Vol 50 Issue 10 Senior Issue

June 5, 2014

PHOTO BY MICHAEL DEVERMAN

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Vol. 50, Senior Issue

AWARDS | June 5, 2014

RECOGNITION of the class of

College Awards & Scholarships American University of Paris Global Citizenship Scholarship–Paige Garbarini Augustana College Dean’s Scholarship– Andrew Groenewold Augustana College Music Scholarship–Andrew Groenewold Aurora University Promise Grant– Catherine Lawrin Bradley University Legacy Scholarship–Michael Wiedl Brad le y University Presidential Scholarship–Dawn Ewald, Michael Wiedl Brandeis University Alumni Friends Scholarship–Lillian Elderkin Brandeis University Presidential Scholarship–Lillian Elderkin Butler University College of Communications Scholarship–Gehrig Parker Butler University Merit Scholarship–August Post Butler University Presidential Scholarship–Gehrig Parker Calvin College Dean’s Scholarship–Amanda Hoff, Sarah Hoff Carroll University Charles Carroll Scholarship–Jacob Lifton Carroll University Music Scholarship–Jacob Lifton Case Western Reser ve University Scholar–Ryan Curr y Colorado State University Dean’s Scholarship–Carolyn Sims Colorado State University Presidential Scholarship–Emily Merrell Concordia University Regents ScholarshipHannah Simpson Concordia University Wisconsin Regents Scholarship– Alexander Moderhock DePaul University Dean’s Scholarship–Emily Yurkovic DePaul University DePaul Award Grant–Antonia Stroponiatis DePaul University DePaul Scholars’ Award– Antonia Stroponiatis DePaul University NCAA Division 1 Athletic Scholarship for Soccer–Jessica Schmidt DePaul

University Presidential Scholarship– Jessica Schmidt DePaul University St. Vincent de Paul Scholarship–Ylldes Mustafa DePauw University Faculty Distinguished Scholar Award–Peter Demke Dominican University Ida Brechtel Scholarship–Sylvia Karpio Dominican University Presidential Scholarship–Sylvia Karpio, Francis Lally Drake University Department of Music Scholarship–Alyssa LaTragna D r a k e Un i v e r s i t y P r e s i d e n t i a l Scholarship–Alyssa LaTragna, Emily Petrowski Elmhurst College Dean’s Scholarship–Carolyn Perry Enright C & M, Walter Bertram, Cornwall Memorial, and Parker Scholarships– Ixchel Correa Illinois Institute of Technology Heald Scholarship–Michael Deverman Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Fine Arts Scholarship–Megan Donnelly Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Scholarship–Jennifer Swanson, Linnea Swanson Indiana University Dean’s Scholarship–Hannah Ferstel, Jake Pedrelli, Christian Witek Indiana University Hudson & Holland Scholars Program–Lia Tsikretsis Iowa State University Award for Competitive Excellence–Jack Harper, Charles Scales Iowa State University NCAA Division 1 Scholarship for Soccer–Emily O’Grady Kansas City Art Institute Merit Scholarship–Noelle Fallon Lawrence University L egac y S cholarship– John Mangian Lawrence University Trustee Scholarship–John Mangian Lewis University Michael and Frances Fitzpatrick Scholarship–Melanie Ropski Lincoln College Academic Scholarship–Michael Massari Lincoln

2014

College ACT Scholarship–Michael Massari Lincoln College WLNX Radio and Television–Michael Massari Loyola University NCAA Division 1 Scholarship for Soccer–Kyle Thompson Loyola University Damen Scholarship–Jordan Helms, Celine Wysgalla Loyola University Dean’s Scholarship–Megan Cleary Loyola University Presidential Scholarship– Dora Bialy, Anna Chudzinski Loyola University Trustee Scholarship–David Arenas Macalester College Catherine Lealtad Scholarship–Emilie McGuire Marquette University Ignatius/Magis Award–Jack Carpenter, Kristen Coppin, Margaret Cushing, Andrew Depkon, Ryan Dysart, Brendan Ploen, Meagan Sodaro, Annemarie Thornton Marquette University NCAA Athletic Scholarship– Jack Carpenter Marquette University Honors Program–Ryan Dysart Michigan State University Honors C ollege National Scholarship–Emily Vaughan Michigan State University Honors College Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship–Emily Vaughan Michigan State University Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship–Kevin Pedrelli Michigan State University University Scholars Award–Shea Joyce, Kevin Pedrelli North Park University Honors Music Scholarship–Matthew Hickey North Park University Light House Scholarship–Laick Sache North Park University Provost’s Scholarship– Matthew Hickey North Park University Recognition Scholarship–Laick Sache Northeastern Illinois University Pre si d enti a l S c h o l ar s h ip – B r y an Lubash Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholar–Ryan Moran Ohio State

University Trustees Scholarship–Ryan Moran Purdue University Presidential Scholarship–Jillian Ness Saint Louis University Vice President’s Scholarship– Colleen Murphy Saint Mary’s College Madeleva Award–Kathleen Thursby School of the Art Institute of Chicago First Year Scholars Program–Maria Beniaris School of the Art Institute of Chicago Merit Scholarship–Aisling Rowland School of the Art Institute of Chicago Presidential Scholarship– Maria Beniaris St. Louis University Dean’s Scholarship–Sean Hynes St. Louis University Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship–Sean Hynes Trinity College Summit Scholar–Ian King Tulane University Distinguished Scholar Award–Gillian Mays Tulane University Honors Program–Gillian Mays United States Merchant Marine Academy Appointment–Eric Richter University of Alabama Bolton Endowed Scholarship– Nicolette Lazzara University of Alabama Engineering Leadership Scholarship– Bridget Donahue University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship–Bridget Donahue, Leslie Hannon, Daniel McDill University of Arizona Excellence Award–Jenny Calahan, Sarah Devaney University of Chicago University Scholar–Kimberly Kawczinski, Lauren Smith University of Dayton Alumni and Friends Summer Abroad Scholarship– Bridget Oleksy University of Dayton Father Chaminade Scholarship–Emily Leonard, Nicholas Rezai University of Dayton L eadership in Ser vice Scholarship–Bridget Oleksy University of Dayton NCAA Athletic Scholarship for Cross Country–Emily Leonard

Department Awards Applied Arts Award

Art Award

Nicholas Musurliano Angela Talarico

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Business Award

English Award

Joseph Zelek

Hope Allchin

Family/Consumer Foreign Language Sciences Award Award

Dana Ribaudo

Giuseppe Galasso

s

Senior iSSue | AWARDS University of Dayton President’s Merit Scholarship–Gabrielle Bono University of Dayton Summer Abroad Scholarship– Gabrielle Bono University of Dayton Textbook Scholarship–Bridget Oleksy University of Dayton Trustees’ Merit Scholarship–Bridget Oleksy University of Dayton University Honors Program– Bridget Oleksy University of Denver Chancellor Scholarship–Hayley Miller University of Illinois Campus Honors Program Chancellor’s Scholar–Elaina Frankos, Madeline Schulze University of Illinois College of Engineering Illinois Engineering Premier Scholarship–Elaina Frankos University of Illinois College of Engineering James Scholar Honors Program–Elaina Frankos University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences James Scholar Program– Danielle Gomez, Kian Khalili University of Illinois President’s Award Scholarship Program–Ixchel Correa University of Illinois Provost Scholarship–Madeline Schulze University of Illinois Stamps Scholar–Madeline Schulze University of Illinois, Chicago President’s Award Program–Genevieve Johanet University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Honors Program– Cara Laskowski University of Notre Dame National Merit Scholarship– Jenna Galuska University of Notre Dame Stamps Leadership Scholarship– Jenna Galuska University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award– Alexandra Frederickson University of St. Thomas Trustee Scholar–Gregory Ebacher University of St. Thomas University of St. Thomas Award–Gregory Ebacher, Andrew Grabowski University of Wisconsin at Madison NCAA Division 1 Athletic Scholarship for Soccer– Sydney McGinnis Western Michigan University Go West Scholarship–Olivia Nieves Western Michigan University Presidential Silver Scholarship–Marissa Bruno, Olivia Nieves Wittenberg College Merit Scholarship–Stacy Aiello Xavier University Buschmann Award–Brendan Carey Xavier University Dean’s Award– Philip Uhlig

Mathematics Award

Peter Mocarski

Outside Awards & Scholarships Aq u i n G u i l d C a t h o l i c S e r v i c e Scholarship–Kelly Kons Brett J. Harman Endowment Fund Scholarship–Nicholas Budzynski Chris Harris Memorial Scholarship–Marisa Sclafani Daughters of the American Revolution Peggy Ross American History Scholar–Nicole Hassman Des Plaines BP Fueling the Minds of the Future Scholarship–Sarah Householder Des Plaines Ladies of the Elks Scholarship–Nicole Hassman, Emilie McGuire, Lauren Sargeant, Marissa Sulek Evonik Industries Evonik International Scholarship–Kelly Kons Gartner Orthodontics Scholarship– Emilie McGuire Good Will–Valerie Evans, Andrew Groenewold, Allison Jann, Bradley Kolar, Jacqueline Kuykendall, Matthew Stangel Hall Family Foundation College Scholarship–Lauren Sargeant Hawk Boosters Scholarship–Brendan Faley, Alexandra Frederickson, Kelly Kons, Timothy Mizdrak, Gehrig Parker, Megan Roberts Illinois High School Hockey League North Central Division Scholar Athlete of the Year–Christian Witek Ken Reese Senior Service Club Scholarship–Jenny Calahan, Sarah Householder, Marisa Sclafani Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge Morning Key Club Scholarship–Nicole Hassman, Lauren Sargeant, Amanda Svachula, Marisa Sclafani Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge Noon Scholarship–Nicole Hassman, Marisa Sclafani Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson Grand Prize Inaugural S cholarships for C ollege Bound Chicago–Madeline Schulze Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson Honorable Mention Inaugural Scholarships for College Bound Chicago–Nicole Hassman Maine South Art Club Scholarship– Noelle Fallon Maine South Athletic Program Four Year, Three Sport Athletic Recognition–Elizabeth Bobek, Teresa Colletti, Kristina Grandi Maine South High School Thomas Ziemek Memorial Scholarship–Alec Basso Maine Teachers Association Helen Dobbins Scholarship–Marissa Sulek

Music Award

Sarah Householder

Maine Township High School South Second Chance Scholarship–Noah Cummins, Michael Massari, Eric Sanetra Maine South Football Program Robert and Dorothy Inserra Achieve Success Scholarship–Gregory Ebacher, August Post Maine South High School Bob V. Simonson Award–Marisa Bruno MS Parents Scholarship Club Clyde K. Watson Award–Hope Allchin MS Parents Scholarship Club Jan Cannon Award– Megan Boyce MS Parents Scholarship Club Paige Dougherty Award–Jennifer Swanson MS Parents Scholarship Club Virginia Feurer Award–Marisa Sclafani MS Parents Scholarship Club Scholarship–Clay Burdelik, Ryan Dysart, Brendan Faley, Polina Gubarev, Jack Harper, Nicole Hassman, Sarah Householder, Kimberly Kawczinski, Kelly Kons, Peter Mocarski, Ylldes Mustafa, Bridget Oleksy, Gehrig Parker, August Post, Lauren Sargeant, Madeline Schulze, Lauren Smith, Amanda Sremac, Amanda Svachula, Emily Vaughan, Joe Zelek MS Student Council Scholarship–Peter Bruno, Jenny Calahan, Sylvia Karpio, Peter Mocarski MSHS Music Booster Organization Betty Houlihan Music Scholarship–Andrew Groenewold MSHS Music Booster Organization Music Booster Scholarship–Kailee Breslin, Jenny Calahan, Alex Campbell, Kathryn Chiodo, Megan Donnelly, Lillian Elderkin, Dawn Ewald, Alexandra Frederickson, Matthew Hickey, Sarah Householder, Ian King, Bridget Oleksy, Nicole Romano, Madeline Schulze, Karl Sissman MSHS Music Booster Organization The Gordon McLean Music Scholarship– Alyssa LaTragna MSHS Music Booster Organization The Lloyd Spear Memorial Music Scholarship–Kimberly Kawczinski National Foster Parent Association S c h ol ar sh ip – D i an d re St r i ck l an d National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar–Lauren Smith National Merit Scholarship Competition Commended Student–Elizabeth Bellisario, Dora Bialy, Kimberly Kawczinski, Bridget Oleksy, Lauren Smith, Jennifer Swanson National Merit Scholarship Competition Finalist–

