December 16, 2016
1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Vol. 53, No. 4
TACKLING THE ODDS After its first Conference loss in 16 years, Maine South football wins the state championship in a stunning upset of Loyola.
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
See pages 14-15
Beverage Bill
Cook County places a tax on sugary drinks. Page 2
Deck the Halls
Local family Christmas display benefits charities. Page 7
Silent Knot
Spice up your holiday wardrobe with scarves. Page 12
Swim Superstar Freshman Annika Wagner breaks school records. Page 16
NEWS | December 16, 2016
New drink tax threatens local businesses Patrick Slojkowski
News Writer esidents of Cook County are to expect a change in sugary drink prices following a new soda tax, potentially harming the revenues of beverage, retail, and distribution businesses. The new tax, similar to the county’s highest-in-the-nation cigarette tax, aims to both raise funds in the short term, and help save in the long term by reducing the amount of health care needed to treat obesityrelated diseases. The soda tax, which will cost a cent per ounce of sugary drink, will be instituted on July 1 of next year. The tax will only apply to Cook County, meaning that the surrounding counties will be left unaffected. The new tax also applies to drinks with added sugars and artificial sweeteners, including pop, sports drinks, lemonade, and iced tea. One can expect a two-liter bottle of soda to be raised by 68 cents, a bottle of Gatorade by 20 cents, a 12 pack of soda by 96 cents, and a gallon of iced tea by $1.28.
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The tax was instituted following a close 9-8 referendum by the Cook County board on Nov. 10. “I think that these types of regressive taxes hurt the business community and hurt the consumer,” said Cook County Commissioner Peter N. Silvestri, who voted against the tax, citing the negative impact on businesses and consumers. “Instead of continuing to add new taxes we should be looking to make reductions and efficiencies in government,” he said. Commissioner Silvestri’s decision was intended to protect local businesses, as higher taxes can interfere with their bottom line. “Every time you raise a tax or a fee, obviously that gets passed onto the consumer,” Silvestri said. “Which means that the consumer will look for alternatives, specifically purchasing it in a different county. So If you live in Park Ridge or in the Maine South area, you can certainly make it to DuPage county in pretty short order to get more major staples— not that pop is a staple, but you will probably be buying pop when you’re
PHOTO BY PEYTON TURNER
BUDGET-BALANCING BEVERAGES
The typical 12-pack of soda costs around $4. With the new tax another $1.44 with be added to the price.
over there, too.” The deciding vote came from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who views the bill as a way to both raise funds and reduce the rates of diabetes and other ailments associated with excess sugar consumption. Some employees at local business shared Commissioner Silvestri’s opinion regarding the effects on businesses. “People are definitely going to buy less soda, things like 12-packs
are going to start costing like 6 dollars, and that’s a lot for just soda,” said a Jewel-Osco source in a telephone interview, who preferred to remain anonymous due to company policy. Southwords contacted multiple other local restaurants and businesses. None were willing to comment on the implications the tax will have on their business. The tax is expected to lower both obesity rates and budget deficits. The longevity of the tax is uncertain.
Southwords artist wins national cartooning award
Michael Roche News Writer
ulie Duerkop, a Maine South senior, was awarded first place for a comic strip in the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) cartooning awards. She received this award for a cartoon published in an issue in January of this year. Duerkop is the creator of the cartoon series, “Decisively Indecisive,” which is featured frequently in Southwords. As with all of the other entries in the contest, Duerkop’s cartoons feature descriptions of universal truths in a comical manner. The cartoon lampooned the unrealistic scenarios often used in math word problems. “[The subject of the cartoon] was ridiculous math questions that no one understands, where you have to figure out the math behind someone’s horrible purchase,” said Duerkop. The NSPA, which has 1,510 member publications across the country, chooses ten comic strips as finalists. Judging is done by a panel of experts whose task it is to determine the winners. Duerkop’s comic strip was chosen to be the best among all entries from across the nation. “I was in complete shock after hearing the news,” Duerkop said. “I forgot that Mr. Stathakis had submitted my comic, and then after [a few] months I got an e-mail from him saying that I had
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PHOTO BY JOHN ROZNY
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STAR ILLUSTRATOR
Lulie Duerkop stands with her NSPA first-place award. Duerkop hopes to continue her cartooning hobby for years to come.
become a finalist.” “While I’ve won an award for my traditional art, winning something for a hobby of mine that I’ve poured my heart and soul into means a lot to me,” Duerkop said. Duerkop began drawing in first grade, start-
ing with video game characters. Her interest was piqued, and she continued to draw. Once she started watching the show “Adventure Time,” she was inspired to begin drawing cartoons. In her junior year, Duerkop became the cartoonist for Southwords. Upon having an idea for a cartoon, she can finish the half page image in about two days, but oftentimes, she must take more time to refine her idea and perfect the drawing. Her award winning cartoon did not follow her original plan. Initially, she tried to change it completely. “At first, I thought it was super boring, and tried a different idea. When that didn’t work, I went back to the first idea,” Duerkop said. After receiving her national award in cartooning, Duerkop has stayed humble about her accomplishments. “I wouldn’t really call it a talent,” she said. “I feel like talent is something more innate, like something that has been there since the beginning. There are videos online of kids that haven’t even hit their double digits painting masterpieces, but when I was their ages, I was still drawing weird animal people. They certainly weren’t masterpieces.” Duerkop hopes to continue to create cartoons in the future. She believes it will remain a hobby, rather than a career, hoping to apply her drawing skills to engineering.
December 16, 2016
| NEWS
New leaders elected to positions across Illinois Will Brendza
News Writer n Tuesday, Nov. 8, along with the Presidential election, the Illinois electorate voted on a number of other government positions. These included a US Senate seat, 18 US Representatives from Illinois, and positions in the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. In the US Senate Race, Democrat Tammy Duckworth emerged victorious over Republican Mark Kirk. Duckworth will now serve as one of two Senators from Illinois, along with fellow Democrat Dick Durbin. Illinois currently holds 18 seats in the US House of Representatives. All 18 seats were up for re-election earlier this month. Democrat Jan Schakowsky won reelection to represent the 9th district of the US House of Representatives.
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She has represented parts of Park Ridge, Niles, and Chicago, among other cities, in Congress since 1999. Schakowsky defeated her Republican challenger by a margin of close to 32%. In the Illinois Senate, Democrat Laura Murphy defeated Republican Mel Thillens by a margin of 53.3% to 46.7%. Murphy represents District 28, which encompasses most of Park Ridge and Des Plaines, among other cities. Thillens also ran for this seat two years ago, and was unsuccessful. Republican Michael McAuliffe won his bid for re-election over Democrat Merry Marwig in the 20th Illinois House District. This district
includes the Northwest side of Chicago, as well as parts of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, and Niles. McAuliffe has served in office on this seat since 1997, and this will be his 10th term in office. In the 55th District of the Illinois House, incumbent Democrat Marty Moylan won reelection 59% to 41%. No elections were held this year for Park Ridge government positions. However, the positions of Mayor, City Clerk, and Alderman of Wards 2, 3, 4, and 6 will be determined in April of 2017. Marty Maloney has been the Mayor of Park Ridge since March of
last year. Based on the results of these elections, Maloney still believes the main goals of Park Ridge are the same. “We need to focus on improving our aging infrastructure, and continue to manage our finances conservatively in light of the TIF Development Uptown and the challenges it has left for the city in terms of debt,” said Maloney. There are several seats on the local school boards up for election next year. In District 207, the Maine Township High Schools, there are four seats to be voted upon. In District 64, the Park Ridge and Niles Elementary and Middle Schools, there are also four seats up for election. Additionally, four seats are up for election on the Park Ridge District Board of Commissioners. These elections will take place at the same time as other local elections, April 2017.
