Vol. 54, Issue 7 Southwords

April 20, 2018

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Vol. 54, No. 7

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

Singular Sensation Spring musical challenges a smaller-than-usual cast with original Broadway choreography.

See page 10

Senior Claire Connolly plays Bebe in ‘A Chorus Line.’

Water Woes Donation Registration Hot Diggity Dog

Some faucets removed from service after tests.

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Senior helps lower age for organ donors in Illinois.

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Southwords reviews the best hot dogs in Chicagoland area.

Pages 8-9

Batter Up

Baseball gets off to hot start under new coach.

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NEWS | April 20, 2018

New custom master clock D207 tests water supply

Dimitri Speron

News Editor uring first semester finals week, all of the wall mounted clocks stopped working causing difficulties for students. These issues continued into third quarter as well.

“All of the clocks in the building are powered by a master clock,” Director of Buildings and Grounds Mr. Bob Braico said. “The master clock resets the minute hands of the clocks on an hourly basis and the hour hands twice every 24 hours.

The master clock went down, and the clocks did not know what to do.”

There are three distinct generations of clocks in the building causing additional complications. “ Typica l ly [a master clo ck stopping] is a very quick fix,” Mr. Braico said. “Within an hour or two there would be a master clock available from a number of sources.

This building has three versions of these clocks because of additions [to the building] and which clocks were state-of-the-art when the additions were built.”

Since there are a variety of clocks in the building, it is difficult to find a

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master clock that can synchronize all of the models.

“We had an impossible time finding a master clock that could service all three,” Mr. Braico said. “We actually had to go to the factory and have one custom-made that would drive all the different clocks in the building.”

This new clock was designed to have additional capacity for future upgrades to the school’s clocks.

“What we did do, since we had to have a master clock built from scratch and since we had time due to the holiday, was have them design it so that it would service the clocks that we have and also any new clocks we may buy.”

The new custom master clock enables any wireless clocks to act as signal repeaters so future clocks can easily be added to the system.

“We can essentially hang a clock anywhere in the building and it will have the signal from the new master clock,” Mr. Braico said. “Going forward now, we are going to be able to replace any defective clocks with one of the new generation of wireless clocks.”

Luigi Laudando

News Writer n the summer of 2016, following the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, many school districts conducted testing of their water supplies for unsafe levels of lead.

In 2016, District 207 hired an industrial hygienist firm to conduct testing on the water supply of district schools in compliance with standards f rom t h e U. S E nv i ron m e nt a l Protection Agency.

“We tested all drinking fountains and the main service coming into the building at each of our schools,” Director of Facilities David Ulm said.

The test found nine locations throughout the district with lead that exceeded levels of 15 parts per billion (ppb). All of these locations were rebuilt with new internal plumbing, or removed from service.

In 2017, the Illinois state legislature passed a law requiring elementary schools to test for lead in their water supplies. The legislation required schools to send out information for any location having lead content more than 5 (ppb).

The district’s participation in

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testing with these new standards was completely voluntary, as the legislation only required schools Kindergarten through 5th grade to test.

Following this new round of testing, four locations in Maine South were found to have measurable lead content.

These locations include the water fountain at the south end of the fieldhouse, the water fountain outside room PA-109D, and two sinks in room V-117. The water fountains were removed from service, and the faucets in the two sinks were replaced.

“We just finished our follow-up testing over spring break to determine the efficiency of our response to the 2017 test results,” Mr. Ulm said, “It has been our intent since our initial testing that we would continue with annual testing.”

Future renovations of Maine South in 2018 and beyond will have no impact on the school’s water supply.

“The lead that leeches into the water originates in faucets and fittings; we have no lead pipes in our facilities,” Ulm said.

Jack Gorman

News Writer uniors Grace Dziedzic and Jen Beck and senior Tommy Ortman have been selected to participate in the International Thespian Festival in June, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

These three students were selected to be part of the all-state musical company to perform “Big Fish.”

The all-state musical company is made up of the best actors, backstage crew, and pit members in the state.

The selection process was rigorous, as hundreds tried out and only 107 were accepted.

“I had to audition for this show against a ton of people from all around the state,” Ortman said.

“I had to prepare a song from the show as well as tell a folk story of my choosing. It was extremely nervewracking, but in the end, it worked out well.”

This year, “Big Fish” will be one of eleven companies competing in Lincoln, Nebraska at the International Thespian Festival. “Big Fish” is the first Illinois All-state show to

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PHOTO

Students participate in international theater festival perform nationally.

“To perform on a national level is terrifying but so thrilling,” Ortman said. “I am so proud of the entire company and I cannot wait to see the other shows from around the country.”

Ortman will be playing the role of Amos, Beck is part of the props crew, and Dziedzic will be in the pit playing the flute. Ortman will be playing a “stingy circus ringmaster” who guides the main character to find his true love.

The International Thespian Festival has eleven slots open for productions, and the competition for those spots is extreme. The search for those eleven groups spans the US and Canada, and the selection committee judges which are worthy of going to “Nationals.”

The production was selected when an adjudicator saw the closing scene of “Big Fish” and gave it a near perfect score. The road to that performance was not easy, as the cast, crew, and pit went through auditions, and countless rehearsals.

“The rehearsals for this show

PHOTO COURTESY JEN BECK

THEATER TRIO Senior Tommy Ortman and juniors Jen Beck and Grace Dziedzic

pose for a photo at the Illinois Theater Festival. Pictured in the background is a portion of the set, which took dozens of hours to construct.

were extremely time consuming but very fun,” Ortman said. “We had rehearsal for a full weekend once a month and we spent a lot of time with dances, character development, and singing. It was a blast.”

Even after years of performing, the actors still get nervous.

“Performing throughout the

years has been a challenge, but also a delight,” Ortman said. “To me, there is no greater feeling than being up on stage and being able to perform for people and hopefully change them for the better. I still get just as nervous for every show I am ever in. I think it’s just because I care so very much.”

April 20, 2018

| NEWS

New security measures attempt to increase safety

Patrick Slojkowski

Collins said. “All of a sudden we had drills and News Writer everything was about hiding. Now the thinking is, n the wake of the mass shooting at Stoneman wait a second, why do we need everybody hiding Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Maine when someone is in one area of the building and South has instituted new rules aimed at ensuring we can get everybody else out quickly? So, what’s now taking place is to just use common sense… the safety of both students and faculty.

These new policies restrict the number of doors We need to be good at hiding in case you need open in the morning, which includes limiting the to hide, and we have let people know it’s okay to entry point for visitors to Door 3 in the circle drive. confront the person sometimes.”

These new changes aren’t only centered on gun On top of this, all open doors will now be manned by Maine South security, and students safety, however.

“We need to be good at evacuating a building are expected to keep an ID on their person to enter like we are for fire drills, or a gas main break,” Dr. the school.

New measures for lockdown drills aimed at Collins said. “There’s more of a chance of that keeping students safe in a school shooting situation happening that anybody coming into the school will also now be rehearsed with an emphasis on with a weapon.”

In light of the new changes to when the doors common-sense policy. open, some of the new policies Students are also expected to anonymously report any suspicious  SECURITY SENSE intended to protect students and staff The Southwords editorial have drawn concern from students. activity they may witness.

“The new door policy has affected In his email addressed to the board discusses the changes Maine South student body on that have been made to me for sure,” Junior Jon Luke Lassa, a member of Vocal Jazz, said.

Feb. 28, Principal Ben Collins security at Maine South.

See page 5 Before the changes were instituted, disclosed the specifics of the Lassa began his walk to school at 6:20 changes regarding the doors. Door 3 will be the first door to open at 6:30 a.m. Three a.m. He now leaves his house at 6:00 a.m.

“Vocal jazz meets Tuesday through Thursday at other doors will open at 7:00 a.m., specifically Door 9 located in the A-Wing, both doors in the athletic 6:45 a.m. I have ended up leaving my house quite a bit earlier because the new door policy makes me foyer, as well as the door to the PA Wing.

In an April 4 interview with Southwords, Dr. walk all the way around the exterior of the school Collins elaborated on some of the upcoming to get to the main entrance.”

Many students and faculty have requested for changes to the safety drills.

“I was in high school during Columbine,” Dr. doors to be opened at earlier times for sports and

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PHOTO BY ARDEN SASAK

SMAHA SECURE Veteran security staff member Mr. Smaha stands watch and welcomes students into the AWing before school begins.

other extracirriculars.

“Many of us who are really involved are barely getting enough sleep as it is, and the extra time added does not help.”

