been eligible to park in the PHS parking lot. Because of the demand for parking passes, they were only sold at the beginning of the year to juniors and seniors. Later, at the beginning of second semester, more permits were sold, this time only to seniors.

If the deans somehow catch sophomores parking in the lot, consequences are as follows: receiving a violation, sitting down for a discussion with the principal and eventually sending an email will be sent to parents, NOT A FREE PASS: Cars parked without parking passes sit in Prospect’s Circle Drive. Although passes detailing plans for towing and fines if the action doesn’t stop. are only sold to juniors and seniors, sophomores have been found parking in the lot,which has led to an Even still, many sophmores, including increase of parking violations given out by the deans. (photo by Olivia Kim) Letchim, have opted to park in the lot for many reasons. pulled her out of class. a license until after the administration was “If it isn’t an inconvenience, there are Without the of“I was nervous because I [didn’t selling them and limited access to a vehicle spaces available and [it] doesn’t put the [upfering of a bus and know what was going on] … [and I was] in the beginning of the school year. per]classmen at a disadvantage, then we with Letchim’s shocked that they were taking it that se“They were saying the lot was full and I should be able to park [in the back parking mom working riously, because kept [thinking] ... How is the lot full exactlot],” Letchim said. from home, it’s not like it really?” Boham said. “The administration says Administration doesn’t see it from this it is difficult ly affects anyone,” the lot is so overcrowded, but in reality, I perspective and will continue to enforce for Letchim Letchim said. don’t think it’s that overcrowded … it’s just their policies regarding parking, due to overto get a ride In total, Letfrustrating when other grades are taking adcrowding in the lot. These policies include to school in chim received two vantage of [the lot] when … upperclassmen possible removal of eligibility for purchasing the morning. total violations should … get first dibs.” parking passes in the upcoming years.

It is convenient and a communiAs a solution to her parking predicament, Letchim feels this punishment is too for her to simply cation from adshe chooses to park on side streets. harsh. park in the lot — ministration to In order to ensure a parking spot on Grove “I feel like we should be given warnings something she has both herself and St., Boham must wake up earlier in order to [before the inability to purchase parking been able to do all her parents, a fact leave her house at 8:05 a.m. For the most part, passes for the future] especially because … school year without she says she is not she is able to secure a spot, but that doesn’t before they started sending things out, it being caught. thrilled about. negate the downsides she sees to not having a wasn’t clear that you weren’t allowed to park A d d i t i o n a l l y, Junior *Riley parking pass in the first place. there,” Letchim said.

Letchim says she Boham, similar to Boham says having to walk nearly eight Now, since receiving violations, commuwould rather park Letchim, was also minutes from her car to Prospect, as well as nications from administration and being inin the parking lot unable to obtain a back to her car in the dark after extracurricformed by the deans that her vehicle would than wake up earparking pass for ular activities is inconvenient. Additionally, be towed upon further violations, Letchim no lier to walk or bike, the 2021-22 school Boham cites the cold weather and not being longer parks on campus. especially in the year, something able to leave campus for lunch periods or to Boham offers some possible solutions, incold. Her predicashe says she feels grab forgotten materials as other downsides cluding adding more space for parking and ment is compoundthe effects of. to not having a parking permit. regulating passholders to ensure they are ed by the fact that However, in conEven so, Boham has managed to avoid the being used. she isn’t offered a trast to Letchim, consequences of parking in the parking lot ”I feel like [the administration] should bus due to her proxBoham parks on without a permit — except for one occasion just regulate parking passes better,” Bohman imity to Prospect. one of Prospect’s where she was running late and ended up said. “And I think [students who hold permits Letchim also says side streets, Grove parking in the lot, only to receive a parking but do not use them] should think about the that her proximity St. violation. Boham has not since received a vistudents they are discluding. Just think how to Prospect is the Boham exolation. Letchim acknowledges the fact that it affects other people’s lives.”

- Riley Boham, junior reason she doesn’t plains that it her parking in the lot would be a different Boham urges sophomores not to violate park on the side would be signifistory if there weren’t extra parking spots. the parking regulations. streets. cantly easier and more convenient to get a That being said, Letchim thinks if there are “You’re going to get violations, if you alDue to these circumstances, Letchim felt parking pass, although she was denied the available parking spots that no one is using, ready haven’t, and it’s probably not going to as if she had no other choice but to park in the opportunity every chance she had. there should not be a problem. help you get a parking pass [in the years to parking lot. So, Letchim continued to park in Even though Boham is eligible to purLetchim says she feels that it is unfair come], so [If I were you] I just wouldn’t do it the lot, unphased by the violations. chase a parking pass as a junior, she was that underclassmen are prohibited from and wait your turn,” Boham said.

That is, until Principal Greg Minter unable to purchase a pass due to not having parking in the lot in the first place.

I THINK [STUDENTS THAT HOLD PERMITS BUT DO NOT USE THEM] SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE STUDENTS THEY ARE DISCLUDING. JUST THINK ABOUT HOW IT AFFECTS OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES.”

UKRAINE: local community strives for support Additionally, he states that social media has likewise increased access to information, especially among teens, which has kept people involved.

“Obviously, the US [government] is not putting troops in,” Sebastyen said. “But as a community, we’re still open and willing to show support in any way [we can.]”

Sebastyen states that although the displaying of flags, banners and Ukrainian colors won’t necessarily help Ukrainians in Ukraine, he believes it still has a positive impact on local Ukrainians as they know that they are being supported.

“In the Prospect community, we have sev-

eral people of Eastern European, specifically Ukrainian, descent, who have family members who are being very directly affected by this,” Snyder said. “It’s incredibly [important to] acknowledge the pain they’re going through and to give them all the support that they need.”

Although the Ukrainian Center in Palatine declined to be interviewed by The Prospector, they stated that monetary donations to selfreliance.com (see QR code) would be greatly appreciated.

“I know donating [supplies and money] can’t ever replace what’s happening to them; that feeling of your country being destroyed,” Snyder said. “But at least we can do something to help so that [local Ukrainians] know that they are supported.”

Scan the qr code to donate to ukraine

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staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Olivia Kim Alyssa Schulz MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Dahlgren COPY EDITORS Kailie Foley, Kevin Lynch, Ella Mitchell ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jacob Siciliano Cameron Sullivan KNIGHT TV EXEC PRODUCERS Juliet Aquino Emma Letzig KNIGHT VOICES EXEC PRODUCERS Nolan Hamilton Kaylie Pasternak KNIGHT TV LIVE EXEC PRODUCER Luis Hernandez PROSPECTOR EDITORS Maeve Molina, Zach Moreth, PJ O’Grady KNIGHT TV DIRECTORS Cedex Estella, Katherine Lytle, Henry Kauke, Matthew Neimczyk ONLINE EDITORS Joey Delahunty Marina Makropoulos REPORTERS Dean Carlson, Alyssa Degan, Nic Fardella, Tito Gavin, Olivia Macina, Chris Rodriguez, Owen Walter VISUAL EDITORS Ondine Cella, Alexis Esparza, Bella Brouilette, Rey Tello, Whitney Madler ADVISER Jason Block MISSION STATEMENT The primary purpose of the Prospect High School Prospector is to report news and explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We, The Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide an unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions. The Prospector is published by students in Journalistic Writing courses.

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OPINION

APRIL 20, 2022

3

Call for mental health support across grades Staff Editorial

friends.

“Kids aren’t feeling like they have exactly enough of that,” Johnson said. “There is some *name changed for confidentiality [discussion of supporting friends Almost a year ago, junior with mental health issues] in the *Nova Walsh received an email Signs of Suicide (S.O.S.) prevenfrom her counselor. After expetion program, but kids are wantriencing continuous cyberbuling more. If our students are saylying and a fall out with friends, ing, ‘We want more of that,’ then she was going through severe we are going to respond to that anxiety that caused her counseland figure out how to do that.” or to reach out to her via email.

When it comes to suicide preThroughout the years, Walsh vention programming at Proshas worked with professionals pect, Student Services is able to to manage her mental health. get in touch with all incoming Walsh has been in therapy since freshmen, according to Associshe was 12 years old, seeking ate Principal of Student Services professional help after having Kara Kendrick. However, due to suicidal thoughts, and urged by the fact that Kendrick was unher mother due to a lineage of sure if the staff could provide mental health issues in the fammeaningful support to students ily. She was later diagnosed with while remote, there was a gap both anxiety and depression. in suicide prevention programWhen her counselor reached ming during the 2020-21 school out to her, Walsh didn’t know year. that everyone at Prospect has a At Prospect, implementing team of professionals — made up suicide prevention programof a counselor, school psycholoming for all ages would be exgist and social worker — there to tremely beneficial. Currently, support them. Nevertheless, she there is a S.O.S. program that is thankful that her counselor targets freshmen and aims to reached out to her and has since educate students on the relationbeen able to cultivate a relationship between depression and ship with her. suicide.