Uptown’s Pickwick restaurant set to reopen
News Writer he Pickwick Restaurant was a Park Ridge staple for over five decades until its closing in December 2014. A new version of the Pickwick Restaurant is set to reopen this winter. For years, the restaurant served as a meeting place for long-time friends, a place to grab a bite to eat after seeing a movie, and a family-friendly dining spot. The Pickwick Restaurant was popular amongst moviegoers and others passing through Uptown. The restaurant even gained national recognition in 2003 when television journalist Barbara Walters sat down with Park Ridge native and then U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton for a lunch interview in the restaurant. Many Park Ridge natives enjoyed the Pickwick Restaurant long before Hillary Clinton drew national attention to it, however. “The restaurant’s been there forever, so I think a lot of people enjoy coming to see a movie then hitting the restaurant,” said David Loomis, one of the theatre’s co-owners. “They definitely go together.” Maine South junior and frequent Pickwick customer Emma Wonsowicz agrees. “My past experiences eating at the original restaurant were really special,” she said. “There’s nothing like an old-fashioned dinner and a show. I enjoyed going to see a movie
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at the Pickwick with my friends or family and then heading over to the Pickwick Restaurant for a meal.” Despite the restaurant’s popularity amongst Park Ridge residents, the Pickwick Restaurant closed in December 2014. The owner of the building received many offers to rent or buy the property, but the owner eventually chose a Park Ridge resident who reopened the restaurant as “The Pick.” Although highly-anticipated, The Pick was only open for ten months before closing in July of 2016. “I was really surprised when I heard that they were bringing back the Pickwick Restaurant rather than replacing it with another new store,” said Wonsowicz. “I am looking for- PICKWICK PREMIERE The original Pickwick sign has been returned ward to the reopening and getting to its spot above the restaurant’s door. The sign previously read “Pick” during the tento enjoy some of my favorite dishes month tenure of the Pick restaurant. “He has run several restaurants again.” Pickwick Restaurant because it had The new restaurant will occupy a sense of history and character that before, so I think he has the experithe same familiar location, the corner is lacking in the newer, Uptown chain ence and he can give people what they want—breakfast, lunch and dinner,” of Prospect Avenue and Northwest restaurants,” said Wonsowicz. Highway in Uptown. The name and The original Pickwick Restaurant said Loomis. “So that’s the key. We iconic red and white fluorescent sign served traditional Greek-American wanted our diner back.” Although the name will return, of the Pickwick Restaurant will return diner dishes, and the new restaurant from storage. will feature a similar menu. The new not everything about the eatery will Loomis credits the Pickwick Pickwick Restaurant will serve break- remain the same. The restaurant was Restaurant’s long-running success to fast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety recently upgraded and expanded during the ownership of its previous the location. of entrees and side dishes. “It’s a great location, right next to The corner eatery will be opened operators as “The Pick.” The Pick’s sleek and modern the theatre,” said Loomis. by restaurateur Dino Sarantopoulos. Wonsowicz attributes the restau- Sarantopoulos has been involved in interior will be retained for the new rant’s popularity to the atmosphere. the restaurant business for 20 years iteration of the classic Pickwick “I liked eating at the original with Dapper’s Restaurant in Chicago. Restaurant.
PHOTO BY PEYTON TURNER
Mary Godley
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COMMENTARY
| December 16, 2016
Secular celebration of Christmas shouldn’t be feared Commentary Writer & Commentary Editor ecently, people have been outraged by the secularization of what was originally an exclusively Christian holiday, claiming society is waging a “war on Christmas” and attempting to take the “Christ” out of “Christmas.” While it is true that Christmas is a religious holiday, there’s no reason we can’t embrace it as a secular one as well. The holiday season surrounding Christmas brings people of all cultures and backgrounds together. These events and activities make Christmas enjoyable for all people, regardless of religious beliefs. Even if someone doesn’t celebrate or practice the Christian faith, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to enjoy the other aspects of the season that we celebrate. Everyone can put up a tree, hang lights, give gifts, and bake gingerbread houses. Christmas is a time to celebrate and spread warmth during a cold season. One of the Christmas traditions that anyone
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We should not resist the fact that Christmas is more than a religious holiday. We should all be allowed to celebrate and practice our own religious traditions; however, we should not allow our own religious practices to exclude others from celebrating this time of year. Christmas should be inclusive, allowing for people of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures to embrace the holiday for what it is it has become: a time to give back and share meaningful experiences with those who matter most.
ILLUSTRATION BY SAVINA MIHALOPOULOS
Anna Laskowski & Isis Zaki
can get on board with is giving. This is a season in which people take time to remember their families, friends, and even strangers. People of all religions and backgrounds give to charities and complete acts of service. For example, at Maine South we adopt families in need and provide them with gifts and necessities. Others volunteer at soup kitchens or make blankets for the homeless. All of these activities bring diverse people together for the common good. The Christmas season provides a unique opportunity to help those who need it. Christmas is more than just the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Society has formed many new traditions since this holiday first started. Just as Christians celebrate their own religious traditions, others can celebrate their own secular traditions. Christmas is not in any way less special because more people celebrate it. The fact that more people of different backgrounds and religions celebrate the holiday makes it even more unique because it allows all different kinds of people to come together in celebration of one event.
Importance of political rhetoric: think before you speak
Maura Lally
Commentary Writer
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ecently, the phrase “political rhetoric” has been repeated endlessly, and many of us have become deaf to its implications. Rhetoric is the language a person uses to persuade their audience. Despite its air time, many voters believe rhetoric has little importance compared to policy plans. However, in light of recent events, we are forced to consider the consequences of harmful political rhetoric. Statements made by elected officials have a unique ethos; their comments are legitimized by their authority, and a spoken opinion can be interpreted as an endorsement of an action. It is important that this action is not a harmful one. The first amendment is arguably the most essential to our freedom; it grants us the freedom of religion, press, assembly, and most popularly, speech. However, when analyzing the statements of politicians, we must remember that our first amendment does not protect libel or defamation—false statements which
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intentionally damage a person’s certificate followed by accusations reputation. The spirit of our Consti- of widespread corruption and voter tution is fixed against these types of fraud and claims that climate change harmful speech, and political rheto- was a hoax perpetuated by the Chiric becomes dangerous when it em- nese are reminiscent of the baseless ploys these methods. slander of the McCarthy era. One notable example of this type Speech that promotes or incites of dangerous political rhetoric is Sen. violence is another type of speech Joseph McCarthy, infamous for caus- not protected by the first amending national paranoia. As a result ment. Political rhetoric used by our of his unsubstantiated claims that president-elect walked close to that the media and line. many govern- “When a politician speaks T r u m p ’s ment agencies campaign innegatively about a whole were infiltrated cluded several by Commu- demographic, it normaldisturbing nists, thousands izes this kind of speech, and s t at e m e n t s : of careers were the suggesdestroyed, and inspires others to emulate it tion that “secmillions lost and act on it.” ond amendfaith and confiment people” dence in their government. He was should take action against his oppoeventually censured by the Senate— nent, comments about punching and after four years of his aggressive def- assaulting protesters, and the claim amation and inappropriate conduct that, “I could stand in the middle of had already wreaked irreparable Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody havoc on thousands of Americans. without losing votes.” Today, we are plagued by some of Some argue that Trump’s statethe same damaging political rhetoric. ments were jokes with no ill effects. Our president-elect’s campaign was However, this position is challenged foreshadowed by his previous cru- by the actions of his supporters. sade to prove that President Obama Chants of “lock her up” and “kill her” was born in Kenya, and therefore in reference to Hillary Clinton were not eligible for the presidency. Years not uncommon during his rallies. of requests for the president’s birth Additionally, following his elec-
tion, there have been countless examples of hate crimes against minorities, allegedly perpetrated by his supporters. These crimes include forceful removal of hijabs, death threats, and physical assaults—all committed against Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and members of the LGBT community, and all accompanied by words in support of Trump or his policy plans. Our president-elect cannot be accountable for every hateful, inappropriate, or illegal action of his supporters. However, the events following his election present the unmistakable danger of divisive political rhetoric. Proposals to build a wall across the entire southern border, deport “bad hombres,” and ban Muslims from entering the U.S., paired with ‘jokes’ endorsing violence, yield a dangerous public response. When a politician speaks negatively about a whole demographic, it normalizes this kind of speech, and inspires others to emulate it and act on it. During what is being called one of the most divisive times in history, inclusivity is extremely important to promoting bipartisan cooperation and maintaining public faith in our government.
