Vol 50, Issue 7

SouthwordS Maine South’s student voice See page 2 since 1964

Volume , Issue 7 March 21, 2014

Maine South H. S. Park Ridge, IL

Maine South students with Ukrainian roots struggle with the crisis in their tumultuous country.

See pages 6 & 7

Support the cause Netflix nation Maine South prepares for the school-wide fundraiser Page 4

Digital revolt March Madness

The streaming service proves Social media’s role in riot to be a threat to TV networks and revolution Pages 8 & 9 Page 11

Predicting college basketball’s biggest tournament Page 14

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL DEVERMAN

Through Their Eyes

50TH ANNIVERSARY

| March 21, 2014

►BATHROOM BANKSY Volume 28 Issue 4 ● Oct. 25, 1991

You can learn a lot from reading someone’s innermost thoughts—especially if they’re written along the bathroom walls. Seniors Jenny Braun (‘92) and Dan Dace (‘92) explore the messages behind bathroom graffiti. The results are quite astounding—who would have thought Maine South students could write such profound prose without wasting a single sheet of paper?

SURRENDER TO SERIFS

In 1988, Southwords changed its flag to the one featured on this issue’s cover. The current Southwords flag is loosely based on this version.

years of

Southwords ◄MOSHING MADNESS

Volume 28 Issue 12 ● April. 16, 1992

Junior John Byrne (‘93) takes a look at the rise and fall of moshing at Maine South. According to Byrne, the issue lies not in the aggressiveness of the “completely safe activity” itself, but rather in the unimpressive efforts of the “Weight Room Boys” to showcase their muscle. Burning up the dance floor is one thing, but punching innocent bystanders is quite another. Maybe next time stick to the basics, boys.

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March 21, 2014

| NEWS

Ellen Longman Staff Writer

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his year, Maine South students were given the opportunity to report on the “Rights and Responsibilities in History” as a part of the Chicago Metro History Fair. Participants reported their findings in the form of an exhibit, research paper, video documentary, website, or live performance. The fair aims to help students improve reading, writing, thinking, and presentation skills.

The projects begin as schoolwork, but become extracurricular activities for students who make it past the citywide fair. Teachers can enter their entire class in the competition or individuals can sign up on their own. This year, Mr. Trenkle’s and Mr. Biondo’s U.S. history and Mr. McArthur’s A.P.U.S.H. classes participated.

“My favorite thing about the history fair was learning more about the Underground Railroad and its impact on Chicago history,” said junior Courtney Richardson, who participated in the regional competition.

Volunteer judges evaluate each project for demonstrated historical

knowledge, presentation, quality of support materials, and analysis. The students who scored the highest at the Maine South History Fair advanced to the regional competition and possibly on to citywide finals, state, and nationals. This year the exhibits and documentaries of Giovanni Guagliardo, Georgia Dimas, C.J. Yager, Justin Fahey, Claire Vinopal and Marissa Oshana qualified for regionals. The websites and research papers haven’t been judged yet.

At the higher-level competitions, monetary prizes are awarded to the best projects in categories including politics, labor, African Americans in Chicago, urban planning and women’s history. Loyola and DePaul University offer metro finalists the opportunity to apply for scholarships, and Illinois College awards between $1,000 and $1,500 to the two participants who write the best essays on Illinois in Civil War America.

History teacher Mr. Biondo has sponsored the fair for the last ten years. He was recently selected to be a keynote speaker at the Chicago Metro History Education Center’s kickoff, and to help give a presentation on how to implement the histo-

PHOTO BY HANNAH SIMPSON

LRC displays Chicago history projects PHOTO BY HANNAH SIMPSON

REMEMBERING CHICAGO’S PAST

Students evaluate peers’ projects during the Chicago Metro History Fair in the library. Volunteer judges scored each project, with the top scorers moving on to the regional competition.

ry fair at the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference in St. Louis.

“The best part of an independent research project is that students get to choose their topic,” Biondo said.

“They can find a way to be passionate about an aspect of history and then investigate it.”

Mr. Biondo did a project in college on Oak Park playgrounds and the connection the parks director had to the 1933/1934 World’s Fair.

This led him to value early opportunities for original research, like the ones given to students through the

history fair.

“This competition leads students down the path of discovering new things and sharing their research with a wider audience,” he said. “You do not have many chances to do that in high school.”

The participants analyzed primary sources, interviewed historians, and used library resources to research.

“It was more than just a research project for history class-there was more to it and more in-depth,” said junior Marissa Oshna. “It became a very good research experience.”

into a community that welcomes our world-class customer service, delicious ingredients and healthy lifestyle offerings,” said Mariano.

This is the first of the eleven stores to be transformed into a Mariano’s.

According to the company website, Mariano’s has inventory from all around the globe at reasonable prices.

“All you have to do is get blue-

berry muffins,” said sophomore Declan Cannon, when asked what he thought of Mariano’s. “I could easily live off of those alone.”

In addition to a bakery and a large produce section, Mariano’s has an extensive salad bar, hand-made pizza, a full-service deli, and even gelato at the coffee shop. The company has hired 300 employees for the new location after over 2,500 applied.

John Zaris Staff Writer

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he new Mariano’s on Cumberland Avenue, which opened on Feb. 15, has garnered local praise for its large variety and high quality.

Mariano’s has made its name in the Chicagoland area through its wide array of unique offerings, including sushi bars, wine bars, coffee shops, and even live piano music, all of which can be found at the new Park Ridge store.

The layout of the store remains very similar to that of the Dominick’s, though there has been some remodeling. For instance, there are no longer any self checkout lines and more regular checkout lines have been installed. Additional renovations are scheduled to take place during the next few years.

“We’ve got sushi, we’ve got pizza, . . . we’ve got a lot of different things, and then when we come back and remodel, that’s when we’ll have even more,” said Bob Mariano, CEO of Mariano’s, during an NBC video interview.

Mariano was the CEO of Dominick’s when it opened up in Park Ridge over 15 years ago and personally presided over the openings of both chains at the same Park Ridge location.

Mariano’s opening has been met with much enthusiasm.

“Besides for the ridiculous underground parking lot, my opinion about the new Park Ridge Mariano’s is positive,” said sophomore Caitlin Bradford. “It was very clean and had a lot of different food options. I will definitely be going back.”

This store is just one of the many new locations planned for Mariano’s, as the grocery chain is in the process of expanding.

With fifteen locations currently in existence, twenty-nine are expected to be in business by the end of the year.

As all of the Dominick’s stores shut down, Roundy’s, the parent company of Mariano’s, bought eleven former Dominick’s locations.

“We acquired this store to bring our unique Mariano’s experience

PHOTO BY MICHAEL DEVERMAN

Park Ridge Mariano’s opens to rave reviews

NEW STORE IN TOWN

The Park Ridge Mariano’s, located at 1900 S. Cumberland Avenue, offers a wide selection of food options, including groceries and hot food. The store is one of the 15 Mariano’s currently in operation.

SouthwordS 3

NEWS

| March 21, 2014

Sophomores donate the most in winter food drive

came very close, at around 2,100,” said ArgÜello. “The Sophomore Class helped us boxing all donations the day before pick up—no easy task!”, ArgÜello said.

Students thought that if incentives were involved, participation in the food drive would have increased.

“I think our school could have

done better in the drive,” said senior Giles Molloy. “As a senior, I wasn’t notified about the event by any teachers. Occasionally, I heard it over the announcements, but since it wasn’t mandatory, I didn’t even think about it. Maybe if we got extra credit for it, more people would have [participated].”

News Editor ith a goal of raising $10,000, Maine South will begin a school-wide fundraiser ending in April. The four charities that are up for election are Feed My Starving Children, Wright-Way Rescue, Make-A-Wish, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

During the Hawk Pride lesson on March 19, students and staff will vote for two of these charities after watching videos produced by students featuring each of the finalists.