D espite t he cha l lenges, Maine S out h administration emphasizes safety over all else.

“Safety is always an inconvenience,” Dr. Collins said. “It’s always going to be tough when talking about the extracurriculars before school. We don’t have a perfect solution for that yet. But we’re working on something that can mitigate problems for next year.”

Students nominate Mrs. Saurer for Tony Award Lena Pontikes

News Writer aine South’s drama teacher and director, Mrs. Carrie Saurer, was nominated for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award which is presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University. This is the fourth year that this award will be presented, and students are able to submit their drama teachers for the award.

The 72nd annual Tony Awards will be broadcast on June 10, 2018, where the recipient of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award will be announced.

The Tony Awards is an incredibly prestigious award program dedicated to recognizing excellence in live Broadway theatre. Every year, New York’s most prominent actors, directors, and designers all attend the Tony Awards, held at Radio City Music Hall.

The recipient of the award is an educator in theatre who has had an incredible impact on their students. This award is for educators who discover talented students, and help them to pursue a career in theatre.

Senior drama student and Thespian president Grace Goble organized Saurer’s nomination for the award. She and several other drama students

PHOTO COURTESY GRACE GOBLE

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SWEET AND SAURER

Senior Grace Goble (left) organized Mrs. Carrie Saurer’s (right) nomination for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award.

submitted letters of reference, an essay, and a video explaining why she deserves the award.

“Every student that has had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Saurer would agree that she puts

her entire soul into every single show that she works on,” Goble said. “She inspires all of us to go above and beyond in our craft and in our lives. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor of receiving the 2018 Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education.”

Thespians and Drama students throughout the entire department also submitted letters and notes to Saurer, thanking her for her inspiration and kindness to everyone. Goble received pages upon pages of letters which she put together in a binder as an appreciation gift for Saurer’s dedication.

“Mrs. Saurer has dedicated the past four years of her life to Maine South students and creating an atmosphere where they can grow not only as artists, but also as better citizens,” senior Thespian officer Gabriel Ortiz said. “She has portrayed her passion through her wisdom which has allowed her students to fall in love with theatre.”

Saurer directs rehearsals six days every week after school, even meeting with cast members before school and during breaks.

“The most rewarding part of teaching and directing is getting to see young people do more than they knew they were capable of,” Mrs. Saurer said. “I feel incredible pride when a student fights through obstacles.”

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NEWS

| April 20, 2018

Students participate in nationwide school walkout Elaine Smith

News Editor tudents gathered outside the Maine South auditorium on March 14 to commemorate the lives lost during the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The goal of event was to show solidarity for fellow high school students affected by the tragedy.

“The purpose, for me at least, was to show our unwavering support for the Parkland community,” senior Declan Griffin said. “In an very difficult time, they remained strong and united and that was incredibly inspiring.”

Students left class for 17 minutes symbolizing the 17 people who were killed in the Feb. 14 shooting.

“I think the majority of students understood that the walkout was not intended to be political,” senior Julia Jann said. “Rather, we wanted to bring everyone together to honor students very similar to us.”

The idea for a Maine South walkout was inspired by Parkland student activists.

“When I first heard the news and saw the nationwide activism started largely by high school students, I knew we at Maine South had to do something as well,” Griffin said. “I reached out to Mr. Berendt to see what we could do. From there we assembled a team to start planning.

Overall, the administration was supportive of the walkout.

“I think anytime students want to safely express their feelings and views, they should be given a place to do that, when possible,” Maine South principal, Dr. Ben Collins said. “My personal opinion is that school should mirror the world outside as much as possible so moments, like

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what took place in March, are important for students to partake in.”

District 207 administrators were also aware of the walkout.

“Each school’s Principal worked with student groups to come up with a way to give students a chance to voice their opinions during the school day in a way that was respectful for all students,” District 207 Superintendant Dr. Ken Wallace said.

“Our schools worked up front with students [so] we had a good plan of action at each campus.”

The event was largely organized by upperclassmen.

“Students approached the administration with some ideas and a plan,” Dr. Collins said. “We agreed to help provide a space for this ceremony. It was really a student-run operation and we just made sure a few minor details were handled and that students would be safe.”

Students from various clubs worked together to plan the walkout.

“Jen Beck, myself, Kelly Lennon, Caroline Kuja, Julia Jann, and Kevin McNulty led the meetings planning the walkout,” Griffin said. “We also had guidance from Mr. Berendt, Mr. Fee, and Mr. Murphy on how to make it as effective as possible.”

To prepare for the event, the student leaders met regularly with the administration.

“We had meetings with the principal and assistant principal to go through all of the logistics and make sure the students that attended the event were not disciplined,” Torres said. “Also, several students worked together to write speeches for the events.”

Prior to the walkout, students were able to sign a banner for Park-

PHOTO BY VALERIE JEZIERNY

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Senior Declan Griffin gives a short speech during the walkout. Several student leaders gave speeches about the importance of standing in solidarity with their fellow high school students.

land that was later displayed during the memorial.

“The most important part was to show students at Maine South and in the community that we have a voice,” Griffin said. “At Maine South, we lead by example, whether that be in the community, the state, or the nation so it was very important that we did, something to show our support.”

During the 17 minutes, several students gave speeches as well as anecdotes about the victims who were killed in the shooting.

“I believe it added to the voices of young people that are echoing around the country about this issue and the sadness surrounding high schools over this shooting,” Torres PHOTO BY VALERIE JEZIERNY said. “When you come together with people, you can create something meaningful.”

At the event, student participants were asked to talk to 17 new people in memory of those who died.

“Being a part of the Maine South family is very special,” Griffin said.

“We just wanted to remind everyone of what it means and how powerful we are when we stick together and look out for one another.”

Over 200 students participated in the walkout.

“I wanted the kids who wanted HAWKS FLY TOGETHER Over 200 students gathered outside the au- to be able to participate in someditorium in memory of the people who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The thing meaningful for this cause to gathering lasted for approximately 17 minutes. be able to do so,” Griffin said. “If we

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had three passionate kids walk out, it would’ve been a success. However, we got over 200 kids to join us and it was an incredible show of support.”

To ensure that everything ran smoothly, the auditorium was also blocked by metal barricades and visitors and media were not allowed on campus during the walkout.

“We talked to many other schools to see what they were doing,” Dr. Collins said. “We spoke to police and made sure we co-planned to watch traffic and had extra officers on hand.”

Several police officers, including Chief Frank Kaminski, were stationed outside the school during the walkout to help keep everyone safe.

“I feel that the majority of students were supportive of the event and what we were standing for­—the families and friends who were affected by this loss,” Torres said. “We were overwhelmed with the number of people who attended. Although they weren’t all respectful, the vast majority were.”

The Park Ridge community was largely supportive of the event.

“We did have members of the community and parents express their opinions of how we handled the situation,” Dr. Collins said. “The vast majority of the expressions were in the affirmative to how we were handling everything.

April 20, 2018 | COMMENTARY

STAFF EDITORIAL

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

Scan this QR code to e-mail Southwords

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTYNA LEPA

Promoting freedom while ensuring safety F

ollowing the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, Maine South implemented new security measures to ensure a greater degree of student and faculty safety.

These implementations include locking four common entrances and staffing them during select periods of the day.

While we appreciate the school’s effort to improve security, we question whether the changes will actually solve the threats which schools face across the country.

According to the Washington Post, more than 187,000 students have experienced a shooting on campus during school hours since the Columbine Massacre in 1999. Often, the shooters are current students or graduates who easily blend in with the environment.

While locked doors will prevent strangers from entering the school, there is nothing in place to stop a current student from bringing a weapon on to school premis es.

Additionally, many students walk outside to commute to class, creating many potential scenarios with outside threats.

We recognize that no system is perfect, but we can't let security change our learning environment into a jail. We need common sense measures, while keeping a sense of freedom, to prevent future violence.

Some nearby high schools like York have adopted a system in which students use IDs to enter the building. In 1997, Maine South adopted a similar polic y, requiring students to wear ID badges at all times.

Stu d e nt s fou nd t he p ol i c y inconvenient, creating a school environment focused on rules and punitive measures rather than learning. The administration eventually removed the policy.

Similarly, some schools have gone so far as to install metal detectors

as a way to ensure student safety.

While they deter people from bringing weapons, detectors create a prison-like ambience not suitable for education.

Before implementing new changes, our school needs to remember its current philosophy : promoting student freedom while maintaining security.