December 16, 2016
| COMMENTARY
Immigration reform needed—but not in the way you think Louise Macaraniag
Commentary Editor n recent months—especially with the presidential election plaguing our media—there have been plenty of fallacies about immigration spreading across the country. Comments about immigration made by our president-elect, labeling immigrants as criminals and rapists, have promoted the idea that immigrants are a threat to society. This unfounded belief has forced Trump to propose solutions such as building a wall between Mexico and the U.S. and making the immigration process even more restrictive than it already is. These newly proposed restrictions and regulations, however, may have the opposite of the intended effect because the main reason people come to the U.S. illegally is because of the long and difficult process that impedes them from coming here legally. The immigration system is a complex process composed of a multitude of steps that prove to be extremely demanding. People frequently overlook just how complicated this system can be and assume that illegal immigration blooms from the government’s leniency with the immigration processes; however, this is not the case. My family came to America from the Philippines in 2008. My father was part of the generation of nurses that acquired a permanent visa because of the high demand for nurses in America at the time. We were fortunate enough to get this opportunity to come to the U.S. through my father’s employer, but even with this significant advantage, there were still hardships that my father had to confront. At a young age, I did not quite understand this process and all of its complications. However, as I grew older, I studied the processes that my family had to go through in order to come to America legally. I’ve learned that even though my father had to work hard for a long period of time in order to obtain his visa, he still dealt with a long and strenuous process. I have also learned that, in comparison to what others go through, the process was only a slight inconvenience for my family. Immigrants deal with a variety of circumstances that do not allow them to immigrate to America easily, and the reason for their complications usually falls on the flawed and unfair system that the U.S. has created for them. For some, it’s almost impossible to get through this process. The immigration system is broken down into steps. The first step is to submit a petition. A petition takes up to 20 years to get approval. especially if you’re above the age of 20. For some, it’s an inconvenience, but for most, it’s impossible to even acquire a petition. This is because in order to obtain one, an employer, an immediate family member, or a school sponsor that is a U.S. citizen must advocate on your behalf.
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CARTOON BY SHANNON MCGREEVY
Hence, right from the beginning of the process, individuals without relations to anyone in the U.S. are already dealt with a complication that makes legal immigration almost impossible. Furthermore, even if you get your petition approved, you can be denied a visa, and reasons for denial are never given. The system’s standards do not have a clear set of rules and regulations for accepting or denying legal documents; therefore, people that wish to immigrate have to speculate for themselves what the government’s requirements are for approval. The system also appears biased against those who are not economically well-off in their homecountries. It seeks out individuals that are able to contribute to society as skilled and capable citizens. Though this bias may not seem too harmful, it proves inequitable because the process does not have a mechanism for the person to have their competency assessed thoroughly. The immigration process is laid out in a way that people in economic turmoil have a lower possibility of entering the U.S. Most people from underprivileged countries have little to no chance of justifying their proficiency as workers and as responsible citizens because they lack the tools and services in their home countries to be able to work and have a history of experience. The immigration system has always been flawed throughout American history. Racism and xenophobia were integrated into our first immigration laws from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the Immigration Act of 1917. These are legislations that have been passed by Congress that sought to exclude certain groups of people. Even though our current system is marginally better and has been gradually improving throughout the years, there are still major defects that hinder the progression of our union. We have to adjust this system by creating an outlet within the process that could allow
individuals to justify their aptitude and exhibit their skills. It should be accessible to those who are looking for opportunities and better living conditions. Countless people immigrate to America each year, legally or illegally, and a majority of them, if not all of them, come here to find better economic opportunity or to escape the social constraints of their home countries. S ome p eople mistakenly b elie ve that undocumented immigrants have criminal intent or that they are dispossessing legal citizens of resources and taking advantage of certain benefits. However, opening up immigration towards impoverished countries could actually augment our society as a whole because it would bring in hard-working laborers that would be willing to pursue jobs that middle to upper-class citizens are not usually inclined to take. More people actively contributing to society generates wealth and resources, supplying the country with a sufficient workforce. Our society has generated an arbitrary stigma against undocumented immigrants without acknowledging that the fault lies within our own system itself. It’s e asy to disp arage t hos e w ho are undocumented just because they are illegal; however, this type of mentality is rooted in something bigger than politics or government. It is an idea that stems from a xenophobic mindset that marginalizes groups of individuals—a mindset that is hazardous to our society, especially towards those who already feel alienated and estranged. We need to understand that our country was built upon the unification and collaboration of all people to create a nation free of injustice and inequality. We should not keep our freedom from others, for freedom is an abundant entity that should be shared with those who need and deserve it.
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COMMENTARY | December 16, 2016
STAFF EDITORIAL
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n July 1, 2017, Cook County’s new tax on sugary drinks will go into effect. This tax will charge consumers one cent per ounce of sugar or other artificial sweeteners in their beverages. This follows a recent increase in sales tax that already raised the prices of many items. While in theory this seems like a small price to pay for reduction of obesity, the tax could cost people as much as an extra $3 for a 24pack of soda—and in general, taxing sugary drinks may not help to reduce obesity as much as one would assume. We believe that while the tax on sugary drinks may be helpful to balance the Illinois budget, it is arbitrary and harmful to consumers in and out of Park Ridge. Right now, Illinois uses heavy taxes on alcohol and cigarettes to help balance the state’s budget while also attempting to protect the health of consumers. At $11.26 a pack, cigarettes cost more in Illinois than in 48 other states. This may be part of the reason why the percentage of smokers in the state dropped a full 3% from 2005 to 2010. However, there are clear-cut and severe health risks associated with even casual use of cigarettes, while sugary drinks alone aren’t the cause for obesity. Ac c o r d i n g t o t h e I l l i n o i s
Department of Public Health, Illinois is one of the heaviest states in the US, with 62% of adults identifying themselves as overweight or obese. In Cook County alone, the number of obese adults increased by 10% from 2007 to 2010. However, there is no evidence to suggest that sugary drinks are the sole cause of these statistics, and those who can no longer afford to buy them with the new tax will simply be able to satisfy their sweet tooth with equally sugary, taxfree items. T h e g ov e r n m e nt should also not be making people’s health decisions for them, and should instead let the people decide whether or not they want to drink sugary beverages and not punish them with a tax on these items. While it is important to balance the budget, this should not be done on the backs of a single industry. This is not fair to the owners of soda companies, who are being unfairly punished when other
ILLUSTRATION BY YAROSLAVA RUZHKOVSKA
Soda tax negatively affects consumers
manufacturers of fattening foods are not. These companies are a part of our democracy as well and deserve to be treated fairly. Additionally, many Cook County restaurants and stores may suffer as a result of this. They may lose customers to nearby business in other counties where there is no extra tax on soda. Those of us who won’t have problems paying extra for soda and don’t own soda companies, restaurants, or stores that sell soda may see the tax as something insignificant. But even though we personally may not be significantly affected by this tax, we still must protest any unfair taxes.
The importance of journalism on our future Anastasia Dalianis Editor-in-Chief
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his summer, I participated in an ethics lab at the MedillNorthwestern Journalism Institute. In the lab, we were shown controversial images—photographs of people who had died or were about to die—and had to decide whether or not they should be published. For an hour and a half, we debated each other. The topic that generated the most discussion was the publication of disturbing images representing a problem that could have been remedied had there been public awareness (for example, an image of a woman and child falling off a fire escape in Boston due to poor construction).