Everett Allchin, Hope Allchin, Alex Campbell, Lillian Elderkin, Elaina Frankos, Jenna Galuska, Sarah Householder, Brian Johnson, Peter Mocarski Niles Chamber of Commerce Scholarship–Marissa Sulek Outstanding Female Athlete– Emily Leonard Outstanding Male Athlete–Jack Carpenter Park Ridge Art League Scholarship–Aisling Rowland, Angela Talarico Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Park Ridge Community Star Award–Michael Deverman Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Scholarship– Lauren Sargeant, Marissa Sulek Park Ridge Panhellenic Club Scholarship–Melissa Drab, Polina Gubareva, Carolyn Perry, Marisa Sclafani, Antonia Stroponiatis, Marissa Sulek Park Ridge Presbyterian Church Ralph J. and Ellen Frost Scholarship–Linnea Swanson Park Ridge Youth Soccer Association Scott Wade Memorial Soccer Scholarship–Brendan Faley, Amanda Hoff, Sarah Hoff, Olivia Maurer Service League of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Kendall Smith Scholarship–Allison Jann, Marisa Sclafani Speech, Drama, Broadcasting Booster SDB Boost Scholarhsip–Maria Beniaris, Dora Bialy, Lillian Elderkin, Sarah Householder, Alyssa LaTragna, Bryan Lubash, Drew Mathieu, Gillian Mays, Alex Moderhock, Elizabeth Porter, Madeline Schulze, Amanda Svachula The Pegler Family (Kalo Foundation) Don Pegler Scholarship–Aisling Rowland, Angela Talarico Twentieth Century Club Foundation of Park Ridge Paula O’Connor Scholarship–Marisa Sclafani Twentieth Century Club Foundation of Park Ridge Scholarship–Ryan Dysart, Nicole Hassman, Sarah Householder, Madeline Schulze, Emily Vaughan Twenty-first Star Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award–Megan Considine United Way George Gattas Scholarship–Kelly Kons Western Golf Association / Evans Scholars Foundation Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship– Kaitlin King Will Dushek Memorial Scholarship–Ben Carlson, Kevin Pedrelli, August Post

Physical Education/Health Award

Speech/Drama Award

Science Award

Social Science Award

Gregory Ebacher

Alyssa LaTragna

Everett Allchin

James Mroz

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COLLEGES

| June 5, 2014

Alabama

Maines, Sali Mehmeti, Ylldes Mustafa, Brendan O’Leary, Daniel O’Leary, Connie Quispe, Jessica University of Alabama Jessica Cherven, Bridget Rossi, Jessica Schmidt, Gary Serbekian, Kaitlin Donahue, Leslie Hannon, Nicolette Lazzara, Smits, Antonia Stroponiatis, Daniel Torre, Emily Daniel McDill, Giles Molloy Yurkovic Dominican University Blanka Baran, Sylvia Karpio, Alexandra Kiotis, Francis Lally, Michelle Northern Arizona University Joseph Peck Neuhaus, Derek Waz University of Arizona Jenny Calahan, Sarah Eastern Illinois University Makayla Digan, Devaney, Rohini Venkat Nicolette Fabiano, John Hader, Anna Kolenda, Kailee Nelson, Michael Sliwicki, Jessica Stinnett Elmhurst College Michelle Diatte, Christina Guimond, Karlee Jurczak, Carolyn Perry, University of California-Berkeley Brendan Nicholas Schulberg, Craig Stewart Kaniff University of California-Los Angeles James Mroz Harper College Paige Polgar University of California-Santa Barbara Siobhan Harrington College of Design Dina Partipilo Illinois Institute of Technology Michael O’Sullivan Deverman, Giuseppe Galasso, Colin Henley, University of La Verne Makai DeNeve-Arnam Sylwia Kmiec, Connor Mullane Illinois State University Michelle Carrico, Timothy Coakley, Megan Considine, Dyani Colorado State University Tyler Goll, Marci Delgado, Katherine Dohr, Alexa Dounis, Erin Kleeman, Emily Merrell, Carolyn Sims Dunleavy, Molly Fortune, Vincent Guzaldo, University of Denver Hayley Miller Joseph Mirabelli, Frank Muck, Kristin Pearson, Sonja Schlobohm, Angelica Szymanski, Olivia Nugent Illinois Wesleyan University Megan Donnelly, Trinity College Ian King Jennifer Swanson, Linnea Swanson Yale University Hope Allchin, Sarah John A. Logan College Robert Pennington Householder Knox College Nicholas Ryan Lake Forest College Ryan Adams Lewis University Timothy Mizdrak, Inga Nalepa, American University Justin Dipietro Melanie Ropski, Taylor Smolak Georgetown University Nicole Hassman Lincoln College Michael Massari Loyola University David Arenas, Danielle Austriaco, Dora Bialy, Anna Chudzinski, Megan University of Tampa Kathryn Belz, Stephanie Cleary, Valeria Evans, Karen Glownia, Caila Cucinella Grandinetti, Jordan Helms, Ulfath Jameel, Elizabeth Kirincich, Kevin Koziol, Sinead Lynch, Sabrina Marcuccilli, Abigail McAleer, Dimitri Polymenakos, Daniel Rogalski, Anthony Talarico, Savannah College of Art & Design Alyssa Kyle Thomson, Celine Wysgalla Gugliuzza North Park University Daniel Forsythe, Matthew Hickey, Julia Navarro, Graceanne Pare, Laick Sache, Richard Teresi, Jr., Yavor Todorov American Academy of Art Victoria Pelarenos, Northeastern Illinois University Matthew Melissa Simon, Emilia Tomera Canizares, Jose De Jesus, Bryan Lubash, Alicia Augustana College Megan DeRoeck, Melissa Reczek, Dana Ribaudo, Stephanie Teresi Drab, Leah Galamin, Andrew Groenewold, Northern Illinois University Eric Brennan, Nicole Romano Charles Majewski, Klaudia Rudny, Adam Aurora University Catherine Lawrin Szymanski Bradley University Dawn Ewald, Joanna Furgal, Northwestern University Everett Allchin, Richard Groh, Nicholas Manos, Richard Olson, Elizabeth Bellisario, Kathryn Chiodo, Amanda Gabriel Olson-Mendoza, Michael Wiedl Svachula Columbia College Donald Law, Jr., Mary Sobieski Oakton Community College Ahmad Alkurdi, Concordia University Hannah Simpson Victoria Anderson, Andrew Bednarz, Andrew De Paul University Nermin Aly, Edward Arana, Blachut, Elizabeth Bobek, Alexis Bodenshok, Jr., Megan Boyce, Antigone Bucaro, Molly Thomas Brewster, Walter Brodech, Brittney Butler, Michael Ciampanelli, Christopher Cobb, Brooks, Renee Cacioppo, Catherine Cangelosi, Samantha Danilowski, Mary Gardiner, Kristina Cecilia Cortes, Ioanna Dededimou, JeremyHesseln, Gorana Ignjatovic, Nathan Lovett, Brian

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Washington, D.C. Florida

Georgia Illinois

4 SouthwordS

Robert Delgado, Dylan Duffy, Alejandro Figueroa, Antonios Filipatos, Martin Gochev, Gerard Haderlein, Jr., Hannah Hermes, Markiyan Humenchyk, Maura Jansyn, Anipha Joseph, Patryk Kamyk, Ross Keehn, Janelle Kluzik, Samantha Kohnke, Bradley Kolar, Yuliya Kryzhevskykh, Jiarui Liu, Mirae Mastrolonardo, Richard Menarik, Megan O’Donnell, Samantha Parisi, Brendan Peters, Marco Portanova, Rochelle Salgado, Edward Samano, Jr., Sonya Savici, Madeline Schaul, Lewis Secor, Thomas Seiwert, Jake Selep, Aaron Spreitzer, Ruari Stewart, Melissa Sweitzer, Barrett Turner, Michael Zavos Robert Morris University Anthony Buenrostro School of The Art Institute Maria Beniaris, Aisling Rowland Southern Illinois University Mia Boatright, Justine Hryhorczuk, Andrew Ingraham, Andrew Krajecki, Nicholas Musurlian, Alina Piton Triton College Michael Affrunti, Zyad Askar, Rebecca Blazek, Dawid Bonarek, Dominika Flasz, Eddie Hernandez, Katerina Koutavas, Kaitlyn Kwilas, Denise Ysabel Macaraniag, Nicholas Mikhail, Francesco Provinzano, Samantha Warchol University of Illinois at Chicago Demetrios Avgerinos, Polina Gubarev, Elena Ivanova, Genevieve Johanet, Sandra Kroschel, Oscar Rodriguez, Milica Simonovic, Angelo Stasinos, Michael Walega, Ostap Zabolotnyy University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Alexa Allchin, Christine Ansani, Petar Barac, Kathryn Behzad, Brittany Bruce, Peter Bruno, Chloe Bryniarski, Christian Cho, Andy Contreras, Ixchel Correa, Elizabeth Dabek, Aron Dragovic, Elaina Frankos, Jason Friesl, James Gardiner, Danielle Gomez, Kristina Grandi, Danielle Houpy, Alexandra Korzynski, Katie Kovalcik, John Kozak, Michael Krone, Brittany Lung, Katerina Mormul, Elizabeth Porter, Shannon Rose, Lauren Sargeant, Madeline Schulze, Amanda Sremac, Matthew Stangel, Kendra Suba, Marissa Sulek, Andrew Sus, Angela Talarico, Paul Tobin, Phillip Waters, Jennifer Wessel, Madison Wethall University of Chicago Olivia Cattau, Kimberly Kawczinski, Lauren Smith Western Illinois University Bonnie Schultz Wilbur Wright College Angelina Plaza Adrian Ortiz, Gianna Allegretti, William O’Sullivan

Indiana

Ball State University Kelly O’Keefe, Jenna Zitkus Butler University Gehrig Parker, August Post De Pauw University Peter Demke Grace College Crystal Titean Indiana University Kathryn Belmont, Christopher Daly, Nicholas Debruzzi,

Senior Issue Hannah Ferstel, Jake Pedrelli, Erin Ploen, Gracie Ploen, Hailey Schoneman, Tatsuya Takizawa, Lia Tsikretsis, Christian Witek Purdue University Patricia Kogut, Mark Pazik Saint Mary’s College Kathleen Thursby University of Notre Dame Jenna Galuska, Brian Johnson