“By choosing two charities, it increases the chance of your charity being picked by 50%,” said assistant principal Mr. Berendt. “The more people that have chosen this charity, the more they are going to be motivated to raise money.”

Four hundred charities were initially proposed and then a committee was formed to narrow that list to the 37 that appeared in the survey sent to students. As part of that process, committee members were told to look for three things: how much

money raised would be going directly to the charity, why this charity would be important to Maine South, and why Maine South would rally behind the charity.

“It’s really hard to just select one charity,” Mr. Berendt said. “Every charity is awesome. They’re all doing cool stuff for cool people.”

Berendt is not new to schoolwide fundraisers. He started a charity drive when he first became assistant principal at Maine West eight years ago.

In six years, Maine West raised over $100,000 for various charities, including $26,000 during the 20082009 school year for ALS. “It’s a great unifying event to rally the school around,” said Mr. Berendt.

“It made students and staff aware of life beyond themselves, which I think is really important. It brought the school a little closer together because everyone is on the same page to accomplish one common goal.”

Students and staff are brainstorming ways to achieve the $10,000 goal.

One potential idea is a t-shirt war,

where the winning charity group at Maine South would create their own t-shirt design, and the proceeds from selling the t-shirts would go to the charity.

Another way to raise money would be a Maine South “Amazing Race” competition.

“You would get a team of two, and the team would pay [an entry fee],” said Mr. Berendt. “We could use the entire school. We could even use the climbing wall or the pool if we wanted to.”

Other ideas include a “Miracle Minute,” where an envelope is passed around for a spare change collection and a pizza war where local pizza spots will donate pizza and students can buy tickets to taste and rate them.

At “Hawk Fest” on April 17, students will buy tickets to play games and win prizes. Students and staff will also get the chance to buy Beaver’s Coffee and Donuts, from the gourmet food truck, run by alumni, Gabriel Wiesen and James Nuccio.

According to Mr. Berendt, individual clubs and teams are also

encouraged to raise money for the cause.

Some students were initially skeptical about the $10,000 goal.

Mr. Berendt said that getting people aware and involved is key.

“It’s getting as many people aware of it, and then you get those couple of people that have their group of friends and they rally around it or there is one organization that is really passionate about it and their whole organization gets it going,” said Mr. Berendt. “We try to get all the sponsors involved.”

Mr. Scott, who was instrumental in previous Maine South fundraisers as the co-sponsor of Hawk Pride, agreed that fundraising is a difficult, but manageable task. “[Raising $10,000 is] very, very possible. I mean, we did it once, but it’s going to have to take some efforts of not just the student body, but I think the clubs, and organizations and programs [will have to contribute].”

The check for $10,000 will be presented at the spring assembly on April 25 to the winning charity.

Make-A-Wish is an organization that grants wishes to children with terminal illnesses. The charity grants 700 wishes a year, with no cost for the children or their families.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides high quality treatment, travel, and housing for kids with fatal diseases and their families. No child is ever denied treatment.

Feed My Starving Children’s goal is to eliminate child starvation.

92% of all donations go to the food program. It costs 22 cents to make and pack one meal.

Wright-Way Rescue is a no-kill animal shelter that also provides low-cost vet care and dog training classes. They have been collecting money for animal care and renovations.

Staff Writer & News Editor

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tudent Council sponsored a food drive benefiting the Maine Township Food Pantry Feb. 11 through Feb. 22. As a school, Maine South donated 2,141 cans.

The sophomores brought in the most cans, totaling 640, and as a reward, they had a $500 check made out to the food pantry in their honor.

The juniors brought in 471 cans, the freshmen 317, and the seniors donated 280 cans.

According to Mr. ArgÜello, a spanish teacher and sponsor of student council, Maine South usually works with the Maine Township Food Pantry.

During spirit week, there were pictures of cans decorating the ceiling in the front hallway, serving as a reminder to students to bring in

PHOT O COURTESY MRS. MUIR-WILSON

canned goods.

There were also multiple announcements and e-mails sent the same week.

Despite the reminders, students thought that the drive could have been more publicized.

“I didn’t know when to bring in cans or where to bring them. I think they should have advertised more,” senior Kristina Hesseln said. “I definitely would have brought in cans if I knew though.”

Even though not every student brought in cans, the Student Council was content with the drive’s results.

“We are very happy with the outcome of the food drive. Our ideal was one can per student, and we NO SENSE OF UNITY Southwords editors discuss the merits of establishing a daily homeroom into the schedule and whether it would bring students together for See page 8 school causes.

Melis Ozkan & Chloe Bryniarski

FOOD DRIVE FRENZY

Students donated a total of 2,141 cans to the food drive from Feb. 11 through Feb. 22. The food drive was organized by Student Council with the help of Mr. ArgÜello and Mrs. Muir-Wilson.

Organization begins for the school wide fundraiser

Chloe Bryniarski

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March 21, 2014

| FEATURES

Ms. Sinclair takes center stage Des Mustafa

Features Editor t 3:30 P.M., when many teachers are making their way home from school, Ms. Sinclair makes her way to the Joel Hall Dance Center located in downtown Chicago. As one of the company’s professional dancers, she dances there well into the evening, perfecting the art she has loved all her life.

“From the time I was little, I would choreograph shows in the backyard and invite the neighbors over,” said Ms. Sinclair. “A friend of mine and I would create dances and go house to house ringing the doorbell and performing for people. That creative aspect and the inability to sit still was innate, and was a crucial part in becoming who I am today.”

Ms. Sinclair’s journey to becoming a professional dancer and a dance instructor was no easy feat. Many opportunities arose while she was in the right place at the right time.

“There was a moment when I was in high school and there was a guest artist teaching the class,” said Ms. Sinclair. “Tim Mosley, a dance instructor at Columbia College, was teaching the class that day. After we had finished the routine, he came up to me and told me I was a great mover. He invited me to one of the workshops at the college and that’s where it all began.”

After high school, Ms. Sinclair planned to enter the workforce and not continue on to college.

“I really had no intention of going on to college,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I already had a job lined up for me after high school, so I figured that I would take a class or two at Columbia to just keep dancing.”

When applying for classes at Columbia College, more things caught Ms. Sinclair’s attention— she decided to become a full-time student.

“It was that moment that inspired me to figure out how to make dance a profession,” said Ms. Sinclair.

Ms. Sinclair took all of her undergraduate classes at Columbia College.

“A f t e r I g r a d u a t e d f r o m Columbia,” Ms. Sinclair said, “I asked myself: ‘How am I

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going to make a living doing this?’

What was I going to do to be able to support myself and create a bright future? So I decided to create my own opportunities.

“I went to all of these different p l a c e s t h at w o u l d a l l ow m e to spread the art of dance,” Ms. Sinclair said. “I pitched the idea of creating a dance therapy program for different populations. I went to a developmentally disabled home for children. I told them about the benefits of movement and music and how the children could prosper from it—so they hired me.”

After her experience with the children, Ms. Sinclair then went on to help and teach dance therapy to mentally ill adults.

“I taught at all of these crazy places—I was everywhere,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I had a professor at Columbia, who was also my neighbor.

One day I just saw her on the street and we started talking and she handed me a flyer for the Orchesis dance coach here at Maine South.”

Ms. Sinclair was the Orchesis dance coach at South for a year. Then, Jane Allen, the P.E. Department chair at the time, told Ms. Sinclair about the idea of starting a dance class at Maine South.

“I didn’t have a teacher certification at the time,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I never dreamed of teaching any sort of P.E. classes. I took the necessary classes at Northeastern. It was advised that I get my certification in P.E in case the dance program did not take off.”

Ms. Sinclair received her teaching certification and then began working at South full-time. At the same time, Ms. Sinclair took jazz classes at the Joel Hall Dance Center.

“After the class, the teacher approached me and asked me if I could take the place of one of the injured dancers in the upcoming concert—which was two weeks away,” Ms. Sinclair said.