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While several students felt that photographs of this nature should not be published under any circumstances, I reached a different conclusion. Allowing people to ignore uncomfortable subjects carries long-term detrimental effects. It is impossible to enact change in a society of willful ignorance, and a journalist’s job is to make sure that this ignorance is not being enabled. I have been interested in issues of censorship since my sophomore year, when feminism captured the minds of many of the girls at my school. As with any sociocultural trend I sought to understand, I did research. However, I found it difficult to interpret the true intentions of the movement as I waded through articles and Tumblr posts and tweets that agreed with each other in one breath and contradicted each other in the next. As my research expanded from
feminism and women’s rights to more polarizing issues, I saw the need to bring balance into discourse and prioritize facts and reason over kneejerk reactions. My experience in ethics lab showed me that my interest in censorship and open dialogue has a practical application in journalism. In America’s current political climate, as the level of discord escalates and supporters on each side of the spectrum become less willing to hear each other’s points of view, high-quality journalism is essential. If there is anything I learned this summer, it is that journalism is not dying. It is evolving. There will always be a need for those willing to seek the truth and report it. We will never be able to fully address the problems that face our society today unless we can clearly discern what those problems are.
Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 http://www.southwords.org
Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords S outhword s is a stu d e nt - r u n publication designed as a public forum for student opinion and balanced reporting on topics relevant to the Maine South community. Unsigned staff editorials represent the consensus opinion of the Southwords Editorial Board. Personal commentaries represent the opinion of the author alone and do not represent the opinions of the publication nor District 207. Stu d e nt p ar t i c ip at i on i n t he newspaper, whether through readership, submitting articles, or voicing comments or concerns, is encouraged. Signed letters to the editor can be delivered to the Southwords office (next to the testing center), given to a member of the editorial staff, or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org. Southwords reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.
Editors-in-Chief
Margaret Cahill Anastasia Dalianis
News Editors
Catherine Coyle Elaine Smith Dimitri Speron
Entertainment Editors Laura Cash Jill Steffen Mark Toledano Features Editors Christina Johnson Tommy O’Connor Emily Rosca Commentary Editors Louise Macaraniag Isis Zaki Sports Editors
James Bednarz Christo Fosse
Photography Editor Peyton Turner Production Editors Justyna Lepa Haley Mech Arden Sasak Adviser
Mr. Stathakis
December 16, 2016 | FEATURES
Goodness and light
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA JOHNSON
Emily Rosca Features Editor
very night, dozens of cars line the brightly-lit Engel Boulevard alongside crowds of people who gather outside the dazzling corner house, waiting to experience the sparkling images of the extravagant light display. With the holiday season in full swing, the Grant-Grusecki family proudly demonstrates their Christmas spirit through this one-of-a-kind exhibit of light and sound. Looking for a way to give back to the community during the holiday season, the family decided they’d channel their creativity to orchestrate their own Christmas light show. “When I was a kid, I lived in Lincolnwood,” said one of the homeowners, Tina Grusecki. “They had wonderful Christmas displays, and when [my youngest son, James] was little, I tried taking him around, and I couldn’t really find anything really spectacular like when I was a kid, so I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to build you a Christmas display.’” An array of colors twinkle to the rhythm of the music; each note is choreographed to the lights, enhancing the overall experience. Tina is the creative mind behind the designs, with the help of a programmer from Philadelphia. Her husband, Tom, along with his construction crew, build the set, all of which requires two months to set up. When it comes time to turn on the lights, the process itself can take upwards of half an hour. The tradition began a mere three years ago after the family built and moved into their home. “Every year, we raise money for the troops,” said Grusecki. “It’s the time of the year when they’re away from their families; they made so many sacrifices for this country, and it’s important to us.” T h e f a m i l y ’s c o nt r i b u t i o n to society has certainly not gone unnoticed. A total of $26,000 was raised last year, and each year the bar is set slightly higher. This holiday season, the monetary goal is to raise $30,000, all of which will be donated to the Salute Veterans Fund and Misericordia Home.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA JOHNSON
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SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND The Grant-Grusecki house, located on Engel Boulevard, welcomes visitors from across the Chicagoland area to enjoy the annual light show. The family gives back to Misericordia Home and to the those who served this country through donations to the Salute Veterans Fund. “It has become the most important part of our holiday experience,” said Grusecki. “This is what Christmas is all about. It takes the focus away from the presents and all the other things that come with Christmas. It’s wonderful to be able to see people being generous and helping each other.” Visitors range from next-door neighbors to families who drive from over an hour and a half away. Families hear about the light show from various people and news sources and make the drive to Park Ridge to see the light show along with their children. “It’s really nice,” said Grusecki. “Sometimes we see the same people and a lot of new people. It’s great that people support us.” The scene includes thousands of twinkling lights, snowmen, and to the children’s delight, even Santa Claus makes an appearance. “We see many little kids in front of our house, many of them thinking Santa lives here and ask us how long he’s lived here,” said Grusecki. “It’s so adorable.” As Christmas quickly approaches,
more and more people come to see the lights. Out of courtesy to the neighbors and surrounding community, the lights and music are turned off at 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. on weekends. “We have wonderful neighbors, and it’s a hassle for them, especially the week before Christmas when it gets really crazy because of the traffic,” Grusecki said. “We couldn’t do this without their support.” The stunning display of lights has had a positive impact on the community; many people come from far and wide to view the spectacular light show. The surrounding neighbors have certainly enjoyed the lights and decorations. “The lights and decorations are a fun way to celebrate the holidays,” said neighbor and senior Elizabeth Dort. “It does create a fair amount of congestion on our small street, but the owners have tried their best to help with traffic management and crowd control.” As soon as the hectic holiday season comes to an end and things begin to quiet down, the family
begins taking down the lights. Not long after, the planning begins for the upcoming year. Many of the stylistic elements remain the same throughout the years, yet some changes are made, which include differing the playlist for the show. The one thing that is kept the same each year are the four songs in salute to the troops. As a part of this year’s presentation, the family dedicated a portion of the show as a tribute to the late Prince by playing four of his songs, including “Alphabet Street,” “Kiss,” “Red Corvette,” and “I Would Die For You.” “When we were planning this, Prince had just passed away,” Grusecki said. “He was a very important part of my life. My kids knew of Prince and of his songs, but they didn’t really know about him or the impact he had in the 80’s. I think he’s a musical genius and did a lot for people. Even though he didn’t celebrate Christmas, he loved and represented everybody. We decided to do a tribute in his honor. It’s important to be considerate of everyone’s difference and to simply love one another.”