The proposed renovations to our building are a good step toward a d d re s s i n g t h i s philosophy. Under the new plans, the outdoor walkways would be enclosed, improving security while ensuring an open environment.

With new initiatives like blended learning, our administration has clearly placed an emphasis on student independence.

While maintaining security is important, maintaining our current level of independence is of equal importance.

Our school needs to remember its current philosophy: promoting student freedom while maintaining security.

Hey, seniors!

Do you want to be featured in the senior issue of Southwords? Send pictures with friends, classmates, and/or teammates to southwords@maine207.org.

S outhw ord s i s a s tu 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 h e 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

Christo Fosse Christina Johnson

News Editors

Mary Godley Elaine Smith Dimitri Speron

Entertainment Editors Luke Bechtel Jenny Blasius Victoria Pontikes Features Editors

Kelly Lennon Erin Martin Tommy O’Connor

Commentary Editors Caroline Coyle Louise Macaraniag Sports Editors Art Editor

Colleen Johnson Kevin McNulty

Yara Ruzhkovska

Photography Editors

Jen Beck Michael Frazier

Production Editors Justyna Lepa Arden Sasak Adviser

Mr. Stathakis

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COMMENTARY

| April 20, 2018

Trust and acceptance fuels family bonds Christina Johnson Editor-in-Chief

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y family has become surprisingly small over the years, and the family that shows up at every Christmas or Thanksgiving has continued to shrink. Despite the smaller number of people, I’m grateful for the family I’m able to see every holiday and the close bonds we share.

My two older sisters and I have played important roles in each other’s lives, whether it’s a heartfelt talk over our future rescue dogs or joking about the true struggles of adulthood, we have found a simple dynamic as to how we each fit into each other’s lives. My sisters are on the top of the list

when it comes to my favorite people in the world, so you can imagine my excitement when one of them fell in love.

Although I don't remember it, I had to learn how to care about and love my sister. I hadn't even given her boyfriend a chance before my dislike developed.

My first impression of the guy that my sister chose was that he was a quiet bearded man that liked green chili more than life itself. Of course, this was based on the first impression at dinner before I would spend the length of a week vacation with the man. This mix of family and boyfriends was all very new to my family, especially on a vacation. It was the first serious boyfriend that my sister had brought into not only her life, but also ours.

Of course my entire family has been very kind to the guy since our first meeting almost three years ago.

I, however, have considered it my duty to make this poor fellow’s transition into our family as difficult as possible with interrogation-like

conversational methods and a particular hatred for his favorite sports team (which isn't that difficult, considering he is loyal to the Patriots).

The simple fact that I wasn't used to sharing my sister generated my animosity towards her boyfriend. Acceptance took quite a while; some time between the puns and offensive sarcasm there grew a general toleration for each other that then grew into a sense of family.

After meeting my other sister's boyfriend for the first time only a couple weeks ago, I understand that accepting someone into our small family is a big deal. I have to hold back on the awkward photos from my sister's youth and embarrassing quote list that I keep on my phone. I'll try to keep quiet—at least for a little while.

Regardless of who my sisters bring into our family, I shouldn't parade my resentment for them as transparently as I did that first guy. But most importantly, I have to give them a chance before I judge them, because if my sisters love them, then they must be pretty great.

Students have the right to walk out, to speak their minds Tommy Ortman Contributor

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he right to peaceably assemble and to petition the government has been around since 1791; however, the idea of school walkouts is relatively new.

The first major school walkouts occurred in East Los Angeles High schools in March of 1968.

Their goal was to prevent unfair treatment and fight against poor school conditions by thoroughly exercising their first amendment rights.

We, as a strong generation of American students, aren’t very different from these early activists. There is no reason we should be punished as a student body for exercising the most basic of American rights.

Though Maine South did not punish their students for walking out, many other schools in the Chicago area and across the nation did, and this thread of authoritative measures against student protests is an attempt to silence the youth.

We have the undeniable right to our safety, and if these walkouts can help spread our message as young human beings, then to punish us or deny us from walking out is cruel and immoral.

This wave of walkouts, specifically resulting from the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, is an absolute blessing to kids like me and others who are tired of fearing for our future and for the future of our younger siblings and friends in schools.

Personally, I decided join the Hawks Fly with Parkland walkout in order to pay my respects to the 17 individuals who lost their lives far too early. I, along with many others also personally dedicated

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the walkout to anyone else who had either lost simply is not the truth.

We as young people have the power to change their lives in similar shootings or lost friends or the future for ourselves and for others. Why would loved ones.

I cannot possibly see why anyone would choose we throw that power down the drain and into the not to attend this walkout for political reasons as hands of adults who will not be around to make it was strictly non-political. However, I also wish I these changes when we are in control?

Now is our time. It is our time to take a stand had seen more respect at the walkout.

Many students that were standing in the back and be proud of who we are as a generation and were loud and rowdy and all-around disrespectful, as a composition of bright individuals. This is why we need to not be not only to those leading the event, but also to those punished, but praised for who lost their lives in Parkland. However, these our individuality and disruptive students are the exception, not the rule. ownership of our The presence of disrespectful students should future. This is why not negatively affect the purpose of a walkout I walk out. and should not motivate administrators to restrict students from participating in school walkouts, like they did in several schools across the country.

Fortunately, during Maine South's walkout, there were still many students that were acting appropriately and wellmannered, and I am very proud of my school and of those who took it seriously in the wake of such a tragic moment in our country.

What I am not proud of, however, is the other schools whose administrations chose to punish students for this honorable walkout. We, as decent human beings, deserve the right to honor other students who lost their lives due to unfair circumstances that can be avoided in the future.

These protests are not to throw blame, but simply to end the unnecessary violence. That is all. If we are denied this right, how are we expected to express our individuality and free thought?

This is why I am going to walk out on April 20. I am not going to sit around and pretend that everything is ILLUSTRATION BY going well in our country, because that JENNIFER NIKOLI C

April 20, 2018

| COMMENTARY

Clear backpacks infringe on students' rights Caroline Coyle Commentary Editor

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he students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL were welcomed back from a week-long spring break vacation with new strict rules and security.

The security implementations were aimed at preventing another mass casualty like the school shooting that occurred in February or any emergency of that kind.

Each student attending MSDHS can no longer bring his or her own backpack to school and instead has to use a school issued clear backpack.

The implementation of clear backpacks is trying to keep students safe; however, the clear backpacks are a breach of privacy and serve as a temporary solution to a permanent problem of school shooting prevention and safety.

The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have already gone through a traumatic, life-altering experience, and being treated like

prisoners in their own high school is going to make them feel even less at home.

The clear backpacks are a restriction on the students fifth amendment rights.

The Fifth amendment establishes the right to privacy that all citizens of the United States and is explicitly written as “nor shall private property be taken for public use.”

The mandatory usage of clear backpacks forces kids into showcasing all of their personal belongings such as sanitary products like tampons, which can make students feel uncomfortable in their own school.

School should be a second home to students— not a place where students are treated like prisoners.

Students have the right to express themselves, and a students backpack is a form of expression.

The school-issued clear backpacks infringe upon that right and act as a constant reminder as to what occurred.

Many students at MSDHS have taken the situation into their own hands by writing messages on the backpacks and taking to social media to protest the enforcement of them.

On the contrary, there is a debate arising on whether or not the students even have the right to

protest the mandatory use of the backpacks. Under the in loco parentis doctrine, the administrators and teachers take the position of the students’ parents. This means that the school can assume the right to protect the student and in turn restrict them from certain activities.

In a school setting, students have fewer rights than they would in a public setting. However, in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme Court ruled that the punishment of students wearing arm bands protesting the Vietnam War was unconstitutional.

In this case, the Supreme Court held that students did not lose their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech when they stepped onto school property.

This same logic can be applied to the issue of clear backpacks. Although the backpacks are meant to be a source of security, the banishment of personal backpacks is a limitation on creativity and a breach on students’ right to freedom of speech.

The backpacks are proving to be an extremely distracting and controversial place holder to a more effective solution: gun control. The solution is to find security that is not a breach of students' privacy and constitutional rights.

as D.A.R.E.), regardless of disputes over their effectiveness, have no doubt caused traditional cigarettes to fall out of favor with the American youth, and are consumed far less at present than they were in decades past.

While the downfall of traditional, combustible cigarettes can be attributed to these regulations and stigmas strangling the life from so-called “Big Tobacco,” the opposite can be said for nicotine vaporizers, or “vapes”; the whirlwind speed at which these products have gone from idea to store shelf leaves governing bodies like the FDA scrambling to place the proper regulations on them.

