The Prospector Issue 4 by The Prospector

Volume 52, Issue 4

Friday, November 30, 2012

The voice of Prospect since 1960

THE

ROSPECTOR

801 West Kensington Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056

We went behind the lunch counter to explore the inner workings of Prospect’s lunch program, healthy diets and more.

8 In-depth

The not-so-Common App Seniors are wrapping up their applications to the schools of their choice, some of which are sent through the Common Application. Read about two seniors’ thoughts from both sides of the applicant coin.

Opinion

graphic by Ian Magnuson

Rodents running rampant School working to combat boom in mouse population By Kyle Brown Copy Editor

Feverish followings Ever wonder how some movies manage to stay relevant in pop culture for so long? Grab your popcorn (buttered, of course) and learn what cult classics like “Donnie Darko” (above) are and how they come to exist.

Entertainment

Spanish teacher Mike Aldworth was about to munch on a bag of trail mix that had been left in his closet in Room 129 when he noticed some animal droppings in the bag. Curious to find out the extent of the damage, he checked the shelf where the bag was left and discovered that there were “just a ton” of mouse droppings spread throughout his top shelf. “It was not for human consumption after I had found out how many mice had gotten to

it,” Aldworth said. The mice aren’t just relegated to Aldworth’s room, however. According to Building and Grounds Supervisor Oscar Acevedo, they are present “sporadically” across the school, mainly on the ground floor, from the fieldhouse storage closet all the way to the main office. The rodents are gaining attention this year not because they are new to the school — they have been around for years — but rather because of a huge increase in their population. The influx of mice can be attributed to a few different

Moodle 2.0 to become default Switch to new site set to take effect starting second semester

By Spencer Ball News Editor High school students often only notice superficial changes. A new haircut, different clothes or a new phone are often what grabs the most attention. This holds true for the new Moodle 2.0 system that district has imposed. All students seemed to notice is the change from red text to blue, while in reality there is a much bigger difference than just a theme change. According to Instructional Technology Coordinator Carla Zvonek, Moodle is an Open Source Virtual Learning Program (VLP) that was launched Aug. 20, 2002, by a community of open source developers that wanted to give teachers a platform to share information with their students easily and for free. “Since then, what has been really amazing is that this whole open source community around Moodle keeps writ-

ing [code] and keeps developing [content],” Zvonek said. By second semester, any teacher who hasn’t transferred their information from Moodle 1.0 to 2.0 will have their data lost, as the Moodle 1.0 servers will shut down at that time. Zvonek assists teachers in transferring their information from Moodle 1.0 to 2.0 so they don’t have to do it themselves. Zvonek also said that District 214 rents a server or domain name from Moodle, which is moodle.d214.org, where the people in charge of the server at the District building control what features are available to students and teachers in Moodle. In the case of Moodle 2.0, its main goal is to look the way teachers and students want it to, as well as being flexible and easy to navigate. Spanish teacher Danielle Ossman is one of the teachers who has already made the switch to Moodle 2.0, but she made the transition on her own. “There was a big learning curve,” Ossman said. “It involved a lot of trial and error, and that’s why I think I learned it better, because I was seeing

See MOODLE, page 2

reasons. The mouse population stayed strong over the mild winter without cold temperatures to kill them off. The hot summer that followed drove the increased numbers inside to seek shelter from the blazing heat. To top everything off, the front of the building was completely open while the new windows were being installed over the summer, allowing the throngs of mice to enter the school with ease. However, Prospect isn’t the only place suffering from a surge in rodent population. According to ABC Chicago, there were 3,900 more rodent complaints in Chicago between July and August than there were last year, a rise of 28 percent from 2011. Social science teacher and

basketball coach Jay Heilman found out about the mice problem after he found that they had eaten through a bag of Gatorade powder kept in the basketball cage in the fieldhouse. Anderson Pest Solutions, the school’s exterminator, were contacted to set traps after Heilman’s discovery. When Heilman opened the cage again, there were plenty of dead mice there to greet him. “Every time I moved a basketball, I saw another mouse,” Heilman said. With Prospect being such a large building, there are countless access points for the mice to get in. According to Colorado State University, mice can fit through a hole as small as a quarter inch, or

See MICE, page 2

Spanish teacher Danielle Ossman cooks up pancakes for her food drive-winning second hour class. To read up on the record-setting Holiday Food Drive, head to ProspectorNow.com. or scan here

photo by Mary Kate Moloney

Want all Prospect, all the time? * Check out our online publication: www.ProspectorNow.com * Follow us on Twitter: @ProspectorNow * Like us on Facebook: ProspectorNow

News

November 30, 2012

prospectornow.com

MOODLE: Faculty upgrading virtual classroom technology CONTINUED from front page

have some form of online dis- and reflect on how they’re putcussion between students held ting together ideas,” Schnell the same look, and we want to on Moodle, they would have said. “It’s in a non-cheating get teachers used to the way to make a “chat” or “forum”. way, which is nice.” Social Studies teacher Jay they can configure their cours- Students were then supposed to post what they typed and Heilman has also encountered es.” Spanish teacher Danielle respond to what their peers similar problems to Schnell’s, Ossman is one of the teach- posted. Unluckily, this feature but he also has had issues with tests that his AP Psych stuers who has already made the rarely worked. What Moodle 2.0 offers is a dents take on Moodle not beswitch to Moodle 2.0, but she made the transition on her much easier way for students ing submitted when they were to have this kind of discus- turned in correctly. own. Senior “There was a big learning sion by There are going to be allowing T h e r e s e curve,” Ossman said. “It inmistakes, and when teachers C o u ghlin, volved a lot of trial and error, that happens, you just who is also and that’s why I think I learned to add a in Heilman’s it better, because I was seeing “ b l o g ” need to roll with the s e c t i o n AP Psych has my mistakes.” punches and make the adjust- had compliOssman said that after she on their cations with got past the learning curve, M o o d l e ments.” page. turning in Moodle 2.0 was a lot easier to -JAY HEILMAN, social studies teacher her tests and This use than the original version. quizzes that “You just really need to s e c t i o n is specifishe completdrag and drop files,” Ossman cally designed to allow students ed on Moodle, as well as probsaid. “You don’t need to upload them as much, and it just looks to easily submit what they have lems with the forums and comcleaner and easier [to use]. For to say and to comment on what munication aspect of Moodle. Coughlin said that one of a teacher, it is easier to navi- other students said. Social Studies teacher David her online assignments on gate between your classes, and that’s the experience I have Schnell has had problems with Moodle wasn’t being submithis AP World History students ted, so she had to upload her rewith it.” Ossman also said she really trying to post on the forums sponse in a word document on Moodle for her peers to see and enjoys that teachers are given and chats on his Moodle page. Schnell sees the importance respond to what she had to say. the option to add pictures and of students being able to build “It is just a big hassle,” backgrounds to their courses’ ideas off of each other through Coughlin said. “It shouldn’t be pages. One of the new features the forums, and is excited to this complicated.” Heilman said that with the that Moodle 2.0 provides will hear about the new blog feavarious dilemmas regarding most likely make students and ture of Moodle 2.0. “[Students] are getting the Moodle 1.0, people are often teachers alike relieved. chance to view their peers work upset if what they’re doing If a teacher ever wanted to does not work the way they had planned. “I think we have all come International Moodle statistics to expect perfection out of our technology, and you just have to take a step back and real• Registered sites • 70,296 ize it’s not perfect,” Heilman • Countries • 223 said. “There is going to be mis• Courses • 6,806,027 takes, and when that happens, • Users • 63,301,521 you just need to roll with the • Teachers • 1,290,273 punches and make the adjust• Enrolments • 46,932,302 ments.” Even before Moodle was ad• Forum posts • 113,366,354 opted four years ago, teachers • Resources • 61,097,883 were asked to create their own • Quiz questions • 131,653,659 websites, where they would have to pay out of their pockets Information courtesy of Moodle.org for web development software.

vs.

How many Moodle courses have switched over?

Gr a

Moodle 1.0 52%

Moodle 2.0 48%

(95 Courses)

(86 Courses)

ph i

c by

Sp e

nc e

r Ba

Based on a total of 181 Moodle courses Information courtesy of Instructional Technology Coordinator Carla Zvonek

Because of this, the District wanted consistency for both students and teachers to work with, so they ended up picking Moodle as a solution to their problem. Teachers who don’t use any kind of online database for their students are advised to adopt either Moodle or any other kind of Virtual Learning Platform (VLP). With the increase in usage of iPads in the classroom, Zvonek feels that learning is moving into a more digital age. “Eventually, teachers will have to find a VLP that acts as their textbook,” Zvonek said. “The iPad is the book, and the VLP is basically the publisher.” Some alternative VLPs to Moodle are Google Sites or Edmodo, which are very similar to the way Moodle functions. “As long as the teachers can give students a place or virtual home to go to grab their assignments, to have their online discussions and to turn in work, then it is OK,” Zvonek said. Schnell uses Moodle frequently, but he has yet to make the switch to Moodle 2.0 be-

cause of his familiarity with Moodle 1.0. This is Schnell’s first year using Moodle where he is spending much more time adding resources for students to his Moodle page. These range from Youtube videos embedded into the page that have to do with whatever Schnell’s AP World History is learning to links to handouts that were given in class. “[Moodle] is pretty straightforward once you get used to the terminology and the icons,” Schnell said. “I found it to be very simple, almost foolproof.” Heilman thinks that with the school’s and district’s decision to convert over to Moodle 2.0, he, his colleagues and students alike will have to go back and relearn what they originally knew about Moodle, in order to truly understand how to use the new version. “Technology keeps evolving, and the ways of doing things keeps changing,” Heilman said. “People have to learn something new almost all of the time in order to fig-

MICE: Pests infiltrate building, extermination in progress

CONTINUED from front page

about the diameter of a pencil eraser. So in addition to putting mouse traps around the problem areas, the school is working on stopping the mice before they can get in the school. “If we can catch them before they get in the building, that’s a huge plus,” Acevedo said. The slim openings underneath doors are how the mice typically get inside the building, according to Acevedo. To combat the mice’s entrance, the school has taken two approaches: setting up plastic “rocks” filled with four to six snap traps around the perimeter and placing mouse-proof metal brushes under the doors the mice get through the most. While provisions are being made to keep mice outside the building, the custodial staff makes daily rounds to keep tabs on the mice already inside. “We’re being very, very aggressive in terms of making rounds every day,” Acevedo said. “[We are] calling Anderson any time we see activities and having them come in and address areas as needed...My staff ’s going beyond the call to try and solve this.” While Acevedo’s crew is doing all they can to keep the mice at bay, they wouldn’t be nearly as effective without any help from the faculty. “[The] teachers are very observant and they’re very good about letting me

Can transmit salmonella, ringworms, tapeworms and ticks

The wonderful world of mice

Teeth are strong enough to chew through wood

If they don’t chew on things, their teeth will keep growing, curl under their mouths and go up in the brain

know if they see something,” Acevedo said. According to Aldworth, another thing teachers have done to help is to keep food out of their classrooms, since, according to Acevedo, “food is the attraction.” “A few teachers have had to say, ‘OK, I can’t have candy in my classroom anymore,’” Aldworth said. “And I can’t have my trail mix, apparently.”

Can dislocate thier rib cages and compress their internal organs down to fit in tight spaces

Detectable by their droppings and grease trails

illustration by Veronica Holloway

Able to produce 25-60 offspring per year

Able to survive on just about any food

Information from Colorado State University and Think Quest

Acevedo believes that students need to do their part in prevention as well by disposing of waste and containing food in plastic containers. “I think the students need to be aware that they need to help us,” Acevedo said. “Food attracts mice. If you have food in your locker, they might seek food.” Overall, Acevedo has seen a decline in the number of mice being caught

since the beginning of the school year to the point where his custodial staff is finding almost no mice in their daily rounds. According to Acevedo, this is a good thing. “I think if we continue with this aggressive routine, we’ll be fine,” Acevedo said. “Will we ever be mice-free? I can’t say that. Can we control them? Absolutely.”

prospectornow.com

Rumor has it

November 30, 2012

News

Rumors are spread like wildfire, especially in high school. However, it’s time to get to the bottom of some of these rumors or questions students may have. By Danielle Church News Editor

Are there corpses under the football field? No, there are no dead bodies under the football field. According to Principal Michelle Dowling there could be dead mice under the field, but there aren’t any human bodies because “that would be creepy.” However, there is one body buried in the courtyard at Prospect, just not the type students might be thinking about.