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Hawks get a taste of history Features Writer & Features Editor
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he bell rang at 7:45 the morning of Nov. 3, but most students were not in their seats. Many were piling into L or Metra trains on their way to the Cubs victory parade. The Cubs had won the World Series two nights prior, and fans were more than ready to celebrate. Millions of fans, Maine South students among them, would line the parade route that started at Wrigley Field and culminated in a rally at Grant Park. As a result of this somewhat untimely parade, over half of the student population missed school that Friday to take part in this historic event. “The school felt really small that day,” said Maine South Dean Marta Hall. “In total 1,300 students were out.” Few of these students, however, were able to have a front row view of their favorite players. Senior Katelyn Kahn was one of these students and was even fortunate enough to get on the news. “Going to the parade was unreal,” said Kahn. “The amount of history and anticipation I could feel in the air was something I will never forget. This event meant so much to my family and me that there was no way I would have missed it.” Kahn and her family made the trip to Wrigley Field at two in the morning Friday to be as close as they could to the players they admire. “Going down there so early in the morning and camping outside was so memorable,” said Kahn. “My brother and I were interviewed by WGN and appeared on the news that morning. Once we claimed our spot, outside Wrigley, we appeared on ABC 7 news as well.” Katelyn’s family consumed over 20 boxes of “Rizzo’s” throughout the baseball season, and they consider themselves avid Cubs fans. Not all fans are as dedicated as the Kahns, and Wrigleyville alone was not big enough to contain the crowd that was estimated to be 5 million (though that number has since been disputed). The majority of these fans found themselves in Downtown
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Chicago’s Grant Park for the parade. Many Hawks made this slightly easier trip out to the parade. “We were in Grant Park about 10 feet from the street so we were very close to the players and saw them as well as their trophy,” said junior Hope McMullen. “It was also interesting when all of these people were standing on the traffic light poles and trying to crowd surf into the masses of people.” Its no surprise that 108 years of patiently waiting would culminate in such antics. However, one of the biggest issues that Maine South Students faced was difficulties with transportation, which can be expected when so many people flock to the city in such a short time period. “It was crazy busy, but we got out of Grant Park in about a half hour, and then once on the train, it took like an hour to get home,” said McMullen. “This was really good time compared to some of our friends for whom it took over three hours to find their way back.” To avoid some of these difficulties, students such as senior Amelia Strotman left the night before, and stayed in a hotel downtown. “My mom drove my sister and I downtown the night before, and we stayed in a hotel that night. The next day we decided the rally would be better than the parade, and left pretty early,” said Strotman. The last destination that Maine South Students had on Friday was the rally following the parade. It was here that fans were exposed to the emotion and gratitude of this hardworking team. “The rally was pretty great,” said Strotman. “My favorite part of the rally was when they showed a video of the whole Cubs season, starting with opening day, going to the Mother’s Day walk off and all the other amazing games, and ending with almost every game played in the playoffs.” Unfortunately not all Hawks had the luxury of taking the day off, and many (Cubs fan or not), found themselves in school during this historic event. “I h ave l ite r a l ly atte n d e d hundreds of games there, sat in every possible section, am a member
of the Die-Hard Cub Fan Club, and have a commemorative brick outside Wrigley Field,” shared Maine South Counselor William Milano. Despite his love for the team, Mr. Milano had to watch the parade from his office at school but enjoyed the victory all the same. A drop in attendance forced teachers to adjust lesson plans and left those students who did attend school with a slightly easier workload. “I don’t really feel guilty missing school for it,” said McMullen. “A lot of teachers seemed to encourage us to experience it, and there wasn’t a whole lot to do in school on that day, so I am glad I went.” LIVE AT WRIGLEY Senior Katelyn Kahn and her brother speak with a WGN reporter outside of Wrigley Field the morning of the parade.
Many of the students who attended the parade felt that an opportunity this rare could not be passed up, and accepted the consequences of missing school to attend the once-ina-lifetime event. “I missed four tests in school that day, so it was a very hard decision, but if it’s not happening for another 108 years, I think it was so worth it,” said Strotman. For others, school on Friday was never an option. Tickets to the World Series were rare, but the parade gave Cubs fans all around the world the ability to celebrate their team, and that was an opportunity some students could not let pass. WGN-TV
SEA OF BLUE Cubs fans gather in Grant Park to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. The City of Chicago estimated that 5 million fans attended the parade.
PHOTO BY TOMMY O’CONNOR
Mairead King & Tommy O’Connor
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FEATURES
December 16, 2016 |FEATURES
Second-generation
Features Writer & Features Editor hile many teenagers dream of living on their own in a new place surrounded by new faces, many Hawks have never left the nest, choosing to raise their families in Park Ridge, just as their parents did. Current second-generation Maine South students have many advantages from their parents attending the same high school, no matter how long ago that was. “My dad loved his high school experience at Maine South,” said junior Paul Sasso, whose dad graduated in ‘85. “That’s why he made sure both my sister and I attended here.” While every student goes through a stressful transition from middle school to high school, secondgeneration Hawks may have an edge. “[My dad going to school here] definitely helped me get adjusted to a new school as a freshman last year,” said sophomore Owen Mech, whose parents both attended Maine South in ‘86 and ‘87. “[My parents both] knew their way around the school and the names of the lots, wings, etc. They also know how some of the school policies worked.” Although Maine South football’s first state win was in ‘95, the prideful Maine South spirit seems to resonate as deeply in past students as it does in the students walking the halls today. “The fact that my father went to Maine South prompts me to go to more sporting events than I probably would have otherwise because he still goes to them too,” said sophomore Cole Steffen, whose dad graduated in ‘76. Other students simply find it interesting that they get to experience something that their parents also got to experience growing up. “I think that it’s cool that I’m the second generation to come to Maine South,” said sophomore Gus Ebling, whose mom graduated from Maine South in ‘85. “It’s cool to think that my mom walked the very same hallways that I do today.” There have been obvious changes, such as technological advances and change in teaching staff, but there are some experiences that aren’t as widely recognized. “One shocking difference that [my dad] noticed was the fact there are no
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longer home rooms, and that the pond is no longer inhabited by a snapping turtle,” said Steffen. One thing has stayed the same throughout the years: students have always been eager to begin their summer vacations. “Everyone would empty out their folders, throw the papers everywhere, and cover the floor in that year’s work,” Mech said. Even with so many changes, the general classes and after-school activities have remained relatively the same. With the involvement in afterschool activities, first-generations
were left with fond memories. “[My mom] loved her teachers, met her husband here, and had a good enough time to send my sister and I here,” Mech said. High school is a place where many students create lifelong friendshps, and those friendships are sometimes passed down to their children. “I have friends today that I wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for our parents knowing each other [at Maine South],” said Mech. While many changes have been made throughout the years, the 53 years of operation at Maine South
have proved to be fun and enjoyable by those who have attended, and have made them happy enough to send their kids to the same school. Maine South has history that fills its halls, making the experience of going here that much more impactful. And for those who are lucky enough to be a second-generation student of Maine South, their time here is even more special, since they get to share it with another generation above them. If students enjoy their time here at Maine South enough, they may someday be sharing their experience with the next generation. ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTYNA LEPA
Hannah Kreger & Christina Johnson
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ENTERTAINMENT
| December 16, 2016
A taste of the holiday season(ing) Laura Cash
Entertainment Editor
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ith the seasons changing, snacks are going from traditional to holiday flavors and packaging. We looked at six popular treats and compared the original flavor of their products to the holiday version.
M&M’s
M&M’s have a new design and flavor for the holidays. The peppermint M&M’s are only red and white and are almost twice the size of regular M&M’s. The other holiday M&M’s that are sold are regularlyflavored M&M’s, but only the green and red ones. There’s a nice balance of peppermint and chocolate, but there is such a thing as having too many as the minty taste can get overwhelming. The peppermint M&M’s are only sold for a short time during the holidays.
Rold Gold Pretzels
Peppermint-dipped pretzels hit the shelves during the holidays as Rold Gold transforms normal pretzel twists into fun snowflake shapes. They’re dipped in a strong peppermint coating to make a unique salty and sweet flavor. The white chocolate peppermint is refreshing and tastes exactly like candy canes mixed with pretzels. These are much more festive than traditional chocolate pretzels and are much better than regular pretzels.
Dum Dums Dum Dums makes holiday-oriented twists on their candies and put them into newly-designed packages. The new flavors include Sugar Cookie, Hot Chocolate, Green Apple Grinch, Merry Cherry, Sugar Plum, Polar Punch, Apple Cider, and Gingerbread. These flavors taste just like they sound and are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Flavors like Merry Cherry, Polar Punch, and Green Apple Grinch are just original flavors that are renamed, but the rest are brand new flavors made just for the limited-time holiday edition package.
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Pringles Pringles gets into the holiday spirit by adding a special sugar cookie chip to the mix. The company that changed the packaging of chips by putting them in cans decided to add some sweetness to their original flavor. The holiday edition tastes like a sweet desert at first, then a salty chip, and leaves you with a taste much like a cracker. While normal Pringles are predictable, Sugar Cookie Pringles most certainly are not. The chips are good to try if you’re willing to be adventurous, but you probably wouldn’t want to eat more than a few.
Peeps Peeps boarded the Polar Express by changing their famous brightly-colored birds and transforming them into hot chocolate flavored marshmallows. They’re dipped in white cream to give the bottom a hard shell coating. Eating hot chocolate peeps is like eating a saturated marshmallow out of hot chocolate with its grainy, soft texture. Normal peeps are very one dimensional by only having one flavor. These not only improve Peeps’ taste, but also their look and texture.