“Just talking through stuff This program has been in … having those place for many talks and comyears and has munication is been widely sucjust really imcessful when it portant to buildcomes to student ing a relationship interaction and with anyone, evaluating the but especially need for support, your counselaccording to Kenor,” Walsh said. drick.

“They are there “I have to say, Voting results of the to help you, but I I’ve been really Knight Media staff in don’t think peoshocked and imregard to this editorial ple really know pressed with how that.” impactful the proWalsh says that the commugram is,” Kendrick said. nication goes both ways; her Additionally, during health counselor reaches out to her, class — which all sophomores and Walsh responds back, utilizare required to take for one seing the office hours. With this in mester — teachers discuss Erimind, she says that she wishes ka’s Lighthouse with students. more students knew about the The mission of this program is important resources Prospect to make sure no young person has to offer. feels alone in their depression, According to the CDC, the which is accomplished through number of suicides in Illinois the creation of depression and among 10-24 year-olds increased suicide awareness programs by 152 per 100,000 population that ensure educators, families from 2007-2009 to 2016-2018. and teens can have a safe space Youth mental health has been on to learn about mental health, the decline for the last several according to their website. Prosyears, a fact that has only been pect began using this program compounded by the pandemsome seven or eight years ago ic and other stressful circumand has continued to be highly stances in the last few years. effective, according to health In fact, according to 2021 data teacher Aaron Marnstein. from the CDC, more than a third Alongside Erika’s Lightof high school students reported house, health courses also cover experiencing poor mental health a social and emotional well-beduring the COVID-19 pandemic. ing unit. Marnstein also says he Additionally, 44% reported feeldoes his best to casually incoring persistently sad or hopeless porate mental health resourcduring the past year. es for students into his classes With this in mind, it is imby having links for help on his portant to note that suicide is Schoology page, and he applies preventable. According to the the themes of mental health into CDC, there is evidence regardvarious topics taught throughing the impact of many practicout the semester. es, programs and policies that With this in mind, both currently exist which are ready Marnstein and Walsh believe to be implemented. that it is important to have a balSimilarly to how suicide is ance. Marnstein says that havnot caused by one single factor, ing resources available is key; there is research suggesting that however, teaching students the no one strategy can be a guarsame programs over and over anteed fail-safe approach. Inagain isn’t the best way to have stead, suicide prevention is best an impact. achieved with programming We, Knight Media, apprecicatered to each specific demoate the efforts that Prospect has graphic in which it has an effect. put into implementing these proAt the latest President’s Stugrams and supporting students, dent Advisory Council meetespecially with the ongoing ing with Superintendent David impacts of the pandemic. The Schuler and a senior and junior QR codes in the hallways that representative from each school provide a direct link to set up a in District 214, attendees voiced meeting with Student Services a need for more support when as well as the constant availabilit came to suicide prevention ity of counselors have also been programming. Assistant Superuseful tools for students to use. intendent for Student Services The continuation of availabilMarni Johnson says that key ity of these resources as well points of the meeting included as making sure they are wellhaving programming for all known to students is key. ages of high school students as However, these current prowell as more support when it grams and systems shouldn’t comes to students helping their be the only options. Making re-

0

Against

25

For

Knight tv

SUPPORT: Friends stand together, raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health. (cartoon by Whitney Madler) sources and curriculum more widely available and implemented to all students at Prospect, not only freshman and sophomores, would be a strong first step in improving the school’s support for those struggling.

While there are not currently any curriculum-based suicide prevention teachings going on for upperclassmen, that isn’t to say that resources are not available.

Depending on the nature of the situation, Kendrick says there are multiple channels in which students can reach out for help. For less timely matters, she recommends that students utilize QR codes — either to schedule a meeting with a counselor, contact UKnight For Minds or report suspicious occurrences on the tip line — that are posted around the school.

That being said, if there is ever a time when students require immediate assistance, the facilities in Student Services are there to support those in need.

“If they are feeling like they really need to talk to someone right now, they should always go to Student Services.

Always,” Kendrick said.

“Even if a counselor is busy, every student has a team, so there is also a specialist attached to the person.”

Walsh appreciates the availability of these resources, she wishes that there also was direct communication from counselors to supplement it. Having the support of her counselor has been invaluable to her, and she thinks that more can be done to bridge the gap between students and Student Services. An email check-in, Walsh suggests, meant to spark the beginnings of a relationship with counselors, could be beneficial to tailoring resources to specific students.

While Prospect utilizing programs and having resources, similar to what is in place today but targeting a wider age category of students, is an important part of a solution, there is also action that can be taken by the average student to help support mental health-oriented organizations and create awareness.

For sophomore Kelsey Bellows, this action comes in the form of supporting The Happiness Project.

The Happiness Project is an organization founded after a student from Hersey took their own life. According to their website,

the mission of The Happiness Project is to “elevate happiness throughout the world, while supporting those impacted by mental health problems.”

Other than spreading awareness, they donate 15% of their profits to mental health and suicide prevention projects.

Once discovering the company, Bellows took it upon herself to look up the organization. Ultimately, she decided to support the cause.

Bellows urges other students to purchase merchandise from The Happiness Project because it not only allows people to support suicide prevention causes financially, but it also opens a potential dialogue.

Obviously, this is not a solution for anyone seriously struggling by any stretch of the imagination, but it is still a small yet meaningful action that individual students at Prospect can take.

In addition to this, Bellows would like to see a day set out once a year or so to have conversations with Scan the QR code to class about reaching out with or obtaining more infora mation. Targeting this i n st r uc t ion beyond only freshmen and sophomores is vital to reaching as many students as possible.

Furthermore, Bellows believes that being there to support your friends is important.

Johnson says in order to fill the need when it comes to supporting friends, implementing “refreshers,” that are run by the same part of the S.O.S. prevention program is something under consideration. She has heard the need from students and says it could possibly be put into action in the coming school year.

In addition to these potential updates, Bellows thinks that having links and resources available or in places beyond the QR codes, such as on Schoology similarly to Marnstein would also be a beneficial addition.

She thinks it is a discrete way to make the options available to students and also provides a healthy balance between active teaching of materials and having resources readily available.

“Mental illness doesn’t choose what age it wants to affect,” Bellows said. “It is really important that [mental health resources] are available to everyone, not just specific people, not just specific grades.”

get in touch counselor, psychologist or social worker

4 OPINION

APRIL 20, 2022

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

‘Geddon’ ready for apocalypse

Efforts to save planet fail to provide genuine motivation

think of to describe modern humans is a scene from an Animal Planet documentary where a baby puffin gets stolen from its nest and torn to shreds by a marauding seabird. In this scenario, humanity isn’t the puffin. Heck, we can’t even claim to be the seabird.

Instead, we’re the jerkwads who have the audacity to sit there with a camera and film the whole event s a kid, laying in bed at rather than rescuing an adorable 1:30 a.m. after eating a baby puffin. few-too-many pounds of For shame, Animal Planet, for jelly beans was when I tended to shame. grapple with some of life’s deepest While hitting the refresh butmysteries. For example: was that a ton could be considered an awfulUFO outside my window or simply ly harsh punishment for a measly a passing car? How do I know that couple billion “oopsies” here and all of my friends and family arthere over the millenia, en’t evil androids preit’s not like tending to be humans? we’ve ever Is that a Lovecraftian had much of monster sitting in the a say in the corner or just a stool? matter.

And, the all-time clasIt’s no sic: what if I don’t wake surprise to up in the morning? anyone over It was that last questhe age of two tion that always got my that everyone will mind racing; while the eventually kick the odds of a nine-year-old bucket. Whether it dying of an unexpected KEVIN be someone close to heart attack were probyou or your childhood LYNCH ably awfully slim, that pet goldfish that you never stopped me from Copy Editor hadn’t fed for three imagining my eventual straight weeks, no one demise over and over is safe from the clutches to the point that I would be all but of death; that’s just how life works. convinced that sleep would soon The far more difficult reality to release me into the tender arms of accept, however, is that you, the death. bucket and all other water-storage Now that I’m older and wisdevices in existence are about to be er and am able to recognize that collectively kicked. dying in my sleep is actually a It’s no wonder it’s so difficult strong, though unfortunately un- to imagine the death of 7.9 billikely, contender to waking up to lion other strangers; according to everyday life, I’ve turned my com- the New York Times, the average ically-morbid thoughts to larger American knows about 600 people. matters.

This is roughly 0.000000075% of the Armageddon.

