Vol 53, Issue 8 Southwords Senior Issue

May 18, 2017

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Vol. 53, Senior Issue

DON’TY O U

FORGET

ABOUT

ME

C L A S S

O F

2 0 1 7

AWARDS | May 18, 2017

RECOGNITION of the class of

College Awards & Scholarships

Ball State Legacy–Ian Kidd Butler University Academic Scholarship– Tristian de la Navarre, Elizabeth Rode, Tristian de la Navarre, Katelyn Kahn Carthage College Presidential Scholarship–Joe Gustafson Chapman University Provost Scholarship–Hannah Warlick Chapman University Invitation to the Chapman Honors Program–Hannah Warlick DePaul Edge Grant–Graham Plank DePaul Grant– Colin Kieny, Graham Plank DePaul Pell Grant–Bridget Johnson DePaul Presidential Scholarship– Alina Bosak DePaul St. Vincent Scholarship–Graham Plank Hope College Academic Scholarship–Madelynn Kreegier IIT University Scholarship– Nathan Moy Illinois State University Redbird Scholarship–Victoria Figliuolo Illinois State University Redbird Scholarship–Abigail Vaughan Illinois Wesleyan University Academic Scholarship–Toni Tortorella Indiana University Deans Scholarship–Jacqueline Beck Indiana University Athletic Scholarship–Reese Jordan Indiana University, Bloomington Dean’s Scholarship–Owen Zimmermann Iowa State University Academic Recognition Award–John Bauch John Carroll University Grant–Mark Canizares John Carroll University Ignatian Award–Mark Canizares Johns Hopkins University Football Schol-

arship–Nick Leongas Lindenwood University Athletic Scholarship– Megan Wagner Loyola Marymount University Presidential Scholarship– Haley Mech Loyola University Chicago Trustee Scolarship–Emily Rosca Loyola University Chicago Presidential Scholarship–Veronica Szewczyk Loyola University Scholarship–Samantha Neri Marquette University Pere Marquette Award–Matt Hershey Marquette University MU Grant– Matt Hershey Miami University- Oxford, Ohio Honors Program–Caitlin Wright Miami University- Oxford, Ohio RedHawk Excellence Scholarship–Caitlin Wright North Park University Grant–Roxana Kusion North Park University Scholarship– Roxana Kusion Northeastern Illinois University Music Department–Trish Maloney Northern Illinois School Press Association Mark Twain NonResident Scholarship–Caroline Rueve Northern Illinois School Press Association Tom Gebhardt Award– Caroline Rueve Northwestern University 1851 Scholarship – Mark Biedke Northwestern University Scholarship–Mark Biedke Oakton Community College Oakton Educational Senior Scholarship–Joseph Skolak Oakton Community College Wencher Foundation Scholarship– John Timperley, Joseph Skolak Penn State University Soccer Scholarship– Emma Thomson Purdue University EAS Undergraduate Scholarship– Ruthanne Orr Purdue University Presidential Scholarship–Ruthanne

2017

Orr Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design National Portfolio Day Scholarship–Claire Stephens Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Academic Scholarship–Claire Stephens Saint Louis University Honors College–Marie Downey Saint Louis University Presidential Scholarship– Alesia Gjoni, Catie Martin Saint Louis University Saint Louis Grant– Alesia Gjoni Saint Louis University Vice Presidential Scholarship–Catie Martin, Marie Downey Southern Illinois University Carbondale University Excellence Scholarship–Daniel Connolly Southern Illinois University Carbondale University Honors Program–Daniel Connolly St. Paul of the Cross Alumni Scholarship–Aileen Romano Syracuse University Archibold-Day Scholarship–Megan Wilcox The Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholar–Angel Posadas The Ohio State University Morril Scholarship-Syndney Mathias The Ohio State University Provost Scholarship–Angel Posadas The University of Alabama 2017 Chicago Illinois Endowed Scholar Award– Alexis Espevik The University of Alabama Alumni Scholarship–Alex Ramoska The University of Alabama Capstone Scholarship–Alex Ramoska The University of Alabama College Freshman Scholarship–Alex Ramoska University of Alabama Blazer Elite Scholarship–Fiona Heffernan University of Alabama Merit Scholarship–Jacob Martin University of Alabama Scholarship–Fiona Heffer-

nan University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Engineering Scholarship–Michael Manolis University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Presidential Scholarship–Michael Manolis University of Arizona Achievement Award–Adam Andras University of Arizona Federal Pell Grant–Adam Andras University of Colorado Boulder Chancellors Achievement Scholarship–Brandon Jelke University of Dayton Merit Scholarship– Bridget Yagihashi University of Dayton Scholarship–Bridget Yagihashi University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Blake, Katherine Mem. Scholarship–Alexander Sudrzynski University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bloom, David & Mary Scholarship–Alexander Sudrzynski University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Business Honors Scholarship–Daniel Touhy University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Federal Pell Grant–Julia Ekiert University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fine and Applied Arts Scholarship– Mark Toledano University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Liberal Arts School James Scholar Program– Elaina Wilkens University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Merit Scholarship–Emilia Pieta University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign President’s Scholar Award–Mark Toledano, Alex Alvizu University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Rotary Club Scholarship–Emilia Pieta University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign State of IL MAP Grant–Shariar Alamgir, Julia Ekiert, Alexander Su-

Department Awards Applied Arts Award

Art Award

Business Award

English Award

Marisa Anna Wilkens

Ewelina Laczak

Daniel Cerniglia

Anastasia Dalianis

2 SouthwordS

Family/Consumer Foreign Language Sciences Award Award

Katherine Syer

Emily Pasieka

Senior iSSue | AWARDS drzynski University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Tuition Grant– Shariar Alamgir, Julia Ekiert University of Iowa Academic Success Scholarship–Kyle McDill University of Iowa National Scholars Award– Reese Baresky University of Iowa Old Capital Achievement Award–Kyle McDill, Bruno Carina University of Kentucky Bluegrass Spirit Award–Sean Haley University of Kentucky Grant– Alexa Narel University of Kentucky Heritage Award–Jill Steffen University of Kentucky Scholarship–Alexa Narel University of Miami Foote Fellow Honors Program–Matt Schneider University of Miami Presidential Scholarship–Matt Schneider University of Nebraska-Lincoln George Beadle Scholarship–Payton Geschke University of North Texas Meritorious Scholarship – Wesley Dziedzic University of North Texas National Merit Scholarship–Wesley Dziedzic University of North Texas NMF Donor Award–Wesley Dziedzic University of Southern California Dean’s Scholarship–Kamryn McKenzie University of Wisconsin-Madison Bucky Badger Grant–Milana Milic University of Wisconsin-Madison Dorothy Charles J Marshall Freshman Academic Achievement Award– Alyssa Wang University of Wisconsin-Madison George P. Ryan Class of 1922 Scholarship Freshman Academic Achievement Award–Alyssa Wang University of Wisconsin-Madison Grant–Milana Milic University of Wisconsin-Madison UW-Madison Non-Resident Grant–Milana Milic University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Scholarship–Jack McMillan University of Wisconsin Whitewater Non-Resident Scholarship and Honors Progam–James Bednarz Valparaiso University Alumni Award– Isis Zaki Valparaiso University Christ College Honors Award–Isis Zaki Valparaiso University Presidential

Mathematics Award

Sean Stapleton

Scholar–Isis Zaki Wheaton College Arthur Holmes Faith and Learning Scholarship– Abigail Ekstrom Xavier University Merit-Based Scholarship– Aileen Romano

Outside Awards & Scholarships

20th Century Club Scholarship Lily Dysart, Grace Janes, Julia Ekiert, Emily Pieta Academic Scholarship 17000–Grace Klein Better Business Bureau Educational Foundation Scholarship–Katelyn Kahn Brett J. Harman Endowment Fund–Michael Milito Chris Harris Memorial Scholarship Award–Margaret Bono Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Youth Service Medal of Honor–Katelyn Kahn DAR Good Citizen Award, Given

by Twenty-First Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution–Kathryn Boyce Dover Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program–Emilia Pieta Electrical Association Consulting Electrical Engineering Scholarship–Jack Gentile Elyssas Mission Scholarship–Colin Wesselkamper, Sarah Baker FAFSA Federal Pell Grant–Mary Yarck FAFSA State of IL MAP Grant–Mary Yarck FAFSA University Tuition Grant–Mary Yarck FCCLA Scholarship Award–Gina Fiorentino FCCLA/ FIDM State Championship and National Delegate Scholarship–Gina Fiorentino Good Will Awards–Kathryn Boyce, Katherine Daehler, Seamus Deely, Jack Holmes, Olivia Holmes, Katelyn Kahn, Shannon Ryan, Emmett Zima, Isis Zaki Golden Apple Scholars Program – Finalist–Abigail Vaughan Hawk Booster Scholarship–Kevin Hynes, Grace Janes, Olivia Latreille, Martin Rink, Mary Pat Roche, Colin Wesselkamper Illinois Association of College Admission Counseling Scholarship – Monica