Cheetos Although they say no two snowflakes are alike, Cheetos only has four white cheddar flakes. The new shapes are much better for the snowy season than the normal Cheetos and are only on the shelves for a limited time. The holiday version of Cheetos tastes a lot like Pirate’s Booty—white cheddar corn puffs. The tasty holiday snack is perfect if you want to try something different while still satisfying your craving for Cheetos. PHOTOS BY ARDEN SA SAK
December 16, 2016 | ENTERTAINMENT
Rapping the perfect present Luke Bechtel
Entertainment Writer
“We got it from here...Thank you for your service” A Tribe Called Quest
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egendary New York jazz rap crew A Tribe Called Quest, fueled by the passing of group member Phife Dawg this past March, returned with their sixth and final studio album, “We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service,” on Nov. 11, making it their first album in nearly 20 years. The double-disc record amalgamates a myriad of material recorded since the group’s reformation following the 2015 Paris attacks. Feeling “charged,” the group decided to put aside past differences and recorded the album in secrecy. This political influence undoubtedly bleeds into the final music; rapper Q-Tip criticizes and mocks a certain presidential candidate’s stances on tracks like “We The People….” with the chorus, “All you Black folks, you must go. All you Mexicans, you must go. And all you poor folks, you must go. Muslims and gays, boy, we hate your ways. So all you bad folks, you must go.” Tracks like these make Tribe’s lyrics feel fresh and timely during our emotionally tumultuous post-election season, despite the group being inactive since 1998. Their politically-conscious, black, humanistic, silver-lining outlook on life
shines through on this album more than ever. Musically, Tribe sticks with the formula they’ve been defining and refining since the ‘90s, relying on jazzy instrumentation and creative samples to form their distinctive sonic texture. Tribe’s sound on the album feels more familiar than ever in recent light of newcomers such as Kendrick Lamar and Chance The Rapper, bringing the jazzy, organic rap revolutionized by A Tribe Called Quest back to a youthful, mainstream audience. However, juxtaposing the old with the new in this case may not be the best idea; in comparison to the more experimental, artful approaches to rap
by the millennial generation (see: Danny Brown’s “Atrocity Exhibition”), Tribe’s music can be seen as dated, derivative, or even boring to the unfamiliar. Truth be told, Tribe’s instrumentation and rhymes on “We Got It from Here…” are stellar, but maybe not to a younger ear more attuned to the likes of Drake and Frank Ocean. As a swan song, “We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service” is quite effective. The album is the end of an era for many, and for those people, it takes them back into the titular groove of Tribe’s 1990 debut “People’s Instinctive Travels and Paths of Rhythm.” The tributes to fallen Tribe rapper Phife Dawg are present but not overbearing; “Phife Dawg, what a go on with the crew… Phife Dawg, you spit wicked every verse,” Busta Rhymes raps on “The Donald,” the album’s final track and a song wholly devoted to memorializing their fallen partner. The album even ends with one more repetition of Phife’s name, which feels like a fitting end of the swan song for one of the most acclaimed and influential rap collectives of all time. Beautifully arranged, “We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service” is an effective and enjoyable jazz rap album that pays tribute to their past while flashing a mirror at the present. It’s undoubtedly a good feeling to hear the classic quartet of such talented artists in a big time album. Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Jarobi White, and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad implore us to “Check The Rhime” just once more.
Decisively Indecisive by Lulie Duerkop
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ENTERTAINMENT | December 16, 2016
Fashion that’s Victoria Pontikes
and y t e t c o i n n k
Entertainment Writer With winter just around the corner, it may seem as if all hope for fashion is lost. Who wants to look cute if you’re freezing? There’s a simple solution to this wintertime dilemma: scarves are the perfect accessory to combat the chilly weather. Comfortable and stylish, scarves keep you warm while giving your outfit that extra pop that it needs. Below are the steps to tying the three coolest knots to keep you warm all winter.
Step 1 Take the scarf and place it behind your neck with the ends of the scarf on your back, ensuring one end is shorter than the other.
Step 2 Loosely loop both spare ends of the scarf around your neck so that in the front there are both loose ends and a loop.
Step 3 Make a knot with the ends and pull it so that it comes up just under your neck. Arrange the knot on top of the bulk of the scarf.
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The French Twist
Step 1 Pick a scarf lighter in fabric. Wrap the scarf behind your neck so two that loose ends hang in front, one end being longer.
Step 2 Wrap the longer loose end around your neck, then use the same loose end and wrap it around the loop so it returns to its prior position.
Step 3 Repeat step 2 on the other side so both sides have a spiraled look. Pull the loose ends straight down so that they do not cross over each other.
The Necklace
Step 1 Place the scarf behind your neck with the ends of the scarf in front. Then, loop the scarf around your neck using the longer loose end.
Step 2 Loosely loop the longer side around your neck so that this end of the scarf is resting on the nape of your neck.
Step 3 Start with one end and wrap it over the loop until it has been completely wrapped by the end. Repeat this process on the other side.
PHOTOS BY JILL STEFFEN
The Neck Wrap
December 16, 2016 | SPORTS
Girls’ gymnastics looks to build from previous season Colleen Johnson
Sports Writer ast year, the Maine South girls’ gymnastics team finished strong with a conference victory. This year, the team is looking to accomplish that same goal and something even bigger—traveling to the state meet. With three seniors leading the way, the team has started the year off with a win against Vernon Hills on Nov. 29. “I believe the biggest thing we are going to be able to help the team with is motivation and encouragement,” said senior Sara Ignoffo. “It’s our last year, so we want to end on a high note. I believe our work ethic sets an example for the rest of the team.” The rest of the team agrees that the seniors show a good example because they bring talent, encouragement, and experience to the team. In addition, the varsity squad i s a l s o l o o k i n g t ow a r d s t h e underclassmen for success. “This year, we have two new, strong, talented freshmen [Colette Roth and Ava Chiovatero], so we are looking to be very competitive,” said sophomore Caleigh Pistorius. Ignoffo and Pistorius both went to state individually last year, with
PHOTO BY ALEXIS CHERVINKO
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SETTING THE BAR HIGH Sophomore Cristina Defilippis performs her uneven bar routine in a match against non Hills on Nov. 29. The Hawks won the competition by scoring a collective team total of 139.35 points.
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Ignoffo getting 16th on vault and 30th on floor and Pistorius getting 12th on vault and 23rd on floor. This year, the team believes that their skill level is at an all-time high. “On each event, we have girls who all contribute to the team with their skill,” said Pistorius. “We are all very positive and get each other excited and motivated to help the team be
the best we can be. We plan to drill routines and upgrade our difficulty while maintaining our consistency. Even with a conference win and a new high score at Sectionals last year, the team struggled with consistency and staying mentally in the game. “To help us mentally, we came up with positive things to say to each other,” said junior Micayla Paterno.
“It’s a simple reminder to stay in the ‘go zone’.” The team is most excited for the potential they have and for working to achieve their new goals “[Our goal] is to go as far as possible,” said Ignoffo. “We all have the idea of going to state in our heads, and you can tell we’re pushing ourselves for it.”