“I guess that was just another one of my blessings because Joel Hall was in the audience,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I hadn’t been

studying at the studio, so he took interest in me and invited me to participate in his classes. The classes began, and so did the pressure.”

Not long after dancing at the Joel Hall Dance Center, Ms. Sinclair was offered to apprentice for Hall, and began performing with them.

“It was sort of pivotal,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I got the teaching position around the same time I got the position at Joel’s. I was really torn. Do I turn down the teaching job so that I could fulfill this dancing career professionally?”

Luckily for Ms. Sinclair, both of these choices fit into her schedule perfectly.

“So, just like everything else, I worked with my schedule,” said Ms. Sinclair.

“I did not want to miss an opportunity of becoming a great dancer and one that could help fund my performance habit, too. You have to find ways to live your dream to the fullest.”

Ms. Sinclair continued working full-time, obtaining her master’s degree, and dancing with Hall. The chaotic three-year period began to pay off when the company began to perform internationally—in places such as London and Cancun.

During this time, Ms. Sinclair moved into a principle dancer position at Hall’s d a n c e c e n t e r.

From the principle d a n c e r position, s h e

worked her way to becoming the rehearsal director, and also obtaining the assistant artistic director position.

“The rehearsal director puts together all of the communication between the dancers,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I put together the rehearsal calendars, schedule costume fittings, and organize all of the aspects that require the performance to come to fruition.”

Even though her life is busy, Ms. Sinclair manages to successfully handle whatever comes her way.

“It’s definitely crazy,” said Ms. Sinclair. “I am my nephew’s legal guardian, I have dogs, and I manage to have a home life. After doing it for so long, I think it just comes easy to me.”

Despite all the success with the Joel Hall Dance Center, Ms. Sinclair decided to keep her teaching position at South.

“I’m so inspired by what I do,” said Ms. Sinclair. “There’s a vibrancy that fills the room everyday and it’s you guys that keep me motivated to get out of bed everyday and perform my job.”

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SouthwordS 5

FEATURES | March 21, 2013

TURMOIL touches ho

Amanda Svachula Features Editor

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• UKRAINE

Maine South senior Katrina Mormul emigrated to the United States from Ternopil, Ukraine, when she was eight years old. During the recent protests, Mormul has kept in constant contact with her family and friends there.

too, have had protests. I’m a very big patriot of Ukraine, and it was hard for me to be here when everything started because I wanted to go stand in the square. My dad went to Ukraine in the winter, but, sadly, he didn’t go to any of the protests. ” Most of the largest protests have taken place in Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev. The most violent occurred on Feb. 20. “[The Ukrainian snipers] were aiming to kill,” said Mormul. “It’s insane.

It’s the 21st century and you wouldn’t think this would be happening, but it is.”

Russian troops have now complicated matters by intervening in Ukraine’s southern region of Crimea.

“Russia entered at a really bad time,” said Mormul. “Now with Russia in the country, [my family] is scared, because if war starts they are going to be affected.”

Conflict has arisen over whether Russia is violating international law through their intervention.

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Timeline of

Crisis

The largest protests in Ukraine have taken place in the capital city of the nation, Kiev. The most violent clash occurred on Feb. 20 in Independence Square.

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n Feb. 20, Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, turned into a battlefield—with violent clashes between civilians and Ukrainian police.

Snipers donned police uniforms and protesters built barricades. 77 were killed; hundreds were injured. On Feb. 23, hundreds of people from Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered in front of the Ukrainian Consulate, mourning the victims. With candlelight flickering across their faces, they marched through downtown Chicago.

Tessa Witkowsky, a Maine South senior of Ukrainian descent, joined the vigil.

“I felt the need to help,” said Witkowksy. “I wanted to help. I told all my friends about what was going on and I’ve made sure that people were aware of the crisis.”

Protests in Ukraine began in November when the President of Ukraine abandoned an agreement allowing Ukraine to join the European Union. Civilian dissent escalated after the President passed anti-protest laws, and soon protesters took several government buildings across the country.

In early February, the government made a deal with protesters to reduce Presidential powers in the country’s constitution if the protestors would vacate the buildings.

But on Feb. 18, the speaker of Ukraine’s parliament rejected the deal to change the constitution, resulting in the most recent wave of violence, which led the President of Ukraine to flee the country.

Maine South Senior Katerina Mormul, who emigrated to the United States from Ukraine when she was eight years old, has been in constant contact with her family and friends in Ukraine.

“My family [lives] in the city of Ternopil, the part of Ukraine closer to Europe, so they’re not in the center of everything that has been happening,” said Mormul. “But in my city, they,

KIEV

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“Putin is not only violating the Ukrainian Constitution, but international law,” said Witkowsky. “It’s not okay for Russia to take Crimea just because Crimea’s parliament decided that it wanted to be a part of Russia.

That’s like Texas taking a vote to be a part of Mexico, the majority voting yes, then Texas automatically becoming a part of Mexico. The United States would never let this happen because it’s unconstitutional.”

The protests in Ukraine prior to Russia’s interference, were started in part by college-aged students, who hoped for the benefits that would come along with Ukraine’s entrance into the European Union.

“Well the whole thing started from [people] around our age, college students,” said Mormul.

“They wanted [the opportunity] to have a European education. If Ukraine joined the EU, or agreed to go into it as time went on, the borders would be open so anyone could freely travel to

NOVEMBER 21, 2013 Ukrainian President rejects agreement with European Union, provoking protest.

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anywhere from Britain to France. Here I have the freedom with the American passport to go anywhere in the world.

There, it is really cut off.”

Moldova, a country located on the eastern border of Ukraine, signed an agreement with the EU and has had much success as a result. Many Ukrainians saw this success and wanted to achieve this in their own country.

“Moldova, a country by [Ukraine], has always been on the same level,” said Mormul. “When Moldova signed an agreement with the European Union, Moldova went up there and Ukraine stayed down here. Moldova’s working with the EU to get economic help. But Ukraine’s bigger and has more to offer.”

The protests eventually evolved over time and escalated into calling for government reform.

“The protests were always about the Ukrainian people’s rights and then it turned into a protest on how they wanted reform in their government—to be free like America,” said Witkowsky. “They

JANUARY 16, 2014 Ukrainian Parliament passes anti-protest laws, which cause more civilian dissent.

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JANUARY 22, 2014

The first protest deat occur when two peop die from gunshot wo after violence with po

March 21, 2014 | FEATURES

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ths ple ounds olice.

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JANUARY 23-24, 2014 Protestors seize government buildings in many of Ukraine’s western cities, and protests spread east.

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UKRAINIAN PRIDE Maine South senior Katerina Mormul is very proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She has participated in protests in Chicago in honor of Ukraine and has tried to spread awareness of the crisis through Facebook posts. She wishes she could be in Ukraine in the center of the action right now.

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BEACON OF HOPE Senior Tessa Witkowsky’s grandparents emigrated from the Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Kiev. She has recently embraced her Ukrainian background by attending a vigil held in downtown Chicago for the victims of the recent violent protests in Ukraine. She has also spread the news about a T-shirt fund-raiser that raised money for medical supplies to send to Ukraine during the violence.

FEBRUARY 18, 2014 Ukrainian Parliament rejects agreement on reducing President’s constitutional powers.

PHOTO COURTESY TESSA WITKOWSKY

by the crisis, the ones who have been directly impacted have been affected profoundly. Witkowsky plans to eventually visit Ukraine.

“I’ve never been to Ukraine but I plan to go soon; I may even do a summer study abroad program,” said Witkowsky.

For Mormul, the revolution has impacted what she wants to do with her future. “[The recent events] have had influence on what I want to go into,” said Mormul. “Originally I was going to do finance and international business.

Lately with what has been going on, I might do political science. My main goal is to maybe be ambassador to Ukraine or to work with some business in Ukraine so I could live there and work with somebody here. I need to do something with Ukraine.”

As events in Ukraine unfold, Mormul and Witkowsky embrace their American-Ukrainian heritage and hope for the best. Mormul wishes she could be at the center of it all, fighting for what she so strongly believes in.