Minnesota

Iowa

Mississippi

Drake University Alyssa LaTragna, Emily Petrowski Iowa State University Madeline Gaertner, Jack Harper, Emily O’Grady, Charles Scales Loras College Kate Staunton University of Dubuque Kathryn Oliver University of Iowa Alannah Baresky, Kathryn Clarke, Teresa Colletti, Derek Dyball, Samantha Marquardt, Sarah Otis, Thomas Rose William Penn University Alec Basso

Bomidji State University George Sajenko Carleton College Katherine Miles Macalester College Emilie Mcguire University of Minnesota Anne Paoletti University of St. Thomas Gregory Ebacher, Andrew Grabowski

University of Mississippi Maria Maune

Missouri

Kansas City Art Institute Noelle Fallon Saint Louis University Kaitlyn Conway, Cailin Eckhart, Sean Hynes, Nell Kristie, Colleen Murphy, Christopher Schmalz, Jaclyn Schmidt University of Missouri Haley Besler, Kailee Breslin, Conor Buckley, Dean Cannon, Jenna Christie, Ryan Connolly, Zachary Dolphin, Sean Maloney, Drew Mathieu, Lindsey McDill, Monica Mikolajewicz, Summer O’Gradney, Bowling Green State University Harley Friedman Michael Porto, Megan Roberts, Nicholas Shalzi, University of Kansas Sophia James, Rebecca James Sweeney, Jake Usher, Emily Wolf Streightiff Washington University John Palucki

University of Kentucky James Di Cola, Nicole McParland, Natalie Mersch, Anthony Perrone, Daniel Perry

Louisiana

Tulane University Gillian Mays

Maryland

Johns Hopkins University Samantha Smart

Massechusettes

Berklee College of Music Jane Evancio Boston College Brendan Faley Boston University Alex Coleman Brandeis University Lillian Elderkin

Michigan

Calvin College Amanda Hoff, Sarah Hoff Central Michigan University Emily Gorecki Lansing Community College Edward Crosby Michigan State University Martin Balow, James Castelluccio, Joseph DeFrenza, Amanda Fortune, Shea Joyce, Olivia Maurer, Andrew Palucki, Kevin Pedrelli, Timothy Pierce, Lauren Rubino, Emily Vaughan University of Michigan Cara Laskowski, Taylor Martell Western Michigan University Marissa Bruno, Emma Carrico, Olivia Nieves

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University Brendan Brosnan, Nicholas Budzynski

Tennessee

University of Tennessee Emily Butler

Texas

Baylor University Emily Fink

Virginia

University of Richmond Joseph Zelek

Wisconsin

Columbia University Alexander Campbell Cornell University Peter Mocarski Fordham University Bernadette Hoffman New York University Elisabeth Heyde U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Eric Richter University of Rochester Alexandra Fredrickson

Carroll University Jacob Lifton, Maggie McEnerney Carthage College Stephen Doulas, William Kicmal, Shane McAleer, William Mendez, Kyle Stevens Concordia University Alexander Moderhock Lawrence University John Mangian Marquette University Jack Carpenter, Kristen Coppin, Grace Corriero, Margaret Cushing, Andrew Depkon, Matthew DeRoeck, Ryan Dysart, Anna Helfrich, Kaitlin King, Rachel LaRoe, Nicole Nieder, Diana Ostojich, Brendan Ploen, Annemarie Thornton Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Benjamin Carlson Milwaukee School of Engineering Adam Allchin, Michael Nedza University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Michael Vaughn University of Wisconsin-Madison Clayton Burdelik, Kelly Kons, Anna Laskaris, Gabrielle Lojewski, Sydney McGinnis, Tessa Witkowsky University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Andrea Dobben, Margaret Merz University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Molly McCann University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Timothy Blazek, James Coakley University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Noah Cummins

Ohio

Military

Kansas

Kentucky

| COLLEGES

North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marisa Sclafani Warren Wilson College Patrycja Krynski

Nebraska

Creighton University Lauren Hendry, Megan O’Toole University of Nebraska Matthew Cacciatore

New York

Miami University Karl Sissman Ohio State University Max Edsey, Margaret Schmit Ohio University Zachary McCarthy University of Cincinnati/Conservatory of Music Eric Friel University of Dayton Kimberly Cottrell, Claudia Ferguson, William Gorman, Emily Leonard, Bridget Oleksy, Erin Ottesen, Jack Perez, Mia Schroeder, Nicholas Rezai Wittenberg University Stacy Aiello Xavier University Brendan Carey, Philip Uhlig

Air Force Carlos Amaya, Alex Barrido, Michael Brower, Justin King, Timothy Rzeszutko, Orest Schur Marine Corps Thomas Berry, Daniel O’Connell, Tyler Plebaniak-Lanners Navy Liam Buckley

France

American University of Paris Paige Garbarini

Germany

Gemastschule-Gieben-Ost Leon Cort

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UNSUNG HEROES

| June 5, 2014

Unsung Heroes of

Meg Boyce

Britt Bruce

Jill Ness

he first time I met Meg Boyce, in freshman year gym class, I was afraid of her: She was outgoing, confident, and her pickleball skills were infinitely better than mine. I should have known by the way she would always try to include me in conversations, but instead, it took an entire year for me to realize that the girl I was so intimidated by would turn out to be the sweetest person I know.

Meg is involved almost everywhere at Maine South, from tennis to Constitution Team, and Hawk Pride to the National Honor Society. The most fantastic thing about her, though, is that, despite all her achievements, I’ve never once heard her brag. She is constantly working to better herself, but it’s never for selfish reasons. Meg is so devoted to making life better for others around her. She is a genuinely selfless person, and this school would not be the same without her leadership.

Even her sense of humor is used for the benefit of others. At Constitution Team nationals earlier this year, I was anxious to the point of tears on the last day of competition. Meg was the first person at my chair, telling me funny stories until I was crying with laughter instead of panic. She always knows exactly what to say when asked for advice, but, more importantly, knows when to simply be the amazing listener she is. She carries an unparalleled maturity about her, which is the thing I admire most. It’s something that’s truly rare among high school students.

Next year, Meg will take all of these qualities with her to DePaul, where I’m absolutely sure she’s going to have the same positive impact on the people she meets. It would be impossible for her not to. She not only pushes herself academically and encourages others to do the same—her smile can brighten a room, her laugh is contagious, and she cares about everyone around her. I’m so grateful for Meg’s presence in my life, and so proud to be able to call her my friend.

And if all that weren’t enough, I bet she could still beat me at pickleball.

’ve been friends with Britt Bruce since preschool, and she’s a friend that I’ll have for life. Britt Bruce is not your average person—she’s someone that we should look up to. Britt is a very unique and special person that we are lucky to go to school with. She has a big heart and is a very spirited and enthusiastic person. She’s the most selfless person I know.

Britt is not the president of Key Club or CEC, but she plays a huge role in giving back and helping others. Britt has volunteered in and out of school.

Being a part of the CEC club, she’s been to many of their events. She went on a mission trip last year to New Mexico, where she helped underprivileged kids. She also volunteered at animal shelters.

Leadership is a quality that few have, and Britt is one of those people who has it. At school, she’s a captain of the Maine South girls’ soccer team, a P.E. leader, and a Hawk Pride leader.

Britt is not only a good friend to people, but her love for animals is unbelievable. Britt has dogs, horses, and a turtle. She takes better care of the animals than she does herself. She spends hours riding and taking care of her horses weekly. Britt and her family are rescuing horses and providing a safe home for them. One time, Britt accidentally ran over a squirrel with her car and she felt so bad that she even cried.

I think Britt’s greatest quality is that she is just plain nice. Not many people are as nice as Britt is.

She loves going to school because she enjoys being around everyone. She can make anyone feel good and can put a smile on anyone’s face. If someone asked her for a favor, she’d do it in a heartbeat. If someone looks lonely or awkward, Britt is the first one to make him/her feel comfortable. Not many can do this, but Britt can find the good in everyone.

A simple “hi” goes a long way, and Britt is the first to say it to someone that she knows or doesn’t know.

The next time you see Britt Bruce, thank her for making our school a happier place. She’s one of a kind. I’m so lucky to have had her by my side through all these years.

ill Ness is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met.

That sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s not.

There is so much I could say about her, but I think the main trait that makes Jill the person that we know and love is her sense of humor. Her sarcasm is equally distributed to anyone and everyone.

She makes the best of bad situations with humor.

She can easily make people laugh whether it be by telling anecdotes about her dog’s vomit in English class or just by the goofy way she greets friends in the hallway. Jill can put a smile on my face during first period when all I want to do is lay my head on the desk and pass out—and THAT is a truly impressive talent to have.

Jill’s wit comes from her being an absolute genius. Her list of AP classes could fill a notebook, and she truly takes interest in what she is learning. She’s enthusiastic and hard-working, and she always expresses her opinion but without being rude. Though she tries to relate Disney movies to every piece of literature we read in English, she always has something thought-provoking to add to the conversation. I’m also told that her skills in Biology are exceptional—and they better be, as Jill is going on to study Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University. Just the fact that Jill got into Engineering at Purdue, which is ranked 8th in the entire nation for Engineering, speaks to her level of intelligence.

On top of being a smart and funny girl, she’s also incredibly unique. Her beaded hair and boho style is a refreshing change from the yoga pants, Converse, and sweatshirts of the entire Maine South female population (myself, unfortunately, included). I admire her so much for doing her own thing and looking great while doing it. She’s one of those people who says what she thinks all the time, and people love her for it. Her personality can best be described as outgoing, caring, and fun, which is why she was chosen as an unsung hero of Maine South. She definitely deserves to be a much sung about hero instead. Maine South loves you, Jill!

T

by Jenna Galuska

6 SouthwordS

I

by Lauren Hendry

J

by Shayna Patt

Senior Issue

the class of 2014

| UNSUNG HEROES

Ryan Dysart

John Palucki

Matt Stangel

t’s a shame that I didn’t meet Ryan Dysart until halfway through my junior year, but I couldn’t have asked to be introduced to him in better way.

At a dance full of awkward model UN delegates, he was the one confidently doing the Gangnam Style dance, and he didn’t care who was watching.

That is the kind of person Ryan is. He’s the first to try to make everyone feel welcome and he has the unique ability to make anyone smile.

His sense of humor is just incredible. What’s even more incredible, though, is Ryan’s ability to remain humble despite being one of Maine South’s best role models.

He is a leader in our school, participating in Hawk Pride, P.E. Leaders, and Principal’s Advisory Committee. He also gives back to our community as a CRUX service member and retreat leader, a peer tutor, and an umpire for Park Ridge baseball.

Ryan is a member of model United Nations and the Constitution Team, where it is obvious that he has a passion for government and for learning, in addition to an amazing work ethic and admirable determination. He is not only a talented teammate, but also an outstanding member of Unit Six and an extraordinary friend. It’s not hard to picture him at a top law firm one day, expertly arguing cases and successfully leading a legal team.

Ryan has this amazing way of always being there. His ability to think of others before himself is remarkable. He’s the kind of guy who would go buy you ice cream just because you had a bad day, and he would expect nothing in return.