Brett J. Harman Wrestling Center to warm up and to listen to a briefing by Coach Kevin Hansen. Then, the freshmen would break off and have their practice across the fieldhouse. But with the absence of many of the wrestlers and freshman coach Patrick Manning, the freshmen stayed in the “varsity room” with the upperclassmen. As a result, having the entire program wrestling in one room has allowed for the team to become closer as a whole and as a unit. It helps inspire the younger wrestlers who will now get to learn directly from some of the athletes they look up to. Lastly, it has helped the freshmen gain the experience of being a wrestler at a higher level. “It has been really great for our team,” said Coach Hoerr. “Having only half of the lineup in the room, I think that it has been very beneficial for the younger guy to get a taste of what being through a varsity practice is like.” The other coaches also agreed
that the last couple weeks had a positive effect on the first-time wrestlers. “Having the freshmen in the varsity room was a real test on their mettle and character,” said Coach Hansen. “Most thrived from the additional workload and challenges. A few kids disappeared pretty quickly but the rest have been unbelievably hard working and positive.” For the varsity wrestlers, this has had a few different effects. In one respect, the early lack of success has been attributed to the absence of many of the starting wrestlers. “I don’t know if they were accepting the fact that they weren’t going to do well because [we] didn’t have all of our starters,” said Coach Hoerr. “I felt that they believed it was almost acceptable to take a backseat. We have to redefine expectations.” On the other hand, some of the varsity starters felt a duty to lead the underclassmen. “Missing some of the outspoken leaders to football has left a void,” said Senior 152-pounder Chris
Brander. “It was up to the remaining seniors to maintain the intensity that is expected in the room.” Coach Hoerr also praised some of the seniors for stepping up. “Brander seemed like he had a new mentality and Bess was drilling hard. Overall, there was a sense of urgency,” said Coach Hoerr. “It was an opportunity that may not have been possible had the captains not been gone.” Given that the football season is over, the wrestling room will become much more populated. “The intensity level is going to go up,” said Coach Hansen. “There is a lot of varsity experience reentering the room.” Some key wrestlers returning include sophomore Johnny Halvorsen, and seniors Matt Schneider, Niko Stamos, and Orumgbe Agholor. “I love watching guys overcome what seemed like impossibly-high hurdles,” said Coach Hansen. “We have displayed remarkable perseverance. This is a special group.”
Wrestling affected by football team’s success James Bednarz Sports Editor
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hile the IHSA constitution states that an athlete may participate in more than one sport at any given time, most students wait until one sport has concluded to begin with the next sport. Due to the recent success of the football team, many of the players have waited until the playoffs ended to begin wrestling. While it might appear that the wrestling team suffered in the first few weeks, there have been some benefits to this unexpected development. “Because some of the guys aren’t here, it has allowed us to create a family-type atmosphere, a unity among all levels,” said Coach Grant Hoerr. “This is an opportunity that has been missed in previous years because the younger guys haven’t had a chance to wrestle next to the older guys. Traditionally, all levels would start the beginning of practice in the
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| December 16, 2016
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
SPORTS
BREAKING THE PLANE Senior Nick Leongas rushes for a one-yard touchdown during the first quarter against Loyola during the Class 8a State Championship. The Hawks relied on talent and senior leadership to defeat many top-ranked teams during their playoff run.
Football wins 6th State Title T
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Senior Jack Hoffman then intercepted a pass from Loyola quarterback Tommy Herion on the fourth play of that drive. The Hawks were unable to score after the turnover and were forced to punt. However, a favorable bounce pinned the Ramblers on their own 1-yard line. This success on special teams was heavily emphasized by coach Patrick Manning. “We are the difference makers,” said Manning. “Many teams simply try not to mess up on special teams and get through game without special teams hurting you. We are much more aggressive in that respect. I believe that special teams can be a huge difference in games where both teams are of equal talent and ability.” Having an All-State punter and kicker in Sean McNulty, they have been able to force touchbacks on kickoffs and improve field position on punts. The Ramblers were later halted on a 4th-and-1 rush attempt by Loyola’s Jake Marwede. The Hawks then drove 75 yards in 3 minutes and 49 seconds to set up a 25-yard field goal by McNulty. Then with only 1:46 left in the half, Herion managed to lead his offense 80 yards down the field to set up a touchdown rush by Marwede.
The Ramblers took that 14-10 lead into halftime. “I was concerned when they went up before halftime,” said Inserra. “I went into the locker room hoping that the guys wouldn’t be down, and they stayed positive.” After forcing a three-and-out on the first drive of the half, the Hawks returned the punt to the Rambler 45yard line. They then gained 25 yards in the next seven plays. Leongas connected with senior wide receiver Luke Hinkamp on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Maine South led 17-14. A later drive by Loyola was highlighted by a 42-yard pass from Herion to Loyola wide receiver David Terrell. The 77-yard drive down the field was capped off by a 34-yard field goal by Patrick Kramer, evening the score at 17-17. With 12 seconds left in the third quarter, McNulty pinned the Rambers in their own territory once again. On the first play of the drive, senior Jack Pistorius forced Herion to fumble, and Hoffman recovered it at the Loyola 17-yard line. Leongas rushed for a touchdown on the next play. After an extra-point conversion by McNulty, the score was 24-17, favoring Maine South. Maine South later received a punt
and started their drive on their own 31-yard line, with 5 minutes and 36 seconds left in the game. The ability to drive down the field while chewing the clock can be attributed to offensive coordinator Charlie Bliss. “I really set up my playbook by personnel,” said Bliss. “We give them every opportunity to succeed and Fotis runs the ball so well and we want to make sure he gets as many touches during the game as possible.” The duo of Leongas and Kokosolious combined for over 40 yards in the last drive to setup up the 18yard field goal by McNulty with 24 seconds left on the clock. After a 15-yard rush by Rock, the clock expired, and Coach Inserra and the players clinched their sixth State championship. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said Hinkamp. “It hasn’t settled in that we won. The whole weekend was a special experience for everyone.” “You never know when you are going to have a special season,” said Bliss. “These kids are special. I love coaching them and being around them. They all have untapped talent, and these kids are going to be remembered for a long time.”
PHOTO COURTESY LEIA ATAS
James Bednarz
Sports Editor he Maine South Hawks are once again Class 8a State Champions after defeating Loyola Academy 2717 on Nov. 26. Unlike their previous championship run, the Hawks took a more humble route to the state championship as the 26th seed. In their unprecedented championship run, the hawks defeated the 10th seed, the 18th seed, the 3rd seed, and then the 1st seed. The victory over Loyola marked their fourth state championship title in eight years. Head Coach David Inserra told his team before the state game, “This is the state game. We need to do our jobs and play as a team. We are smaller, we are the underdog, but we are faster.” The Hawks came out to a quick start by scoring on their first drive of the game after Loyola chose to kick off. The one-yard touchdown run by senior Nick Leongas was set up by over 70 yards of rushing by junior Fotis Kokosolious. The Ramblers rebounded quickly to bring the game back to 7-7 with a 56-yard run up the middle by Loyola running back Kyle Rock. Senior Sean McNulty ended the 6 play, 2 minute and 9 second drive with a 45-yard punt to the Loyola 11yard line.
December 16, 2016 | SPORTS
McNulty’s versatility plays a key role
Christo Fosse Sports Editor
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ost players on the Maine South football team have dedicated their time to playing one position; however, one player has put in extra work to play four. For the 2016 season, senior Sean McNulty excelled in all three phases of the game by playing kicker, punter, linebacker, and offensive tackle. “It just takes a lot of hard-work during the offseason and paying close attention to what the coaches have to say,” said McNulty. “If you can work hard then it is not really that difficult because our coaching staff puts us in the right position to perform at a high level, so I give them a lot of credit.” “Having McNulty on our special teams unit was an incredible asset,” said special teams coach Patrick Manning. “It inspired me to put the best product on the field that I could, which in turn challenged the rest of our players to step up and work harder.” However, out of all the positions, McNulty most enjoys being a member
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
IRONMAN Sean McNulty punts the football for 66 yards during the third quarter. McNulty is looking to kick in college after high school.
of the offensive line. “I really enjoy playing offensive tackle because the ‘O-Line’ is something we take pride in here at Maine South,” said McNulty. “We want to protect our quarterback and running back, and I love seeing them be successful because then I know that part of it is us on the offensive line doing our jobs.” McNulty played a key role in
the Hawks’ victory at Champaign. He played every down on offense, punted six times for an average of 41.5 yards—including one that went for 66 yards—and kicked field goals of 25 and 18 yards, one of which helped secure the win for the Hawks in Champaign. “I was really happy because after I made [the last field goal], I knew that we were state champs,” said McNulty.