Olszewski, Anastasia Dalianis Kalo Foundation - The Don Pegler Scholarship–Ewelina Laczak, Rida Mughal “Ken Reese” District 207 Senior Service Awards–Margaret Bono, Katelyn Kahn Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge– Katelyn Kahn, Veronica Szewczyk Lucas Palermo Scholarship–Bridget Johnson Maine Scholars – Margaret Carey, Anastasia Dalianis, Anna Ebacher, Somali Kumar, Emilia Pieta, Daniel Spalinski Maine South Art/ Photo Club Scholarship – Peyton Turner Maine South Foreign Language Award–Nafiye Mehmeti Maine South Parents’ Club Clyde K. Watson Award–Katherine Daehler Maine South Parents’ Club Jan Cannon Award–Natalie Briggs Maine South Parents’ Club Paige Doherty Memorial Award–Shannon Ryan Maine South Parent’s Club Scholarship– Sarah Baker, Kathryn Boyce, Margaret Carey, Alysa Chiovatero, Ryan Coffey, Catherine Coyle, Anastasia Dalianis, Maggie Dooley, Caroline Dudlak, Lily Dysart, Anita Dzik, Anna Ebacher, Jack Gentile, Liza Henn, James Hynes, Kamila Kazimierczuk, Dominika Kolendo, Sonali Kumar, Emilia Pieta, Martin Rink, Mary Pat Roche, Matthew Schneider, Nicholas Sremac, Colin Wesselkamper, Megan Wilcox Maine South Parents’ Club Virginia Feurer Award–Grace Janes Martin McGovern Memorial Scholarship Award–Olivia Latreille, Mark Biedke MSHS Music Booster Organization– Mark Biedke, Maggio Bono, Anastasia Dalianis, Caroline Dudlak, Joseph Hands, Jack Hoeg, Alex Krysl, Daniel Morales, Kara Swanson, Megan Wilcox MSHS Speech, Drama, Broadcasting Booster Scholarship–Mark Biedke, Natalie Briggs, Katie Daehler, Ryan Dolan, Wesley Dziedzic, Joseph Gustafson, Jack Hoeg, Jorie Hoffman, Bridget Johnson, Ann Kapustiak, Linnea Orr, Megan Wilcox MTA Helen Dobbins Scholarship–Ann Kapustiak

National Merit Commended Students– Mark Biedke, Alison Cardella, Margaret Carey, Veronica Dohr, Abigail Ekstrom, Sonali Kumar, Jacob Martin, Kamryn McKenzie, Nicholas Mistrata, William Olafsson, Hannah Warlick National Merit Scholarship Corporation National Merit Scholarship Finalists–Margaret Cahill, Katherine Daehler, Anastasia Dalianis, Wesley Dziedzic, Maura Lally, Santino Mistrata, Nicole Skora, Sean Stapleton Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Scholarship – Grace Janes, Jessica Buggy, Fiona Hefferman Park Ridge Panhellenic Club Scholarship–Lily Dysart, Kamila Kazimierczuk, Anastasia Dalianis Park Ridge Presbyterian Church Lake Forest Founders Grant–Cole Nelson Park Ridge Presbyterian Church Krohn-Timme Scholarship–Cole Nelson Park Ridge Presbyterian Church Presidential Scholarship–Cole Nelson Park Ridge Rotary Club Make A Difference Scholarship–Sarah Baker, Liza Henn, Clara Kochanski, Emilia Pieta Peggy Ross History Scholar Award, Given by the Twenty-First Star Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution– Kamila Kazimierczuk Robert V. Simonson Award–Olivia Radziszewski Scott Wade Memorial Soccer Scholarship-Philip Mierzwa, Seamus Deely, Haley Mech, Mark Biedke Student Council Awards–Isis Zaki, Kamryn McKenzie, Kristin Woo The Sophia Pichinos Scholarship– Jacqueline Murphy Thomas Ziemek Memorial Scholarship – Matthew Schneider US Government Federal Pell Grant–Anthony Sikorski US Government Presidents Award–Anthony Sikorski US Government UIC Access to Excellence Grant–Anthony Sikorski Western Golf Association - Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship– Gracie DeRosa Will Dushek Memorial Scholarships–Mark Biedke, Liam Pittges, Maxwell Taddeo

Music Award

Physical Education/Health Award

Science Award

Speech/Drama Award

Social Science Award

Katherine Daehler

Grace Malone

Daniel Spalinski

Megan Wilcox

Ann Kapustiak

SouthwordS 3

COLLEGES

| May 18, 2017

Class of

2017

College

Enrollment Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham Fiona Heffernan University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa Veronica Dhor, Alexis Espevik, Brooke Ingraham, Michael Manolis, Jake Martin, Alex Ramoska, Nicholas Sremac

Arizona

Arizona State University Gavin Mullens University of Arizona Claire Devaney

California

California Polytechnic University Tara Faraji Chapman University Emma Asson, Hannah Warlick Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Gina Fiorentino Loyola Marymount University Haley Mech San Diego Mesa College Jerome Tiberi University of California Los Angeles Amanda Marino University of California Santa Barbara Thomas Rudd University of San Francisco George Grecu University of Southern California Kamryn McKenzie

Colorado

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Claire Stephens University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Sydney Richter

4 SouthwordS

Connecticut

Nelson, Dana Trivanovic Loyola University Chicago Yale University Anastasia Maria Bandriwsky, Samantha Dalianis Neri, Esther Park, Emily Rosca, Jacob Rozynek, Mary Svachula,Veronica Szewczyk Northeastern Illinois Barry University Alana Bell University Trish Maloney, Lynn University Melissa Kann, Danny Maratos, Mary Kaltakis Kyle Van Pelt Northern Illinois University University of Central Florida Christina Louie, Alyssa Mei Danny O’Malley Northwestern University Mark University of Miami Matthew Biedke, Katie Daehler, Caroline Schneider Dudlak, Jack Hoeg, Greta Koepke, Maura Lally Oakton Community College Demana Abueqteish, Orumgbe Emory University Katherine Agholor, Vincent Allegretti, Heyde, Emily Pasieka Margo Borchers, Emily Bryla, Savannah College of Art and Maggie Dooley, Anthony Design Liam Finn Edmons, Nick Foldvary, Jess Gooding, Mark Milan, Jaiden Ortiz, Marco Pilolla, Joseph Skolak, John Timperley, Jacqueline Turkashvand Augustana College Megan Southern Illinois University Drab, Katie Syer Daniel Connolly, Maria Bradley University Brandon Hajiharis Roth Concordia University Michela Triton College Mallory Alvarado, Bohdan Malko Coscino University of Illinois at DePaul Alina Bosak, William Chicago Seara Edassery, Cygan, Sean Fleming, Ava Vivian Joaquin, Jan Kobylarz, Gardner, Joseph Hands, Stanislaw Kobylarz, Kacper Greg Jaros, Bridget Johnson, Krynski, Rida Mughal, Jade Katsikas, Colin Kieny, Nicolette Klus, Nafiye Mehmeti, Anthony Ortiz, Urmi Patel, Isia Razqo, Anthony Sikorski Alexander Mikhail, Robert Plank, Yuliya Yedynets, Michael University of Illinois at Springfield Austin Bauman Zajac, Erin Zeman University of Illinois at Elmhurst College Hannah Urbana-Champaign Shariar Battistoni, Alissa Ciampanelli Alamgir, Alex Alvizu, Maggie Illinois Institute of Technology Bono, Olivia Breaux, Natalie Nicholas Arrigoni, Nathan Briggs, Ali Bruce, Analicia Moy, Bill Thai Carvatta, Andrew Daly, Julia Illinois State University Kinga Ekiert, James Hynes, Mauricio Adamczyk, Joe Armstrong, Pat Jimenez, Pawel Kaminski, Chambers, Victoria Figliuolo, Julia Klages, Clara Kochanski, Jakub Krzyzanowski, Jasmine Dominika Kolendo, Alexander Morimoto-Trapp, Olivia Krysl, Grace Malone, Pasko,Victoria Ottaviano, Rachel Maramba, Samantha Madeline Rubino, Abigail McAllister, Nicholas Mistrata, Vaughan Oliwia Mlodawska, Thomas Ng, Illinois Wesleyan University Alex Ortwig, Joseph Paoletti, Meghan Bowler, John Marc Piarowski, Liam Pittges, Farragher, Toni Tortorella, Michael Pusateri, Christopher Emmett Zima Read, Mary Roche, Hannah Lake Forest College Cole Stanton, Alexander Sudrzynski,

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Sam Tinaglia, Mark Toledano, Daniel Touhy, Alexis Vittallo, Elaina Wilkens, Marti Wind, Adam Wisowaty, Bridget Yagihashi, Mary Yarck Wheaton College Abigail Ekstrom

Indiana

Ball State University Ian Kidd Butler University Katelyn Kahn, Tristian de la Navarre, Elizabeth Rode DePauw University Philip Mierzwa Indiana University Mateo Anavi, Jacqueline Beck, Chris Brander, Reese Jordan, Milos Ljiljak, Abigail Ryan, Courtney Schaul, Cole Simner, Michael Yerkan, Anna Wojcieszak, Owen Zimmermann Purdue University Ruthanne Orr, Elizabeth Schmit, Alyssa Tamvakis University of Notre Dame William Olafsson, Nicole Skora, Daniel Spalinski, Sean Stapleton Valparaiso University Isis Zaki

Iowa

Iowa State University John Bauch, Serena Codacco, Danny Guce, Jack Holmes, Jackson Miller, Noel Pepin St. Ambrose University Jamie Rieger University of Iowa Reese Baresky, Emma Bauer, Carina Bruno, Seamus Deely, Liv Harter, Kaylee Joyce, Kyle Mcdill, Anthony Reda, Brian Shanahan, Stacey Sremac, Natalia Tyszka, Erin Vaughn, Gregory Wojtowicz

Kentucky

University of Kentucky Sean Haley, Sara Ignoffo, Alexa Narel, Jill Steffen

Louisiana

University of Louisiana Hampar Jacoub

Senior Issue

Louisiana

Tulane University Jessica Buggy, Maria Francque

Maryland

Johns Hopkins University Courtney Harrington, Nick Leongas

Massachusetts

Bentley University David Iaconetti Boston University Elizabeth Dort

Minnesota

University of Minnesota Twin Cities Emily Dolegiewicz, Martin McNulty, Emerson Uhlig, Owen Young