“People deserve to have their rights protected,” said Mormul. “ [The situation] is very depressing, especially when you know your family is there and something could happen to them. It’s a tragedy. I’d be the first person on the line to go there, because I want Ukraine to be known as the great country it is in the world.”

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wanted changes to their constitution.”

Many Ukrainians resented the president’s overuse of power during his term, and wanted to minimize this corruption. “[Ukraine] does have democracy in its system,” said Mormul. “But it’s corrupt.”

Mormul and Witkowsky have each attended protests in Chicago. The protests have called for United States’ support of Ukraine.

“Whenever something big happens in Ukraine, there will be a protest in Chicago,” said Mormul. “During the protests in Ukraine, [the police] were fighting and attacking people. But here, you protest and they block off the streets for you. It’s a totally different mind-set.”

In order to stay in contact with her family and friends in Ukraine, Mormul has made use of social media. “There’s this one Facebook group that gives updates every minute,” said Mormul.

“I’m always on my phone seeing what’s going on. There’s also a Ukrainian web-site that has different communities.

My family is on it so I can talk to them there and they will tell me what is going on.”

Mormul and Witkowksy have also both made use of social media to help Maine South students stay aware of the crisis. Mormul shares links to articles about the crisis on Facebook so they appear on her page.

“My Facebook profile picture is of the Ukraine flag,” said Mormul. “My friends know I’m Ukrainian. I can’t stand in front of class, but I try to tell [the people who know me] what’s happening. People are curious too because I’m from the inside.”

Witkowsky has used social media similarly.

“I tried to do whatever I could to help,” she said. “I even told people about a T-shirt fund raiser to raise money for Ukraine and for medical supplies during all the violence.”

While only several Maine South students have been personally affected

PHOTO COURTESY KATRINA MORMUL

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FEBRUARY 20, 2014 77 people are killed in violence between police and protestors in Independence Square in Kiev.

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MARCH 1, 2014 Vladimir Putin receives approval from Russia’s parliament to invade Ukraine.

SouthwordS 7

ENTERTAINMENT

| March 21, 2014

Online streaming has become a dominant force in the realm of home entertainment, and Netflix is proving to be a threat to network television in the race for ratings.

Hope Allchin & Dora Bialy Editors-in-Chief

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ILLUSTRATION BY BASIA CHRUSCINSKI-RAMOS

ith the entertainment industry placing more and more emphasis on the Internet, Netflix has emerged as the frontrunner in the new age of online streaming. Not only has its rapid success made it a threat to cable networks, but its popularity and ease of accessibility have made it a staple of America’s entertainment culture.

Originating as primarily a throughthe-mail movie service, Netflix was initially marketed as a competitor for Blockbuster and other movie rental stores. As RedBox gained

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popularity and Blockbuster was forced out of business, Netflix turned its attention to another aspect of its business—Internet streaming. In 2007, the company began investing more in their video-on-demand services, and by 2011, the DVD-by-mail service became a separate payment plan from Internet streaming.

Today, Netflix has over 44 million subscribers worldwide with a growing selection of T.V. series, films, documentaries, and specials. It supports a variety of host devices, ranging from various game consoles to computers to tablets and smartphones.

However, Netflix’s success cannot be solely attributed to its lucrative business strategy. The true indicator of the Netflix revolution is the cultural phenomenon that it has become.

Just take a look at the impact it’s made on the typical American teenager. In a voluntary, anonymous email survey, 80% of Maine South students said they watch Netflix. The average time these students spend watching it is about six hours a week.

“Sometimes I watch Netflix instead of doing homework,” said senior Craig Stewart, “But only

because Netflix is a prime way to procrastinate, which is always exhilarating. And I can just get my other homework done in other classes or lounge.”

Maybe students watch so much Netflix because they have constant access to it and other streaming services. Not only can they watch at home, where almost every household has a TV, computer, and gaming system, but devices like smartphones and tablets have made Netflix constantly available, whether on the bus or in study hall.

This constant access is an important feature of Netflix, and it can be credited as one of the main causes behind the new “binge watching” trend.

The next episode is immediately ready for viewing and will start automatically, with only a brief pause for the show to load and perhaps a commercial for another program offered by Netflix.

“Whether or not you want to watch another episode, Netflix starts the episode 15 seconds after your episode ends,” said senior Nicole Hassman, “So even if you want to stop watching, you can’t.”

Watching Netflix is purely entertainment for some—and an excuse for others.

“I choose Netflix over going out because Jesse Pinkman is cooler than all of my friends combined,” said senior Kate Staunton.

As people spend more and more time on Netflix, it isn’t unrealistic to think that online streaming may replace network television. Greater accessibility to fast and reliable Internet, the increase in smartphone and tablet ownership, and commercial-free viewing make services like Netflix a much more appealing option.

Netflix also gives the user an incredible number of programs to choose from, ranging from extremely popular shows like “Breaking Bad” to more obscure shows that have long been off the air. This creates an extremely personal and customized entertainment experience.

Streaming also allows the user to watch whenever and wherever he or she wants—only an Internet connection is required. Netflix typically releases entire seasons of a series all at the same time, allowing viewers to watch as many episodes in a row as they want at any time after the release.

Perhaps most exciting is the potential for the original series being produced and released

by Netflix, including “Arrested Development” Season 4, “House of Cards,” and “Orange Is the New Black.” For those creating and starring in these Netflix original shows, the appeal is more independence and greater creative license.

For the

March 21, 2014 | ENTERTAINMENT

No

SURVEY SAYS... Maine South students’ Netflix habits were revealed in a voluntary e-mail survey taken by 582 students. The results showed that an overwhelming majority of students watch Netflix, mostly on the weekend.

Do you watch Netflix?

viewers, it’s the quality of Netflix produced entertainment—an assertion supported by the number of award nominations these shows received. “‘House of Cards’ has a surprisingly interesting plot line for a political drama,” said senior Molly Butler. “The cast is so talented. Plus, I love that it’s on Netflix because I can binge-watch as many episodes as I want.”

The Netflix original series “House of Cards,” “Hemlock Grove,” and the fourth season of “Arrested Development” have earned a total of 14 Emmy nominations. The company became the first streaming service to win a primetime Emmy when “House of Cards” took home the trophy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama in 2013. Netflix also received an Oscar nomination for the documentary “The Square” about the protests in Tahrir Square in 2012.

Netflix’s transition from mail-in movies to streaming shows has been a huge success. And as the company continues to grow, the options, especially the original series, are being recognized for quality of their content. As Netflix works to become a much more progressive and user-friendly choice for consumers, it continues to prove it’s reputation as one of the leading entertainment providers and increase its popularity with teenage audiences.

Yes

How much Netflix do you watch a week?

More than 20 hours 15-18 hours 5% Less than 1 hour 4% 9% 12-15 hours 6%

No 20%

9-12 hours 10%

Yes 80%

Top 5 Shows Watched on Netflix

Top 5 most popular shows on Netflix:

1-3 hours 26%

6-9 hours 18% 3-6 hours 22%

Who pays for your Netflix?

Your friend 9% Your extended family 3%

1. “Gossip Girl” 2. “One Tree Hill” 3. “Orange is the New Black”

Your sibling 7%

4. “Breaking Bad” 5. “It’s Always Sunny in Philidelphia”

Other 5%

You 4%

nts e r a rp % u Yo 73

Arrested Development (Season 4): 34%

Hemlock Grove: 6%

House of Cards: 19%

Orange Is the New Black: 29%

IMAGES CREDIT NETFLIX

NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES Many Maine South students have taken notice of these Netflix original shows, which are produced by outside companies under Netflix and distributed exclusively to the streaming site. This data, gathered from the responses of 582 students to a voluntary survey, represents the percentage of students who have watched them. The increasing popularity of these shows is also evident through their several Emmy nominations.