Science teacher and environmental club advisor Mollie David had walked into her classroom one morning only to find that her 10-15 pound, Himalayan rabbit Henrietta was not breathing. Since the rabbit had played such a major role in her class, David decided to bury Henrietta in the courtyard.

Do the teachers get their own massage parlor? According to Principal Michelle Dowling, teachers used to get massages at school. However, she doesn’t know if they still do now. Before Dowling arrived at Prospect six years ago, teachers could receive massages in a private room in the faculty lounge. Dowling also believes at some point there was a private room under the theater. However, the room would change throughout the building because as space got tighter, the staff would have to open up meeting rooms for students. Dowling says the reason teachers could get massages at school was because of a wellness program in place. Parts of the program can still be seen at Prospect. For example, some teachers come certain mornings to work out, some come to play basketball each week, some do P90X like Dowling and there is even a group of teachers that runs every morning. Teachers can take part in these activities during their lunch hours as well. Dowling believes that all of the activities have really helped to reduce the

amount of stress teachers have. “Anytime you’re mentally and physically more healthy, it makes [working] easier because you have less things on your mind,” Dowling said. “You can focus on more things because it becomes fun.” In addition, as part of the wellness program, nurses from Northwest Community Hospital come to Prospect to give teachers complete blood work once a year. According to Dowling, it is covered under the staff ’s health insurance benefits and is done to check and make sure teachers are healthy. The blood work can also let teachers know of any possible health concerns that might be coming up. Overall, Dowling believes that the wellness program has only helped to improve teachers’ jobs by making it easier for them to communicate with their students. “If you have fun where you work, you’re more invested and you have a better disposition with the students you work with,” Dowling said.

Why can’t students go in the courtyard? According to science teacher and Environmental Club advisor Mollie David, students are not allowed to go into the courtyard anytime they want because they would make too much noise since it is so close to classrooms. Although if students were allowed to use the courtyard whenever they wanted, David would not mind because she is never in a courtyard room. She believes it would be great if biology or environmental science teachers could use the area to do some plantings or experiments. Freshman Juliette Black agrees but wishes students could use the courtyard during lunch because “it’s prettier and not as gross as the lunchroom.” However, senior and environmental club member Matt Smetana believes it would be a terrible idea to allow students into the courtyard. “They would destroy it, to be com-

pletely honest,” Smetana said. “If students were to go in [the courtyard], they would just trash everything.” Smetana believes so because there is already litter that blows over into the courtyard, the area is too small for a bunch of people to be in and there isn’t a pathway so students would walk all over the plants. Despite wanting to use the courtyard for educational purposes, David agrees with Smetana, saying the area is not very usable. She believes it’s unfortunate because there’s no easy way to get in and out of there— the courtyard has only one door and it’s “blocked off from the world.” As a result, environmental club is making the courtyard their project this year. While David hopes to pull up the ground work and add a garden, Smetana would like to add fish to the pond because nothing is in there right now.

s KEEP OFF GRASS: Students are forbidden the courtyard. “[Students] would destroy it to be competely honest,” senior Matt Smetana said. photo by Ian Magnuson

Administration cracks down on absences, issues warnings right away,” Taylor said. According to Taylor, this list only includes parent-excused absences and vacations. School-excused (e.g. field trips), The state of Illinois mandates that if a student is absent five percent of the medically excused by a doctors note or school year, they are declared a chronic other cases, such as a family illness, are truant. In District 214, this is rounded classified differently, and therefore not to a total of 10 days. Despite being a included in this absence list. When a student is close to reaching part of the district handbook, the policy has not always been enforced at Pros- the 10 absences, Prospect sends out a pect. Recently, however, many students warning to both the student and his or have been receiving truancy warnings her parents. Once the student exceeds 10 absences, the showing this has school can mandate changed. Highlighting absences the student can no “[The policy] has longer be excused always kind of been This year, attendence data is comby his or her parthere,” Dean of Stupiled to make monitoring absences ents. dents Mark Taylor easier. Individual periods and total In these cases, said. “But accessing absences are colored based on the only a doctor’s note [attendance] infornumber of days missed. Each color or the school nurse mation and getting below represents a different range in can excuse the stuthat information in number of absences: dent. If the student a format where we •Blue: 3-4 is still not attendcan view it has been •Yellow: 5-6 ing school, he or challenging.” •Orange:7-10 she would be conThis year the at•Red: 11-20 sidered truant, an tendance staff at •Hot Pink: 21+ arrestable offense. Prospect has creatinfo courtesy of Mark Taylor The main reason ed a way of exportfor the increased ing attendance information out of the data system and focus on attendance has been the new into a readable format that deans, case system. However, Taylor acknowledges managers and counselors all have easy attendance improvement has become a district goal. Especially taking a closer access to. Absence information is now seen in look at the relationship between attena list format, where both individual pe- dance and a student’s grade perforriods and total absences are highlight- mance. “It’s a coordinated effort with our ed by a different color depending on the amount missed (see “Highlighting case managers, our counselors, our specialists, social workers, psychologists absences”). “As the counselors and case man- and the deans,” Taylor said. “[We’re] agers look over their lists, [absences] taking a look at how attendance affects jump out at them so they can look at it kids’ schooling.”

By Maggie Devereux Editor-in-Chief

Opinion

November 30, 2012

prospectornow.com

Staff Editorial

Homework ban over break French President François Hollande proposed a ban on homework last month as a part of various policies to reform the French educational system, according to ABC News. Homework, he declared, leads to inequality and favors wealthy children over poor. Hollande’s argument is that outside of class, wealthy children are more likely to have a better working environment and parents who can help with their homework. Therefore, if all homework is done during school hours, it helps to establish “equal opportunities.” In America, Hollande’s argument would not stick. France is socialist, America is capitalist. It’s true a wealthier student would have access to more resources for homework help—however, in America, we call that survival of the fittest, and there is a major disparity of income

among students at the same itorial ran criticizing teachschool, let alone the whole ers’ decisions to give homecountry. In America, we do work over winter break. not strive to create complete We, The Prospector, stand by that opinion, and encourequality. A ban on homework as age teachers to keep this in proposed by Hollande would mind during the upcoming be detrimental to the educa- three weeks. “If teachtion process. ers don’t give At Prosstudents time pect, if homework were to completely be banned, Against free of school over winperiods would For ter break, need to be Voting results of the Prospector staff in then they lengthened regards to this editorial. dramatically. crash and Meaning we burn right could all stay an extra, say, 4 after first semester finals,” hours. Or, we could have the the editorial stated.“Come option of taking less classes. February, students will be Not to mention there are counting down until June, actually benefits from home- or at least spring break. work. Homework that rein- Teachers will be wondering forces topics learned in class why students have no motiincreases a student’s ability vation. It’s because by that point, students have been in to remember the material. However, homework at school for over five months Prospect is in no means per- straight—without a chance fect. In the Dec. 16, 2011 issue to slow down and get their of The Prospector, a staff ed- life back together.”

Last year, the article ran too late, when all homework had been assigned. This year, it is even more important to stress teachers provide a stress-free break. With finals only one short week after Prospect returns to school Jan. 7, it will be even more tempting for teachers to assign review packets, readings or anything else they need to cram into the semester over break. So, following Hollande’s proposal, we are proposing that Prospect bans homework, too— for just two weeks.

The Staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maggie Devereux Miranda Holloway

MANAGING EDITORS Katie Best Ian Magnuson COPY EDITOR Kyle Brown ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Jenny Johnson ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maddy Moloney NEWS EDITORS Nabi Dressler Spencer Ball Danielle Church

To read more on why there shouldn’t be homework over winter break, check out last year’s editorial at prospectornow.com

Erasing stereotypes: being Muslim in the U.S. Before coming to the United innocent people. States five years ago at the age There are those who are willof 11, I was unaware of the dan- ing to see both sides of the isgers of stereotypes. sue in both the U.S and across I did not even know the word the Islamic nations, but the “stereotypes,” existed; it did not majority is infected with these exist in my language, Turkish. stereotypes. My lack of English vocabAs this pollution spreads, ulary (I only knew how to say the result is two hostile popu“Hello,” “How are you?” and lations in constant conflict. As “What’s your name?”), however, the old Turkish saying goes, did not keep me from experienc- “Hate brings nothing but mising stereotypes, one ery.” of the first things I This saying apnoticed when I startplies very much to ed sixth grade here our situation. in Chicago. Nakoula Basseley I would meet with Nakoula made a mova person, we’d get to ie called “Innocence know each other, and of Muslims” and somewhere along the posted it on YouTube. line, I would eventuIt showed his haally tell them I was a tred and stereotyping Muslim from Turkey Echo Genc of Muslims. and get labeled a po- Guest Writer People in the Midtential terrorist. dle East, who already s TURKEY: Guest Writer Echo Genc moved from Turkey to the That was my exhated the U.S, killed perience with stereotypes, but an American ambassador in United States when he was 11. He’s noticed the negative role stereothere’s a bigger issue here that Libya, along with three other types play in both Western and Eastern culture. graphic by Ian Magnuson transcends my own small con- Americans that were in the U.S. writing, one of the most ac- Christianity and Judaism. cern. consulate as a result. claimed Imams across the IsI have met Christians living After the events of 9/11, In the end, the hate brought lamic nations states, “If a boat in the U.S. who embrace rules Muslims around the world were misery, but hate can be combat- held 10 criminals and one in- similar to those of Muslims seen as potential terrorists. ed with knowledge. nocent person, you cannot sink and value the same moral and In 2011, when a government Stereotypes can be defined the boat and kill them by any ethical code. building was bombed in Oslo, as completing the unknown means whatsoever.” They live their lives as well Norway, the first thing I heard about another group of people. So, when some terrorist goes as they can, and, in my opinion, on the radio was “The officials When a person knows partial into a market and detonates act as examples to some of the believe the bombing was exe- information about someone, himself, he is defying Islamic Muslims I know. cuted by radical Islamists, how- his/her brain rules. If the people hating America ever they don’t have a suspect finds a way If peo- from Islamic countries could We can chose to yet.” to complete it knew know this, their stereotypes foster tolerance ple Two days later, it turned out and force it to this, no would dissolve. the culprit was Anders Behring make sense. one would In the end, prejudice lies in and advance the Breivik, who is in no way assoIf a person be able to the imperfection of humanity, ciated with Islam. knew about world in cooperation for claim that no matter how many times one Just as damaging, ever since Islam, then the sake of our beliefs and M u s l i m s tries to get rid of it and denies the U.S entered into a war in he’d think the have the its existence, it will always be Iraq and Afghanistan, the peo- terrorists who our humanity, rather than potential of there. ple in the Middle East have con- performed the being terWe, as humans, will always hating each other without rorists, and have sidered Americans to be com- 9/11 attacks a first impression of anpletely anti-Islamic beings who are Muslim. even knowing why.” a stereotype other person. want to destroy 14-century-old The truth would be But there is one thing we can Muslim values (I know; I lived is, a terrorist gone. control. in Turkey for 11 years). cannot be a Muslim at the same There are people in the IsWe can choose knowledge For example, the most popu- time. Says who? Hundreds of lamic countries who believe all over the blind rage of hatred in lar TV series in Turkey (which Imams, called Muslim priests, Americans are unethical with our stereotypes against others. every Turk knows about), and the Quran, the sacred book no morals and the sole purpose We can choose to foster toler“Kurtlar Vadisi,” or “Valley of of Muslims. of destroying Islam, but Islam- ance and advance the world in Wolves” in English, portrayed Suicide is prohibited in Is- ic values provide morals that cooperation for the sake of our the people of the U.S. as impe- lam no matter the circumstanc- are universal. beliefs and our humanity, rathrial capitalists who went into es, as is killing innocent people. Islam is just a different way er than hating each other withIraq to exploit its oil and kill In a famous piece of his of living, with rules much like out even knowing why.