Mississippi

University of Mississippi Michael Maune

Missouri

Lindenwood University Megan Wagner Saint Louis University Marie Downey, Alesia Gjoni, Catie Martin, Darek Nowak, Anna Seenarain University of Missouri Matt Fortune, Danielle Jurczak, Quinlan Owen

Montana

University of Montana Olivia Holmes, Madeline Kleeman

Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Payton Geschke

New York

Culinary Institute of America Joshua Bruch Fordham University Peyton Turner Hamilton College Grace Janes Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute Katherine Donovan Syracuse University Megan Wilcox

Wesley Dziedzic University of Texas at Austin Alysa Chiovatero

Ohio

Washington

John Carroll University Mark Canizares Kent State University Patrick McCarthy Miami University of Ohio Sarah Baker, Abby O’Rourke, Michelle Parilla, Shannon Ryan, Brendan Sweeney, Caitlin Wright The Ohio State University Sydney Mathias, Angel Posadas Ohio University Daniel Maurer, Paige Taylor University of Cincinnati Marisa Wilkens University of Dayton Jenna Eggert, Ryan Walsh Xavier University Madeline Dingle, Nicole Petersen, Aileen Romano

Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University Catherine Coyle Pennsylvania State University Zach Chamberlain, Emma Thomson University of Pittsburgh Emily Donahue, Lizzie Prall

Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island Rachel Shammo

South Carolina

Clemson University Kara Wolinski University of South Carolina Jack Scales

Tennessee

Vanderbilt University Maggie Carey

Texas

Texas A&M University Alyssa Mazzoccoli University of North Texas

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

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords

Cornish College of Art and Design Sergio Vivas

Washington D.C. American University Colin Wesselkamper

West Virginia West Virginia University Danny Powell

Wisconsin

Carroll University Erin Clements Carthage Joe Gustafson, Patrick Madden Madison Area Technical College TJ Bauer Marian University Terry Gleason Marquette University Isabelle Austriaco, Margaret Cahill, Lily Dysart, Matthew Hershey, Kevin Kicmal, Alex O’Brien, Andy Schafer, John Smolak University of WisconsinMadison Alison Cardella, Molly Carmichael, Laura Cash, Jill Duerkop, Maria Iatrides, Milana Milic, Emily Peterson, Paul Sapienza, Alyssa Wang University of WisconsinMilwaukee Patrick Gancarczyk, Jack McMillan, Joseph Sullivan University of WisconsinOshkosh Arianna Zacchigna University of WisconsinParkside Anna Ness University of WisconsinWhitewater James Bednarz

Military

Air Force Samuel Jacobsen

Serbia

University of Belgrade Andjela Miladinovic

| COLLEGES

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.

Southwords would like to thank the senior editors (in bold below) for dedicating their time and talent to the production of student journalism at Maine South Editors-in-Chief News Editors

Margaret Cahill Anastasia Dalianis

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

SouthwordS 5

UNSUNG HEROES

| May 18, 2017

Alexa Narel

Emily Donahue

by Veronica Dohr

F

reshman year, I was waiting in the hall, getting ready to take my math final, when this random girl came up and sat next to me. I could tell by the way she was talking that I was supposed to know who she was, but I spent the rest of the conversation trying to figure it out and I couldn’t.

Fast forward three wonderful years and I couldn’t tell you what I would do without that same girl in my life.

Alexa Narel is an inspiration, not only to me, but to everyone who has the opportunity to get to know her. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met. No matter what happens, she is up to the challenge and ready to take on any task or responsibility thrown her way. Not only that, but her house always has an open door, and she always listens with an open mind.

Her kind-hearted attitude is not solely reserved for her friends, but extends to the community as well. She spends Friday afternoons playing soccer in the park with children with special needs with a program called The Outreach Program for Soccer.

Every week she works with a boy who doesn't talk much, but his smile shows how happy he is to see her. He sometimes struggles to kick the ball, but she always makes sure he scores a ton of goals, even if she has to pick up his foot to help him wind up and shoot.

Alexa also helps lead warm-ups for all of the children and helps organize games of follow the leader. She gives every child the chance to shine and be the leader.

She also spends Sunday afternoons helping out at the Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter.

Alexa Narel encourages people to adopt one of the dogs from the shelter and assists them with the adoption process.

In the fall, she is headed to the Bluegrass State to study food science at the University of Kentucky with the hopes of becoming a flavor master for Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

6 SouthwordS

by Emilie Kracik

H

ave you ever seen the cheesy poster that says, “What’s right isn’t always popular and what’s popular isn’t always right?” Well, as I stared at that poster every day in my 6th grade English class, I couldn’t help but always think of Emily. Emily has this incredible gift to do the right thing in all circumstances.

She’s like Jiminy Cricket, but instead of being the voice in your head telling you what to do, she leads by example. In second grade, a group of our friends were having a gossip session during recess.

We were going around in a circle, letting everyone have a turn to express distaste about a particular classmate, and when it was Emily’s turn to speak, she told us that even though this classmate was considered “weird,” that doesn’t make us any better than her, and that Emily considered her a kind person and good friend.

Emily possesses many extraordinary talents.

She has dedicated lots of her time to Orchesis and was an officer her senior year. One of her greatest accomplishments with Orchesis was when she played the role of Elvis in the 2016 Orchesis Show.

While there were other dancers on stage, all eyes were on her. What is most remarkable about this is that Emily has stage fright and saw this as an opportunity to conquer that fear.

When she’s not dancing, Emily is pursuing her passion for the clarinet. She has been a key member in marching band and wind ensemble. She is the clarinet section leader and used her talents by performing in the pit for Little Mermaid.

Emily is also an active member in the community, and has been on service trips to West Virginia, Jamaica and Montana with her youth group.

Although Maine South will be at a loss without Emily next year, the University of Pittsburgh will be fortunate to gain her. I can’t wait to see how she continues to prosper while pursuing her dream to become a speech pathologist.

Georgia Slojkowski

by Anastasia Dalianis

W

hile I first started talking to Georgia Slojkowski because of a music academy t-shirt she was wearing, I soon learned that she is so much more than a gifted musician. I am in awe of not only her kindness but also her deep commitment to and passion for all that she does.

Georgia started play violin at the age of four and it took off from there. Looking at her current school schedule, she takes four music classes all in a row. Within that time, she is rehearsing, assisting the teacher with beginner students, and studying the theory behind music. In addition to being an accomplished solo violinist outside of school—she performed at Carnegie Hall last summer—Georgia is intensely involved in the orchestra department at Maine South. She also helps teach younger students in String and Philharmonic Orchestras. This year, she also led the orchestra V-Show act.

Even in middle school, Georgia wanted to use her passion for music to help others in the form of music therapy. She moved her entire English class to tears with a presentation about music therapy and a violin performance.

Outside of music, Georgia has devoted significant time engaging with the community through work and community service. Despite her full accelerated and AP course load, she has worked at Starbucks since sophomore year. In fact, she is so responsible that she actually has a 401K at the age of 18.

Last year, many of you were introduced to the Cure SMA cause through our school-wide fundraiser; however, this foundation was not new to Georgia. She has been volunteering at the Cure SMA conference for a number of years. Inspired by her aunt, the president of Cure SMA, Georgia has been devoting her time to this worthy cause since before she started high school.

Next year, Georgia plans to attend Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she will major in Music Education.

Senior Issue

Chris Read

S

by Marisa Wilkens

ince I met Chris in 6th grade, his kindness has stunned me over and over again. He knows how to make people happy right when they need it—a big smile and cheesy jokes are never far away.

He is the most caring, yet care-free person I have ever met. Chris commands attention without demanding it. He never needs to be the center of attention but knows how to charm an audience— just ask his Chicago Lit class who listened to a twelve-minute presentation on Helmut Jahn.

Chris will befriend anyone and everyone he meets, especially if they are willing to throw a frisbee with him. After years of pick-up games in any open space, he started the Maine South ultimate frisbee team with a couple of his best friends.

Though this team flies under the radar, anyone who wants to join is welcome, and Chris is always trying to include as many people as possible.

He is intelligent without being condescending or arrogant and is one of the best writers I know.

His procrastination may not be his best habit, but his ability to write wonderful essays hours before they are due is amazing. He has an incredible talent for getting things done under pressure.

One of Chris' best qualities is his passion; his sincere interest in the things he cares about most, which is not something seen in every high school student. He constantly wants to know how things work, and I think that is seen best in his love of science, computers and of course, computer science. He will excitedly talk about coding in a way that makes people who have no knowledge of the subject at all interested because his enthusiasm is captivating.

Chris is one of the most genuine people I know, and his contributions to the Maine South community make everyone who knows him— teachers and students alike—think he is fantastic.

When he attends the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign in the fall, he will continue to pursue his passion for computer science while connecting with new students and teachers.

Kyle McDill

M

by James Bednarz

any know him as a sarcastic guy that will start “beef ” with anyone, and he will not hesitate to let you know that he is a State Champion.

While this may appear to be cocky, he has other achievements that he could not be more modest about. Kyle is a person who is extremely dedicated to helping others.

In the summer before his senior year, Kyle worked for M-NASR, or the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation. There, he would play sports and supervise other activities for special needs children.

In school, Kyle was involved in PALS, the Council for Exception Children, and is also a peer leader.