Apocalypse. world’s population, and I’m willMonday. Whatever word you ing to bet that most people aren’t might use to describe “the end of about to imagine 600 acquaintancall things,” it’s hard to deny that es going up in flames in the first humanity as a whole is just sorta place. asking for it. We dump waste into With this in mind, is it really the ocean, we kill literally everya surprise that most people don’t thing in our path (including each feel any urgency to prevent the other) and then we turn around death of their own planet? If we’re and charge each other several all buggered anyway, why should hundred dollars (plus tax) for the anyone bother to take any initiaresults of our atrocities and chalk tive outside of building a big ol’ it up to good-old-fashioned capitalbunker or a phallic-symbol ship to ism. And that list is just the tip of Mars? the not-so-slowly-melting iceberg.

V This is a reality that EnvironIf there was ever any group demental Club sponsor Michael Higserving of an apocalyptic kick in don often considers when thinkthe nuts, it’s mankind. ing about the purpose of the club.

From an evolutionary standWhile it can be fun and uplifting A point, the best metaphor I can to partake in fun environmental activities, he is still always faced with the reality that the club’s work is a drop in a very large bucket (unrelated to those other

A

i

i

i

52.2% u

Of Prospect students* think climate change IS MOST LIKELY TO end the world

i

*according to a Knight Media survey of 171 students

cartoon by Bella Brouilette buckets, of course).

“It sure doesn’t seem like anyone should be … happy, right?”

Higdon said. “I guess I don’t think about it every second of the day; I’m able to compartmentalize it.

That doesn’t mean I’ve lost it.

[That] doesn’t mean I don’t hold onto it. I just compartmentalize it so I can go through my day as a functioning person.”

Indeed, the knowledge that the world could end at any second should terrify us, and yet all you potential corpses don’t seem the least bit frightened. Admittedly, it’s hard to fathom the impact of a warhead two blocks over, and things get even more difficult when attempting to visualize the “slow burn” of climate change.

But whether it be cli-

21.7% Of Prospect students* think NUClear war IS MOST LIKELY TO end the world u

mate change or nukes, you might have noticed that I’ve yet to single out a problem that I believe will truly, inevitably, destroy us all, and that’s because it really doesn’t matter. If you’re here for me to tell you when and how the planet will end, then I’m sorry, but that’s clearly not something I’m capable of, nor should it be.

A lot has changed since I was a nine-year-old laying in that bed, but when I think about the inevitable demise of this planet, I feel just as alone as I did then.

It’s an ironic statement, given that I’m contemplating dying alongside seven billion of you spazzes, but even if we all die happy and content, there will still be those aching questions: could I have done more? Could I have bought time for just a few more warm embraces or shared laughs? Or was it all going to happen anyway?

For so long, the question of self-preservation hasn’t even been a question, but instead a requirement. After all, it’s not as though (personal beliefs aside) you can just “opt out” of saving the planet.

For our generation, protecting the planet from a treasure trove of apocalyptic issues has become practically mundane, and there has never been a real reason to step up beyond the “Save the Earth” memorabilia constantly crammed down our apathetic little throats.

In the end, no one

8.2%

Of Prospect students* think THAT NATURAL DISASTERS ARE MOST LIKELY TO end the world

has any idea what the end of the world looks like (unless it is quite literally “in the end”). We can spout postulates and detailed descriptions of what would happen, but how can you truly prepare yourself for a life without … life?

Many people would have you believe that the best solution is to just suck it up and hunker down to save the planet, but that gets a lot harder to do when you don’t really know what you’re hunkering for.

Even in light of our collective desire to maybe hopefully not die, the only people that are going to make a real, honest-to-god effort are people like Higdon, who care not just about protecting humankind, but about preserving the things that make life special, like the environment around us.

Even a jaded sourpuss like myself has to admit that there are (some) good things in the world, and they’re worth holding onto.

We don’t often consider the possibility of losing something while we have it, but if people were to stop and consider the reasons that they actually do want to remain alive that go beyond missing the newest season of “Grey’s Anatomy,” we might all be better off for it.

I want to save our planet, sure, but I’ll let you in on a little-known secret: the Earth is a rock. It’s a rock that happens to have some trees, some water and 7.9 billion morons sitting on it, but beyond that, it is little more than a big hunk of nothing. It doesn’t have feelings. It doesn’t have a heart. It doesn’t have a cute little cartoony face that you need to protect. It just has you, and everything that you have ever and will ever care about.

And if that’s still not enough to motivate you to do something, then I guess you guys were really just androids all along.

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

FEATURES

APRIL 20, 2022

Gas station cost Community reflects on impact of oil price increases

King strives for inflation student success CLAIRE WYNKOOP Staff Writer

OLIVIA KIM Editor-in-Chief

J

unior Hannah Lifton has been driving since the beginning of her sophomore year after she turned 16 years old in November. Since then, she has had a job as a lifeguard and swim instructor, which pays $12 an hour. With both her part-time job and her driver’s license has come the responsibility of paying for her own gas.

This was not a huge issue prior to last month, but because she is now participating in a spring sport, leaving her unable to work as frequently, and due to the fluctuation and overall increase in gas prices, she isn’t sure if she will be able to make her commute from home to school to work to practice.

“I initially got really scared when I saw the increase in gas prices because I don’t have money to be able to pay for my gas consistently now,” Lifton said.

The lowest her account has been is where it currently stands: $11.

What Lifton noticed with gas prices is a rise the nation is noticing. Prices have gone up in the past few weeks leading to a national average of $4.114 a gallon, as of April 11, compared to $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA. In efforts to reduce these prices, President Joe Biden ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil from the nation’s reserve; however, the specific price decrease that will result is unknown, according to AP News.

Because of the Russian military involvement in Ukraine, the United States banned the importation of Russian oil. Even though oil from this country only accounts for 3.5% of the oil Americans receive, according to Forbes, this is also compounded with an increase in demand for oil following the COVID-19 pandemic. (See “What’s Contributing to Gas Prices”) Not only are overall oil prices being driven up due to supply shortages, but Illinois has the fifth highest gas tax in the United States, according to Axios.com. These kinds of taxes are considered regressive taxes, since lower income individuals will end up spending a greater percentage of their income on the product than someone of a higher income.

AP Economics teacher Christine Stanford says that these economic crises hurt the poor more than the wealthy because most lower income and middle class Americans can’t afford more fuel-efficient vehicles like electric cars.

Someone who did, however, have the financial means of making the switch to an electric car was science teacher Tom Froats.

He currently owns a Tesla Model 3, which is his second electric car after previously owning a Nissan Leaf.

Among other benefits of having his Tesla is that he did not feel the impact of increased gas prices since he can charge his car at his house and while it’s parked in the Prospect parking lot.

Froats hasn’t been to a gas station in three years, but he is surprised by how much his family members say it costs them to fill up a tank; some saying they spend as much as $100.

What first drew Froats to electric cars was the technology and how innovative it is.

What made him commit to switching was the fact that, based on his daily commute, owning an electric vehicle would actually save him money in the long run. Without a traditional engine, he does not need to pay for oil changes, regular servicing or, obviously, gasoline.

“I think [most people] think that it’s pretty cool that [electric cars are] … different, and I think some want to make that leap. But it is a giant leap of faith to make, and I’ll be honest … it’s almost like a different lifestyle,”

5

PUMP PANIC: A student looks at gasoline prices in shock as she goes to fill up her gas tank. The national average price per gallon is nearly $2 more than it was last year, according to AAA. However, some are unaffected by this increase since making a switch to an electric vehicle. (cartoon by Whitney Madler) Froats said.

Even though Froats is enthusiastic about environmental protection, he does acknowledge that there is data on both sides of an argument on just how environmentally friendly electric cars are. While their local carbon emissions are zero, the production of an electric car will produce significantly more emissions than a gas-burning vehicle, according to the New York Times.

80% of the electricity used to power an electric car will be from power plants that burn fossil fuels, according to the Environ-

mental Protection Agency. But overall, experts agree that electric vehicles are still greener than their counterparts that must be filled up at the pump.

But even with a car that isn’t reliant on fossil fuels, Froats and Stanford note that everyone is dependent on gas in some way since nearly every product uses gasoline whether it’s in the production, transportation or maintenance of it.

“I think it’s difficult … having to rely on [gas for] getting to work especially in high school when your friends … or siblings are asking for a ride,” Lifton said.

“You’re just kind of stuck because I don’t have the money to pay [for gas], … but it’s a necessity.”

What’s contributing to gas prices?

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Gas taxes in illinois are fifth highest in nation at 40 cents per gallon Refineries are moving to the summer blend, which takes more labor than the winter blend and is more expensive Oil is priced at a global level, so supply changes from the russiaukraine conflict will affect prices for americans *according to Axion.com and CBS

Listen to a podcast to go behind the scenes of the marching knights

When special education teacher Peter King sat down at his desk and opened his email, an unfamiliar email address popped up on his screen. He clicked on it and began to read, a soft smile gracing his face.