There are few people in this world as kind, thoughtful, and supportive as Ryan Dysart. His commitment to his activities, his friends, and especially his family is unparalleled, but it’s his personality and the way in which he treats everyone around him that makes his so unique. Whether it’s because he’s nerdily freaking out about the latest news on C-SPAN or because he’s quoting “Frozen,” Ryan never ceases to amaze me. He has left an incredible mark on Maine South and has the brightest of futures ahead of him.

ohn Palucki—where do I begin? From being the funniest kid I know to the hardest working student at Maine South, he does it all. I’ve known John basically my entire life, and there is never a dull moment with him. He can make a joke out of anything, even if that includes himself. He has taught me to take life less seriously and to enjoy every moment you have.

John is hands down the best dancer I’ve ever seen. He can do the Dougie and Stanky Leg better than anybody I know.

He works harder than anyone I’ve ever met. Since the first time I met him, he has always given 110% in his schoolwork. The best part about John, though, is that whenever you would ask him about his grades he would never brag about how he had straight A’s in all AP classes. He is so humble and such a great student, and it paid off. John will attend one of the best colleges in the U.S. next year—Washington University in Saint Louis. Along with everything else he does, John also plays volleyball for Maine South and is a huge asset to the team.

He doesn’t just stop at schoolwork, though. He gives up part of his summer to go to New Mexico for a mission trip on an Indian Reservation. He teaches summer school for students in a poor region of New Mexico. He volunteers as much as he can and wants nothing in return. That is exactly the type of person John is. He wants nothing more than to make others happy, even if that means wearing ridiculous costumes. I’ll never forget when John and I had to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus on a Saturday night for a group of children.

You don’t find a person like John Palucki every day. He’s the best friend anybody could have and I cherish that friendship so much. I guarantee we will all see John Palucki’s face on a magazine in the future for being a comedian or a rich business man. Whatever he ends up doing in the future, I know he will be successful. He is a person everyone should strive to be like and I can’t thank him enough for being such a good friend to me and everybody at Maine South.

eople go through many groups of friends throughout life. However, usually, a person has one real, true best friend throughout that time.

That person stands out in a group as someone you can trust, rely on, and, most importantly, have fun with at any time. You go to this person for advice, guidance, and laughs that you can’t get from anyone else. This is a person that you can see being friends with past high school, past college, and up through your final years living on earth. Luckily, that person for me is Matt Stangel.

Most of you know Matt as the funny, charming, and handsome kid that walks down the halls of Maine South every day with a mile-wide smile on his face. If you’re lucky enough to be walking with him, you’ll notice that he goes out of his way to say “hi” to everyone he sees. He spreads such a positive energy throughout the halls of Maine South without even knowing that he is doing it. The more you get to know Matt, the more you get to see that he is truly genuine, and that he does not have a mean bone in his body. No one can compare to Matt Stangel.

Matt works hard in school and even harder outside of school. This can be seen in his dedication to baseball, which he has played all four years at Maine South. He puts an unparalleled amount of effort into being the best player possible.

What sets Matt apart from the crowd is his down-to-earth personality. It is truly humbling to constantly be around someone with so much to brag about, but never says a word about it. That in itself is what makes him one in a million.

To me, Matt is the friend that has always been there for me. No matter what situation may arise, I know I can always count on him to be there for me.

He is an unbelievable friend to me, and is someone that can never be replaced in my life.

Matt Stangel is the sole definition of Maine South’s unsung hero. Matt, you are going nowhere but up in this world. You have left a legacy of positivity here at Maine South, and you will continue to leave a legacy at college and wherever the world takes you.

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by Hope Allchin

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by Hailey Schoneman

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by Ryan Connolly

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MEMORIES

| June 5, 2014

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Senior Issue

| MEMORIES

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MEMORIES

| June 5, 2014

10 SouthwordS

Senior Issue

| STAFF COMMENTARIES

The one constant through the changing times Bruce Atkinson CTE Teacher

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ave I really been an educator for 25 years?

My how time flies when you are having fun. That is exactly what I have been doing at Maine South the past 13 years—having fun!

I have been privileged to have had in my classes many, many fine young adults. From my students, I learned true teaching is a special partnership. It only really works when the teacher reaches beyond the outer image, looks into the heart, understands and respects what they see. The students’ role is to allow themselves to be seen, not just for who they are, or have been, but also for who they could be.

Over the years, fashion has had skirts short, long and short again. Underwear has become over-wear. Hair has come, gone, been big, cropped, technicolored, bleached, curled, straightened, extended and dreadlocked.

Names have not been exempt. They too reflect changing times; charting the rise of new influences whether they be pop, TV, film or sport stars, or perhaps an inspirational leader capturing hearts and minds.

Despite the altering of outward appearance and what people are called, there has always been and always will be a constant. That is the inner need to strive for what is true and right.

It is with gratitude that I look back. I entered a profession dedicated to assisting young people achieve their potential, to revealing or finding their best selves. As I leave it, I am tak-

ing many of you with me. You will live on in my memories. I’ll always remember the things we achieved together.

I’ve been asked what I’m going to do now.

I’m going to do a lot of things, and very few of them conform to the notion of retirement as a time of waiting for the inevitable end. I am going to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go to and haven’t been. I am going to read books that have been waiting on my “must read” list for years. I will garden, learn new skills, play with my grandchildren, visit art galleries, enjoy being around family and friends...In short, I

plan to LIVE. And lastly, I leave you with this thought.

There is only one of you on this earth. You have special gifts and abilities: you are unique. You are neither better nor less than anybody else but rather the best or least of yourself. I am still working on finding the best of me. It is an exciting on-going journey. Thank you for being my traveling companions along a large and important part of my way. I am forever grateful for your stimulating company and the enormous collection of shared experiences indelibly printed on my mind.

Thankful for the opportunities at Maine South Patricia Duggan

CTE Department Chair

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aine South is a wonderful school. I know we hear this often and rightfully so. Having been a part of this school district for more than 20 years, I think I can speak from experience and longevity that this is a true statement.

As a teacher, administrator, and now a resident of Park Ridge, I have come to value the Maine South community for its terrific students and parents, outstanding staff, and administrative team.

As a member of the CTE department, I have worked with a wonderful group of teachers who day in and day out provide students the opportunity to try out their talents and skills in career classes and programs. South students discover their strengths and their abilities through our course offerings and student organizations.

Our CTE staff is creative and imaginative, always reinventing themselves as teachers to keep up with the demands of career-oriented classes. It has been a pleasure to teach with

We have always looked to support our students and staff by seeking ways to improve and enhance the educational program for all students.

It has been an honor to work with such a talented group of school leaders.

Maine South students continue to take my breath away. Their curiosity, kindness, and interest make coming to school each day a true joy. They are bright and thoughtful, caring and fun. I am confident and hopeful for our future because of their commitment and daily efforts towards one another, the school, and the Park Ridge community.

A great deal of my professional life has taken place in District 207. I have been most fortunate to be a member of an outstanding school district with such incredible students. I am most grateful for the relationships and opportunities that have been afforded to me along the way.

I leave Maine South with a sense of joy, acthem and support their efforts always.

As the Career and Technology Education complishment, and confidence knowing that Department Chair, I have enjoyed working the school is in good hands today and tomorwith the Maine South Administrative Team. row. Thank you Maine South, with all my heart.

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SENIOR COMMENTARIES | June 5, 2014

Don’t leave home without your flashlight Hope Allchin

Editor-in-Chief can’t stop crying. And maybe it’s weak, but frankly, I don’t care. Because I’m not ready to graduate. I’m not ready to walk across that stage.

I’m not ready to move on. But mostly, I’m not ready to say goodbye.

I’m scared of change. And when I say scared, I really mean terrified. It’s uncertain, it’s mysterious, it’s, well, different. I don’t know if I can handle different. High school made me happy. I knew the rules. But now, as I prepare for my future, I don’t.

I’ve always been a very goal-oriented person, and I have extremely high standards of success. I have been working towards the same set of goals for years: semesters of straight As, editor-in-chief of Southwords, and, most importantly, admission into a top-tier college, preferably in the Ivy League.

Check, check, and check. For once, my goal list is nearly empty.

And that scares me more than anything. It makes me want to cry all over again.

I have turned into a teary-eyed wanderer, searching for goals worthy of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. But for once, I’m just a little bit too lost, a little too untethered from the strict expectations I’ve given myself, to find exactly what those goals are. So I’ll cry instead.

I cried when I got rejected from Harvard, and again when I got accepted to Yale. And when I committed to Yale. And when the water bottle

I

came in the mail.

I cried while watching the second “Amazing Spiderman” as Gwen Stacey gives her graduation speech about hope, meaningful to me in so many ways.

I cried while writing this article, the very last of my Southwords career.

And most embarrassingly, I was the first to cry after the award ceremony at Constitution Team Nationals. There wasn’t a specific catalyst. Kian Khalili started giving his speech and for some confounding reason, I was in tears.

It’s hard to accept that all good things must come to an end, but here we are. This is the end. I will hold on to some of my high school memories like a drowning person holds on to a life preserver.

I never want to forget the Southwords room and the naps I secretly took on the couch or the moments when I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe.

But most important are my co-editors, especially Dora. She is my Southwords sister-in-arms.

I never want to forget Constitution Team, and how confident it feels to wear heels and a suit and to present a speech about something I’m passionate about with people I care about. I want to remember geeking out over the Constitution in the National Archives and having a “Frozen” sing-along on the bus and the strange love I have for my unit and how little notes written on stars and stripes scrapbook paper can make people really, really happy.

I never want to forgot the teachers and the

friends who have inspired me. You know who you are. You are my heroes. Thanks for listening, especially those unfortunate enough to deal with my tears.

At a certain point, though, I need to show some “manhood and leadership” and stop crying. And that point is now. Being scared of change is like being scared of the dark: you’re only afraid until someone hands you a flashlight. It turns out I have quite the collection of flashlights. It’s about time I turned one on.

IF CUTE WERE A CAREER... making bank.

I’d be

Make mistakes and maybe some snacks Dora Bialy

Editor-in-Chief igh school is a lot to take in. You spend four years shuffling down the halls, becoming increasingly more sleep deprived and alarmingly less fazed by looming deadlines. You meet teachers that have showed you why learning is a beautiful gift to be cherished, and some that have abandoned that ideal for the sake of protocol. You make friends that cause you to laugh until you cry, and others that just make you cry. Or cringe. You learn how to get the grade with minimum effort, and which classes you wouldn’t dare use that approach for.

But on top of all that, you’re also supposed to find yourself. You’re supposed to leave this whirlwind of emotions, information, and stress with a strong sense of who you are and where you want to go with your life.

It’s like we’ve all been set up to fail.

We’re expected to make these important life decisions that have a pretty huge impact on the rest of our lives. I can’t even decide what I want to eat for dinner, and I’m supposed to trust that I’ve made a sound college decision? Ridiculous.

Okay I lied—it’s not really that ridiculous.

The time has come to leave the safe bubble that is Maine South and enter the real world. And you know what happens in the real world? You mess

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up. A lot. And you just have to keep on going and find a way to, as the wildly-insightful Tim Gunn put it, “Make it work.”

High school has made us afraid of failure.

We’re so focused on getting good grades and doing the right extracurriculars and perfecting our academic and social image that we forget that there’s more to life than a flawless resume. Or the approval of your peers.

There’s no way to say this without sounding overly cheesy or trite, but you just need to do what’s best for you. It doesn’t matter what the people around you are doing, or what they think about you. I repeat: IT. DOES. NOT. MATTER. Easier said than done, right? Well then here’s my next piece of (stolen) advice: fake it until you make it. I’m still faking it, so I’ll keep you updated as to approximately how long it takes to make it.