The misinterpretation of vaping as “healthy” ends up painting a colorful façade over a product that some view as the lesser of two evils—and because of the limited research, we’re not sure that vaping actually is a lesser evil.

Coupling the JUUL’s seductive, stylish packaging with adolescents’ desire to fit in naturally spells trouble for all involved—with the exception of Juul Labs’ bottom line. Despite the company’s best efforts, their products are inevitably reaching the hands of children in droves.

Whether the products are provided via parents, older friends, or unknown third-party dealers is uncertain at this point, but it’s irrefutable that the Juul product is permeating youth culture to a point where children are allowing themselves to become dependent on nicotine without a second thought or

appeal to reason.

JUULing, whether it be during or after school, is ultimately harmful to the learning environment.

Students excusing themselves to the rest room once, even twice per period to vape not only miss out on valuable class time, but spend the time away from class harming themselves physically by forming and feeding their addiction to nicotine at an early age.

Acting as a gateway to other, more harmful substances, JUULing normalizes the use of drugs and introduces people who otherwise would abstain from smoking into a world of potential danger.

At this point, the public needs a great amount of assistance in quelling the popularity of the JUUL among teens. Age restrictions and warning labels at the legislative end and better education and more effective punishment in schools would be a good first step to push electronic cigarettes out of ch i l d re n ' s reach.

Then, possibly someday soon, the students of Maine South will have the luxury of rest rooms that operate without the flocks of JUUL-ers crowding and clouding the stalls ever again.

Luke Bechtel

Entertainment Editor

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eople say "kids will be kids," and there is no better example of this youthful folly than Maine South’s bathrooms. Indeed, it has become difficult to go to the bathroom at school without encountering countless classmates flocking to the stalls to get their nicotine fix, blocking the way for legitimate rest room-users.

To my fellow students, I pose the question: when did nicotine addiction become fashionable again?

I don’t mean to blame the average student vaper specifically. It’s not entirely their fault. The way in which products such as the ever-popular Juul vaporizer are packaged—despite the manufacturer’s website promising “responsible placement of [the Juul] designed to limit exposure to an underage demographic”—mirrors the way in which childfriendly products like candy and toys are presented, with tantalizing flavors ranging from mango to “fruit medley.”

Indeed, students who spend their time and money juuling may not be as much a rebellious nicotine hound as a victim to the JUUL’s attractive advertising.

Anti-cigarette advertisements and educational programs such as the California-based Drug Abuse Resistance Education (often referred to

ILLUSTRATION BY YARA RUZHKOVSKA

JUULs are especially harmful for younger generations

SouthwordS 7

ENTERTAINMENT | April 20, 2018

IS...

AND THE Victoria Pontikes & Luke Bechtel Entertainment Editors

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hicago has long been revered and respected as a city boasting many of its own unique and delicious foods. Whether it be deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street polish sausages, cheddar-and-caramel popcorn, or, of course, the legendary “dragged-through-the-garden” Chicago-style hot dog, our city has no shortage of delectable local eats. However, respect is born through competition, and the Chicago dog exemplifies this, with hundreds of local shops and chains alike touting their product as “Chicago’s Best.” In attempt to settle the debate, Southwords set out to locate and rank some of the best hot dogs in Chicagoland.

Superdawg

Paradise Pup

Superdawg’s drive-in location on Milwaukee Ave. stands tall as both a place of nostalgia for long-time Chicagoans and a welcoming attraction for newcomers.

This restaurant’s Chicago-style hot dog comes with mustard, chopped onions, sport peppers, relish, and a pickled tomato, neatly packaged in a box and stuffed with crinkle-cut fries, all for $6.15.

Superdawg’s hot dog is exquisite and perfectly charbroiled, and the pickled tomato is a unique ingredient not found in competitors’ dogs. This establishment’s compact packaging and distinctive drive-in component create an ambiance of customer-friendly convenience and accessibility. Overall, Superdawg delivers on all fronts, earning itself a spot at the top.

As the only hot dog place on this list to be featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network program “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” Paradise Pup has already achieved quite the legacy, selling a Chicago-style hot dog for $2.45, faithful even down to the celery salt.

Paradise Pup’s frank is just as flavorful and fresh as Superdawg’s, and comes piled high with a plethora of toppings that trump Superdawg’s offerings. The crinkle cut fries, which can be bought separately for $1.79, are crisp and salty, but fall short of Superdawg’s fries. The deciding factor, however, was the small, cramped size of the establishment. While unable to match the cozy amenities of Superdawg, Paradise Pup stands strong as a Chicago-style powerhouse.

6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.

1724 S. River Rd.

Herm’s Palace

Portillo’s

The interior of 43-year family-run Herm’s Palace captures a friendliness rooted in Chicago tradition through its decor, providing customers a sense of belonging through the warm environment.

The owner of Herm’s Palace has two sons at Maine South, senior Jordan Shane and sophomore Cole Shane. “Herm’s strives for a more personal service,” Jordan said. “People come because of the connections that you can make with the people that work there.” Herm’s Chicago-style dog, which is available for $6.15, is nothing short of delicious—the dog utilizes first-rate Vienna beef and an arrangement of fresh toppings. Less impressive are their fries, which taste satisfying, but lack the exceptional quality their dog displays.

Portillo’s has thrived as a staple Midwest chain for years, kickstarting its fame in 1963 with its Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs. Customers who order these famed dogs are given the option of all seven Chicago-style toppings on a poppy seed bun for $2.99 without tax.

The hot dog itself was flavorful, but not to the extent of the top three. Its consistency was pleasant, with a slight rubberiness that didn’t impede taste. The dog is paired with an array of fresh, high quality toppings that further enhance its taste. In addition, their iconic salty crinkle-cut fries can be ordered separately.

In the end, Portillo’s food was flavorful and of respectable quality, but the popularity of the comparatively-massive chain allows it to slip into mediocrity.

3406 Dempster St.

8 SouthwordS

8832 Dempster St.

April 20, 2018 | ENTERTAINMENT

Gene and Jude’s

Snappy Dog

Lined with awards and plaques naming it among “Chicago’s Best,” Gene and Jude’s needs no introduction. This small yet popular quick-serve joint serves what is known as a “Depression dog” for $2.93 without tax, which has only four toppings: mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers.

Gene and Jude’s Vienna Beef hot dog boasts a smokey frank alongside a sizeable serving of fries wrapped tightly with it. The dog itself was just as flavorful as the top three, but its sparse toppings, rubberiness, and lack of poppy seed bun cause it to lose merit. The restaurant’s achilles heel, however, comes from its strict no-ketchup policy and mocking those who request ketchup. Compounding the inconvenience, the stand offers no room to sit down and eat.

While this dog’s quality sets it apart from the bottom three, its lack of toppings and inconvenient customer experience leave this Chicago legend in the middle.

Snappy Dog is a small, hole-in-the-wall hot dog stand that gives customers late-night access to hot dogs, fries, and other treats.

Snappy Dog’s hot dog is available with all seven Chicago-style toppings: mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, celery salt, and a pickle, on a poppy seed bun. The Chicago-style dog is piled high with toppings and makes the eating experience quite messy while on the go. However, with the dog’s authentic beef flavor, slight rubberiness but overall good consistency, and affordability—$4.00 with fries—this sloppiness can be easily overlooked.

Although fries are included with the hot dog for a relatively low price, the meager portion both shortchanges and disappoints. This, in addition to the cramped and inconvenient layout of the building, plagues its otherwise pleasant hot dog.

2720 N. River Rd.

6682 N. Northwest Hwy

Rand Red Hots

Fluky’s

Getting its namesake from its location on Rand Road, this retro-inspired restaurant recreates the atmosphere of a 50s drive-in restuarant with its outer design and frequent summer car shows. However the drive-in parking spots have been scrapped in favor of a more modern drive through.

Rand Red Hots simplifies the classic hot dog, offering one for $3.10 with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers and fries. In addition to scrapping the Chicago tradition of prohibiting ketchup on their franks, this spot delivers a hot dog small in size with decent flavor, yet rubbery texture. Their fries, although plentiful and flavorful, are inundated with grease. While it may be a quick and convenient place to get an affordable dog (with a drive-through option to boot), if you’re looking for the best-tasting food, Rand Red Hots fails to deliver.

A long-running Chicago hot dog stand, Fluky’s began selling what creator Abe “Fluky” Drexler coined the “Depression sandwich” in 1929, later evolving into the now-iconic Chicago-style hot dog, still sold out of a stand inside a Niles Walmart.