The email was from a former student from his first teaching job, meant to say thank you for all his help.

King continues to share a legacy of helpfulness as a special education teacher at Prospect for the last two years. He also co-teaches physics. Prior to Prospect, King was a special education teacher. He knew that teaching was his calling even as a child, but it wasn’t until college that he truly found a passion for teaching special education.

“I love it. It doesn’t feel like a job; that’s why it’s so enjoyable,” King said.

However, teaching is not the only way he makes an impact on his students. As a volleyball coach for Prospect, he works to help his students grow through his love of the sport. Volleyball is nothing new to King, as he grew up playing the sport. Whether it be in the backyard with his siblings or at school on the team, King could always be found with a volleyball in hand.

As a former Prospect student athlete from 1996-2000, King remembers playing volleyball under coach Mike Riedy. Being able to work with Riedy everyday is almost a full-circle moment, according to King.

Additionally, before returning to Prospect, King coached at Maine South High School.

“I have so much respect for him,” former student athlete Eric Butch said. “He was definitely the biggest impact growing up.”

Butch went on to play vollyball at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. Though college volleyball was fun, his years on the Maine South team were among some of his favorites, which he partially attributes to King’s influence. From being a great coach on the court to being a supportive mentor off the court, King went above and beyond to support his players.

“He really created a family-oriented environment,” Butch said. “He wanted to make sure everyone got along like brothers.”

Getting along like a family was important to King, possibly because he knew what having a big family was like. With a childhood spent living with six siblings, his family is practically the size of a volleyball team.

Beyond the court, King also tries to build a family in his classroom. From a simple “thank you” from students to seeing them succeed, King finds a positive aspect in every day.

King loves teaching, but that isn’t to say there aren’t challenging components that come with the job. Sometimes finding the connection with a student is the hardest thing to conquer, but when that connection comes, it is well worth the challenge.

Cultivating these connections, King says, is his biggest hope when trying to have an impact on his students.

“When you get [contacted by] ... students that have graduated two years, five years, ten years [ago], … I think that’s when you see the impact,” King said. “It’s really cool just to see those little moments.”

DIRECTION: Special education teacher and volleyball coach Peter King instructs the team on April 13. (photo by Olivia Kim)

Listen to a podcast about impact of electronics on young kids

6 INDEPTH

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

APRIL 20, 2022

(P)RIDING TOWARDS

Queer representation reaps realizations, requital Media portrayal of queer relationships, stereotypes gains increasing impact KEVIN LYNCH Copy Editor *name changed for confidentiality

J

unior *Zoe Franco couldn’t remember seeing a gay person before. It wasn’t until she had left her Catholic elementary school and moved on to sixth grade at a public middle school that she first remembered being exposed to a queer person while watching “Glee” through the character of Kurt Hummel.

While she recognizes that the show was not perfect in its representation of LGBTQ+ people, she is still grateful that it gave her the exposure she had been missing for so long.

“It was honest in the way it portrayed Kurt’s struggle, and then you get into later seasons and you have queer women,” Franco said. “Watching a queer story [on] TV for the first time and being like, ‘Oh, OK, that’s the way people live; cool.’”

As Franco grew up, she came to the realization that she was bisexual, which she says has made her even more aware and critical of the way that queer groups are portrayed in the public eye.

Last month, the Florida Senate passed the controversial bill dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which effectively bans discussion of sexual orientation and gender from classrooms in kindergarden through third grade. It also stated that such discussions in higher grades must be “age appropriate,” according to the Washington Post.

Predictably, many have been left to wonder what the law’s passage means for the treatment and representation of the LGBTQ+ community going forward, especially for young people, in light of what many have perceived as an attack on the rights of teachers and students to discuss topics of personal identity in schools.

The topic holds weight especially for young people and teenagers, as the results of a 2013 Pew Research Center study reveal that the median age at which gay men, lesbians and bisexuals responded that they were questioning of their sexual identity was 13 and below.

With so many young people grappling with ideas of identity during this time, it’s little surprise that so much attention has been brought onto the question of what kids should be exposed to during this formative stage in their lives.

While the “Don’t Say Gay” bill may be targeted to increase parent control over the discussion of what they consider sensitive topics, the media that students consume has no such restrictions. With discourse and representation of queer stories now easily accessible with the click of a button, students like Franco have the power to learn more about themselves through previously-unheard-of means of discovery, rather than simply those mandated by law.

Franco became more accustomed to these means of discovery during quarantine in the spring and summer of 2020, which was important in her self-realization for multiple reasons. She credits the many more movies and TV shows she was consuming at the time, which gave her increased representation of diverse groups that pushed outside the stereotypes she had become accustomed to.

Likewise, as she watched more shows with queer representation at this time, Franco started to become more aware of her reactions to the media she consumed.

By doing so, she soon realized that she rec-

ognized certain queer characters’ behaviors as similar to her own. While this was not direct confirmation of her own sexuality, it still helped to make her think and to point her in the right direction. While she had previously been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, having her voice portrayed in some form gave her a new perspective, and seeing how other people had dealt with questions of their identity gave her confidence that other people had feelings similar to hers.

“I was letting myself relate to it, as opposed to: ‘Oh, cool, gay character, I support you; go get ‘em bestie!’” Franco said. “It was more like, ‘Oh, I see a lot myself in them; maybe that means something.’”

However, had Franco been seeking this representation even 10 years earlier, she believes her experience would have differed greatly. Media Analysis teacher Cambria Myers says that even when public knowledge of the gay community started to increase in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including a non-straight character in a movie or TV show was a large gamble for studios.

Myers says that as public acceptance of LGBTQ+ groups has steadily risen over the years, so has representation in the entertainment industry.

According to the same 2013 Pew Research Center study, acceptance of gay men rose by 18% in the 10 years since their previous study in 2003, and acceptance of lesbian women likewise rose 19%.

That being said, much of the representation available to young people like Franco comes not from famous stars but from everyday people willing to share their stories.

Franco’s increased social media usage while stuck at home was also what led her to question more of her assumptions surrounding her identity.

Her activism concerning the Black Lives Matter protests that summer overlapped in many ways with the LGBTQ+ community, exposing her to new groups such as activists within the Black transgender community that broadened her awareness at the time.

This allowed her to connect with and learn about new people who shared stories of their queer journey and the hints that led to their own shift in identity. Outside of this, a number of increased recommendations for content by queer creators, mainly on TikTok and Instagram, pushed her further to seeking more information on her identity, despite the reccomendations being initially jarring.

“The [TikTok] algorithm is an evil, genius wizard,” Franco said. “ … I don’t know if I should thank TikTok or be terrified of TikTok, but I started interacting a lot with the queer community online and … over time I [started] noticing these parallels between stories that queer people [were] telling and mine.”

Both Franco and junior John Bartsch believe that social media helped them understand and recognize their sexual and gender identities far earlier than would have been possible otherwise, though in Bartsch’s case, the support he gained from his immediate community of family and friends online didn’t give him as much of a need to reach out

to others.

Bartsch, who goes by he/she pronouns, identifies as gender fluid and pansexual and gained a better appreciation of his identity from the movies, TV and video games she consumed, much like Franco.

However, Bartsch feels that simply inserting queer characters into media isn’t enough to give people, especially ones less informed about gender and sexuality, the full picture of how they should be acting and feeling. Even shows that are self-aware about queer stereotypes can still serve to simply reinforce these ideas further, she argues.

“When you stop short at just writing a stereotype character for the sake of comedy, [with] just the joke being, ‘Look, he’s gay,’ you show to everybody watching, [possibly] impressionable young kids … your opinion of [what you expect] a gay person to be, and you make them think, ‘That’s what a gay person is. That’s what a trans person is. That’s what a [bisexual] person [is],’” Bartsch said.

Bartsch sees this especially with the hackneyed high-pitched gay male trope and the “tall and mean” butch lesbian portrayal. Because no one fits all of the stereotypes seen in so many shows and movies, it can be hard for the inclusion to have its fullest impact and connect with a viewer struggling with their identity.

Additionally Bartsch says, writers and studios trying too hard to feign representation can often misunderstand the significance of the inclusion.

“You’re not supposed to put them on a pedestal,” Bartsch said. “The issue isn’t that gay people want to be noticed more than everybody else; it’s that they just want to be like everybody else.”

Bartsch feels that this sort of representation is beneficial when handled in a more subtle manner that portrays such relationships accurately while not awarding them any extra attention simply based on the “diversity” they portray.

In spite of the shortcomings that many forms of LBGTQ+ representation suffer from, Bartsch, Franco and Myers all still see the benefits of the increased awareness that media provides to queer people on a consistent basis, and hope to see increased diversity going forward for the sake of those still struggling or questioning of themselves.