A sense of identity and self-confidence isn’t necessarily synonymous with success. All it means is that you’re sure enough of yourself that no matter what life throws at you, you don’t get too hung up on it. It’s being okay with making mistakes. Accepting the fact that you will probably disappoint someone along the way. Learning to deal with the idea that you may or may not succeed at whatever it is you think you want to do now. Life is supposed to be unpredictable, and sometimes the most unexpected experiences turn

RAD HATTER

No, that hat isn’t puffy; that’s just my baby-fro giving it some extra volume.

out to be the most important.

So maybe we don’t know where we’re going or who we are, but the point of high school is to be okay with that. These past four years of major emotional turbulence have taught me that life goes on, and you just have to move with it.

Trying to plan out every step of your future is a waste of time. Instead, take those five minutes you would’ve spent having an anxiety attack and make yourself a nice plate of nachos.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Hey, Ma, staying up late did help me Chloe Bryniarski News Editor

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don’t even know how many hours I’ve spent on Tumblr throughout high school, and it will probably continue throughout college. I’ve laughed and I’ve cried, and I’ve screamed while Tumbling, and I’ve also changed my attitude.

I now pass on to you some of my favorite quotes I’ve discovered while blogging late into the night.

1. “It was probably nothing, but it felt like the world.”

Even though failing a math test or fighting with a friend may seem like the end of the world, it isn’t.

Will this matter in two, five, or ten years? Probably not. Don’t beat yourself up about the little things in life. It’s so simple, yet most of us come up with the worst case scenarios in our heads, when it honestly won’t even matter in a year. Always remind yourself that everything is temporary.

2. “Worry about loving yourself, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you.”

Respect your body. It’s the only one you’ve got, so you might as well take care of it. Find what you love to do. Take yourself to go get ice cream. Go on a bike ride by yourself. You don’t have to rely on other people to make you happy or feel better; you have the power to do that. I know it’s hard,

but try not to care what other people think of you. I’ve learned that having a carefree mind-set is best because people like you more. You’re more confident when you don’t care. You’re not going to have fun thinking about how you look or what you say. Just do you.

3. “Here’s a general rule. When an insult is directed at a woman, consider how it would have sounded directed at a man. If the result is ridiculous, then it’s probably sexist.”

It’s the 21st century, people. Stop degrading women, because, chances are, you came from a woman, and we aren’t going anywhere. Deal with it and move on.

4. “Try to say nothing negative about anybody for three days, for forty-five days, for three months.

See what happens to your life.”

Stop gossiping, or, if you have to, gossip to your mom. You’re with these people for four years, so you might as well be nice to them. You’re not going to like everyone you meet. Keep it to yourself if you don’t like them, though, because other people might like them, and you’ve just put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

5. “Just be honest about how you feel about people while you’re alive.”

Tell people when you’re mad at them because

it’s really frustrating for the other person to figure out why you’re giving them the cold shoulder. On a similar note, tell people that you love and appreciate them. Be thankful for all the wonderful things your parents, friends, and teachers do because they aren’t going to be around forever and neither are you.

These quotes really made me step back and realize what’s important and what’s not. Get rid of the negative energy from your life and you will feel much better about yourself and the world.

SO CHEEKY

Someone once said I looked like Tupac in this picture. Dope.

The eternal positivity of a blissful mind Michael Deverman Production Editor

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he clock hits 3:15 p.m. once again and I don’t even mind.

I find myself walking the halls aimlessly, only to arrive at a locker, once overflowing with regurgitated knowledge and untidy papers, now empty. As the gushing homework valve has slowed to a trickle, and the contents of my backpack now consist of a breakfast fit for a king (bacon included) and a pudding Snack Pack for later, I know it is almost time.

While what I am going through is a combination of nostalgia and some delusional symptoms of senioritis, I can’t help but smile. I’m going to be the first one to say it: I legitimately loved my high school experience. I know, how can I make such a claim with all the stress, work, and drama high school brings? But let me tell you, when you fill up your “half empty cup” with positivity and just smile, you’ll find the world is a lot brighter.

The other day, one of my coeditors asked me how I stay so positive all the time. I jokingly said to her that the key to eternal positivity is bottling

up all your emotions, plastering on the most ridiculous smile, and living by those guidelines until you explode.

According to my calculations, I’m slated to blow up graduation night right as I’m crossing the stage. Now, before your imaginative little minds start turning my few seconds of spotlight into some Michael Bay movie, I must digress.

Truth be told, that is possibly the worst advice any conventional therapist could give. It’s a good thing none of you are here for that.

This is life advice, and I am far from conventional. Next time you walk into a therapist who is wearing a wolf shirt and burnt sienna colored pants, let me know and I’ll change career paths. But until then, I’ll fill you in on a secret.

The effectiveness of my formula for eternal positivity does not lie in the bottling up of emotions; no, it is in the smile. It is in showing to yourself that you know everything is going to be all right, and to others, it is radiating that positivity.

I wake up every morning in a good mood, have a cup of tea, and smile at the world. In that moment, I know it is going to be a good day. The trick

isn’t which side of the bed you roll out of or how many heaps of sugar you can load into your hot-beverage of choice (a lot helps though). No, it’s the initial attitude.

Now, don’t get me wrong—high school will throw you some punches and there will be days when you’re down and out. But through all the good times and the bad, the point is to stay positive and you will end up just fine.

Believe it or not, it has not always been wide-eyed smiles and butterflies for me. It has truly been a roller coaster to get to where I am now.

Looking back, the middle school version of me would have never believed that I have made so many wonderful friends. I am so grateful for everyone who has been there for me along the way.

As graduation, college, and then the rest of my life lingers just around the corner, my current state of emotions can be pinpointed somewhere in between an overlyexcited and recently-potty-trained toddler, a blissful butterfly flaunting its winged beauty, and a crotchety old-man yelling at the “youngins” to

get off his lawn.

All in all, they’re going to have to drag me out of here, fireworks or not. Because the fact is that we are all having this crazy high-school experience together. It’s up to us to make the best of it. So as I am leaving Maine South, knowing there are 2,600 friends out there, I may never stop smiling.

CHEEEEZE

Times change, haircuts improve, but class always remains, and the smile shines though.

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SENIOR COMMENTARIES

| June 5, 2014

Don’t regret the chances you didn’t take Alex Korzynski

Entertainment Editor

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earing someone say that they regret not doing something is disappointing. In fact, I find myself regretting many decisions that I did not make. But we all find ourselves regretting. We wonder why we didn’t do this or that but forget that we, as humans, don’t, and never will, have infinite time to juggle with our already jam-packed schedules.

So as I sit here during my last few days of high school, I, of course, am already thinking about what I maybe should have and could have done.

I’m thinking, “Maybe I didn’t explore the different opportunities coming into Maine South as much as I should have.”

Why am I thinking this? Probably because it’s expected of us to have long laundry lists of extracurriculars. But maybe it’s better to explore your options, narrow them down, and be involved in what you truly enjoy. After all, they say you truly find yourself in high school, but how can that be if you spend your time just filling your resume?

Anyway, what I’m trying to get at is accepting the fact that just because you didn’t do something the first time around, in high school, it doesn’t mean that that’s it. Just because you regret not doing something in the last four short years of your life doesn’t mean that you can’t take it up in college, or even later in life.

Many people say it’s too late to do something, but it’s never too late to do something that could

possibly affect decisions that will determine your career choice, or simply a new passion.

Too many people, including me, are stuck without a true passion, either because they’re overwhelmed with their course load or are afraid of making a decision, and they feel threatened by with failure.

Leaving high school made me realize that I will be taking away many things I’ve learned during my time here, from every aspect of life. But it’s also made me realize that I maybe haven’t taken up as many things as I would’ve liked to, and that’s what I’m looking forward to going into college—fulfilling all of the things I didn’t take a chance on in high school.

I will soon be leaving my best friends, my family, my comfort zone. But I won’t be leaving high school. Once I graduate, I will of course be leaving, but only to a different kind of high school. I’ll be starting off the same way I did four years ago. A ton of new friendships will be made, I’ll be dropped off in a new environment, and I will be faced, once again, with many different opportunities to choose from and make the best of.

I’ve been learning to overcome self-doubt, so it doesn’t hinder me when I move on to college. I’m imagining all of the different situations that I’ll be in starting in the next three months. I’m looking forward to all of the opportunities that I will have to express my personality all over again.

Over the course of high school, I found myself doubting my abilities for no apparent

reason. Maybe it’s because I, like many, have high expectations of myself. I regret being scared of passing up opportunities offered to me just because they made me uncomfortable or posed a challenge.

But this time, I’ll think twice (at least I hope) about passing something up that I know I will later regret if I do.

FLOWER POWER

Sorry, Coachella. I wore flower crowns way before you were even a thing.

Don’t hold back on doing what you think you’d love Anna Laskaris

Entertainment Editor never thought the day would come where I would have to sit and write this commentary. Seniors are supposed to be the wisest of the bunch, but in reality, the only reason they are considered the wisest is because they have had four extra years of making mistakes. To make the most of high school, there is some key advice that underclassmen should heed to avoid high school mistakes.

Although it may be clichéd, the best advice I could give is that you should get involved in as many activities you can possibly join. I remember hearing the same “spiel” my freshman year repeated over and over. I did not realize that this was true until it was almost too late. Although I was involved in some activities, I regret that I did not get more involved. If you have even the slightest curiosity about a club or sport, join, because you never know what you will end up loving.

This happened to me in my sophomore year.

I had never thought about joining Southwords until my English teacher, Mr. Scorza, handed me a recommendation form. At first, I was confused because I considered math and science my strengths and never thought to join the school newspaper. I decided to try something new, and I’m extremely glad that I did, because it’s an experience that I will

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remember when I think about high school.

Also, take the time to realize that although you are in high school to learn from books, a big part of high school is what you learn outside the classroom.

Ten years from now, you are not going to remember what grade you received on a particular test or what homework assignment you missed, but you are going to remember hanging out with your friends and the life lessons you could not possibly have experienced from reading a book.

Furthermore, appreciate your high school years, because they go by in the blink of an eye. I remember my first day freshman year just like it happened yesterday. Unfortunately, I was sitting in the wrong class for half a period before realizing I was supposed to be in History, not Gym. I remember as a freshman looking at all the seniors and thinking that they were so old. I never thought the day would come where I was actually going to be walking the halls as a senior.

Four years ago, graduation day seemed like a distant land that never seemed to get any closer.

People take high school for granted, and it is not until the final weeks that the realization starts to hit you that you entered as a child and are now leaving as an adult. My best friends are no longer going to be five minutes away. I’m not going to be able to bicker with my sisters everyday. The time has

come where I no longer say I go to Maine South High School. Even though Maine South has been my home for four years, it is time to move on, take what I have learned, and bring it with me to college.

PICTURE PERFECT

Don’t fall for my innocent smile. It took the photographer hours to get this photo.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Dream big; you’ve got nothing to lose Des Mustafa

Features Editor our years ago, when I first stepped foot into Maine South, I thought it was the biggest building I had ever been in. Overwhelmed, I took it day by day, and here I am, writing my last article that I will ever write for my high school newspaper.

If you asked me four years ago where I would have imagined myself today, I timidly would’ve said “hopefully with a high school diploma.” But after these four years, I’ve realized that I have the ability to obtain my high school diploma and so much more.

I plan to finish college and pursue journalism. Four years after that, I hope to create a school system that provides an education to children who cannot afford to go to school.