SouthwordS 9

ENTERTAINMENT | March 21, 2014

ILLUSTRATION BY BASIA CHRUSCINSKI-RAMOS

Starting off on a high note

Julia Koza Staff Writer

H

awkapella is Maine South’s new—and only—extracurricular a cappella group.

Hawkapella serves as a unique alternative for those students who were unable to fit a curricular choir or music class into their schedule. Hawkapella, founded by seniors Jenny Calahan and Rohini Venkat, and juniors Tim Kwasny and Mark Tamvakis, is replacing the all-girl Decibelles group and all-boy Funkafellas group.

“On the bus home from their [Funkafella] state competition, Tim Kwasny and I were talking about how Funkafellas was nonexistent and how Decibelles was lacking something, so we started talking about a hypothetical joint boy-girl a cappella group and how awesome that would be,” said Rohini Venkat.

“We got in touch with Jenny Calahan and Mark Tamvakis to pitch the idea, and they liked it too, so we decided to start a new group. Thus came the birth of Hawkapella.”

Hawkapella has some key differences from the four curricular choirs here at Maine South.

“Hawkapella is 100% studentrun,” said senior Jenny Calahan.

“Students lead, pick the music, and find the time to practice during their

10 SouthwordS

own free time. It’s a place where you can express your creativity with peers that love music enough to want to spend their free time back at school at 6:30 on a Tuesday.”

According to both Calahan and Venkat, the student-run music group is a challenging, yet low stress extracurricular.

“If you’ve never heard of a cappella, go look up the band Pentatonix,” says Venkat.

The music that Hawkapella focuses on is modern and contemporary. The inspiration for the music comes from bands like Pentatonix.

A cappella is becoming increasingly popular and can be seen on TV shows like “The Sing Off.” There are a few ways to join Hawkapella for those who are interested in becoming a member of the group.

“Hawkapella is open to all juniors and seniors in choir, and anyone else who wants to join would have to audition,” said Calahan. “We thought it was a nice mix between inclusive and selective.”

“Students enrolled in their third or fourth year of choir can join at any of the entry points—slightly before

or after the upcoming concert—so that we have the whole few months before the next concert to work with fellow members to practice their music,” said Venkat. “We figure they have musically proven themselves up to the challenge.”

“Underclassmen in choir, first or second years, or students who do not take choir have to try out,” said Venkat. “There’s no pressure, it’s just Jenny, Tim, Mark and I listening to the person sing—or even beat box—a song of his or her choice with YouTube or a pianist accompanying.

This gives the students an opportunity to flaunt their voices.”

Students who decide to join Hawkapella will have some obligations to follow.

“We perform at choir concerts with the curricular choirs and Vocal Jazz Ensemble as our own ensemble. That means it’s required that all members of Hawkapella come to the choir concerts,” said Venkat.

“Rehearsal is every Tuesday at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the choir room (PA 105) as to not interfere with theatre, sports, or other after school groups.”

Now is a good time to join

Hawkapella because they are currently preparing for the choir concert that is scheduled for May 22. As this is the debut of Hawkapella, both Calahan and Venkat are hoping for a successful turnout.

“This year is really just a trial run,” said Calahan. “We will see how it goes from there and see how we can improve.”

Both Calahan and Venkat have positive thoughts for the future of the group.

“I can see the group performing at nursing homes, children centers in the hospital, soup kitchens, or any other places in the community,” said Calahan. “I can’t wait to come back from college and see how the group has evolved.”

“Hopefully in the future, the group can perform in places that aren’t the school,” said Venkat.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Hawkapella, contact Rohini Venkat or Jenny Calahan for additional information.

March 21, 2014

| COMMENTARY

Revolution in the modern world Lauren Smith

Commentary Editor

Spontaneous and violent protests pose a serious threat to the democratic process

I

effects of which are still very present. Thomas Jefferson said, “Unsuccessful rebellions indeed generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them.”

Apart from Syria’s current civil war, six countries are still experiencing ongoing conflicts. Women’s rights have become even more debilitated in a region that was already considered especially oppressive towards women. For protests that begun to inspire their respective nations to become more democratic, their consequences have further hindered their citizens.

More Middle Easterners died during the Arab Spring than American soldiers in World War II. Civilians all over the world are going to war for their rights, but are facing adversaries much more equipped for that sort of conflict. Proteststurned-battles lose their effectiveness as soon as the first body hits the ground. When fighting for democracy, physical conflict is not ideal.

Minorities who take to the street to display their views have every right to do so. If government forces use violence to silence or stem their advance, self-defense is more than appropriate. But that is where the line is drawn. Grouping outside of government buildings with molotov cocktails crosses that line.

One cannot fight fire with fire when changing policy in a nation: irresponsibility, corruption, and chaos cannot be solved with more of the same.

There needs to be a new way people bring about major change, and it needs to keep those who wish to make their opinions heard and those hearing them safe.

ART BY CECILIA CORTTÉS

n this age of constant connection, ideas can spread almost as quickly as they come about.

And with the increased exposure to technology that is becoming a prominent characteristic of daily life, a spark of dissidence can quickly turn into an overwhelming call for change.

Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of online interaction have already been deemed catalysts of several recent political revolutions. #Euromaiden was the trending link on Twitter that prompted thousands of protesters to gather at Kiev’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Independence Square, in the Ukraine and social media usage more than doubled in countries that were involved in the Arab Spring uprisings. The Internet allows for the opportunity to forge almost immediate links between people with similar beliefs. Instead of meetings to plan protests, a 140-character tweet can be sent and read by countless people ready to take to the streets.

This isn’t to discredit the legitimacy of protests.

The right to peacefully assemble is one that any citizen should have the ability to practice. But situations can lose their “peaceful” nature quickly without the careful planning that has historically occurred before most of these active calls for major change.

Planning for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, for example, began nine months prior to the event. The protest resulted in no death or injury and is credited for helping pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended public segregation, discrimination based on sex, color, religion, race, or national origin, and unequal voter registration requirements.

In contrast, over 150,000 deaths resulted from the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, 80% of them occurring in Syria as their civil war rages on and 77 have been killed and 577 injured from clashes with police and military forces in the Ukraine.

Although these situations vary greatly in the specifics, their underlying theme is similar: citizens facing governments that do not represent their views.

There is a process in many countries, in which citizens elect representatives they trust to support legislation that

corresponds with their beliefs. Although this procedure is more tedious than making a violent rush to the streets, it ensures that most or all opinions are heard and no rights are squelched.

When people feel that their elected officials no longer represent their beliefs in a satisfactory way, they are voted out in the next election. It is a system that protects and projects the voice of minorities.

Because it is drafted in a manner that is leisurely and calm, compared to a bill hastily written as an angry mob pounds at the door, more dissenting opinions can be heard and compromises made.

More often than not, the legislation passed is wellresearched, more centralized, and carries more public support. It is created with future stability and prosperity in mind.

But with the quick calls to action that spread over the Internet and the instantaneous responses that they can warrant, working around the slow and careful procedures of social change through legislation is a more desirable option.

Protesters are called to the streets outside of government buildings by tweets and posts and texts. Many receive unreliable information from opposition leaders and news sources that value being first over being right. And in the ensuing chaos, people die.

In the face of tyrannical dictators or heinous crimes against humanity, force seems to be the only answer—often it is. But recently, protests have become more extreme with less beneficial outcomes.

Twenty-one countries were a part of the protests that erupted in December of 2010, the

SouthwordS 11

COMMENTARY

| March 21, 2014

STAFF EDITORIAL

Homerooms would help foster spirit aine South has a reputation for a lack of school spirit, as is evidenced by the relatively modest participation in the student councilled food drive. Although we have certainly seen a rise in spirit in the current year, there is still room for improvement. What we really need is a sense of community­­—and adding a homeroom period to the school day would be the first step to creating that.