“It’s easier … for people to see themselves in media when they can’t see themselves in themselves,” Bartsch said.

Check out a podcast Discussing the impact of the “Don’t Say Gay bill”

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

INDEPTH

APRIL 20, 2022

S BRIGHTER FUTURE

7

Self expression steers away from traditional gender norms

My eyes stung as I frantically Sophomore Emerson Ford wiped my face with the cold, chlo- ponders this very question when rine-smelling water of the seventh choosing how to express themself. grade bathroom. As I looked up Ford, who doesn’t identify with a from the murky, tan liquid, now gender and uses they/them profilling the sink to the brim, I was nouns, sees both the positives and reluctantly saddened to see my negatives of living in a culture old face returning from behind the where gender is so important. layers of stage makeup Now, you obviousI took from my mom’s ly can’t say gender purse just a couple of isn’t important solely days earlier. because it was creatBut it had to be ed by society (if that done; there was no way were true we’d have to I was going to meet my denounce great accomfriends with a full face plishments of society of makeup – no matter such as agriculture and how stunning I thought 2017’s “Paddington 2”).

I looked.

Without a doubt, living I feared hearing acin a gendered society cusations of being weak, has its absolute beneCHARLIE feminine or – worst DAHLGREN fits.Whether you idenof all – getting picked last for football. But as tify as cisgender, trans Managing awareness of different or anything in between, gender expressions has gender gives you a Editor grown in the past five group. That group plays years, I’m stuck asking a huge role in how commyself whether or not I would’ve fortable you are existing genuinely been there above that tiny auto- in society. Ford says one of their matic sink if the situation hap- favorite parts of the trans commupened again today. nity is when they can recognize To me, gender has always been each other and seem to instantly an intriguing subject. It’s some- become friends. thing created by humans, and so This sense of community is key many people put so much societal for a person’s mental health, which importance on upholding it. So, is one of the many reasons why a as our society opens up to new study at Universidad de Oviedo in ways of gender expression and Spain reported that 48.3% of peoshifts away from the binary, I can’t ple with gender dysmorphia rehelp but ask: why do we need it? ported suicidal ideation.

Wouldn’t the world be better off if “If you have a label that is compeople could express themselves fortable to you, then that’s a sense freely without the tethers of gen- of belonging,” Ford said. “It’s reder? ally nice when you can find that

painting by Ondine Cella

group.”

But ironically, being a part of a group can also be internally isolating.

Everyone carries assumptions about genders no matter what that gender might be, and it can be hard for a person to feel like they *according to a study by the Pew can freely define Research Center themselves without defying what people expect of them.

And even escaping the genwomen are seen toder binary doesn’t mean you’re day. So, as this progression continfree from these expectations. Ford ues, will gender lose its meaning themself often feels like they have altogether? to tread water when talking about Ford pictues a future that’s not their gender identity to avoid the nessicarily genderless, but rather “aggressive non-binary person” where gender plays such a small trope. role that it would be inconsequen“[Assumptions] make me feel tial to who a person is within socia lot more nervous to be assertive ety. about telling people my pronouns,” “It’ll still matter to some peoFord said. “I don’t want to be laple,” Ford said. “But it’ll be less beled as that one person who won’t of a defining character trait and shut up about their pronouns.” more like just another adjective.”

Historically, gender has beBut in the meantime, there is so come less dividing, and thus, much people can do to both be inless relevant when decidclusive to others and feel coming how to live life. fortable within their own Just think of how expression. Ford says one much the Ameriof the biggest steps in can way of life has doing this is normalizchanged since the ing introducing your“Nuclear family” self with pronouns. standard from Introducing yourself the mid-1900s to with pronouns is an how particularly

46%

of Americans report knowing someone who is transgender

OPINION

easy way to both make sure people refer to themselves correctly and to show others that you are receptive to any pronouns they may use.

If you’re struggling with your personal identity, it is absolutely reasonable to explore all aspects of your identity, especially your gender. But Ford makes it clear that it’s important to not let your gender trap your personal identity.

If you see your gender as a rigid box of what you have to be, it’s going to be limiting,” Ford said. “But if you see it as a starting point … that can be really cool. It’s really freeing when you can say ‘These stereotypes don’t define me … I get to define myself.’”

It is an amazing feeling to find yourself, especially when there are an infinite amount of options for personal expression. But, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Not for your parents or your friends, but for you.

“The most liberating part was when I realized I don’t owe anyone androgyny, I don’t owe anyone masculinity … I can just present myself however I feel like presenting, and I never looked back from that,” Ford said.

8 FEATURES

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APRIL 20, 2022

Decoding discrimination in STEM field

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s science teacher Katie Page attended her first science convention, in a room filled to the brim with lecturers and students alike, she was aggrieved by the fact that there was a sparse amount of women attendees. After an interaction with a male attendee, she was mistaken for a part of the catering staff due to her gender.

Interactions like these are not uncommon, according to Page. In fact, throughout the years, being a woman in the STEM field has been challenging due the disproportionate number of males to females in the field, with only 27% of people in the field being women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This fact is only compounded by the inclusion of male-populated professions such as engineers, scientists and coders. As action for equality in all aspects of society has risen, being a woman in STEM has allowed a community of women to form, cul-

27% of workers in the stem field are women, according to the u.s. census bureau

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This year, after a big discussion with the science department, all clubs that involve STEM related topics such as WiSTEM, Zoo, Environmental, Scrubs and Marine Biology clubs have morphed into one club. The change was due to the fact that the clubs would often “step on each other’s toes,” according to Page.

Senior Cambria Richards is also a member of the WiSTEM club and finds the club to be extremely beneficial, primarily due to the community and support from other girls in the club.

Richards has wanted to pursue STEM since fourth grade, with her main passion being math. She has taken rigorous courses at Prospect and plans to pursue engineering in college. She has not experienced any sexism as being a woman in STEM, which she is thankful for.

Richards loves that there is always a group of women in the club that she can become friends with and relate to in and out of class.

“Oh my gosh, it’s amazing!” Richards said.” In my physics class, I text [my friends in WiSTEM] all the time.

Richards finds solace in the community and camaraderie within the club; she urges other women in STEM to join.

“I think it’s really helpful to have other girls,” Richards said. “I mean, I can’t even imagine what it would be like [for Thakkar]; that sounds absolutely terrifying.”

The club also helps students find internship and job opportunities, which Page says is one of the most rewarding things to see.

For some women involved in the club, the results were receiving a job offer out of state.

As being a woman in STEM is more prevalent, the sexism and bias against women has started to dissipate, according to Page.

Page offers advice to any young women who are considering pursuing a STEM field.

“Seek out other women in your field as mentors and colleagues, just to help them navigate and have some support systems,” Page said.

Richards is taking this advice to heart as she continues with her STEM journey. She is not afraid of the possibility of experiencing sexism and is ready to face the challenges that come with being a woman in STEM. “A lot of what I do is in pursuit of respect.

If I’m not respected, then that’s going to be a problem. So, I would be motivated to earn their respect again,” Richards said. “[To] prove to them that I am qualified in what I do.”

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women all around which is great. Everywhere I look there are women, and I’m also seeing BIPOC represented as well.”

Shortly after Page began teaching at Prospect, during the 2014-15 school year, junior Shreya Thakkar came to her to express her frustration with being one of the only women in her physics class.

Page understood Thakkar’s frustrations, and she was prepared to be able to support the women at Prospect who needed a safe space to learn and grow.

“I thought [being one of few women in the class] was really kind of troubling … so I thought that there was a need for a group like Women in Stem Club where you could … bring in speakers and women who are in STEM,” Thakkar said. “That way, people would know that it’s possible and be inspired by them.”

That first year, the WiSTEM Club was able to support students in many ways, including inviting six sets of guest speakers. From there, the club has morphed into many different forms, according to Page. In fact, one year, the club participated in the Illinois Science Fair at the high school level, something that, to Page’s knowledge, Prospect had never competed in before.

“We came home with so much gold,” Page said. “I was so proud; that was one of my best years doing it. Seeing the level of science that those women are capable of conquering and how well they did at the competition was really cool.”

The club’s focus is mainly guest speakers, with four to six speakers each year, and often hosting panels, too. In the past, WiSTEM was a research class during zero hour. Now, it stands as a club, one that has gone on multiple field trips over the years, including trips to both the Skokie Lagoons and the Fermilab.

WiSTEM has also dove into the world of coding over the past few years.

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KAYLIE PASTERNAK

tivating a safe space for their thoughts and education.

Originally, pursuing STEM wasn’t Page’s original goal. In fact, Page initially went into college to be an author, as many of her family members had been before, but soon figured out that path wasn’t suited for her.

“I quickly realized that I can’t form a complete English sentence. I have no grammar ability, a n d I can’t spell,” Page said. “But, I always loved physics in high school. So, I just switched my major to physics and didn’t even think twice about it; I don’t know if that was good or bad.