Although the inventor of one of Chicago’s defining foods, Fluky’s average quality earns it a place at the bottom of the list. The hot dog itself, while one of the most inexpensive on this list—$2.99—had an overwhelmingly salty taste, appearing as the least fresh and appealing out of all the other hot dogs.

Additionally, the large portion of fries did not make up for their lack of flavor, limpness, and extra cost. A small order of fries cost $1.95, pushing up the cost of a hot dog and fries up to $5.51 with tax. Overall, the taste, cost, and inconvenient location puts Fluky’s at the bottom of the barrel.

1441 Rand Rd.

Student Poll:

5630 W. Touhy Ave.

INFOGRAPHIC BY JUSTYNA LEPA

Which place serves the best hot dog?

Based on 569 anonymous student responses to an e-mail survey regarding their favorite hot dog restaurant.

SouthwordS 9

ENTERTAINMENT

| April 20, 2018

Anna Hyslop

Entertainment Writer his year’s musical, “A Chorus Line,” is challenging its cast in ways few shows have with its choreography-intensive production.

“Easily the hardest part of being in ‘A Chorus Line’ for me would be the dancing,” senior Tommy Ortman, who plays Alan Deluca, a lovable Italian man from the Bronx, said. “Before this show, I had very little previous dance experience.

It certainly is a challenge, but will definitely be worth it in the end.”

The greatest obstacle in effectively portraying this show is the fact that, like Ortman, most of the actors do not have much prior dance experience.

“It is such a demanding show, physically and mentally, so we all leave every rehearsal so drained, but also excited about the work that we’re doing,” said senior Grace Goble, who plays Cassie Ferguson, a dancer in desperate search for work after a failed acting career in Hollywood.

However, this challenge did not discourage director Mrs. Carrie Saurer.

“We are performing 'A Chorus Line' with the original Broadway choreography,” Mrs. Saurer said. “If you think about it, that means that students at Maine South High School are doing the same level of dancing that trained, incredibly successful Broadway actors did in New York City. The audience will be amazed at the level of difficulty we have taken on.”

Though the incredibly advanced choreography lays the foundation for this show, it is about far more than

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dancing.

“A Chorus Line,” one of the longestrunning Broadway shows, follows the story of seventeen experienced dancers auditioning for a Broadway show with only eight available spots.

The show contains over ten musical numbers and hauntingly beautiful, and at times hilarious, monologues.

Central to the show are the backstories of these dancers—why they choose to do what they do, and how it has defined them throughout their lifetimes. While some stories are more light hearted than others, several of these characters have struggled with sexuality, crippling insecurity, and strained familial relationships.

“You don’t have to be a dancer to love this show,” Mrs. Saurer said. “The show will connect with anyone who has ever gone after something with their heart and soul on the line.”

“This is a show about the things we give up to do what we love,” senior student co-director John Conradi said. “No matter the vocational climate, physical restrictions or emotional barriers, we all just want to feel like we mean something. If you have ever wanted success in the auditorium, the field, the classroom, or the household, you will understand the complex journey that is ‘A Chorus Line.’”

The entire cast has been rehearsing nearly every Saturday for eight-hour rehearsals, on top of daily three-hour rehearsals. “ The cast came to the first rehearsal off-book, with all lines and lyrics memorized, so that we could tackle the incredibly challenging

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

Students put it all on the ‘line’ for spring musical

LIGHT IT UP

Senior lighting designer Ted Wyshel shows younger lighting crew members freshman Rocky Daehler, sophomores Joey Wyshel and Vadym Prokopov, and junior Theodore Bateman the intricate lighting cues for the final number. The lighting for this number will highlight the gold drop painted by the painting crew.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

storytelling and choreography that this show requires,” Mrs. Saurer said.

“If pride is money, ‘A Chorus Line’ is the bank,” Conradi said.

The beauty of this show, however, is not all due to the incredible amount of time that the actors have put in.

Behind the scenes, the crew has been working tirelessly to ensure that the show goes off without a hitch.

Though “A Chorus Line” requires less of a physical set than past musicals Maine South has done, it has brought about its own challenges.

“The staging for this show is really interesting since the scene shifts rarely include a blackout, the location never changes, and the main characters only leave the stage a handful of times,” senior stage manager Eliot Bontumasi said.

Since each actor on the line has their own “spotlight” moment and most numbers call for a whole new color scheme to accentuate the emotion that song evokes, the lighting in “A Chorus Line” stands out more than previous musicals.

“For this show the lighting budget is greater than I’ve seen before in my four years,” senior lighting designer Ted Wyshel. “This budget has mainly gone to four moving lights that are able to move anywhere on stage, change color, and change patterns, which gives me a lot more flexibility.”

Perhaps the most challenging task that the crew has taken on is the iconic mirrors that are on stage for nearly the entirety of the production. Not only do these mirrors add to the realism JOIN THE PARADE Director Mrs. Carrie Saurer gives notes to sophomore that “A Chorus Line” promises, but Moises Vizcaino and junior Jon Luke Lassa during costume parade. Costume parade occurs they also provide this show with an a couple days before dress rehearsals when the actors try on their finished costumes for the extremely unique set. first time.

10 SouthwordS

“We’ve never really used this material before, so it’s been a learning process with a lot of trial and error,” senior construction head Katie Novak said. “Even though it’s a long tedious process, the pay-off will be well worth the work.”

Additionally, Mrs. Saurer’s choice to stay true to the original 1970s version has allowed the hair, makeup, and costume crews to get creative in how to effectively portray this period through these mediums. Audience members can expect a variety of colorful outfits, Farrah Fawcettinspired hairdos, and vibrant eye shadows.

To preserve the intimacy of the show, the pit orchestra will be performing on stage behind a curtain.

The pit orchestra typically is located in front of the stage on the ground and is visible to the audience. Broadcasting students are working with pit director Mr. David Hutter to set up a live feed of the show happening on the other side of the curtain. This will aid the pit in receiving and keeping track of their cues.

According to senior co-student director Michaela Parangalan, this is a show not to miss.

“The story every character has is so full and strong, the intricacy of the set is beautiful, the music and the pit have major personality, and, together, we don’t just have a good show—we have a story that will leave every audience member shell-shocked in awe,” Parangalan said.

A Chorus Line runs April 20, 21, 22, 27, and 28 for $10 at the Watson Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

Fortnite Fanatics!

1 # April 20, 2018 | FEATURES

Julia Anderson

Features Writer s class unfolds around him, senior Justin Pinsky only has one thing on his mind: Fortnite.

“My name is called, but I am too engrossed by the battle to answer.

With only two remaining players, the tap on my shoulder does not garner any attention. The enemy is within my vision. My spirits skyrocket as two beautiful words appear on my screen: ‘Victory Royale!’” Pinsky said.

The Fortnite craze has taken off globally and spread to the halls of Maine South. Students play the mobile version during their study halls, watch videos of other people playing from around the world, and some students even create their own videos.

Fortnite is a universal game, available on all platforms, that has attracted the attention of people all over the world.

The purpose of the game is to be the last man standing. At the beginning of each round, each player first chooses a place to land on the big island where the game takes place, after which they try to acquire as many weapons and supplies as they can.

As they try to gain resources, they must protect themselves from others who are doing the same. The player can build walls and other structures to use as protection, and if they kill an opponent, they gain all of their supplies.

The only way a player can win is if everyone else who was playing in the round is killed. If and when a player wins, the screen displays the glorious, “Victory Royale!”

Though many people play Fortnite, not everyone has what it takes to win.

It’s a difficult game to master, but some students have done just that.

Sophomore Kameron McKee is known by many Maine South students for being a spectacular Fortnite player.

He realizes he has skills and claims to have won over 200 games. McKee accredits his success to watching others play.

“I watch videos of other people playing and then try to replicate what the better players do,” McKee said.

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McKee typically plays on Xbox One but has tried the new mobile version.

“It doesn’t play as smooth and you aren’t able to play as well as you would on console,” McKee said.

Sophomore Jimmy C oy le agrees that Fortnite mobile does not play as well as the console and computer versions.

“I think the mobile version is a cool idea and can be fun, but it is just not practical because the game lags out or your phone can’t run it because it needs around five gigabytes,” Coyle said.

Coyle is also an avid player of the game and prefers to play with his friends.

“I think [playing with friends] makes the game a lot more enjoyable because you get really competitive with friends and you share strategies,” Coyle said.