Maine South actually used to have homerooms until 2004, when the school transitioned from an eight to a nine-period day. This change was made so students would have more reasonable schedules, with lunch and study hall, while still being able to take electives. Another period in the day also alleviated some of the problems with large class sizes. In order to accommodate this new schedule, a few minutes were added on to the beginning and the end of the school day and homeroom was eliminated.

While we agree with the good intentions behind adapting the schedule to a nine-period day, eliminating homeroom from the schedule was a mistake. From a logistical standpoint, a homeroom creates a small period of time where information can be successfully communicated to students without having to compete with academics.

Announcements could be heard by all since no one would be in unfortunate locations like the gym locker room. In addition, counselor passes could be distributed to students through their homeroom adviser, and first and third period teachers could focus on lessons

without having to be responsible for delivering passes.

Homerooms would also foster a sense of community among students.

Fundraisers like the Februar y student council food drive, which generated less than one donated item per student, could become much more successful, especially when fueled by competitions between the homerooms. Because you would be seeing the same people every day, you would be more likely to form connections and friendships with the people in your homeroom and encourage a sense of identity among entire grades.

Having a homeroom could also solve some of the problems with the Hawk Pride program. Just imagine how much less awkward advisory would be if it was with a group of kids you actually know. The advisory teachers and Hawk Pride leaders would also have a greater amount of authority as kids would see these

Letter to the Editors Southwords’ liberal

ions. Unfortunately, most of these students are far too lazy to actually look into issues themselves.

This leads the students to read and I have noticed an overwhelming bias instantly believe and side with the in the political articles written in opinion given to them, and not allowboth the staff editorial and the news ing them to develop their own opinsections of the school paper. ions. This, in short, is indoctrination.

This is a time old issue that exists People should question authority, in the news outside of Maine South, but, I must say, I’m not some senseand an issue I could never fix alone. less anarchist looking for riots, howI am hoping by sending this, however, ever, this country was founded upon that I can make a difference around the questioning of authority and the here. idea of contradicting opinions, and Students at this age are actually the media bias is slowly poisoning this starting to pay attention to the news, country. and develop personal political opinHowever, here at Maine South, we

bias clouds political coverage

12 SouthwordS

teachers every day, and teachers and leaders could form meaningful relationship with their advisory students.

I d e a l l y, t h i s t e n - m i n u t e homeroom would be after second period, making it so that all students would attend. Because Hawk Talk would be included in the homeroom period, only ten minutes would be needed to be added on to the school day in order to re-implement homerooms—five minutes for the rest of the homeroom and five for an extra passing period. All we would need to do is begin the day five minutes earlier and end five minutes later, extending the school day so it would last from 7:40 to 3:20. This would have a relatively small effect on transportation plans and refrain from conflicting with after school activities.

A ten-minute extension to the school day is a small price to pay for the many benefits a homeroom can provide.

Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to LRC1, given to a member of the editorial staff, or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org.

Southwords reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords Editors-in-Chief

Hope Allchin Dora Bialy

Production Editors Michael Deverman Hannah Simpson News Editors

ART BY ANNA CAMPBELL

M

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 http://www.southwords.org

Chloe Bryniarski Jake Kay Lizzie Porter

Entertainment Editors Alex Korzynski Anna Laskaris Yavor Todorov Features Editors

Katie Krall Des Mustafa Amanda Svachula

can strive to make a difference, even if only on a small scale. I think that if you are to include political issues in your paper, you should have a legitimate counter argument that allows students to see the other side of the story.

This is easily attainable, as the bias I have noticed is more democratic, or liberal. All that would be necessary to find a counter argument is to go to one of the conservative club meetings. I’m sure the leader of the club or a member would be happy to write an article or a counter-argument against the current bias.

Aaron C. Elmgren (‘15)

Commentary Editors

Annie Krall

Marisa Sclafani

Lauren Smith Sports Editors

Alex Ellyin Brendan Ploen Stephen Sakowicz Kay Thursby

Art/Production Team Anna Campbell Basia Chruscinski-Ramos Cecelia Cortés Luke Giambrone Josh Larragoity Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

March 21, 2013

| COMMENTARY

E-smoking targets younger generations Staff Writer

I

’ve never been a fan of choking on smoke, especially someone else’s.

Of course there are those people who annoy us as they smoke their cigarettes on the street or chew on cigars at the red light, but it is only recently that I have found myself with a face full of smoke in the hallways.

I’m not sure that smoke is even the right word. It is hard to believe that one can exhale smoke from what seems to be a brightly colored marker with a LED light at the end. I suppose there is no other way to describe such a phenomenon as anything other than technological innovation.

Well, that may be pushing it. The devices appearing in our hallways are referred to as e-cigs, hookah pens, or vape pens. The two most popular and commonly used electronic smoking devices seem to be the e-cigarette and the e-hookah. Both are very similar devices that vaporize nicotine, although some e-cigarettes

such as “Yooooo this taste just like a banana! Lol.” After choosing between the eight candy-like flavors, one can simply add their items to the cart and checkout.

Nowhere in the checkout process does the website ask for your age or to verify any sort of age agreement.

A representative from the website did confirm that although their products do not contain nicotine or tar, they are unable to sell to anyone under the age of eighteen. Aside from having to check a box on the home page to confirm you are 18, though, there is little to prevent a minor from purchasing a colorful hookah pen.

You may ask, “what about other websites?” Well, almost every other website I looked at did not seem to care about my age at all.

If anyt hing , it seemed that these websites wanted to make sure that nothing delayed the arrival of hookah pens to my

door.

Even though some hookah pens may be free of tobacco, the policy for illegal substances in the Maine South student handbook expects that students remain free of tobacco and “look alike substances.”

“A recommendation to the school board has been sent to more clearly define these ‘look-alikes,’” said Dean Thetard. According to Thetard, hookah pens and other electronic smoking devices do fall under this category.

And it’s a good thing. Because as cool and as “safe” as your hookah pen may be, I am a little tired of inhaling your fruit punch vapor.

clothing, ranging from a pair of holey sweatpants I stole from my brother to the dress I wore to girls’ choice.

Behind me was a box filled with an entire forest of old assignments, mostly various essays with scribbled revisions and some smudged math notes, and another two boxes of college mail.

Safely tucked away in a drawer is a clean manila folder, safely guarding a mint-condition edition of every Southwords issue I have worked on and a collection of hand-made birthday cards.

Time to tackle under the bed.

It’s like an archaeological dig. I unearthed four textbooks, a hopefully unused Starbucks gift card, countless unmatched socks, the “s” key from my old laptop, and a bag I haven’t seen in months with $40 in singles inside.

Suspicious.

It’s amazing how I just accumulate stuff. Who needs two cups full of pencils without erasers? Why do I

have multiple bins of magazines?

What am I going to do with 37 pieces of college apparel when I graduate?

And why do I have a sweatshirt I’ve never seen before in my life?

Standing in my room surrounded by a n av a l a n c h e of m at e r i a l possessions, I had the momentary urge to hurry this up and just get rid of everything. I am an embodiment of our materialistic culture. I buy new things, store them, and then never throw them away. My room has become my own personal collection of excess.

But mixed into these useless pieces of paper and unnecessary articles of clothing are the small parts of my life that I treasure. There’s a photo of me and my sister all dressed up for homecoming and another of a friend and me “stealing” a million dollars at the Federal Reserve Bank. There’s my mom’s vintage Northwestern t-shirt that smells like home. There’s that red, heart-shaped box, filled not

with chocolate but with ticket stubs and post-it notes and other small mementos.

Maybe it’s not owning so many possessions that is so horrible— maybe it’s not being able to determine what needs to be thrown away.

I have become a hoarder of memories. I am trying to keep hold of everything, but that’s impractical— and impossible. I have kept all of these material possessions out of a fear of forgetting what they represent.

But these things no longer have the connections for me that I want them to. I don’t need them anymore. Not all of them, anyway.

And so I’ll start with the college mail, and then the essays and the clothing. When I finish cleaning, it won’t matter how many pairs of tall socks I have. It will only matter that I kept the photos and the heart-shaped box and the manila folder with the birthday cards. And of course the Starbucks gift card.