OPINION EDITORS Anna Boratyn Chris Kivlahan FEATURES EDITORS Andi Hayes Ellen Siefke IN-DEPTH EDITORS Khrystyna Halatyma Brian Park ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kelly Schoessling SPORTS EDITORS Aungelina Dahm Peter Fusilero ONLINE EDITOR Jack McDermott PHOTOGRAPHER Rich Futo ADVISER Jason Block Published by students in Journalistic Writing courses, the Prospector has won, most notably, the 2004-05 and 2006-07 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker; 2009 Illinois High School Association Sectional Championship and State Runner-up; Gold Medalist from Columbia Scholastic Press Association in 2009, 2010 and 2011; Illinois Journalism Education Association Best Overall Newspaper 2012. Mission Statement The primary purpose of The Prospector is to report news as well as explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We, The Prospector, hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions. Advertising For ad rates, call (847) 7185376 (ask for Katie Best), fax (847) 718-5306 e-mail or write The Prospector, 801 West Kensington Rd., Mount Prospect, IL 60056, prospec-

Letters to the Editor

Email letters to the Editor to prospectornow@gmail. com in regards to ANY article or editorial this issue. All letters must be signed. Please limit letters to 400 words. The Prospector reserves the rights to edit letters for style and length.

prospectornow.com

November 30, 2012

Opinion

graphic by Ian Magnuson

Applications: unique and unstandardized Common App: all for one and one for all As seniors in high school, we’re busy people. Sports, clubs, activities, homework and not to mention a social life. So throw on multiple college applications and Maggie Devereux college essays on Editor in Chief top of everything and you have yourself a busy couple months. It’s stressful and awful and sometimes a waste of time. But it’s not a reason to start wishing all colleges would standardize their applications. According to the Los Angeles times, about 525,000 students used the Common Application in 2011. Watch out underclassmen, that number is only growing (see “Common Application by the numbers”). The Common Application is great for entering personal information, but in terms of essays, it isn’t enough. I have no problem with colleges that set up appropriate supplements that include various questions and essay prompts that model what their own application used to look like. Complete standardization though would mean removing the supplements, and that’s a mistake. Standardization of applications leads to one main concern. Since it is easier to apply to more colleges with the Common Application, students apply to schools they aren’t completely interested in. Just look at the increase in applications to the University of Michigan (see ‘Common App: All for one and one for all’’). If Michigan is someone’s number one school, they now have to compete against thousands of more students that applied “just because.” So instead of complaining about supplements or colleges that don’t even use the Common Application at all, look at it as a gift. Be especially thankful for universities that have different essays depending on which school in their col-

lege you’re applying to. These get personal about what you want to do and how you plan on fitting into that specific program. For example, I applied to the School of Foreign Service within a University. The essay for that specific school asked about a global issue and solutions for it. I get to show that I’m interested in International affairs and I want to be a part of their program. Which frankly, is much better than simply seeing my name, ACT score, GPA and some generic essay prompt. Another university I’m applying to asks on its supplement for my favorite word, website, source of motivation and other short, random questions. The supplement sets itself apart from other colleges because it learns more about me in such a simple way. It’s the little things like this that are lost if we completely standardize the college application process. One application, one essay, as many colleges as you’d like. It sounds great at first, but don’t forget that you’re reducing what a college sees from you and learns about you. The college process scares me enough as is. The whole “stranger reading about your life and judging if you’re a good fit for their school all while deciding your future” thing sits uneasy with me. However it would help not being a carbon copy of 500,000 other seniors.

I’m applying to nine colleges. After several horrible weeks of trudging on and off through identical (but “special”) college applications, I am extremely grateful to my six ComAnna Boratyn mon Application Executive Opinion schools for doing Editor what all colleges should do: join the Common Application. The Common Application has a reputation for being a soulless arbiter of admittance that uniformly reduces applicants to GPA and ACT test scores. However, this reputation is undeserved. According to College Counselor Diane Bourne, the Common Application was actually one of the first proponents of a holistic review in the college application process (A holistic review takes into account GPA and ACT scores, but also considers extracurriculars and essays). Colleges use different applications because, allegedly, they want to provide an application which is specific to their school. But more often than not, colleges ask for the same information in every application. This is silly, because it means their application isn’t as special as we thought it was. It also means

Common Application by the numbers

1975

year founded

original members

750,000

estimated students using the Common Application this year

36%

of Prospect students used the Common Application last year

HOT: SNAPCHAT

Without Snapchat, how would anyone be able to send terrible looking selfies without fear of the picture ending up on twitter these days? It’s quite entertaining to see how many ways you can distort your face. There’s really no point other than having picture conversations, but there’s really no other point needed.

488

3 million

current members

estimated applications submitted through the Common Application this year

42%

of Prospect students that have used the Common Application this year

Information courtesy of Diane Bourne, the Common Application and the New York Times

HOT

not

Find out what’s in or out in popular culture and at Prospect as we sound off on the “hot” and “not” from this issue.

not: GYM PINNYS

HOT: MACKLEMORE Just to state the facts, Macklemore was cool before “Thrift Shop.” He’s just even cooler now that we know he thrifts because he’s SUCH a hipster. No, but in all seriousness, Macklemore is way better than Mac Miller ever was. Especially because Macklemore raps about things other than smoking some dope and how hot his name is, like dealing with a legit addiction or the importance of gay equality. Now, that is actually dope.

Not only are these things left with freshman boy sweat but half of them are also ripped. If you’re having that much trouble remembering who is on you’re two verse two basketball game, maybe we need to focus a little less on ACT prep and more on face recognition. Bottomline, they don’t look good on me, they don’t look good on you.

we have to retype everything multiple times. There’s a concern that the Common Application will make you seem common. It won’t. This is because the Common Application isn’t an application as much as it’s autofill. The questions the main Common Application asks (“Name?” “Address?” “Parents?”) and sends to every college are questions those colleges would have asked anyway. Colleges have the option of including a supplement. If they do indeed care that you are special, they’ll be inquiring of your specialness there. In the past few years, use of the Common Application has skyrocketed. According to Bourne, when a college joins the Common Application, the amount of applicants to that college goes up. Witness, for example, the University of Michigan application boom. When the University of Michigan joined the Common Application in 2010, the number of applicants went up by 25 percent, and the University of Michigan was able to be more selective about the applicants it chose as a result. For those who feel bad that it’s tougher to get into the University of Michigan: nothing has changed. It’s a universal truth: people who are better at things then you are will get into better colleges than you. These are college applications, that’s the college application process, and its something that will likely never change. But say you were a college admissions officer who wanted to accept the best students possible. You have a choice to make: getting to “know” thousands of students you will never meet using an “extra-special” application that takes them longer to fill out, or utilizing an application to choose from more students based on their writing skills, grades and scores. The Common Application is fair and efficient for both students and colleges. Perhaps the Common Application is just common sense.

not: Mice Those nasty little creeps are just crawling all over school, defecating on our tests and eating our oatmeal. Mice have salmonella, which, according to some very accurate urban legends, kills people. If a student drops dead after eating that nutella and strawberry jam sandwich left over the weekend, it might not be from the mold and decay–maybe it will be from all the diseases these mice are tracking in. Yuck, yuck and yuck again.

HOT: RYAN GOSLING'S "HEY GIRL..." What’s better than pictures of Ryan Gosling? Pictures of Ryan Gosling shirtless. What’s better than pictures of Ryan Gosling shirtless? Pictures of Ryan Gosling with handwritten notes from him to you. Okay so maybe he doesn’t write the note, an anonymous meme creator does but that doesn’t lessen the point that anything with Ryan Gosling’s face (and abs) is awesome.

6 Features

November 30, 2012

prospectornow.com

‘DJ Bock’ follows beat of heart

Student pursues dream of becoming DJ By Andi Hayes

Features Editor Junior Brandon Bock has always been involved with music, from playing the guitar since he was 10 years old to now DJing, or “mixing,” at local events for friends, he has always been passionate for music. When Bock eventually started to DJ more, he realized that music was more than a hobby—it was his dream. Bock, also known as “DJ Bock”, wanted to become a DJ when he started to get a feel for the job after doing multiple events his freshman year. The events originally started as Bock playing setlists of his favorite party music. Bock was interested in DJing because of his love for music and at the time, electronic dance music (EDM) (See “What’s all that noise?”) was just starting to gain popularity in the mainstream music scene. Since Bock had already been listening to EDM, DJing and bringing EDM to events seemed like a logical choice. While he isn’t playing at nightclubs just yet, Bock tries to keep the atmosphere of his gigs as club-like as possible. Bock is a self-proclaimed mobile DJ—he supplies the music, sound, lighting and atmosphere for any kind of event, bringing the club to the people at his gigs. These events take a week for Bock to plan in advance and involve choosing which songs he wants for his setlist and how he will play them. With his friend, junior Jesse Gonzalez, the two plan their setlists and switch off during the gigs, between mixing and mingling with people at the events and managing the music. “I’ve learned a lot from him, [about] different types of music that are

around,” Gonzalez said. “It’s always nice learning new things, and [especially] things with music.” While Bock usually does events for friends, he also did an event for last year’s spring pep assembly, DJing at the start and end of it. Bock wants to take his DJing further than just the fieldhouse, though. His major goal is to gain residency at a Chicagoland nightclub, and eventually gain fame as he DJs at a consistent place. Also in the future, Bock wants to attend a liberal arts college such as Columbia College of Chicago to study audio engineering for his career and to eventually begin remixing and producing music. Bock hopes to begin remixing and producing once he invests in better equipment and gathers inspiration from some of his favorite EDM artists, such as Tiësto, Kaskade and Diplo. However, his biggest inspiration for being a DJ doesn’t come from the music he listens to—it comes from watching his older brother, who is also a DJ. His entire family has been supportive in his pursuit of DJing. His father, who has been in a band since the ‘70s, helps Brandon set up at his gigs. “They encourage me to continue on with what I want to do, and that’s DJing,” Bock said. “[My family is] pretty supportive with the choices I’ve made in my life, in terms of careers and things like that.” Bock may be getting help from his family now, but he’s looking forward to being independent with his work. What turned into a hobby learned from his older brother became something he never expected would take his life by storm. He may have only begun freshman year, but the journey to become a DJ

Living in the working world Students balance having jobs, academics, extra curriculars to make money By Andi Hayes

Features Editor When a student turns 16, it is an age of many new freedoms. Licenses, curfews and parties celebrating this birthday are usually the typical portrayal. However, this “sweet” number also brings another responsibility: employment. Because of students young age and inexperience, the usual “first job” teens can get is located at a less-than glamorous place, such as fast-food restaurants or grocery stores. However, for some, their job can be the first step to growing up. A typical day for junior Alyssa Friend while working at Jay Scott hair salon entails sweeping up hair or shampooing clients. While these shifts for Friend may be tiring because of all the time on her feet, she enjoys making money and tips from customers. Friend usually makes $15-20 from tips and earns $8.25 per hour, minimum wage. Another seemingly undesirable job is senior Erin O’Donnell’s job at the McDonald’s on Rand Road. When O’Donnell applied to the McDonald’s last August for her first job, she was skeptical about working at the

fast-food restaurant. O’Donnell was hired and now works at the front register and drive-thru. Much to her surprise, O’Donnell enjoys working at McDonald’s thanks to the flexible hours and her co-workers. O’Donnell typically works 14 hours every weekend and has to juggle her job with cross country, track and orchestra. O’Donnell’s plan of attack for staying on top of her schoolwork is to get it done as soon as possible and not leave any for the weekend since she knows she will have to work those days. Friend thinks the hardest part of working and being a student is focusing on homework and tests. Despite this, she believes it’s worth it to be working and earning money as well as getting the experience of working with others. Some work experience isn’t as valuable. Unlike O’Donnell, junior Patryk Klimek’s experience working at a fast-food restaurant wasn’t pleasant. Klimek worked at Burger King, but quit because he felt like he was being “treated like a slave.” Now employed at The Moorings retirement home in Arlington Heights, Klimek feels much more comfortable working in a friendlier environment.

sBRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: Junior Brandon Bock DJs at a house party on March 24, 2012. Bock is following his dream of becoming a DJ. “[DJing] has been a wild ride, but there’s a lot more to come with it,” Bock said. (Photo courtesy of Bock)

has just begun. “When you start off with that career [of being a DJ], you can start it off as a hobby, but it’s a great thing to get into, to get money here and there, to get fa-

mous with music,” Bock said. “But the best part of it though for me and [Jesse] is the people we meet along the way... It’s been a wild ride, but there’s a lot more to come with it,” Bock said.