Teamwork and strategy are important keys to the game.

“You need to use callouts and degrees in order to help your teammates know where the enemies are,” senior Paul Sasso said. “This is essential to getting a dub.”

A “callout” is a description to your teammates of where the enemy is using the environment or direction as the game includes a compass at the top of the screen.

Despite the extreme difficulty of the game, the prospect of a victory keeps players active.

“I think everyone likes playing because getting a dub is so hard, but once you get it, you are so happy and it’s fun to share that moment with your friends,” Coyle said.

Dub is a colloquial term used by many Fortnite players to describe winning the game. It’s an alternative to

saying “W” which is an abbreviation for win.

Boys aren’t the only students at Maine South who love playing Fortnite. Sophomore Leta Finn has also fallen in love with the video game.

She plays every day on her Xbox One and was introduced to the game by her brother.

“It seemed like a lot of fun and reminded me of The Hunger Games,” Finn said.

Her friends also play which makes it more enjoyable for Finn.

“It’s more fun with friends.

[Sophomore] Georgia [Penesis] and I play duos a lot. Some of my other friends are just learning the game so it’s funny watching them play,” Finn said.“Honestly, it’s just a really good time.”

Finn did not previously play video games, but became interested in them through Fortnite. “[Fortnite] has brought people back to playing video games in a revolutionary way,” Sasso said.

Sasso attributes the game’s attractiveness to its unique features.

“What separates it from other games is the whole concept of last team or person alive wins,” Sasso said. “No other game has brought this concept to the gaming community.”

Sophomore Brett Scuras is a big fan of Fortnite, and also an avid gamer in general.

“I started playing Fortnite back in October and I’ve been playing video games for as long as I can remember,” Scuras said.

Scuras also prefers playing with friends as the game brings him and his close friends together.

“Every time I get on, I’m playing with friends,” Scuras s a i d . “For t n it e is a great game for playing with friends because it’s like hanging out with them through the game.”

Besides just playing the game with friends every now and then, Scuras watches and even creates his own videos of the game.

“I watch and create videos; it’s really cool being a part of this whole community of players who share content,” Scuras said.

Almost anyone can find enjoyment in playing the game and it’s a great way for people to connect.

“Fortnite brings friends together,” Senior Colin Daly said. “You work together and try really hard to win.

You want the dub, but even if you're not winning, you’re having fun which makes it a better experience than most games.”

SouthwordS 11

FEATURES | April 20, 2018

Senior Jacob Lenzini influences Illinois donor laws McClain Clancy

Features Writer ecently, a law has been passed stating that 16and 17-year-olds now have the right to choose whether or not they want to be organ donors.

Senior Jacob Lenzini has been influential in the passing of this law and outspoken about the positive effects of becoming an organ donor.

Lenzini was an advocate who worked with Secretary of State Jesse White in order to pass this bill. Their goal was to spread awareness and excitement for the passing of the bill.

Lenzini is passionate about organ donation because he was able to see the effects of organ donation first hand. After Lenzini’s father passed, his organs were donated. Lenzini was directly able to see the impact of this when he met with the man who now has his father’s lungs.

“I was able to see a man who had to be constantly connected to an oxygen tank go out and live his life again,” Lenzini said. “No longer does he have to watch his grandchildren playing from the couch, he is finally able to go outside and join them. Organ donation isn’t just about saving lives, but changing them for the better.”

Lenzini first worked with Secretary White just over a year ago as a part of the Life Goes On organization in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

“I met him for a press conference that I gave a brief speech at,” Lenzini said. “It was advocating for the bill to lower the age for organ donation, and allow them to register—he’s a friendly guy and made me feel apart of the team.”

Though Lenzini has only been able to work personally with Secretary White on a few occasions, the cause is personal and important to them both.

“The aid I provided was merely garnering attention,” Lenzini said. “The most important thing is for people to actually go out and register.”

Since the law went into effect, 11,500 teens have registered to be organ donors.

Although over 60% of Illinois residents choose

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Salty Jenny by Jennifer Nikolic

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not to be an organ donor, there are no risks to being one.

“That's one of the beauty's of becoming an organ donor as there truly are no risks,” Lenzini said. “Organs will only be taken once you have passed away.”

There do tend to be common misconceptions regarding organ donation.

“A myth that unfortunately arises when talking about organ donation is that doctors won't work as hard on you if you're an organ donor, but this is simply not true,” Lenzini said. “A doctor’s first priority will always be to save their patient. Organ donation is simply a way to give life to others once you no longer have a need for organs.”

Lenzini always knew that it was something he was interested in, but he did not truly understand the importance of donating organs until that meeting.

“I’ve always wanted to be an organ donor, but only once my father died, and I witnessed the effect and importance of an organ donation on both my family and the recipient did I become such a strong advocate,” Lenzini said.

Signing up to be an organ donor can save up to eight lives. Now that 16- and 17-year-olds are able to choose to be organ donors, the potential field of donors is greatly expanded.

The new legislation allows for teens to sign up to be an organ donor when they go to receive their licences.

“Most people don't go to the DMV often,” Lenzini said. “By allowing 16- and 17-year-olds who are just getting their license to register, you're registering people who might not have had their wishes known until they're 21 when they go back to get a new license.”

Minors now have the opportunity to prevent death and the loss in a family, something Lenzini feels is especially important.

“I’ve had to experience a lot more death in my short life than I would care to,” he said. “Three

grandparents, an uncle, and, of course, my father.

Death leaves you feeling empty. Death is a loss of hope. Because when someone dies, there is no coming back. There’s no changing it. There’s not do overs, or second chances. It is a complete and absolute certainty that you will never see that loved one again.”

Every day, 20 people die while waiting to have a transplant surgery, less than half of the United States’ population is registered to be organ donors.

“It is easy as saying yes when they ask you at the DMV if you’d like to be an organ donor,” Lezini said.

“It is a legacy that you will leave, not just for the people you love but for people you don’t even know.

I implore you to go and register to be an organ donor. Take a minute right now, wherever you are, and choose to make a difference in someone’s life”.

Registration to be an organ donor is available on the Illinois DMV website and only requires a few questions.

“You provide the recipient with hope in the face of hopelessness," Lenzini said. “You get to be the ultimate turning point in someone’s life. You get to give them the literal gift of life.”

LIFE GOES ON Senior Jacob Lenzini dances with an organ recipient in a 2017 commercial for the Illinois Secretary of State’s Life Goes On campaign. The campaign aims to strengthen Illinois’ Organ/Tissue Donor Registry through outreach and registration initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITY RACE

Spring Sports Briefs Boys’ lacrosse improving in first season

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Commentary Editor, Editor-in-Chief, and Sports Writer

Kovacevic leads boys’ tennis again senior year

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will to compete is what defines this season’s boys’ tennis squad.

Coached by Mr. Greg Young and led by star senior Danilo Kovacevic, the boys are doing all they can to improve individually and as a group.

The team has been plagued by inclement weather early this spring.

It has been a challenge to get the team outside and practicing.

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OT BY MI

They are taking it in stride however, doing what they can to stay in shape.

“We have been conditioning a ton and hitting outside when we can, which has been very little because of the weather,” Coach Young said.

Ho w e v e r, t h e c o l d h a s n’t dampened their spirits. Kovacevic is excited for the season but says he doesn’t have too many expectations.

“My freshman and sophomore year I placed 24th twice," Kovacevic said. "I started working harder and more for my junior and senior year.

Then, in the state tournament last year, I placed second.”

A solid three years of groundwork for Kovacevic has put him in place for a run at being a state qualifier and champion this spring. He is r a n k e d 9 8 t h i n t h e c o u nt r y by tennisrecruiting.net, and has committed to Ball State University.

GAME, SET, MATCH

Senior Danilo Kovacevic prepares to hit the ball back during a game against Stagg on April 11.

Kovacevic has committed to play tennis at Ball State University.

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an overall 3-4 record, 1-2 conference record, and currently ranks 22nd in the state, according to MaxPreps.

O’Driscoll said the squad’s ball movement is the team’s biggest weakness, but he said the team’s athleticism is what sets them apart from the competition.

“We do a lot of running to get us in shape to be faster than the other teams,” O’Driscoll said.

Looking ahead at the regular season, the Hawks will play Deerfield on Apr. 21, a key conference game.

The team is also looking forward to playing in the Cadet Challenge at Marmion Academy on May 12.

With the IHSA playoffs coming up soon after, the Hawks have been preparing for the opportunity to compete.