It was really hard, but I made it through, and here I am.”

Part of what made the transition hard was that Page experienced sexism in the STEM field ever since she started her major. Additionally, she was one of the only women who received a physics degree from Loyola University at the time.

After graduating, Page went on to become an application engineer for a few years before she started teaching.

When she attended meetings and conferences for engineering, she recalls being surrounded by many old, white men. To her, seeing no other women at these conferences was a disappointment, but not a surprise.

As time has passed, inclusivity has increased, according to Page. Now, she presents at the same conferences that she was once mistaken for a catering staff at; she has also seen a major change in the audience.

One such conference where this progress was exemplified was the National Committee For Public High School Teachers. While it isn’t perfect, Page is glad to see strides in the right direction. cartoon by “It’s not 50/50,” Page said. “But there are Bella Brouilette

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ENTERTAINMENT

9

Video game movies level-up S

ince I was a young kid, I’ve always been a fan of the “Star Wars” universe. Aside from the cool space battles and force powers — which are, of course, great — I also sincerely appreciate the movies’ themes of redemption through love, rejection of dogma and destruction of tyranny.

I have my issues with it, but ultimately I consider myself a huge fan and almost certainly will continue to for the foreseeable future.

“I like ‘Star Wars’” isn’t a particularly hot take, I know, but all this is to say that I find it strange that my introduction to this franchise had nothing to do with any of the movies or shows, like you would expect.

JOEY Instead, it was DELAHUNTY through “Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga” on Wii. Executive Countless atOnline Editor tempts have been made to adapt “Star Wars” into a video game, and weirdly this game is widely considered to still be one of the best due to its charm and fun gameplay.

“Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga” is not alone; movies have inspired video games for as long as video games have existed. With the massive storytelling potential games hold, that inspiration has begun to flow the other way, too.

Movies based on video games have something of a bad reputation, and honestly, it’s somewhat earned. The first ever video game film adaptation was the infamous “Super Mario Bros.” from 1993, a weird, nonsensical movie that Wikipedia generously describes as “loosely based on the Mario video game franchise.” Its commercial and critical failure didn’t stop the countless video game adaptations that began shortly after, although it did set a tone that would be followed for years to come. Until recently, not a single one of these films was rated “fresh” (75% or above) on Rotten Tomatoes; a streak that was broken by “Detective Pikachu” in 2019.

In recent years, both video games and movies based off of them have become more accepted forms of entertainment than ever before. While I’m happy that these characters and stories are getting to reach a wider audience, unfortunately, these movies still carry the flaws that killed the much worse video game movie adaptations that came before them. Hollywood is beginning to learn, but they still have a long way to go before they understand how these games should be adapted.

The reason so many of these movies fail is because of a concept called ludonarrative dissonance, or its positive counterpart ludonarrative consistency. Basically, it’s just a fancy way of talking about if a game’s story fits its gameplay. The term was coined in response to the game “Bioshock,” which was criticized for not allowing the player any agency over the story despite thematically focusing so much on free will. Ludonarra-

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OPINION tive dissonance is almost always discussed as a negative trait a game might have, but weirdly, ludonarrative consistency is what often makes adaptations difficult.

The best game plots go hand-in-hand with their gameplay; they compliment each other and ideally don’t feel like separate parts to the player. This is also why the best action games are the ones that know their plots are only excuses for their action.

“Call of Duty,” for example, doesn’t actually have anything to say about World War II, so it feels off when the plot takes itself really seriously. “Doom,” on the other hand, knows that the only thing the game has to say is, “It’d be pretty cool to kill demons with sci-fi weapons,” and doesn’t pretend that there’s more to it.

However, ludonarrative consistency actually makes a game harder to adapt, mostly because there isn’t anything more to do. Video games are the perfect medium for what “Doom,” wants to do, which is to let the player shoot demons. Ludonarrative dissonance, on the other hand, gives Hollywood a way in. If your story isn’t perfectly clicked into the gameplay, it’s much easier to tear out the story and scrap it for parts that can be reassembled into a movie.

This also explains the deeper problem with trying to make a Mario movie.

Characters from “Super Mario Bros.” aren’t really characters; they’re more like actors. Similar to the Muppets or the Looney Toons, they’re archetypes that can be slotted into wherever they need to be. The logical way to make a “Super Mario Bros.” movie would be to either drop the characters into some unrelated narrative, like “Muppets Treasure Island,” or to do a weird meta-angle where they’re basically actors who played themselves in the games, like the more recent “Muppets” movies.

However, despite these flaws, video game movies are verifiably getting better. 2019 saw the first positively rated video game movie, and “Sonic the Hedgehog” even has a sequel.

Contrast that with, for example, “Tekken” from 2009, which literally has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. I didn’t even know that Rotten Tomatoes could give a score that low.

One reason for the shift is the way the culture around video games has changed in the recent decades. As games have become more technically advanced and story-focused, they’ve also become far more mainstream. This leads to multiple positive changes for this type of movie: first, the people creating them are far more likely to be people who actually know and care about the property, rather than empty cash grabs.

Second, it means the studios that make them are willing to dedicate far more resources to their production.

They also seem to have learned at some point which games to choose to adapt and to what degree you can change them. “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Detective Pikachu” both adapted games that had basically no plot, allowing tons of artistic license to the filmmakers.

For “Sonic,” this took the form of using recognizable characters and charm while telling a story that’s structurally more like “E.T.” than any “Sonic” game. For “Detective Pikachu,” it was a fully original story that was just told in the “Pokémon” universe. Despite taking opposite approaches, they used the same strategy of stripping away all unnecessary details and just telling the best story they could.

Another reason these adaptations can be so difficult is because video games already have stories they carry out in their own right. As video game technology became more advanced, more narrative elements tended to be incorporated. Early game stories were mostly just plots that were excuses for gameplay, but modern games often have fully developed plots.

Naturally, though, there’s still great variation in modern games. Some games just take the strategy of intercutting what’s basically a movie in-between gameplay, which has led to some interesting stories. However, the best game stories are the ones that go hand-in-hand with the gameplay.

I think one of the best examples of this is

“Hades,” a game about fighting your way out of the underworld. Basically, all games have, on a meta-level, some sort of looping function. When you lose, you go back to the beginning.

For most games this is just a game mechanic, as the in-universe the characters never experience a loop. In “Hades,” however, that loop is built into the narrative.

The main character knows he’s looping and that he’s facing insurmountable odds. After all, even if you win, the loop still restarts the next time you play. The story, by its nature, becomes about hope and perseverance.

“Hades,” along with countGOTTA GO FAST: “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” less other topped global box offices on April 13, acgames, is creating cording to Screen Rant. Video game adapa story tations have improved since they first started that can really appearing in the ‘90s, but they still have a o n l y long way to go. (photo courtesy of IMDb) exist in this medium.

Large with rebooting and/or adapting studios are anything with an ounce of name using advancrecognition, so it’s near certain ing developthat these movies will keep being ment technolmade, and despite my complaints, ogy to, for the it’s equally certain that I’ll probamost part, get bly keep seeing them. Still, it’s pretty telling better at mimicking that nearly all successful video game adapmovies and making branching tations are the ones that just tell their own narratives. It’s cool, but it’s hardly revostories, either with the existing universe of lutionary conceptually. Functionally, it’s the existing characters. usually just an old-school Choose Your Own Hollywood tends to view everything othAdventure book with cool graphics and er than movies as nothing more than a poshooting. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a fun tential property for adaptation, but if you thing to do, but the developers really pushwant a good story about a video game the ing the medium are the ones who tell stories real answer is much simpler: just play the that are only possible in video games. video game.

Hollywood is pretty deeply obsessed

10 SPORTS

APRIL 20, 2022

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

Boys’ tennis finds growth, depth ZACH MORETH Executive Sports Editor

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oing into his junior year, Will Gorstein had high aspirations of making the varsity tennis team.

Despite his hopes, however, after a talk with head coach Brad Rathe informed Gorstein that he would start the year on the JV team.

In a twist of events, one of Gorstein’s teammates was unable to participate due to a conflict he had, so Gorstein earned himself the third varsity singles spot. Gorstein was shocked when he read his name off of the varsity lineup.

“I was extremely excited; I was like, ‘No way!’ I had no idea this was happening,” Gorstein said.

Gorstein showed up to the courts the day of the meet and was very optimistic about his match. He knew the end result would help determine his spot on the team going forward.

“A lot was riding on this [one match] for me. I felt like if I did lose, I could’ve been taken off the lineup,” Gorstein said.

Gorstein ended up winning both of his matches, ending with a score of 6-1 and 6-3 against Mount Carmel.

Rathe was extremely impressed with Gorstein’s abilities and improvement after the first match.