What’s all that noise? Electronic dance music, or EDM, is music that is primarily made for listening to in a dancing environment, such as a nightclub. Perhaps more recognizable of the electronic music genre are the remixes of popular songs that are usually encompassed by loud, repetitive beats centered around drum machines and synthesizers.

Klimek’s job entails helping the elderly guests with whatever they need and serving the residents their food during dinner hours. Working at The Moorings around doctors and nurses provided inspiration for Klimek to pursue a medical career. “[My job] is kind of like a motivation for what I want to do,” Klimek said. “A lot of the [Moorings residents’] family members died from some sort of disease that [scientists] are trying to find a cure to—I want to be a part of that and motivate [the residents to have hope about finding those cures].” Junior Chloe Hayes was motivated to work in special education after working with a family friend at a local special-needs organization. Now employed at Northwest Special Recreation Association and working through Indian Grove Elementary School, Hayes is a part of an after-school program that helps special-needs children.

Some popular artists of this genre are Daft Punk, Tiësto, Avicii, or Calvin Harris.

Hayes’ job requirement varies between making sure the child she is responsible for is not throwing a temper tantrum, to simply making sure they have his/her favorite toy. Another component of Hayes’ job is to come up with systems to make sure the children are behaving, such as making a picture chart with different smiley faces depending on the child’s behavior for that day. Despite the many positives of her job, Hayes sometimes struggles to focus on her homework and tests with a constant work schedule on her mind. However, the seemingly endless shifts and nights staying up late to study can all be paid off by a paycheck, or the simple experience and knowledge that one gets from working a job. “I think it’s a good idea for people to get a job in school because they learn how to manage their time and make their own money, so when they go out world and get a real job, they know what [working] is like,” Friend said.

Frankie’s Fast Food

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Hours Mon- Sat: 10:30 am- 10:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am- 6:00 pm

prospectornow.com

Physical therapy inspires students to pursue careers derly patient with the same injury. The visit also helped to sharpen his focus as to what type of therapist he would like The movie “Dolphin Tale” follows to be (see “Occupational vs. physical”). Inspired by his injury, Kern would the story of a soldier whose leg was like to work more with sports rehabilblown off while he was overseas. At first, the man was unwilling to work itation, similar to “the Athletico type with a physical therapist, lamenting of guy.” He wants to incorporate more sports into his career, so this angle suits that his life was over. However, with encouragement from him well. Mosley also has spent some time prehis physical therapist, the soldier turned his attitude around. He began to paring; immediately after seeing “Dolaccept his missing leg as simply a part phin Tale,” she went on the computer of his life and was able to make much and starting researching. In addition to progress. Senior Amy Mosley eagerly her research, she spent around an hour watched his change and became in- and a half talking on the phone with a spired not by the protagonist, but by the physical therapist. Going even further, Mosley job shadphysical therapist who helped him. owed a therapist named Emory at First “I’ve always known that I want to Health Assohelp people,” Mosciates Family ley said. “With Top 15 schools Medical Center physical therapy, in Arlington for physical therapy you not only have Heights this to help someone 1. University of Southern California past summer physically, you also 2. University of Delaware three times a have to change [his 3. University of Pittsburgh week for around or her] mentality... 4. Washington University in St. Louis two months. AcI just want to be 5. University of Iowa cording to Mossomebody who is 6. U.S. Army-Baylor University ley, the closest there with them 7. Emory University thing to actual along the way.” 8. MGH Institute for Health Professions hands-on experiMosley is just 9. Northwestern University ence was cleanone of the many 10. University of Miami ing chairs and students who are 11. University of North Carolina talking with a interested in pursu12. Marquette University patient while he ing physical ther13. University of Florida was walking on apy. Whether the 14. Arcadia University a treadmill. interest came from 15. University of Utah Despite the family conneclack of actual tions, inspiration Info courtesy of U.S. College News Compass hands-on expefrom the media or rience, Mosley an athletic injury, these students all share a common goal still considers shadowing useful because she was able to observe and ask to help those in medical need. Senior Kevin Kern also plans to questions. The experience also helped pursue a career in physical therapy, to further strengthen her resolve. “You could just tell by the look in but his interest stems from personal experience. During his freshman year, [Emory’s] eyes that he was in love with Kern tore his MCL, one of the major his job,” Mosley said. “That encouraged ligaments in the knee, during a football me to pursue it more.” After all of her research, Mosley has game (See Injury map). He did not undergo surgery; instead, he spent a lot decided that she wants to help veterans, of time in physical therapy, trying to specifically with their recovery from regain strength in his knee. The injury physical injuries. This is partly due to was a serious one that required many inspiration from the movie; another major part is that her brother-in-law hours of physical therapy. Kern’s cousin owns a physical ther- and two cousins serve in the military, apy practice and came over a few times and her grandpa is a veteran. “It’s just a great way to give back to to help teach Kern recovery exercises. In this manner, Kern was introduced to the people who gave it all,” Mosley said. Following their experiences with job the profession and found that he actualshadowing, these two are still deterly was interested in the job. Since first becoming captivated, both mined to achieve their goals. Worrying Mosley and Kern have begun prepara- about college is the next step. Kern is currently undecided as to tion for the career. what school he will attend, but he is In Kern’s case, he shadowed at his cousin’s clinic. During his time there, looking into schools with strong physhe observed his cousin’s different plans ical therapy programs, such as Marand routines for patients and the var- quette and Washington University in ious forms of rehab. He learned that St. Louis (see “Top 15 schools for physiwith different patients comes different cal therapy”). As for Mosley, her heart is set on types of rehab. For example, treatment for a teenager with a broken leg would Marquette, currently ranked 12th in the differ greatly from treatment for an el- nation for physical therapy, according

By Ellen Siefke Features Writer

Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy Many students interested in physical therapy have heard of these terms, but not all may understand the differences between the two. Here’s a simple explanation. Physical: Occupational: -strengthens the lower body -strengthens the upper -helps a patient recover from an injury body and core -works with fine motor skills -helps a patient get back (small muscle movements) in children to his/her daily activities -works with gross motor skills (large muscle movements) in children

November 30, 2012

Features

Injury map The Shoulder Shoulder injuries typically involve sprains, torn rotator cuffs or dislocations. Many volleyball, baseball or softball players suffer these injuries due to constant use. Treatment helps to reduce the pain and swelling.

A diagram of the most common areas of the teenage body treated by physical therapists, according to Nova Care Therapist Susan Raine.

The Knee According to Nova Care physical therapist Susan Raine, the knee is by far the most commonly injured part of a high school student’s body. Between simple exercises like jumping and actual contact sports, the knees receive plenty of use and abuse. Injuries usually involve tears in the ligaments, such as the MCL, problems with the meniscus or simple sprains.

The Ankle Numerous athletes have turned or sprained ankles. Most physical therapists see patientsbecause of repeated sprains or tears in the ligaments. Treatments are designed to increase the range of motion and decrease swelling.

graphic by Ellen Siefke

to U.S. College News Compass. One of the benefits of the program there is that she will be able to get a doctorate after just six years of rigorous study. However, the program is very hard to get into. In fact, last year, out of over 800 applicants, only around 20 were accepted, according to her. Nevertheless, Mosley is determined to make it. “If I [don’t] get into Marquette, I [will] cry,” Mosley explained. As for post-college life, the job outlook is good. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a growth of 39 percent is expected by the year 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing jobs in the nation. Arlington Pediatric Therapy therapist Sarah Grubich found a job quickly after finishing graduate school at Northwestern simply by applying to a variety of places. She attributes this to a continuous need for physical therapists. Kern agrees and anticipates being able to quickly find a job after college for the same reason. “It’s a big business, and there will always be a need no matter what,” Kern said. Grubich believes going into the practice would be a great option for any student. “There are so many different areas, and you can specify to the kind you want,” Grubich said. “Anyone can do it.”

Q & A with Sarah Grubich, Arlington Pediatric Therapist Q: What compelled you to pursue physical therapy? A: In 8th grade, I was watching something on television about an NFL player who was paralyzed after a hit and how he underwent physical therapy, and I decided I wanted to be a physical therapist. In the movie, he was doing aquatic therapy. I thought it just looked like fun. Q: Where was your first job? A: At a large hospital on the west side of the city. I had just finished my doctorate degree. Q: What are some things you like about your job? A: The days are never the same, and I love one-on-one interaction with my patients. Q: Why is physical therapy a good career? A: There is definitely job security, and there are many different areas to choose from. Also, a lot of critical thinking is involved, so it keeps you on your toes all the time. Q: What advice would you give to students interested in physical therapy? A: First, to get good grades because getting into graduate school is very hard, and the process can be very complicated. Second, to observe settings and shadow to gain some experience and understanding for the future.

In-Depth

Spunky Dunkers 2)

Burger King

By Khrystyna Halatyma

Executive In-Depth Editor Settling in comfortably in the lunchroom, lunch lady Monica Lauerman is the newest addition to the Prospect staff of 17 cafeteria workers. Lauerman started working at Prospect last March, but the transition from being a stay-at-home mom to working at a high school wasn’t hard, thanks to her co-workers. “To come here— it was

me feel welcome,” Lauerman said. “It’s a fun job; you work with food and kids. How bad can it be? There’s a lot going on. Nobody just threw you under the bus. [The staff] told you what you needed to do, and if you weren’t doing it right, they’d tell you.” The lunch ladies of Prospect are a close-knit staff. Some have known each other for years before working together, while others met on the job. Susan Waltmire, Les-

Chef Ping Potbelly

30)

Taco Bell

34)

work together, that’s what makes [working in the lunchroom] nice,” bak-

photo by Ian Magnuson

easy because everyone made

4,32)

Steak ‘n Shake 5)

Tony Sac

lie Krantz-Voth and Mary Hillinger all graduated from Prospect. Working together as part of a team is one of the reasons they make such a close staff. “Everyone works together as a team so we get the work done,” lunch lady Nancy Bragagnolo said. “We all help each other out [and] we all have one thing in common: work together and get out of here by 1:30.” Lauerman, along with the rest of the cafeteria staff, arrives on site before 10 a.m. to set up the food in time for fourth hour lunch and makes sure everything works smoothly until the end of sixth hour lunch. The head cook and manager show up before seven in the morning to make sure breakfast is ready for students. Cleaning up is the last chore of the day, and everyone gets to go home around 1:20 p.m. This small staff of 17 manages to feed the entire student body, as well as staff members, in under four hours. “[The lunchroom] gets crazy sometimes, so the ladies really have to back up each other because otherwise it doesn’t work, but we

have fun,” Lauerman said. “There are no crabby people here, so it all kind of works out.” The early end time is also a reason Lauerman, along with many of the other workers, calls being a lunch lady a great “mom job” and often refers to herself as a “lunch mom.” She’s finished with work at the same time as most kids are off school for holidays or just at the end of a normal school day. Summer is a vacation for them as well as for their kids. Kids are also a reason that Hillinger and Bragagnolo are some of the two closest people on staff. They have been friends ever since their sons bonded in first grade. During this year’s Thanksgiving break, they even went to see the last “Twilight” movie together after some coffee. Bragagnolo also hosted gatherings last spring. “[It was] wonderful. We get along all [well],” Bragagnolo said. “We can’t really talk about our lives at work— work comes first. So at home…it’s very relaxing [and] it’s a good time.”