“My goal for the team is to make a good playoff run,” O’Driscoll said. “I want to see us do the best we can.”

Caroline Coyle, Christo Fosse, and Tyler Houck

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he IHSA sanctioned lacrosse as an official school sport in 2017, before that it was just a club sport.

This year members of the boys’ lacrosse team have noticed a significant and beneficial difference in their playing.

Since lacrosse has gained popularity in recent years, long-time lacrosse players are excited for the chance to compete in a State tournament.

“Now that lacrosse is an IHSA sport, our team’s enthusiasm to come and play has skyrocketed,” senior defenseman Fin O’Driscoll said.

Last year, the team finished with a 9-15 record. O’Driscoll however believes the team’s connection and bond can help improve that record for the current season.

“We plan on completely turning the program around from last season,” O’Driscoll said. “Our team last year didn’t have the connection we have this year. Most of us have been playing together since middle school.”

The team started the season with

April 20, 2018 | SPORTS

Boys’ water polo adjusts to new leaders

Girls’ water polo begins conference season

he boys’ water polo team began its regular season with a 7-4 record, however, there’s a different feel to the year without JV coach Chris Deger, who now coaches the girls’ water polo team. Coach Deger used to help the varsity team often. The team misses Coach Deger but still have their head coach, Mr. Terry Lyons.

Last year the team lost some key starters due to injury and those who graduated last year.

Lenzini said inexperience is one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.

“We have some guys starting on varsity who had never played in a varsity game but are now forced to rapidly adapt,” Lenzini said. “It leads to some sloppy mistakes that a more seasoned player probably wouldn’t make.”

The team is preparing for Conference and Sectionals, where they expect to play their toughest competition of the year, like Evanston and Glenbrook South.

“All the schools we are slotted

irls’ water polo has started this season with the record of 1-2 and 1-0 in conference play. They have scored 28 goals and 47 points so far this season, with 20 saves on the defensive end.

The team has experienced multiple changes to its overall dynamic, with the introduction of a new coaching staff and a newly-implemented practice structure. The team is now led by Coach Chris Deger, who stresses focusing on improvement, not just winning.

The players have noticed the benefits of the new coaching style.

“Our main focus is to perfect our plays and communicate better as a team," senior captain Alexis Chervinko said. "We are all

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to face are incredibly skilled,” Lenzini said. “Any victory we might take from them is going to have to be hard fought.”

Despite the team’s inexperience, Lenzini said the team’s communication and awareness allows them to be successful in the pool.

“It’s not about individual stats, but about how we do as a team,” Lenzini said. “We have a talented group of guys this year that can beat teams we’ve lost to in the past.”

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making a big effort to make sure everyone’s on the same page and working to help each other play to the best of our ability.”

The girls focus on trusting each other and learn to depend on each other while working hard during their drills and workouts. ”We’re focused on communicating in the water and playing a good game rather than winning,” Chervinko said.

Girls’ water polo has just 19 players on the roster this season, which is smaller than usual. The size of the team makes it easier for the girls to bond with their teammates, which is reflected by their success in the pool.

The team is upperclassmen-heavy and consists of four seniors, nine juniors, one sophomore, and five freshmen.

“Our team is smaller so it is really important that everyone is in it together,” Chervinko said.

GO LONG PHOTO BY JUSTYNA LEPA

Junior Karolina Orzech gets ready to pass the ball in the team's April 12 game against Glenbrook South. The Hawks went on to lose the game 8-4.

SouthwordS 13

SPORTS

| April 20, 2018

Softball prepares for upcoming conference games Matt Herguth

PHOTO BY JUSTYNA LEPA

Sports Writer fter winning conference each of the last two years, the softball team is hopeful again this year. This year’s squad includes a good mix of nine seniors and seven juniors, led by senior captains Sarah Hoffman, Danielle Ciprian, Mackenzie Tucker, and Britney Richardson.

“It is a great mix of girls with some returning veterans and some newcomers to the team,” Coach Emmy Pasier said. “They are a great bunch of hardworking girls with plenty of talent.”

Last season, the team went 14-12 overall, and after winning conference, they went on to lose 10-0 to Oak Park-River Forest in the regional final. Even though they played competitively in conference, the season didn’t end the way that they wanted to.

This year, the team is eager to not only win conference again, but go even further in the postseason. Each player knows what they need to do in order to achieve that goal.

“I have high hopes for the team this year,” junior Emily Reczek said. “Our goal is to win conference and more after that, because we have lost after winning conference for two years in a row.”

The weather has been very cold and rainy in the past month, causing four out of seven games to be delayed or canceled early in their season. The team has been hovering around .500 for most of the season, but Coach Pasier believes they can make a run toward the end of the season.

“I am looking forward to the weather getting a little bit better so that we can get some games in and get into our groove,” Coach Pasier said.

As the temperature warms up, the team hopes

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AT BAT Senior Mackenzie Tucker awaits a pitch on April 5 agianst Glenbrook North. The Hawks went on to win the game 3-2 for their first win of the season.

they will do the same. There are a lot of games ahead, and Maine South still has yet to play competitive conference teams like Evanston and New Trier at home.

An event that draws a lot of attention is the faculty home run derby on April 27. All the players from the Freshman, Sophomore, JV and Varsity levels come together, form small groups of three or four, and pick a teacher to compete. The more home runs the teachers hit, the more money that goes toward the Huntington’s Disease Society of

America.

The players have also been going around school with cups trying to collect as much money for the cause as they can.

“It is such a fun event and so fun to see all of the teachers trying to hit home runs and raise money all at the same time,” Reczek said. “Everyone has a good time.”

Many students and staff that are not participating come to watch, giving some publicity to the softball program.

Baseball off to hot start under new leadership Cole Steffen

Sports Writer ollowing a lackluster season last year, the baseball team is more than ready to bounce back. After going 5-27 a season ago, the team has rallied to a 6-3 start, already surpassing last year’s win total.

With 11 returning seniors, the memory of the 2016-2017 season is still fresh in the minds of much of the team.

“Last season is one I definitely would like to forget, except for the fact that the team can’t forget it since it’s their motivation,” senior Spyros Vaselopulos said.

The new season has given the returning players the ability to learn from their mistakes last year and make up for the lack of focus that haunted the team.

While the seniors use last year as motivation, 21 players were not on varsity last year, so there is also a fresh attitude. The team boasts a new

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coaching staff led by Maine South newcomer Mr. Brian Lorenz.

The team carries a new swagger that was absent last year, and Vaselopulos credits this newfound confidence to the seniors being much more zoned in and ready to take leadership roles that were previously unfilled. F f f f S e n i o r Declan Griffin has made it a priority to approach the season in a different manner. The team wants to be more focused rather than looking at the season on the large scale.

“The team wanted to make it a point this year to take the game one pitch at a time, both offensively and defensively,” Griffin said. “If our team wins each pitch, that translates

to innings won, which translates to games won.”

Junior Mike Altman is a newcomer to the varsity team, but has noted a difference with the seniors leading by example.

“The senior players have had their heads in the game, and can’t lose focus,” Altman said.

Their focus can be seen with Griffin, who trains at the At h let ic B ar n in Wheeling, spending five days a week refining his game during the offseason.

Wh i l e t h e h ard wor k an d determination has certainly propelled the Hawks to a hot start, other factors have helped. When asked what else has helped, Griffin was quick to point to the new coaching staff.

“Coach Lorenz is the real deal.”

-Declan Griffin (‘18)

“Coach Lorenz is the real deal,” Griffin said. “He brought with him Coach Miller and Coach ‘Hack’ who both know how to win, and with that, a new attitude has been instilled in the program.”

C o a c h L o r e n z ’s c o a c h i n g philosophy is one of looking at the team individually rather than collectively. His experience as a high school and collegiate baseball player has allowed him to help every position, since he has played every position.

Coach Lorenz also associated their hot start to the team setting goals and staying committed to the goals. Before tryouts, every player had to write personal goals to work on throughout the season. This, coupled with team goals, has kept the team intent on winning and bringing pride back to the Maine South baseball program.

“The past is the past,” Lorenz said.

“We’re doing everything possible to improve the level of baseball.”

April 20, 2018 | SPORTS

Girls’ soccer battle with injuries is coming to an end Katie Carmichael

Sports Writer irls’ Soccer has had a strong start to their season with wins against Whitney Young and Palatine, despite a tough loss to New Trier and a few ties.

Although the team consists of many new faces, much of the team’s success is connected to their wellrounded chemistry. Senior Elyse Bartucci has seen the team’s closeness as one of their greatest assets.