I want them to laugh at Dr. Seuss books and learn that (SPOILER ALERT) love killed Jay Gatsby. I want to see that look on their faces when they finally understand the math problem that made them want to pull

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their hair out. I want them to rock out to Jimi Hendrix and not be afraid to take a stand like Rosa Parks. I want everyone to feel the sense of accomplishment when they can finally play the beginning of “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd on their hand-me-down guitar.

I truly believe in the saying “be the change you want to see in the world.” Have a passion for something. A strong, deep desire to better the place ‘PASKETTI’ Life was simpler when you could eat everything with your hands. in which you and I live in.

Improve the environment, decrease worried about how long it took him is too short to sweat the small stuff.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, the poverty level, teach a kid his or to learn to talk. His teachers thought her times tables, help your elderly he was senseless and encouraged him “go big, or go home.” We live in a world of endless possibilities, and neighbor take their garbage out—pay to drop out.

Today, Einstein is considered to the only thing holding you back is, the world a deed that cannot be paid be one of the smartest people to have well, you. Don’t expect the world to back. Be kind and be humble.

Do not take “no” for an answer. ever lived. We wouldn’t even know offer you handouts, and there are no Ideas often get discouraged because his name if he had listened to those shortcuts to success. The world offers small minds cannot comprehend small minds. Follow what you love a lot of small gifts; shame on us if we big dreams. Albert Einstein’s mother and leave no room for negativity. Life do not enjoy them.

Always roll with the beat of the drum Brendan Ploen

Sports Editor he n we we re ass i g ne d ou r s e n i or commentaries two weeks ago, I was determined that I would not fill my final article with clichés and preachy advice. I began this seemingly simple assignment by brainstorming about my favorite high school recollections, including activities, events, and teachers. This quickly transformed into a seven–and-a-half page novel that contained far too many details, like my average MotherHawker post. While extracting the highlights out of my novella, I came up with my top three.

Like many freshmen, I came to high school not really having an agenda and just wanting to go with the flow. My mom more or less forced me to join band when I was a novice drummer. I hated the first two weeks and expected to quit after the freshman year—that was until I discovered the world of drumline. Drumline was where I made new friends and learned the definition of loud. Fast forward four years and five percussion instructors later; drumline has been one heck of a ride. I feel privileged to have played with some of the most talented, hard-working goof-offs imaginable.

I have had some pretty amazing teachers, and, as luck would have it, I landed in English II with Mr. Stathakis. Not only did he make sense of “Othello” and “Catcher in the Rye,” he encouraged me to apply for Southwords. This led me down the path toward

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fueling my life-long passion for sports writing, which includes interviewing and live tweeting.

Southwords is definitely one of my top highlights here at Maine South, as this experience ultimately led me to want to major in journalism in college.

My junior year, a friend talked me into attending a meeting about an organization that I had not heard of before. I wanted to fulfill a service requirement that, let’s face it, we all know is important on the college applications. It soon became clear that PALS was far more than just a service opportunity in which I could help students with a variety of special needs get to class. I have been paired with someone who I genuinely look forward to seeing each day.

These past two years with my PAL has been the most rewarding aspect of high school. He has opened my eyes to his unique perspective on the world around him, and that is pretty darn fascinating. Through our daily connection, I have learned firsthand some fundamental qualities I need to continue to strive for in life, like reliability, patience, listening skills, and respect.

So, if you will please indulge me, here are my final (hopefully not-so-cliché) thoughts as a graduating senior. I have come to realize that there are opportunities around us everywhere at this school. Allow yourself to take inspiration from the people that walk these halls every day. Perhaps it will be your next science teacher or even a kid you have not met yet. Being open to not only follow your

passions, but to try new things. These can take you down some pretty incredible paths.

Hail to the Hawks, forever and always.

Drumline, hit the roll-off.

#BALLIN’

I hate to criticize my younger self, but this shot was most likely an air ball. Or maybe I was about to throw down a wicked two-handed jam. You’ll never know.

SouthwordS 15

SENIOR COMMENTARIES | June 5, 2014

Don’t lose yourself in the midst of finding yourself Lizzie Porter

News Editor igh school is full of opportunities. In fact, upon entering high school as a freshman, you are bombarded with them. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is very important—but there’s something to be said for getting involved in yourself. Whoever you are and wherever you go, there will always be some point when you are alone, and in that moment I’m sure there is something you wish for.

If you know two things about me you know that I love food, and I love being lazy. My Twitter account is filled with my devotions to cheese fries, my affection for my bed, and of course, my love for chicken nuggets. I’m the uncoordinated, unathletic one in my family, and after 7th grade, I basically gave up on sports and along with that, any type of exercise.

Now, my high school career wouldn’t be anything without a “Forrest Gump” reference, so here we go. One day I started running. And after that, I just kept running. First a mile, then two, then six. I never thought I’d wish to be able to run, but out of nowhere, I became one of those people I used to make fun of—a jogger.

I won’t lie to you and tell you the first month wasn’t terrible. I thought I was going to die every day and constantly wished to turn back home after

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wasn’t magic, it wasn’t anything spiritual. But all of the sudden, I could breathe and my bones didn’t feel like they were going to fall off. I would enter this zone—sometimes for 40 minutes, sometimes for 5—when I felt absolutely nothing. From then on, I found my high school savior.

The four years of high school are a strange transition time. You’re not always treated like an adult, but at the same time, you’re expected to think like one and know what kind of adult you want to be in the future. Everyone tells you it’s a stressful time, but what they don’t tell you is that you’re expected to be okay with it.

While your brain develops, while you learn a million different things at once, you are expected to figure out your own life. And that’s scary. The thing is, it’s supposed to be, so the only thing you can do is keep track of yourself.

Not everything you do within a day should be formulaic enough for a college application. They say it’s important to be “well-rounded,” but it’s also important to remain sane.

High school is one of the last times when you may have time for yourself without the worries of TUBBY LITTLE CUBBY If you didn’t careers, roommates, and money. Finding whatever have chipmunk cheeks as a child, did you even have a keeps you sane—whether it be a warm chicken childhood? nugget, a long run, or a mixture of both—will lead one block and eat ice cream. you to surviving high school and maintaining a Around the 25th day, something changed. It future you can succeed in.

Take a breath and embrace the present Marisa Sclafani

Commentary Editor or the past four years, I have mastered the art of fast walking.

It’s no secret, you have probably seen me swerving through the hallways, determined and unfaltering. At the last beat of the blaring school bell, I would dive into the classroom feeling as though a mission was accomplished.

No minutes were wasted and I acted upon every second. Becoming a fast walking pro was not intentional.

Rather, amidst my transition into high school, I learned that to manage multiple clubs, schoolwork, and tennis, I would have to constantly stay active. Fast walking was the result.

It wasn’t until this past December that I realized the true reason behind my fast-walking habit. More than an effort to make it to class on time, fast walking was a reflection of my attempt to occupy every possible second of my life.

We live in a time period where free time is considered a waste of time. It is as though the phrase “time is money” is stamped on our

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16 SouthwordS

BOWS, BANGS, AND BOBS—OH, MY! ready with her camera to catch me standing still.

foreheads. And while we often use free time for productive matters, such as exercise or jobs, we have also sacrificed our time to electronics.

It’s common to walk into a classroom and see all students with their heads down, staying busy by staring at a lit screen. In constantly consuming ourselves with these activities, we miss out on relationships of the real world and the “now” factor of life.

My pace finally slowed down once college applications were complete. I didn’t want to fast walk to

Mom must have been

class or rush through my homework.

No, it wasn’t senioritis or lack of motivation; instead, I had begun to realize that I had been letting oncein-a-lifetime high school experiences slip through my fingers because of sticking to a schedule.

As I began to relax and soak in the surroundings of the high school environment, an appreciation of high school came about. I realized how fortunate I have been to see familiar faces on a daily, monthly, even yearly basis.

As cheesy as it may sound,

reflecting on high school experiences is valuable in itself. We should cherish the smallest, unplanned events like high-fiving friends in the hallways or talking to teachers after class. And while planning has it’s perks, it’s important to allow time for the spontaneity of high school.

Please, by all means, join clubs and sports that interest you. Maine South is a remarkable place and you’ll find plenty of activities that fit your interests. Still, it’s okay to take a break from the busyness of school.

Some of my favorite memories of senior year were cheering on my friends at their badminton and volleyball games. Events like these, not scribbled in my assignment planner five days beforehand, are ones I hope to remember years from now.

So if you’re someone like me, scheduling back-to-back club meetings, sports practice, and school, hoping to find some room to eat a banana, here’s some advice: don’t forget to slow down. Enjoy the present moment and the friendships it brings, because there’s no need to let life pass by so quickly.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Growing up can be scary, but you’re not alone Hannah Simpson

Production Editor t the beginning of senior year, I was so excited to grow up and leave high school. I wanted to go to college and start a new life. Now that high school is ending, I am sad to leave.

I am not going to see the same group of friends, teachers, and peers everyday. High school is where everything changed for me. I was challenged by my teachers and peers. I learned that there will be people smarter than me and people better than me.

I needed to learn that sometimes my best wasn’t good enough.

Over the last four years, I lost myself. I lost the girl I was in middle school and discovered a more mature version of myself. I grew up, which is really scary.

When I was little, like everyone else, I was so eager to grow up and become an adult. I had always wanted to sit with the big kids at family parties and have “grown up talks.” I hated when my older cousins wouldn’t let me join their conversation because I was “too young.” I was jealous of them and wanted badly to be accepted as one of the older cousins.

I realize that being old isn’t as great as everyone says it is. I have a lot more responsibilities now that I’m older. I miss those days where I could sit around and not worry about a thing. Being young and naive had its benefits.

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Freshman year, I was a nervous 14-year-old girl walking the big halls of Maine South. I remember I had accelerated biology with Ms. Liakakos first period. I was so worried that I would know no one in any of my classes. I walked in and was greeted by other nervous freshman. I realized that I wasn’t the only one afraid of high school and the freshman myths.

Ms. Liakakos made us all feel a part of the class and made sure we got to know every student’s name in our class. We would constantly switch partners during the year. I felt like great friends KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Because there are always cute boys on the with everyone. I definitely horizon. grew up freshmen year. always be there. Live life to your fullest and As I look back at the last four years at Maine sometimes it’s okay to be young and naive. I will South, I see so many great moments. I’ve gained and always remember that there will be someone else lost friends. I’ve met the group of girls that, without as nervous as me wherever I go. a doubt, will be bridesmaids at my wedding. I’ve Maine South has been an amazing milestone made friends out of teachers. I’ve learned so many in my life. I move on with my life to college and important life lessons. hopefully law school and take with me important But don’t grow up too fast. Your future will lessons that will help shape my future.

Live for the moments—not the memories Lauren Smith

Commentary Editor

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sit here, on the couch in my backyard, with the sun too bright for me not to close my eyes. The warm red darkness I see through my lids gives way to the moments I try to summon about the past four years of my life.

If someone summed up my entire high school experience and said, “Yup, there they are, the best four years of your life!” I would be incredibly distraught over my future. “It wasn’t good enough!”

I would protest. “I didn’t get to say what I wanted! I could’ve done so much more! I didn’t do anything for this to be the best!”

But if someone took that one time we went to the beach at night and swam in our clothes while throwing a Frisbee around, or those days my brother Justin and I went boogie-boarding in Kuau’i, and took those moments and said “Yup, there they are, some of the best moments of your life!” I would agree.