GRAPHIC BY CECILIA CORTÉS

Jimmy Mroz

and a larger number of e-hookahs are nicotine free.

The main difference lies in who the devices are marketed towards.

The e-cigarette’s similar size and flavor to traditional cigarettes is clearly targeted toward cigarette smokers. The same cannot be said for the e-hookah, which often comes in a wide variety of flavors and bright colors, appealing more to adolescents.

One who enjoys the sweet taste of Hawaiian Punch or Kool-Aid can easily find an apple, grape, and even fruit punch flavored hookah pen.

Perhaps the popularity of these nontraditional pens is also due to the ease with which students can purchase them. The “word on the street” suggests that many convenience stores either do not bother asking your age or do not require you to show an ID when purchasing hookah pens.

These devices are also readily available on the Internet. One website, emblazoned with bold-faced “NONNICOTINE” and “SHOP NOW $7.99” banners, offers options to buy a hookah pen, check out their blog, and learn some “cool smoke tricks.”

The company even provides a customer review section where one can read page after page of five-star reviews with wonderful insights

Sentimental girl in a material world Hope Allchin

Editor-in-Chief ccording to my mom, it’s about time I cleaned my room. For someone who keeps her planner perfectly organized and has countless to-do lists, my room is surprisingly disorganized and chaotic. But it’s my mess, and I know where everything is...sort of.

Maybe my mother had a point. So last weekend I began the arduous task of sorting through my stuff.

And I’m still sorting. On the first day, I discovered that I had every book I’ve read in high school hidden underneath my desk, including a very beat up copy of Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology.”

Pivoting to the right, my desk chair was covered in various articles of

A

SouthwordS 13

SPORTS

| March 21, 2014

NCAA March Madness Predictions 1. Florida

1. Arizona

1. Florida

16. Albany / MSM 8. Colorado

1. Florida

5. VCU

9. Oklahoma St.

5. VCU

12. N. Dakota St.

13. N. Mexico St.

4. UCLA

13. Tulsa 6. Ohio St.

6. Baylor

6. Ohio St.

11. Dayton

3. Syracuse

3. Syracuse 14. W. Michigan

3. Syracuse

7. New Mexico

7. New Mexico

3. Creighton

2. Kansas

2. Wisconsin

1. Florida

2. Kansas

3. Creighton 14. Louisiana-Lafayette

7. BYU

10. Stanford

6. Baylor 11. Nebraska

6. Baylor

3. Syracuse

4. San Diego St. 13. New Mexico St.

2. Wisconsin

1. Florida

5. Oklahoma 12. N. Dakota St.

13. N. Mexico St.

4. UCLA

8. Gonzaga 9. Oklahoma St.

9. Oklahoma St.

1. Florida

12. SF Austin 4. UCLA

16. Weber St.

9. Oklahoma St.

9. Pittsburgh

9. Pittsburgh

1. Arizona

2. Wisconsin

2. Kansas

7. Oregon 10. BYU

2. Wisconsin

15. E. Kentucky

2. Wisconsin 15. American

1. Florida 1. Wichita St.

1. Virginia

16. Coastal Carolina 8. Memphis

4. Louisville

1. Virginia

5. Cincinnati

4. Michigan St.

4. Michigan St. 3. Iowa St.

12. NC St./Xavier

4. Louisville 11. Tennessee

3. Duke

3. Iowa St.

10. St. Joseph’s

10. Arizona St.

2. Villanova

WISCONSIN Overcoming the second hardest schedule in the nation,Wisconsin downed two number 1 seeds in the regular season (Florida and Virginia) en route to a 14-1 Non-Conference record. Defense wins championships, and limiting Florida and Virginia to 53 and 38 points in those games, show that they can compete with and defeat the best teams in the nation. A 12-6 conference record, highlighted by wins at Michigan and at Iowa proves that the Badgers can win away from Madison.

14 SouthwordS

7. Texas 10. Arizona St.

2. Michigan 2. Michigan

2. Michigan 15. Wofford

15. Milwaukee

LOCK PICK

3. Duke 14. Mercer

3. Duke

10. St. Joseph’s

6. Massachusetts 11. Iowa/Tennessee

3. Duke

3. Iowa St.

4. Louisville 13. Manhattan

3. Iowa St.

10. St. Joseph’s 2. Villanova

9. Kansas St.

6. N. Carolina

14. N. Carolina Central 7. Connecticut

12. NC St.

5. St. Louis

4. Louisville

11. Providence 3. Iowa St.

8. Kentucky

4. Louisville

4. Michigan St.

13. Delaware 6. N. Carolina

8. Kentucky 4. Louisville

1. Virginia

5. Cincinnati 12. Harvard

16. Cal Poly/Texas So.

8. Kentucky

8. Memphis

9. George Washington

1. Wichita St.

BUST PICK

ARIZONA This team was atop the AP Poll for eight consecutive weeks in the middle of the season, but they have lost two of their last four games. Their biggest wins came against Duke and Michigan, both coming before the New Year. Other than that, this team has not played against great competition.

The team only shoots 66% from the free throw line and 36% from beyond the arc. The team also lost third-leading scorer Brandon Ashley for the season. The Wildcats are primed for an upset.

DARK PICK

OKLAHOMA STATE The Cowboys are a team that began the season as a top10 squad, but have been inconsistent since. A midseason seven game losing streak and suspension of star player Marcus Smart derailed the Cowboys. This team has the pieces to beat the top teams. They have just been edged by Iowa State twice in overtime and only lost by two to Kansas. With future lottery pick in Smart and forward LeBryan Nash, this team is bound for a deep tournament run.

HARD PICK

DUKE VS. LOUISVILLE The defending champion Cardinals are on a run looking quite similar to the UCONN Huskies run through the Big East and NCAA tournament in 2011, led by then-senior Kemba Walker. Now, senior Russ Smith is taking his team down a similar path.

What the Blue Devils lack in experience, they make up for in talent. Led by freshman Jabari Parker, Duke has beaten Virginia and Syracuse this year. Two classic coaches will battle it out, but the Cardinals will take it.

GRAPHIC BY JOSH LARRAGIOTY

1. Virginia

CHAMPION FLORIDA The Gators have the best RPI in the nation and are currently on a 26game winning streak. Led by a dominant senior trio with Casey Prather (14.2PPG), Scottie Wilbekin (13.0 PPG), and Patric Young (11.1 PPG), this team tore through the SEC. Coach Billy Donovan knows what it is like to be the overall number 1 seed heading into the tournament.

The past two seasons have produced the overall number 1 seed taking the tournament crown, and this year may make that three in a row.

March 21, 2014 | SPORTS

Weather doesn’t slow down girls’ track Alex Ellyin

Sports Editor he Maine South girls’ track team has had to battle a few obstacles this year prior to the beginning of the season.

For one, the weather has not been on their side, leading to some difficulty for the squad, especially for the distance runners.

“It has been very tough getting outside due to the freezing cold weather and the snow, so it definitely has put a strain on our workouts,” senior captain Emily Leonard said.

“We are not able to do everything we would have liked to have been doing these last few weeks.”

The girls have had to find ways to run long distances without slipping on ice in the cold weather, leading to one thing: running indoors.

“For about a month and half we’ve had to run only indoors, which meant running through the halls, on the stairs, and the indoor track, as well as using the treadmills and bikes in the fitness center,” senior Cailin Eckhart said. “I’ve never been indoors so much during any season of training.”

“It has been an obstacle that we have had to figure out,” head coach Mr. Downing said. “Those hurdles in our way have had an effect on training.”

Leonard is looking at the big picture in terms of these troubles.

“Every team in Illinois has to face these freezing cold days, so we just have to find ways to work around it.”

Another challenge for the group

T

experience,” senior captain Marissa Sulek said. “The more the merrier.”