What do you appreciate about the lunch ladies?

Kenneth Sologaistoa Junior

If I ask for like, ‘oh, is this. . .’ or what’s in it, they actually tell you instead of just saying, ‘I don’t know’. . .They’re nice, and they actually say, ‘have a good day’ and just the little things.”

[The lunch ladies] are really nice, first of all. They’re really efficient at what they do [and] they’re quick... I appreciate that they’re so happy all the

Lydia Lee

time.”

Junior

Tips and tricks for a healthier lifestyle 1. Fiber is your friend I’ve heard from health teacher Cristen Sprenger that “fiber is our friend,” and she is absolutely right. What people don’t know about fiber is that it is one of the biggest reasons for weight loss. Fiber makes us feel fuller when we are eating and slows down our rate in digestion. It moves fat through the digestive system faster so it is not completely absorbed in our bodies, according to caloriesperhour.com. You can find fiber in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Effective foods that really work are any Fiber 1, Special K, Quaker or Kashi products.

2. Substituting snacks 29)

Heffy’s

The close-knit staff of the cafeteria

s SWEET TOOTH: “You have to try and be friendly to

When it comes to losing weight, a lot of people think if they workout every day, the weight will just fall off. This is only true if you have a healthy diet. I know people who will workout for a good hour, but then go to the McDonald’s drive-thru for a Big Mac and fries. When it comes to the food you select on a daily basis, try finding a snack that is a better choice than the one you would have picked. For example, instead of eating a Snickers bar, have a Kashi or Special K bar with considerably less fat, sugar and calories.

3. Chewing gum/buying groceries Two great ways of avoiding unhealthy foods is just by chomping on a stick of gum or simply going out with your mom and dad to purchase the groceries. If you’re eating food just because you want to eat something, choose gum because it’s not worth it to eat the high-calorie snacks you are craving. Peter Fusilero Sugar-free gum is normally Executive Sports five calories and helps cure Editor hunger, according to webmd. com. However, unhealthy snacks can’t be a problem if they’re not in your house. I know it might sound stupid, but if you’re serious about losing weight, try going with your parents to the grocery store to help select the foods your family chooses to buy. Always look at the nutrition facts because you can never trust a label, even if it reads “healthy.” Try to buy fruits and vegetables and limit the amount of detrimental products. Chances are, fruits and veggies will be less of a drag on your family’s grocery receipt, too.

4. Staying committed I always hear the classic New Year’s resolution about people attempting to lose weight or be healthier. Honestly, maybe 5 percent of those people actually stick with trying to reach their goal. The other 95 percent go to the gym for one day, run on the treadmill for five minutes, and drive over to Dairy Queen to reward themselves with a nice Oreo Blizzard. Being fit shouldn’t ultimately be about trying to fit into that one pair of skinny jeans. It should be about changing your lifestyle. This will make you feel more confident and your overall attitude can change for the better. You need to be doing this for the right reasons. Have a goal that will truly motivate you and make you want to live a healthy lifestyle.

28)

Jamba Juice

BEYOND THE LUNCHROOM

35)

Portillo’s

36)

Taco Bell

37)

Napoli’s Pizza

November 30, 2012

27)

Berry Yo 26)

Jimmy John’s 24)

Noodles and Co. 23)

Yogurtland 22)

Mariano’s 21)

Novermber 30, 2012

cco’s 6)

Menchies

Pei Wei

Costco

McDonalds

10, 25, 30)

In-Depth

Starbucks 11)

GOING OUT TO LUNCH OPTIONS MAP: At the left is a map of lunch venues surrounding Prospect. Find the corresponding number in the border of these pages to see the name of the location. Scan the QR code (available as a free app for iPods, iPhones or iPads) to be re-directed to the venue’s home page. There, the menu is available to preview what food and prices the venue will have to offer.

YOU ARE HERE

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16 20

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28-35

By Miranda Holloway Editor-in-chief

18)

Sub Express

17,19,33)

Subway

16)

Salerno’s Pizza

Panda Express

Photo’s Hot Dogs 15)

Culvers 20,31)

other things, [but] I have my gram regulation to keep the and are perhaps sensitive own money occasionally.” identities of the students on or uncomfortable taking To present financial need, the program confidential. advantage of the program,” a candidate needs to have a District 214 takes these mea- Rogers said. guardian complete the appli- sures very seriously. Strafaci says that while cation which proves the fam“All meal applications there are not many students ily falls are held in the program, most of the under the centrally people he has talked to know Free vs. reduced federal at [Forest about it, and those that do poverty View] un- not are open-minded. Families who receive a free g u i d e der lock “When they find out, lunch are at or below 130 perlines. For and key,” they’re like ‘oh thats cool,’” cent of the poverty level. For exinstance, F r o l e he said. “They’re not judgample, a family of three making if a famisaid. mental.” $24,817 or less annually would ly of four T h i s Frole does not think the have their lunch for free. makes unconfiden- program is fully taken adFamilies who receive breakfast der $42,643 tiality is vantage of district-wide, esfor 30 cents and lunch for 40 per year, a national pecially in cases with famicents are between 130 and 185 their chilstandard lies who qualify for reduced percent of the poverty line. A dren are that is not lunch and have multiple stufamily of three making less than eligible a l w a y s dents in the district and be$35,317 would be eligible for for the taken se- cause many students go out this program. program r i o u s l y for lunch. (Free vs. a m o n g Strafaci occasionally Reduced). the stu- goes out when his friends Anything from having dents, and Rogers often get choose to go, but he does so a single-parent income, more concerns from parents using the money he earns low-paying jobs or unem- than students. as a photographer for a banployment in the family can While Strafaci acknowl- quet hall. The free lunch, lead to a student being en- edges that some students however, is an incentive to rolled in program. may be “insecure” about stay in. According to numbers their eligibility for the proMuch of the participaprovided by the Illinois gram, he has never felt the tion in the program by eligiState Board of Education need to hide his status. ble students in the program (ISBE), only 9.4 percent of “I just don’t really think depends on the parents, acProspect’s student body is about it that way,” he said. cording to Rogers. Often parlisted as eligible beneficia- “I get it for free because of ents give their child money ries of the program. How- my parents and my family either on their school acever, the number of eligible members.” count or otherwise to allow students district-wide has Rogers sees many stu- them to eat either off camincreased over the past few dents who are very open pus or off the full school years, according to Frole. about their eligibility for menu. Because of this, parAccording to Rogers, the program, and she under- ticipation is lower than it this can be attributed to the stands why the confidential- could be. change in demographics ity is in place and that the “If my child got free from class to class. sensitive nature of the topic lunch I’d want them to eat In other words, if a gradu- affects participation. it,” Rogers said. “Why would ating senior class had a very “I think a lot of people you want to pay if you’re enlow number of students in have a preconceived notion titled to it?” the program and the incoming freshman class is larger We reviewed the best healthy meals availand has more eligible, the able in the lunch room. To get a look at number would increase. Due to the sensitive ecowhat you could be eating, click to Prospecnomic nature of the protorNow.com. gram, it is a national pro-

Chipotle Mexican Grill 14)

The cheapest full lunches in the cafeteria are found in the “Best Deal” line. The meals, served on white styrofoam trays, are made up of an entree, two sides and a milk carton. The meal is under strict guidelines: They must meet USDA qualifications for fat, protein, whole grains and other nutritional specifications. The Best Deal lunches must meet these requirements because these are lunches offered as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) that provides low-income students with either free or reducedpriced lunches and breakfasts. To qualify for this program, students must show financial need. Although Prospect has the lowest number of students in the district who qualify for the program (see graph), it still has a significant impact for the students it does serve.

Food Service Manager Donna Rogers says that the major benefit of the program is not only economical for the kids but it also provides a “well-balanced lunch that contains all the nutrition they would need.” The food served as part of the program is healthier than many other options in the cafeteria because of its adherence to the USDA guidelines. As a result, many students who are on the program receive a healthier, more well-rounded meal. The ultimate goal of the program is “nourishing hungry children so they can perform their best in school,” according to District Food Service Director Christine Frole. While the portion sizes do not always fill him up, senior Matt Strafaci does not have complaints about his time on the program. “I am happy with what they serve for the most part,” Strafaci said. “Sometimes I wish I could have

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Taking advantage of free/reduced lunch

Jersey Mike’s Subs

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Five Guys Brugers

Wendy’s

Features

November 30, 2012

prospectornow.com

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Andrew Younger

Doodles have moved to YouTube YouTube has multiple channels dedicated to not only doodle tutorials, but also some more experienced doodlers and their work.

tinydoodlez: This particular YouTube channel is dedicated to making music videos with tiny, adorable doodles. It includes videos for songs such as Coldplay’s “Til Kingdom Come” and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros’ “Home.”

Andrew Younger

ViHart: ViHart has videos along the lines oh “How To Doodle,” although it is really a math channel. There are several video in which the doodler draws objects from snakes to trees to odd shapes.

ple and animals. She even likes drawing pumpkins. Even though Alvarez has been drawing nearly her entire life, she has never taken any formal art classes. However, next semester she is signed up to take 2-D Art with art teacher Barbara Shaffer. While Shaffer does not consider doodling an actual art form, she believes the doodles can lead to a complex piece of art. Doodles are generally smaller ideas, but by practicing the skills, it helps the drawer form other ideas. Senior Crystal Park agrees with Shaffer because while Park doodles, she does not consider it a true art form. “[Doodling] can be considered a form of ideation,” Shaffer said. “It leads us to bigger ideas and can be turned into something more— like a beautifully complex drawing.” Additionally, Shaffer agrees with Kyp-Johnson in the fact that doodling does help some focus better. While she isn’t entirely sure why doodling “engages us,” she does think it has something to do with the ability to “engage our creativity.” “[Doodling] gets some of us to focus, pay attention better,” Shaffer said. “I especially think this is true for visual learners, people who learn by seeing...at least that’s my assumption.” While doodling may get people to pay attention better, it comes from being distracted easily. Senior Crystal Park is one of these easily distracted people. Park claims she doodles when she gets “bored in class” and often draws in the corners of her pages. “Sometimes I can just look out of the corner of my eye and see something and I want to draw it,” Park said. “[Doodling] keeps me occupied.”

Explaining the brain The cerebellum and the frontal lobe are two of the brain structures that are used when doodling. Combined, these two parts of the brain help create ideas as well as physically draw them. Frontal lobe: The frontal lobe is located near the front of the brain and is responsible for high thinking and judgement, impulse control, decision making, personality expression and other things. Because the frontal lobe is responsible of higher thinking, many ideas are created here.

Vero n

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Cerebellum: Located near the back, bottom of the brain, the cerebellum handles balance, coordination of voluntary movement, motor learning and cognitive functions. Through the cerebellum, humans can fine-tune their drawing skills and other motor functions.

When senior Andrew Younger was in fifth grade, his teacher kept a folder of all of his work. The only catch was the fact that the work that was in Younger’s folder wasn’t school work— It was a collection of his doodles that his teacher would take away from him in class. “She would never let me take home a test that had a doodle on it...I finally got the entire folder back at the end of the year, with a stack this big,” Younger said as he held his hands about six inches apart. As defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary, a doodle is “an aimless or casual scribble, design or sketch; a minor work.” Doodling is something every student has done at one point or another, from Younger’s (see doodles on page). However, while many people think doodling is a distraction, according to Time Magazine, it actually helps you remember more because you aren’t daydreaming. School psychologist Dr. Jay Kyp-Johnson agrees that doodling does, in fact, help some people focus better. Kyp-Johnson said the reason it helps some people fo-

cus better is because the doodling helps blocks out other distractions. However, if the drawing becomes obsessive, especially when the doodles being drawn have negative connotations, it does not help the people remember more or focus better. “[Doodling] is reflective activity because it isn’t restricted or rule-bound,” Kyp-Johnson said. “[Doodling] helps people block out other things...[A study] showed it helped people remember 20 percent more.” Additionally, doodling can help people manage their anxiety, but “it’s not the same for every person.” According to Kyp-Johnson, the reason it can help relax students and aid in managing anxiety is caused by the brain activity in the creative frontal lobe and cerebellum (see “Explaining the Brain”). One student who feels this relaxing effects when she draws is sophomore Cristina Alvarez. According to Alvarez, drawing helps with stress because it’s easy to focus on and it lets her be creative. “If you’re mad or angry or stressed, it’s relaxing,” Alvarez said. “It makes you feel good.” Much like Younger, some of her favorite things to draw include peo-

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Managing Editor

unger

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By Katie Best

A nd rew Yo

Cr y

Drawing takes new form in doodling

dailydoodles: While this account no longer is active, it used to upload videos nearly everyday showing the drawing of doodles. The doodles in these videos are always cool looking, and definitely provide a base for unique doodle ideas.