And I would be sad. Because it is sad, how I feel such complete happiness and wholeness during truly good times, but in the back of my mind I know that there will be an end. And soon, it will be two months since those towering waves crashed over us, or five years since I caught a bright orange Frisbee before it glided into the blackness of Lake Michigan. Fifty years since graduation.

It’s dangerous to think like this, though. Concentrating too hard on the future strains any attempt to

live in the moment. Henry David Thoreau said it the best, I think: “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.

Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”

And as graduation looms, I think about this end everyone is talking about, but I can’t grasp what it is. After I walk across that stage in my cap and gown, nothing will be different. No metaphorical door has closed or opened in my metaphorical hallway of life.

The only real change will be the time I’m in: one minute later. And those minutes after I accept my diploma will add up, amounting, hopefully, to something significant.

But I won’t worry about that right now. Looking towards the future should be just as insightful TONGUE OUT OF CHEEK My upper lip may have the as looking into a gaping abyss: there plumpness of a top super-model, or that could be my tongue. I’ll leave you to come up with your own conclusions. isn’t much to see.

SouthwordS 17

SENIOR COMMENTARIES

| June 5, 2014

Wherever you may be, find a family Amanda Svachula

Features Editor hope to be a writer someday, and I’ve always liked English class, so I guess I’m biased when I say that I believe that the world is not made up of atoms—it is made up of stories.

Before I sat down to the write this, I actually looked at a bunch of senior commentaries by Southwords editors written over the years. I read all of their stories and they all began to blend into each other as I read them, which scares me. The fact that in ten years, any trace of the impact I’ve had on Maine South, a place that’s been home for three years (I transferred sophomore year) will be gone, freaks me out. The only thing that will exist is this, hidden away in the Southwords archives, so I’m going to try and make it count—in the form of two stories of my own.

The first story I want to tell you takes place in December around a rectangular table in a sky-blue room tucked away in the corner of Maine South’s library. It was snowing outside. I was tired from the school day and the work I had been doing at paste-up, the one week of the month where we lay out the articles in Southwords. I sat at a large table in the room and ate a Chipotle burrito. The other editors on the newspaper staff, many my best friends, surrounded me, talking and laughing.

There was ambient music playing from a computer

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in the back. There were pictures of llamas on the walls. I sat there content with the scene before me, grateful that I had gotten to spend two years of my life as a part of this newspaper family.

Another story takes place in April about 800 miles away from Maine South in a fluorescent-lit gym. The gym was crowded with sweaty teenagers waiting in anticipation. I stood there and the months of my life on Maine South’s Constitution team flash before my eyes. I thought of exhausting meetings with my unit of five people, of Federalist quotes, and of course, the Constitution itself. But then, as the state of Illinois was called in the top ten of all states, all I could think of was my community and my team, and everyone was embracing with joy and excitement.

On the surface, these stories seem completely different. One paints a portrait of an everyday, average experience, while the other portrays a life-changing moment. But, ultimately, both sum up what my story at Maine South has turned out to be—a story about family. I started high school unsure of who I was. Don’t get me wrong—I still have those days where I feel self-conscious. But the communities I have joined at Maine South have changed me. So the one piece of advice I’d give to underclassmen is to find a family at Maine South.

Sure, high school is about learning and taking tests.

But ten years from now, you won’t remember that failed math test. What you will remember is the time you danced with your best friends in Maine South’s library at 10 at night, or the time you won the championship with your team.

How about the fact that, eight years after Hurricane Katrina, there are still houses in New Orleans that haven’t been touched? These are some of the lessons I learned through my service experience at Old St. Pat’s.

I also learned that I could tile a bathroom floor, that my ability to shave a teenage boy’s hair into a mohawk is second to none, and that I’ve perfected the art of dancing while buckled into a cargo van seat on while on the great American road trip.

I’ve loved being known by my peers as a Maine South soccer player. It’s been a huge part of my high

school experience and something which I would never change. But, I also loved being forced to encounter other worlds with different people to ultimately discover new and exciting things about myself and others around me.

As I think ahead to my college years, I know that sometimes I will find myself on a soccer field, and other times on a Habitat for Humanity work site, and hopefully also studying at a desk in the campus library.

Either way, I know I will find a home outside my bubble and will make it my own.

STARING CONTEST I win a lot of these, so don’t mess with me.

Outside the suburban bubble

Kay Thursby Sports Editor

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ho do you know at Maine South who gets excited about waking up early on a Sunday morning to take the train into the city to go to church?

Do you know anyone who would get into a white cargo van with 15 random people to drive to New Orleans to repair houses ravaged by Hurricane Katrina? Or, someone who did a Jazzercise class in an upstate New York retreat house simply for the fun of it? Believe it or not, that person is me.

While most people who know me at Maine South know me as an athlete, or more specifically as a soccer player, the majority of this school doesn’t know this other side of me: a side that is actually not always seen but is in many ways, the ‘real me.’

The summer going into my sophomore year, I was presented with an opportunity to go with 25 random high school students from Old St. Pat’s Church in Chicago to Washington D.C. to do service work.

I really had no idea what it all entailed, and I never anticipated how this trip would change the way I look at high school. The bubble I had existed in for the past 15 years was burst, and I loved it.

Did you know that the nation’s capital has the worst education system in America? Or that in Rochester, New York, a group of teenagers can brighten a kid’s day by just taking 30 minutes to LIFE’S A BEACH Not much has changed. fix his bike and spend time with him?

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Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Four years beyond the textbooks Yavor Todorov

Entertainment Editor

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hey say high school is where you really find yourself, and while I still feel like I have a lot more maturing to do, I definitely agree. At Maine South, I had the opportunity to learn from more than just my textbooks. In fact, outside of my textbooks is where I learned most.

Through extracurricular activities and various other clubs, I not only improved my resume, but I grew my social circles and made friends that I know are going to last a lifetime.

From the Hawk Pride Leaders showing me the way to my classroom on the first day of school, to our upcoming Senior Prom, the students at Maine South have given me with nothing but memories that I will look upon favorably for the rest of my life.

Some people pout about the fact that schools don’t really teach us real world skills that we would need for the future, but I disagree. The past four years of living in this great community has taught me much about the outside world.

For one, I have learned how human we all are, and that authority figures—particularly teachers— aren’t as scary as I once thought them to be. I’d go as far as to even say that teachers are people too.

Although I may still wonder what they’re like outside of school, and although it may still pain me that they give out assignments even after AP testing is over, my teachers here at Maine South have been an invaluable asset to my growth as a person and have become like caregivers that I’m going to miss when I’m gone.

I’ve had ample time to think about how “done” I am with school, how grades currently “don’t matter” for us seniors because we’ve already been accepted into college, and how I wish school was over already.

After my class periods upon class periods of daydreaming and philosophizing, I’ve figured out that although I may want to be done and move on to the next stage of my life, there’s really nowhere that I would have rather spent the last four years than here at Maine South.

I’ve had my perspective changed for the better and my horizons broadened. I’ve made new friends in these halls and I’ve lost old ones. I feel blessed to have gone to such an amazing school and to have spent the past four years with even more amazing people.

MEAN MUGGIN’

If looks could kill, you’d be dead.

Harley revealed: the girl behind the mascot

Dora Bialy

Editor-in-Chief

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HAIL TO THE HAWK Senior

PHOTO BY HANNAH SIMPSON

arley the Hawk has served the school as a beacon of spirit and excitement for years. Both students and teachers alike have worn this costume to continue the legacy of Hawk pride. This year, the student who donned the hawk suit was senior Emily Yurkovic.

The opportunity to be the school’s mascot came to Yurkovic early in the school year.

“Ms. Sinclair started off as the mascot at our first assembly this year,” Yurkovic explained. “But then after that, she had asked the Advanced Dance class whether anyone wanted to be Harley, and for some reason, I had it in the back of my mind for a while that I wanted to be the mascot.”

Yurkovic has appeared as Harley at assemblies, football games, as well as send-off parades for other varsity sports. The appearance of the mascot at these events is a vital part of fostering enthusiasm and spirit.

“I feel like it brightens people’s day to see Harley,” Yurkovic said. “And they definitely cheer a lot when I come out, so I think that it definitely boosts the Hawk pride.”

The tradition of most mascots is that their identity remains anonymous during their tenure. For Yurkovic, this was an opportunity to showcase her skills as a performer without fear

Emily Yurkovic got to live out her dream as being the Maine South mascot.

of judgement.

“Most people didn’t know who I was, so I could just do pretty much whatever I wanted. And people don’t mess with Harley. It’s pretty cool.”

An important aspect of being Harley is the entertainment aspect, according to Yurkovic.

“Being a good dancer is a pretty big part of it.

But I think Harley should be even more present not just at the football games and the parades, but

at other school events too.”

According to Mr. Berendt, the hawk mascot for next year will be chosen after a round of auditions held at the beginning of the school year.

Yurkovic has high expectations for these Harley-hopefuls.

“You better dance your butt off, and try to get the crowd to cheer like crazy.”

SouthwordS 19

FEMALE ATHLETES

| June 5, 2014

Maine South’s 2013-2014 Bonnie Schultz Badminton Bonnie Schultz has been a member of the varsity girls’ badminton program all four years of her high school career, with two seasons on varsity. Playing in the first doubles spot last season, Schultz received five tournament medals, including first place at the Hawk Invite. Schultz and her doubles partner, Maddy Gaertner, advanced to State this year after taking third place at the New Trier Sectional. “Playing at the top positions in doubles and singles, she has competed against the best opponents and handled that stress perfectly,” said Coach Muir-Wilson.

Schultz plans on attending Western Illinois University in the fall.

Hailey Schoneman Basketball

Hailey Schoneman was a threeyear varsity member of the girls’ basketball team. She has received alltournament awards and was selected to the CSL All-Conference Team her senior season. Her teammates would describe her as a team player who grew tremendously over the past three seasons. This past season at center, Schoneman led the Hawks in scoring with 352 points, rebounds with 256, and also led the team in blocks.

“Hailey has modeled excellence in her leadership and work ethic for our younger post players to emulate in the future,” said Coach Smith.

Schoneman will be attending Indiana University in the fall.

Emily O’Grady Soccer

Emily O’Grady has been the goalie on the varsity girls’ soccer team the past three years. She is an All-Sectional and All-Conference performer. O’Grady helped lead her team to Regional championships her sophomore and junior seasons. This past season, Emily was named to the IHSA All-State team. “Emily is one of the best keepers Maine South has had,” said Coach Crawford. “She does an amazing job at the position and makes saves that most keepers cannot.

She is one of the best keepers in the state.” O’Grady will continue her soccer career at Iowa State University.

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Erin Fleming Cheerleading

Erin Fleming has been a varsity cheerleader for four years, and she has helped the team qualify for the state competition in all four of her seasons. As a captain, Fleming led the Hawks to three CSL Conference championships and second place at Sectionals this season, where Maine South achieved the highest score in team history. “Her teammates respected her work ethic, focus and passion for her sport,” said Coach Coy. “Her compassion and dedication to the sport & her academic status has inspired and been admired by the coaching staff & her peers.” Fleming will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall.

Emily Wolf Softball

Emily Wolf has been on the varsity girls’ softball team for all four years of her high school career. As a captain and a veteran leader, Emily embraces a unique role on the softball team. Not only is she active in calling the game and working with the pitchers and players, she helps mold the entire team together to play as a unit. “Emily is the epitome of what a Varsity MVP is,” said Coach Pasier. “Her talent behind the plate is great, but it is her leadership and work ethic that makes her a MVP.” Emily will attend the University of Missouri next year.