“It’s pretty obvious that he worked on his game in the off-season. He improved and he’s come a long way from where he started as a freshman,” Rathe said.

Gorstein said that during his off-season, he played several matches at the River Trails

Watch the newest “tito on the street”: SOX VS. cubs

tennis center in Mount Prospect. Sometimes, Gorstein would play more than four times a week. He would often go up against colleagues and other high schoolers to get the experience and competition he needed to improve during his months off.

Gorstein believes his off-season success can also be credited to the PLT4M app, which assigns specific workouts for athletes doing a certain sport during weights classes. Gorstein mentioned bench pressing, squatting, curling and lunging as exercises he does to increase his power when hitting the ball.

On top of lifting, possibly the most important part of tennis is the conditioning factor. During the season, Gorstein talked about running the “super loop” once or twice a week, which is a mile-and-a-half route the team runs around Prospect in order to build endurance.

For tennis, with the number of sets played and the amount of ground covered, it’s essential to have strong cardiovascular endurance.

Luckily for Gorstein, he says the workouts and conditioning aren’t too much of a problem because of his athleticism. Rathe described Gorstein as being one of the more athletic kids he’s seen on the court, which can be a huge help to the team.

Rathe says the depth of the team’s players this year is at a level that he’s never seen before. The Knights lost only two seniors from last year and have quite a few returning players, which has been a key factor to allow them to be so deep.

Rathe says that having such an experienced team helps build the culture since everyone is so familiar with each other.

Junior and first court varsity doubles player Sammy Hong talks about things the team can do to continue to build their bonds with each other. Hong specifically mentions practicing on off days with each other and going to team dinners.

When talking about the goals for this team, Hong and Rathe both agree on wanting to do two things: beat Hersey and win the MSL East.

As for Gorstein, he and Rathe are looking forward to the new challenges and hurdles for him to overcome to help the team this season.

“I’m a big fan of [Gorstein]; he’s a guy that is really easy to like. You always know what you’re going to get from him; there aren’t really any bad days,” Rathe said.

SLAM: Junior Will Gorstein serves in his first varsity match against Mount Carmel. Gorstein won both matches 6-1 and 6-3 to start his varsity career. Head coach Brad Rathe has been especially impressed with Gorsteins improvements. “It’s pretty obvious that he worked on his game in the off-season. He improved and he’s come a long way from where he started as a freshman,” Rathe said. (photo courtesy of Sterling Thomas)

PROSPECTORNOW.COM

SPORTS

APRIL 20, 2022

Uemura serves volleyball success NIC FARDELLA Sports Reporter

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enior volleyball player Ryan Uemura first got into volleyball because of his parents. They met playing volleyball after college, and it has always been a family activity for them since then. Uemura first really started playing volleyball in seventh grade while attending South Middle School and has played varsity for Prospect ever since he was a sophomore. During his freshman year, he played on both JV and varsity.

Uemura is currently ranked fourth in the state for his position, outside hitter.

“It’s cool and a good feeling to be ranked so high,” Uemera said. “It motivates me to play harder to break into [the] top three.”

As of April 13 the Knights are 10-7 with rivalry wins agianst Hersey and Rolling Meadows.

According to head coach Mike Riedy, playing club volleyball isn’t as common as people think, but the players who play club benefit greatly from doing so.

Uemura has grown his game since his freshman year; he plays club volleyball at Adversity Volleyball Center in Vernon Hills, which is played up until the high school season starts. He also puts in hours at the gym both working out and getting in reps.

Uemura’s workouts consist of a lot of plyometric lifts and regular compound lifts like squats and deadlifts. Uemura goes there to lift three to four times a week, and workouts typically last three and a half hours.

“The reps and coaching you get [at Adversity] are unmatched,” Uemura said. “My past three coaches have been former pro players. The coaches you get doing … club don’t compare.”

Because Uemura is in a club, he is currently talking to some schools about playing volleyball in college.

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5 Upcoming games April 21- Home wheeling April 26- away Hersey April 28- away buffolo may 2- home deerfield may 4- home liberyville The recruiting process for Uemura was weird to say the least. When Uemura was a sophomore, he tore his quad tendon. Uemura says he got better at the sport later than most, and he is picky about finding a college to play at.

The younger players on the team want to emulate what Uemura does because he is such a talented player and teammate.

“The kids want to follow Uemura not because he is a good player, but because of his leadership,” Riedy said.

Uemura says that the relationship between him and Riedy has grown since he was a freshman.

“Riedy’s coaching style is very unique,” Uemura said. “When I was a freshman, I didn’t know how to respond to it. Over the years I got more comfortable with him, and I feel a lot better talking to him now.”

Uemura has noticed that the program’s reputation has gotten a lot better recently and credits it to all the team’s hard work and Riedy’s great coaching.

According to Riedy, the program is so good because players have the desire to get better.

Because of these strengths, the Knights are looking to beat Barrington and win the East this season.

Looking back on his time on the team, Uemura has a simple message for younger players.

“Take nothing for granted; the four years go by fast,” Uemura said.

SPIKIN’ IT: Senior Ryan Uemura serves the ball against Hersey.

The Knights won the match 2-0. (photo by Bella Brouilette)

Lacrosse scores new players, prominence CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, OWEN WALTER Sports Reporters

Currently on Prospector now

Boys’ lacrosse first made its way into Prospect only two years ago, however, it has seen a surge of attention this season, quickly becoming a large attraction for spring athletes.

The team, which currently stands at 4-5, has gained an additional 35 players compared to last season when they went 4-13. The team now has a total of 75 players and three coaches.

They have now also been able to create three levels for their players, with those being varsity, JV and frosh-soph.

The lacrosse takeover has begun at Prospect, but how exactly did this begin?

A large number of athletes have come out to try something different, with a lot of them leaving their former sport to play lacrosse.

“I felt drawn to play this sport,” junior center Brad Vierneisel said. “[Head coach Joe] Battaglia is an amazing coach, and lacrosse is the most fun you can have … in the spring.”

With such quick growth, Battaglia has made adjustments to the program in order to give everyone an equal experience.

Like in most programs, varsity playing time is earned. Battaglia makes sure, however, that players on JV rotate frequently, and with the team having such a large number of players this year, frosh-soph

GROWING:Charlie Carroll, Brad Viernisiel and Nick Lobacz pose with coaches after the game on April 11. The Knights played Hinsdale Central and lost 14-4. ( photo courtesy of Sebastian Wildheart) games will be added on later in the season.

Battaglia makes an effort to

connect emotionally with his players and treats them as extended family, which he hopes creates a

After the MLB lockout, many off-season moves were made.

Scan the QR code to read about the Cubs’ biggest moves of the off-season.

fun environment where athletes can be themselves.

Now, the surge of new athletes that lacrosse has gained in such a short time does have a good deal to do with the excitement for the sport of lacrosse itself. However, it is also connected with what the students at Prospect see every time they check Twitter or watch morning announcements.

Lacrosse has gotten heavy amounts of advertising for its program, with edited hype videos and photos posted on social media and shown in the morning announcements.

All of this is done by Battaglia himself, which he believes is completely worth the time and effort taken to do so because it makes the program look just as important as football does in the fall.

“We have done a lot more in terms of social media and edits, along with creating [merchandise] the kids like,” Battaglia said. “I think it’s giving kids a new opportunity and removing that barrier where they are afraid … that they aren’t going to be successful in it.”

This step in Battaglia’s program-building was definitely the right move, as the videos have gained increasing interest around the school, according to Vierneisel.

“Me and a lot of my friends saw how [fun lacrosse] looked, and it definitely created a drive to try it out and see what happens,” Vierneisel said.

As more people join, Battaglia is also working consistently to get his program more of the best equip-

Read about Owen Schneider showing the work and the payoff of dominating in high school hoops

ment like lacrosse sticks and other necessary gear so that he can supply everyone.

There’s no doubt that lacrosse is growing, but with such a large number of kids joining so fast, the sport finds itself rising in popularity in the spring like football does in the fall and basketball does in the winter.

The difference with lacrosse compared to other spring sports like baseball is that it’s a no-cut sport. Everyone has a chance to play.

The large team size can become overwhelming, but with Battaglia creating three separate levels and having two other coaches alongside him, being a no-cut program has become a huge factor in why lacrosse has gained so much attention already.

Battaglia’s strategy for program-building is that if you mix something new and exciting along with an openness for everyone, you will get a lot more eyes on your program.

The growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down, which means we could eventually see the new top spring sport.

The team remains set on continuing an already-better season this year while also continually working towards the top spot as a program in all categories.

“I think … lacrosse can eventually become the football of spring,” Vierneisel said. “It’s only going to get more popular every year with everyone knowing they will play in some capacity if they join.”