He would volunteer his free periods to help the special needs classrooms. During this time, he would either assist the teacher in their activities or would just hang out with the kids.

Kyle also coached the Special Olympics teams, and would walk out with them during assemblies.

For example, during fifth-period lunch this year, the special needs students were walking around asking for donations for their Olympics. Not only did he make a donation, but he also continued to walk around with them to try to get additional donations. I later saw him taking a picture with them next to the "Respect is my superpower" poster.

I looked at the smile on their faces and knew that it was because of Kyle.

Most of Maine South does not notice the subtle things that Kyle has done to make the world around him a better place. Learning of his efforts has made me realize that Kyle McDill is the epitome of an unsung hero.

In the last couple of years, he has quietly dedicated himself to helping others. His service was not just something to slap on his resume, it was an inspiring experience that has opened his eyes to what he wants to with his future.

Kyle will be attending the University of Iowa where he plans to major in special education.

| UNSUNG HEROES

Joe Paoletti

I

by Tommy O’Connor

met Joe when I was a freshman on the lacrosse field. Joe already had a year of lacrosse under his belt and was someone to look up to. It wasn’t just Joe’s prowess on the field that impressed me, but the attitude he brought every day to practice.

His enthusiastic, charismatic charm follows him everywhere he goes.

Aside from his athletic activities, Joe has spent countless hours participating in not one, but two youth groups. Throughout his entire high school career, Joe has embodied the spirit of both the Mary Seat of Wisdom and Saint Paul of the Cross youth groups. Through these groups, Joe has demonstrated a willingness to help regardless of the task, as well as an inviting demeanor that encouraged the participation of many other teens.

Joe’s passion for his faith is exemplified by his role as co-lead for Mary Seat’s overnight retreat— Crux. He showed great courage in his willingness to share his faith for the betterment of those on the retreat.

Joe has participated in multiple summer service trips. These trips have included work with Habitat for Humanity in Tennessee, as well as work in Detroit, Michigan for the Motor City Blight Busters—a charitable organization. This summer, before he attends college, Joe will do work for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He has taught me to think of service as an opportunity and not a burden. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with Joe knows he enjoys what he does and always puts forth his best effort.

Aside from his roles with the youth groups, Joe also volunteers his time with the Special Olympics soccer team. As a coach, he plays alongside his players to ensure the game is enjoyable for all.

Joe has been an excellent role model of how to be a dutiful citizen as well as a kind friend. When he attends the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall, Joe will excel in the classroom as well as continue his devotion to service.

SouthwordS 7

MEMORIES | May 18, 2017

8 SouthwordS

Senior Issue | MEMORIES

SouthwordS 9

RETIREE/SENIOR COMMENTARIES

| May 18, 2017

There is no app for experience Christopher Deger

Social Science Teacher espite all of the amazing benefits that our continuously evolving technology have presented to us, a subtle danger lurks behind our blind acceptance of them. As human beings, we have evolved as social beings whose destinies, like it or not, are interwoven with each other. That being said, if you observe how we deal with our “sociality” on a daily basis, we should cringe as we reflect upon what the future might bring to us as “social beings.”

If you watch people not only at Maine South but elsewhere, they are often fully engaged, but not with each other. Our love affair with our PEDs (personal electronic devices) has created a pernicious electronic autism that has begun to exclude reality from our lives. Despite their utility and attractiveness, we have not evolved as human beings to become continuously and fully engaged with such devices.

These devices cleverly hijack the human proclivity for novel stimuli and neurotransmitter release— the neurotransmitters dopamine (rewards) and oxytocin (social

D

bonding) in particular—but not necessarily for the benefit of the user. Becoming a responsible social being requires practice, patience, frustration, and countless years of experience before we could ever hope to get “good at doing it.”

As human beings, we continuously learn on multiple levels from simple conditioning to deep, insightful thinking. For us, a major pathway to learning involves observational learning. We learn more about ourselves and others by active interaction with other people in our lives through every interaction with another human: the obvious and subtle cues of language, inflection, facial reactions, posture, and other components of body language. We practice the art of conversation: the importance of when to listen and when to speak, when to ignore and when to pursue. Above all, we sharpen one of our most important human virtues—empathy—by our continuous involvement with others.

The more time we spend on these PEDs at the expense of true, face-toface interactions and observational experience, the poorer we become at relating to other people. Some

RETIRING

Mr. Deger will be retiring this year after 38 years of teaching, coaching and inspiring Maine South students.

may complain that other people are “boring” and “what’s the problem with keeping up on social media?” Yes, I get that, but it is important to realize that those “down times” which we might find as negative experiences actually allow the brain to reflect, muse, and build upon our understanding of what we have experienced and how it might relate to our lives. Boredom becomes the crucible of creativity, the foundation of reflection, and the allowance of your consciousness to

make new connections interrelating past experiences/knowledge to your present life and to your future considerations. Continuous PED stimulation does not allow for proper memor y enhancement, mental connectivity, reflection, and most importantly, our ability to build rapport with fellow human beings.

As a teacher/coach over the past 38 years, I have seen these important human qualities diminished over time, partly as a result of this electronic revolution. We fool ourselves into being connected with others when in reality, we are not. As a result, we become more disconnected with others, especially in a time when we crave greater closeness. The waves of cyber bullying and our current political polarization become two of the eventual outcomes of our loss of connectivity and empathy, our inability to listen, and our sense of entitlement to what we think and believe at the expense of others.

So try this—it won’t hurt. Take out the ear buds. Look away from the screen. Take time to soak in everything that flows around you.

Smile and strike up a conversation. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

In every situation, just keep growing Margaret Cahill

Editor-in-Chief The first eight years of my education were defined by predictability. In a relatively small, private, K-8 school, I enjoyed a comfortable familiarity with my surroundings and felt like I had found my niche. I knew the inner workings of my school like the back of my hand, and, more importantly, I knew who I was. I was the same quiet, friendly, and focused girl I had been my entire time there. I was content.

But when I set foot into the crowded halls of Maine South, I realized that suddenly I was no longer in the warm, intimate atmosphere I was used to; I felt I lacked direction, and not only in the sense that I had trouble finding my advisory room. I didn’t know what my place in this new environment would be.

Thus began my search for my own identity. I could no longer define myself as easily as I could in grade school, but as the trepidation surrounding this life change subsided

10 SouthwordS

a bit, I was finally able to explore aspects of myself that I didn’t even realize existed. High school brought new experiences and opportunities that allowed for personal expansion.

As someone who was always a bit shy, I suddenly began to open up.

It was, at first, a slow process, but by sophomore year, the girl whose parents were always told at parentteacher conferences that she needed to actually speak up in class, was now freely expressing herself. I learned that I wasn’t so introverted, at least not as much as I thought I was. I met a lot of new friends who brought out a much more outgoing version of myself. I talked louder and laughed more freely, surprising myself with my own openness.

I became far bolder. I dyed my hair (even though the thought of getting bleach anywhere near my dark hair terrified me); I joined Mock Trial (even though I was petrified of public speaking), and I allowed myself to I meet new friends that I would

not have become close to if I hadn’t allowed myself to open up.

I’ve now begun to reconcile the more introverted and extroverted parts of myself and I feel that I am reaching a happy synthesis. I am content.

But when I think back on the Margaret Cahill who first walked into the crowded halls of Maine South as a freshman, the Margaret who was quiet and scared, I am struck by how different that person is. Now, as a senior, I once again am happy. But not in the sense that my life is predictable and familiar; I am content with the person I am and I am grateful that I have had so many opportunities to change as a person throughout high school and to explore different elements of my personality.

Now going forward into college, I hope to continue to grow because I believe my personal evolution is far from over.

PAJAMA PARTY What’s I once feared change. Now I fear more of a mess- my artwork or my bowl cut? stagnation.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Find yourself in other people

Anastasia Dalianis

Editor-in-Chief didn’t know anything about her, only that her name was Jo. But as I lay in my bed at 12:30 a.m. on a summer night last year, eyes wide open with a melatonin sleep aid I’d taken hours earlier lodged in the back of my throat, she was all I could think about. And as they always did, the details began to materialize. She had a fraternal twin sister, Lena. She lived on the Lower East Side and was generally unable to hold down a job for more than a few months. She and Lena had recently acquired ownership of The Twisted Snake, a historic bar owned by their family, as part of their father’s nefarious and almost-definitely doomed plan to teach them life skills.

This process wasn’t new to me. I have been doing it since I was a child, sometimes with characters in books, but most of the time with my own characters. It never takes much to put an idea for a new character into my head. All I need is to see the right thing at the right moment—a tattoo on a stranger’s wrist, or a neon sign at night with a single letter that flickers on and off in the darkness— and the seed is planted. Like wiping condensation off of a window, the image becomes clearer little by little before finally snapping into focus. First, I can see the character—what he or she looks like, his or her personality. A single room or setting spirals out into a whole world, sometimes our own and sometimes one of my creation. For example: Walton, a rainy archipelago of islands infested

I

IF THE BOWL FITS adore-a-bowl this much.

Never thought I’d

with cannibals, Victorian socialites, and cannibalistic Victorian socialites. With the character and the world comes a story, and the more I write, the more I learn that there are infinite ones to be told.

I used to think that my ability to uncover these characters made me crazy. It sure sounded crazy when I tearfully tried to explain it to my mom once during a car ride. So I tried to hide it, to push my creativity away and trap it in the category of things I just do “to relax,” things that require little thought and have no impact on my life (like watching episodes of “Arrested Development”

while eating Trader Joe’s mango gummies). And for a while, it stayed there. My characters and my stories stayed locked away, collecting dust, while I tried to convince myself that I was meant to do something that seemed more legitimate. Physics, I told myself, sounded like something I could excel in. Wait, no, astronomy. Or mechanical engineering. Maybe pure mathematics. Anything, really, except for writing. It was my secret adventure, the one thing that made me feel like sparks could shoot from my fingers and ignite everything around me as I typed.