The team’s goal for the season to qualify as many people as possible for the state meet. The team returns five state qualifiers from last year, including Cattau in the 100-meter high hurdles and sophomore Julia Sirvinskas, sophomore Olivia Ryan, and senior Cailin Eckhart in the 4 by 800-meter relay. The final member of the relay was Emma Ropski (‘13).

“We really push for qualifying relays because not only does it build a lot of team camaraderie, but by qualifying a relay, we can take up LONG STRIDES TOWARDS SUCCESS Senior captain Olivia to eight people to state, including Cattau jumps over a hurtle at practice. Cattau qualified for the State meet last year four alternates,” Cattau said. “Our in the 100-meter high hurdles along with four other teammates, who made up the conference is really competitive to the 800-meter relay squad. point that if you can win conference, has been the large number of athletes practice every day and when we go there is a good chance you can win on the team. Even with the large squad to big Varsity invites, only about 20 Sectionals too.” though, the team is still able to mesh go, so by that time everybody knows in a cohesive way. everybody,” Cattau said.

“It is really easy to get lost in the A large team also allows for the mix, but if you find an event group group to deal better with logistical that works for you, it is super easy situations, as is evident in cases of to get great chemistry with your injuries. teammates,” senior captain Olivia “Having a large team is hard Cattau said. “Relays are the best because there is no way to get to know ways to build chemistry on the team every single person and what they because you work so hard in practice run or do in the field,” Eckhart said. with these girls and you can stress out “With that said, I like having a big and freak out together before your team because that means more girls event. And when you do finish well, are interested in the sport, and that it makes the rewards ten times better also means we have more depth, so in because of your team.” the case of injury we have alternates.”

When varsity meets come around, Then again, the team’s size aids in VAULTING THROUGH the team doesn’t seem so big. the camaraderie of the group.

“We have over 100 people on the “I’ve met so many of my friends THE SKY Senior Maggie McEnerney works on her pole-vaulting roster but only about 40 come to on track and it’s always a great technique in the field house.

Boys’ swim-

PHOTOS BY HANNAH SIMPSON

DANIELLE GOMEZ

TIM PIERCE

LESLIE HANNON

GEHRIG PARKER

Alex Ellyin

“Parks and Recreation”

“Dexter”

“White Collar”

“How I Met Your Mother”

Who is your NCAA tournament pick?

University of Florida

Michigan State University

University of Arizona

Wichita State University

What is your favorite sports-related movie?

“Space Jam”

“Friday Night Lights”

“Gracie”

“The Sandlot”

What is your pump-up song?

“Gold on the Ceiling” by the Black Keys

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

“Jump Around” by House of Pain

What is your favorite Netflix show?

Sports Editor

SouthwordS 15

BASEBALL | BADMINTON | LACROSSE | BOYS’GYMNASTICS | GIRLS’SOCCER | TRACK | BOYS’TENNIS | SOFTBALL | WATER POLO | BOYS’VOLLEYBALL

Brendan Ploen Sports Editor

T

he Maine South track and field team has had some fast runners in the past but this season could be its fastest yet. The Hawks return all four members of the 4 by 200 relay team, their lone state qualifier, and a couple of state qualifiers from the cross country team.

Senior Zach McCarthy has seen the Hawks improve greatly since last spring.

“As a whole, we’ve gotten a lot stronger,” McCarthy said. “We have more senior leadership than in the past, and this year alone, we have done better in our first two meets than we have compared to recent years. It’s a really bright start for us.”

Maine South came in second at the Niles West Invite on March 7th.

Seniors Clay Burdelik and John Hader placed first and second, respectively, in the 50-meter dash. Cross country state qualifiers senior Jack Carpenter and junior Henry Mierzwa also finished first and second in the 1,600 meter run.

Hader was pleased with his result at Niles West, but is hoping for an even better place at this year’s state championship meet at Eastern Illinois University.

“My individual goal is to get top three at the state meet for the 200-meter dash,” Hader said. “I know that I belong with any sprinter in the state, but I still need to continue to work hard and remain focused. I definitely believe that I should place at the state meet. Last year’s experience was great and I am hoping that this year I can put together a good race and become All-State.”

The Hawks also have a strong field program this season. Junior John Bargo threw 47 feet in the shot-put event earlier in the season, and fellow junior Alex Jasper won the pole vaulting event at Niles West with a height of 12 feet and six inches. He also placed second in the long jump event.

One of the most promising events for this season is the 4 by 200 team comprised of seniors Hader, Tony Buenrostro, George Sajenko, and junior Tommy Bazarek.

“[Coach Kacprowski] has a goal for us to get first or second in every meet,” Hader said. “We have the skills to make it down state. We could potentially get top nine in the state which would be good enough to be all state, and I think that would really make our track experience that much better.”

Some of the most important meets occur as the season is ending, which gives the team preparation. Besides the conference meet, the Schaumburg Invite and the Conant Invite are highly regarded by the athletes because of the loaded field of competition.

The 4 by 400 team has some veteran experience and mentality that can make a difference down the stretch.

Buenrostro, Mierzwa, Carpenter, and McCarthy were 3rd last year in the sectional meet, but they believe that a state berth is very achievable. McCarthy believes that with the amount of work that he and the team have put in, it really could be a season to remember.

“The progression I’ve made in the offseason and the indoor season has really made a difference,” McCarthy said

PHOTO BY HANNAH SIMPSON

Boys’ track sprints into season RAISING THE BAR

Junior Alex Jasper works on his pole vaulting skills at practice. He recently won the pole vaulting event at the Niles West Invite.

“I’ve become faster, stronger, and have a better mentality.”

“The 4 by 400 relay team can make state because everyone is performing at their highest level and have already broken last year’s personal records this early in the season. The program looks promising for the future.”

Strong off-season fuels girls’ badminton PHOTO BY HANNAH SIMPSON

Stephen Sakowicz Sports Editor

W

ith nine members of last year’s junior varsity team transitioning to the varsity level, the varsity girls’ badminton team seeks to sharpen their skills before beginning CSL Conference play.

A new wave of players has cracked the Hawks starting lineup, as only four out of the thirteen team members saw varsity ac tion last s eas on.

Newcomers gained experience playing in the program at the junior varsity and freshman levels last year and feel prepared for their move to the varsity level.

“Although I have played badminton every year at Maine South, we still have to continue to develop our team chemistry,” senior Danielle Gomez said.

Gomez, the JV co-captain last year, has used her experience in the badminton program to help the team mesh during their pre-season workouts.

DRIVING IT HOME

Sophomore Jana Duerkop clears the birdie in practice.

Duerkop is one of two underclassmen on the varsity badminton team this season.

“The season just started and we are beginning to bond with each other and learn each teammate’s skill set,” Gomez said.

The Hawks have stepped up their efforts in the off-season and at practice.

“We are taking a more sophisticated approach this season, doing drills of greater difficulty and incorporating more conditioning within the drills,” Coach Muir-Wilson said.

Along with the extra work in practice, both the returnees and newcomers advanced their skills by putting in extra hours in the off-season.

“Many of the girls attended badminton camps and open gyms to improve for this season,” said Coach Muir-Wilson.

The extra emphasis on improvement has motivated the team to put in extra work on and off the court.

“I have improved my endurance and I am able to perform difficult shots that I struggled with last year,” senior Maddy Gaertner said.

Gaertner is one of nine seniors dominating the Hawks roster.

The CSL Conference has been dominated by Deerfield and New Trier for the last few years. In 2013 alone, the two schools combined to have 10 AllConference selections. Despite being in one of the toughest conferences in the state, the Hawks have still been able to advance players on to State.

“Our goal is to qualify for state, be in the top five for conference, have more dual meet wins than losses, and to win at least one tournament this season,” said Coach Muir-Wilson.

The s qu ad lost its t wo A l lConference selections, Meghan Salgia (‘13) and Sharon Shim (‘13), last year, yet Coach Muir-Wilson is confident that the off-season improvements will bolster the success of the team this season.