“All of the hard work that we put in was finally coming out into some real hardware. It was a great hold by Nick Leongas and great blocking.” In addition to his play, McNulty also contributed to the team’s victory by providing senior leadership. “All of our seniors did a great job with not only leading by words but also leading by example,” said McNulty. “It’s important to see that the leaders of the team are working hard just like everyone else. I try to lead more by actions so that the underclassmen know what to do when they are seniors.” For McNulty, this past season can be remembered as one for the ages, yet he’s excited for the future ahead of him. “From State, my favorite moment was seeing the clock hit zero and being able to celebrate with all of my brothers,” said McNulty. “Every day this season, I have enjoyed the grind and being able to spend each day with all of the guys on the team because it truly was a fun group of guys to be around, and I love each and every one of them.”
MS coaching staff overcomes disadvantages Christo Fosse
Sports Editor espite geographic and enrollment challenges, the Maine South coaching staff was able to lead their players into clinching the Hawks’ sixth state championship. Throughout the course of the regular season and playoffs, the coaches all provided their expertise, knowledge, and instruction to their players to ultimately be successful. “Leading into the playoffs, I tried to set the mindset of doing your job and playing as a team,” said Coach David Inserra. “What we did was trust in our talent and leadership to pull out a win in Champaign.” “It was, as said during the presidential election, a ‘binary choice’,” said special teams coach Patrick Manning. “You could be the worst or one of the best. As clichéd as that sounds, I believe it was on the minds of many of our players. Many stood up at our pre-game meetings and talked about not wanting to be the first four-loss team in the Inserra era. I believe our players were motivated by what their legacy would be.”
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
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WORDS OF WISDOM
Coach David Inserra congratulates the team at the end of the State Championship game. The coaching staff focused on the values of hard-work, family, and community to defeat Loyola.
However, the coaches on the football staff had to do more than simply motivate their players. Private schools such as Loyola, Montini, and Notre Dame do not have the geographic boundaries that restrict public high schools’ enrollments. As a result, this provides the opportunity for private high schools to recruit players from different parts of the area to come play a sport for their team. This puts many public
high school teams at a disadvantage. However, through the coaching at Maine S outh and the Park Ridge Falcons feeder program, the Hawks were able to overcome that disadvantage while playing Loyola. “We took on a mantra that we are Park Ridge strong,” said Coach Inserra. “We firmly believe in what we have here in Park Ridge. We are actively involved in our youth program [Park Ridge Falcons]; the coaches and players visit the younger
players often. It creates a sense of community that teams like Loyola and Montini don’t have.” “People come here wanting to be a Hawk,” said Coach Manning. “So many of our players ‘bleed black and red’ that it makes them easy to coach and motivates them to do the extra work that makes you a champion.” Offensive coordinator Coach Charlie Bliss recognizes the fact that private school recruitment often puts public schools at a disadvantage, but he believes that the mentality of the team is able to defeat this. “Maine South has one zip code, and Loyola has around 60 different zip codes that go to that school,” said Coach Bliss. “What we do is make it fun for our players to play football at Maine South, so our players are excited to work hard.” In the end, the coaching staff has maintained that this was a season to remember. “I have learned from this past season that leadership is key,” said Coach Inserra. “I am so proud of everyone, and these guys are going to be remembered for a long time.”
SouthwordS 15
HOCKEY | GIRLS’GYMNASTICS | BOYS’ SWIMMING | BASKETBALL | CHEERLEADING | HAWKETTES | WRESTLING
Christo Fosse & Zack Johnson Sports Editor & Sports Writer
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his year’s boys’ basketball team is one of the youngest in recent memory. With six of the top ten players being juniors or sophomores and only two returning two-year lettermen, the team will look to rely on their younger players this season. However, Coach Tony Lavorato, in his 19th year of coaching, maintains that this does not affect the team’s mentality. “Every year feels different,” said Coach Lavorato. “You always have to start at square one. Ultimately, it’s not about where you start, but where you finish, and I like the way the team is progressing and improving. Progress and improvement will be the keys to our season this year.” The Hawks got off to a rough start this season after dropping their first game to Hinsdale South, 42-39. “We missed 22 shots inside four feet,” said Coach Lavorato. “We got shot down by 20 shots, so quite frankly, our inability to shoot from within four feet cost us that game. However, it provided us something to work on and improve for the remainder of the regular season.” However, the Hawks quickly rebounded scoring wins against Plainfield North, Glenbard South, and Niles West, which also happened to be Coach Lavorato’s 300th win as a coach at Maine South. “[The 300th win] is a number, and it only means I’ve been around for a while,” said Coach Lavorato. “Coaches don’t win games; players win games. For me to be at 300 means I’ve had a tremendous group of players and a fantastic coaching staff.” Throughout his coaching career at Maine South, Coach Lavorato has instilled the same principles into all of his players. “Our first and number one thing is to represent us on the court in the right way and in the classroom the right way,” said Coach Lavorato. “It’s a process that we establish as a freshman, and it’s a four-year process. Coming from an Italian family, everything our team does is familial, and we are always looking out for each other and doing things the right way. We want to have a positive
PHOTO BY JEN BECK
swimmer Youth showcased this basketball season MS medals twice at state meet Christo Fosse Sports Editor
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NOTHING BUT NET
Senior Ryan Coffey drives for a lay-up during a game against Glenbrook South on Dec. 9 in which the Hawks won with a score of 63-40. Coffey scored 14 points and recorded 4 blocks. The game also marked the 200th win under the coaching of Coach Lavorato and Coach Nee.
experience and enjoy the season.” Looking ahead at the regular season, the Hawks’ next game is tonight at Maine South against Niles North. The team will also once again participate in the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic from Dec. 27-30. “We start the tournament up against Westinghouse,” said Coach Lavorato. “Westinghouse is returning with four starters, and it looks to be like a very competitive game for us. Also, Bolingbrook is looking to be the best team in the tournament, and they have
a player that is heading to Nebraska. It’ll be a great challenge for us. Our hope is that we will be ready to compete and win by that time.” The Hawks are excited for the season that is in store and are eager to see what comes next. “We aim to win more than 20 games this season, win conference, and win as many games as possible in the playoffs,” said senior Ryan Coffey. “We know the road ahead of us will be difficult, but we are excited and look forward to a successful season.”
reshman Annika Wagner swam to a fourth-place finish in both the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle races at the state meet on Nov. 19 at Evanston High School. She finished with times of 2:03.34 for the 200 IM and 4:53.07 for the 500 freestyle. At the state meet, Wagner was the only freshman to place in the top five of those two races, the rest being upperclassmen. “It feels like all of the hard work has paid off,” said Wagner. “Just looking up into the stands [at the state meet] and seeing a bunch of people that actually care about swimming all there at once was super cool. Now, I get a little time to relax and I’m looking forward to it.” This past season, Wagner was incredibly successful with the setting of four new school records in the 200 IM, 100 breast stroke, 200 freestyle, and 500 freestyle. The records had stood since 1986, 2007, 1980, and 1975, respectively. “It takes a lot of work and dedication,” said Wagner. “We are in the pool every day for two-and-a-half hours and it is not enough just to be there. You have to work super hard or the practice isn’t worth it at all.” As a freshman, Wagner has enjoyed ever y minute of her swimming experience. “My favorite memory from this past season has included spending time with all the girls on the team, and even with the coaches,” said Wagner. “You make lifelong friends and it’s a great experience.” Even with two fourth-place finishes, Wagner recognizes the fact that there are still some aspects to her swimming that she needs to work on. “From this past season, I have learned that my turns and underwaters still need a lot more work,” said Wagner. Overall, Wagner is appreciative of the past season and is looking forward to the future seasons in store. “I have had an awesome time this past year,” said Wagner. “Seeing the new freshman in my shoes and watching the team get better and better will be a lot of fun.”