I may have discovered Jo in the same way as countless characters before her, but she was different. She changed everything. When I woke up the next morning, I did something different, something I hadn’t done in over a year. I wrote it all down—everything about her and Lena and the others. And then I started writing a TV show. I found actors that I would cast. I even made Pinterest boards for each character, complete with outfits and images that reflected their personalities.

To this day, I haven’t stopped working on it.

Jo may be dysfunctional. But despite her crippling overconfidence and lack of ability to help herself, she helped me. She taught me that I’m not crazy—I’m a writer. Although I tried to tame and hide it away, my creativity is valuable. It gives me the confidence to not only write fiction, but to share my opinions on issues that matter to me. My hope is to someday lend my voice to those who need it most.

Decided on being undecided

Catherine Coyle

News Editor t’s okay not to know what you want to do. I feel like in the first 16 years of my life, I was under the sweet delusion that my time was infinite. College always seemed like the “end goal,” and by the time that college actually rolled around, I would just have it all figured out. I think it was junior year that showed me how wrong I was.

There’s a bubble section on nearly every standardized test that asks you to fill in the area you plan on majoring in during college. Every single time it’s the same general topics: STEM, business, the humanities, or something artsy. Those are all the choices you have.

For the 18-year-olds that have been told their entire lives that “the world is their oyster,” it feels like a big commitment to have to narrow all their interests and hopes and

I

experiences into one single bubble.

I know that I personally struggled a lot with this. I feel like I’ve really dipped my toes and kind of tested out almost all of the different aspects of Maine South. I’ve tried stage crew, art club, mock trial, math tutoring, Irish club, Hawk Pride, PACE, adventure club, NHS, PALS, Southwords (of course), and probably a dozen other things I can’t remember right now.

All my experiences make me who I am, and they have helped me discover what I want to do with the rest of my life. We are all multidimensional, people and I believe that summing our entire beings up with a single pencil mark or a quick click is too restrictive.

It’s okay not to know what you want to do. It’s okay not to have it all figured out at the moment. It’s okay to be stressed out over a decision like this; if anything, it’s natural. We are all still so young and our entire lives

are ahead of us. You could discover something new about yourself, and in a year, maybe, you will have entirely different goals. That’s okay.

I’m writing this both as a reminder to myself and as some advice to all the students who will be going through something similar in the coming few years. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m probably going to change my major in college. Maybe more than once. There’s no doubt that this will cause some a lot of stress, but mainly, it’s important to just accept this fact.

Nobody wants to find themselves in a job that will make them miserable for a majority of their lives.What is the point in making a good salary if every day is going to feel like a struggle just to get yourself going? This is why finding the best fit for yourself should be your highest priority, and that takes time.

Passion is really what keeps us going. Some kids are born knowing

TUTU AT TWO

If all else fails at least I have my dance career to fall back on.

they want to be a doctor, while others might graduate still unsure. And once again, that’s okay. We all have so many years ahead of us and so many experiences yet to come.

Don’t worry too much about locking those decisions in so swiftly.

One day you will find yourself in a place where you will know exactly what you want to do, but that doesn’t have to be today.

SouthwordS 11

SENIOR COMMENTARIES

| May 18, 2017

It was never about the titles, scores, awards or grades

Isis Zaki

Commentary editor arlier this year, I sat down at my desk to fill out the dreaded Common Application. I remember staring blankly at this monotonous form, wondering how I was supposed to fit four years of my life into a couple of check boxes and a few brief responses.

For whatever reason, it felt wrong, as if filling out Student Council under Club/Activity was somehow discrediting the hours of poster making, can counting, e-mail drafting, organizing, and frantic late night texting.

How could I summarize four years of shutting down Starbucks with my beautiful C-Team mates, slaving away until midnight in the Southwords office in hopes of receiving that final purple-less page, reciting speech after speech while admiring pictures of Mr. McArthur’s ferret in mock trial, sending frantic late night texts/email as we tried to piece together an assembly the night before (sorry Mr. Berendt), and killing off countless skin cells after standing outside in

E

the blazing sun year after year for Hawkfest?

How could I possibly fit all the uncontrollable laughter, countless tears, pure frustration, endless stress, and absolute joy of the last four years into a page or two of drop down boxes and brief responses?

The truth is, I can’t. I have found that no number of words can describe the intense gratitude I have for the amazing people that have made these last four years so memorable.

Because for me, these clubs/groups/ activities were never just things to fill my applications with.

It was never about the titles, scores, awards, or grades. It was about the people and the little moments that made my high school experience what it was.

It was the delusional late night phone calls about God knows what, the hours spent driving around with the windows down blasting the Jonas Brothers (because we all know “Burnin’ Up” will never get old).

It was the stupid yet hilarious group chats, nights-in with the pals, and ridiculous nicknames that I will remember and cherish more than

anything.

It’s the people who somehow made four years pass by in the blink of an eye. The people make leaving and saying goodbye so impossibly hard.

So, to those people, I say “thank you.”

To the underclassmen, trust me when I say there will come a day when you will miss these over crowded, cockroach-infested halls.

And to my fellow seniors, we have done so much in these last four years.

We have broken records and started new traditions.

We have let our mark here Maine South, but our story is not over yet.

We have accomplished so much and will continue to do so.

But on our quest to make our extensive dreams a reality, we can not forget the small steps it takes to get us there.

As we embark onto “bigger and brighter things,” remember that it’s the small, ephemeral, fleeting, and otherwise insignificant moments that somehow make up a lifetime.

S o b e s u r e t o a p p r e c i a t e FIRST THINGS FIRST This them as they come, because the was the first and last time I was photographed important things are easy to miss. with my eyes open.

Youth is full of simple pleasures

Emily Rosca

Features Editor hey say high school is the best four years of your life, but if this was the best, what will the rest of our lives be like?

This four-year period can’t possibly be the best because we’re still so young. You can only fit so many experiences and adventures into 18 years.

The end of high school marks the end of era and the start of a new one.

With graduation being right around the corner, I look back on these past four years with bittersweet, but mostly sweet, feelings.

I will remember high school fondly, but as the final quarter comes to an end, I become more and more excited for what’s to come next. My family warned me that these four years in high school would fly by, and yes, as clichéd as that statement is, they were right.

In this age of advanced technology, life seems to pass by quicker and quicker with each passing minute.

With that being said, it’s important

T

12 SouthwordS

look up from our mesmerizing devices and enjoy the vibrant world around us.

I’ve learned that the little things in life bring me the most joy, seemingly insignificant things like sleeping in an extra five minutes, finding an extra french fry at the bottom of the bag, days off from school (thanks, Columbus), or finally finishing a WebAssign assignment for my physics class (yes, Mr. Downing, those were brutal).

My mom taught me from a young age that it’s important to live in the moment and not constantly worry about what’s next.

I’ve come to embrace this mindset, yet I find it difficult not to look forward to the weekend, especially when I have a four-day math quiz that week.

Aside from the academic perspective, high school serves the purpose of teaching students c o m mu n i c at i o n s k i l l s , t i m e management skills, and how to effectively write a four-page Frederick

Douglass research paper the night before it is due: all useful, real-world skills.

With school being as stressful as it is, it’s important to make time to do the things you love and indulge in your hobbies.

In high school, I discovered my passion for writing. I’m grateful for the experiences gained and memories made from my time on Southwords.

I was able to improve my writing, while spending time with a creative, inspiring group of people.

I will never forget the pizza-filled week with my co-editors, where we researched eight highly-acclaimed pizzerias in Chicago. I learned to love pizza more than ever, if that was even possible.

On the way home from that day’s third pizzeria, rain rhythmically poured down the glass window, and I realized I had never been more content than I had been in that moment, sitting in the back of the car, suffering from a pizza-induced food coma, listening to the melodic

SPREADING THE NEWS My love of newspapers started long before I joined Southwords.

and inspirational sound of 80’s music, surrounded by some of my favorite people.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Aged and (still) confused

Laura Cash

Entertainment Editor hen I reflect on my time at Maine South, I can remember distinct moments from each year. Freshman year was new and exciting, and I was always a minute early to every one of my classes. Sophomore year was still fresh but there was that little voice in my head that always reminded me how I wasn’t even halfway done with high school.

Junior year—although still fun—was a blur of stress, and the ACT left scars that still have yet to fade.

Finally, senior year came and I expected it to be a breeze; let me tell you it was not.

Throughout the four years I can also recall many realizations I came across. Like freshman year when for first time I saw kids walking outside to get to class on time. It truly blew my mind as I saw students rushing to class through the snow, thunderstorms, and the harshest of winds just to avoid the hustle and bustle of the glass hallway.

I also recall sophomore year when I was horribly lost and couldn’t find my classroom. Although I had gone to this school for over a year, I simply could not find C142. After a good half hour of hopeless wandering, I finally found the room. It was inside another room. The appeal of a room with no windows never seemed to resonate with me.

To this day, I still don’t understand the confusing layout of this school.

When I walked into school late one day in the

W

SLIDING INTO YOUR DMs Trying to slide into the finish line of high school.

very beginning of junior year, my tired self entered the building and walked directly to the attendance office as one tardy teen would. I’ll never forget the sense of confusion I felt when I expected to be greeted by one of the women in the attendance office, but was instead greeted with a hostile wooden wall that left me with an unexcused tardy and a loss of familiarity to the school I thought I

knew. There was no one to sign me in and I walked in late to first period perplexed and ashamed.