“Our team is very close, like one big family," Bartucci said. "There is a lot of great positive attitude and love playing with everyone.”

Coach JJ Crawford also believes the dynamic of the team has been a crucial element in their success so far. He has seen great leadership in captains senior Olivia Sellergren,

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senior Annika Schmidt, senior Angie Moore, and junior Hannah Schilling.

“When you have good leaders at captain, they can dictate the work rate in practice and games. When your peers push you and hold you accountable, you can accomplish so much more,” Crawford said.

Additionally, the players have seen Coach Crawford and Coach Markus as a key component to their chemistry. Sellergren believes her coaches have helped the team get to the physical and mental shape to be successful this season.

“Coach Crawford and Markus push and encourage us so our mindset is as good, if not better, than our skills,” Sellergren said. “Our girls have come together as a unit this year like never before.”

A c h a l l e nge t h e t e am h a s

encountered early this season has been multiple injuries with key players. However, the team’s constant encouragement of each other has allowed them to continue their success.

Schilling has seen everyone’s composure throughout the season as a testament to their teamwork and determination.

“With so many injuries this year, many girls have had to play positions that they are not used to playing,” Schilling said. “Everyone is accepting their new roles and new formations that coach has thrown at us to accommodate our injured roster.”

When speaking of her personal goals for the season, Sellergren is going to continue her role as a captain and a leader on the team, despite a nagging knee injury.

“I am just coming back from knee surgery, so I would say my personal goal is to contribute to the team as much as I can as a captain and a player on and off the field,” Sellergren said.

Looking toward the rest of the season, the team wants to continue capitalizing on their strengths and come out at the top of the CSL. “The team’s goal this year is to play as a unit and to believe that we can win,” Bartucci said.

“We hope to finish in the top two of conference,” Coach Crawford said.

The team will be competing in regular conference games and the challenging Pepsi and Glenwood tournaments in the next few weeks.

They are hoping to overcome the recent injuries and implement the skills they've been crafting for months.

Liliana D'Alesio

Sports Writer his year’s boys’ volleyball team is learning from their early season mistakes to prepare for the postseason.

“Our team this year has a desire for victory that the program didn’t have last year” junior rightside Jack Bolz said. “In our first game, we blew a six-point lead and ended up losing.

This mental lapse that we had late in the game is the only lapse I have seen in our team.”

The varsity squad is looking to refine the overall skill of the team so that they can get better results than previous seasons.

They are also hoping to improve the team chemistry so they are able to work together smoothly and swiftly on the court. Although they are looking to improve their skills, the most important goal for the boys is to have fun while still remaining competitive.

Coach Gary Granell is hoping to work on the team’s passing and ball control, because that is one component that the team seemed to struggle with in previous years. Coach Granell is also hoping to compete for a conference championship and make it back to state this year. The last time the team won State was in 2006.

“I think this group works really well as a team, and they have confidence in each other,” Coach Granell said. “Volleyball is a true team

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PHOTO BY JUSTYNA LEPA

Hoff, Miller lead boys’ volleyball by sharpening skills

IN THE AIR

Senior Grant Miller jumps for a spike in a game on April 9 vs. St. Charles North. Miller will lead the Hawks at the Lincoln-Way East Invite next weekend.

sport and having one or two strong players does not usually lead to much success as a team.”

Along with a huge desire to win this season, the team’s many strengths will allow them to maintain victory.

One of the team’s main strengths is their blocking; with just a couple of tall players, they are able to put up a block that not many people are able to hit around.

Even though the team has only had a couple of games, they already have a good idea of how they will be able to perform this season. The

team played competitively against Hinsdale Central in their first match of the season on March 21; however, they blew their lead and are using this disappointment to fuel them.

“I feel like this team has some serious talent and potential and I am excited to start playing with this group,” senior middle hitter Grant Miller explained. “We have a good environment on the team; we are returning a lot of players from last year and because of that we already have good team chemistry early in the season. Even though we haven’t

played many games just yet, I’m sure this team will do great things.”

The team has had to rely heavily on their experienced players, including senior outside hitter Richie Hoff, who will be continuing his volleyball career next year at George Mason University. Hoff is the nephew of Olympic gold medalist in volleyball, Tom Hoff.

“I think what I am most looking forward to is having a group of guys around me that really care about the team and want to be as good as possible,” Hoff said.

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

Badminton competes with young team Maura O’Driscoll Sports Writer

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PHOTO COURTESY JUSTYNA LEPA

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Junior Katie Haley looks down field during a game on April 7 at Wilson Field. Haley will be continuing her lacrosse career at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019.

Girls’ lacrosse ready for first IHSA playoffs Julianna Moore Sports Writer

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his year is the first year that girls’ lacrosse has been an official sport at Maine South, and the team is trying to make the most of it. The girls are preparing mentally and physically to reach their very first IHSA State Championship.

Junior Katie Haley hopes the team will have a successful run in the firstever IHSA girls lacrosse state playoffs.

“Our team works together as one unit,” Haley said. “Many of us have played together for several years. We know each other well and push each other to work hard.”

The girls train hard during the season, and many train outside of the season as well.

“Physically, I work out and train year round on and off the field,” Haley said. “Mentally, I stay focused on the game and try to avoid distractions.

Every year we lose great players, and it’s always sad to see them go.”

Haley is also excited for a new dynamic on the field this year through new players.

“The main difference for me this year is that I finally get to play with my younger sister, Annie, who is a

freshman. It’s so exciting, and Annie and I have a great chemistry on the field,” Haley said.

Senior captain Sophie Grabowski will continue her lacrosse career at John Carroll University next year. In her final season at Maine South, she notices how the girls work toward their goals.

“Our team works together by supporting each other on and off the field,” Grabowski said. “We all know how important teamwork is when it comes to lacrosse. We use each of our strengths during games to play our hardest and leave it all on the field.”

Haley, along with junior Melissa Cronolly, were both on varsity last season. Despite only having four seniors returning this year, they still have a lot of experience.

“Last year, we had a number of seniors on our team that really helped contribute, but we definitely gained some amazing players this year as well as players that improved a lot over the past year,” Grabowski said.

“This season, I hope my team can finish in the top twelve or even top eight,” Grabowski said. “For myself, I hope to play my last year at Maine South with everything I have and continue to work hard in practices and games no

matter what.”

Cronnolly shows that lacrosse is not just about the sport, but how it helps bring the girls together and create a close bond.

“Off the field, we make sure to help each other if someone is having a bad day, if they need help in a class, or simply if they just want to talk to someone,” Cronnolly said. “We also love to listen to music, EDM in particular, and dance together. It gets everyone loose for the game and helps get rid of any pre-game jitters.”

Cronnolly is already excited about how the season has started, and what it will help them achieve.

“This year we are started the season with four wins, compared to four losses at the start of last year’s season, which is extremely exciting,” Cronnolly said.

“We are all working cohesively and most girls on the team have now played together for a couple years, so it helps that we know each other’s styles better.”

One goal the team had was already achieved: to beat GBS. “We played one man down most of the game and came back from a fivegoal deficit to win 11-8,” Cronnolly said.

They see this game as one step on their path to a successful season.

elping lead the girls’ badminton team this year are senior twins Anastasia and Julia Economy. Julia Economy was just a few points short of qualifying for State for singles last year, so this season she is hoping to qualify.

This season, the team has only five returning varsity players and only six seniors. They have had to rise to the challenge and lead by example for all levels of badminton to look up to. The team has had to work to help all the incoming varsity players prepare.

“The team is really young this year, so the seniors have all stepped up and helped the younger girls adjust to the difficult competition,” Julia Economy said.

A daily practice for the team looks like warming up and then slowly getting into more technical shots as the practice goes on and usually ends in scrimmages.

“I love how it is not just a speed and agility sport, but how it is a strategy sport as well,” sophomore Alex Bigos said.

The girls are super competitive and want to accomplish many goals during the season and are really looking to improve and end the season on a high note.

“As a team, we always want to give it our all,” sophomore Katie Straka said. “Every time we step off the court we want to feel like we have done our personal best regardless of the outcome of the game.”

The girls are ver y close and supportive of their teammates, which is crucial for a team to thrive.

“I love how everyone is competitive but at the same time really cares for their teammates and always cheers them on,” Straka explained.

“We are all so much closer this year than in the past,” Julia Economy said.

“Since there is a wide range of ages on the team, we have bonded in a unique way. We truly are sisters.”