JulieTheDoodler: The girl in these videos is not only entertaining to listen to, but also draws some pretty impressive doodles. One of my favorite videos is when she doodles “The Imponderables” (her name for adults). Andrew Younger

Who Knows You Better? The subjects

Theresa’s Theresa’s dream favorite superhero? vacation?

Frances Ponicki

Batman

The Sister

Theresa Ponicki

Mary Ponicki

The Other Sister

Australia

Theresa’s wrist cast color?

Theresa’s Christmas wish?

“Mission Impossible”

Green

Guitar

Ice Cream

Guitar

Batman

Florida

“Mission Impossible”

Green

Batman

Australia

“Mission Impossible”

Green

Guitar

Theresa’s favorite Theresa’’s favorite dessert? ice cream flavor?

Theresa’s favorite movie?

Mint Oreo

Tie!

Ice Cream

Mint Oreo

Ice Cream

Mint Oreo

The results

Tie!

prospectornow.com

November 30, 2012

Features

Home sweet home PHS family teams up with Safe Families Safe Families, which works to prevent child abuse or neglect by taking the child out of his or her home while the When senior Maggie Murphy was parents get themselves back on their putting up holiday decorations she she feet. The children can be with the famiwas told exactly which to use and where lies anywhere from one day to two years to put it. However it wasn’t one of her and range in age from infants to 18 year sisters or parents that was instructing olds. The Murphys were introduced to the her, it was her foster sibling, Gia. “We were putting up the Christmas organization when their neighbor, who tree and she was getting to put up all the worked with Safe Families, approached ornaments she wanted to and she had them about getting involved. After thinking about it and agreeing such strong opinions about where the as a family, the Murphys went through ornaments should go,” Maggie said. The Murphy family works as a foster the process of getting approved (See family through an organization called “The Application Process”). Once approved, the Murphys were able to select a child on the Safe Families website based on age, gender and estimated length of stay. After raising three daughters and teaching preschool, Christine Murphy says that they mainly take in girls three to four years old. Fast forward a year and a half, and the Murphys have already taken in over 18 children and have become attuned to how to take care of the kids in such unique situations. They not only give the kids a home, but they also provide a support system. “Once they are comfortable here, we treat s HUEVOS POR FAVOR: Two-year-old Arielle chows them like our own,”Jim down on her favorite food, eggs. She was taken in by the Murphys through an organization called Safe Fami- Murphy said. “We treat them like they’re staying lies. All Photos courtesy the Murphy family because we don’t have

By Maddy Moloney

Associate Editor-in-Chief

s MURPHY’S LAW: The Murphy family (left to right, Christine, Maggie, Keelan, Jim and Erin) works with Safe Families, an orgaization that helps place kids into a better enviroment. The Murphys have taken in 18 kids in the last year and a half.

any control over what happens next; we Murphy has taught two kids how to do the best we can while we have them.” ride bikes. Another boy De-shon said “It’s a very rewarding thing,” Chris- his first word, “hi,” while living with the Murphys. tine Mur The relationphy said. “I ships have also think the The Application Process impacted the Murthing is you phys. Maggie feels get them, Think you might be a good canidate for that she has grown and they Safe Families? more responsihave differble since working ent issues Step 1) Fill out the online application on with Safe Famithat they are Safe-familie.org lies. dealing with Her experience like temper Step 2) Go through an online Training with Safe Families tantrums program has influenced her or learning to major in special to read or Step 3) Background check education and elhomesickementary educaness...You reStep 4) Interview and house inspection tion. ally feel like “You can tell you’re helpthe progress that ing.” they have made,” The relationships the Murphys have with the Maggie said. “Can you imagine workkids are mutual and leave a lasting im- ing with a kid for a whole year in class everyday? That’s just so big. That’s why pact on the kids. Arielle, who barely spoke English I want to go into special education.” when she first arrived at the Murphys’ left speaking in full sentences. Jim

Holiday shopping for Dummies By Maddy Moloney

Option #1

Associate Editor-in-Chief There’s nothing better than the holidays. Holidays leads to presents, and presents lead to material possessions and, as we all know, material possessions to happiness. Unless the present is terrible, in that case the holidays can be a very, very painful time. But the worst situation is when that awful present comes from your significant other (S.O.). But no need to pee yourself with anxiety over giving or receiving a crappy gift, instead follow my guide (or if you really are riding the struggle bus go online to PropsectorNow. com to read a more in-depth guide for help), and it will be smooth sailing through the holiday season as far as the gifts are concerned. The gifts I have listed are merely suggestions. Clearly if your girlfriend doesn’t like country music don’t buy her Taylor Swift tickets. Try getting her tickets for a band she actually likes. Same goes for the boys; if your boyfriend has no legs substitute moccasins for mittens. Good luck young grasshopper.

Tweet at ProspectorNow What is the worst present you have ever recieved?

For Him

For Her

Mocasins and a tie blanket

This is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will he enjoy getting bundled up with a nice soft blanket and slippers, but you can too. If you get cold at his house this will make stealing his blanket and moccasins guiltless. You gave them so clearly you get dibs. Prices range anywhere from $5080.

A scrapbook

Picking presents for your special someone

Option #2

Bulls tickets

The Bulls tickets are a good idea because not only is this something he’s into but its also something you can do together. Ticket prices range from anywhere from $20-300 depending on seats and the opponent.

T-Swift tickets

Looking for brownie Your girlpoints this Holiday season? friend definitely Make a scrapbook for all won’t be singing the good times you two have “We are never, had together filled with ever getting back pictures and a note listing together” if you all the reasons you like, or, get her Taylor dare I say, love her. Throw in Swift tickets. Alsome chocolates or flowers though the pricand you have just become a es for the soldromantic (AWWW). Prices out concert can for this all depend be a little steep, on how much you averaging $150 want to spend on per ticket, anothsupplies. I recomer option would be to go see mend Walmart Miranda Lambert or Luke or Target. Bryan in Feb.

Option #3

Video games

You know you can’t go wrong getting him something he likes, but make sure it’s the game he wants— You won’t score any points by getting him Wii Bowling. Instead, try Halo 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 or Assassin Creed. All can be found on Amazon or at Target for close to $60.

Sephora Favorites

This year Sephora has made shopping really easy by compiling all of their best beauty products into one box. There are six boxes to choose from and all can be purchased online at sephora.com. Price for the boxes are either $28, $45 or $75.

Option #4

A new watch

Now I’m not saying all boys have bad style because that would be insulting Prospect spirit wear. BUT this holiday season you can give your S.O. some bling that will not only be sweet because you picked it out, but will also turn that PHS fanboy into a fanman. Ranging from $40 to $400, there is a lot of flexibility both money-and style-

Earrings

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend wasn’t kidding. However, you dont need to break the bank to get her something she will like. Most department stores (and even Walmart) offer good-looking jewelry that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. I suggest earrings since they’re the hardest to screw up. Prices range from $20 - $90.

Entertainment

prospectornow.com

November 30, 2012

Classic Corner: ‘The Breakfast Club’ By Katie Best

Managing Editor If you haven’t seen John Hughes’ cult classic “The Breakfast Club,” you have obviously been living under a rock your entire life. Ever wonder why “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds is so popular? Or the classic fist-thrust-in-the-air-when-triumphant is common? The cult classic defined not only a generation but continues to influence teenage generations to come. “The Breakfast Club” is a movie about five teens that get stuck in an eight hour Saturday detention together. To make it even worse, each of them are required to write an essay explaining “Who they think they are.” Each student is in detention for a different reason and each student fits a very different teenage stereotype: Claire (Molly Ringwald) is the princess, Bender (Judd Nelson) is the rebel, Allison (Ally Sheedy) is the outcast, Andy (Emilio Estevez) is the jock and Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) is the brainiac. What starts out as the five students having no regard for each other — or their problems— soons transfor ms into the teens coming to the realization of the fact that they are

all more alike than they once thought (even though not all of them taped Larry Lester’s buns together). While Claire and Andy are already friends because they run with the same “popular” crowd, they come into detention with very “holier-than-thou” attitudes. Bender disregards both Claire and Andy, as well as their crazy principal Mr. Vernon (Paul Gleason). He also continually picks on Brian, and at times, seems to forget Allison is there (besides the occasional questioning look in her direction). This attitude, while not completely vanishing (you can take the boy out of the bad, but you can’t take the bad out of the boy), changes throughout the movie after each student vents about their issues and why they are in detention to begin with. While Bender’s problems are the easiest to assume out of the five students (a rough home life with parents who don’t really care), the evolution of each character is what makes “The Breakfast Club” a true classic. You see a jock crushed under the pressure of his father, a brainiac under what seems to be the weight of the world, an outcast trying to find her place in the world and a princess trying desperately not to end up like her parents. While “The Breakfast Club” was made in the ‘80s, the issues addressed within is what makes the movie so worthwhile to teenagers. Pressure from parents and peers, fitting in, finding out who you are as an individual, separating ourselves from our parents; all are problems faced by this— and every other— teenage generation. It might seem cliche, but “The Breakfast Club” was the movie that originally put these

s DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME: The iconic characters of

John Hough’s “The Breakfast Club” embrace their stereotypes. The famous movie is still watched by both teenagers and adults today because of its relatable and profound theme.

themes in motion (it is also the best, most accurate film to date). While not every aspect of each character is relatable to oneself, the overarching theme is the same: We are all alike, yet we are still individuals trying to find our place. Quite possibly the best part of the movie comes after Bender shares a joint with the other four in the library and they all come clean about why they are in Saturday detention. All cares of what the others think is completely lost when some music is blasted throughout the library and the five students dance together. However, the type of dancing they’re doing isn’t the “Jersey Turnpiking” or “freaking” seen today, it is the pure, unrestrained dancing people only feel

comfortable doing alone in their bedrooms. This display of carelessness shows just how far the five of them have come from caring about what others think of them. The movie closes with one essay being written from all the five students, explaining just who each of them thinks they are. Coincidentally, it also sums up the entire point of the movie. “You see us as you want to see us.. in the simplest of terms, in the most convenient of definitions. But what we found out is that each of us is a brain... and an athlete... and a basket case... a princess... and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club”

The evolution of horror movie genre, adaptations By Kelly Schoessling Entertainment Editor

One of the first horror movies ever made, “The Execution of Mary, Queen of the Scots”, was directed and produced by Thomas Edison in 1895. The short film is an 18-second video, which consists of Mary Stuart kneeling down before an executioner before being decapitated in front of a viewing crowd. Though Stuart’s story ended there, the advancement of the horror genre did not. Even today we watch movies purposely meant to scare us. According to scienceaccess. com, studies show viewers watch scary movies for one of three reasons: excitement, the desire to have intense feelings or a distraction from real life. Horror movies have certainly changed their motives over the decades. Older movies like “Psycho” differ from the more recent horror films released like “Paranormal Activity.” A topic that scared audiences repeatedly throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s was serial killers. With characters like Norman Bates (“Psycho”), Michael Myers (“Halloween”) and Jason Voorhees (“Friday the 13th”), the idea of characters who continuously kill while feeling no remorse became incredibly popular, yet terrifying at the same time. Another subject that seemed to be very popular in the past was the “what if ” factor that appeared within more