At last, senior year came and my expectations were high...too high. The first day of school, I prepared myself for a bunch of syllabi and to go over the typical grading system. As I went through the day, I became less and less certain about what I was getting myself into. You can imagine my reaction to a new grading system that involved not only numbers, but letters that represented percentages.

“NY,” “NO,” and the dreaded “Z” became the basis for incomplete, tardy, or untrustworthy work. This was a new language to me as I had to learn what these abbreviations equated to when it came to grades.

Each year at Maine South came with its own unexpected twist that I did not foresee. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I had the time of my life making new discoveries. My friendships were unwavering and the memories I made will last for a lifetime. The teachers, the classes, and the students have all had an incredible impact on me that I hope to carry out as I move on to bigger things.

As my high school career comes to a rapid close, I can confidently say that I thoroughly enjoyed my high school experience. But with that being said, change is inevitable, and as I prepare for my future, I can use these comical experiences to help me in the next chapter of my life. Fear not, underclassmen— you will finish one way or another.

Some friendships can last forever

Jill Steffen

Entertainment Editor am the luckiest person in the world. And also the unluckiest. At the age of four, I was blessed with the greatest gift I could have ever been given.

Messiah Lutheran Preschool introduced me to Laura Cash, and for that I am eternally grateful. It’s not often that you meet your best friend in a small preschool, but somehow I just got lucky.

Fourteen years later, I made a lot of friends and lost some friends, but Laura was always there for me. Through the duration of that period, I encountered some difficult times. Like my horrible fashion mistakes, such as wearing Bermuda shorts every day up until eighth grade. Or giving vicious claw marks to whomever tried to pull out my ponytail that literally did not leave my head for eight years. Or family emergencies. Or breaking down because I received a grade so low on an APUSH test that I thought it was impossible. No matter what the case, Laura was always there for me.

Though I’m usually a creative person, openprompt writing assignments have always scared me to death. The most dreaded words were those escaping my English teacher’s mouth as he or she assigned a “creative writing” assignment. I like structure. I like knowing length, spacing, the

I

questions the piece should answer, and the number of citations. Obviously, this senior commentary scared me to death. Having to voice my opinion on anything I wanted is basically my worst nightmare, but after taking some time to think over what I value most, I came to the realization that I would not be the person I am today without my friends.

My mom always said that you become like the five people you spend most of your time with, and she was right. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been surrounded with people who are nothing but kind, generous, caring, funny, smart, and supportive. Throughout high school, I saw so many petty fights and witnessed friendships crumble over the most insignificant issues.

High school is difficult enough with trying maintain grades, worr ying about college, discovering your interests, and balancing friends and family, but having friends who were always there to make me laugh or smile made my high school experience one that I truly will never forget.

However, with college coming in two months, I am kind of mad at my friends about one thing: the transition to college is going to be so incredibly difficult because I don’t know how I am ever ITS MY PARTY AND I’LL CRY IF I going to find greater friends. The bar has been set WANT TO Parties are the perfect place to have a cry-fest, let me tell you. impossibly high, but that’s not a bad thing.

SouthwordS 13

SENIOR COMMENTARIES

| May 18, 2017

Making life happen, one step at a time Mark Toledano

Entertainment Editor o this is it. My big moment. The chance to sit in the spotlight and share my wisdom in the Senior Issue of Southwords. It’s the prestigious moment I’ve been waiting for all these years. But not really.

I got my first big high school rush of energy in the spring of 2014. I had made some new friends, joined the tennis team, started driving, and got serious about my grades after a semester of (somewhat) slacking.

Things were falling into place, and something about it being second semester of my freshman year made me want to go all carpe diem every day. It was a big moment in my life.

The second rush of energy came a year and a half later: fall, 2015. I was just starting my junior year. Getting back from my gig as a summer camp counselor in Wisconsin calmed me down and bolstered my confidence. I walked around school with my head up high, confident, and enabled. This, too, was a big moment in my life.

S

Life’s big moments come and go.

But if four years of wandering down these narrow, cockroach-ridden halls has taught me anything, it’s that life’s perfect moments don’t come at your pleasure. In fact, they don’t come at all.

I didn’t plan out the good experiences I’ve had at Maine South.

Opportunity knocked, I answered, and thank God I did. But of the few regrets I have looking back, sitting around waiting for things to happen tops the list.

That perfect moment we all wait for, the moment we dream about, where we take action against all odds to prove our self worth—that moment will never arrive. It’s an illusion.

Life’s perfect moments aren’t stumbled upon; they are created.

What I thought was just going through the motions was actually something bigger. That last chunk of my freshman year, where I got that rush of excitement, was one of the first times in my life that I stepped outside of my comfort zone. It was new, it was

scary, but it was worth it. I remember how hard it was at first, frustrated and demoralized that I had little to show for all the effort I was making. How much I wanted to give up, how much I wanted to lose—because losing without dignity is easier than winning with pride. But I knew I was on to something. Life knocks you down when you stand up tall, and I’ve taken my fair share of faceplants. But that’s okay, because even when you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.

Four years at Maine South has taught me a lot. Thanks to Mr. States for sending me to American Legion Boys State, an experience that changed my life, and Mr. Hansen for putting up with a liberal. Muchas gracias to Don Francisco for your Friday concerts on the guitar, y Don Jose for your wise insight on life’s complicated journey. Bien Bien. And finally, thanks to the adviser that makes Southwords possible, a man of few words but many purple pen strokes. Oh Captain, my Captain, Mr. Stathakis. A 16-page issue of

CAKE BOSS

I may not have been the smartest child, but I knew what cake was and where to find it.

Southwords isn’t enough to show all of the time and effort he puts into giving Maine South students a voice through this amazing publication that only works with his dedicated guidance.

The big moments in life might not happen every day, but they are what make life worth living every day. Don’t wait for them. Make life happen.

What wrestling has taught me about life James Bednarz

Sports Editor magine yourself stuck in a extremely hot room and exercising until you feel like your legs are jello and your back is going to break. Now add in a very imposing and intimidating coach (we’ll call him “Kevin”). Oh I forgot—you’re not exercising by yourself; you’re fighting against another high schooler. Now imagine doing that for several hours a day, six times a week, three months a year, for four years. That is wrestling. You might be thinking, “poor kids being forced to do such a thing!” But oh no, you voluntarily choose this sport. At least you can eat and drink as you please, right? Think again!

I wrestled all four years of high school. My uncle is Craig Fallico, the former head wrestling coach at Maine South. That would also mean that I am cousins with Nick Fallico, Cody Fallico, Joe Brewster, Danny Brewster, and Tommy Brewster.

If you don’t recognize any of these names, take a step into the Brett J. Harman Wrestling Center.

You will find that they are eighty-plus career win varsity state qualifiers and Division I wrestlers. My mother also worked the wrestling booster program, HawkTakedown, and the concession stand for over 13 seasons. Needless to say, I was born into a wrestling family.

I enjoyed my freshman year of wrestling a lot.

Most kids did not know what wrestling was really about, so a large number of kids came out for the team. Also, being with Coach Churak and Coach

I

14 SouthwordS

BUCKET BOY

I can call the balls and strikes from the dugout better than the umpire can from behind the plate.

Carracci in the freshman room was a plus. I had a relative amount of success, but this would not last.

As sophomores, we would join the upperclassmen in the varsity room. For the next three years, I saw my teammates progress faster than I did and I continued to see less and less success. Towards the end of my senior season, I could not wait for the

season to be over. Not only was I not winning, but I was getting beaten handily. But I would realize just in time that it would not be the wins that defined my wrestling career.

The Saturday morning after the Senior Night duel was junior varsity conference, and this would be the last time I would step out onto the mat. In the third place match, I had turned my opponent to his back. It was hitting me that this would be the last time that I would get to do this. I got my hand raised after I won, and that would be the last time.

I could not hold in the tears. I pulled my singlet down, grabbed my headgear and walked into the Niles North locker room where I broke down. Two guys were talking in there and they asked, “Aw man, did you lose?” and I replied, “No, I won.”

This was when I realized that senior year is the “year of lasts.” It was incredible how I thought that I hated wrestling, yet I was very emotional when it was over. Looking back, wrestling was actually the most positive experience of my high school career. It taught me how to work hard, and how to overcome adversity. Most importantly, it showed me the value of time. It made me realize that we are all only in this place in our lives once, and that it is important to enjoy every second of it, because it won’t last. It was an honor and a privilege to have learned what it means to be a wrestler and a gentleman.

After all, I didn’t chose the wrestling life. The wrestling life chose me.

Senior Issue

| SENIOR COMMENTARIES

Thousands of people to miss Haley Mech

Production Editor ’ve been thinking about what I’d write in all my friends’ yearbooks already because I’m a very sappy person.

There’s just so much I want to say to so many people I may never see again. I came to realize how many people at Maine South have made a difference in my life and may not even know about it.

So this is for the kids I didn’t get to say goodbye to. This is for the kids who I don’t know all that well, but I appreciate. This is for the kids who probably don’t even remember what I’m talking about.

Milena, at the beginning of the year, I knew no one in the class and I had no one to go to for group work.

Thank you for adopting me.

Denise, I still can’t believe you baked me something for my birthday.

You are sweeter than the delicious

I

brownies you made me.

Eden, you’re a friend of a friend and we never got to hang out that much, but you’re adorable and hilarious. Wherever you’re moving to, I hope there’s an IHOP nearby.