Scan the QR code to read about Girls’ softball plans to be MSL east champs again

12

Relive 2020 boys' basketball regional championship

Watch Jacob Siciliano and Nolan Hamilton follow the 201920 boys' basketball team through their miracle upset victory over the Buffalo Grove Bison.

SPORTS APRIL 20, 2022

Upset countdown: top five underdog wins PJ O'GRADY Exec. Sports Editor

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he NCAA March Madness tournament was filled with upsets that busted plenty of people’s brackets. For example, St. Peter’s, Miami, Iowa State, Richmond and Michigan were all teams that caught their opponents off-guard. An upset is bound to happen in all sports, and Prospect is no exception. So, after talking with former Sports Director Tom Martindale and Assistant Principal of Student Activities Frank Mirandola, I created a list of the top five upsets in Prospect sports of the 21st century. Because it would be extremely difficult to highlight every notable upset for all sports, this list is merely based on speculation and only includes a small sampling of upsets. Feel free to comment on our Instagram or Twitter to mention any upsets I missed. Here are some examples of the Knights coming out on top as the underdog.

In 2020, the Knights were struggling to stay afloat in the regular season. With a record of 13-15, no one expected much from this team in the postseason. After beating the Barrington Broncos 48-35 in the first regionals game, the knights had a tough match against the 24-7 Buffalo Grove Bison. Averaging 72 points per game, the Bison led class 4A in scoring.

Star Buffalo Grove player Cam Kraft was unstoppable, according to former head coach John Camardella, but their second best player, Nate Cole, could be contained. Coming into the game, Camardella decided to put in forward Luke Zardzin to guard

Prospect Vs. Mount Carmel state football game (2005)

STATE CHAMPS: Wide receiver Pat Burnton (left) and running back Evan Daniel celebrate victoriously with Evan's older brother Allen. The Knights ended up beating the Caravan 2014. (photo courtesy of Dan Wessell) In their third state appearance, the 12-1 Knights knew the Caravan offense In Knights were matched up against the 13-0 would include many triple options due t h e Mount Carmel Caravan. At the time, to the team’s physicality. Mirandola estimated fall of Mount Carmel had won 10 football that the Caravan offensive line weighed about 2009, the state championships while Prospect 70 lbs more than the Knights’. But despite the Knights had only won two. The summer be- other team’s size advantages, Mirandola had were playing fore, Prospect's team faced some confidence that Prospect could win. in a highly comissues regarding teamwork, ac“There was zero doubt,” Mirandola said. “ ... petitive Thankscording to former defensive Every week that team got better and better giving tournament coordinator Mirandola. But and better, and they ended up running off 13 at St. Patrick’s High gradually they started to straight wins ... They believed in each other, School. Prospect ended realize their potential. and they competed hard for each other.” up in the championship Their slogan, “We are In the first half, the Caravan were adgame against the St. Patone,” was one of the vancing to the end zone rapidly. The Knights rick Shamrocks. At the time defining aspects of desperately needed a stop. Then, at the 20 Saint Patrick's were ranked that season, and yard line, defensive linebacker Stephen Dazwithin the top 10 in the state. all of the play- zo forced a fumble. That gave the Knights Prospect’s young head coach ers played a the confidence they needed to refocus, and John Camardella gave the team a role in con- they ended up scoring afterwards. In the “stark reality” of what would happen tributing second half, the Knights made some adduring the game beforehand. He said to the justments, and quarterback Matt Bowman that they would get dunked on and crossed team. scored a touchdown, making the score 14-7 up by the Shamrocks, but if they trusted The in the fourth quarter. themselves and handled the ball well, they reThis cushion led to another touchdown would have a chance. ally for their Knights, and they ended up winAt the start of the second half, Pross e ning 20-14. Some talented players on that pect was down by 12. Slowly, they started rious team were Bowman, Tony Barrati (LB), quarter, fourth inching forward, and in the p r o Max Cherwin (LB), Rick Richardson (DL) the game got very close. In the final ming r a m , ” and Evan Daniel (RB). utes, the knights scored a big three to tie a l l Camarde Additionally, Daniel had an older the game. The game ended up going into said. “... So to brother on the team, Allen Daniel, who overtime. Towards the end of OT, prospect [St. … go into had Down syndrome. Mirandola said was down 49-48. The knights retained posPatrick’s] and beat that after every game, the Knights Joe guard session of the ball and shooting they when [them] … would set up their offense and LaTulip got fouled; he was then sent to the were state ranked and defense with Allen on the field, free throw line with 4.2 seconds left. In a unknown with a fairly playing out a rush touchdown heavily packed court, the pressure was on. that was a team, every time for Allen. In He sank both free throws, which was special front of a huge crowd enough for the Knights to win 50-49. LaTuupset.” at state, Allen Daniel lip ended the game with five three pointers, got to score his last and he made all his free throws. Camardella touchdown of the explained the impact of that game. season.

“That for me was one of those wins that put Prospect in the conversation of … being a

2 1 3 Prospect vs.

St. Pat’s boys’ basketball win (2009)

SMASH: Senior Luke Bergman swings at a game against Conant on April 25. That year the Knights won their only state trophy. (photo courtesy of Ian Magnuson)

In early June of 2011 at RiverHawks stadium in Rockford, the 26-8 Knights were set to play the 33-4 Glenbrook North (GBN) Spartans in the super sectionals. The Spartans were ranked third in the state and had talented players like shortstop Brett Synek; no one expected a win for Prospect. Jack Landwehr was supposed to pitch that game.

Earlier in the season, however, Landwehr pitched against the Spartans and got pounded.

In one of his worst games that year, he let up 10 runs, and the Knights lost 12-2 in the fifth inning. Obviously, Landwehr had something to prove in his upcoming game. In the first inning, Synek (GBN) singled and then scored with two outs from a base hit by junior catcher Jacob Scholl (GBN). The Knights were already down 1-0, and the Spartans expected a big inning. Instead, Landwehr bore down and

got the out to save the Knights from a potential bad inning.

In the 2nd inning, the Knights didn’t look back.

With timely hitting and good pitching, the Knights won 6-2 and Landwehr shut the Spartans down. Striking out the last batter, Landwehr got his revenge that day. That underdog 2011 win led to the Knights getting third in state, which is the program’s only state appearance to date.

“We just had a chip on our shoulder, we just kept grinding and coming back, no one ever got down on each other and we knew we were good enough to beat these good teams,” Landwehr said.

Prospect Vs. GBN's super sectional Revenge win (2009)

Cole. Zardzin, known for his defense, locked up Barrington’s best player in the game before. The last time the Knights played Buffalo Grove, Cole had 18 points and 12 rebounds. However, Cole became another victim of Zardzin’s wrath and scored zero points that game. The final score of the game was a blowout: 45-26. The Knights held the mighty Bison to roughly one-third of their average points per game.

“We weren’t afraid of losing, and I think that’s the ultimate key . . . when you know that the season’s gonna end at some point and you're not afraid of it ending, then you are in a really good spot,” Camardella said.

4

Prospect Vs. BG

We weren't afraid of boys' basketball losing and I think that's regional final win (2020) the ultimate key."

- Former head basketball coach, John Camardella

photos courtesy of Stew Smith; graphic

by Heather Dove and Ian Magnuson On Oct. 14, 2011, the Prospect girls’ golf team found themselves competing at state for the second year in a row. The previous year, in 2010, the girls placed fourth in the state.

Many months prior to the 2011 championship, on New Year’s Eve, a group of the girls on the team were hanging out with each other. When the clock struck 12:01 AM for the 2011 New Year, all the girls texted the golf coach James Hamann that they would win the state championship that year. Hamann woke up to the texts the next morning and said he was all in.

According to Hamann, the team worked very hard over the summer to improve their skills. The state tournament was held in Decatur; the first round was on Friday and the final round took place the next day. The girls had heavy competition from New Trier, the defending champions, and Hinsdale Central. The Knights ended up winning their regionals, though they fell second in the sectionals behind New Trier.

Hamann especially remembers the weather that year. He explained that it was extremely windy, so it made the tournament much harder for everyone. The Knights, led by senior Allison Walsh, were winning by the end of day one, and they continued their success and ended up winning the state tournament by seven strokes. By only one stroke, Walsh won a state trophy individually for her performance.

Hamann said that when he took over in 2004, he did not think the girls’ golf program would improve so quickly. This state championship was especially signif-

girls’ golf wins state, beats powerhouses New Trier and Hinsdale icant because central it was the first state trophy for girls’ athletics at Prospect.

“These girls are still tight today, and I still keep in touch with all of them,” Hamann said. “We had them here in the fall to celebrate the tenth anniversary [of their state win]; they all came in. We had girls come in from Denver, from Michigan, and we came here to Prospect. . . Honestly it was like they’ve never left.”

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