“Psycho” 1960

scarier because of the ever-advancing special effects whichmake scary movies look real and graphic. “Back then you could tell that it was obviously fake,” Sweet said. “Now everything looks so real.” However, math teacher Mike Riedy believes older horror movies are scarier because of their content rather than their ability to make audiences scream. “The ones I grew up with were more intelligent,” Riedy said. “Now they just go the cheap jump out. ‘Paranormal Activity’ is a perfect example of that.” Junior Ryan Cecala admits both movies from the past and present are equally scary in their own way. “I think it’s a little bit of both. Some [new horror movies] try to be scary, but end up being funny because they’re so “Final Destination” “Friday the 13th” “The Last Exorcism” cruddy,” Cecala said. “Now a lot of them are starting to get 2000 1980 2010 scarier.” growing up because there was ki agrees horror movies today If horror movies are continno way to disprove their plots. are more frightening because uously getting edgier and more “You can’t just lock your of their realism. intense as they evolve, why do door and say ‘OK, I’m safe,’” “If it’s never going to hap- people still watch them? Amedeo said. pen then it’s like, ‘OK, I’ll get Riedy suggests that it’s the Though she says those films over it,’ but if it’s realistic, overall haunting effect horror did scare her, she also believes that’s scary,” Parzynski said. movies seem to have on us that the horror films released today Certain current movies in- makes them so addicting. are much scarier. cluding “Paranormal ActiviIt’s the conversation after “Back then, the scariest ty,” “Final Destination” and the movie, that makes it gripthing was being kidnapped “The Last Exorcism” fall into ping. or having a murderer on the this realism category with “Unlike a lot of other movloose,” Amedeo said. “I feel their more plausible plots. ies, the feeling doesn’t end aflike scary movies today are “Paranormal Activity” is ter the movie,” Riedy said. less about the plot and more shot through a home video “You can see a movie like about how distorted can we recorder to make the film feel ‘The Avengers,’ but once it’s make a person look. They’re ei- even more authentic and terri- over, it’s over,” Riedy said. ther super gory or over-the-top fying. “Horror movies don’t end. creepy.” Senior Dan Sweet thinks They rattle you around.” Sophomore Jessica Parzyns- current horror movies are also

“Halloween” 1978

“Jaws” 1975 advancements throughout science fiction movies. For example, “Jaws,” “Poltergeist” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” all revolved around plots which weren’t exactly realistic, but instead served as people’s nightmares in the form of a film. For instance, English teacher Lori Amedeo vividly remembers the first time she watched “Poltergeist”. “I’m sure people today wouldn’t think it’s scary, but back then it was freaky,” Amedeo said. Amedeo explains that movies involving ghosts or devils were scarier for her to watch

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” 1984

“Paranormal Activity” 2009

prospectornow.com

November 30, 2012

Cult films: Life after death By Nabi Dressler

Executive News Editor

According to English and acting teacher Jeremy Morton, a cult classic is a movie that isn’t a box office hit but gains a large following in its “afterlife.” This list condenses some of the most famous cult films. “Some of these movies, although they are B-films and lower budgets, connect to people in weird and crazy, sometimes strange ways, or they just make us laugh in ways that the golden, Hollywood box office multi-million dollar films try to do with those romantic comedies,” Morton said. “It doesn’t always work as well for the mass audience or the audience who’s willing to pay ten dollars a theater ticket.” Seniors Sean Brennan and Chase Altmayer are both movie enthusiasts. Although Brennan believes many blockbuster movies are as good and thought-provoking, he understands the appeal of watching alternative cult films, as does Altmayer. “[Cult movies] make your brain work a little bit more than watching things explode [does],” Altmayer said. Brennan doesn’t think people should shut down mainstream movies based on the size of their budgets but does highly recommend cult classics. “Either you’ll have a laugh or you’ll be like, ‘What the hell did I watch?’ “ Brennan said. “You have nothing to lose because either way, you’ll have a crazy story or two to tell.”

“Fight Club” The first rule of Fight Club is, you do not talk about Fight Club. After Altmayer watched Fight Club for the first time last year, within two weeks, he had watched it 20 times with other people. Both Altmayer and Brennan believe it’s gained cult status because, like Donnie Darko, it requires more thought and it’s about bigger ideas. “There’s plenty of action, but it’s all for the sake of anarchy,” Brennan said. Brennan believes people want to feel like they’re not the only ones that think a certain way and these movies allow them to develop a sense of community.

Crime or Comedy?

A newly engaged couple gets lost in the rain and stops at a nearby mansion in the hopes of borrowing a phone to call for help. However, the mansion belongs to transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), who is hosting a convention for other transvestites and unveils his new creation, Rocky Horror (Peter Hinwood). Rocky Horror is still played in theaters and its popularity continues to spread because people can go to midnight shows (see “Now playing”). “It’s a way to get people to bond over a common experience, and a really weird one at that,” Brennan said. “‘Hey, I’m weird. You’re weird, too!’ So we’ll all be weird together.”

“Pulp Fiction” The lives of two professional hitmen and two thieves intertwine through random events not in chronological order. It is Altmayer’s favorite movie because of its nonlinear structure. “The [character] dialogue is new and fresh, humorous yet serious,” Altmayer said.

Would you prefer a plot about: Feeling invisible or A mistaken identity?

‘80s pop

Invisibility

Soundtrack style: Classic British rock or ‘80s pop?

OK, I will

Crime

Are you OK with blood and gore?

No thanks

Haven’t heard of either Of course

Troubled teen Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is awoken by a demonic 6-foot-tall rabbit named Frank, causing Donnie to sleepwalk to a golf course, which saves his life; a jet engine crashes into his bedroom later that night. Confusion about the random engine ensues as Donnie tries to comprehend Frank’s claim that the world will end in 28 days. “It’s one of those movies that screws with your mind,” Brennan said. “It gets better upon multiple viewings because you get to understand how things work and how things connect more so than the first time.” Brennan believes it’s gained such a following because it requires more thinking than the average Hollywood movie.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Which director should you check out?

Start here

“Donnie Darko”

Senior Sean Brennan, a big fan of 1975 musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” attended a midnight show of the movie at the Music Box on Oct. 27. First-time attendees got Vs written on their cheeks, since they are “virgins” of the film, and many dressed up in costumes. During the movie, the crowd interacted with the film in ways like throwing toast at the screen when a character proposes a toast at dinner. While Brennan admits shows like this are not for everyone, Rocky Horror fans got to bond over the cult classic that night.

British teenager Alex gets thrown in jail. To lessen his sentence, he undergoes an experiment that eliminates his violent tendencies. Once notorious for hurting others, Alex is released back into the streets and despises the violence he partook in. Altmayer believes that while most blockbusters only reach viewers’ emotions at the surface level, this film goes into the character’s head. He is also a fan of the art style of the film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick is often noted as the best cult film director and one of the most influential directors in the history of film.

Comedy

Now playing

“A Clockwork Orange”

s: ssic tors a l c l t c ir e Cu es t d b Th e

Entertainment

Reevaluate your taste in movies... (or scan this QR code to read bios of these actors on ProspectorNow).

Mistaken identity

British rock

De Niro

Preferred actor: De Niro or Buscemi?

Buscemi

John Hughes His feel-good ‘80s films like “The Breakfast Club” (see page 12) may not be considered cult classics, but Hughes maintains a mass following decades later. Wes Anderson His style plays up bright colors and focuses the camera on an object as events play out in the background. His soundtracks feature rock and folk music. Martin Scorsese Made low-budget cult film “After Hours” and other expressionist films that focus on emotion. “Taxi Driver” - watch it. Coen Brothers They directed comedy “The Big Lebowski,” a box office-letdownturned-cult success.

Anyone with a student ID will receive a 10 percent discount on any order!

Sports

November 30, 2012

prospectornow.com

Flips, tricks shine in steady season Girls’ gymnastics paces skills, routines to stay healthy through demanding competition season, practices By Miranda Holloway Editor- in- Chief

By the end of last year’s girls’ gymnastics season, the team was successful but exhausted. According to head coach Randy Smith, the team had their best performance at the sectional meet, scoring a 145.05 and finishing in third behind state power houses Prairie Ridge Co-op and Fremd. Unfortunately, they came just shy of qualifying for state. Since their sectional was early in the week, they had to wait for the scores from later sectionals to find out if they had qualified for the state meet. “A lot of the girls at the end of last season were just mentally drained,” Smith said. “It was kind of a rollercoaster that week... it was just mentally ex-

Starting lineup Fr. Oliva Sullo Fr. Candice Melendez So. Maddie Boldt So. Maddie Larock Jr. Jackie DiFonzo Jr. Gianna Sacla *These gymnasts competed in the first meet of the season against Barrington on Nov. 27.

hausting waiting for scores.” Despite the disappointment, Smith wonders how the team would have fared if they made the meet, which would have extended the season at least a week. “I don’t know how well they would have held up mentally and physically,” Smith said. Mental fatigue and physical demands wear on their bodies and they have to pace themselves to ensure that they stay as healthy as possible through their demanding season. As in any sport, some injuries are inevitable. Shin splints, jammed fingers and sore ankles all come with the territory of being a gymnast. “If you’re not hurting by the end of the season, you’re not working hard enough,” Smith said. Smith tries to lessen these smaller injuries by taking softer landings onto mats in practice, compete simpler routines at meets and take time off if need be. Holding back bigger skills early in the year and “watering down” routines is one of the ways the team tries to prevent any major injuries Much of this injury preparedness comes from the girls communicating with Smith when they are hurting and may

need rest. To make sure their bodies don’t wear out too early in the season, the gymnasts take care by icing and stretching when they’re in any pain and communicate with Smith. “We really try to listen to our bodies,” sophomore Maddie Larock said. Paying attention to their bodies early helps them make sure they are not pushing too hard before it counts. “By the end of the season you can get really tired and worn out,” junior Gianna Scala said. “It’s really important to listen to your body early so you don’t wear yourself out.” Health is a huge asset because if they keep from injury, there are more people to stand in if someone needs time off. The time off for the team can be handy. The entire varsity team trains in a private club, either the American Academy of Gymnastics or Elk Grove Gymnastics School, during the off season. Here, the meet schedules are much more spread out and the practices are less repetitive. For example, during meet season for club gymnastics, competitions are spread out at least a month apart, while the high school schedule can bring have up to six meets in two weeks.

s GET A GRIP: Sophomore Maddie Boldt competes uneven bars at the team’s first meet on Nov. 27 against Barrington. The team competes more simple routines at the beginning of the season to save their bodies for later in the season. photo by Ian Magnuson

The frequency of competition gives a “go, go, go” feeling to the high school level, which requires practices to have a lot of repetition. In the club, gymnasts will only practice full routines a few days before their meets. In contrast, because of the jam- packed schedule of high school gymnastics, the girls must do routines almost every day. Smith, who coaches at Elk Grove Gymnastics School, says

that the high school season has “a sense of urgency” and he has to keep looking toward the next meet. Although the season is long and jam- packed, they have to keep their late season state series in mind. Pacing themselves through the early and middle stages of the season is crucial, as the postseason does not start until late January. “That’s when it really counts the most,” Scala said.

prospectornow.com

November 30, 2012

Karate kid, Prospect style

Sports

Malone takes only gold medal on U.S. karate team By Aungelina Dahm

Executive Sports Editor Losing 2-0 with only one second left, junior Brandon Malone used all of the strength left in his body to kick his opponent in the head, gaining three points. That one kick led him to receive the only gold medal in fighting (also called kumite) for the United States team in the 2012 Junior Pan American Karate Championships in Cancun, Mexico. The championships lasted from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1. Nine years ago, Malone’s parents signed him up after they saw an advertisement in the newspaper about a karate class. He has been doing it ever since. Malone currently trains at the Illinois Shotokan Karate Club in Palatine four hours daily. His training schedule consists of conditioning, running, strengthening, strategy and technique with his coach Brian Mertel. Along with travelling to Cancun this year, he has made many other journeys to places like Chile, El Salvador, Canada, Brazil and Malaysia. “I think it’s really cool to see the different cultures,” Malone said. “It’s cool to have friends from all over the world and to be able to talk to them.” It’s a challenge to communicate with all of

the other people in these countries, although he sometimes tries to say a few words of Spanish. Most often, though, he will use the fluent Spanish speakers on the U.S. team to communicate with the other people he meets. According to Malone’s friend and teammate Michael Watts, communication is a big part of Malone’s life. In the seven years they have been training together, Watts said Malone is “very outgoing and silly” during practices. However, when he is working by himself he is very critical and corrects all of his mistakes. Watts joked that the first thing he noticed when practicing with Malone was that he was faster and better than he expected for his height. “Even if I wasn’t there [at the championships] I wouldn’t have been surprised that he won,” Watts said. “He beats everyone’s butt in class.” Likewise, when people are goofing off a little too much in class, he’s able to get them to focus back on karate. “He’s just a really good leader,” Watts said. “He’s definitely dedicated to what he does.” Malone’s dedication showed during the championships. He learned from a loss he took back in Canada against a competitor from Venezue-

With Peter Fusilero

For the spotlight or selfless?

s BLACK BELT-BUSTER: Junior Brandon Malone

competes in Kata during the 2012 Junior Pan American championships in Cancun, Mexico. Malone said he likes fighting more than kata because there is more interaction between opponents. photos courtesy of Michael Watts la, and applied what he learned in Cancun. In Canada, he was up 2-0 with only a few seconds left when his opponent kicked him in the head, gaining three points. Since he was in the same position in Cancun, he used that trick to take the gold medal. During the championships in Cancun, he competed two days out of the four-day tournament. On the first event, kata (see Kata vs. fighting), he won the first round and lost the second. The next day was fighting, and that’s when he took the gold.