Anne, you’re so smart and an amazing artist. I don’t want you to let one hard class make you think less of yourself.

David and Kacper, we talked about recurring dreams and Star Wars for an entire class period one time. I think about that a lot, and I wish I got to know you guys better before we all go our separate ways.

Bella, I’m so mad I only had the chance to meet you this year because you’re awesome and I have to leave.

Help keep GSA going strong and keep being you.

Mark, you complimented a part of me that I’m insecure about. I should’ve said thank you then, but I was too embarrassed, so I hope it’s

okay if I do it now. Thank you.

Austin and Aidan, you guys are long gone, but I wouldn’t have survived freshman year if it wasn’t for you. On the first day of math class, I was ten minutes late. You asked me if I was a freshman, and when I said I was, you responded with “Figures” and a kind laugh. You tried to hold hands for an entire class period, but the teacher wouldn’t let you. You fed me M & Ms. You answered questions wrong, but you were never ashamed.

You asked a girl to a dance and she said no, but you kept your head up.

I learned so much about high school from you. Thank you for helping me see that high school is a lot of work, but it’s better if you make it fun.

I’m going to miss so many people I don’t even realize yet, but I know you’re all destined for greatness. I won’t forget you, and I forgive you if you only remember me as the Star Wars girl. I did that to myself.

I will never forget my sophomore chemistry teacher. To be honest, going into that class, I was awful at chemistry, but she made chemistry enjoyable and interesting. She awoke in me a love for chemistry and science that I never knew was there.

When someone is able to connect and make these memories in high school, those memories will last a lifetime. You will never able to remember everything in high school, but you will remember the moments and the people.

Complaining about the last history test over a sweet potato roll, grabbing a matcha lemonade after a long week of stress, or devouring a not so healthy breakfast while discussing what is going on in our lives put in motion memories that I will never be able to forget with my friends. The laughter, the arguing, the fretting, and the occasional breakdown remind me of the importance of the connections that I have formed with friends. It is those simple memories that prompt us to stay connected with the people we shared a part of ourselves with.

We choose not to remember cramming for a test the night before or staying up late to watch Netflix to avoid doing our homework. Rather, we choose to remember the crazy

things that happen in high school.

The time at the lunch table when your friends made you laugh so hard milk came out of your nose, or when a student missed the target on a blanket, accidentally pelting an egg directly into the wall. It is the hilarious moments in high school that we will always look back on because those are what high school is supposed to be about.

Without the personal relationships and the small shared memories, saying goodbye would be so unsatisfying and insignificant. The people we meet and experiences we have and choose to remember are what make high school special. It is these shared high school experiences that make it so hard to say goodbye to them. It is comforting

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO I’ve always been quick to

cry, but at this time of year, it’s either a happy or bittersweet cry, because I love my friends.

Saying goodbye has never been so bittersweet Peyton Turner

Photo Editor hough you may not have realized it as a freshman starting the next chapter of your higher education, your high school years are the last time that you will be in constant contact with classmates, some of whom have been in class with you since the age of five.

To many, high school is just one more step to independence and freedom. Yet high school shapes our attitudes and our way of thinking more than people realize.

It is impossible to know every student in your class, let alone be friends will them all. That is why the friends that we do make during high school are so special. These relationships are built on common experiences, likes, or interests that bring us into close contact with other students. These relationships, the connections you make, are what make high school actually enjoyable.

These relationships we make are not limited to our classmates. The teachers and coaches who help us navigate through our high school experience are important, too. These teachers become role models and help us to shape how we interact with the adult world we will soon be entering.

T

to know that the effect that they have had on us will be with us for the rest of our lives.

It is these relationships that make it hard to say goodbye to high school, even though we might not always have enjoyed it.

The best of part of high school is all of the goodbyes. Why, you might ask?

Why would something painful like saying goodbye to someone be at all good? When a goodbye is painful, that signifies that the relationship means something. It means that instead of just drifting through high school, you actually cared for the people around you and were cared for by them.

You actually put the effort forth to participate in school instead of just being a passive observer.

STYLING FROM THE START

My hello to the world was precious, but my goodbyes in high school will not be as pretty.

SouthwordS 15

FEMALE ATHLETES

| May 18, 2017

Clara Kochanski Badminton

Olivia Latreille Basketball

Claire Devaney Cheerleading

Madeline Dingle Cross Country

Clara Kochanski, a three-year varsity member, put in all of the effort necessary to become a valuable player and teammate. She has shown up to every open gym, practice, and meet. This dedication has made her a role model to her teammates.

Kochanski has defeated her New Trier opponent in singles in all of her four years in the program. “Clara is very serious and doesn’t let the pressures of playing opponents affect her toughness,” Coach Eve MuirWilson said. She also earned a medal in every competition in her last season. Kochanski will be attending the University of Champaign-Urbana with a major in Bioengineering.

Olivia Latreille has been a member of the girls’ varsity basketball team at Maine South for the past three years. As the starting forward, she led the team in rebounds. Latreille was a powerhouse for the team as a co-captain, and was the only senior to be All Conference. According to Coach Mark Smith, “Beyond Olivia’s efforts on the court, Olivia was a good leader off the court. These off the court efforts included academics in the classroom, communicating with coaches, and maintaining a high morale and camaraderie among her and her teammates.” Latreille will be continuing her education next year at Washington University in St. Louis.

Claire Devaney, a three-year varsity cheerleader, stood out as an all-around athlete. As a captain, she was a role model for her academic awards and also for being a supportive teammate. “Claire was an amazing leader,” Coach Kelly Nessling said.

“She helped all the other cheerleaders on the team whenever they needed it.

She was the go-to cheerleader, and she worked hard for that. She became a leader that the whole team was proud to have.” She was also praised for her dedication to both the sport and her team. It will take more than a good athlete to replace the leader that is leaving. Devaney will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall.

Madeline Dingle, a three-year varsity member, has been a top runner throughout her final season. She led the team to a state berth as the varsity co-captain. Dingle’s teammates describe her as a great leader, a fierce competitor, and a great role model for the younger runners. Among her many accolades were Individual CSL Conference Champion, Regional Champion, Sectional Medalist, and All-State. “Her impact was constantly felt,” Coach Jeffrey Downing said.

“Both her personality and athletic presence will be missed.” Dingle is continuing her athletic career on an athletic scholarship to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Emma Thomson Soccer

Toni Tortorella Softball

Emma Asson Swimming

Marti Wind Tennis

Emma Thomson, a first-year varsity starter, has made a huge impact in her short career in the soccer program. She is described as being an amazing soccer player and person. “In a time when a lot of clubs don’t allow girls to play for their high schools, Emma never let go of her goal to play for the Hawks,” Coach JJ Crawford said. Thomson has had an exciting senior year, scoring five hat tricks in six games.

She is currently being considered for the All-Conference, All-State, and Gatorade Player of the Year selections.

Thomson will play Division I soccer at Penn State University.

16 SouthwordS

Toni Tortorella, a three-year varsity player, was a role model for the softball team after being varsity captain for the last two years. “Toni is one of the hardest working athletes I have coached,” Coach Emmy Pasier said. “She is always doing her best, and as she is getting better, she is making others better.” As a second and third baseman, she had an innate ability to field the ball. She was described as being hard-working, talented, and an overall asset to her team. The impact she has left on the team will be seen for years to come. Tortorella will play softball at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Emma Asson, a four-year varsity swimmer, competed in the Butterfly, Backstroke, and Freestyle events.

She exemplified how hard work and perseverance can pay off. Asson did not stand out in her first years as a swimmer, but then her career took a direction change. “She taught the younger swimmers that it is never too late to make the necessary changes to be the person and athlete you really want to be,” said Coach Donald Kura.

As a result, became a role model for many of her friends and teammates.

Asson will be a Division III swimmer at Chapman University in Orange, California.

Marti Wind, a four-year varsity athlete, was an All-Conference athlete for four years, a team Sectional Champion in 2015, and second team All-State for two years. Wind is described as a hard-working, dedicated, motivated role model. She has had tremendous success playing doubles with her partner, Kamila Czosnyka. The pair placed in the top eight at the state meet their senior year. According to Coach Gerald Smith, “Marti set an example of hard work and sportsmanship for others to follow.” Wind will be attending the University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign in the fall.

Senior Issue

Kelly Maigler Golf

Kelly Maigler, a three-year varsity golfer, led her team with a 45.2 nine-hole average in her last season with the Hawks. This average beat the next closest average by a total of five strokes. She was a two-year varsity captain, and was described as being a unique kind of leader. “Her teammates would say that there’s nobody quite like her,” Coach Matt Ellefson said. “She is the leader of the team in every way: emotionally, mentally, physically. She left a legacy of excellent play.” According to her coach, she competed with grace, determination, and poise. She was an invaluable asset to her team. Maigler will attend the University of Arizona.

Alysa Chiovatero Gymnastics

Alysa Chiovatero, a four-year varsity gymnast, has left quite a legacy for the girls’ gymnastics program.

She was an All-Conference gymnast and a sectional qualifier every year during her career, and is also on the record boards for bars, beams, and all-around. “Alysa’s displayed commitment to the team and has been dedicated to the sport by always attending each practice and meet,” Coach Tessa Robinson said. “Even with injuries she’s dealt with in the past and this year, she had the motivation to push through the pain and meets to do what she could for the team.” Chiovatero will be attending the University of Texas at Austin.

Sydney Richter Track & Field

Sydney Richter, a three-year varsity member, did just as much good for her team as she did for herself. Along with scoring within the top-ten triple jumps of alltime at Maine South and being a middle-distance runner, she was also described as being as a great leader.