Emily Leonard Cross Country

Emily Leonard is a four-year member of the girls’ varsity cross country team. Leonard currently holds the school record for the home course. She was a four-year All-Conference runner, four-year state qualifier, four-year MVP of the varsity team, and earned All-State recognition every year. She is the only Maine South athlete to have ever earned All-State honors all four years. “Emily is a runner who leads by example,” said Coach Downing.

“She learned very early how to deal with pressure and high expectations.”

Leonard will continue her running career in the fall at the University of Dayton.

Jenna Zitkus Swimming

Jenna Zitkus has been on the varsity girls’ swim team for the past four years. She has been a mainstay at the state meet in her career, qualifying individually seven times. She currently holds four school records and was named the team MVP all four years. Zitkus was the captain of the squad the last two seasons.

“Jenna has shown other girls that it is possible to perform and succeed at a very high level if you are willing to sacrifice and put in the time and the hard work,” said Coach Kura. Zitkus will continue her swimming career at Ball State University.

Senior Issue

| FEMALE ATHLETES

Senior Female Athletes Britany Lung Golf

Brittany Lung was a two-year varsity member of the girls’ golf team.

Lung helped lead the team to its first berth at the state meet in program history in 2012. She also was a key member of the 2013 team that won the conference title for the first time in school history. “Brittany was the prime example of how to properly play the game with class and dignity, while keeping her emotions in check no matter the circumstances,” said Coach Hamman. “She earned the upmost respect from her teammates, competitors and opposing coaches in our area.” Lung will be attending the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign next year.

Nicole Nieder Gymnastics

Nicole Neider was a fouryear varsity member on the girls’ gymnastics team. She was AllConference her junior year and competed at Sectionals in all four years. During her senior season, Neider was one of the Hawks’ two captains. “Nicole encouraged others, led group talks, and worked to create spirit, support, and camaraderie among girls,” said Coach Robinson.

“She also brought a light-hearted, humorous attitude with her daily and remained optimistic whenever something happened that could have brought her down.” Neider will be attending Marquette University in the fall.

Marisa Sclafani Tennis

Marisa Sclafani was a threeyear varsity member of the girls’ tennis team. Sclafani won the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award, the CSL Scholar Athlete Award, and the CSL Sportsmanship Award for her leadership both on and off the court. Sclafani won first place at the Hawk Invite and placed third at the conference meet. “Marisa was a great co-captain because of her great attitude,” said Coach Tisler. “She put others before herself and was a great role model to others.” Marisa will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.

Hayley Miller Hawkettes

Hayley Miller was a three-year varsity member of the Hawkettes dance team and was chosen as a team captain in both her junior and senior year, leading the Hawkettes to a third place at Nationals this season.

According to Coach Jackie Graney, “Hayley is a ver y hardworking and determined teammate, and she motivates others to improve.

She was that teammate that all the dancers could look to for guidance and support on and off the dance floor. Hayley is outgoing and easy to approach, which is what makes her a great leader to our team.” Next year, Miller will be attending the University of Denver.

Olivia Cattau Track & Field

Olivia Cattau has been a varsity hurdler and sprinter for the last four years. Earning All-Conference honors every year and competing at State three times, Olivia has had a historic running career at Maine South, as she currently holds several indoor and outdoor school records. She displayed outstanding sportsmanship and excelled as a team captain. “She was the top point scorer on the varsity squad and her ability to score a lot of points in the biggest meets was indicative of her talent level and drive,” said Coach Downing. Cattau will continue her running career at the University of Chicago in the fall.

Lauren Hendry Lacrosse

Lauren Hendry was a three-year member of the varsity girls’ lacrosse team. She was a two-year captain for the team and played both the midfield and attack positions. She leads the team in goals scored this year and is second in assists. Hendry was an All-Conference perfomer both this season and last season. “Lauren, with her passion and as a captain and leader, will be irreplacable,” said Coach Solomon. “She has helped to build and leave behind a culture of high expectations for this team to continue to build on in the future.”

Hendry will be attending Creighton University in the fall where she will play club lacrosse.

Katherine Miles Volleyball

Katherine Miles has been on the varsity girls’ volleyball team for the past two seasons. An All-Conference selection and team captain, she adapted to play many positions during her volleyball career. Coach King has used her as an outside hitter, a middle hitter, and even a setter. “Katherine is the type of person that will go out of her way to help younger athletes to become better players and better teammates,” said Coach King. “Her energy and enthusiasm to get every ounce of effort out of players is unmatched.” Miles will continue her volleyball career at Carleton College.

SouthwordS 21

MALE ATHLETES

| June 5, 2014

Maine South’s 2013-2014 Gehrig Parker Baseball

Gehrig Parker has been a starter on the varsity baseball team the past two years. He has received AllConference honors both years and has been a two-year captain. Parker helped lead the team to a Sectional championship last season and paced the Hawks to a number one seed in this year’s Sectional. Parker leads the team in batting average, runs scored, and home runs, and has the secondlowest ERA. “Gehrig stands as one of the finest people to play in the program over the last 15 years,” said Coach Milano. Parker will continue his career at Butler University in the fall.

Andrew Palucki Basketball

Andrew Palucki was a threeyear varsity player and captain for the Hawks this past season. He was named to the IBCA Special Mention All-State Team and All-Conference Team his senior year. This season, Palucki led the Hawks to their second consecutive Conference championship, third consecutive Regional championship, and helped Maine South reach the Sweet 16.

“Over his three varsity years, Andrew developed into a leader,” said Coach Lavorato. “His actions helped inspire this team as well as our future players.” Palucki will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.

Andrew Grabowski Swimming

Andrew Grabowski has been a varsity diver in all four of his Maine South seasons. He holds both school diving records and was a captain this past season. Grabowski qualified for State twice and was an All-Conference Athlete. “Andrew was one of the hardest working and most committed athletes we have had the pleasure of coaching over the past several years,” said Coach Kura. “Andrew was in many ways a second diving coach on the pool deck.” Grabowski will be attending the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota in the fall where he will continue to dive.

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Jack Carpenter Cross Country

Jack Carpenter has been a member of the varsity cross country team for the past three years, and was a captain of the team this past season.

Carpenter earned All-Conference honors the past three seasons. He got sixth place at the State meet, receiving All-State honors. “Jack is a hard-working, dedicated teammate that leads by example,” said Coach Nordahl. “He is always trying to improve and is never satisfied with second place. His example has been a powerful one for the team to follow.” Carpenter will continue his running career next year at Marquette University.

Peter Demke Tennis

Peter Demke was a two-year varsity member of the boys’ tennis team. He is the number one doubles Varsity player and a State qualifier in doubles. Demke and his teammate Nick Salgia earned a berth at the State meet after placing third at the Oak Park-River Forest sectional. “Peter deserves to be MVP this year due to his great attitude, tremendous spirit, and commitment to develop his game as well as get himself in great shape,” said Coach Young. “He plays with character and integrity and is a joy to be around.” Demke plans on attending DePauw University this fall.

Greg Ebacher Football

Greg Ebacher was on the varsity football team the past two seasons.

He received All-Conference honors the past two years and was captain for the Hawks. Ebacher’s #55 was placed on the Maine South Football All-Numbers Team after this season. Along with his athletic accomplishments, he was also a CSL Scholar Athlete and named to the IHSFCA Academic-All Starter team. “His tremendous leadership, service to helping others, teamwork, and character will be remembered,” said Coach Inserra. Ebacher will continue playing football next year at the University of St. Thomas.

John Hader Track & Field

John Hader is a four year member of the varsity track and field team.

This past season, he was a captain on the team. In his junior year, Hader was a Conference and Sectional Champion, and qualified for the State meet in the 200 meter. This season, Hader won the 100 and 200 meter dashes at the Conference and Sectional meet. “John will finish his career as the top 200 meter runner in Maine South’s 50 years,” said Coach Sutsschek. “He is also one of the top 5 overall sprinters in Maine South history.” Hader will continue his running career next year at Eastern Illinois University.

Senior Issue

| MALE ATHLETES

Senior Male Athletes Joey Mirabelli Golf

Brendan Carey Lacrosse

Brendan Faley Soccer

Joey Mirabelli has been on the varsity boys’ golf team for the past two years. Mirabelli earned AllConference honors this past season.

A consistent player whose scores were utilized in nearly every match this past season, Mirabelli carded a 75 at the Glenbrook North Regional, leading the team to a sixth-place finish. At Sectionals, he shot an 81 to lead the team. Mirabelli narrowly missed the cut to go to State, ending up two shots over the cutoff. “As a golfer, he possessed all the positive attributes to have success in the sport,” said Coach Steve Scholl. Mirabelli will attend Illinois State University in the fall.

Brendan Carey was a twoyear member of the varsity boys’ lacrosse team. He was a defender and a captain for the Hawks this past season. Carey helped lead the lacrosse team to a Sweet 16 berth in the State tournament, one of the most successful playoff runs in the history of the program. “Brendan has shown commitment to the team throughout the season,” said Coach Staffel. “He came to practice everyday eager to learn and ready to work. Most importantly, he did everything with a smile. He showed younger athletes what it takes to stay committed to a team.” Carey plans on attending Xavier University in Ohio in the fall.

Brendan Faley has been a member of the boys’ soccer team for three years, and was nominated as one of the team’s captains this past season.

Faley earned All-Conference this past season, was recognized as a scholar athlete, and also was named a First Team selection of the Chicago Fire All-State Academic soccer team.

“Brendan is an intense competitor who demonstrated strength, technical skill, and passion with his determined tackles and runs down the flank for the Hawks this season,” said Coach States. “This required opponents to be ever mindful of his presence.” Faley will be attending Boston College in the fall.

Tim Mizdrak Volleyball

Makai DeNeve-Arnam Water Polo

Tommy Brewster Wrestling

Tim Mizdrak was a two-year varsity starter for the boys’ volleyball team. He has been the setter on the squad the past two seasons and helped the Hawks win a Regional championship last season. Mizdrak was named to the All-Conference Team this past season. “He has the most important job on the floor,” said Coach Grannell. “We have a talented group of players around him, but we would not be nearly as successful if we did not have Tim. He is the quarterback of the offense and the success or failure of the team clearly rests on his shoulders.” Mizdrak will attend Lewis University in the fall.

Makai DeNeve-Arnam has been on the varsity boys’ water polo team the past four years. He leads the program in most career goals, total points, goals-per-game average, and games played. DeNeve-Arnam was the team MVP his sophomore and senior seasons and was AllConference in those same years. He was an IHSA All-Sectional performer the past three seasons. “Makai is a dominant force of Illinois water polo,” said Coach Deger. “We have become a good team and respectable because of Makai.” DeNeve-Arnam will continue to play water polo at the University of LaVerne in California.

Tommy Brewster is a four-year member of the varsity wrestling team, and was a captain this past year.

Brewster earned 137 total wins, which is third in all-time victories at Maine South; was named All-Conference all four years; was an All-State wrestler; and was the CSL South Outstanding Wrestler of the Year this season.

“Tommy honed his craft to the point where he was another coach in the room,” said Coach Hansen. “He was an intense competitor but was always smiling. He was always able to enjoy the moment.” Brewster is still making a final decision about where he will wrestle next year.

SouthwordS 23

SENIOR ATHLETES

| June 5, 2014