“I was going nuts basically,” Watts said when he witnessed Malone’s winning kick. “Everyone on the team was jumping up and down and yelling and screaming. It was crazy.” At first, Malone was surprised he was able to take over his opponent and win the championship. However, he never got over-confident. “I was a little down because I was the only one to [win gold],” Malone said. “I wanted everyone else to be able to get in and benefit the team, too.”

Kata vs. fighting

s SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM: Junior Brandon Malone kicks his opponent in the head to take the gold in the last few seconds of fighting. He applied what he learned from a loss in Canada when this same situation happened to him.

• Kata is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. It is most commonly used in Japanese martial arts. However, it can be seen in other arts featuring the same kind of training, but uses words from this Chinese and Korean languages instead. • Fighting (kumite) is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata. Fighting involves training against an opponent, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata. Fighting is originally called kumite because it translates to sparring, which is a form of training common to many combat sports.

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Just last week, a little 5-foot-10 inch, 170 pound white kid from Grinnell, a Division III college in Iowa, blew up the sports world when he scored a NCAA single-game scoring record of 138 points. The kid’s name is Jack Taylor and his performance made sure everyone in the nation would remember his name. His record breaking game went viral, with highlights replaying on ESPN and every other major sports network. Famous athletes in the sports world took notice through the social media such as NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony who are also well-known for scoring the basketball. Even though Taylor’s outrageous accomplishment was very impressive, people began questioning his character, debating whether scoring that extreme amount of points was selfish. Society began targeting him, but his response to all of the attacks showed that he was a humble human being. “It feels like I’m almost living in a different world than yesterday, trying to take it all in stride and trying to be humble about it,” Taylor said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. “The team normally doesn’t just gather around one person to take that many shots.” Taylor didn’t let the remarkable performance go to his head, and this is what high school athletes need to emulate. When you make any team at the high school level, you have to realize that you are now part of something bigger than just yourself. You not only represent your team, but you represent the entire program, your school and your community. Sports bloggers began picking out all of Taylor’s flaws saying that shooting 108 shots and not passing the ball once was egocentric. Taylor responded to the critics and represented his school well by explaining that it was his team’s intentions to keep passing the ball to him so he could go for a record. “It was a blessing to have teammates and coaches who believed in me and to keep feeding me the ball,” Taylor said. “It was all up to them.” High school athletes need to understand their role on the team without cockiness getting in the way. You still want to be confident, but modest enough to not walk onto the field or court thinking “if I score 138 points, I’ll end up on SportsCenter too!” Another incident was when the NBA website opened up their comment section for more people to react to Taylor’s achievement. Not surprisingly, negative comments began being posted with statements reading “DON’T PLAY HIM” or “he is a selfish fool.” When Taylor was later interviewed about his controversial performance, Taylor answered the question seriously without being arrogant. “I don’t think there is one way to play basketball... and I’m going to cherish [this performance] for the rest of my life,” Taylor said. High schools across the nation can not be all like Grinnell College and focus on one main player like a Jack Taylor because each athlete’s attitude is different. Jack Taylor is a special case because he dominated the game, but didn’t let the attention get in his way. For the most part, high school athletic programs are team-oriented, but the ones that shy away from a team concept tend to interfere with the chemistry players have with one another. The problem with one dominant athlete in a high school sport is that you can never predict how they are going to act. You can never guess how a player will handle all of the attention or how their personality will change because of the attention. It’s a problem that has the potential to happen in high school sports programs, but it all comes down to how the student athlete will handle the situation. Jack Taylor was a humble enough athlete to realize that it’s the team that matters first, and that 138 points should not define a person’s character.

Friday, November 30, 2012

SPORTS

On Prospectornow.com ... The wrestling team is already looking for a championship. Head online for a preview of what’s to come from this focused team.

Shooting for one goal By Aungelina Dahm

Executive Sports Editor Singing and dancing before the games has been a tradition for five players on the boys’ basketball team for three years now. Senior small forward Devin O’Hara and junior shooting guard Bobby Frasco both recognize the outgoing and crazy personalities of all the guys on the team. “We just have fun and get pumped up,” Frasco said. Along with them, junior point guard Tommy Flahaven, senior power forward Mike Houghton and senior center Colin Olson contributed to the fun and excitement taking place before each game that started on the sophomore team two years ago. That year, Flahaven and Frasco were moved up on the team as freshmen. Together, the five of them constructed the starting lineup for that season. Now for the 2012-13 season, they will play together just as they had two years ago. Because they haven’t played together in this exact lineup since then, the expectations are a little different. “It will be interesting to see when they get back on the court together what it’s like,” head coach John Camardella said. s AND ONE: Junior Bobby Frasco drives hard to the According to Camardella, the team has gotten smarter, bigger basket against the Highland Park Giants in the St. Viator and more mature. Also, the playThanksgiving tournament this past week. Frasco wants to ers are “a very cohesive unit” that bring the team closer together by trying to be a leader on always works well together.

and off the court.

photo by Rich Futo

“In basketball, that’s a huge key,” Camardella said. “It’s not just about the best players, it’s the guys who work best together. And we noticed that with them.” O’Hara believes that it will be a new type of team this year. Many of them have grown in their basketball careers. Flahaven has gotten better at controlling the offense, Frasco can dunk and O’Hara’s shooting has improved immensely. However, these teammates weren’t the only fun players that they got to sing and dance with for the past few years. Last year, Frasco and Flahaven were fortunate enough to be on varsity, but still he believes the team last year lacked certain aspects that could have amounted to bigger success. “Our team was kind of back and forth with each other last year,” Frasco said. “We weren’t one. I think this year we have one solid crew. We have more of a team camaraderie going on this year and we’re all really good friends.” The lack of balance last year was evidenced by the fact that ‘12 grad Mike LaTulip accounted for 33 percent of all scoring, which has led to a major alteration from last year’s range of plays. “In terms of set structured plays for one person, we will have them, but not at the level that we had them for Mike [LaTulip] and Brad [Reibel] last year,” Camardella said. There will be a much more structured half-court offense. This lets them use a dual-action attack,

Looking back at 2011-12 Leading Scorers: Mike Latulip - 22.0 PPG Brad Reibel - 11.0 PPG Jack Landwehr - 8.3 PPG Leaders in Assists: Mike LaTulip - 4.o APG Brad Reibel - 3.o APG Alex Thierjung - 1.8 APG Leading Rebounders: Kevin Somogyi - 5.6 RPG Derice Black - 3.7 RPG Jack Landwehr - 3.7 RPG Most Points Scored: Mike LaTulip - 550 Brad Reibel - 276 Kevin Somogyi - 195 *All players graduated last year where there is something going on on the court at all times, making it harder for the other team to guard Prospect. Frasco has noticed the changes to the plays this year. Since they needed more of a balance throughout the entire team, he feels the changes will give exactly what they needed. “We’ve changed up our whole playbook,” Frasco said. “Basically, we cater to everyone on the team, especially the starters now. So we have different kids contributing on the team. That way, we will be more balanced both on offense and defense.”

A mission toward tradition New coach brings strong sense of family to girls’ basketball squad By Peter Fusilero

Executive Sports Editor With All-Area, All-Conference, AllState honors and two MSL Player of the Year titles while at Buffalo Grove High School, it was easy to see why the girls’ basketball program decided to choose Ashley Graham as the new head coach this season. Graham is a basketball trainer at

Looking back at 2011-12 Leading Scorers: Taylor Will - 10.0 PPG Michelle Molini - 9.8 PPG *Christina Brucci - 8.0 PPG Leading Rebounders: *Maura Benson - 9.1 RPG Taylor WIll - 5.4 RPG Trisha Benson - 3.1 RPG Leaders in Assists: Taylor WIll - 1.5 APG Michelle Molini - 1.4 APG *Jessica Petrovski - 1.4 APG *Graduated last year

the MAX Training Center in Buffalo Grove, a former assistant varsity coach at Stevenson High School and currently holds the Illinois State University freshman record in three-point field goal percentage with 42.9 percent. “I think [my experiences] helped me learn how I want to coach,” Graham said. “I took those lessons learned and put them into play [at Prospect].” In such a short amount of time, Graham feels that she is already beginning to develop relationships with the girls on the team. Before the season even started, the team went over to Graham’s house for a pasta and pizza party just to bond more outside of the basketball court. Graham is trying to teach her players that not only will team chemistry help them on the court, but off of it as well. “Obviously having such a small number of [players], I got to know them on a personal level,” Graham said. “It’s so important to see them outside of the court and just understand who they are and build relationships with them as people instead of just basketball players.” New to the girls’ varsity basketball program, junior Trisha Benson was comfortable transitioning from the sophomore level because she feels that coach Graham has created a good connection with her and has accepted her as one of the leaders of the team. “[Coach Graham] is trying to do more than a player-coach relationship; she cares about us as people,” Benson said. “I’ve been given a bigger role and I need to give leadership to the younger kids on the team.”

s FAST BREAK: Sophomore Catherine Sherwood dribbles up the floor and pen-

etrates through the defense. The lady Knights, along with their brand new coach, are focusing on improving as a team along with coming together and building close relationships that will last after the basketball season. photo by Rich Futo

Senior Michele Molini likes her new coach because of how well she can connect with the different girls on the team. Molini enjoys Graham’s coaching style because she is such a great teacher along with having a high basketball IQ. “[Coach Graham] went through everything we’re going through right now,” Molini said. “She knows what she’s talking about and the philosophies she runs for offense and defense really makes sense with our team.” Graham understands the player personnel and has gotten to know what the girls like to do on the court based on what she saw in the summer. “I have different schemes that I felt we could run offensively and defensively,” Graham said. One of Graham’s ultimate goals is just to win, so she definitely has high expectations as the season goes along. “Every day, I ask that [the girls] bring

a certain level of intensity to practice... and at games,” Graham said. “Obviously, our goal is to win ballgames, but more importantly than that it’s just for them to build relationships with each other.” Graham, Molini and returning senior guard Adriane Falagario agree that this year is really about implementing a family concept. A new coach in the program gives the team a chance to redefine what their team is going to be about. Their motto this year for the girl’s basketball program is “vision, mission, to tradition.” “We have to have a vision together to achieve as [a] team,” Falagario said. “We need a mission to show up everyday to practice, lace up and go hard, and we need to start a new tradition to be excited about basketball, work hard and start a basketball family.”