“She was the go-to person if anybody needed assistance, advice, or if they needed someone to follow,” Coach Jeffrey Downing said. “She helped set the bar for what a captain can do for her team.” She was said to be the “true leader” of the jump group since her first year. Richter will attend the University of Colorado.

Maggie Harris Hawkettes

Maggie Harris has been a varsity Hawkette for three years. Harris’s teammates would describe her as a hilarious, helpful, and optimistic person. According to Coach Jackie Graney, “Maggie was more than dedicated to the Maine South Hawkettes. Maggie is a positive role model to her teammates, and she fulfilled the role of a strong motivated leader. With ever y experience throughout this past season, she only saw positive outcomes. We will miss her so much.” Harris has stood strong in the face of adversity when dealing with multiple knee injuries during her career. She will be attending Michigan State University in the fall.

Stacey Sremac Volleyball

Stacey Sremac, a three-year varsity player, was captain, CSL AllConference, and a scholar athlete in her senior season. “She was a leader on the court and always had a positive outlook in every situation she faced,” Coach Allison Groessl said. “Stacey was always giving 100% in any activity or drill that we did in practice which made her a huge asset on the court during game time. She was a friend and smiling face to everyone in the program and a great individual.” In her entire career, she served 248 times and only missed 15. She also only had 32 errors. Sremac will be attending the University of Iowa.

| FEMALE ATHLETES

Jamie Rieger Lacrosse

Jamie Rieger, a three-year varsity member, was an outspoken leader of this year’s lacrosse team. She was described as being an “absolute force” on the field. “She is an unbelievable shut-down defender and our team’s emotional leader,” Coach Colleen Speth said. “No one can pump up the team like Rieger. She’s a great teammate and captain, and her next team is lucky to have her. Her role on the team will be a very difficult one to fill.” She was also said to have a tremendous impact on the younger players, having been a role model on and off the field. Rieger will be playing DII NAIA Lacrosse at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

Abby Vaughan Water Polo

Abby Vaughan, a three-year varsity athlete, was a two-time cocaptain of the water polo team.

Vaughan is considered one of the most versatile players on the team.

She was this year’s highest scorer and one of the strongest defenders for the team. Her teammates describe her as a hard-working and resilient individual. According to Coach Sarah Gershon, “Abby’s positivity and energy have carried over to the rest of the team. She is always the first person to help the younger players.”

Vaughan will be attending Illinois State University in the fall where she will be studying education.

SouthwordS 17

MALE ATHLETES

| May 18, 2017

Jaiden Ortiz Baseball

Jaiden Ortiz has been a member of the varsity baseball team for two years. Ortiz serves as one of the most versatile members of the team this past year playing third base, right field, and pitcher. As a batter, he is second on the team in batting average and on-base percentage. His consistency and productivity have been essential to the team’s success this year. According to Coach Bill Milano, “Jaiden simply leads by example and remains a positive influence on his teammates.” Ortiz will be attending Oakton Community College in the fall.

Milos Ljiljak Basketball

Milos Ljiljak was a three-year varsity basketball player for the Hawks. Voted MVP of the 2016-2017 season by his teammates, his leadby-example approach and mature work ethic was an inspiration to both upperclassmen and underclassmen.

According to Coach Lavorato, “Milos was a key contributor to the integration of classes, so the chemistry was solid during the entire season.” Ljiljak won numerous awards including CSL South All-Conference athlete and a Pioneer Press Honorable Mention All-Area Team selection. He will attend Indiana University.

Emerson Uhlig Swimming

Emerson Uhlig was a four-year diver for the Hawks during his time at Maine South. Uhlig is described by his coaches as the “lifeblood” of the Maine South Diving Team. He began his diving career as a rookie with no experience and continued to develop consistently over the course of his career. Accoring to Coach Donald Kura, “Emerson has been an enthusiastic mentor to younger divers and a solid compass for the team.”

In his senior year, Uhlig achieved his highest dive score at the IHSA Sectional meet. He will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall.

18 SouthwordS

Reese Jordan Cross Country

Reese Jordan, a three-year varsity runner, has been one of the best and most consistent runners in Maine South history. As a captain, he led the team to a ninth place finish at the State meet which was the second best finish in school history. Individually, Jordan has been a Conference champion, Regional champion, and a Sectional champion. In his senior year, he finished eleventh at the state meet and set a 25-year varsity home course record of 14:46 for three miles.

He will attend Indiana University in the fall and will continue to run both track and cross country.

Colin Wesselkamper Tennis

Colin Wesselkamper has been a three-year varsity tennis player, playing first and second singles.

Throughout his high school career, Wesselkamper was highly successful with a winning record at second singles. Additionally, he finished in the top three at the Hawk Invitational twice, and he finished in top three at Conference twice. His teammates would describe him as a tough competitor, extremely friendly, and hard-working. According to Coach Greg Young, “Colin always represents himself, his family, and the school well.” He will be attending American University in the fall.

Nick Leongas Football

Nick Leongas was a two-year varsity member for the football team. As a one-year varsity starter, Leongas was named a Chicago Tribune All-State quarterback, voted as team MVP, and led Maine South to its sixth football championship.

In one year, Leongas scored 39 touchdowns and finished just 13 yards short of 4,000 all-purpose yards. He will be remembered for his “level-headedness” and being one of the most selfless members on the team. Leongas will be continuing his football and educational career at Johns Hopkins University.

Reese Jordan Track & Field

Reese Jordan has been a varsityrunner for three seasons. During his career, Jordan has been very successful. He was a state-qualifier at the 3,200 meters his sophomore year, finished seventh in state at the 1,600 meters his junior year, and finished third at the Indoor State meet for the 1,600 meters his senior year. Jordan was named a captain for this past year and is regarded as one of the best longdistance runners Maine South has ever had. Jordan currently holds the 6th best time in the 3,200 meters and the 5th best time in the 1,600 meters.

He will continue his athletic career at Indiana University in the fall.

Senior Issue

Daniel Touhy Golf

Daniel Touhy has been a member of the varsity golf program for four years. He was highly respected by his teammates and coaches and was named co-captain of the squad his senior year. Touhy always demonstrated passion for game and other players fed off this energy.

According to Coach Steven Scholl, “Danny was always a class act and demonstrated sportsmanship both on and off the golf course. His commitment to the team and love for the sport will be missed not only next year, but beyond.” Touhy will be attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Ryan Dyball Hockey

Ryan Dyball, a four-year varsity member, started as goalie for Maine Hockey. Regarded as one of the best goalies in Illinois, Dyball is described as a quiet leader who was able to motivate his teammates through his actions on the ice. This year, Dyball was named a league all-star, All-State athlete, and an Illinois Showcase Tryout invitee. According to Coach Greg Mrofcza, “Ryan has left a large legacy for the next generation of goalies. The bar has been set, and we will use Ryan’s skill and achievement as a standard for the next seasons.”

Dyball will continue his hockey career at the ACHA Club Level.

Paul Rzepniewski Volleyball

Paul Rzepinewski has been a contributing member for the varsity volleyball team for three years as a middle hitter. Rzepinewski has been incredibly successful at this position, averaging a kill efficiency of 35 percent which is higher than usual for someone in that position.

He was voted All-Conference in his junior year and is an integral part of team’s offense. According to Coach Gary Granell, “Paul is someone both younger and older players can look up to and strive to be like.” Rzepinewski will be continuing his volleyball and educational career at California State University, Northridge.

Mike Purcell Lacrosse

Mike Purcell has been a key contributor to the varsity lacrosse team’s defense the past two years.

Purcell is described as a standout defender on the team and a great leader of the defensive group. Many of his teammates would describe him as “the key” to the team’s defense. As a senior leader, Purcell has stepped up and worked with younger players to teach them the defense of the game. According to Coach Camerin Staffel, “Mike is a standout defender on the team. He is a great leader, which always shows up in team production.” Purcell will be attending the University of Illinois in the fall.

Jake Rink Water Polo

Jake Rink has been a varsity member on the water polo team for two years and can be described as an all-around player. For this season, Rink was one of the top-five scorers on the team and one of the leading players in assists and positive turnovers along with minutes played.

Rink is described by his teammates as patient, supportive, conscientious, good-humored, and willing to lead.

He will be remembered for his hard work, dedication, and consistency as a player. Rink will be attending Iowa State University in the fall where he plans to continue playing water polo at the club level.

| MALE ATHLETES

Philip Mierzwa Soccer

Philip Mierzwa has been a varsity forward for the past three years. During his tenure as forward, Mierzwa was a two-time CSL-All Conference player and an Illinois All-Sectional Honoree. Not only did he excel on the playing field, he was successful in the classroom as a CSL Maine Scholar Athlete. Mierzwa has finished his career with 26 goals, 24 assists, and 76 scoring points, which is a Maine South record. He will be remembered for his technical skills and deceptive quickness on the field.

Mierzwa will be attending Depauw University where he will continue his soccer career.

Michael Milito Wrestling

Michael Milito was a three-year varsity starter for the wrestling team, wrestling at 160, 170, 182, and 195 pounds. Known as the “Big Easy” among his teammates, Milito was a captain, team MVP, two-time All-Conference athlete, two-time Sectional qualifier, and a Regional Champion at 195 pounds.

He dramatically qualified for the state tournament this season by hitting a miracle headlock with seven seconds remaining in the match. According to Coach Kevin Hansen, “Mike’s hard work has made us a better team for the future.” Milito will be attending the University of Illinois .

SouthwordS 19

SENIOR ATHLETES

| May 18, 2017

20 SouthwordS